Neighborhoods
Charming Louisville neighborhood with art galleries, shops and fabulous dining along Frankfort Ave.
20 locals recommend
Crescent Hill
Charming Louisville neighborhood with art galleries, shops and fabulous dining along Frankfort Ave.
One of Louisville most popular Historic Neighborhoods with beautiful historic homes, local dining and entertainment along Bardstown Rd. Next to Cherokee Park.
19 locals recommend
Cherokee Triangle
One of Louisville most popular Historic Neighborhoods with beautiful historic homes, local dining and entertainment along Bardstown Rd. Next to Cherokee Park.
Louisville's newest restored area with great architecture, shops, art galleries, restaurants and bars along East Market Street.
A must!
213 locals recommend
East Market District
Louisville's newest restored area with great architecture, shops, art galleries, restaurants and bars along East Market Street.
A must!
Louisville's crown jewel of historic neighborhoods. Beautiful historic homes with St. James Court as the crown jewel.
53 locals recommend
Old Louisville
Louisville's crown jewel of historic neighborhoods. Beautiful historic homes with St. James Court as the crown jewel.
Food scene
Louisville has so many fabulous local restaurants that it's hard to pick!
Over 25 years in Louisville and one of the best Italian Restaurants today! Great bar atmosphere too located on Frankfort Ave.
www.porcini502.com
52 locals recommend
Porcini Restaurant
2730 Frankfort AveOver 25 years in Louisville and one of the best Italian Restaurants today! Great bar atmosphere too located on Frankfort Ave.
www.porcini502.com
Another great local Italian Restaurant with Joshua Moore, a winner of Chopped Chefs. The bar is great for a light bite. Located on Frankfort Ave. volare-restaurant.com
58 locals recommend
Volare
2300 Frankfort AveAnother great local Italian Restaurant with Joshua Moore, a winner of Chopped Chefs. The bar is great for a light bite. Located on Frankfort Ave. volare-restaurant.com
The Hub
2235 Frankfort AveFun/hip sports bar on Frankfort Ave.
Breakfast place on Frankfort Ave. Weekend brunch is so popular make a reservation!
11 locals recommend
Morning Fork Louisville
1722 Frankfort Avenue Breakfast place on Frankfort Ave. Weekend brunch is so popular make a reservation!
Their breakfast and lunch is delicious! Their bakery bread is well known regionally. Great cookies too! On Frankfort Ave
www.bluedogbakeryandcafe.com
120 locals recommend
Blue Dog Bakery & Cafe
2868 Frankfort AveTheir breakfast and lunch is delicious! Their bakery bread is well known regionally. Great cookies too! On Frankfort Ave
www.bluedogbakeryandcafe.com
Great local pizza and fun atmosphere. Multiple locations.
http://eatparlourpizza.com/
11 locals recommend
Parlour on Frankfort
2636 Frankfort AveGreat local pizza and fun atmosphere. Multiple locations.
http://eatparlourpizza.com/
Lives up to it's name-great Irish food and drink! On Frankfort Ave
theirishrover.com
43 locals recommend
The Irish Rover
2319 Frankfort AveLives up to it's name-great Irish food and drink! On Frankfort Ave
theirishrover.com
A local favorite catering company has grown over the years and now has this wonder bakery and cafe on Barrett Ave.
70 locals recommend
Wiltshire Pantry Bakery and Cafe
901 Barret AveA local favorite catering company has grown over the years and now has this wonder bakery and cafe on Barrett Ave.
The Cafe on Brent St off of Barrett is located near Stoneware & Co., a Louisville pottery company founded in 1815.
The Cafe, a local favorite, is a great spot for breakfast and lunch. They are known for their incredible desserts!
47 locals recommend
The Café
731 Brent StThe Cafe on Brent St off of Barrett is located near Stoneware & Co., a Louisville pottery company founded in 1815.
The Cafe, a local favorite, is a great spot for breakfast and lunch. They are known for their incredible desserts!
Highland Morning
1416 Bardstown RdGreat breakfast and casual lunch located on Bardstown Rd.
Tacos and Margaritas are so good! Great atmosphere both inside and out for dining. Located on Baxter Ave near Bardstown Rd.
42 locals recommend
Agave & Rye
426 Baxter AveTacos and Margaritas are so good! Great atmosphere both inside and out for dining. Located on Baxter Ave near Bardstown Rd.
Known for their wine by glass selection and tapas on Bardstown Rd. They also have a great brunch!
78 locals recommend
LouVino Restaurant & Wine Bar
1606 Bardstown RdKnown for their wine by glass selection and tapas on Bardstown Rd. They also have a great brunch!
Rustic-chic eatery & beer hall dishing up Southern classics in sprawling digs with a patio. They have a full bar too! Located on Baxter Ave.
75 locals recommend
The Eagle
1314 Bardstown RdRustic-chic eatery & beer hall dishing up Southern classics in sprawling digs with a patio. They have a full bar too! Located on Baxter Ave.
One of my favorites! They have the best drink called a swirl-a frozen margarita with a swirl of red sangria!
Havana Rumba is a celebration of the food of the island of Cuba brought to life by a committed team since 2004.
78 locals recommend
Havana Rumba Bardstown Rd
2210 Bardstown Rd
One of my favorites! They have the best drink called a swirl-a frozen margarita with a swirl of red sangria!
Havana Rumba is a celebration of the food of the island of Cuba brought to life by a committed team since 2004.
In 1978 Benny’s father, who was a butcher, leased the old Mr A’s pizza site on Bardstown Road and moved his downtown butcher shop to the Highlands. Well Mr A’s left their pizza ovens behind, so Benny decided to go out on his own and started selling Impellizzeri’s pizzas in 1979. While Benny’s father ran his butcher shop during the day, Benny made pizzas at night. The rest is history! They started with a deep dish and now have a full menu.
www.impellizzeris.com
54 locals recommend
Impellizzeri's Pizza
1381 Bardstown RdIn 1978 Benny’s father, who was a butcher, leased the old Mr A’s pizza site on Bardstown Road and moved his downtown butcher shop to the Highlands. Well Mr A’s left their pizza ovens behind, so Benny decided to go out on his own and started selling Impellizzeri’s pizzas in 1979. While Benny’s father ran his butcher shop during the day, Benny made pizzas at night. The rest is history! They started with a deep dish and now have a full menu.
www.impellizzeris.com
The Bristol is the home of the Green Chili Wontons, Louisville’s favorite guilty pleasure. Bristol Bar & Grille has been a staple of the dining scene since 1977. I can remember waiting in line just to get to the door when they first opened! A true local restaurant on Bardstown Rd. www.bristolbarandgrille.com
39 locals recommend
Bristol Bar & Grille
1321 Bardstown RdThe Bristol is the home of the Green Chili Wontons, Louisville’s favorite guilty pleasure. Bristol Bar & Grille has been a staple of the dining scene since 1977. I can remember waiting in line just to get to the door when they first opened! A true local restaurant on Bardstown Rd. www.bristolbarandgrille.com
JACK FRY'S was established in 1933 by Jack Fry and his wife, Flossie. Fry was known as a gambling kind of guy who loved 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. It was purchased and revamped in 1987 and is full all of the time! Located on Bardstown Rd. www.jackfrys.com
199 locals recommend
Jack Fry's
1007 Bardstown RdJACK FRY'S was established in 1933 by Jack Fry and his wife, Flossie. Fry was known as a gambling kind of guy who loved 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. It was purchased and revamped in 1987 and is full all of the time! Located on Bardstown Rd. www.jackfrys.com
A second location of the popular creole seafood restaurant Seafood Lady opened in NuLu at the beginning of April. Owner Nichelle Thurston said she was drawn to NuLu for being a "great neighborhood with different cultures and styles. This is on Jefferson St. in NULU. www.seafoodlady502.com
7 locals recommend
The Seafood Lady
601 East Jefferson StreetA second location of the popular creole seafood restaurant Seafood Lady opened in NuLu at the beginning of April. Owner Nichelle Thurston said she was drawn to NuLu for being a "great neighborhood with different cultures and styles. This is on Jefferson St. in NULU. www.seafoodlady502.com
Great barbecue and raw bar on East Main St. near NULU.
www.doccrows.com
70 locals recommend
Doc Crow's Southern Smokehouse & Raw Bar
127 W Main StGreat barbecue and raw bar on East Main St. near NULU.
www.doccrows.com
Repeal Oak-Fired Steakhouse is located in Hotel Distil on Main St. An upscale newer restaurant is worth a visit plus there is a roof top bar in the holtel.
www.repeallouisville.com
15 locals recommend
Repeal
101 West Main StreetRepeal Oak-Fired Steakhouse is located in Hotel Distil on Main St. An upscale newer restaurant is worth a visit plus there is a roof top bar in the holtel.
www.repeallouisville.com
Proof on Main’s menu showcases a unique, modern approach to comfortable, accessible and locally-sourced cuisine. Located in 21C Hotel on W. Main
www.proofonmain.com
124 locals recommend
Proof On Main
702 W Main StProof on Main’s menu showcases a unique, modern approach to comfortable, accessible and locally-sourced cuisine. Located in 21C Hotel on W. Main
www.proofonmain.com
Upon arrival to La Bodeguita de Mima you will be transported back in time to 1950’s Cuba. From the moment you set foot inside you will smell the delicious Cuban aromas coming from Mima’s kitchen. On Market St. in NULU
www.labodeguitademima.com
64 locals recommend
La Bodeguita De Mima | Cuban Restaurant & Rum Bar
725 E Market StUpon arrival to La Bodeguita de Mima you will be transported back in time to 1950’s Cuba. From the moment you set foot inside you will smell the delicious Cuban aromas coming from Mima’s kitchen. On Market St. in NULU
www.labodeguitademima.com
In August 2015, Chef Varanese opened River House, part of a 27,000 square foot development located at 3015 River Road. Known for its raw bar and seafood, it also has one of the best patios with a view of the Ohio River.
www.riverhouselouisville.com
43 locals recommend
River House Restaurant and Raw Bar
3015 River RdIn August 2015, Chef Varanese opened River House, part of a 27,000 square foot development located at 3015 River Road. Known for its raw bar and seafood, it also has one of the best patios with a view of the Ohio River.
www.riverhouselouisville.com
8UP RESTAURANT, LOUNGE & ROOFTOP OFFERS 3 DIFFERENT EXPERIENCES UNDER ONE ROOF AND UNPARALLELED VIEWS OF DOWNTOWN LOUISVILLE. WHETHER LOUNGING AL FRESCO OR ENJOYING THE DINING ROOM, 8UP OFFERS A MYRIAD OF DINING AND DRINKING OPTIONS DESIGNED TO PLEASE THE SOPHISTICATED PALATES AND CELEBRATE THE SPIRIT OF FUN THAT DEFINES LOUISVILLE. THE LOUNGE AT 8UP BOASTS ITS VERY OWN KITCHEN DESIGNATED TO THE INDOOR BAR AND ENJOY OUR OPEN-AIR ROOFTOP BAR COMPLETE WITH FIRE PITS AND PLENTY OF SEATING SPACE.
98 locals recommend
8UP Elevated Drinkery & Kitchen
350 W Chestnut St8UP RESTAURANT, LOUNGE & ROOFTOP OFFERS 3 DIFFERENT EXPERIENCES UNDER ONE ROOF AND UNPARALLELED VIEWS OF DOWNTOWN LOUISVILLE. WHETHER LOUNGING AL FRESCO OR ENJOYING THE DINING ROOM, 8UP OFFERS A MYRIAD OF DINING AND DRINKING OPTIONS DESIGNED TO PLEASE THE SOPHISTICATED PALATES AND CELEBRATE THE SPIRIT OF FUN THAT DEFINES LOUISVILLE. THE LOUNGE AT 8UP BOASTS ITS VERY OWN KITCHEN DESIGNATED TO THE INDOOR BAR AND ENJOY OUR OPEN-AIR ROOFTOP BAR COMPLETE WITH FIRE PITS AND PLENTY OF SEATING SPACE.
Buck’s is located in the heart of Old Louisville and in the historic Mayflower building. It is the place to impress for special occasions, birthdays, and anniversaries. A gem!
8uplouisville.com
36 locals recommend
Buck's Restaurant
425 W Ormsby AveBuck’s is located in the heart of Old Louisville and in the historic Mayflower building. It is the place to impress for special occasions, birthdays, and anniversaries. A gem!
8uplouisville.com
Fun Bars
If you are looking for great Bourbon or great atmosphere -try some of these places!
Galaxie
732 E Market StFun atmosphere and great drinks!
www.galaxiebar.com
A true take on an early 1900's Speakeasy. Wonderful craft cocktails. Reservations are required.
www.hellorhighwaterbar.com
40 locals recommend
Hell or High Water
112 W Washington StA true take on an early 1900's Speakeasy. Wonderful craft cocktails. Reservations are required.
www.hellorhighwaterbar.com
Nouvelle Bar & Bottle
214 S Clay StGreat Wine Bar and outdoor spaces
www.nouvellewine.com
Great bar and restaurant inside a very interesting boutique hotel called 21C.
www.proofonmain.com
124 locals recommend
Proof On Main
702 W Main StGreat bar and restaurant inside a very interesting boutique hotel called 21C.
www.proofonmain.com
Local Irish Pub and Restaurant with a great whiskey cellar on Main St.
osheaslouisville.net
12 locals recommend
Patrick O'Shea's
123 W Main StLocal Irish Pub and Restaurant with a great whiskey cellar on Main St.
osheaslouisville.net
This nook in the NuLu corridor feels for all the world like a speakeasy, with its reclaimed wood and exposed brick. Great outdoor area too.
41 locals recommend
Taj Louisville
807 E Market StThis nook in the NuLu corridor feels for all the world like a speakeasy, with its reclaimed wood and exposed brick. Great outdoor area too.
Gertie's Whiskey Bar is a neighborhood whiskey bar located in the new Nulu Marketplace on E. Market Street in Louisville, Kentucky that celebrates the art and history of drinking with a curated whiskey list, hand crafted cocktails, as well as a wine and beer. The bar features seating around a circular center bar, table seating around the walls of the space, outdoor high-tops in the courtyard, and a "speakeasy" style bar downstairs with lounge seating. Open Wednesday through Sunday.
www.gertieswhiskeybar.com/gerties-nulu-louisville
Gertie's Whiskey Bar - NuLu
821 East Market StreetGertie's Whiskey Bar is a neighborhood whiskey bar located in the new Nulu Marketplace on E. Market Street in Louisville, Kentucky that celebrates the art and history of drinking with a curated whiskey list, hand crafted cocktails, as well as a wine and beer. The bar features seating around a circular center bar, table seating around the walls of the space, outdoor high-tops in the courtyard, and a "speakeasy" style bar downstairs with lounge seating. Open Wednesday through Sunday.
www.gertieswhiskeybar.com/gerties-nulu-louisville
At Taste, our focus is fine wines from smaller vineyards in Europe, the Americas, South Africa and New Zealand, among others. On the bourbon side, we look for Kentucky distillers who produce in smaller batches, controlling quality and creating bourbons with smooth, rich flavors.
www.tastefinewinesandbourbons.com
15 locals recommend
Taste Fine Wines & Bourbons
634 E Market StAt Taste, our focus is fine wines from smaller vineyards in Europe, the Americas, South Africa and New Zealand, among others. On the bourbon side, we look for Kentucky distillers who produce in smaller batches, controlling quality and creating bourbons with smooth, rich flavors.
www.tastefinewinesandbourbons.com
I put this under bars because it's geared toward drinks and small plates. Located on historic Main St.
Wild Swann Restaurant
601 West Main StreetI put this under bars because it's geared toward drinks and small plates. Located on historic Main St.
Sightseeing
So much fun! A bicycle and pedestrian bridge, spans the Ohio River and connects Louisville to Jeffersonville, Indiana. The two-mile rounds trip journey offers breathtaking views of the river, city and Waterfront Park. https://www.kentuckytourism.com/louisville/attractions/guided-tours/big-four-pedestrian-bridge
214 locals recommend
Big Four Bridge
1101 River RdSo much fun! A bicycle and pedestrian bridge, spans the Ohio River and connects Louisville to Jeffersonville, Indiana. The two-mile rounds trip journey offers breathtaking views of the river, city and Waterfront Park. https://www.kentuckytourism.com/louisville/attractions/guided-tours/big-four-pedestrian-bridge
The Louisville Slugger Museum & Factory, is a museum and factory tour attraction located in Louisville, Kentucky's "Museum Row", part of the West Main District of downtown. The museum showcases the story of Louisville Slugger baseball bats in baseball and in American history. www.sluggermuseum.com
441 locals recommend
Louisville Slugger Museum & Factory
800 W Main StThe Louisville Slugger Museum & Factory, is a museum and factory tour attraction located in Louisville, Kentucky's "Museum Row", part of the West Main District of downtown. The museum showcases the story of Louisville Slugger baseball bats in baseball and in American history. www.sluggermuseum.com
Experience the exciting and colorful spectacle of Thoroughbred racing at legendary Churchill Downs. Stroll through its historic grounds and enjoy the ambiance of one of the most hallowed shrines in American Sports. www.churchilldowns.com
544 locals recommend
Churchill Downs
700 Central AveExperience the exciting and colorful spectacle of Thoroughbred racing at legendary Churchill Downs. Stroll through its historic grounds and enjoy the ambiance of one of the most hallowed shrines in American Sports. www.churchilldowns.com
Kentucky Derby Museum is located next to Churchill Downs® Racetrack in one of Louisville's historic neighborhoods just 10 minutes from downtown Louisville. Great gift shop and free parking. www.derbymuseum.org
180 locals recommend
Kentucky Derby Museum
704 Central AvenueKentucky Derby Museum is located next to Churchill Downs® Racetrack in one of Louisville's historic neighborhoods just 10 minutes from downtown Louisville. Great gift shop and free parking. www.derbymuseum.org
Google to check events calendar to see what's happening! Stoneware, handmade since 1815 is the place to shop and then have lunch at The Cafe next door!
14 locals recommend
Paristown Arts & Entertainment District
731 Brent StGoogle to check events calendar to see what's happening! Stoneware, handmade since 1815 is the place to shop and then have lunch at The Cafe next door!
Great shopping and dining situated between Market St and East Main St. Indoor/Outdoor. Great courtyard surrounded by restored buildings
East Main Street
East Main StreetGreat shopping and dining situated between Market St and East Main St. Indoor/Outdoor. Great courtyard surrounded by restored buildings
Bourbon Tours
Stitzel-Weller Distillery , known for its Blade and Bow brand, is opening up the Garden and Gun Club on its second floor. The club carries the name of the Charleston, South Carolina-based magazine that launched in 2007, and it should carry a similar feeling to it, too. The Garden and Gun Club in Louisville will be only the brand’s second in the United States.
Stitzel-Weller serves as the home of the Bulleit Frontier Whiskey Experience as part of the Kentucky Bourbon Trail. Now home to Diageo brands Blade and Bow, I.W. Harper and Orphan Barrel, Stitzel–Weller Distillery serves as a monument to the fathers of bourbon and an important part of Kentucky’s bourbon history.
27 locals recommend
Stitzel-Weller Distillery
3860 Fitzgerald RdStitzel-Weller Distillery , known for its Blade and Bow brand, is opening up the Garden and Gun Club on its second floor. The club carries the name of the Charleston, South Carolina-based magazine that launched in 2007, and it should carry a similar feeling to it, too. The Garden and Gun Club in Louisville will be only the brand’s second in the United States.
Stitzel-Weller serves as the home of the Bulleit Frontier Whiskey Experience as part of the Kentucky Bourbon Trail. Now home to Diageo brands Blade and Bow, I.W. Harper and Orphan Barrel, Stitzel–Weller Distillery serves as a monument to the fathers of bourbon and an important part of Kentucky’s bourbon history.
The oldest continuously operating distillery in America also happens to have one of the largest families of homegrown brands in any industry. Led by our namesake and flagship brand, Buffalo Trace Bourbon, the line includes several brands, collections and expressions that have earned some of the highest accolades the industry offers. Beautiful grounds and buildings.
166 locals recommend
Buffalo Trace Distillery
113 Great Buffalo TrceThe oldest continuously operating distillery in America also happens to have one of the largest families of homegrown brands in any industry. Led by our namesake and flagship brand, Buffalo Trace Bourbon, the line includes several brands, collections and expressions that have earned some of the highest accolades the industry offers. Beautiful grounds and buildings.
The art of making fine bourbon first took place on the site of the Woodford Reserve Distillery, a National Historic Landmark, in 1812. You get that sense of history. The history of bourbon is the history of Kentucky, is the history of the United States. Great bourbon and the drive to Woodford takes you through horse country!
221 locals recommend
Woodford Reserve Distillery
7785 McCracken PikeThe art of making fine bourbon first took place on the site of the Woodford Reserve Distillery, a National Historic Landmark, in 1812. You get that sense of history. The history of bourbon is the history of Kentucky, is the history of the United States. Great bourbon and the drive to Woodford takes you through horse country!
It began when Paul Jones, Jr., the founder of Four Roses Bourbon, became smitten by the beauty of a Southern belle. It is said that he sent a proposal to her, and she replied that if her answer were “Yes,” she would wear a corsage of roses on her gown to the upcoming grand ball. Paul Jones waited for her answer excitedly on that night of the grand ball…when she arrived in her beautiful gown, she wore a corsage of four red roses. He later named his Bourbon “Four Roses” as a symbol of his devout passion for the lovely belle, a passion he thereafter transferred to making his beloved Four Roses Bourbon.
103 locals recommend
Four Roses Distillery
1224 Bonds Mill RdIt began when Paul Jones, Jr., the founder of Four Roses Bourbon, became smitten by the beauty of a Southern belle. It is said that he sent a proposal to her, and she replied that if her answer were “Yes,” she would wear a corsage of roses on her gown to the upcoming grand ball. Paul Jones waited for her answer excitedly on that night of the grand ball…when she arrived in her beautiful gown, she wore a corsage of four red roses. He later named his Bourbon “Four Roses” as a symbol of his devout passion for the lovely belle, a passion he thereafter transferred to making his beloved Four Roses Bourbon.
Traveler advice
Book before you go
Bourbon Tours-at least 6 weeks in advance
Check out kybourbontrail.com for a list of all the distilleries in Louisville and state wide. Some favorites out in the state are: Makers Mark, Buffalo Trace, Woodford Reserve, Four Roses, Jim Beam, Willet, Jeptha Creed, Wild Turkey, Wilderness Trail, Jefferson Reserve. You can set up reservations on your own or book a tour through one of the local companies.
Don't miss
BEST LOCAL PIZZA:
Garage Bar
BoomBozz Pizza & Taphouse
Wick's Pizza Parlor & Pub
Coals Artisan Pizza
Impellizzeri's Pizza
The Post
The Parlour
Goodfellas
Don't miss
More Restaurants
Bardstown Rd:
Uptown Cafe
Noche
Twig and Leaf-old time cafe
The Fat Lamb
El Mundo
**Holy Grale**
Against The Grain Brewery and Pub
Germantown:
Sarino
Comeback Inn
Hammerhead
North of Bourbon-one of the best collections of Bourbon
Big Bad Breakfast
Check's Cafe-A Germantown local spot
NULU:
bar Vetti
Emmy Squared
Lou Lou on Market
Lueberry
MeeshMeesh Mediterrenian-new
Merles Whisky Kitchen