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Beyond horse racing, Louisville, Kentucky, has much more to enjoy regarding food. The City is home to some of the region's favourite meals, like Bourbon, barbecue, and hot browns. If you visit, sample the Hot Brown, a sandwich from Louisville that combines crispy bacon, juicy tomatoes, creamy mornay sauce, and roasted turkey piled on Texas toast.
From high-end dining and whisky bars to local cafes and barbecue restaurants, this City has plenty to offer everyone. Savour classic meals, cuisine that is obtained locally, and flavours from throughout the world.
Louisville's booming eating scene has something to offer everyone, whether you're an early riser seeking a freshly roasted cup of coffee or want to cap off a fantastic evening with a dessert and a traditional sample of Kentucky bourbon. These fantastic restaurants in the City are perfect for weekend getaways or visits to the Kentucky Derby.
7 Popular Louisville Restaurants
1. Shirley Mae's Cafe & Bar
In a structure built in the 1880s, Shirley Mae and Chef Theresa have been preparing fresh, Southern-style meals every day for the past 25 years and counting. Originally established as a camp for emancipated slaves, Smoketown is the first African American neighbourhood in Louisville. Shirley Mae's Cafe & Bar pays homage to this history by providing delectable soul cuisine, like turnip greens, ham hock, and chicken wings.
Location: 802 S Clay St, Louisville, KY 40203, United States
Timings: Mon-Sun: 10:00 am to 11:00 pm
Must-Try Dishes: Turnip greens, ham hock, and chicken wings
Price for 2: $120 approx.
Image Credit: Shirley Mae's Cafe & Bar
2. Gralehaus
Gralehaus, one of Louisville's first "bed and beverage" establishments, has been open since 2014. It offers a contemporary twist on a bed and breakfast. It's ideal for couples searching for a day vacation or an impromptu breakfast excursion to the Highlands because it's colourfully designed and very entertaining. Order veggie hash and waffles, oyster mushroom crepes, duck biscuits and gravy, and anything else that catches your eye from the menu.
Location: 1001 Baxter Ave, Louisville, KY 40204, United States
Timings: Mon-Sun: 10:00 am to 11:00 pm
Must-Try Dishes: Oyster mushroom crepes, duck biscuits and gravy
Price for 2: $120 approx.
3. Milk Wood
A flight downstairs from the Actors Theatre lies this quaint little hideaway. This recipe inspired the restaurant concept: Asian flavours, Southern inspiration, and lots of Bourbon in the cocktails. The succulent, crispy southern snacks prepared by chefs Edward Lee and Kevin Ashworth give homage to international cuisine. Small servings that rotate highlight the culinary artistry. For those who enjoy spotting celebrities, be aware that stars frequently visit this location for a post-show drink.
Location: 316 W Main St, Louisville, KY 40202, United States
Timings: Mon-Sun: 10:00 am to 11:00 pm
Must-Try Dishes: Kimchi Noodles, And Mexican kimchi Green rice
Price for 2: $120 approx.
Image Credits: Milk Wood
4. Dragon King's Daughter
Dragon King's Daughter, named for the first woman to "reach enlightenment," serves Asian fusion cuisine that nods to classic Midwest fare (nachos, anyone?). Perfect for gastronomic explorers, the restaurant serves excellent sake, beer, and sushi. Sample the flatbreads, tacos and a variety of interesting rolls, such as the 'Momma Ain't Right' roll with lobster salad and shrimp tempura and the Italian picnic roll with prosciutto and basil. Additionally, people with dietary restrictions, vegans, and vegetarians are catered to.
Location: 1543 Bardstown Rd, Louisville, KY 40205, United States
Timings: Mon-Sun: 10:00 am to 11:00 pm
Must-Try Dishes: Midwest Nachos, Sushi
Price for 2: $120 approx.
5. Doc Crow's
Located on historic Whisky Row, Doc Crow's is an aphrodisiac's dream, serving seasonal oysters around North America. Everyone get some bourbon! The menu offers a wide variety of dishes, from creamy sweets to smokey savouries, but the real gem is the whisky list, which has an abundance of Bourbon, rye, and scotch. It's impossible to pick just one. You don't.
Location: 127 W Main St, Louisville, KY 40202, United States
Timings: Mon-Sun: 10:00 am to 11:00 pm
Must-Try Dishes: Creme Pudding, BBQ Chicken
Price for 2: $120 approx.
6. Butchertown Grocery
This modest brick structure housed the well-liked family-run grocery business Gunkel's during the beginning of the 20th century. Butchertown Grocery, where head chef Bobby Benjamin is dedicated to using heartfelt ingredients that unite the neighbourhood, continues to be the beating heart of Gunkel's.
Feel elegant without feeling uncomfortable. Although the restaurant's menu is difficult to categorise, Butchertown provides hearty dishes like its well-known gnocchi, steak frites, and lamb rack. Be astounded by the exquisite assortment of cocktails and the sophisticated setup, including the chef's table surrounded by highboys and Benjamin's favourite ingredients.
Location: 743 E Main St, Louisville, KY 40202, United States
Timings: Mon-Sun: 10:00 am to 11:00 pm
Must-Try Dishes: Steak frites, and lamb rack
Price for 2: $120 approx.
7. The Back Door
A popular hangout with delicious bar fare (barbecue nachos, fried mushrooms, and jalapeño poppers) that you won't soon want to leave. A bonus is the presence of pool tables and a tranquil backyard patio. The Back Door in the Highlands Centre is a must-visit for wing-eating, pool-playing, arcade-loving Kentuckians. This restaurant is ideal for settling down because it is open till 4 am on the weekends.
Location: 1250 Bardstown Rd suite 7, Louisville, KY 40204, United States
Timings: Mon-Sun: 10:00 am to 11:00 pm
Must-Try Dishes: Shrimp Rice, Pineapple Charred Chicken
Price for 2: $120 approx.
You can fully immerse yourself in the Bourbon Country way of life with a food journey in Louisville. But the menu's star isn't just Bourbon. Explore more about these well-known locations!
