Ward 426 - Louisville

We had a wonderful anniversary dinner. The wait staff was attentive and friendly but not intrusive. The atmosphere is very nice. We had a quiet setting because other diners chose to go outside. The food was excellent and we were given a champagne toast to celebrate.

The restaurant was active for a Monday night. The $10 hamburger and beer deal drew in many diners. We ordered off the menu, but I can attest that the burgers looked lovely with their side of fries in the Euro silver cup and the beers were generous in size. My spouse and I both ordered the special of the day, stripped bass. Perfectly cooked. I had the soup of the day, potato, leek and mushroom soup (chicken broth based). A lovely soup! For dessert I chose one of their in house ice creams; mint chocolate chip. Our guest had the cardamom ice cream. Interesting, as my ice cream had a distinct cardamom flavor. Interesting, but not what I expected with mint chocolate chip.

We were seating in a very dark room away from the main dining room. Service was not up to par. It took 10 minutes just to get menus. We ordered a bottle of wine instead of leaving it at the table, he took it away would come back to refill every so often. Fish on special was not good. Nothing good enough that I would want to return.

We've been to Ward 426 3 times in 3 weeks! We love the feel of the place. Parking is easy, on the street or in the back. Inside we found plenty of space, music at right volume, wide plank floors, built in (historic? wooden bar area with stained glass, brass, etc. Tile floors in one room, unobtrusive ceiling fans, lounge in front window, decks out back something for everyone. We went with another couple the first time, went as a couple on our own to the bar for the 2nd visit, and for a family birthday with 5 in the party this week. We lingered. The bar has an amazing selection of bourbon, gin, etc and they have FEVER TREE tonic fabulous G&T with Farmer's gin and Fever Tree. Corn bread (moist, flavorful and yeast rolls come with the meal. Say yes to both. We like the charcuterie board but I think it could have one more cheese or at least bigger portions of the cheese given, and more pickles. It's beautifully presented with great little surprises/flourishes. We've had several salads, all good. The brussle sprouts are good, not as crispy as I expected. The others loved them. The pizza looked like the best dish on our table, enough for 2, hot, flush with pepperoni and cheese, thin crust. The hot brown was just OK, but it's not one of my favorite dishes anyway. 2 people got the duck and raved over it. The gnocchi was a hit as well. I have several dietary restrictions (sigh and requested some substitutions which were accepted with ease. I would like it if there were one or two more entres that were simple, not so heavy grilled seafood for example, or something more creative with steak/filet. My favorite part the house made ice cream, especially the Olive Oil/Pistachio cake and cardamon ice cream. No words for how good. If Ward 426 were on Frankfort Ave, you wouldn't be able to get in the door. We enjoyed the lack of competing for a table, relished the quiet but we want this wonderful place to succeed. So tell your friends!

I was very excited to try Ward 426. Unfortunately it was clear that they were understaffed for the event and very rushed and lacking ability to pay attention to our table. The proteins were all cooked well but the sides left something to be desired and were not presented as the menu was read, I felt with any explanation of the dishes format the waiter my expectations would have been different.