A Local's Guide to the Best of Louisville
Culinary Highlights
Fancy dinner dates and delicious hole-in-the-walls.
Looking for an upscale night out without the pretentiousness? Mayan Cafe is the place for you. We've tried almost everything on the menu and it's all amazing, but the Cochinita Pibil is hands down our favorite.
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Mayan Cafe
813 E Market StLooking for an upscale night out without the pretentiousness? Mayan Cafe is the place for you. We've tried almost everything on the menu and it's all amazing, but the Cochinita Pibil is hands down our favorite.
If you’re into Italian food, Bar Vetti is one of our favorites. Located in NULU, this place has delicious house-made pasta dishes and the best brunch in town!
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bar Vetti
727 East Market StreetIf you’re into Italian food, Bar Vetti is one of our favorites. Located in NULU, this place has delicious house-made pasta dishes and the best brunch in town!
If you’re craving Italian and can’t get a table at Bar Vetti, Lupo is great local alternative for wood-fired pizza and hand-made pasta.
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Pizza LUPO
1540 Frankfort AveIf you’re craving Italian and can’t get a table at Bar Vetti, Lupo is great local alternative for wood-fired pizza and hand-made pasta.
Located in the Highlands neighborhood, and only a 15 or so minute walk from the Botanical Bungalow, DKD is a local favorite. This restaurant has a fusion menu of Mexican and Japanese cuisine along with a killer happy hour menu from 4-6 pm daily. They also have a location across the river in Indiana with a slightly different menu.
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Dragon King's Daughter
129 W Market StLocated in the Highlands neighborhood, and only a 15 or so minute walk from the Botanical Bungalow, DKD is a local favorite. This restaurant has a fusion menu of Mexican and Japanese cuisine along with a killer happy hour menu from 4-6 pm daily. They also have a location across the river in Indiana with a slightly different menu.
North of Bourbon is a relatively new spot that features a rotating menu of inspired Cajun flavors and delicious craft cocktails. The atmosphere is intimate and filled with charm. Dinner can be a bit on the pricey side, but their lunch menu is quite reasonable.
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North of Bourbon
935 Goss AveNorth of Bourbon is a relatively new spot that features a rotating menu of inspired Cajun flavors and delicious craft cocktails. The atmosphere is intimate and filled with charm. Dinner can be a bit on the pricey side, but their lunch menu is quite reasonable.
This place could fall into several categories. Located inside the 21c Hotel, Proof on Main is one of my absolute favorite attractions. on the right you’ll find an upscale restaurant with a locally sourced menu. On the left is their bar speckled with modern art and delicious craft cocktails. The hotel also features a free modern art museum. I’d recommend ordering a drink at the bar and taking it with you as you peruse the permanent and visiting collections. Also, don’t forget to check out the bathroom.
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Proof On Main
702 W Main StThis place could fall into several categories. Located inside the 21c Hotel, Proof on Main is one of my absolute favorite attractions. on the right you’ll find an upscale restaurant with a locally sourced menu. On the left is their bar speckled with modern art and delicious craft cocktails. The hotel also features a free modern art museum. I’d recommend ordering a drink at the bar and taking it with you as you peruse the permanent and visiting collections. Also, don’t forget to check out the bathroom.
Nami is celebrity chef, Edward Lee’s latest creation. Delicious upscale Korean fusion.
Nami Modern Korean Steakhouse
Nami is celebrity chef, Edward Lee’s latest creation. Delicious upscale Korean fusion.
Feast is a fun, hipster spot with tasty BBQ that will satiate vegetarians and meat lovers alike. There’s typically a line out the door but it moves pretty quickly. Also, make sure you try their bourbon slushes.
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Feast BBQ
909 E Market StFeast is a fun, hipster spot with tasty BBQ that will satiate vegetarians and meat lovers alike. There’s typically a line out the door but it moves pretty quickly. Also, make sure you try their bourbon slushes.
This is one of my favorite brunch spots in town. The food is delicious and they have a lovely beer garden out back where you can enjoy your meal. If you’re a beer fan, definitely check out their sister restaurant (right next door) the Holy Grale. They also have a delicious, rotating menu and a huge selection of beer from all over the world.
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Gralehaus
1001 Baxter AveThis is one of my favorite brunch spots in town. The food is delicious and they have a lovely beer garden out back where you can enjoy your meal. If you’re a beer fan, definitely check out their sister restaurant (right next door) the Holy Grale. They also have a delicious, rotating menu and a huge selection of beer from all over the world.
Decade
Delicious food with a hip bar/music venue upstairs.
If you’re here on a Saturday in the spring or summer, consider checking out this awesome farmer’s market. Walk around and grab a bite from a local farm.
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Douglass Loop Farmers Market
2005 Douglass BlvdIf you’re here on a Saturday in the spring or summer, consider checking out this awesome farmer’s market. Walk around and grab a bite from a local farm.
Paseo
Delicious Spanish fare. Don’t forget to try the paella, it’s incredible
New American joint with seasonal menu of small plates and an extensive wine selection.
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LouVino Restaurant & Wine Bar
1606 Bardstown RdNew American joint with seasonal menu of small plates and an extensive wine selection.
Located in a former funeral home, La Bodeguita is one of my favorite Cuban spots in town. The sunny yellow building features a spacious outdoor patio and a quirky interior with tasty mojitos and Cuban fare.
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La Bodeguita De Mima | Cuban Restaurant & Rum Bar
725 E Market StLocated in a former funeral home, La Bodeguita is one of my favorite Cuban spots in town. The sunny yellow building features a spacious outdoor patio and a quirky interior with tasty mojitos and Cuban fare.
We may not be in Nashville, but if you’re craving hot chicken — this is your spot. They also have tasty bourbon slushies.
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Royals Hot Chicken
736 E Market StWe may not be in Nashville, but if you’re craving hot chicken — this is your spot. They also have tasty bourbon slushies.
Delicious and authentic North and South Indian cuisine. Worth the drive.
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Dakshin
4742 Bardstown RdDelicious and authentic North and South Indian cuisine. Worth the drive.
This bar/restaurant has a super unique atmosphere. If you’re into beer, they have an extensive tap list of rare finds. If you’re into food, they have a small rotating menu of locally sourced fare.
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Holy Grale
1034 Bardstown RoadThis bar/restaurant has a super unique atmosphere. If you’re into beer, they have an extensive tap list of rare finds. If you’re into food, they have a small rotating menu of locally sourced fare.
Louisville Cream
632 E Market StDelicious ice cream with unique flavors but limited hours.
Wiltshire Pantry Bakery and Cafe
901 Barret AveDelicious desserts and pastries!
Neighborhood Bars
The best bars within walking distance.
This local dive is one of our favorites (located just 2 blocks away). It has a wide selection of beer, hot sake, and reasonably priced cocktails available. You can also order sushi and other Asian snacks made by their sister restaurant, Dragon King's Daughter. Depending on the day of the week, there might be live music or standup comedy in the back room.
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Kaiju
1004 E Oak StThis local dive is one of our favorites (located just 2 blocks away). It has a wide selection of beer, hot sake, and reasonably priced cocktails available. You can also order sushi and other Asian snacks made by their sister restaurant, Dragon King's Daughter. Depending on the day of the week, there might be live music or standup comedy in the back room.
Canary club is a new natural wine bar and store in the neighborhood. Great atmosphere, delicious wine and other scrumptious treats.
Canary Club
Canary club is a new natural wine bar and store in the neighborhood. Great atmosphere, delicious wine and other scrumptious treats.
Want to check out a classic Louisville dive? Nach is your spot. Offering reasonably priced bourbon, a wide selection of craft beer, a dog-friendly outdoor patio and it's only a few streets away.
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Nachbar
969 Charles StWant to check out a classic Louisville dive? Nach is your spot. Offering reasonably priced bourbon, a wide selection of craft beer, a dog-friendly outdoor patio and it's only a few streets away.
With a beautiful outdoor space, ShopBar is the perfect cocktail bar for day or evening libations. You may have guessed by the name, but next to the "Bar" is a super cute vintage "Shop" with plenty of great vintage finds.
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ShopBar
950 Barret AveWith a beautiful outdoor space, ShopBar is the perfect cocktail bar for day or evening libations. You may have guessed by the name, but next to the "Bar" is a super cute vintage "Shop" with plenty of great vintage finds.
Great bar with a lovely outdoor patio, tiki drinks, and karaoke nights. They don't serve food but often host pop-up events with local food trucks.
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the MerryWeather
1101 Lydia StGreat bar with a lovely outdoor patio, tiki drinks, and karaoke nights. They don't serve food but often host pop-up events with local food trucks.
Just a five minute walk from the house, you’ll find Trouble Bar. This cozy hole-in-the-wall has a wide selection of bourbon and craft cocktails.
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Trouble Bar
1149 S Shelby StJust a five minute walk from the house, you’ll find Trouble Bar. This cozy hole-in-the-wall has a wide selection of bourbon and craft cocktails.
Just a 10 minute walk from the Botanical Bungalow, this is one of my favorite bars in town. While many pet parents bring their fur babies here, there are plenty of dogless folks who come for the drinks and puppy kisses.
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PG&J's Dog Park Bar
800 Baxter AvenueJust a 10 minute walk from the Botanical Bungalow, this is one of my favorite bars in town. While many pet parents bring their fur babies here, there are plenty of dogless folks who come for the drinks and puppy kisses.
Cool Coffee Shops
Grab a locally roasted cup of Joe or craft coffee concoction.
Located just up the street from your stay, Full Stop is one of our favorite local spots to grab a cup of coffee, a six-pack of beer, or a bite. One thing to note, don’t come here if you have someone to be. For whatever reason, even a cup of drip coffee takes 20 minutes. But the patio is lovely and it’s conveniently located.
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Full Stop Station
1132 E St Catherine StLocated just up the street from your stay, Full Stop is one of our favorite local spots to grab a cup of coffee, a six-pack of beer, or a bite. One thing to note, don’t come here if you have someone to be. For whatever reason, even a cup of drip coffee takes 20 minutes. But the patio is lovely and it’s conveniently located.
This spot is a 10-15 minute walk from the house. If you’re on your way to the Merryweather or one of our other Schnitzelburg recommendations, this is a great spot to grab a quick pick me up.
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Bean
1138 Goss AveThis spot is a 10-15 minute walk from the house. If you’re on your way to the Merryweather or one of our other Schnitzelburg recommendations, this is a great spot to grab a quick pick me up.
This is technically the closest coffee shop to the Botanical Bungalow. Located 2 blocks away, inside Logan Street Market, is this quaint coffee stand.
Safai Coffee Bar
1001 Logan StreetThis is technically the closest coffee shop to the Botanical Bungalow. Located 2 blocks away, inside Logan Street Market, is this quaint coffee stand.
This might be my favorite coffee shop in town. Located on the edge of downtown in the Butchertown neighborhood, the atmosphere is great. They have a spacious outdoor patio and delicious coffee and espresso drinks.
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Quills Coffee Firehouse
802 E Main StThis might be my favorite coffee shop in town. Located on the edge of downtown in the Butchertown neighborhood, the atmosphere is great. They have a spacious outdoor patio and delicious coffee and espresso drinks.
Getting into Nature
Louisville’s best parks and greenery.
Located just 2.2 miles away, Cherokee Park is a great place to commune with nature without having to leave the city. Hogan's Fountain specifically is a great entry point to the park. You can hike the trails, stroll the scenic loop or enjoy a picnic.
Hogan's Fountain Pavillion
Located just 2.2 miles away, Cherokee Park is a great place to commune with nature without having to leave the city. Hogan's Fountain specifically is a great entry point to the park. You can hike the trails, stroll the scenic loop or enjoy a picnic.
Located right across the river in Clarksville, Indiana, you can easily walk from downtown Louisville by crossing the walking bridge. The falls are beautiful and there are plenty of walking paths for a leisurely stroll. Once you’re over there, grab lunch at one of the restaurants or breweries in downtown Clarksville.
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Falls of the Ohio State Park
201 W Riverside DrLocated right across the river in Clarksville, Indiana, you can easily walk from downtown Louisville by crossing the walking bridge. The falls are beautiful and there are plenty of walking paths for a leisurely stroll. Once you’re over there, grab lunch at one of the restaurants or breweries in downtown Clarksville.
Located along the river downtown, this park has great walking paths, water features and playgrounds. If you happen to be here on a Wednesday in the summer, you may also catch one of our free outdoor concerts – waterfront Wednesdays.
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Waterfront Park
129 River RdLocated along the river downtown, this park has great walking paths, water features and playgrounds. If you happen to be here on a Wednesday in the summer, you may also catch one of our free outdoor concerts – waterfront Wednesdays.
This park is awesome! It’s located in the south end of Louisville – close to Vietnam Kitchen from my culinary highlights list – and has tons of hiking trails as well as paved pathways. If you’re here in October, definitely check out the jack o’lantern walk!
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Iroquois Park
This park is awesome! It’s located in the south end of Louisville – close to Vietnam Kitchen from my culinary highlights list – and has tons of hiking trails as well as paved pathways. If you’re here in October, definitely check out the jack o’lantern walk!
Located just 30 minutes from Louisville, Deam Lake is one of my favorite places to swim or kayak on a hot summer day.
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Deam Lake State Recreation Area
1217 Deam Lake RdLocated just 30 minutes from Louisville, Deam Lake is one of my favorite places to swim or kayak on a hot summer day.
Markets/Shopping
Vintage, thrifts, antiques and more.
Are you ready for a unique, walkable vintage shopping experience? Consider taking a right on Swan St. and popping on over to Fleur De Flea. Great for vintage, mid-century modern furniture, consignment clothing, Americana art, records, and other unique finds. It's basically a curated flea market with cocktails on the weekend.
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Fleur De Flea
947 E Breckinridge StAre you ready for a unique, walkable vintage shopping experience? Consider taking a right on Swan St. and popping on over to Fleur De Flea. Great for vintage, mid-century modern furniture, consignment clothing, Americana art, records, and other unique finds. It's basically a curated flea market with cocktails on the weekend.
Located at the end of the street, Logan Street Market is an open warehouse with a variety of restaurant and shopping options: Harvey's Cheese: artisan cheese and charcuterie. The Breeze Wine Bar and Bottle Shop: Small but choice selection for all of the wine heads out there. The Grainwright: delicious pastries and sourdough bread loafs. Foko: elevated Mexican lunch/brunch spot.
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Logan Street Market
1001 Logan StLocated at the end of the street, Logan Street Market is an open warehouse with a variety of restaurant and shopping options: Harvey's Cheese: artisan cheese and charcuterie. The Breeze Wine Bar and Bottle Shop: Small but choice selection for all of the wine heads out there. The Grainwright: delicious pastries and sourdough bread loafs. Foko: elevated Mexican lunch/brunch spot.
Small vintage clothing and record shop with good prices.
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Fat Rabbit Thrift & Vintage
994 Barret AveSmall vintage clothing and record shop with good prices.
If you’re a true vintage fan, or looking for an awesome Halloween costume, this spot is the place for you!
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The Nitty Gritty
996 Barret AveIf you’re a true vintage fan, or looking for an awesome Halloween costume, this spot is the place for you!
Revelry Boutique Gallery
742 E Market StCute shop with jewelry and art from local artisans.
One of my favorite spots. This is a great place to purchase plants, pots, jewelry and artful home goods.
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Mahonia
822 E Market StOne of my favorite spots. This is a great place to purchase plants, pots, jewelry and artful home goods.
Graymarket Design
810 East Market StreetReasonably priced screen-printed blankets, pillows, bags table cloths and more.
Craft Cocktails and Bourbon (why you’re really here)
Aside from the Derby, I can’t leave out Louisville’s claim to fame… Bourbon!
Located in the heart of NULU (right off of downtown), Rabbit Hole is one of Louisville’s newer distilleries. They offer tours, tastings, and a lovely rooftop patio overlooking the city.
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Rabbit Hole Distillery
711 E Jefferson StLocated in the heart of NULU (right off of downtown), Rabbit Hole is one of Louisville’s newer distilleries. They offer tours, tastings, and a lovely rooftop patio overlooking the city.
Located downtown, Meta was put on the map when they scandalized the world by making Pappy Van Winkle Jell-O shots! If you enjoy craft cocktails, Meta has a choice selection.
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Meta
425 W Chestnut StLocated downtown, Meta was put on the map when they scandalized the world by making Pappy Van Winkle Jell-O shots! If you enjoy craft cocktails, Meta has a choice selection.
Okay, I cheated with this one. No it’s not bourbon, it’s brandy but this distillery is still worth a visit. Located right off of downtown in the hip Butchertown neighborhood, this is a great place to grab brunch or a cocktail.
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Copper & Kings American Brandy Company
1121 E Washington StOkay, I cheated with this one. No it’s not bourbon, it’s brandy but this distillery is still worth a visit. Located right off of downtown in the hip Butchertown neighborhood, this is a great place to grab brunch or a cocktail.
This boutique hotel has some of the best views of the city. Their rooftop bar is the perfect place to grab an after dinner drink and enjoy the sunset.
Hotel Genevieve
This boutique hotel has some of the best views of the city. Their rooftop bar is the perfect place to grab an after dinner drink and enjoy the sunset.
Music venues, dance clubs and more…
A curated list of off-the-beaten path spots to see local and regional bands, hit the dance floor and participate in activities that don’t fit into my other lists.
The Speed may not have brought you to Louisville, but since you’re here, it might be worth checking out — especially on Sundays when it’s free! This intimate art gallery has a cinema where you can watch foreign and art house films as well as decent collection of art.
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Muzej umjetnosti brzine
2035 S 3rd StThe Speed may not have brought you to Louisville, but since you’re here, it might be worth checking out — especially on Sundays when it’s free! This intimate art gallery has a cinema where you can watch foreign and art house films as well as decent collection of art.
Not only is this a fun music venue, but the atmosphere for the bar/lounge itself is pretty awesome. Lots of retro furniture, low lighting and delicious craft cocktails.
The Whirling Tiger
1335 Story AvenueNot only is this a fun music venue, but the atmosphere for the bar/lounge itself is pretty awesome. Lots of retro furniture, low lighting and delicious craft cocktails.
If you’re a fan of karaoke, you’ve come to the right place. Nearly every bar in this town has at least one karaoke night. But if you’re looking for a place solely devoted to making your American Idol dreams come true, Akikos has you covered.
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Akiko's
1123 Bardstown RdIf you’re a fan of karaoke, you’ve come to the right place. Nearly every bar in this town has at least one karaoke night. But if you’re looking for a place solely devoted to making your American Idol dreams come true, Akikos has you covered.
If you need to sing your heart out, but don’t want to wait for your turn — this private-room karaoke bar may be the spot for you.
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NoraeBar
717 E Market StIf you need to sing your heart out, but don’t want to wait for your turn — this private-room karaoke bar may be the spot for you.
Here’s a Louisville deep cut that you won’t find on any of the lists. If you want to sing karaoke with true germantown locals who have occupied the neighborhood since before it was gentrified, this is your spot.
Old Hickory Inn
1038 Lydia StHere’s a Louisville deep cut that you won’t find on any of the lists. If you want to sing karaoke with true germantown locals who have occupied the neighborhood since before it was gentrified, this is your spot.
Z-Bar is a Louisville classic. Great bar food. Arcade games. Awesome, recently remodeled stage for musical performances in the back. What more could you need? If you’re there late on Saturday night, they have DJs spinning some toe tapping tunes.
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Zanzabar
2100 S Preston StZ-Bar is a Louisville classic. Great bar food. Arcade games. Awesome, recently remodeled stage for musical performances in the back. What more could you need? If you’re there late on Saturday night, they have DJs spinning some toe tapping tunes.
If you’re looking to see a drag show pretty much any night of the week, Play is the place to go.
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Play Louisville
1101 East Washington StreetIf you’re looking to see a drag show pretty much any night of the week, Play is the place to go.
Planet of the Tapes
640 Barret AvenueQuirky bar and awesome place or watch standup comedy, improv and other shows.