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    Updated 3 months ago

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    RETTA’S ATMOSPHERE

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    Recommended Reviews - Retta’s

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    Reviews With Photos

    Kellyo O.

    Unbelievable!! The man is a MASTER and his staff is amazing! It is so obvious that everyone that works here is into the CRAFT of making beautiful and unique dishes. The care and STUDY that goes into the flavors and pairings was BEYOND. If you want to know what it is like to sit and watch a genius and a genius staff work, come here. The interior is home, beautiful and in a way elegant. The staff make you feel special. It is an amazing experience for all of your senses! See the art, hear the music and the staff talking, asking questions, making suggestions. Feel the different Utensils with each course, the weight, the size, feel the bowl or eggshell. Smell the food, the dish, what is on the side, what is being placed into the dish. And finally TASTE the explosion or the subtle hint of a spice or herb or flower... oh my goodness. Just GO.

    Fig Leaf + Brown Butter and Sage + Pear & Cider Cake
    Neisha H.

    I really enjoyed the fig leaf and brown butter sage ice cream! The flavors were adventurous, and the atmosphere was incredibly cozy and inviting. Minus one star due to the flavors being hit or miss (wasn't a fan of the carrot cake, pumpkin spice, or bay leaf). Minus one more star due to the person scooping not wearing gloves. Overall, I did enjoy the flavors I decided on.

    Catherine

    When you make reservations, it can be a little confusing when you enter because there is two different entrance. But they are so nice and welcome. I was greeted by Chef at the bar. I told him that it was my first time to visit. He was nicely explain how it works and other. I did ordered two plates because the others look so good. I had Peanuts which contain chocolate, chilies, and Lemongrass. It was so delicious. Then the other one is Bourbon, No Bourbon. It is one of my favorite because Chef did the smoked part. It is so delicious. The atmosphere was good and I enjoyed the music as well. I would definitely love to come back and have a scoop of ice cream.

    Laura B.

    Walked in after 2pm and they were serving ice cream. Very friendly service with great recommendations and offers to taste some of the many interesting flavor combos. I opted for the cornbread and spicy berry - which was salty and creamy with a little punch of fruit. I tasted the coconut + green pea swirl and the toasted hay + burnt honey + canele which were intriguing. I appreciate their vegan options. Nice inside and outside seating. You can make reservations on Tock for dinner plated dessert service and those seem incredible - definitely a reason to return!

    Bourbon,No Bourbon
    Kristopher S.

    You've never had Ice Cream like this. If you want a one of a kind experience that lets your sweet tooth do some exploring then this is your place. The ambience is wonderful. The kind of place you can get extremely comfortable. Perfect lighting and decor. I personally had the Caviar Sunday (Wow) and the Bourbon, No Bourbon - (divine) - another reason Louisville is one of the best cities for food. The servers were also extremely attentive. Never had to wonder where they were and very pleasant.

    Raspberry plate
    Tiffany P.

    This place was awesome! We will definitely be back. The raspberry plate was delicious and you MUST get the affogato. The only reason it's not 5 stars is because the menu is slightly confusing.

    The honey and bee pollen was so savory and sweet.
    Ira G.

    This little Dessert Bar restaurant is a little discussed gem in the Frankfort Avenue area. I cannot recomment flexing your palate here. While you listen to great music, sip a cocktail or savor an eclectic scoop of house made ice cream... Retta's won't disappoint. We chose this location because it is open a shade later than other area shops and it is my new favorite. I can't wait to try more.

    Outside
    annette d.

    Incredible experience! Chef's passion and talent are on display at this creative spot. The ice cream flavors run the gamut from traditional to envelope-pushing ones like toasted hay or paw paw sorbet, but all executed wonderfully. The chef is patient with questions as well. We also had one of the plated desserts, bruleed corn with caramel, spicy peanuts, and popcorn. The restaurant is comfortable with a full bar and an incredible record selection as well. Highly recommended!

    Bar area
    Bethany T.

    Went here for a late night icecream run with my family. Service was excellent and everyone was so kind. Ice cream flavors were unique and not too heavy. I got raspberry with chocolate. There was also a chef serving gourmet food and a bar area. It all looked really good! Music was a bit louder than we were expecting but still had a great time. Street parking is close and easy but it's kind of hard to see from the road driving by.

    Chanterelle
    Gray S.

    This place definitely has a sophisticated take on everything they're doing. The service was nice and friendly but it seems like they're still adjusting since they opened not too long ago. The chanterelle dish was really yummy. Definitely the highlight. I didn't end up finishing my mai thai, the flavor profile was a bit off but the jungle bird was pretty good. The vibe inside though is very cool and I liked that they play vinyls.

    Dessert menu
    Edward S.

    Hot afternoon delight to find this place. Definitely adult dessert with some alcohol forward options. Really cool setting with darker classy settings. Ice Cream connoisseur creations !

    Emily W.

    We brought my ice cream-loving mom out to Retta's last night for her birthday. She wanted to try one scoop of each flavor instead of the traditional tasting menu. The staff was super accommodating to this request and we had so much fun trying all the things! Our server and the chef were so friendly and helpful; they took extra care to keep my sister with a mushroom allergy safe. I am excited to return and taste some of the plates; it was fun watching the chef work and everything served was so beautiful. The space is inviting, cozy, and makes for a great adult evening. I would not bring my kids. My only feedback is that it is slightly too loud. The music didn't feel too loud until someone tried to speak.. it was very hard to hear conversation for some reason. We also didn't particularly enjoy any of the cocktails we ordered. Overall Retta's is such a fun and unique concept, the people are friendly, and the food is beautiful. Definitely recommend!

    Chanterelle
    Youngone K.

    This spot is a treasure. As someone who travels extensively for food, I can say I haven't come across a similar concept, this degree of quality and artistry at this approachable, in the U.S. ever. I fear that Louisville is undeserving of a place at such creativity and caliber. It is my hope that locals can adequately appreciate and give patronage to the artistry that is Retta's. The value for the art, experience, and flavors here are incredibly accessible. Chef Ben was a delight to converse with when business was dying down before closing, despite I'm sure being tired. If possible, book the chef's table. His passion for flavor, balance, texture, contrast, and commitment to excellence is evident from watching his work and tasting the plates. Every element is scrutinized for quality and addition made with intention. He really honors the ingredient highlighted on the plates and does a superb job executing these dishes as a cohesive story with, of course, an evident protagonist. Uncommon ingredients are not name dropped on the menu to be performative unlike the common trend with higher end, "New American" concepts. Chanterelle: This is probably the most complex and delicate item on the menu. Avant-garde in nature with the unorthodox focus on chanterelles within dessert, this was a beautiful journey. Each individual component was made with immaculate technique and great precision in placement. The presentation was stunning and textural contrast was thoroughly enjoyed. From the sourcing of the ingredients to format presented, no part felt like filler fluff. Trying this was a great novelty. Honey: The canelé is beautiful but the tart crust is superb. Everything was incredibly well executed and is very easy to savor. It's a safe choice and truly a great one. I urge others to keep an eye on Retta's and its regularly changing offering of ice cream flavors and plates. What is happening here is truly culinary art.

    Potato

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    1 year ago

    I loved the blueberry vegan ice cream with fig on top. The server was really nice and helpful with recommendations too! Will be back!

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    1 year ago

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    11 months ago

    vibe was definitely there and the tasting menu was so much fun. definitely recommend using the suggested drink pairings!

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    Page 2 of 2

    Ask the Community - Retta’s

    Review Highlights - Retta’s

    I urge others to keep an eye on Retta's and its regularly changing offering of ice cream flavors and plates.

    Mentioned in 9 reviews

    Read more highlights

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    I really love the ambience of the space. The lighting is a little dark but it creates a really nice…read morevibe. The drink I ordered was so good! All of the bartenders were friendly and made us feel welcomed. They also have happy hour from 4-6pm Monday-Friday!

    I've been here twice now within the last few weeks. First on a Sunday right at open for a quick…read moredrink before heading over to the Liquor Lab and the second on a Saturday night for after dinner cocktails and both visits were a great time! The bartenders greeted us as soon as we walked in, were friendly, explained the menu in detail and were very knowledgeable. On my first visit I opted for the seasonal Espresso Martini (Summer Martini Menu) however I wasn't a huge fan, if your an Espresso Martini connoisseur then you know everyone has a different preference in how they are made. The type of Vodka, whether they use espresso or cold brew and the type of coffee liquor. This one was made with deep Eddie vodka, espresso and Broghetti Espresso Liquor. Now with that being said, I am very much looking forward to going back to try their new Worlds Best Espresso Martini that they have collaborated with Heine Brothers coffee to create as it is a different recipe. On the second visit it was busy and the place was buzzing. They have a very unique cocktail menu and they also have extremely rare, old and almost one of a kind liquors you can get a pour of; one bottle dates back to the 30's I believe. When you walk in and are facing the bar, they are all displayed on the right hand side. My Husband tried the Smoked and Soured Four You (Michter's Bourbon | Lemon | Sugar | Smoke) which is a drink with a show! I tried a clarified cocktail ... the Espresso Spice & Everything Nice (Espresso Infused Vodka Clarified | Gingerbread Spice | Latte Foam) which was different but really good!!

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    Are we talking "On Heavens Gate!"…read more Yes, Bob Dylan, that inspirational author, songwriter, wordsmith, and artist has a Bourbon. Now they were looking for where to build his so called place to breathe life into it. That "it," place. It's not in Nashville, it's here in small little Louisville. What better place than an old church? Bourbon and Church! Amen! All are welcome! Now they don't make it here this is where they come to pour it and enjoy the flavors of it. Is life about the ride? How about dinner and some Heavens Bourbon made and inspired by Bob Dylan in a church. It's a must! Now this is a small venue and off the beaten track of life. What drew me? A large image of Bob Dylan on a building, mural style seemed out of place. Come to find out explore more and salut to a better version of heaven in this world of art, music, and words that have never been better than now. This is not just a church but the grounds house an art deco museum to his work. It's true dedication to the man of Bob Dylan. A Tennessee whiskey, distilled in Pleasureville, Ky. This the final stop here at the Last Refuge to celebrate his legacy and better aged bourbon among us.

    This place came highly recommended for a restaurant to visit when in Louisville so it was our first…read morestop! Turning an old church into a bar/restaurant always makes for a unique environment. I loved walking through the rooms and seeing all the vintage details and stained glass. The Whiskey room has quite the shock factor with floor to ceiling bottles lining the walls. No complaints to be made about the service! It felt quick and smooth! The signature cocktails we ordered were very good (not pictured)! My only disappointment was the limited menu. The menu seemed to be mostly appetizers and pizza with some additional options for entrees. We ordered the Holy Fire Dip for a starter and it was delicious! It was warm and had great flavor. The waitress did need to bring more bread, the dipping options felt sparse. My husband and I split The Burnt Offering Pizza and Sanctuary Sliders, they were both solid. We both favored the pizza but would have liked more variety. I can see why this place comes highly recommended for the experience. I would definitely come back but hope they expand the menu by then!

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