For such a humble little sandwich, the Kentucky hot brown sure has quite a big reputation. Originally conceived as a late-night treat for hungry performers and patrons at the legendary Brown Hotel in Louisville, the hot brown has become one of the most iconic dishes in the Bluegrass State. Not only is this tasty favorite found in numerous eateries across the state, but it’s also inspired an official food trail! The Hot Brown Hop is easily the most delicious culinary journey you’ll ever take in Kentucky, and it deserves top spot on your dining bucket list.

The Kentucky Hot Brown Hop pays tribute to the legendary Bluegrass dish, boasting numerous iterations along the official food trail. View a full map at the Kentucky Tourism website, and read on for some of our favorite must-visit stops!

Kentucky Tourism

The Brown Hotel

The Brown Hotel/Facebook This is where is all began, and the quintessential Kentucky hot brown. Inspiration struck Chef Fred Schmidt in the 1920s when he decided to take late-night pub fare to the next level with a hot, open-faced, turkey and cheese sandwich. It remains Kentucky’s most beloved hot brown to this day, and the Brown Hotel is basically Kentucky royalty. The Brown Hotel, 335 W Broadway, Louisville, KY 40202, USA

The Village Anchor

The Village Anchor/Facebook The Village Anchor does this dish proud. Their iteration – dubbed “The Hotter Brown” – is an indulgent dish featuring pulled chicken, house-made sourdough filling, cheddar parmesan, Mornay sauce, grape tomatoes, and house-candied bacon. Yes, please! The Village Anchor, 11507 Park Rd, Louisville, KY 40223, USA

Charr’d Bourbon Kitchen and Lounge

Dwtilford/TripAdvisor Charr’d Bourbon Kitchen and Lounge features local and regional ingredients harvested in Bourbon Country, served in a classy, bourbon-adored dining room. Their hot brown stays true to the original, with roasted turkey, cherrywood bacon, roma tomatoes, toasted sourdough, and a creamy Mornay sauce. Charr’d Bourbon Kitchen & Lounge, 1903 Embassy Square Blvd, Jeffersontown, KY 40299, USA

Kentucky Derby Museum

Kentucky Derby Museum/Facebook While a traditional hot brown is eaten with a knife and fork, sometimes you need something that’s a little more portable. The hot brown panini at Kentucky Derby Museum is essentially a mix between a next-level grilled cheese and Cuban sandwich, and it’s every bit as delicious as it looks. Kentucky Derby Museum, 704 Central Ave, Louisville, KY 40208, USA

Bristol Bar and Grille

Bristol Bar and Grille/Facebook The hot brown at Bristol Bar and Grille is a vision of creamy, dreamy, cheese-topped decadence that’s the perfect cure for whatever ails you. Bristol Bar & Grille Downtown, 614 W Main St #4211, Louisville, KY 40202, USA

Sicilian’s Pizza and Pasta

Sicilian’s Pizza and Pasta - Downtown on 4th/Facebook The epitome of late-night comfort food, Sicilian’s Pizza and Pasta takes the hot brown and turns it into a pizza! This decadent dish is every bit as delicious as it looks, and will have you returning time and time again. Sicilian Pizza & Pasta Downtown, 627 S 4th St, Louisville, KY 40202, USA

The Troll Pub Under the Bridge

The Troll Pub Under the Bridge Louisville/Facebook This charming little pub in Louisville dishes up a classic Kentucky hot brown that’s true to the original recipe, down to the crust-trimmed Texas toast! Troll Pub Under the Bridge, 150 W Washington St, Louisville, KY 40202, USA

When Chef Fred Schmidt put together this simple sandwich in 1920, he couldn’t have predicted — or dreamed of — the legions of fans, dishes, and chefs it would inspire. The Kentucky hot brown is a simple, hearty, down-home dish that’s a big, ole’ hug on a plate — and we’re so proud to call it ours!

Kentucky Tourism

The Brown Hotel/Facebook

This is where is all began, and the quintessential Kentucky hot brown. Inspiration struck Chef Fred Schmidt in the 1920s when he decided to take late-night pub fare to the next level with a hot, open-faced, turkey and cheese sandwich. It remains Kentucky’s most beloved hot brown to this day, and the Brown Hotel is basically Kentucky royalty.

The Brown Hotel, 335 W Broadway, Louisville, KY 40202, USA

The Village Anchor/Facebook

The Village Anchor does this dish proud. Their iteration – dubbed “The Hotter Brown” – is an indulgent dish featuring pulled chicken, house-made sourdough filling, cheddar parmesan, Mornay sauce, grape tomatoes, and house-candied bacon. Yes, please!

The Village Anchor, 11507 Park Rd, Louisville, KY 40223, USA

Dwtilford/TripAdvisor

Charr’d Bourbon Kitchen and Lounge features local and regional ingredients harvested in Bourbon Country, served in a classy, bourbon-adored dining room. Their hot brown stays true to the original, with roasted turkey, cherrywood bacon, roma tomatoes, toasted sourdough, and a creamy Mornay sauce.

Charr’d Bourbon Kitchen & Lounge, 1903 Embassy Square Blvd, Jeffersontown, KY 40299, USA

Kentucky Derby Museum/Facebook

While a traditional hot brown is eaten with a knife and fork, sometimes you need something that’s a little more portable. The hot brown panini at Kentucky Derby Museum is essentially a mix between a next-level grilled cheese and Cuban sandwich, and it’s every bit as delicious as it looks.

Kentucky Derby Museum, 704 Central Ave, Louisville, KY 40208, USA

Bristol Bar and Grille/Facebook

The hot brown at Bristol Bar and Grille is a vision of creamy, dreamy, cheese-topped decadence that’s the perfect cure for whatever ails you.

Bristol Bar & Grille Downtown, 614 W Main St #4211, Louisville, KY 40202, USA

Sicilian’s Pizza and Pasta - Downtown on 4th/Facebook

The epitome of late-night comfort food, Sicilian’s Pizza and Pasta takes the hot brown and turns it into a pizza! This decadent dish is every bit as delicious as it looks, and will have you returning time and time again.

Sicilian Pizza & Pasta Downtown, 627 S 4th St, Louisville, KY 40202, USA

The Troll Pub Under the Bridge Louisville/Facebook

This charming little pub in Louisville dishes up a classic Kentucky hot brown that’s true to the original recipe, down to the crust-trimmed Texas toast!

Troll Pub Under the Bridge, 150 W Washington St, Louisville, KY 40202, USA

Curious to explore more food trails in Kentucky? The Brewgrass Trail is a hoppin’ tour of Kentucky’s best craft breweries! (Because it’s not all bourbon here in the Bluegrass…)

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