New Albany has changed. If you haven't been downtown in a decade, the corner of Main and Bank might look a little different than the dusty stretch of pavement you remember. Right at the heart of this revitalization sits The Exchange Pub + Kitchen.
It is a gastropub, sure. But that word gets thrown around so much it basically means nothing now. Here, it means a 140-year-old building, exposed brick that’s seen the 1800s, and a menu that manages to be both "fancy Friday night" and "I just want a burger and a beer."
Honestly, the history of the place is half the draw. The building at 118 W. Main St. was originally Shrader Brothers Stables and Livery, built back in 1875. You can still feel that vibe. When Ian and Nikki Hall moved the concept here in 2012 from its original Grant Line Road spot, they didn't just slap on some paint. They kept the mezzanine, used salvaged lumber for the tables, and leaned into the "stables" aesthetic. It's a vibe.
Why Everyone Talks About the G.O.A.T. Burger
If you search for The Exchange Pub New Albany, you’re going to see one specific item mentioned over and over. It's the G.O.A.T. Burger.
Is it hype? Kinda. But it's also legitimately good. Most "specialty" burgers are just towers of toppings you can't actually fit in your mouth. This one is different. It uses Black Hawk Farms beef—which is local-ish and high quality—topped with whipped goat cheese, arugula, and a bacon date aioli.
That aioli is the secret. It’s sweet, salty, and a little bit funky. Pair it with the brown sugar candied bacon and a pretzel bun, and you realize why people drive across the bridge from Louisville just to eat it.
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What Else Is on the Menu?
Don't just get the burger, though. The menu has some weirdly specific gems that most people overlook:
- Goat Cheese Fritters: These come with a bacon date aioli and honey. It's basically dessert masquerading as an appetizer.
- Voodoo Pasta 2.0: This is for the people who want heat. It’s bucatini with blackened Alfredo sauce, roasted tomatoes, and "mollica" (toasted breadcrumbs).
- Short Rib Tots: Think of these as the ultimate comfort food. Guajillo braised short rib over crispy tater tots with queso and pickled Fresnos.
- Steak Frites: An 8oz bistro filet with chimichurri butter. It's simple, but they do it right.
The kitchen is run with a "scratch-made" philosophy. You hear that a lot in the industry, but here you actually see farmers dropping off crates at the back door. It makes a difference in the greens and the beef.
The Secret to Getting a Table
You can’t just roll in at 7:00 PM on a Saturday and expect to sit down immediately. You’ll be waiting at the bar. Which, to be fair, isn't the worst fate. The bar program is solid. They have a massive list of craft beers—many of them local—and the cocktails aren't just sugary syrup.
If you want to avoid the crowd, lunch is the move. They open at 11:00 AM daily. The "Smoky Grilled Cheese" with Tillamook pimento cheese and a cup of tomato artichoke soup is a sleeper hit for a Tuesday afternoon.
For the evening crowd, the hours are pretty standard:
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- Monday – Thursday: 11:00 AM to 10:00 PM
- Friday – Saturday: 11:00 AM to 11:00 PM
- Sunday: 11:00 AM to 9:00 PM
If the weather is nice, ask for the patio. It’s pet-friendly, and they usually have water bowls ready for dogs. It’s one of the best spots in New Albany to people-watch while you work through a plate of Brussels sprouts (which, by the way, are tossed in a sweet chili and basil jam that is addictive).
Beyond the Dining Room
There is a whole other side to The Exchange Pub New Albany that people miss because they never go upstairs. Above the main dining area is The Stables.
It’s an event space that keeps the rustic, bourbon-barrel feel of the building. People use it for everything from micro-weddings to corporate presentations. It has its own vintage bar and a "hidden" ceiling projector. If you’re planning a holiday party or a rehearsal dinner, it’s arguably the coolest room in the city.
The Halls also own Brooklyn and The Butcher nearby, which is more of a high-end steakhouse vibe. But The Exchange remains the flagship for a reason. It’s accessible. You can wear a suit or you can wear a hoodie and nobody is going to look at you sideways.
What Most People Get Wrong
People often think "gastropub" means "expensive bar food."
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While you can definitely spend some money here—the $33 pork chop with cherry bacon chutney isn't exactly a budget meal—the value is in the execution. You’re paying for the fact that the sauce wasn't squeezed out of a plastic bag.
Another misconception is that it's just for adults. Honestly, it’s pretty kid-friendly during the day and early evening. They have a kids' menu, and the atmosphere isn't so quiet that a toddler's sneeze will clear the room.
Actionable Insights for Your Visit
- Make a reservation. Seriously. Use their online portal or call (812) 948-6501.
- Try the Habagardil pickles. They use these in several dishes (like the Nashville Hot Chicken). They’re locally famous for a reason.
- Check the "Vegetable of the Day." It sounds boring, but the chefs usually use whatever is freshest from the local farms, and it's often better than the standard sides.
- Explore the neighborhood. After dinner, walk a block over to Pints & Union or check out the Scribner House. Downtown New Albany is walkable, safe, and full of weird little shops.
The Exchange isn't just a place to eat; it's the anchor of the New Albany food scene. It survived the lean years when downtown was empty, and now it's the place that defines what the city has become.
Pro-tip: If you’re there for brunch, the skillet-baked cornbread with whipped sorghum butter and smoked sea salt is mandatory. Don't skip it.
Before you head out, check their website or social media for the latest seasonal rotations. The menu changes frequently to keep up with what's actually growing in Indiana and Kentucky at the moment.