Guidebook for Louisville
Drinks & Nightlife
This is my neighborhood bar. If you like a cold beer and good people, this is the right place. There are also nightly events, from DJs to horror movies, which make Seid's a great time, all the time.
14 locals recommend
Seidenfaden's
1134 E Breckinridge StThis is my neighborhood bar. If you like a cold beer and good people, this is the right place. There are also nightly events, from DJs to horror movies, which make Seid's a great time, all the time.
Another terrifically solid neighborhood bar. A little more of a walk from our place than Seidenfaden's, but it's near great restaurants, Eiderdown, The Post, Four Pegs, and Nachbar has an absolutely lovely patio.
85 locals recommend
Nachbar
969 Charles StAnother terrifically solid neighborhood bar. A little more of a walk from our place than Seidenfaden's, but it's near great restaurants, Eiderdown, The Post, Four Pegs, and Nachbar has an absolutely lovely patio.
Do not go here. The owner is well known for sexually assaulting multiple women. Please look up the name of this bar to read further.
10 locals recommend
Haymarket Whiskey Bar
331 E Market StDo not go here. The owner is well known for sexually assaulting multiple women. Please look up the name of this bar to read further.
A beloved local music venue that frequently showcases incredible national touring acts, as well as local favorites.
90 locals recommend
Zanzabar
2100 S Preston StA beloved local music venue that frequently showcases incredible national touring acts, as well as local favorites.
Over 250 craft brews from around the world, plus some pretty delicious pizza. Very casual, fun dining.
22 locals recommend
The New Albanian Brewing Company Pizzeria & Public House
3312 Plaza DrOver 250 craft brews from around the world, plus some pretty delicious pizza. Very casual, fun dining.
A classier, dimly lit, upscale bar and restaurant with amazing craft cocktails and a great beer list.
23 locals recommend
Meta
425 W Chestnut StA classier, dimly lit, upscale bar and restaurant with amazing craft cocktails and a great beer list.
One of my favorite quiet divey joints to grab a drink in. Usually the "last drink" of the night that turns into 2-3! Karaoke every night, plus some true Kentucky personalities always in house.
T Eddie's Bar & Grill
1154 Logan StOne of my favorite quiet divey joints to grab a drink in. Usually the "last drink" of the night that turns into 2-3! Karaoke every night, plus some true Kentucky personalities always in house.
Holy cow, the food here is terrific. A bit of an American take on various ethnic foods, like Latin and Middle Eastern options. So so good, and good for you. Great margarita here too!
55 locals recommend
Galaxie
732 E Market StHoly cow, the food here is terrific. A bit of an American take on various ethnic foods, like Latin and Middle Eastern options. So so good, and good for you. Great margarita here too!
Great high-quality bar food and a big open space to hang out inside, play pool or darts, and just relax. Enormous, cozy patio, too with it's own bar!
36 locals recommend
Barret Bar & Grill
1012 Barret AveGreat high-quality bar food and a big open space to hang out inside, play pool or darts, and just relax. Enormous, cozy patio, too with it's own bar!
Magnolia Bar
1398 S 2nd StA classic Louisville dive in the heart of historic Old Louisville.
If you like beer, and like being served beer by people who know a LOT about beer, this is your place. You choose a bottle from a cooler, they pour it, you keep your bottles as your proof of purchase.
38 locals recommend
Sergio's World Beers
1605 Story AveIf you like beer, and like being served beer by people who know a LOT about beer, this is your place. You choose a bottle from a cooler, they pour it, you keep your bottles as your proof of purchase.
This may be the best new bar in town. Walkable from our place, but it is about 1.5 miles. A perfectly dark, lush space, with wonderful house cocktails and a free shot for everyone if Bill Murray ever comes in. Beautiful patio space, too. No food, just snacks, but you can (and should) grab food at the Post or Eiderdown just a couple blocks away.
23 locals recommend
the MerryWeather
1101 Lydia StThis may be the best new bar in town. Walkable from our place, but it is about 1.5 miles. A perfectly dark, lush space, with wonderful house cocktails and a free shot for everyone if Bill Murray ever comes in. Beautiful patio space, too. No food, just snacks, but you can (and should) grab food at the Post or Eiderdown just a couple blocks away.
Food Scene
One of the most popular restaurants in Louisville, Hammerhead's is a great neighborhood offering, just three blocks from my place. Lots of in house smoked meats prepared in exciting, delicious ways.
159 locals recommend
Hammerheads
921 Swan StOne of the most popular restaurants in Louisville, Hammerhead's is a great neighborhood offering, just three blocks from my place. Lots of in house smoked meats prepared in exciting, delicious ways.
Best sushi I've ever had. Lots of creative sushi rolls, plus Asian fusion takes on things like quesadillas.
109 locals recommend
Dragon King's Daughter
129 W Market StBest sushi I've ever had. Lots of creative sushi rolls, plus Asian fusion takes on things like quesadillas.
Another local coffee chain. Incredibly good coffee, a relatively quiet place to get some work done, play a round of Scrabble, or have a chat.
110 locals recommend
Quills Coffee
930 Baxter AveAnother local coffee chain. Incredibly good coffee, a relatively quiet place to get some work done, play a round of Scrabble, or have a chat.
It's a place you've got to drive to, but every person who comes through my house and asks where to go gets this as my primary recommend. Amazing tacos, house made salsa and guacamole, cheap, too.
18 locals recommend
El Molcajete
2932 S 4th StIt's a place you've got to drive to, but every person who comes through my house and asks where to go gets this as my primary recommend. Amazing tacos, house made salsa and guacamole, cheap, too.
Best brunch in town. A touch pricy, but it's worth it. Terrific service, and the menu items are all an urban take on rustic southern fare. They also have a terrific drink menu and bourbon selection.
169 locals recommend
The Green Building Gallery
732 E Market StBest brunch in town. A touch pricy, but it's worth it. Terrific service, and the menu items are all an urban take on rustic southern fare. They also have a terrific drink menu and bourbon selection.
Easygoing, southern-fried fare. Fish sandwiches, cold beer, all reasonably priced.
22 locals recommend
The Fish House
1310 Winter AveEasygoing, southern-fried fare. Fish sandwiches, cold beer, all reasonably priced.
Local hip coffee chain that has wonderful coffee, snacks, breakfast sandwiches, and literally the best chocolate chunk cookie you will ever eat. Not a quiet space, though; they play music, and they play it loud.
145 locals recommend
Please & Thank You
800 E Market StLocal hip coffee chain that has wonderful coffee, snacks, breakfast sandwiches, and literally the best chocolate chunk cookie you will ever eat. Not a quiet space, though; they play music, and they play it loud.
This is one of the classiest, hippest places in town. They have something for everyone's budget, and it'll be well made and delicious. This is a German-oriented menu, with lots of hearty sausages, but also salads, lighter options, and vegetarian offerings. Always a great beer and wine list, and great cocktails and daily specials.
80 locals recommend
EiDERDOWN
983 Goss AveThis is one of the classiest, hippest places in town. They have something for everyone's budget, and it'll be well made and delicious. This is a German-oriented menu, with lots of hearty sausages, but also salads, lighter options, and vegetarian offerings. Always a great beer and wine list, and great cocktails and daily specials.
Dragon King's Daughter's other location, a perfect little sushi & more spot right in the heart of downtown New Albany. Take the walking bridge over, & have lunch or dinner and experience this city.
109 locals recommend
Dragon King's Daughter
129 W Market StDragon King's Daughter's other location, a perfect little sushi & more spot right in the heart of downtown New Albany. Take the walking bridge over, & have lunch or dinner and experience this city.
If you wind up downtown (which I wouldn't recommend as there's not much to do there), this is one place I would recommend stopping to eat or grab some coffee/tea. A beautiful setting, it's a quiet place, too.
11 locals recommend
Hillbilly Tea
106 W Main StIf you wind up downtown (which I wouldn't recommend as there's not much to do there), this is one place I would recommend stopping to eat or grab some coffee/tea. A beautiful setting, it's a quiet place, too.
Terrific cakes, coffee and more, in the heart of the Frankfort neighborhood.
15 locals recommend
Sweet Surrender Dessert Cafe
1804 Frankfort AveTerrific cakes, coffee and more, in the heart of the Frankfort neighborhood.
Fantastic upscale pizza joint with terrific service and beer selection in an old post office. Get a giant slice for $4 or less.
155 locals recommend
The Post
1045 Goss AveFantastic upscale pizza joint with terrific service and beer selection in an old post office. Get a giant slice for $4 or less.
A Louisville institution! Hang out and grab a drink and some grub and watch folks square dance.
50 locals recommend
Check's Cafe
1101 E Burnett AveA Louisville institution! Hang out and grab a drink and some grub and watch folks square dance.
My personal favorite coffee joint in town, it just so happens to be right next to the purveyor of the best doughnuts you'll ever have.
163 locals recommend
Sunergos Coffee
2122 S Preston StMy personal favorite coffee joint in town, it just so happens to be right next to the purveyor of the best doughnuts you'll ever have.
Oh, my lawwwd, these doughnuts. Cheap, simple, and amazing. I'm not even a doughnut person and I can't help myself from eating these 2-3 times a week because it's right by my boyfriend's house.
121 locals recommend
Nord's Bakery
2118 S Preston StOh, my lawwwd, these doughnuts. Cheap, simple, and amazing. I'm not even a doughnut person and I can't help myself from eating these 2-3 times a week because it's right by my boyfriend's house.
One of two oldschool walk-up ice cream joints. Dairy Del is a little closer to my place than the other one, but both are great for their own reasons, and walkable from one another, so find out! :)
10 locals recommend
Dairy Del
1516 S Shelby StOne of two oldschool walk-up ice cream joints. Dairy Del is a little closer to my place than the other one, but both are great for their own reasons, and walkable from one another, so find out! :)
One of two oldschool walk-up ice cream joints, this one has my favorite ice cream of the two, but both are great and you won't be disappointed. A timecapsule of a good time.
40 locals recommend
Dairy Kastle
575 Eastern PkwyOne of two oldschool walk-up ice cream joints, this one has my favorite ice cream of the two, but both are great and you won't be disappointed. A timecapsule of a good time.
This is the sort of down home place you could take your parents to, but it's also really low key and comfortable as well. The Italian-inspired foods are going to fill up your belly in the best way.
55 locals recommend
Come Back Inn
909 Swan StThis is the sort of down home place you could take your parents to, but it's also really low key and comfortable as well. The Italian-inspired foods are going to fill up your belly in the best way.
My other favorite sushi place in town, there's a real authenticness to the place, and they also serve more Korean-style rolls as well.
21 locals recommend
Osaka
2039 Frankfort AveMy other favorite sushi place in town, there's a real authenticness to the place, and they also serve more Korean-style rolls as well.
Ooooh, honey. These are absolutely to die for burgers that you can customize completely, AND there's a toppings bar delicious stuff, like a creamy cilantro sauce that I can't get enough of.
8 locals recommend
Bluegrass Burgers
3334 Frankfort AveOoooh, honey. These are absolutely to die for burgers that you can customize completely, AND there's a toppings bar delicious stuff, like a creamy cilantro sauce that I can't get enough of.
A new pay-what-you can restaurant where the wait staff is all volunteers, and any tip you pay goes toward the next diner's meal. A wonderful concept, this place just opened up in early November.
The Table
1800 Portland AveA new pay-what-you can restaurant where the wait staff is all volunteers, and any tip you pay goes toward the next diner's meal. A wonderful concept, this place just opened up in early November.
If you've had a few and need some grease to buoy up your innards, there is no better place than Burger Boy. An oldschool diner worth its salt, and it's real cheap too.
20 locals recommend
Burger Boy
1450 S Brook StIf you've had a few and need some grease to buoy up your innards, there is no better place than Burger Boy. An oldschool diner worth its salt, and it's real cheap too.
My absolute favorite pizza in town. Kind of New York style, bit floppy slices with a winning chef's choice option that's always a star. Plus, it's next to Mag Bar, which is a terrific divey haven.
10 locals recommend
Pizza Donisi
1396 S 2nd StMy absolute favorite pizza in town. Kind of New York style, bit floppy slices with a winning chef's choice option that's always a star. Plus, it's next to Mag Bar, which is a terrific divey haven.
If you want a famous Louisville food, come to the Brown Hotel and get yourself a Hot Brown. Turkey, bacon, tomato, swiss cheese, all drowning in a mornay sauce. A delicious heart attack!
17 locals recommend
The Brown Hotel
335 W BroadwayIf you want a famous Louisville food, come to the Brown Hotel and get yourself a Hot Brown. Turkey, bacon, tomato, swiss cheese, all drowning in a mornay sauce. A delicious heart attack!
Now that Morels has closed, this is our only dedicated vegan restaurant. I haven't been here yet, but I have heard only good things and they have their own vegan brewery, too!
30 locals recommend
V-Grits
1001 Barret AveNow that Morels has closed, this is our only dedicated vegan restaurant. I haven't been here yet, but I have heard only good things and they have their own vegan brewery, too!
Sightseeing
A terrific walking bridge that goes across the Ohio River and into New Albany, Indiana. Plenty to do and see over there, too! It's a beautiful little city on the river.
39 locals recommend
Big Four Pedestrian Bridge
Big Four Pedestrian BridgeA terrific walking bridge that goes across the Ohio River and into New Albany, Indiana. Plenty to do and see over there, too! It's a beautiful little city on the river.
The largest exposed fossil bed in the world! Best seen when the water's lower in fall, but beautiful all year round.
100 locals recommend
Falls of the Ohio State Park
201 W Riverside DrThe largest exposed fossil bed in the world! Best seen when the water's lower in fall, but beautiful all year round.
Only open from 10-2 M-F, and a mere $5. Thomas Edison stayed here! There's memorabilia and it's just a fun time.
16 locals recommend
Thomas Edison House
729 E Washington StOnly open from 10-2 M-F, and a mere $5. Thomas Edison stayed here! There's memorabilia and it's just a fun time.
A historical home open only from 10-2, M-F and is only $5 to get into. Great to visit for Louisville history, rain or shine!
6 locals recommend
Whitehall
3110 Lexington RdA historical home open only from 10-2, M-F and is only $5 to get into. Great to visit for Louisville history, rain or shine!
Old Louisville is the largest grouping of intact Victorian homes in the United States, and Saint James Court is the cream of the crop of that neighborhood. Grab a coffee at one of our local coffee shops and then go for a stroll through the Court, which is mostly not accessible by traffic. Huge, historic homes that will take your breath away. A great place to take a stroll, along here and through Belgravia Court.
19 locals recommend
Saint James Court
Saint James CourtOld Louisville is the largest grouping of intact Victorian homes in the United States, and Saint James Court is the cream of the crop of that neighborhood. Grab a coffee at one of our local coffee shops and then go for a stroll through the Court, which is mostly not accessible by traffic. Huge, historic homes that will take your breath away. A great place to take a stroll, along here and through Belgravia Court.
Shopping
This is a cool, eclectic apparel and accessories store, one of five locations that I sell my jewelry, Dead Things, at!
16 locals recommend
Dot Fox
1567 Bardstown RdThis is a cool, eclectic apparel and accessories store, one of five locations that I sell my jewelry, Dead Things, at!
This town is full of awesome little clothing and accessories boutiques, and hey tiger is definitely one of them.
9 locals recommend
hey tiger
1572 Bardstown RdThis town is full of awesome little clothing and accessories boutiques, and hey tiger is definitely one of them.
Looking for that perfectly "Louisville" present that's a little fun? Why Louisville has you covered. This is one of two locations, the other is in the NuLu neighborhood on Market Street.
16 locals recommend
WHY Louisville
1583 Bardstown RoadLooking for that perfectly "Louisville" present that's a little fun? Why Louisville has you covered. This is one of two locations, the other is in the NuLu neighborhood on Market Street.
Looking for that perfectly "Louisville" present that's a little fun? Why Louisville has you covered. One of two locations, the more "fun" of the two, in my opinion. The other is on Bardstown Road.
16 locals recommend
WHY Louisville
1583 Bardstown RoadLooking for that perfectly "Louisville" present that's a little fun? Why Louisville has you covered. One of two locations, the more "fun" of the two, in my opinion. The other is on Bardstown Road.
YesterNook
1153 Logan StVintage and antiques at very reasonable prices.
Awesome vintage store and record shop. This joint is just a five minute walk from my place.
19 locals recommend
Fat Rabbit Thrift & Vintage
994 Barret AveAwesome vintage store and record shop. This joint is just a five minute walk from my place.
I am not much of a vinyl collector, but this is one of Louisville's best shops for this if you are.
Modern Cult Records
1036 Bardstown RdI am not much of a vinyl collector, but this is one of Louisville's best shops for this if you are.
Awesome vintage clothing and accessories shop! More of a mid-century specialty, lots of incredible one of a kind costume-y pieces from the 50s, 60s, and 70s.
14 locals recommend
The Nitty Gritty
996 Barret AveAwesome vintage clothing and accessories shop! More of a mid-century specialty, lots of incredible one of a kind costume-y pieces from the 50s, 60s, and 70s.
One of several stores in town that carries my jewelry line, Dead Things, Bermuda Highway focuses on a boho chic vibe and is co-owned by the keyboardist of local up and coming band Houndmouth.
Bermuda Highway
811 E Market StOne of several stores in town that carries my jewelry line, Dead Things, Bermuda Highway focuses on a boho chic vibe and is co-owned by the keyboardist of local up and coming band Houndmouth.
A great local art and accessories shop. A little more upscale, if you're looking for interesting, unique artisan gifts or mementos with a high-quality flair.
49 locals recommend
Revelry Boutique Gallery
742 E Market StA great local art and accessories shop. A little more upscale, if you're looking for interesting, unique artisan gifts or mementos with a high-quality flair.
My friend Sharon owns this wonderful vintage store. Her curating skills are impeccable, and everything is really economically priced! Both men's and women's vintage in wide selection.
7 locals recommend
Acorn Apparel
1602 Bardstown Rd
My friend Sharon owns this wonderful vintage store. Her curating skills are impeccable, and everything is really economically priced! Both men's and women's vintage in wide selection.
A genuinely wonderful little antiques store with some of the best prices I've ever seen.
7 locals recommend
Crescent Hill Trading Company
2720 Frankfort AveA genuinely wonderful little antiques store with some of the best prices I've ever seen.
Unique, locally made gifts, at affordable prices. Lots of air plants for sale! Also, one of locations I sell my jewelry, Dead Things, at.
6 locals recommend
Consider Boutique
107 S Bayly AveUnique, locally made gifts, at affordable prices. Lots of air plants for sale! Also, one of locations I sell my jewelry, Dead Things, at.
One of the coolest (though somewhat expensive) locally made shops in town. The owners curate an excellent collection of stuff and they're really sweet to boot.
Craft Gallery & Mercantile
572 S 4th StOne of the coolest (though somewhat expensive) locally made shops in town. The owners curate an excellent collection of stuff and they're really sweet to boot.
A wonderful little locally made store (in a strip of several). There are two locations, but I like the downtown one better, it's a little more eclectic. Plus, they carry my jewelry, Dead Things!
7 locals recommend
Gifthorse
554 S 4th StA wonderful little locally made store (in a strip of several). There are two locations, but I like the downtown one better, it's a little more eclectic. Plus, they carry my jewelry, Dead Things!
Arts & Culture
BOWLING!! In a rumored to be haunted bowling alley that has one of the best bourbon selections in town.
9 locals recommend
Vernon Lanes
1575 Story AvenueBOWLING!! In a rumored to be haunted bowling alley that has one of the best bourbon selections in town.
The best art gallery in town, they also feature live events in their events space and often have open studio days where you can talk with the artists in residence. Coffee shop and book store in house!
17 locals recommend
Tim Faulkner Gallery & Stopline Bar
991 Logan StThe best art gallery in town, they also feature live events in their events space and often have open studio days where you can talk with the artists in residence. Coffee shop and book store in house!
A fantastic modern art gallery in the lobby of a fantastic modern hotel! The best part is that this gallery is open 24/7!
122 locals recommend
21 US-31E
21 US-31EA fantastic modern art gallery in the lobby of a fantastic modern hotel! The best part is that this gallery is open 24/7!
Essentials
This is the grocery store that's nearest me with the best options. Open until midnight!
232 locals recommend
Kroger
1265 Goss AveThis is the grocery store that's nearest me with the best options. Open until midnight!
Louisville isn't great for co-ops, so I do find myself getting some things way out here at the Whole Foods.
52 locals recommend
Whole Foods Market
4944 Shelbyville RdLouisville isn't great for co-ops, so I do find myself getting some things way out here at the Whole Foods.
The nearest co-op, local, organic foods market. A decent selection, but it is not all-encompassing in the way that Whole Foods is.
21 locals recommend
Rainbow Blossom
3738 Lexington RdThe nearest co-op, local, organic foods market. A decent selection, but it is not all-encompassing in the way that Whole Foods is.
Everything Else
A big, brightly lit, safe, new laundromat right by U of L. I'm here at least once a week, so if you have stuff you need to launder, let me know!
11 locals recommend
Laundry Connection
1907 S 4th StA big, brightly lit, safe, new laundromat right by U of L. I'm here at least once a week, so if you have stuff you need to launder, let me know!