The Oakroom at the Seelbach Hilton

Louisville

New American Restaurant

$$$$

Opened in 1907, The Oakroom has grown to become a beacon of fine dining in Downtown Kentucky, housed within the stately Seelbach Hotel, which has played host to eight U.S. presidents ranging from Taft to Clinton. Traditional American cuisine is the focus, with spoonfish caviar from Kentucky waters and Kentucky-raised rack of lamb illustrating the emphasis on homegrown ingredients. Originally a billiards room, the venue epitomizes the old boys’ club aesthetic, with oak wall paneling, upholstered armchairs, and “secret” doors that serve as passageways out of the hotel. The staff here know their stuff, so you shouldn’t be surprised to find that a third-generation Oakroom bartender is pouring your bourbon.