One thing I really missed when we moved away from Louisville was the amazing restaurants. Coming back, I was kind of overwhelmed with how many new spots popped up! While I will always love some of the OG fan favorites here in Louisville, I’ve also grown to love the new ones! I will also be updating this page regularly as we continue to try new options. I also want to hear from you if you have any favorites that are missing from this list!
Just Drinks
Louisville is most certainly a drinkin’ town! From bourbon to beers, the city’s got you covered on places to grab your favorite beverage.
Cocktails
NULU/Downtown
The Last Refuge – a restored church, the vibes here are hard to beat. Plus, I fell in love with their unique Magna Mortalitas, a cocktail featuring mezcal and squid ink… just trust me on this one!
Clayton and Crume – this is a leather shop with incredible leather goods, but they also have a moody bar! They offer Happy Hour from 3pm – 7pm every Friday with killer drink deals.
Tartan House – this cocktail lounge is the definition of cozy and trendy vibes, with velvet bar chairs and couches, greenery surrounding the bar, and bold wallpaper. It’s located right at the beginning of NULU so is a great spot to start off a night of bar hopping or pre-dinner drinks!
SEVEN Cocktails + Bourbon – vibey spot for cocktails in the heart of NULU, super easy to pop in for a drink before/after dinner or along your bar hop. They have a variety of unique options and I’m obsessed with the Five Star Taco Truck.
Nouvelle – an adorable wine bar and bottle shop featuring all the wine options you can think of + cocktails + a large garden patio!
Bar Genevieve – located in the new Hotel Genevieve, this rooftop bar is such a cute spot to grab drinks (and maybe a charcuterie board!) The outdoor space has a great view of downtown and the indoor space is super trendy.
Gertie’s – located in Nulu Marketplace next to West Sixth and Emmy Squared, this bar has an upstairs option as well as a speakeasy in the basement with cellar-vibes. Upon arrival, you can ask the bartender if there’s room in the speakeasy for you.
Garage Bar – such a fun spot for the summer with their outdoor space, grab a pitcher of their lavender lemonade and crush a game of ping pong.
The Local Seltzery – looking for flavored seltzers and cocktails rather than beer? This is your spot. Try a flight with unique flavors!
Pin & Proof – located in the basement of the Omni, this speakeasy has bowling! But you can also simply hang at the bar and enjoy cocktails in the swanky environment.
Hell or High Water – speakeasy with unique rooms you can book! Reservations are required, so be sure to look into this before you go.
The Bar at Fort Nelson (Michter’s Distillery) – there are several bourbon distilleries downtown (duh!) but I surprisingly haven’t been to many. However, we really enjoyed our time at the Bar at Fort Nelson, located above the Michter’s Distillery. I would recommend making reservations to be safe!
Tempo Rooftop – newly opened in 2024, this Hilton hotel rooftop is conveniently located just one block south of market street in Nulu and features similar downtown views to Hotel Genevieve
Frankfort Avenue
Pretty Decent – a super unique spot that duals as a cocktail bar and plant shop! The bar area is small but cozy and their drinks are delicious. They focus on mezcal drinks, and we especially enjoyed the Spicy Mango Marg and Carajillo! However, their menu is seasonal and changes frequently so you never know exactly what they may be featuring!
Frankfort Avenue Liquors – an actual liquor store with a fun bar featuring handcrafted cocktails and occasional live music!
The Champagnery – this elevated champagne bar is the perfect place for a date, girls night, or celebration. The champagne flights are perfect for those of us who don’t know champagne well but want to try a variety (and look boujee doing it). They recently added food to their menu, too!
Germantown/Schnitzelburg
North of Bourbon – really cute, quaint atmosphere in Germantown with bourbon barrel-outlined tables. We just sat at the bar and grabbed drinks, which were delicious, but have heard their food is incredible as well.
Hauk’s Corner – an old handy store in the heart of Schnitzelburg with a massive outdoor space in the bar, ideal for beautiful weather and happy hour! Likely the spot to grab beers, but have surprisingly good espresso martinis.
Highlands/Bardstown Road
Epiphany – a quaint spot in the Highlands that you’d never know about, featuring snacks and beverages in an exposed brick space, with a “farm to glass” mantra featuring a small farmers market stand where you can purchase fresh items!
Paseo – recently opened, this will soon be a hotel. We just came for drinks, but enjoyed the environment, decor, and cocktails. Would be lovely to sit in the outdoor space on a nice day!
NEAT Bourbon Bar & Bottle Shop – a bigger space compared to the previously mentioned cocktail bars, offering all kinds of classic and unique bourbon options. The Hot & Heavy is TO DIE FOR if you like spice!
Darling’s – a small cocktail bar in the highlands focused on gin and bourbon cocktails, a nice option if you’re in the area.
Havana Rumba / Mojito in Havana – many people love their food but it’s not my favorite. However, I would absolutely recommend their swirl margarita. And on Wednesdays, it’s half off at the Highlands location!
East End
The Pine Room – located on River Road, I really like the vibes here. I think the food menu is a little overpriced, so would recommend going for cocktails. However, if you are hungry for a bite, I highly recommend the burger! And they have live piano music on the weekends!
Captain’s Quarters – ideal for the warmer months, grab a drink and sit in the adirondack chairs on the lawn and watch the sunset + boats pass by!
Watch Hill Proper – one of the best bourbon selections in the city and located in the adorable Norton Commons neighborhood – great for just drinks or dinner, too, if you’re wanting a special meal!
Breweries
There are plenty more where this list came from, but these are my personal favorites.
The Highlands/Bardstown Road
Hi-Wire – a unique and vibrant spot near the Highlands neighborhood with Goodfellas Pizza right next door for a post-beer meal
Great Flood – laid back with games… walkable to Havana Rumba, Ten20, and Graeters!
NULU/Downtown
West Sixth – located in heart of Nulu at Nulu Marketplace with a fun open-air courtyard. Be sure to order pizza to-go from Emmy Squared then enjoy at your table with brews. YUM
Ten20 – locations in the beautiful Anchorage, up-and-coming Butchertown, or the Highlands. This is their original & largest location. A great spot before any LouCity games!
Atrium – the best sour beers I’ve ever had (I didn’t even know I liked Sours until I tried the Blueberry Lemon Cake Boy!) Also has a new location in Norton Commons.
Gravely – best view of downtown from the rooftop. They also typically have the Mayan Street Food Truck if you’re looking for a bite.
Against the Grain – located in Louisville Slugger Field, which makes for a perfect pre-game beer.
Goodwood – another great NULU spot, although there isn’t anything crazy special about it.
Monnik – a quaint local spot in the Schnitzelburg neighborhood with actually good food (my coworker raves about this, I’ll admit I haven’t had it yet).
Other Cool Spots
Upland – not technically in Louisville, but across the river in Jeffersonville, IN with great views of Downtown Louisville. We’ve stopped in here on a bike ride from across the bridge.
3rd Turn Oldham Gardens – also not technically in Louisville but not too far in Oldham County, 3rd Turn has a great outdoor space with some delicious beers.
Dinner
This is so incredibly hard to keep concise, but I’m going to do my best! Louisville is definitely a foodie town, so you can hardly go wrong with any spot you choose.
Highlands/Bardstown Road
Sapporo – still my all-time favorite sushi. It’s nothing wildly fancy, but is consistently delicious. Their Happy Hour also remains top notch, available daily from 5-6:30pm… get their VIP roll!
The Eagle – my personal preference for fried chicken and mac n cheese. Their fried chicken sandwich is hard to beat. The bourbon punch is also a winner, although sweet.
Hop Atomica – located in the parking lot of the Germantown Mill Lofts, the vibe is just right and the drinks + food is truly incredible. I’d recommend their giant pretzel with house-made bier cheese and the fungi pizza!
Wheated – another pizza joint with great wood-fired ‘za and an eclectic bar menu. The Bay Ridge pizza has a vodka sauce base and is *chef’s kiss*.
The Fat Lamb – a more upscale option with incredible food, and also a James Beard semi-finalist in 2024! We ordered several apps, among which the whipped feta was a fan favorite. I got the Short Rib for dinner and ate the entire thing. I believe the menu is seasonal so may change but everyone loved their dishes! And the chocolate mousse is an absolute must-get.
Noche – another great Happy Hour option, this Mexican BBQ joint is located in an old church with stained glass windows. Their nachos are to-die-for and I enjoy the La Picosa cocktail, even though I’m not typically big on Mezcal.
ROC – authentic Italian in a cozy building in the Highlands, we really enjoyed the pesto and shrimp pasta and chicken parmesean sliders! Would also recommend the ROC cocktail and Old Fashioned.
Kiwami Ramen – I don’t have a ton of experience with Ramen but really enjoyed my meal here! The ramen was flavorful and filling.
NULU/Downtown
Guacamole – absolutely delicious food, drink, and atmosphere. A little on the pricier side, but worth it all in my opinion. I would recommend all of the food I’ve tried here (tamal qaxaqueno, enchiladas suizas, churro cart).
Bar Vetti – Italian spot in the heart of Nulu with great pizza, cocktails, and vibes.
Meesh Meesh Mediterranean – soooo my type of food! It’s recommended for you to order several small plates to share along with a few mains to pass around. Each main comes with a Salatim platter (several dips and spreads with warm pita) and rice, which adds to the amount of food you get. We ordered three small plates (Lamb & Beef Arayes, Herb Falafel, Yellowfin Tuna Tartare) and one entree (Shawarma Spiced Chicken Thighs) , which was plenty for the two of us!
Feast BBQ – not only is the BBQ delish, but the bourbon slush is a must.
Emmy Squared – definitely grab one of their Detroit style pizzas and enjoy it in the NULU Marketplace courtyard with a beer from West Sixth. Just thinking about The Angel has my stomach growling.
Grind Burger Kitchen – a more low-key spot in the area serving up flavorful burgers.
Royals Hot Chicken – who said Nashville is the only place with great Hot Chicken??
Repeal Oak Fired Steak House – for a celebratory evening, I love the more modern atmosphere of this steak house. Recommend the lobster bisque, wedge salad, mac n cheese, and bread pudding! They recently opened their rooftop and it’s a quieter spot to grab a meal or drink! Their espresso martinis are top notch.
Pizza Lupo – located in the Butchertown neighborhood, Pizza Lupo was voted best pizza in Louisville in 2021 and 2022! I’ll be honest, I’m not sure if it’s earned that title from me, but it’s still *chef’s kiss*. Sadly they were out of the mushroom pizza we wanted, but still enjoyed wood-fired oyesters (totally not something I’d typically order) and two pizzas.
Mussel and Burger Bar – there are a few locations in Louisville but the downtown one has the most character. I am not a big fan of mussels but can attest to their savory burgers!
Drake’s – a classic spot for any meal with a menu sure to please all. Enjoy mini burgers, sushi, or a salad! Plus, they have beer towers and a solid draft list. They have additional locations around Louisville in the Paddock Shops and Jtown.
Taco Luchador – they have an extremely small interior, but nice outdoor space if the weather cooperates. Their fish tacos are my favorite, and I also really enjoy the Crunchy Mexican Ensalada.
Coal’s Pizza – this artisan pizza is delicious if you’re looking for something beyond the basics. I really enjoy the Waverly!
Sakura Blue – we used to eat their sushi alll the time in high school! A solid go-to for sushi in the area, we typically get carry out.
Lou Lou – flavorful and filling Cajun food along with other cuisines like Mediterranean and Italian.
Simply Thai – Get. The. Pad. Thai. Although, everything on this menu is delicious!
DiOrio’s – looking for giant, greasy pizza? This is your place. Seriously some mouth-watering, ginormous ‘za and D’s Fried Balls (aka bread balls smothered in butter.
Momma’s Mustard, Pickles, & BBQ – Featured on Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives, this is just a good ‘ole BBQ joint. Sam tried their meatloaf grilled cheese and I was wildly surprised at how delicious it was. They also have alcoholic slushies!
Senora Arepa – by the same owners of Taco Luchador, Guacamole, Steak and Bourbon, and La Bodeguita De Mima, they strike again with this Venezuelan spot. Everything we had was incredible, from the Viejo Caraqueno, to the Cachapitas Trio, to our Arepas.
Crescent Hill/Frankfort Ave
Enso – a mix of Japanese and Southern culture to create a versatile menu with cold and hot plates, noodles, and skewers. The indoor space is lovely but we sat on the covered patio which was also nice with market lights!
The Manhattan Project – a great go-to spot with a large menu & yummy cocktails.
F.A.B.D Smokehouse – another spot for delicious and reliable BBQ, in a much more hole-in-the-wall setting.
Parlour – great spot for pizza in the area, and I definitely recommend starting off with their Pepperoni Bombs.
Bourbons Bistro – seeking a fancier meal out? Bourbon’s Bistro provides an elevated, quaint setting paired with a small but mighty menu featuring chops, seafood, and pasta.
Osaka – kind of a hole in the wall, but incredible sushi. We used to come here on date nights in high school!
Misc
Mesh – a solid option for a medium-scale dinner, with a great patio! All of their appetizers and entrees are consistently delicious.
Harry’s at Malones – I was so confused by this concept before visiting because it’s quite unique. Malone’s steakhouse has their more casual younger sibling Harry’s located inside, with a “patio” option downstairs (insulated with garage doors in the cooler months) and “rooftop” upstairs. You can order from either the Malone’s or Harry’s menu but enjoy a laid back environment. We ordered from a little bit of both and it all was DELICIOUS, especially the lasagna noodles that came with the spinach artichoke dip. Drooling now.
Danny Macs – pizza spot in Mellwood, this is where you come for a dense, greasy, and filling pie! Plus, their ‘crack sticks’ are buttery goodness sent directly from Heaven.
LouVino – tapas & wine flights, the ideal spot for a girls night or a yummy brunch! Located in Douglass Hills with a lovely patio + market lights.
Breakfast/Brunch/Lunch
House of Marigold – a new spot near Middletown, highly recommend! The building lets in tons of natural light which compliments the colorful decor perfectly. Plus the food and drinks are delicious, especially the deviled eggs and biscuits!
LouVino – see above, they also have a really great brunch!
Bar Vetti – also mentioned for dinner, they offer a hearty weekend brunch menu with their own flare.
Con Huevos – delicious with large portions, something to suit everyone! Their drink selection is minimal (mimosas and a tequila mimosa option), so definitely come here for the FOOD. They have several locations throughout Louisville.
Highland Morning – a classic, simple, and low-key Louisville spot with locations in the Highlands and St. Matthews.
Biscuit Belly – a casual quick-service breakfast joint serving up hearty & unique biscuit creations, with locations in St. Matthews, NULU, and Middletown.
Village Anchor – beautiful location in Anchorage right next to the Anchorage trail, a great place to sit outside and enjoy the scenery (especially in the Fall!)
Haymarket – a newly opened spot on River Road, a true marketplace where you can buy fresh produce, dry goods, and frozen items… or purchase lunch, pastries, and coffee to enjoy while you’re there. The outdoor space in the back is picturesque, which makes it a fun place to check out.
Red Hog – DO. NOT. SLEEP. ON. THIS. PLACE! Seriously the best Cuban sandwich I’ve ever had, along with mouth-watering pimento cheese and drinks. I recommend coming for lunch because the menu is a little different, but they also have a great happy hour! It’s also a butcher, so you can purchase fresh meats while there.
The Cafe at Paristown Hall – a laid-back option in a unique spot next to Paristown Hall, which hosts events. Stop in Louisville Stoneware after your meal!
Chik’n & Mi – Asian inspired comfort foods served in a converted home with unique decor… super flavorful with hearty portions!
Payne Street Bakehouse – a small but cozy spot to grab a bagel, coffee, and pastry.
Maya Bagel Express – New York style bagels and bagel sandwiches, get them to-go and fill your belly with goodness!
Good Belly Sandwich Shop – located in Douglass Loop, this is an incredible lunch spot featuring corned beef and pastrami sandwiches and homemade desserts. We opted for their two turkey options but couldn’t have been more satisfied.
