Food Friday: The House of Marigold

Sophomore writers Aurora Gilbertson and Isabella Shory and junior photographer Sadie Eichenberger review brunch at the Instagram-able House of Marigold in Middletown.

Words by Aurora Gilbertson and Isabella Shory • March 7, 2025

This week the “Brunch Bunch” decided to get a taste of the restaurant we’ve seen all over Instagram – The House of Marigold, a Black and female-owned brunch spot in Middletown.

We arrived around 11 a.m. on a Sunday, anticipating a lengthy wait time. The interior, while brightly decorated with pinks and golds and perfect for a photo shoot, was packed full of Sunday brunch crowds and loud conversation.

After an hour’s wait, we could finally sit at the bar, which offers complete food service. Tucked in the back of the restaurant, any echoing chatter was muffled, so carrying on a casual conversation wasn’t as difficult.

We started with coffee. The simple drip coffee ($4) wasn’t revolutionary, but it satisfied a craving for something hot to sip on.

We ordered the smoked salmon dip ($14) as one of our entrees. Although just an appetizer, this dish was the largest out of the ones we ordered. It comes with plenty of crispy bagel chips, quick pickles and red wine onions. The salmon dip itself was really good, but the bagel chips were on the dry side. We appreciated how many pickled red onions came with the dish; they added an acidic contrast to the rich salmon and bagel chips. The dish was garnished with small edible flowers that added a colorful touch to the overall presentation.

We also got the avocado toast ($15) topped with grapefruit, sliced radish, torn herbs and a farm-fried egg. The dish looked beautiful and tasted great as well. The bread was perfectly toasted and had plenty of fresh avocado.

Finally, for a sweet option, we got the challah french toast ($15), which comes with maple syrup, fresh berry compote and powdered sugar. The thick bread was fluffy and had a perfect amount of sweetness without being too much. The fresh fruit on top accented the dish perfectly, but we wished there was more, allowing for a berry in each bite.

We enjoyed The House of Marigold, but we recommend going at less busy times or making a reservation to avoid the heavy crowds.

House of Marigold is set to open its second brick and mortar location in Norton Commons in July, replacing Gustavo’s Mexican Grill. The business also operates a cafe inside the Speed Art Museum.

Hours:

Mon-Fri: 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Sat-Sun: 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Address: 10310 Shelbyville Rd, Louisville, KY 40223

Phone: (502) 384-3767

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About the Contributors

Aurora Gilbertson, Writer

Aurora Gilbertson is a sophmore and writer for On The Record. This is her first year on staff, and she is excited to talk to and write for the community. Outside of On The Record, Aurora dances and bakes. She loves being outside, whether that means hiking, paddle boarding, or skiing. She is a huge foodie and loves trying new things.

Isabella Shory, Writer

Isabella Shory is a sophomore and a writer for On the Record. This is her first year on staff and she’s excited to tell unheard stories around Louisville. She participates in debate, Girl Up and Louisville Youth Orchestra, and volunteers at Imagination Library and the Ronald McDonald House. In her free time, she loves reading, going to coffee shops and walking her dog, Athena.

Sadie Eichenberger, Photographer

Sadie Eichenberger is a junior photographer and second year staffer for On The Record. Obsessed with books, concerts, and theater, she constantly finds herself breaking the silence by randomly breaking out into song. This year, she is excited to experience new parts of the city and continue to grow her photography skills in her time on staff.