Eat

Nicer restaurants

610 magnolia (old louisville)

I’m not going to explicitly say that Chef Edward Lee can do no wrong but I will certainly imply it. I felt like a kid on Christmas and maybe it was just the fact that it was Christmastime when we went but we had the most fun in the whole restaurant. Every course was amazing, surprising, and the wine pairings were perfect. I feel like everyone should have the experience at least once.

bar vetti (nulu)

A hip, Italian restaurant that has seriously amazing food. I’ve never raved about a caesar salad before but alas, they put everything seasoning granola on it. Great drinks, great pasta, good brunch. Would be great for a date or with a group. Update: they have potatoes on the menu with melted cheese on top and you need it.

Mayan Cafe (Nulu)

A Louisville classic. Funky menu with lima beans that will knock your socks off. Sikil-pak is divine. Good wine menu, too. They have a new back patio that I haven’t been to but looks lovely.

Barn8 (oldham county)

Owned by the same people who own 21C and Proof, Barn8 is out at Hermitage Farm. It’s a good experience if you’re looking to get out of the city for a bit. Hermitage itself is gorgeous. Food is mostly farm to table and all delicious. Same with drinks. You can legitimately sit in a horse stall, if you’re into that sorta thing.

Proof on main (downtown)

Proof is attached to 21C and has some creative, delicious food. Funky decor. Attached museum is a good activity afterwards.

Repeal (downtown)

From a vegetarian speaking about a steakhouse: it’s amazing. The old fashioneds are delicious, they have a seasonal rotation. The carrots are great. I haven’t tried the baked potato but if you do, I need you to send me an email and tell me about it. Need a reservation but bar area is first come, first serve.

Decade (butchertown)

Really great food, good vibes. Good drinks, good service. No complaints. Opened by former Decca people, in the old space of Butchertown Grocery (iykyk).

PASEO (Highlands)

Hummus brulee was fire, great vibe. Cute little date night spot, but they also have a separate room for groups.

Meesh meesh (nulu)

OBSESSED. I’m a sucker for mediterranean food of all kinds and this place just hit the nail on the head. The main dishes come with Salatim (this little dip/snack situation), and everything was fabulous, including the cocktails. The branding is gorgeous too. If you were to blanket ask me for a recommendation of where you should go in Louisville, I would immediately say here. Get the Knafeh for dessert OMG.

perso (germantown/shelby park)

Roman-style pizza but don’t think pizza, think fancier and absolutely delicious. They do a chef’s tasting menu for larger groups that was SO GOOD and also more food than I could ever eat.

211 clover (st matthews)

Okay so food-wise, it’s solid and not super innovative. The vibe can be a little quiet but they have room for large parties and one of the prettiest patios in the city. One time I went and our waiter asked if I wanted him to “just top off” my wine and that’s the kind of place that makes it onto this list.

nami (nulu)

Chef Edward Lee opened Nami in 2023 - Korean BBQ. Everything that I’ve had there is fucking fantastic and this might be the first f-bomb I’ve dropped on this entire page. The flavors are to die for, vibe is good, service is always solid, and please just get the Dukbokki. Pro tip: if you get the vegetarian option on the grill table, ask the kitchen to cook it for you. It’s better that way. ALSO they have a karaoke room upstairs. Have yet to try it but I love that on principle.

Paseo (highlands)

Mediterranean-esque, attached to the Myriad Hotel. Hummus Brulee, ever-changing menu. Always good service and good vibes.

More casual restaurants

chik’n n mi (clifton/butchertown)*

A Korean fusion joint with great ramen (get the garlic bomb) and fried chicken. The sides are shareable and all amazing. Also open for brunch, if you want something a little less traditional for breakfast. If you’re a sauce person, the black garlic aioli and sweet soy are fire. Happy hour specials can’t be beat and wine and cocktails are great, too. They have a nice, big patio.

pho ba luu (butchertown/nulu)

Vietnamese food, good lunch spot in Nulu area. Vermicelli, pho, banh mi. The usuals.

feast (nulu)*

An order-at-the-counter BBQ place. Super easy and good for a big group. Lots of seating, food comes out fast (unless the line is down the street). Get the bread pudding bites and loaded tots. The smoked tofu is great. They also have bourbon slushies that are delicious. Andrew gets the pork cakes.

la bodeguita de mima (nulu)*

One of the best patios in town. Really good vibe, great Cuban food. They have a fried goat cheese salad that could be the only thing I ever eat.

momma’s mustard, pickles & bbq (crescent hill)*

Not the most vegetarian- or vegan-friendly, though their fries and pickles are delicious. Andrew says they’re the best wings in town and I would 100% take his word for that.

vietnam kitchen (south end)

The best vietnamese in town. Always potentially closing. Major hole in the wall in a strip mall but it’s worth it. Go if you’re going to churchill downs or Iroquois park.

mojito in havana (st. matthews)**

One of the ones I was talking about with the same owners. Great tapas menu mixed with a normal menu of Cuban food. One of our go-tos.

Taco Luchador (St. Matthews, Highlands, Colonial Gardens/Iroquois, Jtown)*

Louisville’s fave taco spot. Order at the counter place so a bit more casual, but they have some great food. Chips and dips, tacos, massive sandwiches and really strong margs.

Guaca mole (Nulu)*

Fun vibe, good food, good drinks (some too sweet for me but to each his own!). If you go with only 1 other person, you might get a swinging chair!

the village market foodhall (paristown)*

A foodhall! I’ve been a few times when they’ve been just out of a lot of food options but there is a bar, there are donuts, and it’s easy if you have kids that want to run around.

Doc crows (downtown)

A good spot if you’re going to a downtown activity, as it’s probably within walking distance to Doc Crows. A big, southern menu with something for everyone. They have a lotta bourbon, too, of course.

Silver Dollar (clifton)

Great patio, good vibes. Menu changes somewhat regularly. The playlist is also always on point. Brunch is delicious. Good stuff all around. Lots of cocktails and lots of bourbon.

Game (Highlands)

If you’re looking for something weird like kangaroo meatballs, Game’s the only place you’re going to find it. It feels like you’d only bring carnivorous-bros here but last I checked, they had 3 bomb veggie burgers on the menu. Burgers and fries and weird meat.

Monnik (germantown)

Technically a brewery but they have a full menu of really good food, too. Get the war fries.

Agave & Rye (lower highlands)

One of my fave patios in town. Really great tacos and margs. Taco Tuesday deals are fantastic, if you’re there on a Tuesday. You can get queso in between your soft taco and hard taco shell on any taco and that just seems like a genius idea so bonus points. Technically a Cinci transplant but we’ll allow it. They also have a bunch of old games and pinball machines inside.

Royals (Nulu)*

A hot chicken place owned by the same people who own Feast BBQ. I can’t speak to their fried chicken but the sides are good! It’s a popular spot.

Emmy Squared (Nulu)*

Pizza! Really good, Detroit-style pizza. And it’s in Nulu Marketplace which is a cool vibe and you can go to Gertie’s or West Sixth after/before.

Logan Street Market (Shelby Park)*

Okay, this is a combo of a thing to do and place to eat. It’s an indoor market with a bunch of different restaurants. I’d say best for lunch but to each their own! My faves are FOKO, a smoothie and avocado toast place, and a bagel shop - can’t go wrong. They have a lot of seating and a few bars, some shops, and rotating vendors.

Hammerheads (Shelby Park, Highlands)

Mac and cheese balls that will change your life. The original location is in Shelby Park and almost in the basement of a house? It’s very divey. Actually, pretty sure it was on Diners, Drive-ins, and Dives (yes, I love Guy Fieri).

pho ba luu (nulu/butchertown)*

Pho, vermicelli and banh mis. Order at the counter-type place. They have a nice little patio and some indoor seating, too. One of my favorite lunch spots downtown.

Pizza Lupo (butchertown)

I’m declaring this the best pizza in town (I have no authority). Wood-fired ovens at 900 degrees and if you don’t get the calabrian ranch, you’re wrong. They have a vegan option but if you’re there on a Tuesday or Wednesday, you MUST get the pizza fiore. Ricotta-stuffed crust and burrata. Andrew gets the pepperoni (Sting Like a Bee) with spicy honey and is obsessed with it.

Cultured (Butchertown/nulu)

A cheese/charcuterie place where you can custom order boards on the spot. I love getting one of these and taking it to Ten20 (right behind it). They have wine/champagne, too.

oskars slider bar (audobon park-ish)*

Exactly what the name says. Lots of creative sliders, including an impossible patty and fried halloumi. Sides are great and plenty of veg options, too. Get the smoky ketchup. Our stop after we’ve cried looking at bears at the Zoo.

coal’s (st. matthews/middletown)

Good wood-fired pizza! Good patio. Get the Waverly. They have half-priced wine bottles on Wednesdays I believe.

taj palace (goose creek)

Best Indian and you can FIGHT ME ON IT. It’s like a white-tablecloth place but doesn’t feel super fancy. It can be a little quiet in there. The owners are sweet as hell and the food is consistently delicious. An entire veg menu, of course. Get the vegetable korma. Great carryout. Does NOT fuck around with spice. Andrew learned the

dragon king’s daughter (highlands)*

Great veg options! Asian fusion place. They have funky sushi, rice bowls, and a really good lunch bento box if you catch it. And bibimbop that’s amazing. Kid-friendly with a good kids menu. Happy hour specials are pretty great, too. New location on Bardstown Road - so much better than the last!

red hog (crescent hill)

Yes, a vegetarian likes a place called Red Hog. It’s a butchershop on the inside but the food is so good. They have a lot of shareable small plates and a seasonal menu.

grape leaf (clifton)

The moussaka (meat and veg) is great. They give you a ton of food. They also don’t serve alcohol but you can bring a bottle of wine. A whole vegetarian and also oil-free menu.

toasty’s tavern (shelby park)

Great mostly-greasy food. Burgers, chili, fried stuff. Good vegetarian selection. Hipstaaaaaas. Highly recommend going after a few drinks and letting it sop up all the alcohol in your belly.

safier (downtown)

Fantastic mediterranean food. Great lunch spot but also open for dinner. Very casual.

louie’s hot chicken (audubon park-ish)

I’ve never been but Andrew insisted it’s the best hot chicken so here you go.

wiltshire bakery and cafe (Germantown)

One of my favorite lunch spots. Good range of options, pastries, coffee, sandwiches, soups, etc.

Green District (Multiple locations)

Quick salad spot! St. Matthews location is new and nice.

district six (st. matthews)

Great Vietnamese food with a huge vegetarian selection. Sticky rice cake entree is to die for, as are the cauliflower bao buns.

Breakfast

Gralehaus (Highlands)

Downstairs of a Bed & Breakfast, Gralehaus has a twisty classic menu: eggs, hash, sandwiches, coffee, and a really good cozy vibe. It’s in an old house and backs up the the Holy Grale, a beer joint with the same owners. The back patio is cool. This is my favorite breakfast place in town.

Payne St bake house (irish hill)

Formerly Nancy’s Bagel Grounds, they still are the best bagels in Louisville. Now they have lunch and a biscuit bar on Fridays and good soups and good coffee.

biscuit belly (nulu, st. matthews, colonial gardens)

Just like the name says, BISCUITS. They’re extremely filling but really good. The mushroom gravy is the best in town. Good hangover food.

Wild eggs (st. Matthews, downtown, east end)*

A classic breakfast place with some Mexican-influenced dishes. Really solid. Expect a long wait if you go during peak times.

Con Huevos (east end, crescent hill)*

Mexican breakfast! Amazing. Like, so good. Get the chilaquiles or the tres leches pancakes. Cuban coffee if you’re trying to have an eye twitch the rest of the day.

Blue Dog Bakery (Crescent Hill)

The fact that they’re closed on Sundays is their biggest downfall. Their bread is actual crack and breakfast pizza should NOT be slept on. A cozy cafe vibe. If you’re there and heading straight home, get the khouign Amman ice cream from Louisville Cream. To die for. And I almost feel wrong for putting this out there but if you go really really early on Fridays and Saturdays, they have Khouign Frites, that are like little khouign amman french fries and you will never be the same.

The Cafe (Paristown)

This area is undergoing a lot of change (see: gentrification) but the Café has been there for EVER. They’ve got a big menu with everything from classic sandwiches and salads to breakfast. The strata is the best thing on the menu, IMO.

full stop (Germantown)*

Coffee shop with some food. Lots of vegan options and a little grocery store. Kind of an odd location (in an old garage) but the food/drinks are great. They have a CBD matcha latte that’ll make you very calm, if that’s your thing.

Crust & Crumb (Norton commons)*

Y’all if you ever want to freak out about a croissant, go here. They also put hashbrowns on their breakfast sandwiches. Debi (the owner) wanted the best of everything and she nailed it. They’re also a client and we’ll vouch for how great they are.

butchertown grocery bakery (nulu)

Good coffee, good vibe. Wish they had a few more breakfast options but if you’re looking for pastries/sandwiches, you’ll be good.

Dessert

Louisville cream (nulu)*

The best ice cream you will ever have. Go here.

Pie kitchen (st. matthews)*

All the desserts you could imagine. I’m partial to the carrot cake but Andrew would say chess pie (so gross, how am I married to him??)

Bae’s Baekery (clifton)*

Everything good.

Do

Hiking/Walking

big4 bridge (downtown/waterfront)*

Waterfront bridge that runs all the way across to Indiana. There’s actually a few cool things on the Indiana side too (Parlour Pizza, Gameyard, dessert, etc.). 2-3 miles ish round trip? They play music on the bridge. You can ride a bike. No dogs allowed.

cherokee park (highlands)*

Best park in Louisville. The scenic loop is like 2.5 miles. Easy to get lost so keep your head on a swivel.

Scott’s gap (Fairdale)

If you want a slightly more challenging hike, drive to Fairdale and hike Scott’s Gap. It’s like 4-5 miles I believe and lots of hills.

the parklands (east/south end)*

Louisville has a massive system of parks running along the outskirts of the city called The Parklands. It’s great for biking (I hear) and each section offers a little something different. Floyd’s Fork is out in the East End and there’s a creek, splash pad, and paved trails. Turkey Run is out a little more in the South End and has some nice nature trails. You can also rent canoes/kayaks.

bernheim forest (south of lou)*

You’ll have to drive like 30ish minutes to Shepherdsville but Bernheim is lovely. They have the “giants” there - wooden constructed figures that are cool and they’re in the process of building out a big outdoor playground. Great for kids!

Seneca Park (St. Matthews)*

If you’re staying in St. Matthews and just need a walk/jog, Seneca has a 1.2 mile loop and trails that run off of it.

red river gorge (2 hours outside of Louisville)*

Okay, if you’re here for a minute or just an avid climber, go to the gorge. Out of towners love to call it the Red but if you say that to a local, they will roll their eyes. It’s about a 2-hour drive and there’s plenty of cabins and campsites to post up in for a night or few. Good hiking, the natural bridge is worth a look. I’m not a climber but I’ve heard it’s some of the best climbing. Go to (or camp at) Miguel’s pizza if you go! It’s an institution. Get an ale-8. Put pasta on your pizza.

Seasonal Events

Flea off market (nulu)*

A pop up flea market at Fresh Start Grower’s Supply. There’s vendors and food trucks and a bar. It’s a nice thing to do if you’re spending a day in Nulu, especially. Check on dates, it’s not every weekend.

bockfest (nulu)*

A Nulu streetfest of racing goats. That’s all I got for ya. It’s a good time, people get drunk. Very busy!

Farmer’s Markets (saturdays/sundays)*

St. Matthews farmer’s market is very busy and family friendly. Douglass Loop is my personal favorite and a little less housewife-y. Bardstown Rd is the real deal and walkable from Douglass Loop. If you miss the Saturday ones, Rainbow Blossom (St. Matt’s) has one on Sunday.

waterfront wednesday (summers only)*

Free concert series on the waterfront. They pull some really great artists. Worth checking out, if you happen to overlap with one. Food trucks and beer, they get pretty crowded but there’s plenty of space to spread out. You can find me roughly 50 feet behind the sound booth.

tailspin ale fest (february)

Fundraiser for Dare to Care (local foodbank). I’ve never not left there absolutely tanked. It’s really really really fun though. Good food trucks. It’s at Bowman Field.

Random shit

Climb Nulu (Nulu, obvs)

Bouldering gym in Nulu.

Maddox & Rose Marketplace (Nulu)

Make your own candles or other things. Jamie & Leigh (the owners) are friends of mine. Tell them Hannah sent you! They have booze.

story (Nulu)

Coworking space! It’s where I go and I love everyone there. Day passes are $25. You can find me in a booth on the first floor, trying not to talk someone’s ear off.

waterfront park*

Great playground with splash pad by the Big4 Bridge, you can bask in the pollution of the Ohio river.

yogast8

My favorite yoga studio in town, and I don’t just say that because they’re a client. I went for years before landing that deal OKAY?! Ya know when you go to a hot yoga studio and it’s kind of gross and wet and stinky? Not here. It’s clean and pretty and the classes are great. Get your ass kicked by Abica in a Sweat class or feel like a newborn baby after St8 to Still. Also a mention to CyclSt8, their sister cycling studio, right nearby. Rave reviews.

kmac (downtown)*

Kentucky Museum of Art & Craft. A little museum, won’t take you long to go through, very cute. Has a nice little shop on the bottom floor that has some cool things.

speed art museum (old louisville)*

On UofL’s campus, the big art museum in town. It’s cool.

slugger museum (downtown)*

Fug it, go get you a tiny bat. Don’t miss the OTHER big bat at Caufield’s novelty shop across 9th street on Main.

science center (downtown)*

Great for kids. Also lowkey great for adults.

Louisville zoo (downtown)*

Also great for kids. I hate zoos. Free the polar bears. They have some good seasonal events though - Christmas lights, trick or treating, etc.

mokara spa (downtown)

The only legit spa in town, down at the Omni hotel. They’ll also give you a pool/hot tub pass for the day if you go, plus free valet.

World’s awesome lazy river (shepherdsville)

The name is hilarious and the place is kind of janky but if you want to float VERY SLOWLY in a tube while drinking beer, this is where you go. Be prepared for a redneck schoolbus ride on your way back. Yeehaw.

lakeside (highlands)*

Okay so you have to find someone with a membership to go. But it’s so cool, it’s worth a mention. I mean… look at it. And it’s right in the middle of the Highlands - just tucked away behind this gate like no big deal in the neighborhood.

MaybeItsFate (butchertown)

You’ll need a membership to get you upstairs (Do we like each other enough to hang out? I’ll take you.) but the downstairs is an art gallery open to the public. They host arts events, and are a cool member-owned cooperative owned by two of my favorite people.

CreativeMornings (all over - once a month)

I’d be remiss to not include it but if you happen to be here on a Friday, I (Hannah) host CreativeMornings with a wonderful team. We rotate venues around town, have inspiring speakers, free breakfast and coffee, and good vibes. It’s all volunteer run and just a lovely group of people who show up.

Cave hill cemetery (highlands)

I mean, a cemetery may not be high on your list of vacation destinations but it is really beautiful. It’s about as big as Cherokee Park which may mean nothing to you but it’s huge. Say hey to Muhammed Ali, Colonel Sanders, and my grandparents.

waverly hills

TB Sanitorium. Lottttttta dead bodies went through this place, they have a literal “death chute.” It’s haunted, if that’s your thing.

mega caverns (highlands)*

So there’s a big system of caverns (former limestone quarry) under the city, near the zoo. You can do an underground zipline and ropes course and they have a Christmas lights drive-thru. Actually very cool, unless caves stress you out.

louisville fc or racing game (butchertown)*

The soccer games here are actually a really good time!

heigold house (butchertown)

Ever seen a facade of a house just chillin in the middle of the street?

rathskeller, seelbach hotel (downtown)

If you’re downtown, it’s worth a look. It’s this really incredible Bavarian-style ballroom in the basement of the hotel. Supposedly, F. Scott Fitzgerald used the Seelbach as inspo for The Great Gatsby.

the palace (downtown)

The palace is my favorite place to see a show and I feel it needs mentioning.

churchill downs (south end)

Okay, I could write a whole thesis on Derby but I will spare you. I will say, if you haven’t been to the Derby, you should go at least one time in your life. You can find me at the infield. You can go to the Derby museum if you’re very into horses.

Otherwise, Churchill downs is fun for Downs after Dark (night races) in particular.

distilleries (everywhere)

Listen, it has to be said. There are hella distilleries nearby. If you make it to Frankfort, go to House of Commons (The Bourbon Library) - I did their branding. Rabbit Hole, Angel’s Envy, and Copper & Kings are in the city, there are a ton on the bourbon trail. Wild Turkey has really pretty grounds. I’ve heard the same about Jeptha Creed. IMO, if you’ve seen one distillery, you’ve seen ‘em all. Choose a pretty one or a convenient one for your tour.

Shop

nitty gritty (highlands/germantown)

Really lives up to the name. Vintage resale and costume rental. A fun place to pop in. Go over to Artist & Craftsman supply if you’re an art person, it’s right down the road.

red tree (nulu)

A great place if you need a lil gift or souvenir. Just witchy enough.

misc goods co. (germantown/shelby park)

I guarantee you’ve seen the playing cards somewhere. Owned by designer and maker Tyler Deeb (tell him I said hey), they have playing cards, perfume, deodorant, and some other … miscellaneous goods.

anchal project (germantown/shelby park)

Anchal is a nonprofit that makes textiles from recycled saris in India. Maggie and Colleen are the owners (I used to work with them in the old days), and they have scarves, gorgeous clothes, the best blankets, and more. Right down the street from Misc Goods and a bunch of other stuff on this list.

looabull (nulu)

For your Louisville swag. It’s weird in there (in a good way).

butchertown market (butchertown)

A cool little marketplace with Moss Hill, a clothing boutique, Work the Metal - a good place for gifts.

kiddo (crescent hill)*

Cutest lil bougie kids boutique.

Jones & co (nulu)

Nashville transplant, good home/clothing things.

mahonia (nulu)

Plants!

le leiu (nulu)

French-inspired, lots of adorable clothes and trinkets.

woman-owned wallet (nulu)

Woman-owned businesses FTW. So much pink.

quest (st. matthews)

Like a local REI - but better.

malls and shit

If you must, go to Oxmoor not Mall St. Matthews, unless you’re looking for Zappos. The outlets are in Simpsonville. The Paddock (Springhurst) has some other shops, as does Shelbyville Rd Plaza. Blah blah blah.

lotsa pasta (st matthews)

A Louisville classic - Italian grocery. They have a deli with sandwiches and more and a nice bougie selection of things. It makes me think of my grandma and I mean that in the best way.