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Hours
Tue
4:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Wed
4:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Thu
4:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Fri
4:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Sat
4:00 PM - 9:00 PM
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CUISINES
American, Bar, Pub
Special Diets
Vegetarian friendly, Vegan options, Gluten free options
Meals
Lunch, Dinner, Drinks
features
Is this an American restaurant?
Details
About
Fork & Barrel is owned by Geoffrey and Emily Heyde. Fork & Barrel prides itself on serving upscale American cuisine with a focus on local ingredients, craft cocktails, and serving it all with southern hospitality. The Restaurant is located at 1722 Frankfort Avenue in Louisville, Kentucky in one of the town's restaurant rows.
CUISINES
American, Bar, Pub
Special Diets
Vegetarian friendly, Vegan options, Gluten free options
Meals
Lunch, Dinner, Drinks
FEATURES
Takeout, Reservations, Outdoor Seating, Seating, Parking Available, Street Parking, Free off-street parking, Television, Highchairs Available, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, American Express, Mastercard, Visa, Free Wifi, Discover, Table Service, Gift Cards Available
Contribute
4.0
77 reviews
Excellent
41
Very good
18
Average
9
Poor
5
Terrible
4
Chris G
Kentucky66 contributions
Feb 2020 • none
First off, we go to dinner with our friends once a month just to decompress. We've been here once before on what was a weeknight that was slammed. FYI they handled it like champs. 2nd time we had Ms. Libby as our server extraordinaire. Not only versed in the menu and the specials; but great attitude and service to boot. The charred octopus was perfect as was the cauliflower. The burger was on point and left not a trace of it's existence. The pork tenderloin was only this side of uncomfortable or I would have taken that hog down. It was perfect and if a chef can cook good pork properly then I'll eat it every time. Pork and pork like products are my favorite. Wifey told Libby to pick between the two pork and the fish. The fish came and it was two bites from going down when Libby brought up dessert. Hold up dog! Dessert you say? Well I don't mind if I do. So (4) truffle chocolates came out as rich as Bill Gates with Oprah's money. On top of that we sat and laughed with the Chef after a great night out. We'll see you all again.
Written February 11, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
EmilyHeyde
Thank you so much for your visit and review. We are so glad you had a wonderful meal. We look forward to your next visit. Don’t forget we have half priced bottles of wine on Thursday nights and Sunday Brunch.
Written February 16, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Queenbee4067
Kingman166 contributions
Feb 2020 • family
Our waitress Fiona was so pleasant at first but after my husband had to send back his Moscow mule because it tasted TERRIBLE she wasn’t near as nice and said sorry it’s the bartenders first night. My husband had the filet he ordered it medium and blood was running out of it he didn’t want to say anything so he ate part of it. My scallops were cold. Our adult children were with us and we didn’t want to make a scene so we kept quiet. I also forgot to mention as we pulled in the ‘chef/cook’ was out puffing on a cigarette — not a good impression — my average rating is generous — probably should have been poor. Would not recommend this place too many great restaurants in Louisville.
Written March 1, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
EmilyHeyde
We re so sorry that you did k no it have a positive dining experience. If you would like to contact us directly at info@bethefork.com we would like to get some additional information. We appreciate the feedback and your patronage and do hope that you would give us another opportunity to improve service for you in the future.
Written March 4, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
KittyChick
132 contributions
Aug 2020 • none
Met a group of 9 girlfriends for a much needed dinner out. One in our group is pregnant so we were strictly limited to outdoor dining (covered tent, open sides) for Covid safety. The forecast called for big storms, and Tyler called from the restaurant to confirm and assure us we would be in the center of the tent and would not get wet. He certainly made good on his promise and we ate/drank half-priced bottles of wine, and NEVER got wet. The rain was torrential, and Tyler ensured we were comfy and dry. Food & wine were both stellar. We highly recommend!
Written August 2, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
EmilyHeyde
Thank you so much for dining with us. We are so glad that your group enjoyed your meal and hope that you join us again soon for half priced wine night, dinner or Sunday brunch.
Written August 8, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
BrentChicago
10 contributions
Oct 2021 • couples
I want to like this restaurant, I can never give it more than 2 stars. The chef is a really nice man. For start, the red wines are served at a very warm temperature. So don't order anything that you would like to eat with a red wine. No restaurant with these prices should serve red wines at this temperature. I had the artichoke fritters which were light, fluffy and full of flavor. I was hopeful they might have gotten it together. Unfortunately the beet salad was almost inedible. It was served with a limp lettuce that literally could not stand up to the weight of the beets. The lettuce might have set out in a warm kitchen,. This would have been better with endive or romaine. I had the pork chop for entree. Good flavor, but could have used a good searing. Served with what I would describe as a tex Mex ragout with beans, avocado, tomato, which had a decent flavor but was a bit bright and could have used some smokiness. I think the chef has some decent ideas, but is unable to execute with an acceptable level of sophistication or detail.
Written October 3, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
jgbtravels
Louisville4721 contributions
Jan 2021 • none
Covid has changed a lot of habits this year including indoor dining. Since Fork & Barrel offered a New Year’s Eve carry out deal we decided to treat ourselves: Salad, appetizer, 2 flank steaks, risotto, sautéed green beens, and desert for $89. Why not? The meal was filling and still hot when I got home with it. Our one minor complaint was that the steaks were not as tender as we hoped. Still it had a good taste. Overall, it was a positive experience so we will hopefully try them another time and perhaps even indoors.
Written January 3, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Yramt3
149 contributions
Oct 2021 • couples
Fork & Barrel was one of our "fancier" dinners on our trip. Most people err on the smart casual side, but there were folks very casually dressed too that didn't seem out of place. The place seemed like it was make for fall with the warm lighting and dark pumpkin colored banquettes. The only thing I didn't like was the TV over the bar, it was totally unnecessary & the coming show on it kept distracting our date.
We started out with the lobster fritters and drinks. The lobster fritters were shaped more like hush puppies and very tasty. I think we each got about 5-6. Neither of us was particularly with the cocktail menu. Husband went with a bourbon drink that came up & was frothy from egg white. I ordered a mocktail, but got the alcoholic equivalent. I thought I recognized my distaste for bourbon (I know) in the first sip, but my husband swore he didn't taste bourbon, just ask the ginger. I took him at his word and unenthusiastically sipped my drink. I didn't realize I was right until I saw the check and think my server assumed I got the right drink. Anyway, that was a lot of words for something that in the grand scheme of things wasn't a huge deal since it was preference, not necessity to skip the booze.
For our mains, I got the Covrvina and husband the pork chop. I'd never had corvina before, but it was quite tasty and came with spaghetti squash. My husband enjoyed the pork chop & said the kale was the best he ever had. Probably something to do with the bacon braising. For dessert we ordered the brownie, which was decadent. We were offered ice cream alongside it and declined, but received it anyway. I'm not sure if our server had too many tables, but there were definitely details missed and an awkwardness to the cadence of our interactions.
Overall 3.5 stars rounded up for the quality of the food
Written October 21, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
jkassovic
Louisville133 contributions
Nov 2021 • couples
They have one steak on the menu and can’t cook to proper temp. Everything was cold or overdone. Waited forever for a second cocktail because owner/manager/bartender wouldn’t stop talking to one table until the server begged him to get change for one table waiting to leave and to make our drinks. Did not inspire him to have any sense of urgency. Which is funny because on one of their listings they have the nerve to tell you how long your party has to stay in their establishment. Server apologized but they were short staffed. 4 tables with 10 guests in the place. That’s it. I tried to make eye contact with the server and the bartender on the way out. Didn’t bother to acknowledge us. Server never even came to check on our meal until we were ready to go. There are going to be some restaurants that fail in the economic times. This should be one of them.
Written November 5, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
JOHN W
Louisville98 contributions
Feb 2020 • couples
First time here went for restaurant week. Comfortable area for dinner service was very good. Unfortunately the food was not very exciting. Had the pork shank which was very tender but the flavors were underwhelming, same with the ham on the pimento cheese item. On the plus side the pork belly and wedge salad were excellent
Written February 25, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
EmilyHeyde
Thank you for joining us during restaurant week. We are happy that you enjoyed the pork belly and salad. We do hope that you choose to dine with us another day for dinner or Sunday brunch.
Written February 28, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
STLMommy2Three
Saint Charles14 contributions
Oct 2021 • none
Fork & Barrel was nothing short of amazing! From our wonderful, attentive, & patient server to the chef making multiple trips to the table to chat & check on us, everything was beyond perfect. And the food & drinks...over the top delicious! If you're a visitor to the area (as we were) this is definitely a "don't miss" and if you're a local, I'd recommend adding Fork & Barrel to the regular rotation!
Written October 11, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Fat Man Reviews
242 contributions
May 2023 • couples
While on a recent visit to Louisville, the Fat Man, and his wife went to Fork and Barrel, a refined Southern fare with artful touches served with craft cocktails & wine in a rustic-chic space.
I ordered a Where The Buffalo Roam, made with Buffalo Trace bourbon, Aperol, lemon juice, honey, Orange & Aromatic bitters, and egg white. The lemon and bourbon come through first, followed by honey and Aperol. The drink is strong and finishes with the bitters in the back of the throat. The egg white gives the drink a frothy mouth feel.
For our appetizer, we ordered Pork Belly. This is made with pork belly, green cabbage slaw, Mango purée, and pickled red onion. The mango purée was sweet and cuts through the meat. The slaw was crunchy, though the pickled red onion was missing. The pork was cooked well and a little crispy on the edges with a slight chew. This was flavorful and tasty.
My wife went with the Pork Chop for her entrée. This was made with a grilled prime pork chop, compound butter, braised kale, and au gratin potatoes. The potatoes were excellent, creamy, and cooked well with a little crunch on top with excellent hints of garlic and Parmesan. The kale was salty and tender with a subtle sweetness. The flavorful pork bits stand out with a slight chew. The pork chop was perfect. Juicy, tender, and packed with flavor. The butter put it over the top, and the seasoning was outstanding.
For my entrée, I went with the Short Rib. This is prepared with red wine braised beef short rib, mushroom risotto, hand-carved maple glazed carrots, grilled asparagus, natural reduction, and crispy potato strings. The asparagus had a good char on them and were a little crunchy. The carrots were tender, and the maple added a slight sweetness. The risotto was cooked well and very creamy but desperately needed some seasoning. The rib was cooked tenderly with a nice sauce offering a slightly creamy texture to the bite. The crispy potatoes provided a nice crunch texture as well.
Fork and Barrel offer a complete dinner menu with appetizers, desserts, soups, salads, and several entrées. They have a full bar and offer craft cocktails and wine. I highly recommend a reservation, and the staff was excellent. The Fat Man says that Fork and Barrel is Fat Man Approved with 3 chins.
Written August 6, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
local yocal
Luxemburg52 contributions
Nov 2021 • none
We were at 6 people, 5 separate bills. The waitress was nice, not very knowledgeable about what was available at the bar. We ordered appetizers, and they were good. Our entrees were enjoyable for each of us. Some ordered desserts and they looked awesome. Couple thing I didn't care for. A 22% tip was added to each of our bills. We did not see this on the menu, nor were we told about it. 1, I personally, almost always tip in cash, so I can give what I want, and it is almost always 20% or more, 2. I don't like to be taxed on my tip. The other thing I didn't like was that we were not done with desert and the hostess came and asked us to finish up because they had people waiting for a table. This wouldn't have bothered me if we were just sitting and talking, but we were eating our food as it came out from the kitchen. It wasn't our fault that the kitchen was a little behind. the place was a good experience, but, in my opinion, expensive. Not somewhere I would go weekly or even monthly.
Written November 14, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
jgbtravels
Louisville4721 contributions
Feb 2022 • couples
This was an early Valentines Day dinner for my wife and I. We both love the ambiance of this busy Frankfort Avenue restaurant. My wife had the short ribs while I opted for the ocean trout special. Both were very good and filling. We both had a glass of Merlo to go with our meals plus a house salad. Service was very good and friendly. We then shared a brownie with ice cream to finish our meal. Although the experience was good the dessert was not as good as some we have had at other restaurants of this caliber. Also, it wasn’t a quiet, romantic meal. It was quite loud as we had a hard time conducting a conversation. Then again it was quite busy so that’s a good thing considering the year or so we have had. If I have one bone to pick there were a couple of small fish bones in my trout(pun intended) that had my checking each bite from then on. Other than that the night was good.
Written February 11, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dan H
Sarasota11 contributions
Sep 2021 • none
We spent four nights in Louisville, and this was hands down the best meal we had during our visit!
We started with the Buffalo Deviled Eggs appetizer. We were skeptical, but the waitress raved about how awesome they were. And she was absolutely right! Who knew deviled eggs could be this good?!
For dinner, I opted for the half chicken with "Mississippi Comeback Sauce" (a white sauce that was incredible!). It come with a side of this excellent flavorful slaw - I think there was giardiniera in it. There was also a side of baked beans which were stellar!
My wife had short ribs with a wine sauce over a cheese risotto. They knocked this out of the park!
The desserts looked and sounded fantastic, we just did not have room. If we ever visit Louisville again, we will 100% be eating here again!
Written September 29, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
traveldivaaficionado
Jeffersontown206 contributions
Jun 2024 • family
Always a GREAT experience at Fork & Barrel! The service is outstanding, especially for our large group on Father’s Day! Everyone’s food looked amazing and mine was excellent! I had the breakfast burrito with chicken sausage along with tortilla chips and salsa, all fresh and tasty. The serving is HUGE, so I had enough for supper. It was just as delicious leftover!
Written June 16, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Emjohansson16
Knoxville5 contributions
Jul 2020 • friends
Outstanding & Impeccable service by Sam, management and even Chef Geoffrey Heyde came to greet us. Super friendly and personable staff! Food and service was so fantastic that we came back the next morning for brunch. Chef's homemade cinnamon rolls were on point! Definitely worth visiting when you come into Louisville. Excellent bourbon & wine list! We can't wait to come back for our next visit.
Written July 12, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
EmilyHeyde
Thank you so much for your visit. We can’t wait till your next trip to Louisville. Make sure to let us know so we can have cinnamon rolls waiting for you.
Written August 8, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
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