Best restaurants in Louisville
Restaurant Row is a short walk from the condos. Here's where I'd eat.
If you're staying at one of my condos, you're within walking distance of Bardstown Road, also known as Restaurant Row. This eclectic strip has some of the best dining in Derby City, from casual to fine dining.
Why stay in The Highlands?
The Highlands is Louisville's most iconic neighborhood: walkable, historic and safe. Unlike downtown and the tourist trap of 4th Street Live, you won't see any hotels here. You'll truly be living like a local.
Breakfast and brunch
Walking distance from the condos
Highland Morning Walkable
A local favorite breakfast spot.
Gralehaus Walkable
Another local favorite for breakfast.
The Fish House Walkable
Right across the street, serving breakfast on Saturday and Sunday.
A short drive away
Le Moo
A delicious steakhouse at night, but the brunch (10 AM–3 PM) has been a River City favorite for years. On Sundays there's a fantastic drag brunch at 11 AM and 1:30 PM. Reservations recommended.
More great brunch spots: The Café, Morning Fork, Wild Eggs, Biscuit Belly, First Watch, Toast on Market, Chik’n & Mi and Eggs Over Frankfort.
Lunch and dinner within walking distance
The Fish House Walkable
150 feet away. Good fish platters, sandwiches and beignets, plus weekend breakfast.
Barret Bar & Grille Walkable
50 feet, directly across the street from the condo building. Huge dive bar with a nice patio, several pool tables and great bar food. 21+ only inside.
O’Shea’s Irish Pub Walkable
An easy half-mile walk. One of my favorites for casual bar food, with a large venue and some of the best patio seating around. During major holidays there's usually a themed back bar with clever cocktails, and live music on weekends. All ages, but it usually turns 21+ after 10 PM on weekends.
El Nopal Walkable
Standard sit-down Mexican chain.
The Village Market Food Hall Walkable
A short walk down the road in Paristown. Six local independent eateries under one roof, including Bunz Burgers, Jeff’s Donuts, Sarap Filipino Eatery, Ramble and Taco Rito.
Jack Fry’s Walkable
Upscale and intimate. A little pricey but worth it for a special occasion, with a nice ambiance and live jazz. Book through OpenTable.
GOGi 1055 Korean BBQ Walkable
Cook your food at the table. If you haven’t had Korean BBQ, I highly recommend it!
Dragon King’s Daughter Walkable
Asian-influenced tacos and quesadillas, creative sushi and happy-hour deals in a casual setting.
Ramen House Walkable
Next to the movie theater in the Mid-City Mall.
Flanagan’s Ale House Walkable
Casual spot with a shady patio and a huge craft beer selection, plus pizza and burgers. Good weekend brunch too.
LouVino Highlands Walkable
Chill, fashionable hangout with Southern-style small plates and over 70 wines by the glass.
Café 360 Walkable
Quirky hangout open 24 hours, with strong drinks, pub grub and an extensive hookah selection.
The Fat Lamb Walkable
Modern kitchen and bar.
Coffee, tea and fast food within walking distance: Haraz Coffee House, Heine Brothers Coffee, Quills Coffee, Sis Got Tea (Black- and woman-owned), Starbucks, Wendy’s, J. Gumbo’s, Chipotle, Jimmy John’s, Taco Bell, Raising Cane’s, McDonald’s, Subway and Skyline Chili.
Worth a short drive
La Bodeguita de Mima
Downtown in a big yellow building you can’t miss, and one of my favorite places in Louisville. Classic Cuban food, authentic artwork and refreshing cocktails, with several rooms: live music, patio, cigar lounge and bar. Walk-ins welcome, but reserve if you want a specific area.
Copper & Kings
A unique industrial-chic brandy, gin and absinthe distillery in Butchertown. Tours are available, and the rooftop bar and restaurant has views of downtown.
Mussel & Burger Bar
Great food near the Slugger Museum. I go for the CEO Burger with foie gras. Afterwards, walk through the 21c Museum Hotel to see free contemporary art.
Bourbons Bistro
Atmospheric spot with plenty of bourbon and creative, seasonal Southern food in an 1877 building. Frankfort Ave has a nice strip of other places too.
8UP Elevated Drinkery & Kitchen
Rooftop dining downtown on the 7th floor of the Hilton Garden Inn, with nice city views. In colder months you can reserve heated igloos!
Tikka House
About 5 miles away. My favorite Indian restaurant, with the best chicken tikka masala. For Indian within walking distance, try Kashmir at 1277 Bardstown Rd.
Chik’n & Mi
I love this place! Asian-style fried chicken, noodles and an amazing brunch.
Honorable mentions: Hammerheads, Merle’s Whiskey Kitchen, Brazeiros (an all-you-can-eat Brazilian steakhouse), Doc Crow’s Southern Smokehouse, Havana Rumba, 80/20 at Kaelin’s, Repeal Oak-Fired Steakhouse, and Game, which serves gourmet wild meats like kangaroo, gator, duck, antelope and lamb.
Best pizza in Louisville
Spinelli’s Pizza
Open until 5 AM.
Goodfellas Pizzeria
Good bar!
Jake and Elwood’s
Chicago deep dish!
The Post
Locals love it.
Domino’s, Papa John’s and Pizza Hut all deliver and usually find the address without trouble. DoorDash and Uber Eats give you 50+ more restaurants for delivery.
Need more food suggestions?
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