Fluffy tufts of pink cotton candy conclude every meal at Proof on Main, the house restaurant of Louisville's 21c Museum Hotel. The throwback treat arrives with the check, but you won't find it listed on your bill: The sweet finish is courtesy of the chef.

Consider it the finishing touch to a dining experience at the upscale-casual New American eatery, which serves modern takes on traditional Southern fare. Think goat cheese-studded grits, a Gulf shrimp roll served on brioche, and a "hog chop" presented on a bed of sweet potato and kale. The farm-to-table menu relies on the current offerings of area farmers and artisans, so it's known to change with the season.

Also in rotation here? Exhibitions of contemporary art, which shine a spotlight on the talent of local artists and serve as Proof on Main's decor, from the bar to the bathrooms.

Proof on Main
21C Museum Hotel
702 W. Main St.
Louisville, KY 40202
(502) 217-6360
www.proofonmain.com
www.yelp.com/biz/proof-on-main-louisville

CC-BY-SA-2.0/Flickr/stu_spivack

You know you’re doing something right when Esquire honors you as one of the country’s best new restaurants your opening year, and Louisville’s Proof on Main proves that maxim true. Located in the swanky 21c Museum Hotel, Proof on Main is a New American eatery that has tantalized taste buds with great food in a classy, modern dining room. Regulars can’t stop talking about the great, diverse food on the menu – the chickpea and country ham fritters blend disparate flavors to create a truly unique appetizer. The bacon wrapped pork chop is a paean to the delicious potential of the pig and Proof’s burgers – especially the spectacular bison – are among the best in town. Easily big enough to split between two plates, their burgers take the classic American fast food sandwich to new and terrific places. The bar serves up unique and innovative cocktails as well, so don’t leave without trying one. During a lull, take a second to admire the rotating art exhibits that line Proof on Main's walls.

Proof on Main
702 West Main Street
Louisville, KY 40202
(502) 217-6360
www.proofonmain.com/proof/default.aspx