211 Clover Lane is a hidden gem, in Louisville. Literally. It is not that easy, to find, but it is worth the search. It is tucked away, in a little complex. When you walk in, you feel like you are walking into a beautiful, old home. There did not appear to be a bad table, in the place. It was just myself and a friend, but there were large and small tables and they seem to be able to accommodate large groups. Reservations are recommended. We even made a reservation for 2 at lunch. The service fits the décor. Very old school, low key, courteous, respectful, attentive, but not hovering. We really liked our waitress. I hate that I am so bad with names, because she deserves a plug. She even took our picture, graciously. I have been experiencing the opposite, at many restaurants lately, if they take your picture, they act like you are putting them out, and many simply say they don’t have time. If you are out to eat, you are celebrating something, even if it is just that you are out to eat, with a friend. And, you chose their restaurant, to «celebrate.» On to some important things: the food! The menu is not large, but it all looks great, so it was hard to decide. My friend, Jennifer, and I both loved what we got. I had the quiche, which was the largest quiche I have ever had. I think it was 3″ high, at least. It came with a green salad. If I ate shrimp, I would have loved Jennifer’s salad. She did! And, it was beautiful. We both got an apple«tart» type dessert. It was nice. But, I want to go back and try their Crème Brûlée, because it is one of my favorite desserts, and their Pot de Crème! Of course, I will get one of their wonderful entrees first. The bar is beautiful and I want to go, in the evening, and have a drink, at the bar, before a fabulous dinner. I have been asked, if this is a good place, to go with a group of girlfriends. My response was«yes! And, for a date night, or a few couples.»
Jennifer B.
Rating des Ortes: 5 Louisville, KY
This is one of those restaurants that pops up in the high ratings on Unilocal,that you always want to go to. When Michele W. mentioned we have lunch in St. Matthews, we both instantly agreed on Cloverleaf Lane. Sat back in a small business area, which turned out to be a group of shops, 211 Cloverleaf Lane is definitely a place you should go to. When we finally found the front door, we walked into this lovely open, wooden-floored bar. What a great area to sit and chat with friends. We were instantly met and seated at a table that overlooked their garden patio(Michele W. had made reservations for us). The table setting was elegant and our waitress was quick and attentive. Michele W. ordered the quiche which looked yummy and must have been good because she ate it all. I had the grilled tiger shrimp salad with mango, avocado & vinaigrette. What great flavor! The sweetness of the mango and creaminess of the avocado mixed nicely with the spicy, grilled succulent shrimp. There was salad greens in there for the salad, but they were perfect. They made a bed and«filler» for the main stars, and did what it was supposed to do. Then we ordered dessert(hee, hee)…Winesap Apple Crostini with Bourbon Caramel Sauce. Oh the pastry was light and the apples sliced thin to soak up the yummy, yummy sauce. Oh what a great day! Wonderful food and great conversation with my dear friend!
Whitney B.
Rating des Ortes: 5 Phoenix, AZ
Delicious lunch at Clover 211 yesterday. Lovely restaurant tucked away in back of a cute shopping center. We sat by the window and could see out to the front lawn with a blooming rose bush. Bread was warm, fresh from the oven. Three of us ordered the same dish: filet of salmon, sitting on top a bed of grains, and topped with pesto. The salmon was perfectly seared, juicy yet crunchy on its edge. An absolutely perfect choice for an intimate lunch.
Jenny G.
Rating des Ortes: 4 Louisville, KY
We had a baby sprinkle here and we’re very pleased, especially with the service. We had a small private room, which was nice and secluded from the rest of the restaurant. The décor is very simple and clean. The waiter was extremely attentive without being too overbearing. For lunch, I had the Bibb lettuce salad with cucumber, tomato and Buttermilk dressing($ 5). The dressing was light and refreshing. I also had the lettuce and tomato sandwich with chips and basil aioli($ 8.50). The bacon was cooked perfectly; not too chewy, greasy, or crunchy. The tomatoes were fresh and the basil aioli was a nice touch. The sandwich was large; I could only eat half. It was served with homemade chips, which were also delicious. My mom had the curry chicken salad and I thought it lacked flavor, needed lots of salt and pepper. Again, the service was stellar, which helps make the dining experience so much more enjoyable. I am looking forward to going back to try dinner!
Sean K.
Rating des Ortes: 5 Louisville, KY
This little hole-in-the-wall is totally awesome. It is my wife’s favorite restaurant in Louisville. We initially went there because we had a voucher, and loved it so much we came back for another great experience. The menu changes all the time, but we haven’t had anything there we didn’t like. Best pork tenderloin we have ever had, the duck was awesome, steak was incredible. The service is always good, atmosphere is pleasant, and the owner is very nice and approachable. We are going back for her birthday this week.
Judy p.
Rating des Ortes: 4 Louisville, KY
The GOOD: Easy parking. Quaintness in an old building with small rooms for ease of conversation. Cloth table cloths. Two great tasting meals, reasonable lunch prices. Best homemade potato chips ever, with just the right amount of salt; not just homemade, but TASTED homemade. The BLT had perfectly cooked/crisp bacon, and seared toast. The seared grilled chicken, lettuce, and cooked squash had seasoned chef quality of taste. Chicken tasted fresh and flavorful. The BAD: Waiter put our credit card number of both ours and another diner’s receipts, which would have ended up us paying 2 or 3 times our actual bill, if we had not caught it. Scary nowadays with the ID theft abound. Would have been a 5* if not for this important issue.
Liz L.
Rating des Ortes: 5 Louisville, KY
Hands down most AMAZING food in louisville. It’s a «hidden gem» in the heart of saint matthews that bit a lot of people know about. Best brunch you’ll ever have. Worth every penny. Change menu seasonally with farm fresh items picked by chef. A must go!!!
Adam C.
Rating des Ortes: 3 Louisville, KY
Definitely tucked away off the beaten path. It was kind of odd walking up, not knowing if I was in the right place. Upon entering there was no hostess or hostess stand luckily the lady behind the bar spotted me and found me a table. Mozzarella stuffed, tempura fried squash blossoms sounded interesting, but basically a fancy mozzarella cheese stick. Nice flavor and although fried it was very light. They brought bread to the table but one piece at a time which I have never had happen anywhere. Entrée was filet with broccoli and basically au gratin potato. Filet was cooked perfectly to medium, almost melt in your mouth. Seasoning was just enough to compliment the sauce. Sides were ok, I have honestly made better of both at home. Overall it was a good experience, I left satisfied. Would I rave about the place and think of it next time someone asks for a recommendation? Probably not, nothing memorable for me. I did get a good steak but for a $ 40 steak I could probably make a similar meal at home and feed two for the same price. Nothing particularly bad but for $ 50 a person I really expect more.
Katie G.
Rating des Ortes: 5 Crestwood, KY
We were very pleasantly surprised with the entire experience at 211 Clover! The restaurant is tucked in a great out of the way location, but with beautiful, tasteful décor. The bar was comfortable and welcoming; fantastic specialty drinks and a great bourbon selection! We later learned that the bartender that evening was the owner… he was personable and extremely knowledgeable! All aspects of service were top notch, laid back but attentive. The food was out of this world! Highly recommend the fried green tomatoes as an appetizer. And the grouper… oh my, the grouper was delicious! Will definitely go back!
Logan S.
Rating des Ortes: 5 Jeffersonville, IN
The atmosphere was excellent and the food was amazing. The portions were ample and service was warm and friendly.
Johnna S.
Rating des Ortes: 5 Louisville, KY
By far my favorite restaurant in Louisville. Menu changes daily but the scallops are amazing any way they have them. Has a nice bar area. Great for a romantic date night.
Victor R.
Rating des Ortes: 5 Westminster, CO
Walking into 211 seems to transport you to another atmosphere; another country, almost. I went here for a birthday dinner and was treated to fantastic food and impeccable service. It’s hard to describe, but there’s a little room tucked away in the back that’s a great place for a quiet dinner alone with your significant other. A definite plus.
Rachel M.
Rating des Ortes: 4 Aspen, CO
I love that this place is a little hidden. Like I’ve said before, I work in this industry and when I go out I typically like smaller quiet places. We sat up at the bar, which I also like to do, and ordered our drinks and appetizers. The Marcona almonds were seasoned perfectly and ate almost the whole bowl. I couldn’t decide between the scallops and rabbit for dinner and decided on rabbit.(I can make amazing scallops at home but am too lazy to break down a rabbit for myself so that’s my deciding factor.) My dinner buddy had the sweet potato gnocchi. Both entrees were perfect. Our server(the bartender) was friendly and knowledgeable but not overbearing. If I had the motivation to go out more I would go here more! I will definitely be back! Wednesdays are half price wine if you’re into that… :)
Nicole K.
Rating des Ortes: 4 Louisville, KY
Reminds me of Montecito, California in a really good way. I love the charming ambiance and the near-perfect food. Service is high-class though sometimes a little snooty.
Jude B.
Rating des Ortes: 4 Louisville, KY
My favorite place to show of for lunch, my friends either don’t know of it or haven’t been for years — white table cloths, wood floors, antiques and a light and lovely menu to impress. Tucked away across from Trinity’s stadium and across from Lee Robinsons, I mean. .. you can see him here often. .. I feel as if I’ve brought my business partner or friend home for a lunch of perfection. Old Louisville feel in the heart of St. Matthews. love this place!
Mari G.
Rating des Ortes: 5 Louisville, KY
So, clearly I wrote a review for this place back in July and have been back several times since. I absolutely adore this restaurant. The ambiance and décor of the establishment continues to be beautiful and, dare I say, peaceful every time one walks in. The wait staff is easily some of the best in the city –they are kind, polite, courteous, and even funny. They are so good that it may even lull you into a false sense of security thinking that bad service cannot exist anywhere.(False.) Recently, I deviated from the Bibb lettuce(which is fantastic by the way) and ordered the crab and avocado salad with a tangy vinaigrette. For all of my seafood fans and non-seafood fans alike, this salad was nothing short of heavenly. The crab was fresh tasting as was the avocado, the tomatoes in the salad were also sweet and its not even the right season for them. I just wish I had a tiny bowl of it to eat forever. So so so good. For my entrée, I had the rigatoni in one of the BEST Bolognese sauces I have ever had in my life. This is no exaggeration. While, this provides little legitimacy for my statement, my dad’s side of the family is Italian… Roman to be exact. I grew up with this creamy, meaty, tomato-y sauce my entire life and it is easily one of my favorites. 211 did not disappoint. The sort of meal that is perfect and comforting –like one a loving grandmother would make while silently talking to herself in Italian(wait, or is that just my experience?) And maybe that last sentence is the most concise description of 211 –comforting, delicious. You leave every meal feeling as if you maybe had a little slice of home or of childhood or something nostalgic and ooey-gooey like that.
Andrew R.
Rating des Ortes: 3 Louisville, KY
Ate here this weekend. Very good. Ambiance was French country quaint — cottage-like feel and wonderful view of the garden. Service is frankly what I would expect in a fine restaurant. In my opinion servers should not be ever-present during your meal, rather should arrive when your glass is near empty or course is complete. The fact that they knew the proper cues on utensil placement is a huge plus(by that I mean utensils at 11 o’clock, tines up means i’m done). The food was good. Fried green tomatoes with corn relish to start, I had filet with green beans and potato au-gratin and my wife had gnocchi. The steak was cooked perfectly, medium rare, perfect color through and a good crust. Beans were fine, potatos needed salt and seemed lacking on the gratin dept. My wife’s gnocchi was excellent. Very simple prep, fresh sautéd veggies and nice soft gnocchi not overly doughy at all. Dessert was not really great. My fig torte was lacking in figiness and my wife’s blueberry pie had a bunch of black berries in it, both frankly lacked sugar. Drinks here are heavy pours. Ordered a bookers rocks to start and got a FULL glass of 127proof bourbon with some ice and my Grand Marnier sniffer was overfull as well. While it’s hard to complain about — I did think it represented an inexperienced barkeep. Overall — 3 stars, guess I’m tough to please. No points for apps or sides, +1 each for service/ambiance, steak, gnocchi.
Happiness L.
Rating des Ortes: 3 Chicago, IL
I was very happy that I found this place… a little out of the way and mostly worth the journey. Food… very excellent salad with goat cheese, beef with vegetable for an entrée(just a little too salty), and a fig with mascarpone pastry for dessert(very delightful). The ambiance was nice. View of the garden was pretty. Why did I give it only three stars? The service was some of the worst that I have ever received in a fine dining venue. It took 20 minutes to clean off a nearby table where other guest had left. The waiter acted like he was doing me a favor by taking care of me. I never felt welcomed nor well taken care of. D for service. A– for food. B+ for ambiance.