Great restaurant in the middle of 4th Street. Â I have eaten lunch there twice and it is very cool on both the inside and the outside patio area, with fantastic 3 season seating outside. Â This place is a gem, and it has great beer selections on tap. Â The burgers and the salads are outstanding! Â This place is 1st class, and I look forward to eating there with my wife in the near future.
Review Source:Hooray for LRW! I am so happy that I got to experience a 3-course prefix for only $30! Can't beat it!
Course 1: BBQ Pulled Pork Risotto Fritter - um WOW YUM! Fantastic texture and mix of sweet, salt and some sour from the pickled red cabbage. REALLY ENJOYED IT!
Course 2: Balsamic Marinated NY Strip: Ordered RARE served to me MEDIUM (one of the reasons it is not a 5 star) It also should have been described as medallions b/c I was expecting a big juicy steak and not pieces of a steak... Still delicious and the Lemon Hoisin Sauce was absolutely spot on. Wasn't a huge fan of the "roasted root vegetables & potatoes" they just were a little too hard for my taste.
Course 3: DESSERT! My favorite! Kern's Kitchen Derby Pie had NO Whipped cream on it (bummer) and was made with walnuts instead of pecans which I found odd but still yummy. A+ Pie crust! I ate every bite so I can't say that I was unsatisfied in any way.
SERVICE: I try not to judge a restaurant by one server and ours was attentive and kind but she auto-gratuitied our party of 6 (20%) and had trouble splitting our bottle of wine (not impressed) on the separate checks.
ATMOSPHERE: Wednesday Night Live Music was pleasant. Coat Check was VERY appreciated and the tables are thankfully far enough apart that even if it was packed I would not be listening in on other table's conversations.
I will definitely go back!
I went there recently for a social event on a Wednesday and ordered a $4 wine. A woman who was standing next to me ordered a water. I gave the bartender a $5 bill and he gave me back 0.73 cents. I looked at him and asked why the short change and he said because my friend ordered a water! I told him I didn't know her and he shouldn't assume just because two people happen to be standing next to each other at the bar doesn't mean we know each other. I left afterwards because it soured my mood for the evening.
Review Source:Tasty food, great drink list and excellent service. Â My boyfriend had the cider Manhattan (rated best Manhattan by Esquire & Woodford Reserve) and open-faced roast beef sandwich. I'm wheat and dairy free and had an easy time finding lots on the menu, delicious grilled chicken and beet vegetables and a hand squeezed citrus margarita. HIGHLY recommend this place. Oddly themed slightly confusing decor, but live piano added a nice element to the ambiance.
Review Source:So I have to admit this place is so unexpected it will hit you broadside. The atmosphere is very cool, modern but pays homage to the roots of the area. The food is extremely inventive I had a ricotta stuffed eggplant for my appetizer and it was awesome, the flavours were all right on the head of where they should have been. The Pork for the main dish was very tasty as well. I am shocked that this place is not packed every night of the week. I travel a lot and this place would fit in anywhere that you expect a great dining experience.
The entire experience was one I will not soon forget nor will I wait too much longer before I head back to try some of the other yummies on the menu.
I've been to this spot for lunch, dinner, happy hour and parties countless times. While it's never been known for great, fast service, that doesn't deter me from going there weekly. I go back time and time again because the atmosphere is great and the food is always delicious.
With such a variety of spaces within the restaurant, you can always find the perfect setting to match your mood and the occasion. The outdoor areas are so nice. The three bars are great. The indoor and outdoor lounges are perfect for an intimate happy hour or medium-sized celebrations. For lunch and dinner, I really enjoy the back room with a central fountain that encases three fireplaces.
Most important, however, is the menu. You can never go wrong with the flatbreads. Two people can easily make a meal out of one order with a small salad each. They also make great apps for a larger party. When given the choice over normal or truffle fries, always go for truffle. I'm not even sure why the offer the normal ones. The black bean burger is great for vegetarians and meat eaters alike. The eggplant appetizer also makes a great vegetarian entree.
Always save room for dessert, as they offer a smorgasboard of delightful choices.
Love the environment! I went there for the first time for a girls' night out and love it so much, then went second time with my fiance and the other couple as a double date!
The first visit seemed to be more impressive. We sat out at the patio area when the weather was still warm, and each of us had couple drinks. We love the cocktail "pink princess" which is no longer on the menu, but we still got to order it! I love the "48 Hour Beef Shortribs". The restaurant was little bit crowded for a regular weekday night, since some kind of show going on at the theater right next, but it's still acceptable.
When we went there the second time on a Monday night, the weather got kinda chilly and we sat inside. There wasn't any show going on in the theater right next, the restaurant was very quite and slow, making the environment more romantic. I ordered the "pink princess" like last time, but the bartender was different, so does the drink. The "Creekstone Farms Braised Beef" was pretty good, except the sauce being little bit too sour and too strong. The "Eye of Ribeye" my fiance had wasn't that good, with some kinda cheese & mushroom sauce on top totally covered up all the meat taste. The shortribs was as good as last time!
I would recommend it, if you want to have a romantic night out. It's also nice to sit at the patio area to have a little chitchat/ girls' night out! It can be kinda pricy, with each entree around $20-30, plus $8-10 per cocktail.
I have to say that I was a little disappointed. Â The food was good, but not worth the prices that they charge. Â At least not by Louisville price standards. Â The least expensive meal on the menu the night that we were there was the "Pork Belly Burger", which was priced at $15. Â Now let's be honest... Pork Belly is just another term for a thick piece of bacon. Â Therefore, it was a Bacon Cheeseburger! Â The only problem was that the "Pork Belly" was about 1 inch by 3 inch, and nothing but fat. Â In other cities a bacon cheeseburger may cost $15, but in Louisville, it's a $8-$9 meal. Â
I was in a party of 7 people. Â Of the 7 of us, two had a problem with their steaks being drowned in the sauce, and one person had to send their short ribs back and get something else because there was no meat on the bones, just fat.
Since we had 7 people, the restaurant automatically added 20% gratuity. Â Don't get me wrong, I am generous when it comes to giving tips. Â And, I understand that most places have similar policies, but it has always been a pet peeve of mine because it is an invitation for the wait staff to provide bad service. Â And in this case, that is what happened. Â Our waiter's could care less if we were happy with our meals, if our water glasses were full, etc... Â It was very clear that his only goal was to drive up the bill as much as possible. Â He only recommended the most expensive things on the menu. Â It was so blatantly obvious that it was comical. Â When I told him that I wanted the cheeseburger, his response was, "Really, are you sure about that?" Â I asked if that was a problem, and if it was any good. Â He responded by telling me that the burger was excellent, and they sell a lot of them. Â THEN WHY THE HELL ARE YOU ASKING ME IF I AM SURE! Â
The decore and atmosphere in the restaurant is excellent, and it is a good place to go with a group of 4-6 people. Â But it was a little on the loud side.
Atmosphere was great! Â Service was good. Â I was served a bad glass of wine which they quickly exchanged. Â I ordered the gnocchi. Â It wasn't true gnocchi and was a little overlooked, but still tasty. DH ordered the ribeye. Â He had some potatoes undercooked and the steak was really small. Â The food is decent but the menu is a little overpriced for the quality. Â I would go back for drinks and appetizers, atmosphere.
Review Source:WOW! Â I was visiting from D.C. and looked on yelp for a good restaurant and this was the one fo sure! Â I had the special which was this amazing, succulent chunk of sea bass over a bed of veggies that were marinated in some sort of sweet/tangy/terriyaki sauce with a side of their grits which were the crem de la crem! Â It was pricey but that was ok because I got my $$ worth. Â
The ambiance is cool too. Â They managed to create an inimate setting within a spacious place so you can get the best of both.
I am here on business and if I come back, I will definitely come back here.
I travel to Louisville, KY often and stay at the Brown Hotel. Â The Theater Square Restaurant is a minute walk from the hotel and one of my favorite restaurants to dine at while in Louisville. Â For lunch I had their take on a fried fish sandwich and micro green salad. Â It was different but very good. Â For dinner, I had their pork chop and black bean croquet's for an appetizer. Â I usually get their fish of the day but unfortunately they only had their salmon plate. Â My partner did order the salmon and loved it. Â I didn't because you can get salmon anywhere. Â If you do give this place a try, the fish of the day is usually outstanding. Â I also love the atmosphere of this place; trendy, classy, romantic all in one. Â They have a beautiful dinning area outside and will often have live entertainment in the evenings. Â Service is good, prices are reasonable and they also have a nice little market/liquor store attached where you can get some very nice and hard to find bourbons.
Review Source:I have only had lunch at this place, but OMG! Â This quiet haven in the middle of a busy day is such a welcome respite.
There is a daily special that is always filling and always very reasonably priced. Â The flatbread pizzas are huge (you get two for the price) as are the salads! Â But come on Thursdays and try the fried chicken.
If you have not found this "secret garden", do so now and you will not regret it.
Very convenient location for theatres downtown. But worth the trip for no reason but the space &food. The space is an experience in itself. Could be in NYC or sf. Â Lighting,outdoor space, bars so sophisticated, but friendly Kentucky hospitality at every level. Â And the food! Â Truffle fries as a starter with a Manhatten type cocktail. Â Fried oysters &grits, delicious fresh greens. Â Mmmm. Not cheap, but worth it. Â I want to go back for lunch. Today.
Review Source:This is a beautiful dining, lounging, sipping, catching some cool live jazz music space. Â Delicious deserts greet visitors, nice lighting sets rich ambiance, charismatic but down to earth owners tend to matters. Â Reasonably priced drinks afford class like me access to space sophistique in my 'hood. Â For real this place is chic and has a live jazz band both chic and sultry three nights a week.
If they had a dance floor they would have the better portion of my disposable income and my 5 star review.
What a hidden gem of awesomeness. Have to start with the atmosphere because it is incredible. Beautiful space, well spaces for that matter - this place is huge! Incredible back dining room with amazing fire pit, running water, hanging pieces, comfy but fancy tables and chairs. Would be great for a reception, bday dinner, but still laid back event. White baby grand in the next room with crazy couches and more casual night out atmosphere but still upscale, gorgeous blown glass and more. Reasonable prices on drinks, multiple beers on tap.
Why doesn't everyone downtown go here for lunch? The most expensive thing on the menu was 11 bucks. I had a yummy tuna melt (but from sashimi grade tuna, not tuna fish and a salad with a citrusy, creamy house dressing that was incredible. They also bring your soda in the aluminum bottles and pour them in your glass. Nice touch.
Also love the outdoor spaces and plan on utilizing them on a frequent basis once it warms up a bit. This restaurant/bar/venue is worth at least going and checking out. I think you'll be amazed at all that it entails.
our first visit here was horrid. i ordered a red snapper special and upon tasting it came to the conclusion that it was bad. not bad as in "i don't like this", bad as in it was spoiled and probably would have made me or anyone else very sick had they gotten past the horrendous smell and eaten it. in all fairness, the management was very responsive to my complaint and took good care of us. that was the only reason we went back last night.
I had the filet. it was tough and devoid of flavor and for 32 dollars was a giant dissapointment. my wife had the shrimp and grits. the shrimp were over-cooked and tough yet still had a fishy smell and taste to them. not very good. as I am typing this my wife is throwing up from what i believe to be food poisoning from the shrimp she had at marketplace. I would normally never accuse a place of this because it's kinda hard to prove. but with my history here, i'm quite convinced.
service was good. dining room is fantastic. food is bad and severely over-priced comparative to quality. far too many great restaurants in this town to waste your time here. we should have went to jack fry's.
Quite the Performance of Food and Drink....
The name of the restaurant is more of the geographic location then a place to view dinner theater. This restaurant is located within walking distance of the Brown Theater, the Palace Theater, and the constant shows at Fourth Street.
This place is a deli/cocktail bar/dessert bar/upscale dining/market experience. I have visited with large groups over 25 and intimate dinner with my boyfriend and always had attentive service. Â The space is open, posh, includes two bars, and a patio area.
The missing star is strictly do to the quality of protein that I have experienced here. One time I visited and had a great cut of over cook steak. Another time I ordered the supposed sushi grade tuna and it was horrid and fishy. Yet another time I visited and my burger came out without seasoning and at the wrong temp.
The presentation and other dishes that I have tasted have all been well prepared. It is a great stop for the tourists at the nearby hotels to get a nice vibe of Louisville. It is also a great place to go before or after any event around the area.
Parking on the street can be a little tricky, but I recommend parking on Broadway in front of the parking lot and walking the extra three minutes to the restaurant.
I've been a fan of the place since they started building it and I am SO glad that they have stuck around! The food is always delicious, and I really like the idea of a seasonal/changing menu. It keeps things new. There have been a few clunkers, but those are usually phased out by the next time I go back. I love the flatbreads and I can't say enough good things about the goat cheese fondue! So good!
We had our company holiday party here 2 years in a row and they have been wonderfully accommodating and good at keeping the food and drink coming.
This is one of the places in Louisville that I take all my visitors. And if I am going to a show at the Brown or the Palace theaters, this is always my first suggestion for dinner.
Sometimes the service can be a little sluggish, but I like the ambiance so much that I am willing to put up with it. I've had the same waiter many times for lunch and dinner. I ordered a martini once and he made extra...I basically got 2 martinis and only paid for one. That's pretty awesome.
The food can be a little price-y. And the one thing I really don't like is that soda (the last time I had it there) came in very small bottles and no refills. But that's my only real complaint.
4 Stars
Why am I "a fan"?
This is why: <a href="http://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/ZWTT3JFCayEIcKbirWPCfA?select=F01mUKvN7TDfUxcDmL5MLQ">http://www.yelp.com/biz_…</a>
Bourbon has been my drink for at least the last 6 months......and the closest place to my hotel here in Louisville that sells liquor for me to take home is Theater Square Marketplace.
Service was friendly and helpful, I picked up a bottle of 103 proof Fighting C*ck Bourbon for $17.99 (tasted a lot better than I expected it to), some mini 50ml Blantons ($7.99 - sorry, no picture) and a mini 50ml Maker's ($3.99) to take back as souvenirs. They wrapped each bottle in bubble wrap for me to make sure it didn't break in my suitcase.....which secured the 4 star rating for them.
<a href="http://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/ZWTT3JFCayEIcKbirWPCfA?select=N8gq8a4f6N2Yqe9Et_Da2g">http://www.yelp.com/biz_…</a>
<a href="http://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/ZWTT3JFCayEIcKbirWPCfA?select=FIF85JnmwcX1BD-b-FYb-A">http://www.yelp.com/biz_…</a>
Didn't get a chance to try their food since I was saving my appetite for my first time at White Castle, but the food here looks pretty good. I'm leaving it bookmarked and will stop by if I ever head back to Louisville.
Like Rahel K., I visited the oddly-named Theater Square Marketplace with a large party and sat, on a hot summer's night, near the outdoor waterfall. Â A lovely start, for sure.
The service was superb, and the food equally so. Â Being far from the ocean, I went with the salmon, which was accompanied by a delectable lump of grits (my first time! Â yum!) and some glorious little veggies. Â Such fresh, fun cuisine in the middle of a flyover state (sorry Kentuckyans, I mean no offense) was unexpected and totally welcomed...and definitely contributed to a shift in my opinion about this state!
Me: Hello, I'd like to make a reservation for tonight.
Market: Sure, for how many?
Me: 23.
Market: 23?
Me: Yes, 23.
Market: No problem. Would you like to sit indoors or outdoors?
Me: Um, outdoors.
Market: By the waterfall?
Me: Um, sure!
Market: What time would you like?
Me: 8 o'clock?
Market: No problem. We will see your party of 23 at 8 tonight.
My very large family of 23 arrived to a picturesque courtyard with a large waterfall as a backdrop for dinner on a Friday night. The weather helped make the setting absolutely perfect. Two waiters were very attentive - albeit one seemed a little overwhelmed. Although my focus was mainly on the company, I thought the drinks were very refreshing. I started with the Pink Princess and finished with a bottle of Decoy. My better half's pork dish was much more tasty than my pan seared red fish. However, his pork with sweet potatoes seemed more appropriate for a fall dish than in the middle of August. Our bill was high at $200 for salads, two drinks, a bottle of middle-of-the-line Pinot, and two dishes; but knowing the size of our party and how accommodating they were to us I didn't complain.
I think this is a good choice for either extra large parties or small, intimate parties looking for a great atmosphere in downtown Louisville.
I'm being kind giving 3 stars. Â The food was OK and the service was actually very good, but there was just something about the place....it's like they are trying to be too hip. Â Plus the place is very dark. Â Might be nice if you are on a date but I was here with family. Â The main reason that I went 3 stars is that the food is priced too high for the value. Â Maybe I don't get downtown much, but see my review of Doc Crow's for good value downtown.
Review Source:I've been here for lunch a few times and once for dessert. The service has been slow with no obvious reason -- the restaurant was not crowded -- and the price has been too high for the quality of food. When we went for dessert, the options were limited and not impressive. We ordered cocktails instead but after waiting an unnecessarily long time with no drink and no follow-up, we left. The outside space was nice.
The market part of the restaurant also tends to close at times when the hours state it should be open.
Outstanding food and atmosphere. Â Fireplaces in the middle of the restaurant give the room a cozy feel and the big chairs and tables bring comfort. Â Food was fantastic as well. Â I had the pecan-crusted chicken stuffed with apples, kale, and sweet potatoes-- all freshly prepared and flavorful. Â
They also serve lunch and have a fantastic apple & turkey sandwich. Â It's a great work lunch spot.
Definitely check out this hidden gem!
I have been grocery shopping under the influence, but finally a place that serves me the drinks!
The food selection in the bodega section of the space (for lack of a better overall theme) is really spectacular. Â They have intelligentsia coffee (what drew me down) and other local and imported goods. Â There is a locally owned bagel shop on the street side of the space. Â I am happy to see this downtown. Â
The bar offered great drinks, no, they were incredible drinks, and a good looking menu. Â I will be going back to try the food.
There is also a wine shop and deli involved, as well as a full service restaurant.
Open-air gourmet marketplace, restaurant, deli, wine shop, coffee shop and bar, all at once. Â But that's not all that makes TSM unique: Â somehow, they've managed to create a high-brow atmosphere without a trace of pretentiousness. Â The "wells" include Finlandia vodka and New Amsterdam gin, but the servers wear jeans. Â They have wine taps as well as PBR, cheese boards as well as grilled cheese. Â
4 stars instead of 5 due to limited vegetarian options. Â Still, the server graciously accomodated my requests.
Everyone we've encountered has thanked us for coming. Â They seem genuinely excited to be in business. Â Here's hoping they stick around.