Anyone who’s spent time in the Bluegrass State knows the Hot Brown is one of Kentucky’s proudest creations. Invented at downtown Louisville’s Brown Hotel in 1926, the cheesy, open-faced sandwich remains beloved throughout the city—and across the state.
A century later, Louisville’s food scene extends well beyond its signature sandwich, blending longstanding traditions with a fresh creative spirit. Here are five ways to celebrate the Hot Brown’s 100th anniversary while eating your way through one of the South’s most exciting culinary cities.
Try the Hot Brown at its Birthplace
Picture the Brown Hotel in 1926: Ornate crystal fixtures illuminated the grand ballroom as dancers in Prohibition-era attire twirled to the music. After working up an appetite on the dance floor, guests made their way to the hotel’s dining room for a late-night snack of ham and eggs—but they soon began craving something new.
Answering their request, Brown Hotel chef Fred Schmidt topped a piece of Texas toast with thick-sliced roast turkey, tomatoes, Mornay sauce, and bacon, then baked it until bubbly. And so, the Hot Brown was born…