502 Lunch Week Means Swanky Eats for Cheap

There are over 2,500 restaurants in Louisville and if you're on a mission to eat through that list (like me), there's no better time to start than this week.  From September 8 - 19, 15 local restaurants are offering 2 course meals with a drink for only $10 or $15, depending on the restaurant.  There are some very expensive restaurants on the list, so take advantage of this opportunity to try something new without breaking your wallet.

Curry chicken is my favorite from Atlantic No. 5

The menu for 502 Lunch Week at these restaurants is smaller than their regular selection, but you're still getting a great deal.  Trust me, I did a little price comparison :)  You'll see me at Louise Le Francais and Brasserie Provene this week trying out some French fare.  I usually write about events after I've experienced it but I want to share this before it's over!

I've done my homework for you. Here's a list of the participating restaurants, cost, ratings (on Yelp) and offerings to help you decide where to go.  Happy eating!

• Atlantic No. 5 $$ | **** | $10: any sandwich (4 choices), side, ginger soda
• Bistro 301 $$ | ***1/2 | $15: soup or salad, entree, drink
• Brasserie Provence, $$$ | **** | $15: entree, dessert and drink
• Down One Bourbon Bar and Restaurant, $$ | **** | $10: entree, side and drink
• Drake's, $$ | *** | $15: entree, sushi and drink
• Gatsby's on Fourth, $$ | *** | $15: 2 courses and drink
• Louise le Francais, $$$ | ****1/2 | $15: 2 courses coffee or tea
• Mark's Feed Store, $$ | **** | $10: entree, dessert, and drink
• Molly Malone's, $$ | ***1/2 | $15: 2 courses and drink (St. Matthews); salad, sandwich and drink (Highlands)
• Napa River Grill, $$ | ***1/2 | $10: 2 courses and drink
• St. Charles Exchange, $$$ | **** | $15: appetizer, entree and drink
• Sway, $$ | ***1/2 - $15 | 2 courses and drink
• Troll Pub Under the Bridge - $10 | starter, entree and drink
• Tumbleweed at the Big Four Bridge, $$ | ** | $10: chile con queso, entree and drink
• Wild Rita's, $$ | **** | $10: 2 tacos, Mexican Brownie and drink

*2 courses: choice of 1 item from 2 categories (appetizer, entree or dessert)

My recommendations? Brasserie and Provence if you've never had french food (they also have great ratings).  For a swanky atmosphere, St. Charles Exchange reminds one of a speakeasy, Gatsby (Seelbach) and Sway (Hyatt Regency) are part of very nice hotels.  I also heard Wild Rita's and Down One Bourbon are very good!

Bonus: If you end up liking Louise Le Francais, there is a Groupon going on now, you pay $29 for a $50 Groupon to spend on dinner.