The food and service at Eiderdown is top notch. We took our two children and enjoyed everything. For appetizers the duck fat popcorn and beer cheese were amazing. The main dish of spaetzle and the brat dish were outstanding. Finally we had 3 desserts, try the garlic ice cream, bread pudding and basil cake! They do not disappoint. 5 stars!!! This restaurant would fit in perfectly in our home town of Chicago! Thanks for making our Louisville stay over even better!
(5)
Andrew A.
Was back in Louisville in October and took colleagues to Eiderdown based on my first visit a year prior. Had the burger I'd been craving all year and this time it was just, "meh." Everything seemed a bit off--service, timing, and food quality. Maybe it was just a busy night?
(4)
Billy B.
Went with my wife a few weeks ago for dinner. I had an Ale-8 infused Viking Sausage... something. It was super tasty, and accompanied by a potato salad-esque item full of interesting complicated flavors. I really liked it. My wife got the pork sandwich and was very happy with it. We ordered a duck popcorn, which was something new and fun for us both. Dessert was Pots du Chocolat, which we both enjoyed. The service was exactly what you hope for, and the place was casual enough that you could relax; we're not big beer drinkers so I can't comment on the beer selection. All the recommendations I've received from friends had this component, so I apologize that I can't help in that regard.
(5)
Michael M.
I know people love this place but to me it gets a lot of stuff wrong. I find the food good but not great, the service is slow both times I've gone and if your not drinking they pay almost no attention to you, even when they know I'm the guy at the table who is paying. It's good but just not good enough for me to rave about. Some of the food is, well just ordinary and I expect mroe from a place with this kind of reputation. I was in here this week and left wondering if I could find a good burger nearby. When you go to a place like this you expect to not leave hungery or disapointed.
(3)
Carl F.
Visited Eiderdown again this past weekend.....Still a 5-star dinning experience for us. Now with the addition of licquor (last visit they only served a GREAT selection of beer) even more of a reason to frequent Eiderdown. The flounder was excellent as was the unique appetizer; Escargot and potatoes in a pastry shell. Cudos to the chef and the entire staff at Eiderdown!
(5)
Bethany Z.
This is my third time eating here and every time has been outstanding! The atmosphere is really hipster lots of exposed brick and drift wood tables. They have tons of amazing beers at that bar. Try those first. The duck fat popcorn and the goat cheese crepes are amazing! Then I had the Sunday sit down for the main course . The chicken, greens and grits felt just like soul food. We finished off with some kind of chocolate creme thing that came with two peanut butter cookies that made me want to sing God Bless America! You e got to give this place a try!
(5)
Marne W.
This is the best place we ate in Louisville on our recent trip. We started with the duck fat popcorn, which to be honest, tasted just like regular popcorn to us, but as a relatively inexpensive appetizer it was fine. I had the Sunday sitdown, (appropriate because it really was Sunday), and it was so good. I love greens when they're done right and hate them when they aren't, and the collards on my plate were amazing. The cheese grits were also great. I'm not sure what was in them, but it tasted kind of like cream cheese-- very rich. The roasted chicken was also just right. My husband had Navin's crazy rhythm, and he loved the jerk seasoning on the ribs, as well as the potato pancakes. The only thing he was surprised by was the cabbage slaw, which was different than regular coleslaw, but he ate it, so it must have been ok. For dessert, I had the creme brulee, which had an amazingly smooth texture, and my husband had the chocolate pot de creme, which comes in a coffee cup. It was extremely rich and he couldn't eat it all, but I helped him out. ;) We would definitely come back here if we ever visit Louisville again.
(4)
B A.
Great spot...can't believe I hadn't tried this place before. Tried the beer cheese and it was delicious and then I had the burger...I know not very German but I don't eat pork so the menu was a little limited for me but our server was very nice (because even the burger was cooked with bacon mixed in but he had them make me one without) I was a little bit of a problem customer with the no bacon and a beer novice but our server was great he helped me out and was able to have a wonderful dinner. The burger was Cooke well it was juicy and delicious and the beer recommendation was great. All in all the food was great and service was wonderful so if you want to check out a great spot in Germantown head give it a shot...I will definitely be back
(4)
Cathy B.
The food and the service were good. It is and older building with lots of charm but with a very small parking lot.
(4)
Kirsten L.
Nice old style decor. Watch where you sit; the floor is uneven. We were patrons #5 & #6 at 5:00. When we left an hour later, we were patrons #5 & #6. I had a vegetarian dish with a carrot sauce. It was good. Mike had the burger & fries. The burger came with only cheese. Tomato & lettuce were $1 extra. Someone reviewed it as "the best d*#n burger they have ever had". That person needs to get out more. Mike's review is "it was like a hockey puck." I ordered a flight of 4 beers. Three out of the 4 tasted like they had vinegar in them. I found that very unusual & disappointing. This is not a place we will return to.
(2)
Pamela K.
Loved this place! Service was outstanding, beer was great and the food...oh my! They change up their menu seasonably. Loved the warm decor. Bar top is made from old floor boards from a downtown tobacco warehouse. Despite the casual feel to the place (okay, not totally, there were chandeliers), menu items were top notch gourmet! I originally checked not kid friendly, but noticed the coloring books for passing out in my way out. My bad! There were none there during our visit. We went for lunch/ brunch (okay, technically dinner to because I can't imagine eating anything today), but would love to go for dinner as well. We will definitely return!
(5)
Jenny S.
I've had great experiences dining at Eiderdown over the past few years - but this review is for a private party my (now) husband and I hosted in their side room in mid-June 2015. We were looking for a casual but nice restaurant with a good, friendly and comfortable atmosphere to host our after-wedding ceremony-dinner with our parents and siblings. (Party total - 19, including three children.) We wanted to be responsible with costs and didn't think our families would enjoy fancy or "fussy" - but knew we wanted something that still felt like us. We didn't need wine pairings or bourbon tastings. No fancy linens either. We wanted good vibes, good food, and we needed a place that would allow kids. After considering a few other venues, I spoke with Heather (Eiderdown's owner) and she was AWESOME. Super flexible, accommodating and responsive... She worked with us on price-per-person and we selected a four-course menu to fit our party. (Our menu consisted of shared apps, family-style salad, choice of six entrees, and choice of dessert. Kids' meals were also provided for a smaller fee.) There was no venue fee. No minimum fee. Heather allowed us to come in and decorate the space a few days in advance and she re-arranged the room to accommodate our group. She provided votives/candles and she had no issue with us bringing a small wedding cake to cut/serve on the side. (My mother insisted on that for tradition-sake.) All in all - incredibly happy with our decision to host our wedding-night dinner at Eiderdown. The service was great. The space was pleasant and the perfect size. Heather and her team went above and beyond and I (we) thank the Eiderdown crew for helping us celebrate that night.
(5)
Sarah C.
I have dined at Eiderdown many a time, but never like tonight. We hosted our dinner club here for this month and it was perfect. First of all, we had the private room to the side of the dining room and it was well decorated and the ambience (with candles and such) was so intimate feeling. We arrived slowly, in groups, on this wednesday after work...but our server was so patient with us and understanding of our arrival times and our needs as guests. There were about 17 of us in all, not the easiest table. The drinks were fast to come to the table and our server(s) were helpful in timing our orders correctly as well. I ordered some wine and also split the beer cheese of the day, but subbed the fries for the bread. Excellent choice, as always! For my dinner I decided on the Henry Althaus salad (bacon lardons on the side). This is one of my favorite salads in town because the egg is always poached so perfectly and the parmesan cheese is always such a delight and makes the salad. All in all, the whole package of this place is definitely worth your time and money. Also, this place was one of the first cool places in Germantown. I love Eiderdown for taking such good care of our group and serving us premium food and drinks. Get yourself out to Eiderdown if you haven't done so already.
(4)
Lauren B.
Eiderdown is easily one of our favorite restaurants in Louisville and we find ourselves visiting when we want to treat our selves. The beer cheese is delicious and the item we always order. My husband loves the spaetzel and it's his go too order, where as I'm usually trying some thing new each time. So far the chicken has been one of my favorites and any time they have duck on the menu I'm in. Service is wonderful and friendly.
(5)
Christopher S.
I have been wanting to try Eiderdown ever since moving to Louisville (I've been here almost 4 months), and my opportunity finally came. Delicious! The alcohol list is extensive, and I was having a hard time deciding on a beer. Our waiter asked what my preference is (dark), so he brought out tastings of a stout and a porter (free of charge). Very nice to be able to try before ordering. Choosing my entree took even longer as every option looks great. I decided on the Skillet Pie. Their menu describes it as roasted brussels sprouts, potato, Dijon-lager cream, and carrot mousse. Think of a thick, creamy brussels sprout soup served in a cast iron skillet. Very, very good. It would be hard not to order it again, but I have many other dishes to try. The skillet stayed very hot the entire meal (I ate slowly), so be careful shoveling it in. We also had the duck fat popcorn which is impossible to stop eating. I wouldn't know it was popped in duck fat without being told, but one can immediately tell there is something special about it as opposed to popcorn popped in butter. I can't wait to try more Eiderdown soon!
(5)
Luyang L.
This is a hidden gem in Germantown. Good food, nice staff and relaxing environment. Parking can be difficult on the Goss street but you can park in the back streets.
(5)
Jason S.
To start, traveling from out of town and arrived at EiderDown late and they welcomed us to stay and order dinner. They have an outstanding beer selection, seasonal menu and just a really eclectic place. The atmosphere is really laid back and the decor is a mix of rustic and contemporary. The food is outstanding and the staff is great - just check it out. You won't be disappointed.
(5)
Chris W.
I absolutely LOVE this place. We "accidentally" found this place. We will be back quite a bit before we leave Louisville.
(5)
Laura C.
Our favorite way to eat with friends is to go and order a lot of appetizers, then do our best to make it through our entrees. I am not very familiar with German food, so was excited to eat at Eiderdown. There is a full bar, but we did order from the extensive beer list. We ordered a salad of spinach and pears (yum), the beer cheese, the pretzels, the pork belly, and the popcorn. The mustards that come with the pretzels for dipping are great! I liked the one that had a heavy dose of horseradish. The beer cheese was way better than others I have had. The popcorn is undeniably good. I had the spaetzle, my first. So good. Warm and comforting and savory with an edge of sweet. My dining companions got the wurst and the burger. We shared a side of the apple yogurt salad (I highly recommend it), a side of collards (so so good), and a side of fries. We took all the leftovers home because we are opposed to waste. Service was quick and friendly.
(4)
Trevor W.
We both had a day off on a Friday so we slept late and finally got out and about for a late lunch. We were in the neighborhood so decided to hit Eiderdown at about 2PM. The place was empty and had one waitress. We picked a table in the sun to be warm and ordered the special of the day (steak and eggs) and their version of a pork sandwich. I always enjoy the selection of beers here and today was no exception. I got a Page 24 which is a burgundy barrel aged brune. Yummy! The food was great. Not the biggest portions (which for us is perfect as we are not big eaters and rather enjoy style and flavor over portion sizes) and prices were a little higher than I remember them being but not out of line with other restaurants. We got the pork belly app. Nice flavor and if I had to be picky it could have used a little more sear for a crisper and more caramelized piece of belly bit still good! The accompanying artichokes (I love artichokes) were under done and to hard. We could not get a fork or knife into them. My pork sandwich was good with nice flavor but a little soggy. Her steak and eggs were prepared well. We both felt maybe some flavors could have stronger on the plate but overall a solid meal. I think maybe all the great things I have heard about Eidertown maybe built my expectations too high so I want to give 4 stars but just can't today. Maybe next time...
(3)
Amanda C.
Last night was my 2nd time dining at Eiderdown. Both times I have been in the private dining room, and the service has been excellent. They manage big parties very well. I had the beer cheese for an appetizer - always a great choice. I prefer to sub out the bread for French fries. For my entree I kept it simple with the Nachburger, and holy yum. It was delicious. They use Kenny's cheese (a local distributor) and the meat is excellent. For my side I had the greens. I am not usually a fan of greens, but these were pretty tasty. All the entrees ordered looked excellent and there were no complaints to be heard! Great service and great food - what more could you ask for at a dinner party?
(5)
Bernadette A.
My friend and I went here for our first time the other day. Its a really cute, hipster, restaurant in germantown. We were immediately seated, albeit a Tuesday night. This place had your average run of the mill waiter service - not too pushy but not too forgetful. Now time for the food.... 1) popcorn cooked in duck fat is AMAZING. This is the best popcorn I have had in my life...and that is not an exaggeration...I actually eat popcorn almost every other day. I might just order my daily serving of popcorn from this place every day. 2)Moonridge Mine- This dish is mussels, gnocchi, and cabbage. It was a whopping $17 and was not that great. The mussels were cooked nice, but did not have much flavor. As for the gnocchi...it was like wait, what gnocchi? There were literally 3 pieces on my plate. But there was a good amount of mussels. 3) Place in the Cloud- this dish is their duck confit with pumpkin risotto. This dish was a solid 5/5. The duck was cooked perfectly and the risotto was out of this world! I would definately suggest ordering this dish if you decide to visit Eiderdown!
(3)
Hannah E.
Delicious delicious delicious! The Sunday sit down is one of my favorite meals of all time. Nothing too out there, just chicken, greens, and grits done perfectly. Also, the beer cheese is out of this world. Just.... Go and eat.
(5)
Leigh W.
I'm always looking for an excuse to go to Eiderdown. If a friend or business associate wants to meet for lunch, "let's go to Eiderdown," I recommend. If a friend from out of town comes for a visit, again I lean to Germantown's best dining option. Though I don't drink alcohol, my favorite appetizer makes a fine complement to the beer they serve - beer cheese with pretzel sticks. It's never the same, so order it every time and be prepared for a surprise. On my most recent visit, I opted for the special salad of the day - asparagus. I'm not sure why, but I was expecting it to be served warm. Though it came chilled, it was still tasty. Lisa's Lucid Dreaming is one of the best vegetarian dishes I've ever eaten. I highly recommend it. And, because no meal is complete without dessert, check out the pot de creme and bread pudding.
(5)
Emily H.
I went to Eiderdown. I ate. I loved. I finally got to try out this Germantown hotspot, and as you can tell, I wasn't disappointed. My friend and I started our meal with the duck fat popcorn because, with something like that on the menu, how can you skip it? And surprisingly, I found the popcorn to be very light. The duck fat was subtle. You could tell there was something special added, but the popcorn wasn't coated in it. We also tried the beer cheese since we had a coupon from Edible Louisville's Locavore's Resource Guide and Coupon Book. It was similarly good, but I think with so many other wonderful things to try, this was overshadowed. So onto the main dish. I had to get the spaetzle. It's my fave German dish. Now this spaetzle was different than what you would find in a traditional German establishment. It had the typical egg noodles but also butternut squash, walnuts and goat cheese. The goat cheese really made it. I chose to get my spaetzle without the additional sausage, but next time I'm definitely going to add this in. We were both so full and satisfied after our entrees, but we had to go for dessert. We just had to. And we chose to split a pound cake that also had goat cheese on it along with a berry sauce. I know what you're thinking -- goat cheese on a dessert? But it worked. It made for a savory dessert that was a great ending to our meal. Eiderdown's beer selection was also a plus, and the ambiance was cozy. The final bill was a bit steep, but it was definitely worth it. I hope that Eiderdown becomes a regular splurge for me.
(5)
Babak A.
The restuarant's setting was nice and the menu looked like interesting combinations, but the service was HORRIBLE and the waiters very rude. I MIGHT buy food from them again takeout but I don't think I'll ever dine with them again, despite the fact that I liked the place
(1)
Orlando G.
My wife and I tried this place recently. The ambience was really unique and cool. We ordered the fries and the beer cheese, and that was a rather large portion, and very tasty. Our main courses, the mayor of milk street and the Pepperdine U. were VERY small portions and VERY big price. $25 and $26 respectively. My wife's lamb dish had literally 3 slices of lamb meat. My steak was 6 tiny little ounces. I get that it's local, and grass-fed, but still seems excessive. The dishes were tasty, though. They also have a huge craft beer selection.
(3)
Zachary H.
Cliffs: The portions are super tiny and the prices lofty. The food, service, ambiance and all that is pretty good. I feel a bit odd giving this place three stars since nothing was wrong with it. The food was good, not really German which is fine and not the greatest thing ever but still tasty. I got the duck confit which was on top of some sort of risotto and has a bit of cauliflower on the side. They also have some good beer choices. The ambiance is intimate and service friendly. A good date spot I'd imagine. My only real problem is the portions are super tiny. I could have easily eaten 2 if not 3 of my duck confit entrees without being full. I ended up getting dessert and as soon as I got home snacked some more. I'm not that big of a fella! For being so expensive I expected a bit more.
(3)
Michael R.
Food and service are always very good and it appears that there is now outdoor seating
(5)
Brad D.
Consistently awesome alt German food, service and beer selection. Always friendly and warm, so glad to have this standout restaurant so near to where I live. They use local ingredients, and come up with some very unique and tasty dishes. They are consistently good, which is why they are always on my short list of where to head out to for dinner.
Eiderdown is our consistent go to for great beer, great beer cheese and usually awesome other food. Great service and great atmosphere. Always a 5 star experience for me, but my friends order the steak and it always seems to disappoint. I had it once and it was pretty dang good. Eat the gnadinger pork. And get dessert.
(4)
Eliza R.
This is one of my favorite nicer restaurants in Louisville. A lovely little place with a rustic, calm atmosphere, extensive beer list, and delicious German food. I got a lil bonus on my paycheck, so I decided to go all out. I a beer cheese appetizer and Viking Wurst, which came with bratwurts and sauerkraut - it made me feel like I was a warrior queen, feasting. Not to mention the several delicious craft beers I had! Next time I'm in L'ville, I'm definitely coming here again.
(4)
Alex D.
It was a great experience, Everything was perfectly seasoned and there was nothing wrong with any dish that was ordered. Little suggestion: If you get the beer cheese for starter, substitute the bread with fries. So good! Deserts were pretty good and they a good selection of wine,beers and spirits. Very good service and friendly atmosphere.
(4)
Donald L.
Folks, I'm not sure what to say. I see that the place gets high marks and it was one of the reasons we decided to go but unless they were just having an off night, it isn't so great. First we ordered the pretzel as an app. What we received however wasn't a pretzel. It didn't have a firm brown exterior,. it was a white sweet roll with salt on it. The choice of mustards were fine but they were all the same color and had the consistency of hummus. Based on the pretzel I dialed down my expectations and ordered a sandwich. The pork sandwich. The pork had the consistency of pate and was again, sweet served on the same sweet roll with salt. I couldn't eat it. Really, it just wasn't good to me and I won't be back. Not sure it I caught them on an off night or if I just don't prefer that type of food.
(2)
Kyle S.
Hunkered down in Germantown, you could easily drive past the front of the building if you aren't careful. Going in, though, you're rewarded with an clean, earthy feel in the materials and atmosphere. The rough-hewn table tops, dart boards, and long bar all seem heavy and as though they grew out up from the ground beneath to establish themselves in place. The food was excellent. We started off with the beer cheese and loved it. It was hot and flavorful and a perfect compliment to the cold weather outside. The beer selection wasn't mind blowing, but they do have a decent selection that is more than your standard macro breweries and each is accompanied by capable descriptions of what to expect. We tried two dishes, the root down (mussles) and the spatzel. I was happy with the mussels, though I did make the mistake of going Belgian and getting it with fries which weren't very exciting. The spatzel, however, had a much more complex flavor and the goat cheese knocked it out of the park. The service was polite, helpful and attentitive. Can't really ask for much more. Eiderdown isn't exactly German food, but it is definitely good food!
(4)
Christina C.
Despite the 3 stars I do recommend this restaurant. Great atmosphere and good beer, cocktail, and wine selection. The nachburger was delicious! The infusion of bacon made it juicy and flavorful! The vegetarian option custard pie was surprising delicious, interesting, and filling. Warm potato salad was delicious and definitely something I will crave! Mushroom bisque was flavorful but the texture was off. The kids meal of spatzle came out deep fried with a thick salty bar cheese sauce. Recommend that this preparation be indicated on the menu or completely changed. There is so much love and thought in the rest of the menu that it's disappointing that the kids spatzle didn't get the same attention. The spatzle on its own is perfect! The service was good but not exceptional. We arrived shortly after they opened. We almost felt like we were intruding. Once more staff and guests started arriving it was better.
Is it just me or does Louisville have the food scene down to a tee? Eiderdown has a great atmosphere, fresh food and amazing vibe. The rhubarb salad and Sunday sitdown dinner was exactly what I had hoped for: fresh, perfectly seasoned and true to form at home cooking. I never eat desert but treated myself to the homemade vanilla ice cream. DO NOT LEAVE THIS RESTAURANT WITHOUT TRYING THE ICE CREAM! The best ice cream I've ever tried. Mind-blowing!
(5)
Aaron B.
Good and unique food, great service, Very friendly staff, will go there again if on the area
(5)
Mark P.
Duck fat popcorn and beer cheese appetizers are ah-mazing! Outstanding beer selection. Lamb shoulder prepared to perfection. Great meal in a really upbeat hipster vibe. Luckily for me, I was wearing a plaid shirt!
(5)
Lance L.
Eiderdown has become one of my favorites in Louisville. Great staff, great ambiance, and especially great food & drink. We have ordered nearly half the menu and have not been disappointed. Additionally, we enjoyed the $40 four course meal (tues-thurs) with beer pairings with some friends. Accessible price and the taste and variety was amazing. Great date spot.
(5)
Chad P.
Quickly becoming one of my favorite dives in the city. This is my first official review, but I've been 5-6 times and have never been disappointed. They consistently deliver on a top notch atmosphere, service, and food quality each time. Oh yeah, and the robust and ever changing beer selection keeps me trying new things and happy. If you've never been...give this place a whirl. It's a jewel in the ever changing social and culinary scene in Germantown. Food reecos: It sounds simple...but they have one of the best burgers in the city. Test me on this. The hand cut fries are on point as well. Sometimes simple is just the way to go. Start here and then scale up on future visits. If you just want a snack and few beers - get the duck-fat popcorn or beer cheese and pair it with your favorite IPA or Lager.
(4)
Steve A.
Pretzel bread hot and fresh is best in town. Food was great and the service fantastic. Nachburger was perfectly cooked and moist. Went very well with the Victory Golden Monkey beer. Warm potato salad is to die for. The place has a cool but laid back style. Great place for a weeknight meal.
(4)
Mimi H.
Came to dinner on a Friday night after checking out reviews on yelp. The beer cheese to me I thought was good, but my date thought otherwise. Not as big of a hype as the other reviewers about the beer cheese. I had the mussels and they were delicious, had a bit of a Thai spin to it. It came out kinda cold though, but the server was very kind to take it back and fix it. My date had the mayor of milk street. The steak to me was cooked perfectly, but he thought the steak was just average for the price range. We has the coffee ice cream - rich, smooth and tasty! Service was decent but not anything to write home about.
(4)
Mary Y.
I love this place - it's a regular stop for me and my friends. Always inventive, they change their menu seasonally while keeping favorites like the delicious Nach Burger a constant. Great atmosphere, fantastic food and drink and super-nice staff. One of my top picks for a meal out.
(5)
Aaron S.
Eiderdown has a great atmosphere and plenty of beers to help that if you don't agree. Rustic American style with hints of German influence. Their burger is legit and consistent every time I order it. The menu changes so there is always a new option, which is a plus for returning patrons.
(3)
Joshua R.
Beyond fantastic. Not the lightest cuisine but classic German with a southern twist. Chef's French influence comes through in spades. And perhaps the best curated beer on tap list in Louisville,
(5)
Amy K.
We were in town visiting and I like to eat well on vacation. This place more than hit the spot. I had the pork loin with a broccoli puree and kartoffelpuffer and I wanted to lick my plate when I was done. The boyfriend had the spaetzle which was really good. The wait staff was friendly and attentive, I would definitely recommend trying this place.
(4)
Annie S.
WOW! Everything was awesome. Duck Fat Popcorn, Crepes Jean Girard, Spaetzle & Gnadinger Pork all A+++ Go for a date or go with a group, the private room is a perfect entertaining space.
(5)
Jeffrey B.
Cool pub atmosphere with an upscale menu. Their chef does an amazing job with locally grown food. Beer cheese is awesome. Nachburger is wow! My 14 year old daughter says " this place has chill vibes"
(5)
Kevin O.
Eiderdown is a fantastic little place nestled in Germantown. It's a good place to dress up and try something new. Now, be forewarned, I would not call it German food. More appropriately, I think, it should be considered German inspired food. That isn't to say it isn't tasty. I thouroughly enjoyed the meal and they were able to accommodate a large (14-16) group of us. Given the size, the waitstaff did a great job. It's probably on the low end of high price, if that makes sense at all. I'd recommend giving it a try. For real German cuisine I go elsewhere, but Eiderdown is still a great place.
(4)
Reta W.
4 stars for ambiance, service, price point, and deliciousness. I've eaten here several times and have never been disappointed. Beer selection is good and I can't get enough of the potato salad and greens! The Nachburger is a favorite.
(4)
Aaron S.
Fantastic service, great food, and awesome atmosphere. Have only been once but definitely going back.
(4)
Leslie L.
This is a tough one. What Eiderdown is: a nice neighborhood spot with a good vibe, good sevice, and good concepts. If I lived in the neighborhood, I could see it being a regular hangout. What it is not: one of the top 18 places in the city you must eat. First, we are not beer drinkers, so I can't comment on that. The wine selection is fairly priced. As for starters, we had the duck popcorn and beer cheese plate. The popcorn is ridiculous. I'm glad I can't make this every day at home (or just won't). The beer cheese? I love Blue Dog breads, I love beer cheese, but this was kind of bland. Our whole party agreed. I was bummed, because the reviews had me ready to dive into it. As to dinner, it has the potential to be great, with some tweaks. The burger and fries were hands down the best thing we ordered. The roasted chicken and grits were pretty tasty. I ordered the spaetzle. This could be amazing, but it's on the dry side. I stole some of the broth/ gravy from the chicken dish, which helped A LOT. Ask for a small bowl on the side. We didn't try dessert, but the selections sounded good. Bottom line, I would try it again, but with so many great restaurants in Louisville, it won't be all that soon.
(4)
Kathy V.
This place got better the second time around. The beer cheese is still superb. I finally got to try the duck fat popcorn, and I tell you, I would take home a trunk full of that if I could. So good. The bread on the sandwich I got this time (the Kentucky Ham something or other...the one with the egg) was a little tougher that I would like, but other than that my food was delicious. I brought my family here and treated my parents to lunch for their anniversary. The burgers the others got were juicy and delicious. All in all, a good time, GREAT food, happy tummies all around!
(5)
Nicole K.
Amazing meal tonight at Eiderdown! New summer menu was spot on and they now have liquor in addition to their always great beer and wine list. Try the wurst (house made sausage) with pierogi!
(5)
Dan D.
Went there for the first time this evening and it was probably one of the best meals I've had out in a long time. Love the atmosphere and the service was tremendous. We had to try the beer cheese, but also got the oyster appetizer. Took most of the beer cheese home (delicious) and the oysters were perfect with the relish. I had the Mayor of Milktown which was cooked perfectly and my wife had the mussels which were also wonderful. I highly recommend this little Germantown jewell.
(5)
Michelle K.
Atmosphere, service & food was the best. Was a little worried about my order since it was venison but it was totally worth the risk. Loved it & would suggest it to any Osso Buco fan. The This Way and That (duck dish) was another new and excellent choice for our table. Last, no one can ever go wrong with the Nach Burger. Beer choices & wine were the perfect compliments to our food choices with the help of our waitress to our meal. Will be back to try more Eiderdown creations by Chef Brian Morgan.
(5)
Kelly Y.
I just went for a late lunch at Eiderdown with the hubby. I am already planning my next visit there. The atmosphere/ambience is perfect. I love the casual, warm yet modern dining room. The little vase of fresh flowers is a special touch I really appreciate. Besides the large selection of special beers, they also have Lindeman's raspberry lambic! It is about the only "beer" I enjoy. With that, we shared an order of pretzel sticks. Mmmmmm, those were so soft, warm and fresh. For my entree, I got the C.T.G. Not sure what each letter stands for, but to me it is like a southern version of the poutine: fried chicken livers on a bed of sweet potato fries and smothered with giblet gravy. So wrong, yet so good! Though I did feel the gravy needed a bit more salt. p.s. They also have a party room that seats what looks like 10-15 people. It would be a great venue for an intimate get-together for friends and family.
(4)
Jules Wolfers D.
I was invited for a friend's birthday party- and to be frank with you, I'm glad I came! The hipster ambiance sure echoes my character and so I right away felt at home! I tried the Dear Prudence (with venison) and O-m-g... very delishy!!! High recommended!
(5)
Jessica B.
Even I can't resist throwing on my dark rimmed glasses, rolling up my jeans and heading to Germantown for this restaurant gem in Hipster paradise. The fact that a restaurant even exists in Germantown where you're not sitting on top of each other is worth 3 out of 5 stars. During my most recent visit, my friends and I arrived around 8 PM on a Saturday with a group of 12+ people for a birthday dinner. We were quickly seated and our waitress was more than patient as she waited for us to peruse the quiet extensive beer menu. As far as food goes, many of us opted for the burger and fries, but I did get a chance to try the Spaetzle (something i'd never even heard of before) and it was delish! What I can't seem to get enough of, however, is the beer cheese! Seriously, i'm salivating just writing this review. If you're looking for something a little different with a great beer selection you really can't go wrong!
(5)
Ellie B.
Eiderdown is a really cute place with friendly service. I loved my meal. Their crepes are listed as an appetizer, but I had them as part of my meal and scraped the plate clean. The beer cheese is good, too. My friends enjoyed the duck fat popcorn. For dessert I tried the fried cherry pies with orange blossom honey. You get three little pies and they were soooo good. Another plate I scraped clean.
(4)
Paige H.
i've been back to eiderdown a multitude of times since my original review last year (6/25/13), it doesn't hurt that i live only 7 houses away. i went last night with two girlfriends and let me tell you 8 pm on a wednesday is the perfect time to go if you can't handle the noise, which this place unfortunately suffers from when all tables are filled and everyone is trying to be heard and all the voices are bouncing off the exposed brick walls! so, wednesday evening is perfect if you want to be kind to your ears. service has gotten so much better too; the once surly staff has warmed up significantly. our meal started with warm beer cheese and crunchy/chewy blue dog bread. i made sure the leftovers came home with me. one friend had the "mad about saffron" mussels and would've tipped the bowl to get every last drop of saffron broth had no one else been around. my other friend, who is vegetarian, ordered the "hoppin' john" which was a beautifully composed plate with many layers of flavor and texture. she was quite pleased. i came in planning on ordering the nachburger but after reading the description of the "freaknik" sandwich i was sold. this is a most inventive and ridiculously flavorful take on a grilled ham and cheese. the freaknik is this; broadbent country ham and mozzarella, bacon (yes BACON!), baby spinach and peach sorghum grilled between three slices of blue dog levain bread. the outside was sticky from the peach sorghum and i would have loved a wetnap but i was undeterred. this sandwich is the best sandwich i have ever eaten. seriously.
(4)
Brittney H.
I find that I tend to boycott reviews of places I don't love. That's not fair to me nor to the Yelp community. Eiderdown is probably my biggest disappointment of all. I love the atmosphere of this place. The selection for beer on tap is quite extensive. The location is within walking distance. But the food is forever a let-down. It is the main reason why I never suggest this place. There are other restaurants in the area I'd rather frequent over this one, ten times outta ten. Sorry Eiderdown, you had such potential.
(2)
Quyet L.
This place has a bucolic feel that leaves you at ease. The service was great. I must say I was quite surprised that the food was so good. It looked simple but exceptional. I had the burger and it could have been the best I've had in Louisville, and I've had my share. Impressed. Will be back.
(5)
Karla W.
We (me, husband, son, co-worker, etc.) love Eiderdown! The duck fat popcorn is a great twist on an old favorite. Love the wine selection - big Riesling fanatic! The Sunday Sitdown is divine! I've gotten it multiple times and enjoyed every bite. Not sure what reviewers with lower rating ate, but I respect their opinion. Sorry you had a bad experience, but that's not been the case any time I've gone. It's a cool atmosphere too. We've taken our toddler there even though it's not an extremely family place, so we try to go for an early dinner time. They have an inexpensive kids menu, and we liked the fried spaetzle and fruit. The chocolate pot de creme is thick, rich, and I love every bite. It will make all your troubles disappear! We like that the menu has some staples and some items that change so you can try something new. The Ale-8-one mustrad was so tasty!
(5)
Joe T.
Get the burger, eat it and love it. They grind bacon into the meat, and it's spectacular. I ordered medium and it came out medium. Great price at 11$ (with fries).
(5)
Peter P.
I had heard that this was a nice place to eat but the six of us were disappointed by the menu choices and the food.
(3)
Shana K.
From the outside Eiderdown looks like an unassuming neighborhood bar. If I hadn't been taken there by a friend I might have passed it up and gone on to another more noticeable establishment. However, Eiderdown, like any good book, cannot be judged by its cover. The interior is warm and inviting, filled with large dark wooden furniture. And, the menu is delicious. My friend and I sampled their beer cheese which was smooth and creamy with a beer that didn't overwhelm the cheese. We also sampled the duck fat popcorn. I had personally never tried duck before and this was amazing. It was rich and deeply flavorful but also perfectly salty. The chives that were sprinkled on top were a perfect compliment to the popcorn. I also ordered the "Sunday Sitdown" (minus the sausage). The chicken was perfectly moist and tender and the grits were extremely flavorful with a very appealing texture. I had to hold myself back from asking for a spoon so that I could drain the last bits of jus off of the plate. The collard greens tasted a bit like sauerkraut. I've never personally liked sauerkraut so I left them on the plate, but that is a personal taste preference. It doesn't speak to the restaurant or their preparation. Overall this was an amazing meal. I can't wait to return and try more of their delicious food.
(5)
Tony M.
"Get To Steppin'" ain't just my recommendation when it comes to this amazing gastro pub, it's also the name of one of their appeteasers. Just one look at the plate of wild boar sausage, fried poached egg, french toast, pumpkin mousse and maple gastrique (whatever that is) and you're hooked! Wait 'til you taste it! Attentive, attractive hipster staff that seem like they should be in an iPod commercial later and with whom you want to trade playlists until the wee hours of the morning make you feel cool by association. Everything was served hot in this rustic dining room which has a full bar, by the way. I didn't order the duck fat popcorn, but a table near me was quacking with delight. I wish this restaurant had a presence in Dallas. Even though it was just one visit, I already miss them. The pumpkin bread pudding with homemade sorghum ice cream was but sweet parting between us.
(5)
Lindsay C.
It's supposed to be German comfort food but somehow I ended up ordering a burger. I also had the crepes with goat cheese, toasted walnuts & black currant and honey. A small plate but I easily polished it off by myself. I ordered the burger with the warm potato salad. I was kind of skeptical about the warm potato salad but I overheard another table saying how good it was so I went ahead and ordered it. It was definitely really good I wouldn't even call it potato salad. It was just chunks of warm potato that complimented the burger really well. I wish I had more time to try everything on the menu.
(4)
Veronica V.
Simply put-love this place! I travel 48 weeks a year and always come back to Eiderdown. The best Sunday Sitdown and Dr. Pepper ice cream sand which! No American Express accepted.
(5)
Shane S.
The pretzel stick were phenomenal! I have had a few German pretzels and these were the best I have ever had! We sampled the Ale8 and Hefeweizen mustard and both were delicious. Beer cheese was awesome too! My wife and I split the spaetzle, which was rich and savory twist on the original, and I had to restrain myself from licking the plate. I will definitely be back!
(5)
Mookie M.
Good food and attentive service. Hipster joint in Germantown with creative menu and good vibe. Reasonably priced, good-tasting chow.
(4)
Keri K.
The food is fantastic!! I've never left this restaurant unsatisfied. The beer cheese and pretzels appetizers are great and I have loved every entree I have tried.
(5)
Laurie S.
My husband & I spent a restful Thursday evening at Eiderdown enjoying a tasting menu - chef's pick! My oh my! It was fabulous - wonderful tastes, textures and contrasts, perfectly proportioned. A little bit of everything! Thanks for a great night! We will be back soon.
(4)
Lindsay T.
Fantastic addition to this area. Love the beer and wine selection, wooden tables, and overall ambiance. I've been here 5 times now and it has yet to disappoint. Favorites include the pretzels w/ beer cheese, spaetzle with goat cheese and almonds, and the uber-juicy pork sandwich on a pretzel bun. The reason for the 4 stars; staff could warm up a bit and get to know the neighborhood patrons :)
(4)
Megan F.
Yelp's ambiance category of hipster romance is a solid way to characterize this place. It's a great place for a date because it's a notch above average in a lot of regards. It's a maybe a step up from your casual t-shirt and jeans, but you could still be fine in those. The entrees and apps are still accessible but definitely more interesting of a culinary experience than what you'd order at Flanagan's. Plus, they've got a range of prices anywhere from $10 to $20. Like the dude at the show who bops his head and occasionally moves his feet, this place cares enough to put itself out there but isn't over the top or polarizing in any way. It's a comfortable atmosphere and yummy food, but it feels just a little bit more special than other places because of some of the local ingredients and unique creations. The most important thing about this place is the beer cheese. It is superb! Whenever I'm planning on going here, it's the one thing on the menu that I know I have to order. Every time, without fail, it is brilliantly beer-y and cheesy with a nice spicy kick. Best of all: it's served hot! The Sunday Sitdown and the Nachburger are both really scrumptious too. However, entrees are a mere afterthought when you begin the meal with beer cheese. Note: they have a four course chef's tasting menu which is $30 on Tuesday through Thursday. Planning on trying that soon!
(4)
Claire B.
My husband insisted I eat here the last time I was in town and I'm so glad that he did. The restaurant is in an old converted house with high, dark ceilings. It's similar to other buildings in the Germantown area, if you're familiar. Unfortunately, you must walk through their private dining area to get to the restaurant; it wasn't a bother to me, but I wouldn't be happy about it if I was one of the people eating in there. My beer was fantastic- sweet and dark and rich. I chose it based on recommendations and samples provided by my friendly, efficient server. My mother and I apparently both chose items that have been discontinued, so I won't discuss them too much, but they were both fantastic. I particularly enjoyed the creamy roasted vegetable pot pie. My husband got the sausages with kraut and it was a great interpretation of a classic German dish. If you want traditional German food, there are some great places to get it in Louisville, but if you want unique, exciting modern cuisine with a home-made touch, I definitely suggest Eiderdown. They were more than happy to cook up a sandwich for us to take home and the entire evening was relaxing and fun. I have heard from others that they can be hit -and-miss, but I can attest that the one time I was there, it was an absolute hit.
(5)
Jasmine A.
I've been to Eiderdown a handful of times and each experience was better than the last. It's upscale, German inspired, comfort food that ranges anywhere from $9 for a burger or sandwich to $22 for a local grass-fed steak. I love the hipster, down-home ambiance and find the food to be flavorful, creative, and reasonably priced compared to some of its other farm to table counterparts. The last time I went I thoroughly enjoyed everything I ordered. I highly recommend the Steak and Eggs appetizer $9, the Sunday Sitdown $17 and the Mayor of Milk Street $22. Eiderdown also offers an excellent beer selection and friendly service.
(4)
Amy S.
Visited recently and feel the need to take the rating down a notch. 2.5 stars. The duck fat popcorn we were served was not freshly prepared as it had previously been. It seemed they warmed up old popcorn, added way too much salt, a little grease, and sent it out. Previously it had been served fresh and garnished with some green onion, not so this time. The waitress we had was also absolutely horrid. Disinterested hipster would be a good description. No asking how the food was, no offering of refills, etc. Menu is still very limited. I will say the hamburger my husband ordered was very tasty, but this was the small bright spot of our visit (aside from the usual beer offerings). We will not be returning here!
(2)
Merete M.
Our service was great, and the place is lovely. I recall my Kentucky Country Ham sandwich being tasty, but a little scant on fillings. The duck fat popcorn was delicious and rich. We had the bread pudding dessert, and ate all the things.
(4)
Molly S.
The food is good and interesting. Don't be put off by the German food label, it is a thoroughly modern take on German food, the only reason I didn't give it five stars is I really miss the Mullagitawny! Another slight gripe is that there are usually only one or two vegetarian options on the menu (although they are always good).
(4)
Raquelle Z.
I have to admit, sometimes after a long hard day at work I want to order some yummy meal, and take it home to enjoy. This is right after I change into my comfy clothes! Today, I decided to try a new burger. Nachburger and fries was my choice and it didn't disappoint. I finished my meal with the ultimate comfort food of Chocolate pot de creme which was delicious. I liked the atmosphere of this place, and after viewing their current dinner menu I would love to return for a nice, quiet dinner with friends.
(4)
Kit L.
Everything is great except the sweet breads were a let down. But that is the only thing I can complain about.
(3)
Marc V.
I have to agree with Paige H. This is an ok local joint that gives a nod to German comfort food. I had the burger and my friend had the schnitzel. The burger was average. Schnitzel was interesting and flavorful.
(3)
Jones T.
French toast good, fries excellent, salmon crepes average, nach burger good. Service was friendly. Nice decor inside.
(5)
Seth H.
Yum. Got a turkey on top of pumpernickel break with sauteed brussel sprouts and some other good stuff. Delicious pretzel bread and fries.
(4)
Elizabeth S.
I've been to eat twice so far, for lunch and dinner. Lunch was a complete letdown. The sandwiches were not anything special, but my friend had the burger and it looked really good. It seems like this might be somewhere to stick with german classics, because the lamb was not what I had excepted. Dinner here was pretty good. The salad was over-salted, but I can overlook a mistake here and there. Both dishes my date and I ordered were really great. A little rich and heavy, but still enjoyable. Both times I have ordered the beer cheese I was really impressed, always different depending on what they use that day. Overall, this seems to be more of a dinner spot. A great atmosphere, and interesting menu. I really appreciate what they're trying to do, and new restaurants always need time to work out the kinks. I will return!
(3)
Melanie K.
Gastro Pub Not German. My Sister and I ventured to try German cuisine which led us to Eiderdown. Unfortunately as soon as we asked about authentic German dishes, we were told that Eiderdown is not a German Restaurant just German infused. Needless to say, I have updated their tastings to Gastro Pub and not German. Luckily, the server was kind enough to direct us to their most German dishes that included the Bratwurst of the day and Spatzel. We also ordered the beer cheese appetizer since it seemed like it SHOULD be a German dish. I was really intrigued by the beer selection, since I love German beers, but didn't have a chance to try any since I was driving. As far as the food goes, it was all pretty mediocre. The bratwurst was dry even though it was served with a cream sauce. The Bratwurst was served with squash and fingerling potatoes that were very tasty. As for the Spatzel, neither of really cared for the fried texture. We tried to taste just the veggies and gravy, but all of it was so salty that we gave up. I think the most we ate was the baguette that came with our beer cheese. For beer cheese sake it was decent, but again not amazing. Our service was spot on and very friendly. Our server did the best she could to give us our German experience at a Gastro Pub, and was tipped well for her efforts. The space was a little crowded and even though there was two of us in a half empty restaurant we sat back to back with another table and kept getting bumped. If Eiderdown is aiming to be more Europe they are getting it spot on, but not in the way they would hope. The dishes and drinks must have been priced on Euro currency and the atmosphere was pretty pretentious with nothing really to validate it for feeling that way. Maybe Eiderdown should start being more German before they need a European bailout too.
(3)
Dave R.
Nice menu offerings but the execution just isn't quite there. I ordered the steak special which was cooked a perfect medium rare but the sear on the steak was just too thick and made the steak tough. There was also a line of gristle but that was minor. The sauce on the plate was also watered down with the liquid from the black-eyed peas and the brussel sprouts...I had to search for a spot that was still thick enough to have any flavor added from the sauce. Proper draining would have made this a much nicer plate of food. The soup appetizer was the highlight tonight. This is a nice and cozy place but probably more suited to the neighborhood patrons since there was very little small talk offered. I got the feeling I was welcome but still segregated from the locals. I dine alone while on business trips and typically the servers or bartenders will strike up conversations...but not here.
(3)
Anna C.
It's not cheap, but you'll be glad you splurged. the beer cheese was really good and the beer selection is awesome. The menu changes with the season and it's great to walk by and see what's new.
(5)
Michelle M.
Maybe it's because it is walking distance from my house, but it's probably because I have had nothing but consistently wonderful dining experiences at Eiderdown that keep me coming back again and again. The proximity thing is really just an added bonus. I cannot imagine starting a meal without an order of beer cheese. No matter what variations they are serving, it is always consistently delish. Most recently I had a blue cheese variation, which came with a "warning" and my response was "hell yes!". I know that blue cheese is one of those cheeses that people have strong reactions to, but I really wish they offered it more often because it was wonderful. I enjoy that the menu changes seasonally, with several items remaining constant over time. When I get the notification that they have a new menu, you can pretty much expect me to show up for dinner that evening. The fairly recent addition of the Viking Wurst made my year as one of my consistent criticisms has been that they did not offer a sausage option. In addition to having several "chef's whim" items (Mayor of Milk Street, Beer Cheese, Viking Wurst, etc) they also offer specials most evenings, which have resulted in some of the most wonderful and memorable meals. I also highly recommend the weekend brunch. Although the menu options are limited, I think it allows you to try something you may not have thought about before. My brunch experience has been fantastic, although I must say the coffee they served was super bitter and they could probably improve on that. I think the beer and wine list speaks for itself, and the general atmosphere is welcoming and well stylized.
(5)
Mozil L.
Man o man...how many cool places are there that serve great regional beers? They make a mean pig knuckle and kraut...
(5)
Jamie C.
Beer cheese and burger. That's all you need. Both are amazing and I think about the beer cheese on a regular basis, craving it at random times. (all the other food is delicious too) The owners are great great people and my husband and I love to support this wonderful restaurant.
(5)
Joe D.
LIke most I agree this is a great place to sit and enjoy a great brew and delicious beer cheese with blue dog bread. It would be better if they toasted the bread but overall this is always an amazing start to dinner. Sunday Sitdown is always tender and flavorful and a usual go to for me. Today I tried the much heralded Gnadinger Pork and was sorely disappointed. Maybe its my work in nursing homes but the braised pork reminded me what I have to look forward to if I enter the "ole home." I think they call it pureed food for those that can't chew. This dish was braised so long that it lost the consistency of pork and instead was a melange of ingredients that didn't do it for me. It would have been much better if the pork was braised until it was fork tender... it would have made all the difference. Although many seem to like the sandwich based on the reviews. Overall I still give this restaurant four stars. It is well worth the trip.
(4)
Liz Y.
I've always loved German food at other places but Eiderdown was blah for me. The duck fat popcorn was really flavorful but the "fat" greasy taste started to get nauseating. Beer cheese was good but I would've preferred it with pretzels instead of baguette. Spaetzel was ok. Again really greasy and salty. I really liked the beer though!!!
(3)
Matt C.
The menu might not be exactly what you'd expect, but almost everything I tried was in the good to delicious range. We started with the famed duck fat popcorn and beer cheese appetizer (both of which I thought were good but a little overrated). The beer selection is interesting and should have something for everyone. And I thought my entree was fantastic (I had one of the rotating specials, an elk steak, and it was excellently prepared). It was a little pricey, however, and other things I sampled like the spaetzle and "Homer's Daydream" ribs could have been better. If I went back, I'd definitely try some of the sandwiches. I can easily see this being on many lists of favorite places, but with a somewhat hit-or-miss menu it really depends on how you order.
(3)
Amy G.
I've been meaning to do this review for awhile, now. I mean...I talked about my meal for about 2 weeks after I had it! The food gets 5 stars...we had the popcorn, some delightful salads and I had the spaetzle and my friend had the burger. The spaetzle was probably one of the best dishes I have had anywhere in a long time. The flavors...man alive...if it was socially acceptable, I may have licked the plate. Washed it down with a great bottle of wine. Our server was attentive without being too much, explained the dishes thoroughly without being too wordy. I hate...let me repeat...I hate the LOUD trend that has invaded this town. As I adore the interior at Eiderdown, and really...don't mind that there is absolutely NO room to maneuver in the restaurant and being bumped here and there as you are eating dinner...it's the fact that I have to shout to be heard from my friend that was literally a few inches from my face. Shout. I guess because every one else is shouting. Hate this. And every restaurant, it seems now, one must shout to communicate because of the concrete floors, high ceilings, and wood (possibly the only sound catcher...) bars and tables. Over it. So...the food is TOPS but the loudness is over the top ANNOYING. Maybe we will try to go when it is not popular dinner hour...maybe old folks time around 5 on a Tuesday. I will need hearing aids after my trips to these loud ass restaurants, otherwise.
(4)
Jesse B.
Atmosphere is super laid back. Food is almost always good, and occasionally exceptional. Definitely get the crepes and the Country Ham Sandwich. Beer list is great. Wine list is great.
(4)
Deb R.
We 'd been once before and really enjoyed it. This time we did the Chef's Tasting with wine pairings, which was a fantastic meal and only $45 each. Chef's Whim- Each course was fantastic ( and changes); wine pourings with each course were very well matched and large. Our dinner consisted of 4 courses: 1) a green bean salad with peaches, peanuts and Capriole Sophia goat cheese ( very tasty- large portion for a tasting) 2) mussels in a herbed broth with center of ratatouille and one large shrimp,( amazing flavor on the broth, 4 perfectly cooked mussels and one x-large shrimp. LOVED this dish, they offered bread to sop up every drop) 3) Ashbourne Farms steak with a vegetable puree with beef broth ( cooked perfectly med rare- great flavor) 4) Blueberry cobbler with house lemon ice cream drizzled with honey ( OMG - I want to move to Goss to eat this every night! Truly amazing.) Overall we were very impressed- with service, food and price point. Thanks for the fantastic dinner, Eiderdown!
(5)
Spalding H.
Love this place. Great food, great atmosphere.
(5)
Jason R.
There are tons of reviews for this place and I am not going to repeat what everyone is saying about the food and beer except that the food is great, especially the apps!! The beer selection is excellent and the staff is very knowledgeable about it. I wanted to shift the focus to the staff and the wine. The staff is very attentive and is very proud of the restaurant and what is has to offer. I went in for lunch and felt like I was the only customer that they had. They let me taste whatever I wanted and that was very helpful with the extensive beer list. Now to the wine. I know that it is very tricky to select and serve wine that doesn't break the customer but is still good quality and satisfying. Whoever selects their wine does an excellent job. They offer two of my personal (cheaper) favorites by the glass. The Four Vines OVC Zin and the Predator Zin are must try wines and are unbeatable at that price point. Great place!!!
(4)
Brian D.
Burger is one of the best. Get the beer cheese too
(5)
Rachel F.
First and foremost, all I have to say is beer cheese. Are you sold yet? They have some of the best beer cheese I've ever had, and they even rotate out the types to keep you guessing. For a night of beers and a snack of beer cheese, this place is 5 stars. (Okay, so I'm a beer fan, but my friends who aren't still liked the stuff a lot) Onto the food. As much as I felt like a traitor, one of my trips here I tried the burger. Nachburger to be exact (they are the same owners as Nach bar down the street). The burger was awesome. So don't hate. Some fantastic white cheddar and this Challah (I think) bun. I've also had the Pork Sandwich with black currants that was really nice. Not a fan of the side I got that time. I'm usually a fan of couscous, and dishes of that type but the quinoa was pretty bland. It was the only thing I haven't really liked- though I don't see it on the menu anymore... Also had an appetizer spread one night that was very tasty. Duck fat popcorn and crepes. Yum. The crepes were a little small but pretty fabulous. And the beer selection. Love. The servers are all really helpful as well with suggestions and such. This place rocks.
(4)
Kellyo O.
I like the look and the beer selection. The food was ok. The best thing was the different mustards. I ordered the Duck Fat popcorn. I love popcorn. I did not however like this. And I burped duck fat (disgusting - it's ok don't even imagine what it was like) for the rest of the day. Obviously others love it so more power to ya! I also ordered the pretzel sticks and an extra mustard (because I couldn't decide on just 2 of them). I also had the Gnadinger Pork sandwich. I was not impressed. It really was nothing tasty. I had been waiting to try this restaurant for a while so I was disappointed. The server was VERY NICE though! I probably won't go back as it seems a bit expensive for what you get. This is like a gourmet German in a poor neighborhood place.
(2)
Nicole P.
Was für ein schöner Abend! Good good treats oh yes. I absolutely loved my A-game quail dish,..especially the glazed bacon that drizzled over it. My whole group loved their dishes. I was able to nibble on some of my friend's choice of popcorn and bierkäse,..worth it. So people if you are in Louisville, do yourself a favor and just go. Great food and hip and inviting ambiance.
(5)
keith g.
I am still here and I am full and it was pretty good. I am spoiled by all the travel I do and every time I come to Louisville I focus on Proof on Main which is my favorite place in North America. I had the current grass fed beef burger ground with bacon, and it was awesome. The fries were home cut and crispy like I like them. The watermelon Parmesan salad was surprisingly tasty. There beer selection was above a chain but below most gastro pubs. (again I am spoiled as I frequent Grand Rapids) I would give three stars butt I am in Louisville and they didn't have a license to sell bourbon. Not their fault and they are working on it but for now it's the loss of 1/2 a star. I can't give 2.5 so I give em a 3.....
(3)
Denise K.
We eat in Germantown about 6 times a year, and for the past few years we have pretty much stuck to Zeppelin or Check's Cafe. With the Zeppelin closed, we decided to try Eiderdown - the reviews looked good, and we had been talking about trying it. There were only four customers when we walked in, but it took nearly 40 minutes to get our meals after we ordered. Only 4 other people came in while we were there. The room was very cold -- none of us took off our coats the entire time we were there. The waitress checked on us once in that 40 minutes. She was polite when she was with us -- we just didn't see much of her. The food was promising with some very tasty duck fat popcorn as an appetizer. One meal was fabulous: pulled pork sandwich with German potato salad - it really was amazing. (The only reason I can give this review two stars.) The duck confit frittata was dry and flavorless. The last meal was cabbage slaw (decent), sweet potato fries (very good), with chicken livers (very over cooked) and COLD gravy. If you want to try Eiderdown, order the pulled pork and potato salad to go - that meal is worth the stop. Check's may be chili and braunschweiger sandwiches, but it is good, hot chili and thick, tasty braunschweiger. I'll go back there next visit.
(2)
Marianne C.
Went here for lunch on a slow Friday. I felt badly that the fire inspector came and was complaining about the fire alarm not buzzing when he pressed the test button. We saw him pull up on the street as we were walking in and we figured he was going to try to ruin someone's day. :) The waitress / bartender was friendly and helpful. I forget her name, but she seemed to ask us if we needed something when we needed it and otherwise left us to our conversation. We tried the duck fat popcorn, because I read so many good things about it - it was yummy, and I'm not typically a popcorn eater. Must be the duck fat! I had the Henry Althaus, which was delicious. I wasn't very hungry, so it was a good choice after the popcorn, which I ate more of than I anticipated doing. Good selection of beers - I wish the Brooklyn Mary's Maple Porter had more maple to it :) ... liked the Bonfire of the Vanities beer... a smoked Imperial lager... yum. Overall, I'd go here again. Would be interesting to visit when the place is hopping.
(4)
Kara P.
Love the unique twists they put on dishes! I had a chicken stuffed sausage with greens. Perfectly cooked. The duck popcorn is a nice starter. I go there when possible to try new things. The only reason it's not a 5 star rating is because I think the prices are a little bit high for the amount. However the food is worth it.
(4)
Richard H.
After an excellent lunch for two, we decided (after consulting with our waiter) to bring a big family group for an early dinner the next night (10 adults, 3 kids). The staff were extremely accommodating, even though others have said 'not good for kids' about this restaurant. All were agreed this was a great decision. The wait staff understood to take the kids' orders from the children's menu right away and bring them their food while the rest of us were conversing, drinking, ordering, etc. The food might be described as 'nouveau German-American' -- great updates on classic dishes like spaetzle and pork ribs with sauerkraut. A big beer list, as you would expect, with intriguing choices. A couple of vegetarian choices on each menu, too. We were very pleased to have found this place, in walking distance of where we had our family gathering.
(4)
Melissa W.
Duck fat popcorn!
(4)
Elizabeth B.
This was my second experience at Eiderdown and it was better than my first. I think I ordered more wisely than I did the first time. I ordered the stew special and it was a great meal for a chilly evening. It was beef stew with pumpkin. That's right, pumpkin. Gave it an interesting kick, but could have been a little more flavorful. Overall tasty. What really made my meal was the popcorn cooked in duck oil. It sounded interesting so I ordered some for the table. It was so delicious! It was a lighter taste than regular popcorn but still hit the spot as only popcorn can do. I really like the atmosphere at this spot. It is hip and cool with the brick walls, but has nice elegance to it with the lovely light fixtures and big wooden furniture. Next time you are in Germantown, hit up Eiderdown.
(3)
Lynn B.
After my third visit, I've decided this place just gets better and better. Their menu changes with the seasons - food and beers. The beers are fantastic! The new food menu is also great, especially the items with goat cheese. I had the Spatzle with sausage added - I usually bring half home for a second meal, but I licked the plate clean on this one. Everyone at our table was happy with their meals. We shared a dessert instead of having the usual lindeman's framboise (a decadent raspberry beer good enough for dessert!). It had a scone like shortbread with peach or apricot fruit and goat cheese ice cream - yummy! I believe this will become a regular stop. It was a beautiful evening, so we walked to the Nachbar for another drink. Personally, i like the on-tap beer selection at Eiderdown better, but the Nachbar has nice gardens for socializing. Great evening!
(5)
Jacob M.
I came here for my second time while I was visiting friends I had made when I lived in Louisville; I was disappointed that I didn't go here more often when I lived in Germantown. I remember enjoying the food on my first visit, but didn't think it was anything special (although the duck fat popcorn was interesting). This time I had the Black Forest Day Hike (duck confit, parsnip cake, brussels sprouts, carrots, w/ a cherry and porter demi glaze): incredible. They also have a good beer selection; it's not the best in Louisville, but you will find several good beers. The food is a little more than the average restaurant in Louisville, the it is a good deal for the quality of food that you get.
(4)
Brian L.
Credits are shown in order of appearance: Service: The staff seemed very friendly and attentive. Even people who weren't my servers were very helpful. We did sit at the bar and the bartender seemed rather Vulcan but that might have been his personality. He wasn't neglectful but seemed rather blah. Beer: What a wonderful selection of German and German-styled beers. This is quite impressive and a big reason why I'll go back. This will be especially refreshing over the summer. I had Brooklyn Brewery's Sorachi Ace, which I continue to love. One has to respect the strong regional brewery presence here plus they're almost all delicious beer in my mind. Appetizers: We got the duck-fat popcorn and the pretzel sticks. Both are must tries. The popcorn was just absolutely delectable and perfectly savory. The pretzel sticks could have been had on their own but they come w/ a option of a number mustards. The mustards we got (the Sweet Hot & the Heffeweisen) took a bit to get into but after my palate acclimated there was not enough of either. Food: I got the country ham, which was fantastically straightforward. It might seem like a breakfast item but was perfect for me at the time. I loved the bread it came in on. Not too much and not too tough either. I also got the glazed carrots, which were also wonderful. So too were their fries. From my friend who came with us the mashed potatoes weren't as tasty but they didn't look bad and she did not complain one bit. I'm definitely going to be going back because I think 4 stars might have been an underrating.
(4)
Amber S.
Cozy place but the menu is not impressive. Honestly, I cannot recall much about my experience other than I did not like what I ordered. I do recall the restroom soap smelling O-so-pretty. Overall, I probably wouldn't go here again unless it was for an occasion with the friends only to sip a fine beer.
(2)
Ryan B.
Uber-delicious. The absolute best pork sandwich I have ever eaten. The burgers are also out of this world. The pretzel sticks and beer cheese accompany the main dishes perfectly. And the beer...they have a great collection of German and Belgian beers on tap, as well as a few other selections. I love the Double Trouble IPA. The service and atmosphere were spot-on. I will return very soon to this eatery.
(5)
Lisa C.
Our first night in Louisville we searched Yelp and came across Eiderdown. The atmosphere was cozy and the food was phenomenal. I ordered the Nachburger and my husband ordered the ribs. Next time we're in Kentucky we'll come back for sure.
(5)
Erik H.
There is nothing on this menu that I do not like. Great beer selection and the beer cheese and pretzel bread are great. I highly recommend this restaurant.
(5)
Joan M.
SALTY but really good food and atmosphere. Wood. Good place to go if you want to have a beer with lunch
(4)
Jennifer S.
If you want unique food at a great price, you'll give Eiderdown a try. There's a little bit of something for everyone and the beer/wine choices are amazing. A friend of mine lived in Germany and said it's the best food he's had here in the States. Plus, the owners, chefs and staff are fabulous people who work hard to keep a customer satisfied and provide a one-of-a-kind dining experience and the atmosphere is to die for.
(5)
Lynn L.
Love! This is the perfect addition to Germantown. The interior is warm and inviting with exposed brick, dark wainscoting, reclaimed wood tables, and picnic tables for larger parties. Service is friendly and attentive. The ambiance is more cozy and quiet, and not very "bar" like, which is perfect - there are already enough bars in Germantown! Excellent wine (no bottle over $34, and there are some good ones!) and beer (about 20 or so from which to choose, mostly German and Belgian) lists. Every day they have a special soup, beef, and stew, so they keep the menu fresh. Menu offers lots of choices from starters, salads, entrees, and also sandwiches and "street food". Working for a German company, and having been to Germany several times, it's nice to see some new spins on authentic German dishes. We started off with the beer cheese of the day (Duchesse de Bourgogne and bleu cheese), and pretzels and mustard. Both were outstanding, and we enjoyed dipping the soft warm pretzels in the beer cheese too! The Porter mustard that came with the pretzels was awesome. Soup of the day was a cauliflower bisque, which we greedily gobbled up. We both remarked that the seasoning was perfect - it didn't need anything. For mains, I had the spatzle with winter vegetable ragout, italian sausage, and goat cheese. umm, yowsa, this is really good! It is so rich I could only finish about a third, but I am already looking forward to the leftovers for lunch! The boy had the beef special of the day, which was a rump roast with fennel, potatoes, onion, and cauliflower. The meat was tender and flavorful, and he finished every bite. Even though we were full, we decided to split a slice of the lemon chess pie, which was a nice bright ending to a rich meal. My only complaint on dessert is that the crust was slightly under-done. Four glasses of wine, two starters, a soup, two entrees, and a dessert, including tax and tip was $100 even. We left satisfied and can't wait to come back! I am keeping my fingers crossed that they will have outdoor seating in the warm months.
(5)
Shal V.
Grabbed a quick bite from Eiderdown while driving around Germantown. I got the Nachburger (Local Grass-Fed Beef Ground with Bacon, Kenny's White Cheddar, Challah Bun) - it was excellent! Very juicy and seasoned well. I want to go back one evening and try the different beers.
(4)
John C.
More like Eidertwothumbsup! Am I right?
(5)
Cherie M.
It was our first time in Louisville and our friends were kind enough to take us here our 1st night in town. The pared down menu was pretty advanced and ambitious to me, a food-loving, non-foodie. But the waitress was very attentive and happy to answer all our questions. They even had a menu with the gluten-free, or could be made GF options highlighted. Score! Everyone really enjoyed the different beers they had available and when asked, they had a GF bottled beer available (but not listed on the list). I was able to enjoy their "Sunday dinner" meal which was roasted chicken, collard greens, grits and a special GF gravy they made just for me! Heavenly! While I'm not a celiac and super-sensitive to gluten, I am gluten-intolerant and I did not get ill, at all, from this wonderful meal. My husband had the short ribs, which he deemed the best he'd ever had. Overall, we were quite happy with our meals and drinks. It's pretty pricey, I'll admit, but a fine time was had by all. The waitstaff was wonderful even when half our party left and the rest of us lingered over our drinks. Granted, they weren't uber-busy, but not once did I notice them give us the stinkeye. Good times.
(4)
Anna L.
Every individual on the planet wants to have a delicious meal, every time they eat. Every family unit wants to have a stellar time when they're all in the same city and every bride and groom hopes for an easy, stressless wedding planning process. All of these desires can be fulfilled one place: Eiderdown. Let me explain. Every time my husband and I go to Eiderdown (which is like, 3 times a month, minimum) we are amazed by the quality of ingredients, (local meats and veggies...), seriously satiated by the flavors, and for real indulged by the beer and wine lists. The menu is ever changing according to season, with some mainstays, of course. The gnadinger pork sandwich is like a staple in my diet, and the crepes jean girard, are heavenly. It is our favorite, favorite place to eat. My family is sadly separated by geography. When we reconvene in Louisville, we want to go out, have a great time and eat good food. Eiderdown is usually our number one choice. Last time we had a family outing there, we weren't so thrilled with our king-style table, you know we all wanted to see each others faces. The staff very willingly and graciously understood our desire and relocated us to a round table, put up with a ten person rendition of Country Road, and never ceased to be attentive. I recently got married. Married life is great, planning the wedding, not quite as blissful. Location and cost of the rehearsal dinner are crucial. Oddly when restaurants have menus for this kind of event, even if its a good restaurant, the menu all of a sudden sucks, but not at the ever faithful Eiderdown. It dawned on me and my then fiance, Eiderdown would be the perfect place. We love the aesthetic there (exposed brick, reclaimed wood tables, fun chandeliers) and found out we'd be able to do a lunch not a dinner, which was even better, (allowed for wedding eve to be wayyy less stressful) with an insane menu, I'm talking roasted quail, vegetable spatzel, osso bucco, chocolate pot de creme.. take that every other rehearsal dinner place. Actually planning the rehearsal was like laying in an infinity pool while drinking a marg, easy, enjoyable, and one of the most stress free activities, ever. You can thank me later when you experience the goodness tucked away in Germantown.
(5)
Natalie H.
Eiderdown is an excellent restaurant. Their food is German meets southern food. They put a lot of time and effort into creating dishes from scratch with the best ingredients. They hand make all of their sausage and pretzels among other things, and use many local ingredients. I love the nachburger, which has bacon ground up into the patty. The pretzels and homemade beer cheese are fantastic, as are the greens and potato salad. They have beer pairings provided for each dish, and a great overall selection. If you like cheap beer and are really beer thirsty, try the Viking special which is a giant size mug filled with Stroh's. The Eiderdown has a very homey, comfortable atmosphere with dim lighting and tables built from reclaimed tobacco barn wood made by a local artist.
(5)
Melinda T.
Eiderdown is a special celebration place. We celebrate birthdays and anniversaries with the pot de cream and beer cheese. Some beer cheeses can be overpowering but this one is balanced! Some chocolate desserts can be too rich but this is the perfect size and great for a special treat. The service is always great and if you go early, there is plenty of street parking.
(4)
Erin E.
4.75 stars! My husband and I had a most excellent dinner at Eiderdown last weekend. The atmosphere is fantastic; I just loved the earthy feel! The beer selection was creative and fun. Staff was friendly and helpful. It was a busy Friday night so upon arrival we moved to the bar to start off with a few beers. The wait took about 30 minutes but we weren't in a hurry and the bar had such a great energy. Once we were seated at our table we ordered the beer cheese of the day which was Dunkel & baby Swiss. So finger lickin' tasty! I wanted to go with the duck fat popcorn based on all the rave Yelp reviews but my husband won the coin toss on that one (next time!). For my entree I had the Spaetzle (I added sausage) which was truly to die for. The dish was a symphony of complex flavors. It was filling and comforting, yet highly elevated! My hubbie had the Mayor of Milk street grass-fed beef which was served with sweet potatoes which he absolutely loved. Had we any room left in our very full stomachs we would have tried a dessert but alas that will have to wait for next time. And there will definitely be a next time! The only reason I didn't give this review a 5 star rating is that we were sat at the only bad table in the house (located right by the front door/ window and hostess stand on a busy Friday night) It took away from the atmospheric pleasure of the whole environment. Had we known, we might have opted to stay at the bar to eat our AMAZING meal.
(4)
Jude B.
Delightful spot - neighborhood bar/restaurant in Germantown. The menu is unusual and delightful (some veggie choices) - I had the most refreshing salad (nicoise) fingerling potatoes, fresh green onions and macadamia nuts topped with eatable flowers! The heirloom tomato soup was outstanding and as flavorable as a slice would be . . . chilled wine, varieties of beer on tap and the wait staff make you feel you've been invited to a dinner party! Met an old friend there recently and had just appetizers and a drink - equally impressed. Casual and easy - great for a larger party I would think . . . like!
(4)
Anthony B.
We ate the cheese burger with the bacon crumbles inside was absolutely amazing! The staff was friendly and very attentive. The only thing I could say was more veggies could have been added to the mushroom and vegetable soup.
(4)
Gordon P.
Nice place. Craft beer=overpriced as usual. Good service, and if you like paying too much for beer then this is your place. The pretzels and beer cheese are awesome.
(3)
Mark F.
Maybe it's because we ate here after great meals at Blind Pig and Hammerheads, but I was not impressed. Beer cheese was a glop of cheese-flavored paste, spatzel veg thing all ran together. Nice space though.
(3)
Noah S.
I never leave 5 star reviews. My first visit to Louisville. My brother had pork loin and I ate the Sunday Sitdown. We were very impressed. We are both a couple of jaded cynics who have tired of the hit and miss offerings of most hip restaurants. Excellent food. Loved the low-key atmosphere of the restaurant and neighborhood. Great place. Louisville is a neat town too.
(5)
Kirk C.
My wife loved the mushroom steak. The country ham sandwich had great flavor. Very good restaurant.
(4)
Michael B.
The interior has a great feel. Old refinished wood tables are a nice touch. I had high hopes for this place as a Germantown resident and since it's the brainchild of the Nachbar. I ordered their bison burger and duck fat popcorn and wasn't impressed, and our orders were switched with a neighboring table...awkward. We had to wait a while before we got our beer and duck fat popcorn which was surprising since this was at 4:00 PM on a Sunday. I thought the great selection of gastro pub german fare was a little overpriced compared to Zeppelin a 10 minute walk away. Overall I was not impressed but I WILL BE BACK to try some other beers and menu items and give them another chance. I will say they had a good selection of good German brews and I'm glad to see a cozy local restaurant. I hope my next review of them will be 5 stars!
(3)
Margot S.
Delicious food. More than basic German fare. They use local hormone free meat. Modern decor. Lively atmosphere. Fresh ingredients. Filet was cooked to perfection. Chocolate pot de creme was amazing. My only complaint is the portion size is abnormally small. I know fine food is known for small portions, but my dinner bordered on silly. Meat with 3 brussells sprouts. $60 dinner for two (2 entrees, one dessert, one beer and one coffee). One negative- the bar is really uncomfortable to sit at. There is no space to tuck your legs under, it's like sitting at a kitchen counter, not a bar.
(5)
Penny K.
Awesome, cozy place to eat. Just loved the beautiful reclaimed wood tables. Comfort food with local ingredients combined with an excellent beer list. I had the chicken with greens and grits and it was really tasty. Never had grits that good in my life. Service was friendly, but not too friendly if you know what I mean. Whole experience just felt good. Highly recommended.
(5)
Cia W.
Went for a birthday dinner for a friend on a snowy nite, and was wowed. the room is beautiful, the wine and beer lists clever and interesting; the food was terrific. not sure how they will play it in warmer weather (maybe some great salads), but the beer cheese (more like a for-real rarebit), the spaetzle and the pork ribs/sauerkraut/potatoes dishes . . . were very homemade and high-quality. it was a great meal and the service was smart and attentive and low-key. loved it. really excited to see it in Gtown.
Takes Reservations : Yes Delivery : No Take-out : Yes Accepts Credit Cards : Yes Good For : Dinner Parking : Street Bike Parking : Yes Wheelchair Accessible : Yes Good for Kids : Yes Good for Groups : Yes Attire : Casual Ambience : Hipster Noise Level : Average Alcohol : Beer & Wine Only Outdoor Seating : No Wi-Fi : Free Has TV : No Dogs Allowed : No Waiter Service : Yes Caters : No
Jen F.
The food and service at Eiderdown is top notch. We took our two children and enjoyed everything. For appetizers the duck fat popcorn and beer cheese were amazing. The main dish of spaetzle and the brat dish were outstanding. Finally we had 3 desserts, try the garlic ice cream, bread pudding and basil cake! They do not disappoint. 5 stars!!! This restaurant would fit in perfectly in our home town of Chicago! Thanks for making our Louisville stay over even better!
(5)Andrew A.
Was back in Louisville in October and took colleagues to Eiderdown based on my first visit a year prior. Had the burger I'd been craving all year and this time it was just, "meh." Everything seemed a bit off--service, timing, and food quality. Maybe it was just a busy night?
(4)Billy B.
Went with my wife a few weeks ago for dinner. I had an Ale-8 infused Viking Sausage... something. It was super tasty, and accompanied by a potato salad-esque item full of interesting complicated flavors. I really liked it. My wife got the pork sandwich and was very happy with it. We ordered a duck popcorn, which was something new and fun for us both. Dessert was Pots du Chocolat, which we both enjoyed. The service was exactly what you hope for, and the place was casual enough that you could relax; we're not big beer drinkers so I can't comment on the beer selection. All the recommendations I've received from friends had this component, so I apologize that I can't help in that regard.
(5)Michael M.
I know people love this place but to me it gets a lot of stuff wrong. I find the food good but not great, the service is slow both times I've gone and if your not drinking they pay almost no attention to you, even when they know I'm the guy at the table who is paying. It's good but just not good enough for me to rave about. Some of the food is, well just ordinary and I expect mroe from a place with this kind of reputation. I was in here this week and left wondering if I could find a good burger nearby. When you go to a place like this you expect to not leave hungery or disapointed.
(3)Carl F.
Visited Eiderdown again this past weekend.....Still a 5-star dinning experience for us. Now with the addition of licquor (last visit they only served a GREAT selection of beer) even more of a reason to frequent Eiderdown. The flounder was excellent as was the unique appetizer; Escargot and potatoes in a pastry shell. Cudos to the chef and the entire staff at Eiderdown!
(5)Bethany Z.
This is my third time eating here and every time has been outstanding! The atmosphere is really hipster lots of exposed brick and drift wood tables. They have tons of amazing beers at that bar. Try those first. The duck fat popcorn and the goat cheese crepes are amazing! Then I had the Sunday sit down for the main course . The chicken, greens and grits felt just like soul food. We finished off with some kind of chocolate creme thing that came with two peanut butter cookies that made me want to sing God Bless America! You e got to give this place a try!
(5)Marne W.
This is the best place we ate in Louisville on our recent trip. We started with the duck fat popcorn, which to be honest, tasted just like regular popcorn to us, but as a relatively inexpensive appetizer it was fine. I had the Sunday sitdown, (appropriate because it really was Sunday), and it was so good. I love greens when they're done right and hate them when they aren't, and the collards on my plate were amazing. The cheese grits were also great. I'm not sure what was in them, but it tasted kind of like cream cheese-- very rich. The roasted chicken was also just right. My husband had Navin's crazy rhythm, and he loved the jerk seasoning on the ribs, as well as the potato pancakes. The only thing he was surprised by was the cabbage slaw, which was different than regular coleslaw, but he ate it, so it must have been ok. For dessert, I had the creme brulee, which had an amazingly smooth texture, and my husband had the chocolate pot de creme, which comes in a coffee cup. It was extremely rich and he couldn't eat it all, but I helped him out. ;) We would definitely come back here if we ever visit Louisville again.
(4)B A.
Great spot...can't believe I hadn't tried this place before. Tried the beer cheese and it was delicious and then I had the burger...I know not very German but I don't eat pork so the menu was a little limited for me but our server was very nice (because even the burger was cooked with bacon mixed in but he had them make me one without) I was a little bit of a problem customer with the no bacon and a beer novice but our server was great he helped me out and was able to have a wonderful dinner. The burger was Cooke well it was juicy and delicious and the beer recommendation was great. All in all the food was great and service was wonderful so if you want to check out a great spot in Germantown head give it a shot...I will definitely be back
(4)Cathy B.
The food and the service were good. It is and older building with lots of charm but with a very small parking lot.
(4)Kirsten L.
Nice old style decor. Watch where you sit; the floor is uneven. We were patrons #5 & #6 at 5:00. When we left an hour later, we were patrons #5 & #6. I had a vegetarian dish with a carrot sauce. It was good. Mike had the burger & fries. The burger came with only cheese. Tomato & lettuce were $1 extra. Someone reviewed it as "the best d*#n burger they have ever had". That person needs to get out more. Mike's review is "it was like a hockey puck." I ordered a flight of 4 beers. Three out of the 4 tasted like they had vinegar in them. I found that very unusual & disappointing. This is not a place we will return to.
(2)Pamela K.
Loved this place! Service was outstanding, beer was great and the food...oh my! They change up their menu seasonably. Loved the warm decor. Bar top is made from old floor boards from a downtown tobacco warehouse. Despite the casual feel to the place (okay, not totally, there were chandeliers), menu items were top notch gourmet! I originally checked not kid friendly, but noticed the coloring books for passing out in my way out. My bad! There were none there during our visit. We went for lunch/ brunch (okay, technically dinner to because I can't imagine eating anything today), but would love to go for dinner as well. We will definitely return!
(5)Jenny S.
I've had great experiences dining at Eiderdown over the past few years - but this review is for a private party my (now) husband and I hosted in their side room in mid-June 2015. We were looking for a casual but nice restaurant with a good, friendly and comfortable atmosphere to host our after-wedding ceremony-dinner with our parents and siblings. (Party total - 19, including three children.) We wanted to be responsible with costs and didn't think our families would enjoy fancy or "fussy" - but knew we wanted something that still felt like us. We didn't need wine pairings or bourbon tastings. No fancy linens either. We wanted good vibes, good food, and we needed a place that would allow kids. After considering a few other venues, I spoke with Heather (Eiderdown's owner) and she was AWESOME. Super flexible, accommodating and responsive... She worked with us on price-per-person and we selected a four-course menu to fit our party. (Our menu consisted of shared apps, family-style salad, choice of six entrees, and choice of dessert. Kids' meals were also provided for a smaller fee.) There was no venue fee. No minimum fee. Heather allowed us to come in and decorate the space a few days in advance and she re-arranged the room to accommodate our group. She provided votives/candles and she had no issue with us bringing a small wedding cake to cut/serve on the side. (My mother insisted on that for tradition-sake.) All in all - incredibly happy with our decision to host our wedding-night dinner at Eiderdown. The service was great. The space was pleasant and the perfect size. Heather and her team went above and beyond and I (we) thank the Eiderdown crew for helping us celebrate that night.
(5)Sarah C.
I have dined at Eiderdown many a time, but never like tonight. We hosted our dinner club here for this month and it was perfect. First of all, we had the private room to the side of the dining room and it was well decorated and the ambience (with candles and such) was so intimate feeling. We arrived slowly, in groups, on this wednesday after work...but our server was so patient with us and understanding of our arrival times and our needs as guests. There were about 17 of us in all, not the easiest table. The drinks were fast to come to the table and our server(s) were helpful in timing our orders correctly as well. I ordered some wine and also split the beer cheese of the day, but subbed the fries for the bread. Excellent choice, as always! For my dinner I decided on the Henry Althaus salad (bacon lardons on the side). This is one of my favorite salads in town because the egg is always poached so perfectly and the parmesan cheese is always such a delight and makes the salad. All in all, the whole package of this place is definitely worth your time and money. Also, this place was one of the first cool places in Germantown. I love Eiderdown for taking such good care of our group and serving us premium food and drinks. Get yourself out to Eiderdown if you haven't done so already.
(4)Lauren B.
Eiderdown is easily one of our favorite restaurants in Louisville and we find ourselves visiting when we want to treat our selves. The beer cheese is delicious and the item we always order. My husband loves the spaetzel and it's his go too order, where as I'm usually trying some thing new each time. So far the chicken has been one of my favorites and any time they have duck on the menu I'm in. Service is wonderful and friendly.
(5)Christopher S.
I have been wanting to try Eiderdown ever since moving to Louisville (I've been here almost 4 months), and my opportunity finally came. Delicious! The alcohol list is extensive, and I was having a hard time deciding on a beer. Our waiter asked what my preference is (dark), so he brought out tastings of a stout and a porter (free of charge). Very nice to be able to try before ordering. Choosing my entree took even longer as every option looks great. I decided on the Skillet Pie. Their menu describes it as roasted brussels sprouts, potato, Dijon-lager cream, and carrot mousse. Think of a thick, creamy brussels sprout soup served in a cast iron skillet. Very, very good. It would be hard not to order it again, but I have many other dishes to try. The skillet stayed very hot the entire meal (I ate slowly), so be careful shoveling it in. We also had the duck fat popcorn which is impossible to stop eating. I wouldn't know it was popped in duck fat without being told, but one can immediately tell there is something special about it as opposed to popcorn popped in butter. I can't wait to try more Eiderdown soon!
(5)Luyang L.
This is a hidden gem in Germantown. Good food, nice staff and relaxing environment. Parking can be difficult on the Goss street but you can park in the back streets.
(5)Jason S.
To start, traveling from out of town and arrived at EiderDown late and they welcomed us to stay and order dinner. They have an outstanding beer selection, seasonal menu and just a really eclectic place. The atmosphere is really laid back and the decor is a mix of rustic and contemporary. The food is outstanding and the staff is great - just check it out. You won't be disappointed.
(5)Chris W.
I absolutely LOVE this place. We "accidentally" found this place. We will be back quite a bit before we leave Louisville.
(5)Laura C.
Our favorite way to eat with friends is to go and order a lot of appetizers, then do our best to make it through our entrees. I am not very familiar with German food, so was excited to eat at Eiderdown. There is a full bar, but we did order from the extensive beer list. We ordered a salad of spinach and pears (yum), the beer cheese, the pretzels, the pork belly, and the popcorn. The mustards that come with the pretzels for dipping are great! I liked the one that had a heavy dose of horseradish. The beer cheese was way better than others I have had. The popcorn is undeniably good. I had the spaetzle, my first. So good. Warm and comforting and savory with an edge of sweet. My dining companions got the wurst and the burger. We shared a side of the apple yogurt salad (I highly recommend it), a side of collards (so so good), and a side of fries. We took all the leftovers home because we are opposed to waste. Service was quick and friendly.
(4)Trevor W.
We both had a day off on a Friday so we slept late and finally got out and about for a late lunch. We were in the neighborhood so decided to hit Eiderdown at about 2PM. The place was empty and had one waitress. We picked a table in the sun to be warm and ordered the special of the day (steak and eggs) and their version of a pork sandwich. I always enjoy the selection of beers here and today was no exception. I got a Page 24 which is a burgundy barrel aged brune. Yummy! The food was great. Not the biggest portions (which for us is perfect as we are not big eaters and rather enjoy style and flavor over portion sizes) and prices were a little higher than I remember them being but not out of line with other restaurants. We got the pork belly app. Nice flavor and if I had to be picky it could have used a little more sear for a crisper and more caramelized piece of belly bit still good! The accompanying artichokes (I love artichokes) were under done and to hard. We could not get a fork or knife into them. My pork sandwich was good with nice flavor but a little soggy. Her steak and eggs were prepared well. We both felt maybe some flavors could have stronger on the plate but overall a solid meal. I think maybe all the great things I have heard about Eidertown maybe built my expectations too high so I want to give 4 stars but just can't today. Maybe next time...
(3)Amanda C.
Last night was my 2nd time dining at Eiderdown. Both times I have been in the private dining room, and the service has been excellent. They manage big parties very well. I had the beer cheese for an appetizer - always a great choice. I prefer to sub out the bread for French fries. For my entree I kept it simple with the Nachburger, and holy yum. It was delicious. They use Kenny's cheese (a local distributor) and the meat is excellent. For my side I had the greens. I am not usually a fan of greens, but these were pretty tasty. All the entrees ordered looked excellent and there were no complaints to be heard! Great service and great food - what more could you ask for at a dinner party?
(5)Bernadette A.
My friend and I went here for our first time the other day. Its a really cute, hipster, restaurant in germantown. We were immediately seated, albeit a Tuesday night. This place had your average run of the mill waiter service - not too pushy but not too forgetful. Now time for the food.... 1) popcorn cooked in duck fat is AMAZING. This is the best popcorn I have had in my life...and that is not an exaggeration...I actually eat popcorn almost every other day. I might just order my daily serving of popcorn from this place every day. 2)Moonridge Mine- This dish is mussels, gnocchi, and cabbage. It was a whopping $17 and was not that great. The mussels were cooked nice, but did not have much flavor. As for the gnocchi...it was like wait, what gnocchi? There were literally 3 pieces on my plate. But there was a good amount of mussels. 3) Place in the Cloud- this dish is their duck confit with pumpkin risotto. This dish was a solid 5/5. The duck was cooked perfectly and the risotto was out of this world! I would definately suggest ordering this dish if you decide to visit Eiderdown!
(3)Hannah E.
Delicious delicious delicious! The Sunday sit down is one of my favorite meals of all time. Nothing too out there, just chicken, greens, and grits done perfectly. Also, the beer cheese is out of this world. Just.... Go and eat.
(5)Leigh W.
I'm always looking for an excuse to go to Eiderdown. If a friend or business associate wants to meet for lunch, "let's go to Eiderdown," I recommend. If a friend from out of town comes for a visit, again I lean to Germantown's best dining option. Though I don't drink alcohol, my favorite appetizer makes a fine complement to the beer they serve - beer cheese with pretzel sticks. It's never the same, so order it every time and be prepared for a surprise. On my most recent visit, I opted for the special salad of the day - asparagus. I'm not sure why, but I was expecting it to be served warm. Though it came chilled, it was still tasty. Lisa's Lucid Dreaming is one of the best vegetarian dishes I've ever eaten. I highly recommend it. And, because no meal is complete without dessert, check out the pot de creme and bread pudding.
(5)Emily H.
I went to Eiderdown. I ate. I loved. I finally got to try out this Germantown hotspot, and as you can tell, I wasn't disappointed. My friend and I started our meal with the duck fat popcorn because, with something like that on the menu, how can you skip it? And surprisingly, I found the popcorn to be very light. The duck fat was subtle. You could tell there was something special added, but the popcorn wasn't coated in it. We also tried the beer cheese since we had a coupon from Edible Louisville's Locavore's Resource Guide and Coupon Book. It was similarly good, but I think with so many other wonderful things to try, this was overshadowed. So onto the main dish. I had to get the spaetzle. It's my fave German dish. Now this spaetzle was different than what you would find in a traditional German establishment. It had the typical egg noodles but also butternut squash, walnuts and goat cheese. The goat cheese really made it. I chose to get my spaetzle without the additional sausage, but next time I'm definitely going to add this in. We were both so full and satisfied after our entrees, but we had to go for dessert. We just had to. And we chose to split a pound cake that also had goat cheese on it along with a berry sauce. I know what you're thinking -- goat cheese on a dessert? But it worked. It made for a savory dessert that was a great ending to our meal. Eiderdown's beer selection was also a plus, and the ambiance was cozy. The final bill was a bit steep, but it was definitely worth it. I hope that Eiderdown becomes a regular splurge for me.
(5)Babak A.
The restuarant's setting was nice and the menu looked like interesting combinations, but the service was HORRIBLE and the waiters very rude. I MIGHT buy food from them again takeout but I don't think I'll ever dine with them again, despite the fact that I liked the place
(1)Orlando G.
My wife and I tried this place recently. The ambience was really unique and cool. We ordered the fries and the beer cheese, and that was a rather large portion, and very tasty. Our main courses, the mayor of milk street and the Pepperdine U. were VERY small portions and VERY big price. $25 and $26 respectively. My wife's lamb dish had literally 3 slices of lamb meat. My steak was 6 tiny little ounces. I get that it's local, and grass-fed, but still seems excessive. The dishes were tasty, though. They also have a huge craft beer selection.
(3)Zachary H.
Cliffs: The portions are super tiny and the prices lofty. The food, service, ambiance and all that is pretty good. I feel a bit odd giving this place three stars since nothing was wrong with it. The food was good, not really German which is fine and not the greatest thing ever but still tasty. I got the duck confit which was on top of some sort of risotto and has a bit of cauliflower on the side. They also have some good beer choices. The ambiance is intimate and service friendly. A good date spot I'd imagine. My only real problem is the portions are super tiny. I could have easily eaten 2 if not 3 of my duck confit entrees without being full. I ended up getting dessert and as soon as I got home snacked some more. I'm not that big of a fella! For being so expensive I expected a bit more.
(3)Michael R.
Food and service are always very good and it appears that there is now outdoor seating
(5)Brad D.
Consistently awesome alt German food, service and beer selection. Always friendly and warm, so glad to have this standout restaurant so near to where I live. They use local ingredients, and come up with some very unique and tasty dishes. They are consistently good, which is why they are always on my short list of where to head out to for dinner.
(5)Clint B.
Upon entry I'm immediately reminded of the pubs and small hole in the wall places in Germany. The bar is rough and uneven like it's been used for 100 years. There s a nice selection of beers and a well stocked bar. The special was a deputy Mayor of Milktown. A very small potion of beef tenderloin (4oz) with two fried eggs, fingerling potatoes, green peas, mushrooms and blue cheese with a demi glacé for $14. Beef was cooked perfectly as was everything else. I just expected larger potions for $14. The staff very friendly and attentive, explaining any items I had questions about.
(4)Kristina R.
Eiderdown is our consistent go to for great beer, great beer cheese and usually awesome other food. Great service and great atmosphere. Always a 5 star experience for me, but my friends order the steak and it always seems to disappoint. I had it once and it was pretty dang good. Eat the gnadinger pork. And get dessert.
(4)Eliza R.
This is one of my favorite nicer restaurants in Louisville. A lovely little place with a rustic, calm atmosphere, extensive beer list, and delicious German food. I got a lil bonus on my paycheck, so I decided to go all out. I a beer cheese appetizer and Viking Wurst, which came with bratwurts and sauerkraut - it made me feel like I was a warrior queen, feasting. Not to mention the several delicious craft beers I had! Next time I'm in L'ville, I'm definitely coming here again.
(4)Alex D.
It was a great experience, Everything was perfectly seasoned and there was nothing wrong with any dish that was ordered. Little suggestion: If you get the beer cheese for starter, substitute the bread with fries. So good! Deserts were pretty good and they a good selection of wine,beers and spirits. Very good service and friendly atmosphere.
(4)Donald L.
Folks, I'm not sure what to say. I see that the place gets high marks and it was one of the reasons we decided to go but unless they were just having an off night, it isn't so great. First we ordered the pretzel as an app. What we received however wasn't a pretzel. It didn't have a firm brown exterior,. it was a white sweet roll with salt on it. The choice of mustards were fine but they were all the same color and had the consistency of hummus. Based on the pretzel I dialed down my expectations and ordered a sandwich. The pork sandwich. The pork had the consistency of pate and was again, sweet served on the same sweet roll with salt. I couldn't eat it. Really, it just wasn't good to me and I won't be back. Not sure it I caught them on an off night or if I just don't prefer that type of food.
(2)Kyle S.
Hunkered down in Germantown, you could easily drive past the front of the building if you aren't careful. Going in, though, you're rewarded with an clean, earthy feel in the materials and atmosphere. The rough-hewn table tops, dart boards, and long bar all seem heavy and as though they grew out up from the ground beneath to establish themselves in place. The food was excellent. We started off with the beer cheese and loved it. It was hot and flavorful and a perfect compliment to the cold weather outside. The beer selection wasn't mind blowing, but they do have a decent selection that is more than your standard macro breweries and each is accompanied by capable descriptions of what to expect. We tried two dishes, the root down (mussles) and the spatzel. I was happy with the mussels, though I did make the mistake of going Belgian and getting it with fries which weren't very exciting. The spatzel, however, had a much more complex flavor and the goat cheese knocked it out of the park. The service was polite, helpful and attentitive. Can't really ask for much more. Eiderdown isn't exactly German food, but it is definitely good food!
(4)Christina C.
Despite the 3 stars I do recommend this restaurant. Great atmosphere and good beer, cocktail, and wine selection. The nachburger was delicious! The infusion of bacon made it juicy and flavorful! The vegetarian option custard pie was surprising delicious, interesting, and filling. Warm potato salad was delicious and definitely something I will crave! Mushroom bisque was flavorful but the texture was off. The kids meal of spatzle came out deep fried with a thick salty bar cheese sauce. Recommend that this preparation be indicated on the menu or completely changed. There is so much love and thought in the rest of the menu that it's disappointing that the kids spatzle didn't get the same attention. The spatzle on its own is perfect! The service was good but not exceptional. We arrived shortly after they opened. We almost felt like we were intruding. Once more staff and guests started arriving it was better.
(3)Phi D.
Mixed opinion for me. The drinks were good as well as the lobster cake. I'm not too sure about the viking wurst. The pork was good for my fiancé.
(3)Tanya G.
Is it just me or does Louisville have the food scene down to a tee? Eiderdown has a great atmosphere, fresh food and amazing vibe. The rhubarb salad and Sunday sitdown dinner was exactly what I had hoped for: fresh, perfectly seasoned and true to form at home cooking. I never eat desert but treated myself to the homemade vanilla ice cream. DO NOT LEAVE THIS RESTAURANT WITHOUT TRYING THE ICE CREAM! The best ice cream I've ever tried. Mind-blowing!
(5)Aaron B.
Good and unique food, great service, Very friendly staff, will go there again if on the area
(5)Mark P.
Duck fat popcorn and beer cheese appetizers are ah-mazing! Outstanding beer selection. Lamb shoulder prepared to perfection. Great meal in a really upbeat hipster vibe. Luckily for me, I was wearing a plaid shirt!
(5)Lance L.
Eiderdown has become one of my favorites in Louisville. Great staff, great ambiance, and especially great food & drink. We have ordered nearly half the menu and have not been disappointed. Additionally, we enjoyed the $40 four course meal (tues-thurs) with beer pairings with some friends. Accessible price and the taste and variety was amazing. Great date spot.
(5)Chad P.
Quickly becoming one of my favorite dives in the city. This is my first official review, but I've been 5-6 times and have never been disappointed. They consistently deliver on a top notch atmosphere, service, and food quality each time. Oh yeah, and the robust and ever changing beer selection keeps me trying new things and happy. If you've never been...give this place a whirl. It's a jewel in the ever changing social and culinary scene in Germantown. Food reecos: It sounds simple...but they have one of the best burgers in the city. Test me on this. The hand cut fries are on point as well. Sometimes simple is just the way to go. Start here and then scale up on future visits. If you just want a snack and few beers - get the duck-fat popcorn or beer cheese and pair it with your favorite IPA or Lager.
(4)Steve A.
Pretzel bread hot and fresh is best in town. Food was great and the service fantastic. Nachburger was perfectly cooked and moist. Went very well with the Victory Golden Monkey beer. Warm potato salad is to die for. The place has a cool but laid back style. Great place for a weeknight meal.
(4)Mimi H.
Came to dinner on a Friday night after checking out reviews on yelp. The beer cheese to me I thought was good, but my date thought otherwise. Not as big of a hype as the other reviewers about the beer cheese. I had the mussels and they were delicious, had a bit of a Thai spin to it. It came out kinda cold though, but the server was very kind to take it back and fix it. My date had the mayor of milk street. The steak to me was cooked perfectly, but he thought the steak was just average for the price range. We has the coffee ice cream - rich, smooth and tasty! Service was decent but not anything to write home about.
(4)Mary Y.
I love this place - it's a regular stop for me and my friends. Always inventive, they change their menu seasonally while keeping favorites like the delicious Nach Burger a constant. Great atmosphere, fantastic food and drink and super-nice staff. One of my top picks for a meal out.
(5)Aaron S.
Eiderdown has a great atmosphere and plenty of beers to help that if you don't agree. Rustic American style with hints of German influence. Their burger is legit and consistent every time I order it. The menu changes so there is always a new option, which is a plus for returning patrons.
(3)Joshua R.
Beyond fantastic. Not the lightest cuisine but classic German with a southern twist. Chef's French influence comes through in spades. And perhaps the best curated beer on tap list in Louisville,
(5)Amy K.
We were in town visiting and I like to eat well on vacation. This place more than hit the spot. I had the pork loin with a broccoli puree and kartoffelpuffer and I wanted to lick my plate when I was done. The boyfriend had the spaetzle which was really good. The wait staff was friendly and attentive, I would definitely recommend trying this place.
(4)Annie S.
WOW! Everything was awesome. Duck Fat Popcorn, Crepes Jean Girard, Spaetzle & Gnadinger Pork all A+++ Go for a date or go with a group, the private room is a perfect entertaining space.
(5)Jeffrey B.
Cool pub atmosphere with an upscale menu. Their chef does an amazing job with locally grown food. Beer cheese is awesome. Nachburger is wow! My 14 year old daughter says " this place has chill vibes"
(5)Kevin O.
Eiderdown is a fantastic little place nestled in Germantown. It's a good place to dress up and try something new. Now, be forewarned, I would not call it German food. More appropriately, I think, it should be considered German inspired food. That isn't to say it isn't tasty. I thouroughly enjoyed the meal and they were able to accommodate a large (14-16) group of us. Given the size, the waitstaff did a great job. It's probably on the low end of high price, if that makes sense at all. I'd recommend giving it a try. For real German cuisine I go elsewhere, but Eiderdown is still a great place.
(4)Reta W.
4 stars for ambiance, service, price point, and deliciousness. I've eaten here several times and have never been disappointed. Beer selection is good and I can't get enough of the potato salad and greens! The Nachburger is a favorite.
(4)Aaron S.
Fantastic service, great food, and awesome atmosphere. Have only been once but definitely going back.
(4)Leslie L.
This is a tough one. What Eiderdown is: a nice neighborhood spot with a good vibe, good sevice, and good concepts. If I lived in the neighborhood, I could see it being a regular hangout. What it is not: one of the top 18 places in the city you must eat. First, we are not beer drinkers, so I can't comment on that. The wine selection is fairly priced. As for starters, we had the duck popcorn and beer cheese plate. The popcorn is ridiculous. I'm glad I can't make this every day at home (or just won't). The beer cheese? I love Blue Dog breads, I love beer cheese, but this was kind of bland. Our whole party agreed. I was bummed, because the reviews had me ready to dive into it. As to dinner, it has the potential to be great, with some tweaks. The burger and fries were hands down the best thing we ordered. The roasted chicken and grits were pretty tasty. I ordered the spaetzle. This could be amazing, but it's on the dry side. I stole some of the broth/ gravy from the chicken dish, which helped A LOT. Ask for a small bowl on the side. We didn't try dessert, but the selections sounded good. Bottom line, I would try it again, but with so many great restaurants in Louisville, it won't be all that soon.
(4)Kathy V.
This place got better the second time around. The beer cheese is still superb. I finally got to try the duck fat popcorn, and I tell you, I would take home a trunk full of that if I could. So good. The bread on the sandwich I got this time (the Kentucky Ham something or other...the one with the egg) was a little tougher that I would like, but other than that my food was delicious. I brought my family here and treated my parents to lunch for their anniversary. The burgers the others got were juicy and delicious. All in all, a good time, GREAT food, happy tummies all around!
(5)Nicole K.
Amazing meal tonight at Eiderdown! New summer menu was spot on and they now have liquor in addition to their always great beer and wine list. Try the wurst (house made sausage) with pierogi!
(5)Dan D.
Went there for the first time this evening and it was probably one of the best meals I've had out in a long time. Love the atmosphere and the service was tremendous. We had to try the beer cheese, but also got the oyster appetizer. Took most of the beer cheese home (delicious) and the oysters were perfect with the relish. I had the Mayor of Milktown which was cooked perfectly and my wife had the mussels which were also wonderful. I highly recommend this little Germantown jewell.
(5)Michelle K.
Atmosphere, service & food was the best. Was a little worried about my order since it was venison but it was totally worth the risk. Loved it & would suggest it to any Osso Buco fan. The This Way and That (duck dish) was another new and excellent choice for our table. Last, no one can ever go wrong with the Nach Burger. Beer choices & wine were the perfect compliments to our food choices with the help of our waitress to our meal. Will be back to try more Eiderdown creations by Chef Brian Morgan.
(5)Kelly Y.
I just went for a late lunch at Eiderdown with the hubby. I am already planning my next visit there. The atmosphere/ambience is perfect. I love the casual, warm yet modern dining room. The little vase of fresh flowers is a special touch I really appreciate. Besides the large selection of special beers, they also have Lindeman's raspberry lambic! It is about the only "beer" I enjoy. With that, we shared an order of pretzel sticks. Mmmmmm, those were so soft, warm and fresh. For my entree, I got the C.T.G. Not sure what each letter stands for, but to me it is like a southern version of the poutine: fried chicken livers on a bed of sweet potato fries and smothered with giblet gravy. So wrong, yet so good! Though I did feel the gravy needed a bit more salt. p.s. They also have a party room that seats what looks like 10-15 people. It would be a great venue for an intimate get-together for friends and family.
(4)Jules Wolfers D.
I was invited for a friend's birthday party- and to be frank with you, I'm glad I came! The hipster ambiance sure echoes my character and so I right away felt at home! I tried the Dear Prudence (with venison) and O-m-g... very delishy!!! High recommended!
(5)Jessica B.
Even I can't resist throwing on my dark rimmed glasses, rolling up my jeans and heading to Germantown for this restaurant gem in Hipster paradise. The fact that a restaurant even exists in Germantown where you're not sitting on top of each other is worth 3 out of 5 stars. During my most recent visit, my friends and I arrived around 8 PM on a Saturday with a group of 12+ people for a birthday dinner. We were quickly seated and our waitress was more than patient as she waited for us to peruse the quiet extensive beer menu. As far as food goes, many of us opted for the burger and fries, but I did get a chance to try the Spaetzle (something i'd never even heard of before) and it was delish! What I can't seem to get enough of, however, is the beer cheese! Seriously, i'm salivating just writing this review. If you're looking for something a little different with a great beer selection you really can't go wrong!
(5)Ellie B.
Eiderdown is a really cute place with friendly service. I loved my meal. Their crepes are listed as an appetizer, but I had them as part of my meal and scraped the plate clean. The beer cheese is good, too. My friends enjoyed the duck fat popcorn. For dessert I tried the fried cherry pies with orange blossom honey. You get three little pies and they were soooo good. Another plate I scraped clean.
(4)Paige H.
i've been back to eiderdown a multitude of times since my original review last year (6/25/13), it doesn't hurt that i live only 7 houses away. i went last night with two girlfriends and let me tell you 8 pm on a wednesday is the perfect time to go if you can't handle the noise, which this place unfortunately suffers from when all tables are filled and everyone is trying to be heard and all the voices are bouncing off the exposed brick walls! so, wednesday evening is perfect if you want to be kind to your ears. service has gotten so much better too; the once surly staff has warmed up significantly. our meal started with warm beer cheese and crunchy/chewy blue dog bread. i made sure the leftovers came home with me. one friend had the "mad about saffron" mussels and would've tipped the bowl to get every last drop of saffron broth had no one else been around. my other friend, who is vegetarian, ordered the "hoppin' john" which was a beautifully composed plate with many layers of flavor and texture. she was quite pleased. i came in planning on ordering the nachburger but after reading the description of the "freaknik" sandwich i was sold. this is a most inventive and ridiculously flavorful take on a grilled ham and cheese. the freaknik is this; broadbent country ham and mozzarella, bacon (yes BACON!), baby spinach and peach sorghum grilled between three slices of blue dog levain bread. the outside was sticky from the peach sorghum and i would have loved a wetnap but i was undeterred. this sandwich is the best sandwich i have ever eaten. seriously.
(4)Brittney H.
I find that I tend to boycott reviews of places I don't love. That's not fair to me nor to the Yelp community. Eiderdown is probably my biggest disappointment of all. I love the atmosphere of this place. The selection for beer on tap is quite extensive. The location is within walking distance. But the food is forever a let-down. It is the main reason why I never suggest this place. There are other restaurants in the area I'd rather frequent over this one, ten times outta ten. Sorry Eiderdown, you had such potential.
(2)Quyet L.
This place has a bucolic feel that leaves you at ease. The service was great. I must say I was quite surprised that the food was so good. It looked simple but exceptional. I had the burger and it could have been the best I've had in Louisville, and I've had my share. Impressed. Will be back.
(5)Karla W.
We (me, husband, son, co-worker, etc.) love Eiderdown! The duck fat popcorn is a great twist on an old favorite. Love the wine selection - big Riesling fanatic! The Sunday Sitdown is divine! I've gotten it multiple times and enjoyed every bite. Not sure what reviewers with lower rating ate, but I respect their opinion. Sorry you had a bad experience, but that's not been the case any time I've gone. It's a cool atmosphere too. We've taken our toddler there even though it's not an extremely family place, so we try to go for an early dinner time. They have an inexpensive kids menu, and we liked the fried spaetzle and fruit. The chocolate pot de creme is thick, rich, and I love every bite. It will make all your troubles disappear! We like that the menu has some staples and some items that change so you can try something new. The Ale-8-one mustrad was so tasty!
(5)Joe T.
Get the burger, eat it and love it. They grind bacon into the meat, and it's spectacular. I ordered medium and it came out medium. Great price at 11$ (with fries).
(5)Peter P.
I had heard that this was a nice place to eat but the six of us were disappointed by the menu choices and the food.
(3)Shana K.
From the outside Eiderdown looks like an unassuming neighborhood bar. If I hadn't been taken there by a friend I might have passed it up and gone on to another more noticeable establishment. However, Eiderdown, like any good book, cannot be judged by its cover. The interior is warm and inviting, filled with large dark wooden furniture. And, the menu is delicious. My friend and I sampled their beer cheese which was smooth and creamy with a beer that didn't overwhelm the cheese. We also sampled the duck fat popcorn. I had personally never tried duck before and this was amazing. It was rich and deeply flavorful but also perfectly salty. The chives that were sprinkled on top were a perfect compliment to the popcorn. I also ordered the "Sunday Sitdown" (minus the sausage). The chicken was perfectly moist and tender and the grits were extremely flavorful with a very appealing texture. I had to hold myself back from asking for a spoon so that I could drain the last bits of jus off of the plate. The collard greens tasted a bit like sauerkraut. I've never personally liked sauerkraut so I left them on the plate, but that is a personal taste preference. It doesn't speak to the restaurant or their preparation. Overall this was an amazing meal. I can't wait to return and try more of their delicious food.
(5)Tony M.
"Get To Steppin'" ain't just my recommendation when it comes to this amazing gastro pub, it's also the name of one of their appeteasers. Just one look at the plate of wild boar sausage, fried poached egg, french toast, pumpkin mousse and maple gastrique (whatever that is) and you're hooked! Wait 'til you taste it! Attentive, attractive hipster staff that seem like they should be in an iPod commercial later and with whom you want to trade playlists until the wee hours of the morning make you feel cool by association. Everything was served hot in this rustic dining room which has a full bar, by the way. I didn't order the duck fat popcorn, but a table near me was quacking with delight. I wish this restaurant had a presence in Dallas. Even though it was just one visit, I already miss them. The pumpkin bread pudding with homemade sorghum ice cream was but sweet parting between us.
(5)Lindsay C.
It's supposed to be German comfort food but somehow I ended up ordering a burger. I also had the crepes with goat cheese, toasted walnuts & black currant and honey. A small plate but I easily polished it off by myself. I ordered the burger with the warm potato salad. I was kind of skeptical about the warm potato salad but I overheard another table saying how good it was so I went ahead and ordered it. It was definitely really good I wouldn't even call it potato salad. It was just chunks of warm potato that complimented the burger really well. I wish I had more time to try everything on the menu.
(4)Veronica V.
Simply put-love this place! I travel 48 weeks a year and always come back to Eiderdown. The best Sunday Sitdown and Dr. Pepper ice cream sand which! No American Express accepted.
(5)Shane S.
The pretzel stick were phenomenal! I have had a few German pretzels and these were the best I have ever had! We sampled the Ale8 and Hefeweizen mustard and both were delicious. Beer cheese was awesome too! My wife and I split the spaetzle, which was rich and savory twist on the original, and I had to restrain myself from licking the plate. I will definitely be back!
(5)Mookie M.
Good food and attentive service. Hipster joint in Germantown with creative menu and good vibe. Reasonably priced, good-tasting chow.
(4)Keri K.
The food is fantastic!! I've never left this restaurant unsatisfied. The beer cheese and pretzels appetizers are great and I have loved every entree I have tried.
(5)Laurie S.
My husband & I spent a restful Thursday evening at Eiderdown enjoying a tasting menu - chef's pick! My oh my! It was fabulous - wonderful tastes, textures and contrasts, perfectly proportioned. A little bit of everything! Thanks for a great night! We will be back soon.
(4)Lindsay T.
Fantastic addition to this area. Love the beer and wine selection, wooden tables, and overall ambiance. I've been here 5 times now and it has yet to disappoint. Favorites include the pretzels w/ beer cheese, spaetzle with goat cheese and almonds, and the uber-juicy pork sandwich on a pretzel bun. The reason for the 4 stars; staff could warm up a bit and get to know the neighborhood patrons :)
(4)Megan F.
Yelp's ambiance category of hipster romance is a solid way to characterize this place. It's a great place for a date because it's a notch above average in a lot of regards. It's a maybe a step up from your casual t-shirt and jeans, but you could still be fine in those. The entrees and apps are still accessible but definitely more interesting of a culinary experience than what you'd order at Flanagan's. Plus, they've got a range of prices anywhere from $10 to $20. Like the dude at the show who bops his head and occasionally moves his feet, this place cares enough to put itself out there but isn't over the top or polarizing in any way. It's a comfortable atmosphere and yummy food, but it feels just a little bit more special than other places because of some of the local ingredients and unique creations. The most important thing about this place is the beer cheese. It is superb! Whenever I'm planning on going here, it's the one thing on the menu that I know I have to order. Every time, without fail, it is brilliantly beer-y and cheesy with a nice spicy kick. Best of all: it's served hot! The Sunday Sitdown and the Nachburger are both really scrumptious too. However, entrees are a mere afterthought when you begin the meal with beer cheese. Note: they have a four course chef's tasting menu which is $30 on Tuesday through Thursday. Planning on trying that soon!
(4)Claire B.
My husband insisted I eat here the last time I was in town and I'm so glad that he did. The restaurant is in an old converted house with high, dark ceilings. It's similar to other buildings in the Germantown area, if you're familiar. Unfortunately, you must walk through their private dining area to get to the restaurant; it wasn't a bother to me, but I wouldn't be happy about it if I was one of the people eating in there. My beer was fantastic- sweet and dark and rich. I chose it based on recommendations and samples provided by my friendly, efficient server. My mother and I apparently both chose items that have been discontinued, so I won't discuss them too much, but they were both fantastic. I particularly enjoyed the creamy roasted vegetable pot pie. My husband got the sausages with kraut and it was a great interpretation of a classic German dish. If you want traditional German food, there are some great places to get it in Louisville, but if you want unique, exciting modern cuisine with a home-made touch, I definitely suggest Eiderdown. They were more than happy to cook up a sandwich for us to take home and the entire evening was relaxing and fun. I have heard from others that they can be hit -and-miss, but I can attest that the one time I was there, it was an absolute hit.
(5)Jasmine A.
I've been to Eiderdown a handful of times and each experience was better than the last. It's upscale, German inspired, comfort food that ranges anywhere from $9 for a burger or sandwich to $22 for a local grass-fed steak. I love the hipster, down-home ambiance and find the food to be flavorful, creative, and reasonably priced compared to some of its other farm to table counterparts. The last time I went I thoroughly enjoyed everything I ordered. I highly recommend the Steak and Eggs appetizer $9, the Sunday Sitdown $17 and the Mayor of Milk Street $22. Eiderdown also offers an excellent beer selection and friendly service.
(4)Amy S.
Visited recently and feel the need to take the rating down a notch. 2.5 stars. The duck fat popcorn we were served was not freshly prepared as it had previously been. It seemed they warmed up old popcorn, added way too much salt, a little grease, and sent it out. Previously it had been served fresh and garnished with some green onion, not so this time. The waitress we had was also absolutely horrid. Disinterested hipster would be a good description. No asking how the food was, no offering of refills, etc. Menu is still very limited. I will say the hamburger my husband ordered was very tasty, but this was the small bright spot of our visit (aside from the usual beer offerings). We will not be returning here!
(2)Merete M.
Our service was great, and the place is lovely. I recall my Kentucky Country Ham sandwich being tasty, but a little scant on fillings. The duck fat popcorn was delicious and rich. We had the bread pudding dessert, and ate all the things.
(4)Molly S.
The food is good and interesting. Don't be put off by the German food label, it is a thoroughly modern take on German food, the only reason I didn't give it five stars is I really miss the Mullagitawny! Another slight gripe is that there are usually only one or two vegetarian options on the menu (although they are always good).
(4)Raquelle Z.
I have to admit, sometimes after a long hard day at work I want to order some yummy meal, and take it home to enjoy. This is right after I change into my comfy clothes! Today, I decided to try a new burger. Nachburger and fries was my choice and it didn't disappoint. I finished my meal with the ultimate comfort food of Chocolate pot de creme which was delicious. I liked the atmosphere of this place, and after viewing their current dinner menu I would love to return for a nice, quiet dinner with friends.
(4)Kit L.
Everything is great except the sweet breads were a let down. But that is the only thing I can complain about.
(3)Marc V.
I have to agree with Paige H. This is an ok local joint that gives a nod to German comfort food. I had the burger and my friend had the schnitzel. The burger was average. Schnitzel was interesting and flavorful.
(3)Jones T.
French toast good, fries excellent, salmon crepes average, nach burger good. Service was friendly. Nice decor inside.
(5)Seth H.
Yum. Got a turkey on top of pumpernickel break with sauteed brussel sprouts and some other good stuff. Delicious pretzel bread and fries.
(4)Elizabeth S.
I've been to eat twice so far, for lunch and dinner. Lunch was a complete letdown. The sandwiches were not anything special, but my friend had the burger and it looked really good. It seems like this might be somewhere to stick with german classics, because the lamb was not what I had excepted. Dinner here was pretty good. The salad was over-salted, but I can overlook a mistake here and there. Both dishes my date and I ordered were really great. A little rich and heavy, but still enjoyable. Both times I have ordered the beer cheese I was really impressed, always different depending on what they use that day. Overall, this seems to be more of a dinner spot. A great atmosphere, and interesting menu. I really appreciate what they're trying to do, and new restaurants always need time to work out the kinks. I will return!
(3)Melanie K.
Gastro Pub Not German. My Sister and I ventured to try German cuisine which led us to Eiderdown. Unfortunately as soon as we asked about authentic German dishes, we were told that Eiderdown is not a German Restaurant just German infused. Needless to say, I have updated their tastings to Gastro Pub and not German. Luckily, the server was kind enough to direct us to their most German dishes that included the Bratwurst of the day and Spatzel. We also ordered the beer cheese appetizer since it seemed like it SHOULD be a German dish. I was really intrigued by the beer selection, since I love German beers, but didn't have a chance to try any since I was driving. As far as the food goes, it was all pretty mediocre. The bratwurst was dry even though it was served with a cream sauce. The Bratwurst was served with squash and fingerling potatoes that were very tasty. As for the Spatzel, neither of really cared for the fried texture. We tried to taste just the veggies and gravy, but all of it was so salty that we gave up. I think the most we ate was the baguette that came with our beer cheese. For beer cheese sake it was decent, but again not amazing. Our service was spot on and very friendly. Our server did the best she could to give us our German experience at a Gastro Pub, and was tipped well for her efforts. The space was a little crowded and even though there was two of us in a half empty restaurant we sat back to back with another table and kept getting bumped. If Eiderdown is aiming to be more Europe they are getting it spot on, but not in the way they would hope. The dishes and drinks must have been priced on Euro currency and the atmosphere was pretty pretentious with nothing really to validate it for feeling that way. Maybe Eiderdown should start being more German before they need a European bailout too.
(3)Dave R.
Nice menu offerings but the execution just isn't quite there. I ordered the steak special which was cooked a perfect medium rare but the sear on the steak was just too thick and made the steak tough. There was also a line of gristle but that was minor. The sauce on the plate was also watered down with the liquid from the black-eyed peas and the brussel sprouts...I had to search for a spot that was still thick enough to have any flavor added from the sauce. Proper draining would have made this a much nicer plate of food. The soup appetizer was the highlight tonight. This is a nice and cozy place but probably more suited to the neighborhood patrons since there was very little small talk offered. I got the feeling I was welcome but still segregated from the locals. I dine alone while on business trips and typically the servers or bartenders will strike up conversations...but not here.
(3)Anna C.
It's not cheap, but you'll be glad you splurged. the beer cheese was really good and the beer selection is awesome. The menu changes with the season and it's great to walk by and see what's new.
(5)Michelle M.
Maybe it's because it is walking distance from my house, but it's probably because I have had nothing but consistently wonderful dining experiences at Eiderdown that keep me coming back again and again. The proximity thing is really just an added bonus. I cannot imagine starting a meal without an order of beer cheese. No matter what variations they are serving, it is always consistently delish. Most recently I had a blue cheese variation, which came with a "warning" and my response was "hell yes!". I know that blue cheese is one of those cheeses that people have strong reactions to, but I really wish they offered it more often because it was wonderful. I enjoy that the menu changes seasonally, with several items remaining constant over time. When I get the notification that they have a new menu, you can pretty much expect me to show up for dinner that evening. The fairly recent addition of the Viking Wurst made my year as one of my consistent criticisms has been that they did not offer a sausage option. In addition to having several "chef's whim" items (Mayor of Milk Street, Beer Cheese, Viking Wurst, etc) they also offer specials most evenings, which have resulted in some of the most wonderful and memorable meals. I also highly recommend the weekend brunch. Although the menu options are limited, I think it allows you to try something you may not have thought about before. My brunch experience has been fantastic, although I must say the coffee they served was super bitter and they could probably improve on that. I think the beer and wine list speaks for itself, and the general atmosphere is welcoming and well stylized.
(5)Mozil L.
Man o man...how many cool places are there that serve great regional beers? They make a mean pig knuckle and kraut...
(5)Jamie C.
Beer cheese and burger. That's all you need. Both are amazing and I think about the beer cheese on a regular basis, craving it at random times. (all the other food is delicious too) The owners are great great people and my husband and I love to support this wonderful restaurant.
(5)Joe D.
LIke most I agree this is a great place to sit and enjoy a great brew and delicious beer cheese with blue dog bread. It would be better if they toasted the bread but overall this is always an amazing start to dinner. Sunday Sitdown is always tender and flavorful and a usual go to for me. Today I tried the much heralded Gnadinger Pork and was sorely disappointed. Maybe its my work in nursing homes but the braised pork reminded me what I have to look forward to if I enter the "ole home." I think they call it pureed food for those that can't chew. This dish was braised so long that it lost the consistency of pork and instead was a melange of ingredients that didn't do it for me. It would have been much better if the pork was braised until it was fork tender... it would have made all the difference. Although many seem to like the sandwich based on the reviews. Overall I still give this restaurant four stars. It is well worth the trip.
(4)Liz Y.
I've always loved German food at other places but Eiderdown was blah for me. The duck fat popcorn was really flavorful but the "fat" greasy taste started to get nauseating. Beer cheese was good but I would've preferred it with pretzels instead of baguette. Spaetzel was ok. Again really greasy and salty. I really liked the beer though!!!
(3)Matt C.
The menu might not be exactly what you'd expect, but almost everything I tried was in the good to delicious range. We started with the famed duck fat popcorn and beer cheese appetizer (both of which I thought were good but a little overrated). The beer selection is interesting and should have something for everyone. And I thought my entree was fantastic (I had one of the rotating specials, an elk steak, and it was excellently prepared). It was a little pricey, however, and other things I sampled like the spaetzle and "Homer's Daydream" ribs could have been better. If I went back, I'd definitely try some of the sandwiches. I can easily see this being on many lists of favorite places, but with a somewhat hit-or-miss menu it really depends on how you order.
(3)Amy G.
I've been meaning to do this review for awhile, now. I mean...I talked about my meal for about 2 weeks after I had it! The food gets 5 stars...we had the popcorn, some delightful salads and I had the spaetzle and my friend had the burger. The spaetzle was probably one of the best dishes I have had anywhere in a long time. The flavors...man alive...if it was socially acceptable, I may have licked the plate. Washed it down with a great bottle of wine. Our server was attentive without being too much, explained the dishes thoroughly without being too wordy. I hate...let me repeat...I hate the LOUD trend that has invaded this town. As I adore the interior at Eiderdown, and really...don't mind that there is absolutely NO room to maneuver in the restaurant and being bumped here and there as you are eating dinner...it's the fact that I have to shout to be heard from my friend that was literally a few inches from my face. Shout. I guess because every one else is shouting. Hate this. And every restaurant, it seems now, one must shout to communicate because of the concrete floors, high ceilings, and wood (possibly the only sound catcher...) bars and tables. Over it. So...the food is TOPS but the loudness is over the top ANNOYING. Maybe we will try to go when it is not popular dinner hour...maybe old folks time around 5 on a Tuesday. I will need hearing aids after my trips to these loud ass restaurants, otherwise.
(4)Jesse B.
Atmosphere is super laid back. Food is almost always good, and occasionally exceptional. Definitely get the crepes and the Country Ham Sandwich. Beer list is great. Wine list is great.
(4)Deb R.
We 'd been once before and really enjoyed it. This time we did the Chef's Tasting with wine pairings, which was a fantastic meal and only $45 each. Chef's Whim- Each course was fantastic ( and changes); wine pourings with each course were very well matched and large. Our dinner consisted of 4 courses: 1) a green bean salad with peaches, peanuts and Capriole Sophia goat cheese ( very tasty- large portion for a tasting) 2) mussels in a herbed broth with center of ratatouille and one large shrimp,( amazing flavor on the broth, 4 perfectly cooked mussels and one x-large shrimp. LOVED this dish, they offered bread to sop up every drop) 3) Ashbourne Farms steak with a vegetable puree with beef broth ( cooked perfectly med rare- great flavor) 4) Blueberry cobbler with house lemon ice cream drizzled with honey ( OMG - I want to move to Goss to eat this every night! Truly amazing.) Overall we were very impressed- with service, food and price point. Thanks for the fantastic dinner, Eiderdown!
(5)Spalding H.
Love this place. Great food, great atmosphere.
(5)Jason R.
There are tons of reviews for this place and I am not going to repeat what everyone is saying about the food and beer except that the food is great, especially the apps!! The beer selection is excellent and the staff is very knowledgeable about it. I wanted to shift the focus to the staff and the wine. The staff is very attentive and is very proud of the restaurant and what is has to offer. I went in for lunch and felt like I was the only customer that they had. They let me taste whatever I wanted and that was very helpful with the extensive beer list. Now to the wine. I know that it is very tricky to select and serve wine that doesn't break the customer but is still good quality and satisfying. Whoever selects their wine does an excellent job. They offer two of my personal (cheaper) favorites by the glass. The Four Vines OVC Zin and the Predator Zin are must try wines and are unbeatable at that price point. Great place!!!
(4)Brian D.
Burger is one of the best. Get the beer cheese too
(5)Rachel F.
First and foremost, all I have to say is beer cheese. Are you sold yet? They have some of the best beer cheese I've ever had, and they even rotate out the types to keep you guessing. For a night of beers and a snack of beer cheese, this place is 5 stars. (Okay, so I'm a beer fan, but my friends who aren't still liked the stuff a lot) Onto the food. As much as I felt like a traitor, one of my trips here I tried the burger. Nachburger to be exact (they are the same owners as Nach bar down the street). The burger was awesome. So don't hate. Some fantastic white cheddar and this Challah (I think) bun. I've also had the Pork Sandwich with black currants that was really nice. Not a fan of the side I got that time. I'm usually a fan of couscous, and dishes of that type but the quinoa was pretty bland. It was the only thing I haven't really liked- though I don't see it on the menu anymore... Also had an appetizer spread one night that was very tasty. Duck fat popcorn and crepes. Yum. The crepes were a little small but pretty fabulous. And the beer selection. Love. The servers are all really helpful as well with suggestions and such. This place rocks.
(4)Kellyo O.
I like the look and the beer selection. The food was ok. The best thing was the different mustards. I ordered the Duck Fat popcorn. I love popcorn. I did not however like this. And I burped duck fat (disgusting - it's ok don't even imagine what it was like) for the rest of the day. Obviously others love it so more power to ya! I also ordered the pretzel sticks and an extra mustard (because I couldn't decide on just 2 of them). I also had the Gnadinger Pork sandwich. I was not impressed. It really was nothing tasty. I had been waiting to try this restaurant for a while so I was disappointed. The server was VERY NICE though! I probably won't go back as it seems a bit expensive for what you get. This is like a gourmet German in a poor neighborhood place.
(2)Nicole P.
Was für ein schöner Abend! Good good treats oh yes. I absolutely loved my A-game quail dish,..especially the glazed bacon that drizzled over it. My whole group loved their dishes. I was able to nibble on some of my friend's choice of popcorn and bierkäse,..worth it. So people if you are in Louisville, do yourself a favor and just go. Great food and hip and inviting ambiance.
(5)keith g.
I am still here and I am full and it was pretty good. I am spoiled by all the travel I do and every time I come to Louisville I focus on Proof on Main which is my favorite place in North America. I had the current grass fed beef burger ground with bacon, and it was awesome. The fries were home cut and crispy like I like them. The watermelon Parmesan salad was surprisingly tasty. There beer selection was above a chain but below most gastro pubs. (again I am spoiled as I frequent Grand Rapids) I would give three stars butt I am in Louisville and they didn't have a license to sell bourbon. Not their fault and they are working on it but for now it's the loss of 1/2 a star. I can't give 2.5 so I give em a 3.....
(3)Denise K.
We eat in Germantown about 6 times a year, and for the past few years we have pretty much stuck to Zeppelin or Check's Cafe. With the Zeppelin closed, we decided to try Eiderdown - the reviews looked good, and we had been talking about trying it. There were only four customers when we walked in, but it took nearly 40 minutes to get our meals after we ordered. Only 4 other people came in while we were there. The room was very cold -- none of us took off our coats the entire time we were there. The waitress checked on us once in that 40 minutes. She was polite when she was with us -- we just didn't see much of her. The food was promising with some very tasty duck fat popcorn as an appetizer. One meal was fabulous: pulled pork sandwich with German potato salad - it really was amazing. (The only reason I can give this review two stars.) The duck confit frittata was dry and flavorless. The last meal was cabbage slaw (decent), sweet potato fries (very good), with chicken livers (very over cooked) and COLD gravy. If you want to try Eiderdown, order the pulled pork and potato salad to go - that meal is worth the stop. Check's may be chili and braunschweiger sandwiches, but it is good, hot chili and thick, tasty braunschweiger. I'll go back there next visit.
(2)Marianne C.
Went here for lunch on a slow Friday. I felt badly that the fire inspector came and was complaining about the fire alarm not buzzing when he pressed the test button. We saw him pull up on the street as we were walking in and we figured he was going to try to ruin someone's day. :) The waitress / bartender was friendly and helpful. I forget her name, but she seemed to ask us if we needed something when we needed it and otherwise left us to our conversation. We tried the duck fat popcorn, because I read so many good things about it - it was yummy, and I'm not typically a popcorn eater. Must be the duck fat! I had the Henry Althaus, which was delicious. I wasn't very hungry, so it was a good choice after the popcorn, which I ate more of than I anticipated doing. Good selection of beers - I wish the Brooklyn Mary's Maple Porter had more maple to it :) ... liked the Bonfire of the Vanities beer... a smoked Imperial lager... yum. Overall, I'd go here again. Would be interesting to visit when the place is hopping.
(4)Kara P.
Love the unique twists they put on dishes! I had a chicken stuffed sausage with greens. Perfectly cooked. The duck popcorn is a nice starter. I go there when possible to try new things. The only reason it's not a 5 star rating is because I think the prices are a little bit high for the amount. However the food is worth it.
(4)Richard H.
After an excellent lunch for two, we decided (after consulting with our waiter) to bring a big family group for an early dinner the next night (10 adults, 3 kids). The staff were extremely accommodating, even though others have said 'not good for kids' about this restaurant. All were agreed this was a great decision. The wait staff understood to take the kids' orders from the children's menu right away and bring them their food while the rest of us were conversing, drinking, ordering, etc. The food might be described as 'nouveau German-American' -- great updates on classic dishes like spaetzle and pork ribs with sauerkraut. A big beer list, as you would expect, with intriguing choices. A couple of vegetarian choices on each menu, too. We were very pleased to have found this place, in walking distance of where we had our family gathering.
(4)Melissa W.
Duck fat popcorn!
(4)Elizabeth B.
This was my second experience at Eiderdown and it was better than my first. I think I ordered more wisely than I did the first time. I ordered the stew special and it was a great meal for a chilly evening. It was beef stew with pumpkin. That's right, pumpkin. Gave it an interesting kick, but could have been a little more flavorful. Overall tasty. What really made my meal was the popcorn cooked in duck oil. It sounded interesting so I ordered some for the table. It was so delicious! It was a lighter taste than regular popcorn but still hit the spot as only popcorn can do. I really like the atmosphere at this spot. It is hip and cool with the brick walls, but has nice elegance to it with the lovely light fixtures and big wooden furniture. Next time you are in Germantown, hit up Eiderdown.
(3)Lynn B.
After my third visit, I've decided this place just gets better and better. Their menu changes with the seasons - food and beers. The beers are fantastic! The new food menu is also great, especially the items with goat cheese. I had the Spatzle with sausage added - I usually bring half home for a second meal, but I licked the plate clean on this one. Everyone at our table was happy with their meals. We shared a dessert instead of having the usual lindeman's framboise (a decadent raspberry beer good enough for dessert!). It had a scone like shortbread with peach or apricot fruit and goat cheese ice cream - yummy! I believe this will become a regular stop. It was a beautiful evening, so we walked to the Nachbar for another drink. Personally, i like the on-tap beer selection at Eiderdown better, but the Nachbar has nice gardens for socializing. Great evening!
(5)Jacob M.
I came here for my second time while I was visiting friends I had made when I lived in Louisville; I was disappointed that I didn't go here more often when I lived in Germantown. I remember enjoying the food on my first visit, but didn't think it was anything special (although the duck fat popcorn was interesting). This time I had the Black Forest Day Hike (duck confit, parsnip cake, brussels sprouts, carrots, w/ a cherry and porter demi glaze): incredible. They also have a good beer selection; it's not the best in Louisville, but you will find several good beers. The food is a little more than the average restaurant in Louisville, the it is a good deal for the quality of food that you get.
(4)Brian L.
Credits are shown in order of appearance: Service: The staff seemed very friendly and attentive. Even people who weren't my servers were very helpful. We did sit at the bar and the bartender seemed rather Vulcan but that might have been his personality. He wasn't neglectful but seemed rather blah. Beer: What a wonderful selection of German and German-styled beers. This is quite impressive and a big reason why I'll go back. This will be especially refreshing over the summer. I had Brooklyn Brewery's Sorachi Ace, which I continue to love. One has to respect the strong regional brewery presence here plus they're almost all delicious beer in my mind. Appetizers: We got the duck-fat popcorn and the pretzel sticks. Both are must tries. The popcorn was just absolutely delectable and perfectly savory. The pretzel sticks could have been had on their own but they come w/ a option of a number mustards. The mustards we got (the Sweet Hot & the Heffeweisen) took a bit to get into but after my palate acclimated there was not enough of either. Food: I got the country ham, which was fantastically straightforward. It might seem like a breakfast item but was perfect for me at the time. I loved the bread it came in on. Not too much and not too tough either. I also got the glazed carrots, which were also wonderful. So too were their fries. From my friend who came with us the mashed potatoes weren't as tasty but they didn't look bad and she did not complain one bit. I'm definitely going to be going back because I think 4 stars might have been an underrating.
(4)Amber S.
Cozy place but the menu is not impressive. Honestly, I cannot recall much about my experience other than I did not like what I ordered. I do recall the restroom soap smelling O-so-pretty. Overall, I probably wouldn't go here again unless it was for an occasion with the friends only to sip a fine beer.
(2)Ryan B.
Uber-delicious. The absolute best pork sandwich I have ever eaten. The burgers are also out of this world. The pretzel sticks and beer cheese accompany the main dishes perfectly. And the beer...they have a great collection of German and Belgian beers on tap, as well as a few other selections. I love the Double Trouble IPA. The service and atmosphere were spot-on. I will return very soon to this eatery.
(5)Lisa C.
Our first night in Louisville we searched Yelp and came across Eiderdown. The atmosphere was cozy and the food was phenomenal. I ordered the Nachburger and my husband ordered the ribs. Next time we're in Kentucky we'll come back for sure.
(5)Erik H.
There is nothing on this menu that I do not like. Great beer selection and the beer cheese and pretzel bread are great. I highly recommend this restaurant.
(5)Joan M.
SALTY but really good food and atmosphere. Wood. Good place to go if you want to have a beer with lunch
(4)Jennifer S.
If you want unique food at a great price, you'll give Eiderdown a try. There's a little bit of something for everyone and the beer/wine choices are amazing. A friend of mine lived in Germany and said it's the best food he's had here in the States. Plus, the owners, chefs and staff are fabulous people who work hard to keep a customer satisfied and provide a one-of-a-kind dining experience and the atmosphere is to die for.
(5)Lynn L.
Love! This is the perfect addition to Germantown. The interior is warm and inviting with exposed brick, dark wainscoting, reclaimed wood tables, and picnic tables for larger parties. Service is friendly and attentive. The ambiance is more cozy and quiet, and not very "bar" like, which is perfect - there are already enough bars in Germantown! Excellent wine (no bottle over $34, and there are some good ones!) and beer (about 20 or so from which to choose, mostly German and Belgian) lists. Every day they have a special soup, beef, and stew, so they keep the menu fresh. Menu offers lots of choices from starters, salads, entrees, and also sandwiches and "street food". Working for a German company, and having been to Germany several times, it's nice to see some new spins on authentic German dishes. We started off with the beer cheese of the day (Duchesse de Bourgogne and bleu cheese), and pretzels and mustard. Both were outstanding, and we enjoyed dipping the soft warm pretzels in the beer cheese too! The Porter mustard that came with the pretzels was awesome. Soup of the day was a cauliflower bisque, which we greedily gobbled up. We both remarked that the seasoning was perfect - it didn't need anything. For mains, I had the spatzle with winter vegetable ragout, italian sausage, and goat cheese. umm, yowsa, this is really good! It is so rich I could only finish about a third, but I am already looking forward to the leftovers for lunch! The boy had the beef special of the day, which was a rump roast with fennel, potatoes, onion, and cauliflower. The meat was tender and flavorful, and he finished every bite. Even though we were full, we decided to split a slice of the lemon chess pie, which was a nice bright ending to a rich meal. My only complaint on dessert is that the crust was slightly under-done. Four glasses of wine, two starters, a soup, two entrees, and a dessert, including tax and tip was $100 even. We left satisfied and can't wait to come back! I am keeping my fingers crossed that they will have outdoor seating in the warm months.
(5)Shal V.
Grabbed a quick bite from Eiderdown while driving around Germantown. I got the Nachburger (Local Grass-Fed Beef Ground with Bacon, Kenny's White Cheddar, Challah Bun) - it was excellent! Very juicy and seasoned well. I want to go back one evening and try the different beers.
(4)John C.
More like Eidertwothumbsup! Am I right?
(5)Cherie M.
It was our first time in Louisville and our friends were kind enough to take us here our 1st night in town. The pared down menu was pretty advanced and ambitious to me, a food-loving, non-foodie. But the waitress was very attentive and happy to answer all our questions. They even had a menu with the gluten-free, or could be made GF options highlighted. Score! Everyone really enjoyed the different beers they had available and when asked, they had a GF bottled beer available (but not listed on the list). I was able to enjoy their "Sunday dinner" meal which was roasted chicken, collard greens, grits and a special GF gravy they made just for me! Heavenly! While I'm not a celiac and super-sensitive to gluten, I am gluten-intolerant and I did not get ill, at all, from this wonderful meal. My husband had the short ribs, which he deemed the best he'd ever had. Overall, we were quite happy with our meals and drinks. It's pretty pricey, I'll admit, but a fine time was had by all. The waitstaff was wonderful even when half our party left and the rest of us lingered over our drinks. Granted, they weren't uber-busy, but not once did I notice them give us the stinkeye. Good times.
(4)Anna L.
Every individual on the planet wants to have a delicious meal, every time they eat. Every family unit wants to have a stellar time when they're all in the same city and every bride and groom hopes for an easy, stressless wedding planning process. All of these desires can be fulfilled one place: Eiderdown. Let me explain. Every time my husband and I go to Eiderdown (which is like, 3 times a month, minimum) we are amazed by the quality of ingredients, (local meats and veggies...), seriously satiated by the flavors, and for real indulged by the beer and wine lists. The menu is ever changing according to season, with some mainstays, of course. The gnadinger pork sandwich is like a staple in my diet, and the crepes jean girard, are heavenly. It is our favorite, favorite place to eat. My family is sadly separated by geography. When we reconvene in Louisville, we want to go out, have a great time and eat good food. Eiderdown is usually our number one choice. Last time we had a family outing there, we weren't so thrilled with our king-style table, you know we all wanted to see each others faces. The staff very willingly and graciously understood our desire and relocated us to a round table, put up with a ten person rendition of Country Road, and never ceased to be attentive. I recently got married. Married life is great, planning the wedding, not quite as blissful. Location and cost of the rehearsal dinner are crucial. Oddly when restaurants have menus for this kind of event, even if its a good restaurant, the menu all of a sudden sucks, but not at the ever faithful Eiderdown. It dawned on me and my then fiance, Eiderdown would be the perfect place. We love the aesthetic there (exposed brick, reclaimed wood tables, fun chandeliers) and found out we'd be able to do a lunch not a dinner, which was even better, (allowed for wedding eve to be wayyy less stressful) with an insane menu, I'm talking roasted quail, vegetable spatzel, osso bucco, chocolate pot de creme.. take that every other rehearsal dinner place. Actually planning the rehearsal was like laying in an infinity pool while drinking a marg, easy, enjoyable, and one of the most stress free activities, ever. You can thank me later when you experience the goodness tucked away in Germantown.
(5)Natalie H.
Eiderdown is an excellent restaurant. Their food is German meets southern food. They put a lot of time and effort into creating dishes from scratch with the best ingredients. They hand make all of their sausage and pretzels among other things, and use many local ingredients. I love the nachburger, which has bacon ground up into the patty. The pretzels and homemade beer cheese are fantastic, as are the greens and potato salad. They have beer pairings provided for each dish, and a great overall selection. If you like cheap beer and are really beer thirsty, try the Viking special which is a giant size mug filled with Stroh's. The Eiderdown has a very homey, comfortable atmosphere with dim lighting and tables built from reclaimed tobacco barn wood made by a local artist.
(5)Melinda T.
Eiderdown is a special celebration place. We celebrate birthdays and anniversaries with the pot de cream and beer cheese. Some beer cheeses can be overpowering but this one is balanced! Some chocolate desserts can be too rich but this is the perfect size and great for a special treat. The service is always great and if you go early, there is plenty of street parking.
(4)Erin E.
4.75 stars! My husband and I had a most excellent dinner at Eiderdown last weekend. The atmosphere is fantastic; I just loved the earthy feel! The beer selection was creative and fun. Staff was friendly and helpful. It was a busy Friday night so upon arrival we moved to the bar to start off with a few beers. The wait took about 30 minutes but we weren't in a hurry and the bar had such a great energy. Once we were seated at our table we ordered the beer cheese of the day which was Dunkel & baby Swiss. So finger lickin' tasty! I wanted to go with the duck fat popcorn based on all the rave Yelp reviews but my husband won the coin toss on that one (next time!). For my entree I had the Spaetzle (I added sausage) which was truly to die for. The dish was a symphony of complex flavors. It was filling and comforting, yet highly elevated! My hubbie had the Mayor of Milk street grass-fed beef which was served with sweet potatoes which he absolutely loved. Had we any room left in our very full stomachs we would have tried a dessert but alas that will have to wait for next time. And there will definitely be a next time! The only reason I didn't give this review a 5 star rating is that we were sat at the only bad table in the house (located right by the front door/ window and hostess stand on a busy Friday night) It took away from the atmospheric pleasure of the whole environment. Had we known, we might have opted to stay at the bar to eat our AMAZING meal.
(4)Jude B.
Delightful spot - neighborhood bar/restaurant in Germantown. The menu is unusual and delightful (some veggie choices) - I had the most refreshing salad (nicoise) fingerling potatoes, fresh green onions and macadamia nuts topped with eatable flowers! The heirloom tomato soup was outstanding and as flavorable as a slice would be . . . chilled wine, varieties of beer on tap and the wait staff make you feel you've been invited to a dinner party! Met an old friend there recently and had just appetizers and a drink - equally impressed. Casual and easy - great for a larger party I would think . . . like!
(4)Anthony B.
We ate the cheese burger with the bacon crumbles inside was absolutely amazing! The staff was friendly and very attentive. The only thing I could say was more veggies could have been added to the mushroom and vegetable soup.
(4)Gordon P.
Nice place. Craft beer=overpriced as usual. Good service, and if you like paying too much for beer then this is your place. The pretzels and beer cheese are awesome.
(3)Mark F.
Maybe it's because we ate here after great meals at Blind Pig and Hammerheads, but I was not impressed. Beer cheese was a glop of cheese-flavored paste, spatzel veg thing all ran together. Nice space though.
(3)Noah S.
I never leave 5 star reviews. My first visit to Louisville. My brother had pork loin and I ate the Sunday Sitdown. We were very impressed. We are both a couple of jaded cynics who have tired of the hit and miss offerings of most hip restaurants. Excellent food. Loved the low-key atmosphere of the restaurant and neighborhood. Great place. Louisville is a neat town too.
(5)Kirk C.
My wife loved the mushroom steak. The country ham sandwich had great flavor. Very good restaurant.
(4)Michael B.
The interior has a great feel. Old refinished wood tables are a nice touch. I had high hopes for this place as a Germantown resident and since it's the brainchild of the Nachbar. I ordered their bison burger and duck fat popcorn and wasn't impressed, and our orders were switched with a neighboring table...awkward. We had to wait a while before we got our beer and duck fat popcorn which was surprising since this was at 4:00 PM on a Sunday. I thought the great selection of gastro pub german fare was a little overpriced compared to Zeppelin a 10 minute walk away. Overall I was not impressed but I WILL BE BACK to try some other beers and menu items and give them another chance. I will say they had a good selection of good German brews and I'm glad to see a cozy local restaurant. I hope my next review of them will be 5 stars!
(3)Margot S.
Delicious food. More than basic German fare. They use local hormone free meat. Modern decor. Lively atmosphere. Fresh ingredients. Filet was cooked to perfection. Chocolate pot de creme was amazing. My only complaint is the portion size is abnormally small. I know fine food is known for small portions, but my dinner bordered on silly. Meat with 3 brussells sprouts. $60 dinner for two (2 entrees, one dessert, one beer and one coffee). One negative- the bar is really uncomfortable to sit at. There is no space to tuck your legs under, it's like sitting at a kitchen counter, not a bar.
(5)Penny K.
Awesome, cozy place to eat. Just loved the beautiful reclaimed wood tables. Comfort food with local ingredients combined with an excellent beer list. I had the chicken with greens and grits and it was really tasty. Never had grits that good in my life. Service was friendly, but not too friendly if you know what I mean. Whole experience just felt good. Highly recommended.
(5)Cia W.
Went for a birthday dinner for a friend on a snowy nite, and was wowed. the room is beautiful, the wine and beer lists clever and interesting; the food was terrific. not sure how they will play it in warmer weather (maybe some great salads), but the beer cheese (more like a for-real rarebit), the spaetzle and the pork ribs/sauerkraut/potatoes dishes . . . were very homemade and high-quality. it was a great meal and the service was smart and attentive and low-key. loved it. really excited to see it in Gtown.
(4)