Jack and Flossie Fry
Stephanie Meeks, Owner
Best of Louisville Awards
1998 Favorite Restaurant
1999 Favorite Restaurant
1999 Restaurant Atmosphere
2003 Best Dinner Salad
2003 Favorite Restaurant
2004 Favorite Restaurant
2005 Dining Atmosphere
2005 Favorite Restaurant
2006 Favorite Restaurant
2007 Place To Go On a First Date
2008 Restaurant Atmosphere
2008 Restaurant for a Splurge
2008 Un-Beef Burger
2009 Restaurant to Take a Client
2009 Romantic Restaurant
2010 Restaurant Service
2010 Romantic Dinner
2011 Fine Dining
2012 Favorite Restaurant
2012 Restaurant Atmosphere
2013 Fine Dining
2013 Restaurant Ambiance
2013 Restaurant Service
2015 Fine Dining
2016 Place for a Power Lunch
2016 Place for a Special Occasion
2017 Best Highlands Restaurant
2019 Critics' Choice Award
HISTORY
JACK FRY'S was established in 1933 by Jack Fry and his wife, Flossie. Fry was known as a rambling, gambling kind of guy who loved amateur boxing and the race horses. As a result, Jack Fry's became a sportsman’s hangout, as evidenced by the numerous historic photographs that fill the walls of the current Jack Fry's. He was also known to conduct his bookmaking and bootlegging affairs discreetly from "the back room". He was a much-loved character who often gave a free meal to a needy friend. Jack closed his business in 1972. After ten years of renting this space as "Por Que No", a Mexican restaurant, it was re-established as Jack Fry's in 1982.
Susan Seiller bought the restaurant in January 1987, the same year that saw the death of Jack Fry. It was Susan's vision to transform Jack Fry's from a casual dive into a fine dining staple, which she did so with aplomb during her tenure. In February of 2008, Susan passed ownership and sold the restaurant to Stephanie J. Meeks, who was first employed in 1996 and had quickly worked her way up to become the general manager.
In 2018, Stephanie celebrated 10 years of ownership. This milestone coincided with the completion of a highly-anticipated renovation that took place over the course of a year. The new space includes updated guest restrooms, temperature-controlled wine and liquor storage, an executive office, and additional dining space. The paramount element of this expansion was preserving the character that Jack Fry's has become known for, which was achieved with respect for the existing architecture and decor.
NEWS AND PUBLICITY
The Winners of the 2020 Readers' Choice Awards
What to Eat, Drink, See, and Do in Derby City
Featured Cocktail, Garden & Gun Magazine's Mint Julep Month 2020
Louisville: Pappy, Ponies, and Underground Adventures'
The Best Classic Restaurants in Every State'
The One Restaurant You Need to Visit in Every State
'The Winners of the 2019 Readers' Choice Awards
Leo Weekly
'The 2018 Readers' Choice Awards Winners'
Leo Weekly
"New to Louisville? These are the 5 restaurants you really must try'
Member, National Food & Beverage Foundation Culinary Heritage Register
'Top 50 Best Restaurants in the USA for 2016"
ListMart
"The 30 Best Places to Eat in Kentucky, According to a Local"
Spoon University
"The Most Iconic Restaurant in Every State (and DC)"
Thrillist
The New York Times
"An Actually Useful Guide to Louisville, Kentucky"
Bon Appétit
"Which Fine Dining Restaurants are the Highest-Rated in Louisville?"
Louisville Business First
"The 14 Most Important Restaurants in Louisville"
Thrillist
"The Best Louisville Restaurant for Every Cuisine"
Thrillist
"Jack Fry's, Still Undefeated"
The Voice-Tribune
"These 16 Kentucky Restaurants Will Blow The Taste Buds Out Of Your Mouth"
Movoto
Cincinnati Magazine