Louisville, Kentucky is known as a foodie's paradise for good reason. Brimming with local favorites and artisan delicacies, there is something for everyone on the Louisville food scene. From burgers to salads to sandwiches to pastries to every outlandish gourmet treat in between, spending every meal at a chain establishment is just not an option. Check out some of my favorite eats in the Derby City...your taste buds will thank you.
1. Jack Fry's
A fine dining establishment on popular Bardstown Road. Classy American cuisine that changes often and is the perfect setting for memorable celebrations like anniversaries, birthdays, or holidays.
2. Harvest
A farm-to-table restaurant in the NuLu district. Fresh options you can feel good about because they came from local Kentucky farmers.
3. Seviche
Latin American fine dining also located on Bardstown Road. All your favorite Latin American dishes at the top of their game.
4. The Cheddar Box
Not necessarily a restaurant, per se, but the tight quarters and patio dining of this St. Matthews cafe add to the appeal. Your classic corner deli with sandwiches, soups and pastries. Only open for lunch, though, so you better hurry up and get over there. While you're at it, you've got to try their pimento cheese.
5. Mussel and Burger Bar
More than just a hole-in-the-wall burger joint, this place in both downtown Louisville and its East End makes burgers fit for the elite Louisville food scene. After all, they serve their water in mason jars. That's how you know they're trendy.
6. 80/20 at Kaelin's
This place is new on the scene - they just opened June 7th. Located in the Highlands, this place is a modern take on the old Kaelin's restaurant that used to be in its place, the home of the cheeseburger and the so-called start of Colonel Sanders' famous Kentucky Fried Chicken. Check out the history and their reinvention of the cheeseburger.
7. Havana Rumba
Cuban cuisine in the Highlands, St. Matthews and Middletown. Order from the regular meal menu or go for the tapas (appetizers - my recommendation) I've had more empanadas than I could ever count from this gem. Even their pre-meal bread and garlic butter are unparalleled.
8. The Hub
More of a bar scene, but takes on restaurant vibes earlier in the evening. Located on Frankfort Avenue, it's a trendy place for young people. You've got to try their burgers.
9. Against the Grain
A barbecue and brewery place in downtown Louisville. A simple menu with a lot of smokehouse flavors.
10. The Café
One of my favorite lunch spots between the Highlands and downtown. Huge portions of freshly prepared food. Give me a chicken salad sandwich and a hearty slab of their Italian Creme Cake and I can conquer the world.
11. El Taco Luchador
A Highlands staple that is rapidly expanding (both within their Highlands location and out to St. Matthews). Their name says it all - they are known for their creative tacos. They've also got your usual chips and dips (salsa, queso, guac) and sides like roasted corn-on-the-cob.
12. Cafe Mimosa
Everybody's got their favorite Chinese restaurant, and this one happens to be my family's. A Highlands original that blends Vietnamese, Chinese and Japanese cuisine into one, and has some of the friendliest staff in the city. Their crab rangoons are pillows of cream cheese and crab...and it just gets better from there.
13. Noosh Nosh
Affordable American food on Brownsboro Road. Family atmosphere and open for any meal. Their menu is diverse and expansive.
14. Toast on Market
The perfect breakfast, brunch and lunch spot in NuLu. Sweet and savory options for all the brunch food connoisseurs out there.
15. North End Cafe
Another brunch place in the Highlands and St. Matthews, but this one's got dinner, too. They've also got HUGE pancakes and omelettes of the day.
16. Highland Morning
Yet another brunch restaurant that shouldn't be forgotten. Again with the pancakes. I guess you're just going to have to try all these places to determine who's got the best.
