Best Contemporary American Restaurants in Portland

24 restaurants available nearby

1. Swizzle

4.5

Price: Expensive

• Contemporary american • Downtown Louisville

Booked 28 times today

Swizzle, nestled in the vibrant heart of Downtown Louisville, is a premier destination for cocktail enthusiasts. Celebrated for its "sexy, swanky" ambiance and panoramic river views, Swizzle elevates the cocktail bar experience. Guests rave about the "retro tone" of the drink menu, which features meticulously crafted classic cocktails and seasonal specialties. The Swizzle Big Bar area is a social hotspot, offering enticing happy hour specials and delightful bar bites. Reviewers consistently praise the quality of the drinks, like the "spot on" smoky Old Fashioned and the refreshing Sting Like a Bee. With such endorsements and its superb setting, Swizzle is a must-visit for an authentic and memorable cocktail experience in Louisville.

2. Proof on Main

4.6

Exceptional(3759)

Price: Expensive

• Contemporary american • Downtown Louisville

Booked 30 times today

The ingredients in our menus reflect the region’s sustainable farmers and producers with a soulful and honest approach showcasing the bounty of the Ohio River Valley. Housed in five historic buildings in downtown Louisville, Proof on Main is part of 21c Museum Hotels, the award-winning boutique hotel and restaurant group. The dining room is one of the most striking public spaces in the city, with rotating, contemporary art exhibitions by local and internationally-acclaimed artists alike.

A photo of Lobby Bar & Grill at the Brown Hotel restaurant

3. Lobby Bar & Grill at the Brown Hotel

4.6

Exceptional(1096)

Price: Expensive

• Contemporary american • Downtown Louisville

Booked 8 times today

Come enjoy the historic lobby of The Brown Hotel in our Lobby Bar and Grill. Contemporary cuisine meets historic opulence at The Brown Hotel’s spectacularly beautiful, and classic lobby setting. A popular spot for the next generation of Louisville merrymakers, this glamorous, gilded space balances its history with modern touches and sophisticated tastes. Our menu includes a mix of classic and contemporary dishes, but our signature Hot Brown is rated as Kentucky's most popular dish. Enjoy our Hot Brown, and other signature items with a classic Old Fashion. Our bar features well-crafted cocktails and an highly rated bourbon menu. Finish your experience with Louisville's original dessert, the Derby pie. Reservations are for the Lobby Bar and Grill.

4. J Graham's Cafe

4.7

Exceptional(1241)

Price: Moderate

• Contemporary american • Downtown Louisville

Booked 13 times today

J. Graham's is the home of the legendary Hot Brown and offers guests bistro-style, casual dining in the hotel and features the freshest local produce and highlights Kentucky products. Serving breakfast and lunch, the Café offers guests a contemporary a la carte menu throughout the week and a delectable brunch buffet on the weekends. Non-smoking. Parking: Self Parking in the connected, city garage. Valet parking by the Brown Hotel staff.

5. Varanese

4.7

Exceptional(4627)

Price: Moderate

• Contemporary american • Frankfort Ave - Crescent Hill

Booked 24 times today

Varanese, nestled on Frankfort Ave in Louisville's vibrant Crescent Hill, is celebrated for its exceptional Steak cuisine. This gem offers an eclectic menu that shines with its signature steak dishes, expertly crafted to satisfy the most discerning palates. Diners consistently rave about the quality and flavor of the steak, describing it as "always good" and highlighting it as a standout. One glowing review shares that "the flat iron steak was excellent," underscoring the culinary prowess that Varanese brings to its steak offerings. With its commitment to fresh ingredients and creative flair, Varanese not only promises but delivers an extraordinary dining experience where the steak is not just a meal but a memorable event. The inviting atmosphere, complete with live music and a modern American ambiance, makes each visit uniquely delightful.

A photo of Bristol Bar & Grille - Downtown restaurant

6. Bristol Bar & Grille - Downtown

4.3

Awesome(1022)

Price: Moderate

• Contemporary american • Downtown Louisville

Booked 9 times today

At the heart of Downtown Louisville, Bristol Bar & Grille is a true gem for wine enthusiasts. With Master Sommelier Scott Harper at the helm, the wine menu is meticulously crafted to complement each dish perfectly, elevating the dining experience. The restaurant's commitment to quality is evident as it sources many ingredients from local farmers, ensuring that each glass pairs beautifully with fresh and flavorful dishes. Patrons rave about their experiences, with one stating, "We went and took advantage of the 1/2 price bottle of wine night. Wine was good and so was our food." Bristol Bar & Grille isn't just a restaurant; it's a sophisticated journey through exquisite tastes and fine wines, making it a standout destination in Louisville's vibrant culinary scene.

7. The Fat Lamb

4.6

Exceptional(1249)

Price: Expensive

• Contemporary american • Highlands - Bardstown Rd / Taylorsville Rd

Booked 4 times today

Nestled in the vibrant Highlands of Louisville, The Fat Lamb stands as a beacon of Contemporary American cuisine with a delightful Mediterranean twist. Lauded for its use of fresh, locally-sourced ingredients, this restaurant, under the stewardship of Chef Dallas McGarity, presents a menu that sings with creativity and flavor. Diners rave about dishes like the "mouth melting" short rib and the "succulent" scallops, emphasizing the skillful fusion of Southern charm with Mediterranean zest. The atmosphere is described as "cozy and welcoming," perfect for any dining occasion. With glowing reviews like "one of the best meals since moving from Dallas to Knoxville," and accolades such as being a 2024 semifinalist for a James Beard Award, The Fat Lamb is a must-visit for anyone seeking an exceptional dining experience in Louisville.

A photo of Wild Swann Restaurant restaurant

8. Wild Swann Restaurant

4.4

Awesome(154)

Price: Moderate

• Contemporary american • West Louisville

Booked 3 times today

Experience the allure of the Prohibition era with a modern twist at Wild Swann Restaurant, a hidden gem nestled in the historic Grady Hotel in West Louisville. Renowned for its speakeasy ambiance, Wild Swann offers an intimate setting that ensures a night of elegance and exclusivity. Patrons rave about the "best Old Fashioned" they've ever had and the speakeasy's "super fancy" vibe, making it a standout destination for those seeking a touch of the past. The menu features delightful dishes like Wagyu bacon sliders and a variety of expertly mixed classic cocktails, ensuring every visit is both flavorful and memorable. Whether it's a quiet dinner, a romantic night out, or a special celebration, Wild Swann promises an experience that's as exciting as it is authentic. Don't miss this "wonderful underground spot" in Louisville for a taste of true speakeasy culture.

A photo of Brendon's Catch 23 restaurant

9. Brendon's Catch 23

4.9

Exceptional(3143)

Price: Very Expensive

• Contemporary american • Downtown Louisville

Booked 3 times today

Brendon's Catch 23 in Downtown Louisville is a culinary gem, particularly celebrated for its Steakhouse offerings. Known for delivering not only the freshest seafood but also prime steaks, this restaurant guarantees a top-quality dining experience. Guests rave about the "perfectly prepared" steaks and the ambiance that complements every meal. With glowing testimonials such as, "the king crab jar was very good and the steak was perfect med rare," it's clear that Brendon's Catch 23 masters the art of steak preparation. Their commitment to quality and service makes every visit memorable, with patrons often noting the exceptional service that makes each dining experience feel special and personalized. Whether you're a local or visiting Louisville, Brendon's Catch 23 promises a steakhouse experience that's both authentic and unforgettable.

10. Le Moo

4.7

Exceptional(5733)

Price: Expensive

• Contemporary american • Highlands - Bardstown Rd / Taylorsville Rd

Booked 44 times today

Le Moo in Louisville’s trendy Highlands neighborhood is a standout gem among Contemporary American eateries. Celebrated on Food Network’s list as one of the top 25 steakhouses in America, Le Moo offers a distinctive dining experience with its unique Vintage Louis Vuitton booth and an impressive array of steaks, including a Tomahawk Ribeye that's a must-try. Reviewers rave about the quality of the food and service, with one guest proclaiming, "Le Moo never disappoints... If you are in the mood for the best steak you've ever had... Le Moo is the place to go." Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or enjoying a luxurious brunch, Le Moo promises an extraordinary culinary journey with dishes that are "akin to a religious experience."

‘About the restaurant’ descriptions have been generated using an artificial intelligence model comprised of OpenTable proprietary data that has not been independently verified by OpenTable. The content is presented as-is, for informational purposes only.

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you

D
danVIP
Central Kentucky •20 reviews
5.0
Dined 2 days ago
5-Star Review for J. Graham’s Café I had the pleasure of enjoying Sunday brunch at J. Graham’s Café, and it was an absolutely delightful experience! The food was delicious, with a wide variety of expertly prepared dishes. The famous Hot Brown is a must-try—it truly lives up to its reputation. The waitstaff was attentive, friendly, and made the entire meal even more enjoyable. The café was beautifully decorated for the holidays, creating a warm and festive atmosphere that added a special touch to our dining experience. J. Graham’s Café never disappoints—it’s always a treat to eat there. If you’re in Louisville, don’t miss the chance to visit this gem!
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J Graham's CafePrice: Moderate• Contemporary American• Downtown Louisville
•
4.7
K
Karen
Kansas City / Kansas •1 review
5.0
Dined 2 days ago
Two of us split the Petite Hot Brown. We also had the smoked duck appetizer and an order of the bourbon fries. Food was delicious. The Hot Brown was pure indulgent comfort food. The duck was spectacular. Lovely atmosphere. A beautiful place for a quiet dinner with old world ambience. Will definitely return the next time I travel to Louisville.
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Lobby Bar & Grill at the Brown HotelPrice: Expensive• Contemporary American• Downtown Louisville
•
4.6
T
Tommy
Asheville / Western North Carolina •1 review
5.0
Dined 3 days ago
We are here visiting the area and Varanese was recommended to us! It was DELICIOUS ! We had the best service too! They were very busy however though it seemed that everyone was working and helping one another out! We will definitely be back!
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VaranesePrice: Moderate• Contemporary American• Frankfort Ave - Crescent Hill
•
4.7
R
RajeshVIP
Central Kentucky •80 reviews
5.0
Dined 4 days ago
A very nice dinner at swizzle. We actually had reservations at another restaurant that unexpectedly closed that evening. Swizzle was able to accommodate our group of 6. Everyone had a nice meal
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SwizzlePrice: Expensive• Contemporary American• Downtown Louisville
•
4.5
G
Gordon
Cincinnati / Dayton •3 reviews
5.0
Dined 5 days ago
Been a while since we've eaten here. Still satisfying. Great food! I don't say "great" lightly. Everything was delicious from the kale salad with buttermilk vinaigrette, the beef carpaccio, the charred beet toast with buttermilk ricotta and horseradish, and our mussels and petit filet. Interesting cocktails. Highly recommended!
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Proof on MainPrice: Expensive• Contemporary American• Downtown Louisville
•
4.6

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24 restaurants available nearby

1. Swizzle

2. Proof on Main

3. Lobby Bar & Grill at the Brown Hotel

4. J Graham's Cafe

5. Varanese

6. Bristol Bar & Grille - Downtown

7. The Fat Lamb

8. Wild Swann Restaurant

9. Brendon's Catch 23

10. Le Moo

See what locals rave about

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