Taste True Kentucky Tradition With These Hot Brown Spots

Kentucky’s culinary claim to fame isn’t just bourbon, it’s the legendary Hot Brown sandwich. Born at Louisville’s Brown Hotel in the 1920s, this open-faced turkey masterpiece, smothered in Mornay sauce and topped with bacon, has become the state’s comfort food royalty.

Whether you’re a local or just passing through the Bluegrass State, these spots serve up the most mouthwatering versions of this iconic dish.

1. Wagner’s Pharmacy: Racing Royalty’s Secret Spot

Where jockeys and trainers have been fueling up since 1922, this unassuming pharmacy-turned-diner sits just a stone’s throw from Churchill Downs. Wagner’s version of the Hot Brown comes with zero pretension but maximum flavor.

Their take features a generous portion of roasted turkey on homestyle bread, blanketed in a rich cheese sauce that’s slightly thinner than traditional Mornay. A handful of diced tomatoes adds brightness before the whole affair gets crowned with crispy bacon pieces and a sprinkle of paprika.

2. The English Grill: Upscale Indulgence

Though housed in the same building as the sandwich’s birthplace, The English Grill takes the Hot Brown into luxury territory. Are you ready for white-glove service with your comfort food? The formal dining room creates a delicious contrast to the homey dish.

Their interpretation arrives with artistic flair, turkey sliced paper-thin and stacked high, sauce applied with precision, and garnished with microgreens. The bacon arrives extra crispy, almost candied, and the whole creation sits on brioche instead of standard toast.

3. Pies & Pints: Pizza Meets Kentucky Classic

When a craft pizza joint tackles a Hot Brown, culinary magic happens. Pies & Pints transforms the sandwich into a mind-blowing flatbread that somehow improves on both concepts. Their thin crust gets slathered with creamy garlic sauce instead of traditional Mornay.

Pulled roasted turkey, diced tomatoes, and a three-cheese blend cover every inch before bacon crumbles rain down from above. A final drizzle of Mornay sauce creates rivers of additional richness. The edges get perfectly charred in their coal-fired oven.

4. Jack Fry’s: Jazz-Age Hot Brown

However did this 1930s speakeasy-turned-bistro create such a transcendent version of the Hot Brown? Jack Fry’s takes a slightly deconstructed approach, arranging components with artistic precision rather than the traditional pile-on method.

Their turkey gets brined for 24 hours before roasting, resulting in meat so moist it borders on inappropriate. The Mornay sauce incorporates four cheeses instead of the standard one. Tomatoes arrive as a concentrated jam rather than fresh slices.

5. Lulu’s Local Eatery: Plant-Based Perfection

Did you think vegetarians were left out of Hot Brown heaven? Lulu’s proves that plant-based versions can compete with their meaty counterparts. Their ingenious creation substitutes smoked seitan for turkey, achieving that satisfying texture carnivores crave.

The cashew-based Mornay sauce delivers surprising richness without dairy. Coconut bacon provides the smoky crunch typically supplied by pork. The whole creation comes on locally-baked sourdough that soaks up the sauce without getting soggy.

6. Mayan Café: Latin-Infused Twist

When Chef Bruce Ucán decided to create a Hot Brown with Yucatán influences, skeptics raised eyebrows. Those doubters now wait in line for his brilliant fusion version. The Mayan Café’s interpretation starts with house-roasted turkey but quickly ventures into uncharted territory.

Their Mornay sauce incorporates smoked chilies and a hint of citrus. Crispy pork belly replaces traditional bacon.

The base isn’t bread but a lima bean cake that somehow works perfectly. A sprinkle of toasted pepitas adds textural contrast and nutty flavor to this boundary-pushing creation.

7. The Brown Barrel & Blind Harry’s

Step into The Brown Barrel & Blind Harry’s, where tradition meets rustic charm. This quaint establishment, nestled in the heart of Midway, Kentucky, offers a Hot Brown that pays homage to its origins while infusing a touch of local flair.

The dish is served on a wooden plank, highlighting its presentation and echoing the eatery’s rustic theme. The blend of turkey, bacon, and a rich Mornay sauce will transport you to a world of comfort and flavor. Enjoy your meal in an ambiance that feels like a step back in time.

Whether a local or a traveler, Blind Harry’s promises a memorable experience with each bite of their iconic sandwich. The combination of history and culinary artistry makes this spot a must-visit.

8. Greyhound Tavern: Family Recipe Treasure

Though technically across the river in Northern Kentucky, Greyhound Tavern’s Hot Brown has enough devoted followers to earn its spot on this list. When a restaurant’s been around since 1921, they’ve had time to perfect their recipes.

Their version features hand-carved turkey sliced thick enough to satisfy but thin enough to meld with the sauce. The Mornay incorporates sharp white cheddar alongside the traditional Pecorino. Tomatoes get a quick broil before topping, intensifying their sweetness.

9. Doc Crow’s: Smokehouse Rendition

When a Southern smokehouse tackles a Hot Brown, expect delicious heresy. Doc Crow’s ignores tradition by smoking their turkey over hickory for hours, creating meat so flavorful it barely needs accompaniment. Yet accompany they do.

Their Mornay sauce gets lightened with cream cheese for tanginess. The bacon? It’s actually pork belly burnt ends with a maple glaze. A dusting of smoked paprika and green onions finishes the plate.

Instead of broiling, they hit the whole creation with a kitchen torch for those perfectly charred spots that make you swoon.

10. Ramsey’s Diner: Comfort Food, Kentucky-Style

Ramsey’s Diner, known for its bustling atmosphere, serves up a Hot Brown that stays true to its roots while embracing the lively spirit of Lexington. This diner is a local favorite, celebrated for its welcoming vibe and delicious comfort food.

The Hot Brown here is hearty and satisfying, perfect for those seeking an authentic taste of Kentucky tradition. Retro decor and the cheerful hum of conversation enrich the dining experience, making every visit memorable.

At Ramsey’s, the Hot Brown is more than a meal. It’s a celebration of community, flavor, and the joy of sharing a beloved dish with friends and family.

11. The Brown Hotel: Where It All Began

This is hallowed ground for Hot Brown devotees. Invented right here in 1926 by chef Fred Schmidt, the original recipe remains unchanged nearly a century later. The Brown Hotel serves their legendary creation with the reverence of a historical artifact.

Thick-cut turkey breast lounges atop Texas toast before getting drenched in creamy Mornay sauce, sprinkled with Pecorino Romano, and finished with crispy bacon strips. The presentation arrives bubbling hot in an oval dish that practically sings when it hits your table.