Welcome to Louisville! I was asked to suggest some restaurants. Louisville is a foodie town and has an extensive list of great places to grab a bite, dine elegantly and/or sample the Commonwealth’s greatest contribution to culture, bourbon (horses as well, but that is another story). I have included a link to a map of downtown venues and a list of places that you may find intriguing. The list is not comprehensive, and I apologize to anyone I left out. There are lots more. Louisville has the usual group of national chain restaurants, and some are excellent, but these are some of the local spots that stand out. I also tried to stay near the downtown for convenience. A few require a short drive, but none are far away. Car services and taxies in Louisville are not plentiful but they are inexpensive, so you want to plan ahead. Many of these businesses are very successful so making reservations before you get here is a very good idea. The more casual ones usually have tables available, but they may not have them when you want to dine.
Map of downtown Restaurants and Bars
Jack Frys
American, 91 years, (parties up to 14), 1007 Bardstown Rd, Louisville, KY 40204, 502-452-9244
Vincenzo's
(private dining available), 38 years, Fine Italian 4 diamond rating, 150 South Fifth Street, Louisville KY, 40202 (502) 580-1350
Le Relais
Fine French, located at Louisville’s Art Deco 1929 Bowman Field Airport, 2817 Taylorsville Road, Louisville Ky, 40205 (502) 451-9020, (if you go, order the souffle before your meal, unbelievable)
Jeff Ruby's Steakhouse
Big, loud and excellent food and service, Not cheap, 325 West Main Street, Louisville, Ky 40202, (502) 584-0102, As good a steak as you will get anywhere, IMHO
610 Magnolia
Modern southern food, (Chef Edward Lee has 4 James Beard nominations for best chef, nominated for Emmy for his PBS series Mind of a Chef, authored multiple books), 610 Magnolia Ave, 40208, (502) 636-0783, (502) 690-2067, (amazing)
Proof on Main
American Food, maybe eccentric to a degree, (Private dining rooms available), in 21 C Museum Hotel, walk around the hotel when you go, world class collection of modern art which is constantly changing, 702 West Main Street, Louisville KY 40202, phone 502 217-6360
Bar Vetti
Italian (private dining room available), very popular, outstanding food, 727 E. Market St. Louisville, KY 40202, phone: 502-883-3331
Nami
Korean Steakhouse (another Edward Lee restaurant which was named to Esquire’s list of best new restaurants in 2023 and USA Today’s 2024 list of Best Restaurants of the Year) 835 East Main Street, Suite 106. 40206, (502) 690-2067 (private dining available)
La Bodeguita de Mima
Cuban and Rum Bar (Private dining available) outstanding Cuban food, 725 East Market Street, Louisville Ky 40202,
(502) 742-3358
8 Up Elevated Drinkery and Kitchen
(roof top on top of Hilton) cool with nice view, 350 west chestnut street, Louisville Ky 40202 (502) 631-4180
North of Bourbon
some good vegetarian dishes among other delicacies, 935 Goss Ave, Louisville, Ky 40217, (502) 749-3305
Meesh Meesh
Mediterranean, 636 East Market Street, Louisville, Ky, 40202, (502) 589-5224
Sapporo Japanese Grill and Sushi
Good sushi (Louisville is the international hub of UPS so we get fresh seafood daily) 1706 Bardstown Road, Louisville, Ky 40205, (502) 479-5550
Muscle and Burger Bar
American, (private dining available), 113 S 7th Street, Louisville, Ky 40202, (502) 749-6451
Against the Grain Brewery and Public House
Barbecue and burgers, very successful, 401 East Market Street, Louisville KY, 40202, (502) 515-0174
Irish Rover
Irish pub with great pub food, 2319 Frankfort Ave, Louisville Ky 40206, (502) 899-3544
Garage Bar
Pizza and drinks in, well, an old garage, cool in nice weather, 700 East Market St. Louisville, Ky, (502) 749-7100
Feast BBQ
outstanding barbeque, 900 East Market Street, Suite 100, Louisville, Ky, 40206, (502) 749-9900
Royal Hot Chicken
Hot chicken, fried chicken, 736 East Market Street, Louisville Ky, 40202, (502) 919-7068
Copper and Kings
American Brandy and food, roof top bar, 1121 East Washington Street, Louisville, Ky, 40206, (502) 561-0267, event space available
Enjoy yourself, Louisville is a fun town. If you need something, you are welcome to call me at (502) 648-8612 or email me.
Tony Casale
