Fine dining in the heart of Louisville, Kentucky.
We offer dining facilities for all occasions. Our membership enjoys formal entertaining in the Dining Room, a relaxed time in the Grille and special events hosted in the Grand Ballroom or one of our 9 private dining rooms.
Beverage service can be enjoyed in the Bar, Reading Room, Library, and Rathskeller.
The Pendennis is proud of its private label bourbon and, on the first Saturday in May, serves countless secret-recipe mint juleps to many of our two thousand Kentucky Derby guests.
The Home of Henry Bain’s Famous Sauce
For over a century, the Pendennis Club Original Henry Bain’s Famous Sauce was only available to members and guests of the world renowned Pendennis Club in Louisville, Kentucky. After decades of incomparable enjoyment, the Club is pleased to share its signature sauce with the public.
This fabulous sauce was the creation of the Club’s legendary Maître d’, Henry Bain (1863-1928), who was one of its first employees after the Club’s formation in 1881. He perfected this sauce to complement not only steaks but also local game animals. At this time it is fitting to remember and pay tribute to Henry Bain, the man.
He was born on March 23, 1863. Other details of his early life are not known. However, according to one account, he was “one of the earliest employees of the Club, beginning shortly after its organization in 1881 as elevator boy.” Mechanical elevators were not unknown at this time, and it is possible that there was one leading to the second floor over Ross’ Grocery Store (present site of the Seelbach Hotel), which was the Club’s first home. It is also possible that he came to the Club shortly after it moved into its first clubhouse, the Belknap mansion, in 1883.
As business tycoon and Club member, Barry Bingham, Sr., remarked about Mr. Bain:
It could not have been long [after this time] before the members noticed his dignity, his perfect manners, and his remarkable memory for names. It was a later tradition that Henry knew every man and woman in “Louisville society,” and that he was familiar with their pedigrees as well. . . .I can remember encountering Henry at the old clubhouse [the Belknap mansion] . . . when I was a child. His manner with our elders was impeccably correct[, and] . . . with the children of members, he was affability itself . . . He never patronized us, even when our hands were not scrupulously clean.
No information survives as to when Mr. Bain officially became the Club’s Matri d’. He held this post for many years before his retirement. According to his obituary, “prominent men in Louisville and in many states and countries knew . . . and respected him.” Although he had been ill for four years, he was to have taken a “prominent part” in the dedication of the present clubhouse, which occurred in late 1928. However, his death on May 1, 1928 prevented him from doing so.
Few individuals are still alive who actually knew Henry Bain, but his legacy lives on–in the fabulous sauce that bears his name and which has been enjoyed by generations of Club members. When served with virtually any meat or when included in a variety of other recipes, the original Henry Bain’s Famous Sauce will provide a distinctive taste unmatched by any other. Enjoy!
Executive Chef – Andrew Smith
Executive Chef Andrew Smith joined the Pendennis team in March of 2025. He has been a staple in the Louisville dining scene for over twenty years — uniquely, at one location.
At age twenty-five, Andrew purchased an already established hidden gem in St. Matthews and turned it into a destination hot spot that remains one of the top tables in Louisville. Throughout his twenty years of ownership and operations, he has drawn technique and inspiration from Southern cuisine and the art of French cooking.
His style speaks more than words. Andrew’s food is simple, traditional Kentucky fare — an expression of quality.
“I strive to make every day better than the last. Whether it’s food, service, or being a friend, those are the goals I have for the kitchen, myself, and the club.”
Andrew is excited to be at the Pendennis Club and to continue its tradition and history as the best city club in Louisville. He looks forward to working with our new general manager, Francis Ciganek, to build on the strong foundation that has been laid before them. Together, they believe the Pendennis Club can become the preeminent private club of the South.
Andrew is a 1999 graduate of Centre College and resides in St. Matthews with his two boys, Willis and Philip.
Then there is the Rathskeller.
This dining room is used upon request and offers elegant privacy. Located on the lower level of the Club, the Rathskeller hosts private functions and Club functions throughout the year. The fireplace is one of the grandest of scale in the Club, and like the others still boasts a wood fire in the winter months.
The Club offers services six days a week and closes only a few days out of the year to offer every opportunity to enjoy its services.
On neither weak nor vulgar wing shall I be borne through liquid air.
Exclusive Membership Awaits
If you are interested in becoming a member and learning about what all the Pendennis Club has to offer, please fill out the form you’ll find following this link and a member of our membership committee will reach out to you.
