Back for the 4th year, Louisville Hot Brown Week is October 20-26

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (October 1, 2025) – A signature dish of Louisville since 1926, Louisville Tourism has teamed up with over a dozen local restaurants to produce the 4th Annual Louisville Hot Brown Week. The week will encourage locals and visitors to indulge in Louisville’s most famous dish by dining at participating restaurants offering $10-$12 Hot Brown specials from October 20 to 26. 

A Hot Brown is a hot, open-faced sandwich made with Texas toast, thick-sliced turkey, cheesy Mornay sauce, crispy bacon and tomatoes, all baked until bubbling hot. The Hot Brown may be native to Louisville, but the dish is known around the globe, including recognition in Southern Living, The Los Angeles Times and The Wall Street Journal. It’s also been spotlighted on the “Today” show, “Good Morning America” and the Travel Channel’s “Man vs. Food.” 

For those unfamiliar with the Hot Brown, the iconic dish was said to be invented at Louisville’s historic Brown Hotel back in the 1920s. The hotel would regularly host guests for dinner and late-night dancing, and after kicking up their heels in the luxurious, gilded ballroom, would head to the restaurant for a bite to eat. It wasn’t long before they grew tired of the traditional late-night fare, so Chef Fred K. Schmidt came up with a new, mouthwatering menu item – and the decadent Hot Brown was born.

Louisville continues to gain national exposure as a culinary destination, building on the city’s spotlight during Season 16 of the culinary hit show Top Chef. Accolades from Travel + Leisure and Cheapism proclaim Bourbon City one of the ‘Best Food Cities in the U.S.’ and one of ‘America's Best Food Cities,’ with Food & Wine, Readers’ Digest and The Daily Meal all naming the Hot Brown as the ‘most iconic sandwich in the state.’ 

“The Hot Brown is more than just a dish—it’s a symbol of Louisville’s rich culinary heritage and hospitality,” said Michael Fetter, Director of Marketing for Louisville Tourism. “As we approach the 100th anniversary of the iconic sandwich in 2026, Louisville Hot Brown Week invites locals and visitors to savor a taste of history while supporting our vibrant restaurant community.” 

Current participating restaurants include Agave & Rye (2 locations), Biscuit Belly (3 locations), Brassiere Provence, Drakes (5 locations), Gander, An American Grill, Hop Atomica, Kayrouz Delicatessen , Rubbies Southside Bar & Grill, Sidebar at Whiskey Row, and The Goose Eatery & Hangout, with more to be announced soon.

Additionally, an official Louisville Hot Brown Week app is available. Navigate your way through the city and reward your APPetite with the app— available in both the Google Play and Apple Store. Check-in at four or more locations to be entered to win $250 in gift cards. You can download the app at qrco.de/bdLswJ. Dining participants will also be able to earn points throughout the week towards a second grand prize of $200 in gift cards by checking into participating restaurants.

For details and most up to date list of participating restaurants visit www.hotbrownweek.com or follow @hotbrownweek on Instagram.