The Oakroom
500 S 4th St, Louisville, KY, 40202
The Oakroom Menu
Sorry, We are updating this restaurant menu details.
Visit below restaurant in Louisville for healthy meals suggestion.
Visit below restaurant in Louisville for healthy meals suggestion.
Visit below restaurant in Louisville for healthy meals suggestion.
Sorry, we don't have Q&A for this restaurant.
Sorry, No Coupons available for this restaurant.
-
Address :
500 S 4th St
Louisville, KY, 40202 - Phone (502) 807-3463
- Website https://www.theoakroomlouisville.com/
- Click To Get Directions
Opening Hours
- Tue
Specialities
- Takes Reservations : Yes
Delivery : No
Take-out : No
Accepts Credit Cards : Yes
Good For : Dinner
Parking : Valet, Garage
Bike Parking : Yes
Wheelchair Accessible : Yes
Good for Kids : No
Good for Groups : Yes
Attire : Dressy
Ambience : Romantic
Noise Level : Quiet
Alcohol : Full Bar
Outdoor Seating : No
Wi-Fi : Free
Has TV : No
Waiter Service : Yes
Caters : Yes
WE SERVE THE FOLLOWING STATES
Looky Weed - Buy Marijuana Online
Looky Weed is here to help you navigate the maze of legalized marijuana. We provide you with a complete dispensary directory.
Mark W.
Bottom Line: Beautiful Interior... Great Service... Historical cool factor... Average-Good food... High prices. Went here for a wedding reception. Here's what we had: Cheese tower Lobster roll Pork belly Pecan Pie salad with Bibb lettuce, blue cheese ice cream Beef tenderloin Dessert sampler Great spread, excellent staff...
(3)Corey B.
Food was as good as one would expect from such a time-honored establishment. What earned the fifth star was the mixologist who created several drinks to fit our tastes. It was like having a 'drink guy'! Sadly, I wouldn't be able to afford this one. Anyone up for a consortium??
(5)Lynn L.
Was not impressed! :( Yelpers let me down this time! With a 7pm reservation on a Friday night, we were the first diners in the restaurant - maybe that should have told us something? The boy took me here for my birthday dinner, and we were expecting great things. Overall, it was a lackluster (and expensive) night out! The interior is very masculine - lots of dark wood. The dining room is really comfy, and the tables are spread out nicely so you don't have to worry about hearing others' conversations. We decided to do the 5-course tasting menu with the wine pairings (basically $135 for each of us). The bread, amuse and first course started out well, but then went downhill for both food and wine. I liked the Pecan Pie salad (though pretty sweet!), and the Bacon 'n' Egg. As a thank you for doing the tasting menu, we got some amazing cheese (reminded me of a very aged gouda - nice and salty) with a homemade butterscotch - it was AWESOME!! The halibut was also quite good. The meat courses were far too complicated in terms of ingredients/plating, to a minimal payoff for flavor. I think this was exacerbated by the wine pairings, which kind of killed the food flavors. Dessert was okay, but not memorable (and I LOVE dessert!!). The sommelier didn't give us much information about the wines, but did mention why she chose the pairings. The pairings with the 3rd and 4th courses were not good, as neither enhanced our enjoyment of the other. Also, she sent out a glass from bottle that had been opened a day or two before - it smelled and tasted like vinegar! I was absolutely shocked that a sommelier would send out a wine by the glass without tasting from the bottle herself. To boot, at a restaurant of this caliber, the wine should be opened fresh nightly, or properly stored under inert atmosphere. It's not like they were opening $300 bottles for the pairings - come ON! The service was spot-on, and we really enjoyed it, but the kitchen needs to simplify! Also, the sommelier should take a refresher course. (That might sound harsh, but we were so disappointed - it really affected our enjoyment of the meal!). At the price, I don't think I'll ever come back; I'd rather spend money elsewhere.
(3)Jeff K.
Fantastic food, beautiful setting and amazing drinks. That's all you need for a great dining experience and it certainly delivered on all that.
(5)Marwello T.
Just there recently and enjoyed the meal and atmosphere very much. We did the 3 course chefs menu (salad starter, halibut main and blueberry cobbler) with the wine pairing. The salad was nice and fresh with a delicious white balsamic dressing. The halibut was nicely done with an inventive smoked ham hash as the base. The hash was so flavorful that it kind of took away from the taste of the halibut, but over all it worked out to be tasty. The cobbler was tasty as well, but nothing that we have not eaten in a number of places in Maine. The wine pairing was well done in that the wines certainly did not overpower the meal and yet they also did little to add to the meal. Usually, you have a pairing that not only brings out the subtle flavors in the food, but also the nuances in the wine itself. This is a very nice, romantic and upscale place to take someone special. And just so you know, we did not see that they have a jacket requirement. It is very much business casual (saw some in jackets, others in nice slacks and polos and others in nice shorts and casual shirts).
(4)Dan G.
We look forward to the Oak Room every time we are in Louisville. The dining room is beautiful and dark wood and plush chairs surround every table. We should have put this hefty bill on the Sterling Cooper tab, because it surely felt like a scene out of Mad Men. Service is usually spot on, but seemed a bit off this time. Their menu is definitely gourmet and you will find several options to satisfy whatever you are craving. The bourbon selection is nearly as extensive as the wine list. We started with the Heirloom tomato cart which was prepared table side and sprinkled with Bourbon smoked salt. We also had the October Fest Salad of mizuna greens, pumpkin beer, sage pumpkin croutons, apple honey crisp and vinaigrette. Both of our starters were delicious. For our main courses my wife had the Hamachi, which was presented with bourbon poached apricots, swiss chard, chinese spare ribs and shitake mushrooms. I had the Duck breast and confit with collard greens, hen of wood mushrooms, pearl onions and a tasty little cherry sauce. These were both excellent and well prepared and presented. I've forgotten what we had for dessert, but I remember that we liked it. This is one of the best restaurants in town. So, be sure to make it part of your trip to Louisville. And also grab a few of their sinful homemade cookies on the way out.
(5)Lynn D.
This place is as good as it gets. When I think of the perfect setting for a classy business meeting, a place to celebrate, or simply a place to spark romantic flames, the Oakroom in Louisville, KY is the place I think of. The food is phenomenal, the atmosphere amazing, and the service superlative. The Oakroom is definitely one of the top ten restaurants I've ever been to.
(5)Richard L.
A friend and I went to the Oakroom when we were in Louisville. It was her first tasting menu, and she really liked it. The wine pairing was excellent (added one star). The dinner consisted of small portions of items off the standard menu. The food was good, but not "exciting."
(4)Larry H.
I have dined at fine restaurants across the nation. The Oakroom is by far the best that I have found so far. The food was excellent, the service very good and the atmosphere was just what I expected from such a place. The price was reasonable for this type of restaurant.
(4)Emily Y.
We went for the Sunday brunch which was quite excellent. Pricey, yes. But for the selection and freshness it was worth it. I don't know if it was an extra-special brunch buffet because it was father's day, but I guess that means I'll/we'll have to go back on another Sunday and try it again so that I can update this review! Atmosphere, a little stuffy and proper (definitely a please and thank you kind of place), but perhaps that has something to do with the stateliness of the hotel and the history. Unfortunately, we were not able to linger over brunch (bc of airport schedules), but perhaps on my next trip I'll be able to down at least three eggs benedicts, a sizable serving of shrimp cocktail, a couple of trips to the carving station and southern sides and multiple trips to the dessert station. (I can be a bit gluttonous sometimes).
(4)Brian M.
You expect an amazing assortment of whiskey and bourbon in this town - but the Oakroom has an amazing collection of everything. Located in a historic hotel - this bar doesn't show off it's Hilton ownership much... which is a good thing. It's a beautiful bar with a lot of history. Before (or after) you go to 4th street live - hit this place up for a few. You won't regret it.
(4)Jim G.
A great place to go for drinks or dinner--they make a real nice martini--and have an arsenal of other offerings. You can almost feel the prohibition era which was this hotel's initial heyday but it reminds me more of the 1960s and early 1970s when my Dad, who worked nearby, had business lunches in the Oak Room.
(4)David D.
I was recently in Louisville Kentucky for a friends wedding and for our "fancy dinner" night I chose the Oak Room at the venerable Seelbach Hotel. While my two friends and I expected a heavy prime-rib and creamed spinach type of dinner we were pleasantly surprised with a delightfully light and creative chef's-tasting type menu much more reminiscent of an upscale California eatery than a stuffy Southern "old-boy's-club" type place. The setting is definitely formal though, as the maitre'd informed me as we walked to our table that normally they do not allow jeans but that he would make an exception if our case if I promised to wear slacks next time. *wink* (please see the pictures of each of the courses) The first item we tasted were three delectably sweet cubes of watermelon, each christened with a different flavor (15 y.o. balsamic, etc). Each was delicious. Next was another small treat, compliments of the chef, which was like a loose meat crab cake and again was delicious. My first "ordered" course was the Oakroom's version of a Kentucky Hot Brown (Louisville's signature dish, more on this later when I review Lynn's Paradise Cafe) The Oakroom's version boasted: Quail Breast, Pancetta, Corn Relish, Grit Johnny Cake and Mornay Sauce. Such a wonderful combination of flavors! The girls opted for the "Light as Air" Chicken Pate which was accompanied by Brie, Honeycomb, Toasted Almond Spread, and Chardonnay Lavender Semifreddo. The pate truly was light as air. My second course was really unusual but worked with a really unique combination of flavors. Fancifully named "Cereal & Milk", it consisted of a sweet and crunchy Petunia & Bacon Rice Krispy Treat, Marmalade and a House-made Almond Milk Soup which was served cold but was amazing. One of the girls and I chose for a third course their Pure Wagyu Natural Fed Beef with Rutabaga Puree, Point Reyes Blue Cheese Spaetzle and Blackberry Reduction. Perfectly cooked and as juicy as any beef I've ever had, I was quite pleased. The other girl ordered their Trifecta of Lamb with Oma's Pea Sauce & Tendrils, Roasted Lamb Loin, Lamb Bacon, Merquez Lamb Sausage, Delta Blue Potatoes and Summer Carrots. Trifecta, get it? Louisville? Kentucky Derby? : ) I am not a huge fan of lamb but she loved it and as with all the dishes, was beautifully presented. The specialty desserts of the house were their souffle's so we chose one chocolate and one "oatmeal cookie". Both were heavenly, light and fluffly as miniature clouds ensconced in their individual cast iron "pots". The service was friendly and attentive and not at all stuffy. The prices were exorbitant but not obscene and certainly didn't shock we Californians. It is doubtful that I will be back in Kentucky anytime soon but if you find yourself there, do yourself a favor and make time for dinner at the Oakroom. You won't be disappointed.
(4)Andrew D.
Let me start by saying that this is not anything like The OakRoom at Copley in Boston. This is not a steakhouse! The only thing the two have in common is that they both are in expensive hotels, they both are expensive (our meal for three came to $400 with tip) and they both have a ton of oak abounding the place. Nay - they do have one more thing in common - they are both great! Let me start by saying that I hate square white plates. Square white plates scare the heck out of me. It means the menu is artsy and the chef cares about impressing us with big words and presentation too much. Its like the chef saying, 'Oh, I went to this culinary institute and studied under so-and-so in Paris for two years. I know your taste buds better than you do.' The truth is that The OakRoom does know my taste buds better than I do. Nice touches: - 2 small pre-appetizers - pumpkin soup and chorizo with egg and onion. - 1 small pomegranate sorbet to cleanse the pallet - salt array that was provided included 7 different salts from truffle salt to bourbon salt to Hawaiian salt to a number of others I no longer recall - tea array at end of meal includes fresh whipped cream, shaved chocolate, cinnamon sticks and sugar in the raw - it also happened to be my favorite tea. - small plate of Belgian chocolates after the dessert. Service: 10 Atmosphere: 10 Prices: expensive for sure We had: appetizers: breakfast (9/10) - pork belly, scrambled eggs with truffle, mini English muffin, stewed apples and hash browns - all small servings and the tastes just explode in your mouth sweetbread - not my cup of tea but I didn't try it - the guy I was with said it was great fall salad (7/10) - my wife said it was good, but she had just had Jack Fry's Heirloom Tomato Salad the night before and that was way better. dinner: rib-eye with lobster tail (9/10) - it was near perfect. Perfect flavor and texture and potato side was great. 2 of 3 said this was the best dinner of the three but we were all splitting hairs at this point. The lobster was the best I ever had (and I live in New England - go figure). lamb medley (10/10): three different pieces of lamb from different parts of the beast. All flavorful and juicy. The barley risotto side dish was out of this world. This is the one I thought was the best. duck (8/10): Juicy and tasty as duck should be. If this had been my meal I don't know how I could have been disappointed. dessert: sweet potato pie (9/10) - my wife and my friend raved about it - had a hint of pumpkin taste to it. souffle, pecan (10/10) - can I use out of this world twice in one review? - it was a perfect autumn dessert chocolate haystack (9/10) - I tried my best to distract my fellow eaters with conversation so that I wouldn't have to share - it worked for a while but then 'poof' half my dessert was on other plates. *sad* I want to eat here again tonight - but sadly it will not happen. This is one of those meals (if you're a foodie) that you will talk about for years and years.
(5)Tom C.
Mister LOVES to get his buffet on,because 'you don't have to wait for your food'. One Sunday after Mass I thought I'd treat him to the Seelbach's Oakroom Sunday Brunch. We were greeted and seated quickly. He was very impressed with the interior especially since we passed the dessert selection on the way in! Our server was over soon after we were seated taking drink orders and inviting us to help ourselves to the buffet. We started with the omlette/waffle station.The cook behind the station was friendly and helpful while preparing our food.Good selection of topping for each of our dishes.Mister went with blueberries and(with Dad's permission) chocolate kisses. While the breakfast dishes were okay,I thought the brunch items were more inspired with choices of chicken,fish,and pork in various sauces and root beer b-b-q beef ribs. The desserts made it impossible to choose so it was grand that they had some petit-four size selections. Service was very attentive even to a 9 year old. I loved showing Mister the small room where Al Capone was rumored to visit and on a tour of the meeting rooms his Dad used to manage. Would go back for a special occasion but there are a few other brunches around town we need to visit first.
(4)Brian D.
My first review... My wife and I just wanted to give back to the Yelpers who have helped us out on so many trips over the past few years. Summary "Avoid for now" "Less than impressed" "Not bad, but not worth the money with so many better choices in Louisville" The review by Lynn L. was spot on for us as well. We showed up at 7pm on a Thursday night and were almost the only couple in the whole place. The food was uninspired with the best part being the cheese plate we had as an appetizer. Many Yelpers posted about wonderful Souflee's and even put pictures up for us to drool over. Much to our dismay the Souflee oven reportedly broke six months ago. That's right - Six Months ago. They have not bothered to replace this and the dessert choices that remained were not anywhere near the caliber of the wonderful pictures others had posted. I wonder if the pastry chef vacated the premises when the oven broke? Good luck yelpers and thanks for all the happy finds over the years.
(2)David I.
Tasting menu was not worth anywhere near the cost. I was expecting an experience like I get when I go to one of Ramsay's restaurants. While the staff lived up to that expectation, the food didn't. Even for a tasting menu, I expect to eat more than I get in an amuse bouche. In addition, the flavors were good for the scallop, and ok for the other courses. I won't be back but still wish them the best of luck. The restaurant is beautiful. I rarely use price in my reviews because down-starring a restaurant isn't fair (unless the food was bad), we dropped $380 with tip.
(3)Meghan K.
The Oak room is beyond amazing. The Executive Chef, Patrick Roney, continues to deliver exquisite food that is not only delicious, but also visually stunning. My mother has a serious medical condition that requires a strict no-salt diet. Most restaurants will serve a bland, no-salt version, of typical menu items that are lacking in flavor; however, the staff at the Oakroom went above and beyond by creatively altering the tasting menus to suit her dietary restrictions. Those without dietary restrictions in our party were more than impressed. It's been over six months since I dined at the restaurant, but my lingering experience drove me to post this review. The amazing food, the flawless service, and the historic charm sets the Oak Room apart from the rest. Definitely call ahead if you're dining with anyone who requires adjustments to the menu to ensure quality substitutions, but if you're "dining to impress" this is the place to go.
(5)Walter L.
Just brilliant. Creative and tasty...Wish I could go more often!
(5)Brian M.
Amazing from start to finish.
(5)Heather L.
Troy was an excellent server. Great brunch! Delicious food.
(5)Bill M.
Wow what an awesome experience! From the attentive service to the exquisite food this is well worth the experience. I am still salivating over every course.
(5)Hánnah M.
Beautiful restaurant with excellent service. The staff here are eager to meet your every wish. Great wine selection. Blackeyed pea soup savory and familiar but served elegantly. The lobster was perfectly succulent; risotto was some of the best I've ever had. (New Years Eve menu was slightly over priced and not as satisfying as the regular menu- do no recommend going for holiday/prixe fixe menu).
(5)Megan A.
The Oakroom is definitely a wonderful place to go for a special occasion. It's located inside the Seelbach hotel, which sets that old traditional setting and feel. It's a quiet place. We showed up about 15 minutes early and got seated right away. My man friend took me here for a birthday celebration and the Oakroom laid out rose petals all over the table. It really was a nice touch. The food and service are truly amazing. We split two bottles of wine. Both were Pinot Noirs and quite delicious. I ordered the mushroom fumet and the ham and cheese board and will have to say I was very happy with the choices. They also serve bread with three different spreads and the salt butter is to die for! I wanted to take the rest of that home, but typically not recommended at a high class establishment. My man friend ordered the three course tasting with the vegetarian preference and all of his food was excellent too. The final touch was a berry creme brûlée that had Happy Birthday written on the plate. My man friend did well on picking a restaurant that made him look good while the Oakroom made the execution ;)
(5)Ben S.
I went with a group of about 10 industry people for a knife show (yeah, knife show). Basically I was there for fun, everyone else was there for what was basically dinner with clients. It's situated in the Seelbach Hotel, which happens to be one of the most famous hotels in Kentucky, and I'm a history nerd....so when it was revealed that the room used by Capone was booked well in advance, I nerded out. Dinner was great, service was fantastic and they told us a bit about the history of the room. There were a few issues though; the room was incredibly warm and the pacing was a bit iffy....we waited close to 40 minutes for the entrees after appetizers. The restaurant was virtually empty that night, and while we were 10 people total, the reservation was made weeks in advance in anticipation of getting to hang in Al Capone's private poker room. Great meal, and definitely worth the trip. Well trained staff, for sure!
(4)Jason A.
The Sunday Buffet is incredible; from the French Toast Doughnuts to Chorizo Sausage Gravy! The staff was friendly, the history of restaurant and hotel gives the place an extra star and most importantly...they serve good coffee.
(5)Eron P.
All it takes is experiencing The Oakroom once for it to become the standard by which all other kitchens are held. The epitome of formal, classy, and transportive.
(5)Kent H.
This is a rating for the Sunday brunch. Even though this was just another Sunday, the spread rivaled others on specialty occasions. Everything was just magnificent! The dessert table was very impressive, massive, and all made in house. I would hate to see what Chef had to offer on Mother's Day, Easter, or some other special Sunday. Best brunch I've had in years...anywhere.
(5)Ileana C.
This evening, I dined solo and was able to enjoy the three course with Sommelier pairing, which was fantastic. Jamal, Spencer, Aaron, and of course Chef Patrick Roonie took great care of every guest with solicitous attention and grace. As a pescatarian, I wasn't sure how well the evening would go, but Chef Patrick spotted a consumme with ham and switched it to a delightful mushroom that was a foam no less! The consideration and service were superb! Each course was presented with artistic flair and had a delightful balance of taste, depth, and spice. My palate was not bored nor overwhelmed. I even was introduced to a scrumptious white burgundy that was a caramel - laden dream. Definitely the place to go for a special event, introducing out of towners, and even a tour of taste for one!
(5)Phillip H.
My son and I had dinner here Saturday night! It was truly an amazing experience! The decor takes you back in time! The service was 2 thumbs up and Chef Patrick's creations where exciting, colorful and creative. Did I mention the taste? 10 out of 10!
(5)Emily W.
Since our wedding reception was held at the Seelbach, my husband and I decided to celebrate our first wedding anniversary with Sunday brunch in the Oakroom. This wasn't our first time there for brunch, so obviously the $30/person price didn't scare us off after the first visit. After all, that does include champagne :). We had a little of everything and I think you'd be hard-pressed to find something you don't like. I had fruit, massive shrimp cocktail, biscuits and gravy made with chorizo (like Wild Eggs!), omelette bar, pork tenderloin, and bacon. And the dessert bar is fantastic, with many options to choose from. I loved the triple chocolate mousse torte and the mini tiramisu. After visiting both the Oakroom and the English Grille (at the Brown), I think we both agreed that we like the Oakroom a little more. It seems less of an "old boys club" atmosphere than you'll find at the Brown.
(5)Howard G.
A conundrum.... the use of the words "brunch buffet" and "spectacular" don't seem to go together. Buffet suggests something else entirely, I've eaten here many times, for both dinners and Sunday brunches, and have always been more than satisfied, and most oftentimes impressed. Today's brunch, however, put a totally new level on "unbelievable and spectacular." Yes, it was a buffet. Yes, also, it was one of the most memorable meals I've ever had (and I consider myself a "foodie" and was on the President's council of the James Beard Foundation for many, many years, so I've had a lot of good meals in my time). The menu was, to say the least, perfection. From the raw bar, the amazing selection of cheeses and charcuterie, an absolutely incredible house-made pate with heirloom pork (OMG... if they could only package this and ship it mailorder!), a vegetarian lasagna that I'm going to be dreaming about for the next few years, incredible salmon, perfectly prepared and sliced-to-order sirloin tip, and a dessert selection which rivals any top restaurant in the world. The service is impeccable, the dining area is nicely appointed, and, as of today, I'm promoting the chef (in my own mind, of course) to the status of "genius." No trip to Louisville is complete without at least one visit to this miraculous restaurant. This place has made it (again, in my humble estimation) to the pantheon of incredible restaurants across the world.
(5)Eric O.
Made plans to visit family in Louisville in February. Stayed in the Seelbach Hilton so we decided to also make reservations to dine at the Oakroom. They contacted us four days prior to confirm our reservations, take our credit card information, and notify us that they were on a limited menu for the weekend of our reservation which was Feb. 15th. I've dined at many places in many states and this is the first time i've had to give my credit card information to confirm my reservation. This raised a red flag and we discussed canceling and going elsewhere but, regrettably, stuck with the Oakroom. Reservations were for 630 but we showed up a few minutes early and were promptly seated. The room is stunning and very comfortable. Had a drink while we looked over the menu and decided to order the five course chefs menu with the wine pairing. Was asked by the waitress if "time was an issue" after placing our order. I wasn't sure what she meant by that and it wasnt until the third course was on its way that I started to understand. Apparently, because the place was only 1/2 full, the food came at a fast pace. My Wife and Niece both had two partial glasses of wine on the table from the first two courses while the third course was close to being brought to the table. My Wife told them to slow down and let us enjoy our meal. The food itself was subpar, at best. The caviar and the foie gras torchon were good but everything else was disappointing. The steak was tough, the lobster was rubbery, the seared foie gras was overcooked. The wine pairings were nice but couldnt overcome the mediocrity of the food so it didn't make that big of a difference. The service was good but sporadic. It was a different person bringing out our food on three occasions and the wine glasses didn't match the pairing on one occasion so they were put on the table and removed which was awkward especially when the waitress made a point of telling us about it under her voice. Had a few after dinner drinks while the bill was being paid and was notified after my card was ran that gratuity was added on the bill because of the holiday, Valentines Day, which was the day before but I guess they celebrated Valentines Day all weekend at the Oakroom. They didn't notify us of this policy during our reservation confirmation, there was nothing on the menu about this except for parties of 6 or more and we were a party of 4. I don't believe that Applebees would adopt a policy of doing something like that and was shocked that a place as highly regarded as the Oakroom would.
(2)Katie G.
Randomly decided to eat here while in Louisville. So glad we did. Chose the chef's tasting menu... great 3 course meal. Everything was wonderful. Great cocktails, too.
(5)Viviana F.
I love the Sunday brunch. Lots to choose from. Very tasty and great service. Especially pretty at Christmas time.
(5)d d.
Abstract: If you like food and you either have a little extra in your wallet or you're interested in celebrating a special occasion, this has to be on your Louisville list. In fact, if you enjoy a thoughtfully prepared, well presented meal, then make up a special occasion to eat here, for dinner or Sunday brunch. We enjoyed a delicious meal at the Oakroom on Friday night. After reading some wonderful news and reviews it seemed like a no brainer for a couple of people who sometimes, admittedly, vacation to eat. And we were not disappointed. From start to finish, our dining experience was delightful. The waitstaff were, not surprisingly, professional and attentive, and truly added to our enjoyment of our meal. For a limited menu, there were a wide variety of selections including hot and cold appetizers, and several meats and fishes. Save room for dessert... even if you don't usually have dessert, the souffles are such a unique experience that it's worth making an exception. And if you're even thinking about a cappuccino to end the evening, please do give in. The coffee and tea service (which includes a plate of accoutrements such as shaved chocolate, cinnamon sticks, and chantilly cream) rounds out the meal... and your full and happy belly. Quite unexpectedly, and only because of a series of unpredictable events, we returned to the Seelbach Hotel for brunch the following Sunday. Footnote: I am brunch-buffeted out. I am so over getting up to get my own food (especially in a nice restaurant), and I'm convinced that variety in selection outweighs quality, even at the finest of buffets. I'd rather get a gritty bowl of steel cut oats or a new take on eggs bene than fill my plate with what is inevitably mediocre egg-and-sausage-something. BUT NOT SO AT THE OAKROOM! They've taken the Sunday Brunch Buffet to an entirely new plane of existence. A small seafood table made for a delicious first destination. At the carving station they were serving a broiled beef with a hint of bourbon braising, and a German name that I cannot recall. We passed over the waffle and omelet stations, but were impressed by the variety of (very fresh!) options. And the hot dishes were tremendous, including a butternut squash bisque (that could warm you up on the chilliest fall morning), perfectly roasted brussel sprouts (and you have to really know what you're doing to get a brussel sprout right), spaetzle with a cowful of creamy griere, duck with vegetables and basmati rice smothered in a tangy but as yet unidentified sauce, and creamy roasted trout (mm, trout). Even the coffee and orange juice exceeded expectations. Then there was the dessert table. You know that part in movies where they see something long spread out before them, and it dramatically grows longer to emphasize how overwhelmed the character is at the moment? I had that experience with the dessert table. It simply did not end. There was one full table dedicated to cake and cheesecake, and another full table filled with tarts and cookies and cream-filled chocolate cups. And the corner table was dedicated to one dish: the Seelbach Bread Pudding. I won't taunt you with all of the names of the delicious offerings, but I will say that your meal is certain to find a sweet ending. Gratefully, they put the fruit in a separate corner of the room so that you didn't have that self-reflective moment, "I should probably put some fruit on my plate so that I at least get some vitamin C while I'm gorging myself." No, that's what the orange juice was for.
(5)