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Against the Grain Brewery & Smokehouse
Categories: Food Breweries Restaurants American (New) Restaurants Gastropubs Breweries, American (New), Gastropubs [Edit]
401 E Main StLouisville, KY 40202
(502) 515-0174
- Hours:
Mon-Wed 11 am - 12 am
Thu-Sat 11 am - 2 am
Sun 1 pm - 10 pm
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street, Private Lot
- Attire:
- Casual
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Takes Reservations:
- Yes
- Delivery:
- No
- Take-out:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- Yes
- Outdoor Seating:
- Yes
- Wi-Fi:
- Free
- Good For:
- Lunch, Dinner
- Alcohol:
- Full Bar
- Noise Level:
- Average
- Ambience:
- Hipster, Casual
- Has TV:
- Yes
- Caters:
- No
- Dogs Allowed:
- Yes
22 reviews for Against the Grain Brewery & Smokehouse
22 reviews in English
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Review from Jeff R.
Lexington, KY
2/9/2012
I would love for a place like Against the Grain to be in Lexington. A solid list of beers ranging from an excellent session to a fantastic old ale. Great food. Decor is spot on. This will be must stop for us on Louisville trips - even if it's just to fill a couple growlers to take back to Lexington. My only other desire: that they start sending kegs to places in Lexington such as Lexington Beer works or Beer Trappe (and Liquor Barn for growler fills) so I can enjoy their stuff here as well.
And the food was great as well. I would like to see some smoked brisket! -
Review from Christopher O.
El Dorado Hills, CA
Oh snap! I almost forgot about this place... good thing I checked in!
The restaurant is attached to the AAA baseball team the Louisville Bats, who by the way are not so good this year, apparently.
The guy behind the bar was reasonably friendly and encouraged others to check the board for beers. As a previous ale house buff, I listened especially close to his suggestions. Not so educational but more, did you like or not... meh, whatev!
The food suggested from others were pulled pork and the bartender said the pulled pork nachos were the way to go... so, naturally, I went with the suggestion!
I was a little disappointed in the amount of pork that was pulled for the nachos. I found myself preserving the next piece of pork to allow the appetizer to go a further distance. I personally would like to have a mouth full of the tastiness it was! Nonetheless, I had a pleasant experience and the beer was refreshing.
Well done,
O -
Review from Marianne C.
Butler, OH
2/24/2012 1 Check-in Here
Four stars for the thoughtful waitress, but two stars for the poor food selection and general disappointment experienced. We walked here from the Brown, and as soon as I got here, I recognized it as "Brownings," where we ate when we had Bats tickets last summer. I was disappointed, because I thought I was walking to an uber-cool new brewhouse....not rediscovering a place I'd already been. This place is mentioned in the Louisville magazine for Feb 2012, and I guess I should have anticipated it wouldn't match the hype (the magazine is just a promotional venture for Louisville businesses...not a bad thing, but not hard hitting beer-journalism).
My first beer selection they didn't have - but it was still listed on the board...boo. My second beer selection I traded with my husband for his, which was the Smoke beer. It was ok, but not great.
There was a meetup going on near the bar area, but otherwise, the place was pretty empty. I just had this overwehlming feeling of disappointment, exasperated by the raves reviewers give this place.
When we mentioned the food selection to the waitress, she said they were "transitioning". The appetizer we had - the beer cheese - was pretty good - but none of the sandwiches made me want to have dinner there, so we left for the Rover.
Sorry, Against the Grain, but I can't give you more than 2 stars. -
Review from Joey P.
Bountiful, UT
Really cool place! Went here on our way through Louisville. Really good beer with really funny names (I had the Raucho Man Randy Beverage beer.) When I visited this place, I was not in the mood to eat any sort of meat, so instead I had their veggie burger with the egg on it....BEST VEGGIE BURGER EVER! I'm still thinking about it two weeks later.
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Review from Ralph K.
Ovid, MI
5/22/2012
This place was a wonderful surprise for us. When we arrived we were greeted and seated immediately. Our server came right away and did a wonderful job of explaining their concept. They had 7 beers available currently that they made. We tried a flight so we could taste them all and their beer cheese and potato chips to dip in. The beer flight was only $6 for six 4 oz pours. We thought that was an amazing price. All the beers where uniquely different from one another and all were good to great in taste. The beer cheese dip and chips was wonderful, a must try. We both go the pull pork sandwiches which comes with a nice smokey BBQ sauce on the side. I ordered the sampler of BBQ sauces (4) and they were amazing. pop and cherry BBQ, jalapeno bbq, Sweet BBQ and a vinegar peach BBq, my favorite was the jalapeno BBq. To spicy to pour on my sandwich, but perfect for dipping. Service was perfect, everything came quickly and tasted great. We look forward to going again next time we are in town.
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Review from Lisa K.
Chicago, IL
1/31/2012
I live in Chicago, but a friend of mine was purchasing a car in Louisville, so a couple of us went along for the road trip. After discovering that we did not reserve a room at a hotel and the place we thought we'd be staying at was full (post-6-hours-in-the-car), we said fuck it, lets just eat. We went to Against the Grain at the recommendation of Local Option (Chicago!). In a word, AMAZING.
So not only is the beer delicious, the food is delectable. Thankfully I do not live in Louisville - Not because I didn't love the city, but because I would be about 900lbs if I had unlimited access to those nachos. All four of us had amazing meals, incredible beers, and an unreasonably good time.
In addition, I need to point out the SPECTACULAR staff members we met. Ariel and Jordan were literally our road trip saviors. On top of the excellent service we were provided with, they also helped us secure a hotel and gave us a tour of the amazingness that is Louisville. I cannot wait to go back!!! -
Review from Jenny R.
Lexington, KY
2/4/2012
We made a special trip to Louisville today just to try Against the Grain. Beers are terrific, and we took home a growler just to have some for later. The IPAs were really well done, and we got lots of pleasant surprises in the sampler.
Food is solid pub food. They had some unusual fare, as well as the standard pub plates. Nice atmosphere. Inviting, laid back, friendly. If we lived closer, we'd make this a regular stop. -
Review from Candice G.
Naperville, IL
Ladies, you ever eat so much it felt like your vajay was gonna turn into an outie?
No? Well... you're doing it wrong.
Okay, there's also the possibility that I'm disgusting and just plain made wrong (mentally, physically, etc) and I accept that, but I guess the point I'm trying to make here is that the beer is good, but the food is outstanding (specifically the vegetarian and vegan options) to the point where you're referencing that M. Night Shyamalan movie with Marky Mark where the thing in your brain that tells you to not kill yourself stops working... except only you're subbing in with the thing in your brain that tells you to stop eating. #StuffedLikeJaba
We started off with what any frequenter of breweries would consider standard, a flight of every beer they make available on draft... and what a steal with 6 generously sized sample pours for $6. Feelin' pretty good 'bout that. Also, I'd love to give a special shout out to whomever names the beers as they were right up my alley. I'll list all the ones we tried, but just as an example I'd like to point out that my favorite brewery (3 Floyd's from Munster, In) makes a beer called shark pants, ATG makes a 'tribute' beer called Shart Pants. Now, I don't know if it's just coincidentally named that and is actually a tribute to someone who did shart themselves, but either way- I approve.
ATG Beer List as of 12.30.11:
Banal Bee's // A Session Honey Wheat Ale
Freakin' On E.S.B. // A perfectly hopped Extra Special Bitter
Kentucky Ryed Chiquen // A Barrel-Aged Amber Rye (whoa, Momma- did I just take a shot?)
Heaven Maybe? // An Extra Malty Belgian Style Dubbel
Who Schvarted // A Black Lager
Black & Mild // A Divinely Smoked Porter
I enjoyed everything but would have to call the E.S.B. and the Porter as my personal favorites.
For food we, in case you hadn't already guessed from my opening lines, kinda pigged out, but in a veg way, natch.
The Vegan BBQ Seitan Wings were PHENOM! Smoky, the perfect amount of char, a side of honey for dipping (or straight up dunking like my honey bear of a dining partner did). I *wish* there were somewhere near the Chi that knew how to smoke 'em like Louisville.
I got the Tempeh Pulled Pork Sammie with smoked grape coleslaw as my entree because I had read in other reviews that it was fantastic... and it was... until I tried my BF's House-Made Veggie Mushroom Burger with (again) House-Made BBQ Chips. Jebus.Titty.F*cking.Chr*st was it amazing! Hands down, the best veggie burger I have EVER had. And yes, it does come with an egg on it for those of you lacto-veg-Os and you can, of course, get it without... but you're defo gonna be missing out on some deliciously oozy flavor.
Our service was on point, and I really appreciated seeing some of the 'Founding Fathers' of the brewery out on the floor running food, chatting with tables, and joking with staff. Speaking of ATG's Founding Fathers, How's bout their artwork?! LOVE their B+W portraits and the array of obviously careully chosen and colorful artwork inside the building. I WANT the painting of the cowgirl riding the Tauntaun (see photo, it's pretty bad ass). I want it baaad!
My star rating says it all and their menu, both beer and food, is NOT one to be missed.
May The Brew Be With You, Louisville et al. -
Review from Mike D.
Tomball, TX
4/22/2012 1 Check-in Here
Beer was good, bbq was ok. Asked if it was dry rub pork or is it covered in sauce and the waiter made a face like he had never heard of dry rub bbq. So I had the brisket sandwich. Was a little too lean for my taste. My friend said it was dry but it wasn't, it just wasn't "moist" brisket we were used to. My other friend got the pork nacho's and said he wished there was more pork. We all said we wouldn't go back for the bbq but would go back for the beer.
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Review from Justin S.
Delaware, OH
1/22/2012 1 Check-in Here
The beer was very good. The reason for three stars instead of 4 or 5 is due to the food and the temperature in the restaurant.
I was traveling for work. I look for local non chain places that have vegan options. I found them on Yelp and thought I would check them out. I was greated and offer to be seated. i chose to sit at the bar. The bar tender was slammed and did a good job to acknowledge me. I ordered my beer and looked at the menu. I chose vegan wings and vegan onion rings. I know not healthy but it looked good. The food was okay. The "wings" were over sauced. The onion rings were a little greasy.
It was cold when I was in Louisville. The bar was cold. I know you have to deal with opening doors and all. However, I had to leave my coat on it was so chilly. -
Review from Jackie H.
12/13/2011 ROTD 3/18/2012
My husband and I, having just relocated from the Chicagoland area to Louisville, had a "to do" list where #1 on it was finding the local breweries and beer bars. Again, being here for less than 2 months, we've been to Against the Grain twice already. Why is that? It was damn good.
I am a big baseball fan (the Cubs are a source of happiness and misery for me) and having the location being connected to Louisville Slugger Field was pretty cool, to start. And, added bonus, we came on a Sunday and were able to get free parking right in front of the field. Such things are unheard of in Chicago!
I like their beer menu setup. They have 6 different categories of beers styles, so one of each is always on tap. The categories are hop, smoke, dark, malt, session and whim. This is good, because without ever trying any of ATG's beers, I know I probably shouldn't pick their "hop" offering, because I'm not a hoppy type of girl. Further descriptions of each offering (which rotates) is available at the bar, on blackboards. Between the two visits and between my husband and I, we probably tried a good 6-8 different beers and enjoyed them all. They also have guest offerings on tap, but in a brewpub, I tend to stick with the house beers.
The menu was quite nice as well. They offer meals and snack for both carnivores and vegetarians alike. On my first visit I had the pulled pork (they offer a tempeh version for the non-meat eaters as well). Although it wasn't the best pulled pork I had, it certainly wasn't the worst. My husband was quite delighted with his monte cristo sandwich. On the second visit, I had the falafel gyro, which I was very impressed with. Had great flavor, a nice tzaziki sauce, great texture--and I somehow didn't feel like I was being overly bad! And this was after 2 beers and a shared appetizer of the beer-battered onion rings (which, with their beer cheese, was another highlight in itself).
So far, not a bad experience to be had at Against the Grain. Definitiely a fun place to enjoy a game (NFL and college football on the tellys the 2 times we went). The service was attentive, informative, etc. Already one of my favorite places to eat/drink in Louisville. Can't wait to check them out during the Bats season! -
Review from Eric K.
Jeffersonville, IN
3/31/2012 1 Check-in Here
Food and service were great! I had The Texan (sausage) and my wife had the Borscht (soup of the day). We had the pork nachos which were stellar! Great smokey flavors and excellent beers!
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Review from Robyn S.
2/26/2012
I've had both lunch and evening beers at ATG and I love it. The servers were helpful and friendly, the food unusual and tasty, and the beer selections looked terrific. I am not a beer drinker so I did not indulge, but everyone who did raved about it. There is a wide selection of vegetarian and vegan options, and although I am neither one, it's terrific to have some items available that don't include meat and a great place to go with friends who don't eat meat. Free parking on non-game nights at next-door Slugger Field. Recommended!
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Review from Kristen W.
Louisville, KY
It sounds funny to say, but the biggest surprise for me here was the beer. I like getting the sampler at breweries to try each of the offerings, but end up not being able to drink all of them because either they get too warm too quickly, or they're just too strong in some aspect for me. However, there was not one beer in the sampler that I did not enjoy completely. The malt (Fancy Lawyer Terms) was surprisingly the highlight for me - it was perfectly balanced, without being too caramely sweet, which is what usually turns me off to malts. All of the beers were completely accessible, which is not to say that they were watered-down in any way, but they were sophisticated and balanced, which left me completely impressed and delighted.
The food was good. I wasn't blown away, but I was very satisfied with everything we ate, and trust I will be able to find something I love on the menu.
I love root beer, so instead of ordering dessert (which I will probably do next time) I ordered a root beer to try theirs out. It was very good, not too sweet, and had depth. I would drink it again if I was craving root beer, but I think the beer is too good to pass up. -
Review from Brett W.
10/17/2011 5 Check-ins Here
Against the Grain is a very welcome addition to the Louisville Slugger Field complex. I have to imagine this will definitely be a hot spot for pregame once the Bats season starts up in the Spring. And even during the Winter, it is worth the trip.
First off, Against the Grain's beers are very impressive. I got the beer sampler to try out the entire line and at $6 for six different beers, it is a steal. I was most impressed with how consistently good the beers were. Everything from the session beer, Covalent Blonde to the milk stout, 35K was awesome. It would be hard to pick a favorite, but I may have to give the nod to the surprising malt, Fancy Lawyer Terms. The beers alone make this place worthy of repeat visits.
Of course Against the Grain has more than just beers and what is beer without food anyways (still beer). We had the beer cheese as an appetizer which was probably the most disappointing component of the meal. The cheese is served with BBQ kettle chips reminiscent of those served at Bats games. The beer cheese was actually a little thicker than I prefer and a bit bland; it definitely needed more depth. For my entree, I had to get the Beer Battered Monte Cristo, which totally delivered. I am a bit of a Monte Cristo snob, but ATG's was well executed. I loved the apricot preserves and the fact that the french toast batter was laced with beer. My wife got the special of the night, which was a goat and gnocchi dish that also delivered.
After one trip to ATG, I am thoroughly impressed with the beers, definitely better than BBC's offerings, in my opinion. The food available is solid but I would love to see the restaurant expand the menu a bit with more offerings. I look forward to starting many a summer night at ATG in 2012.Listed in: The 25 best restaurants in…
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Review from Zalina K.
Washington, DC
2/21/2012
This place is just SO good.
The beer is excellent. They have six different brews, all of which were really really good. If you can't settle on one, get the sampler. For $6, it's an amazing deal.
The food was awesome too. I got the veggie burger, which was probably one of the best ones I've ever had. Fried egg on top, good mayo...heavenly. My veggie burger-hating boyfriend also thought it was great. We were really happy with the food and the beer, and if I'm ever back in Louisville, this is the first place I'll go to.
We were here around lunch time, and the atmosphere was low key. Our waiter was attentive and knowledgeable, without sounding pretentious about the beer which can happen at other brew-pubs. It's not dirt cheap, but a total steal for the quality of food and beer that you're getting. -
Review from Elizabeth B.
Louisville, KY
11/23/2011
Two words....smoked grapes. Sounds interesting right? Well, I am not a fan. My first issue with Against the Grain is the lack of warning they give a girl when it comes to the food they serve. I ordered a Waldorf salad and out comes this plate of lettuce, pecans, apples and grapes. I pop a grape in my mouth and I am completely surprised to taste a smoked flavor! No where on the menu does it say that the grapes would be smoked. I tried to have an open mind, but the taste just did not work for me.
Now, I am not one to judge a restaurant on something small like a lack of description of a menu item, but I am one to judge a restaurant when several acquaintances have gone to the establishment and had a poor experience. The main thing I have heard is that most people do not care for the food. The beer is good, but the food is lackluster. I will give the joint another go (probably) but I do not have high hopes.
Its a good location with a nice atmosphere, but not worth it in my opinion. -
Review from Lynn B.
1/18/2012
Stopped in here for a quick lunch. Had the salad with fresh corn and fried chicken livers. It was delish - the corn tasted fresh off the cob and the chicken livers were lightly battered, crispy on the outside, and not overcooked on the inside - just perfect. I had a half-pint of the honey wheat and it was also yummy. Nice hipster atmosphere and very friendly staff. Can't wait to go back in the evening before a UofL game or to show off to visitors. Good vegetarian/vegan menu too.
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Review from Ryan E.
Louisville/Jefferson County, KY
2/19/2012
The beer on my trip was fantastic. I'd tell you what I had, but since they switch out recipies when they run out, I can't! Just trust me it's good, and it's fun to go back and try their new brews.
The food is top notch too. They have a real chef, it's not just standard brew pub food. When I went we had the pulled pork nachos, pan seared duck with sweet potatoes, and trout. It was all delicious.
And the price was reasonable too. 1 appetizer, 2 entrees, and 4 craft beers ended up being less than $50 -
Review from Mark M.
Erlanger, KY
I really liked this place as it was not your normal brew pub with the gastro foods. This place had great in-house-brewed beer and an interesting set of food options.
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Review from Christopher B.
Louisville, KY
1/10/2012 1 Check-in Here
The beers are on point, the food is hit and miss.
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Review from Carolyn M.
Nashville, TN
11/20/2011
Disclaimer: the names of the following beers are a little unconventional. The Morningwood is deliciously full-bodied. The Who Shvarted dark beer was less complex, but still tasty. Hoppy seconds is a great American IPA. The root beer is toddler approved. Tasty food too.
