Louisville Guidebook
Drinks & Nightlife
Super low-lit cocktail bar with sexy vibes. They Old Fashioned is one of the best in the city! Sit at a table and pull the chain on the wall for a server to bring you drinks. Great spot for an intimate date night.
56 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
North of Bourbon
935 Goss AveSuper low-lit cocktail bar with sexy vibes. They Old Fashioned is one of the best in the city! Sit at a table and pull the chain on the wall for a server to bring you drinks. Great spot for an intimate date night.
Local favorite's dive bar. Huge craft beer selection and super cheap mixed-drinks. Great patio too with (typically) a lot of pups running around. Wednesday nights are jazz night. Live music occasionally. Open until 4 am.
85 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Nachbar
969 Charles StLocal favorite's dive bar. Huge craft beer selection and super cheap mixed-drinks. Great patio too with (typically) a lot of pups running around. Wednesday nights are jazz night. Live music occasionally. Open until 4 am.
Newest dive bar in the neighborhood. Check out deejays on the weekends and a tiki pig roast on Sundays (free food!). Open until 4 am.
39 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
The Pearl Of Germantown
1151 Goss AveNewest dive bar in the neighborhood. Check out deejays on the weekends and a tiki pig roast on Sundays (free food!). Open until 4 am.
Come for the incredible views of the downtown skyline, stay for the tasty craft cocktails.
125 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Copper & Kings American Brandy Company
1121 E Washington StCome for the incredible views of the downtown skyline, stay for the tasty craft cocktails.
This dive bar is a favorite for locals. Great beer selection and fantastic cocktail menu (try out a PB&J shot!). Trivia on Wednesday nights, country music on Sunday nights, and tons of other fun stuff going on every night at The Merryweather. They have a rotating kitchen, so check out their Instagram to see what food offerings they have for any given evening.
23 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
the MerryWeather
1101 Lydia StThis dive bar is a favorite for locals. Great beer selection and fantastic cocktail menu (try out a PB&J shot!). Trivia on Wednesday nights, country music on Sunday nights, and tons of other fun stuff going on every night at The Merryweather. They have a rotating kitchen, so check out their Instagram to see what food offerings they have for any given evening.
This Shelby Park brewery is a chill spot and has a great outdoor space. They have a permanent food truck on-site too!
24 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Atrium Brewing
1154 Logan StreetThis Shelby Park brewery is a chill spot and has a great outdoor space. They have a permanent food truck on-site too!
Super small neighborhood bar. If you are looking for something fancy, look elsewhere. The crowd may look a little rough, although it's a kind crowd that's mostly regulars. Don't let the name fool you - there isn't a grill, but you might find a crockpot of bean soup in the corner.
Huelsman Bar & Grill
1100 Ash StSuper small neighborhood bar. If you are looking for something fancy, look elsewhere. The crowd may look a little rough, although it's a kind crowd that's mostly regulars. Don't let the name fool you - there isn't a grill, but you might find a crockpot of bean soup in the corner.
Gravely has great beers on tap - grab one and head outside. The top of their patio has a gorgeous view of the city. The Mayan Cafe food truck is permanently parked there too if you are looking for some grub.
107 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Gravely Brewing Co
514 Baxter AveGravely has great beers on tap - grab one and head outside. The top of their patio has a gorgeous view of the city. The Mayan Cafe food truck is permanently parked there too if you are looking for some grub.
PG&J's is part bar, part coffee shop, and part dog park. Perfect place to hang out with your dog in tow. You will need your dog's vaccination records in order to enter.
11 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
PG&J's Dog Park Bar
800 Baxter AvenuePG&J's is part bar, part coffee shop, and part dog park. Perfect place to hang out with your dog in tow. You will need your dog's vaccination records in order to enter.
Entering this hotspot can feel like you're entering Diagon Alley. The NuLu Marketplace features a bar managed by the Lexington brewery West Sixth, as well as places to shop and eat, like The Craftery, Emmy Squared, Hazel + Hunt, Buff City Soaps, and more.
11 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Nulu Market Place
823 E Market StEntering this hotspot can feel like you're entering Diagon Alley. The NuLu Marketplace features a bar managed by the Lexington brewery West Sixth, as well as places to shop and eat, like The Craftery, Emmy Squared, Hazel + Hunt, Buff City Soaps, and more.
One of Louisville's newest breweries is in the nearby Butchertown neighborhood. You can get a bite to eat at the MozzPi kitchen. This is a hot spot before and after Louisville FC or Racing games.
25 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
TEN20 Craft Brewery
1020 E Washington StOne of Louisville's newest breweries is in the nearby Butchertown neighborhood. You can get a bite to eat at the MozzPi kitchen. This is a hot spot before and after Louisville FC or Racing games.
Sightseeing
The Louisville Zoo is in the heart of the city. It features the award winning Glacier Run, Gorilla Forest, and Islands Exhibits. They also offer sloth encounters. You can also check out baby elephant Fitz!
199 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Zoológico de Louisville
1100 Trevilian WayThe Louisville Zoo is in the heart of the city. It features the award winning Glacier Run, Gorilla Forest, and Islands Exhibits. They also offer sloth encounters. You can also check out baby elephant Fitz!
This pedestrian bridge will take you from Louisville, Kentucky to Jeffersonville, Indiana. Downtown Jeffersonville has a lot of cute shops along Spring Street. It's a trek, so make sure you have on good shoes!
214 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Puente de los Cuatro Grandes
1101 River RdThis pedestrian bridge will take you from Louisville, Kentucky to Jeffersonville, Indiana. Downtown Jeffersonville has a lot of cute shops along Spring Street. It's a trek, so make sure you have on good shoes!
Learn all about the greatest 2 minutes in sports at the Kentucky Derby Museum. The Museum is located next to Churchill Downs, so you can check out where the crowds gather on the first Saturday in May to watch the Kentucky Derby.
180 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Kentucky Derby Museum
704 Central AvenueLearn all about the greatest 2 minutes in sports at the Kentucky Derby Museum. The Museum is located next to Churchill Downs, so you can check out where the crowds gather on the first Saturday in May to watch the Kentucky Derby.
Explore part of this 17-mile long cavern and discover it's interesting history that includes a bomb shelter, worm farm, and even a panther. You can also zip line, ride an electric bike, or partake in the extreme park - all underground. Around Christmas, the Cavern is transformed into an underground light show that you can drive your car through.
136 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Louisville Mega Cavern
1841 Taylor AveExplore part of this 17-mile long cavern and discover it's interesting history that includes a bomb shelter, worm farm, and even a panther. You can also zip line, ride an electric bike, or partake in the extreme park - all underground. Around Christmas, the Cavern is transformed into an underground light show that you can drive your car through.
The Belle of Louisville will be 108 years old in 2022! The Belle of Louisville is the oldest operating Mississippi River-style steamboat in America. When in season, you can take a cruise on the Belle along the Ohio River. Dining options are available on the Belle, as well as special events and sunset cruises. Definitely a unique way to spend a beautiful day!
74 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Belle of Louisville Riverboats
401 W River RdThe Belle of Louisville will be 108 years old in 2022! The Belle of Louisville is the oldest operating Mississippi River-style steamboat in America. When in season, you can take a cruise on the Belle along the Ohio River. Dining options are available on the Belle, as well as special events and sunset cruises. Definitely a unique way to spend a beautiful day!
Named for America’s first female licensed steamboat captain, the Mary M. Miller is a historic propeller-driven riverboat that cruises the Ohio River. It's smaller than the Belle of Louisville, but you can catch both boats at the wharf to see or board.
The Mary M. Miller Riverboat
401 W River RdNamed for America’s first female licensed steamboat captain, the Mary M. Miller is a historic propeller-driven riverboat that cruises the Ohio River. It's smaller than the Belle of Louisville, but you can catch both boats at the wharf to see or board.
Arts & Culture
Even if you don't like boxing, I HIGHLY recommend this museum! You'll learn about Muhammad Ali (duh), racial inequality, Islam, and the Vietnam War. The architecture of the building alone is incredible!
279 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Centro Muhammad Ali
144 N 6th StEven if you don't like boxing, I HIGHLY recommend this museum! You'll learn about Muhammad Ali (duh), racial inequality, Islam, and the Vietnam War. The architecture of the building alone is incredible!
You'll know you have arrived when you see the 9 story tall Louisville Slugger outside. Learn about this history of baseball and the iconic bats that are a part of that history! You'll go on a factory tour to see how the bats are made and you'll get a souvenir mini bat to take home. Spend a couple of bucks and hit some balls in the indoor batting cage. Check their website for special exhibits.
441 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Museo y Fábrica de Louisville Slugger
800 W Main StYou'll know you have arrived when you see the 9 story tall Louisville Slugger outside. Learn about this history of baseball and the iconic bats that are a part of that history! You'll go on a factory tour to see how the bats are made and you'll get a souvenir mini bat to take home. Spend a couple of bucks and hit some balls in the indoor batting cage. Check their website for special exhibits.
The main floor and basement of this boutique hotel is home to a FREE contemporary art gallery that is open 24/7. Be sure to visit the bathrooms on the main floor, as well as peep into the elevator area. You'll know you have arrived when you see the giant gold statue of David. Pop into Proof for a cocktail and some apps.
122 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
21 US-31E
21 US-31EThe main floor and basement of this boutique hotel is home to a FREE contemporary art gallery that is open 24/7. Be sure to visit the bathrooms on the main floor, as well as peep into the elevator area. You'll know you have arrived when you see the giant gold statue of David. Pop into Proof for a cocktail and some apps.
The oldest, largest, and foremost museum of art in Kentucky. Check out classic works, as well as modern. The core museum (not special exhibits) is free on Sundays!
289 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
El Museo de Arte de la Velocidad
2035 S 3rd StThe oldest, largest, and foremost museum of art in Kentucky. Check out classic works, as well as modern. The core museum (not special exhibits) is free on Sundays!
Portland is a historic neighborhood that was once a bustling port for the city of Louisville. This museum give a great history of our River City and gives a fascinating look at steamboat culture of yesteryear. The museum is housed in 2 gorgeous Italianate houses that have been connected.
7 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Portland Museum
2308 Portland AvePortland is a historic neighborhood that was once a bustling port for the city of Louisville. This museum give a great history of our River City and gives a fascinating look at steamboat culture of yesteryear. The museum is housed in 2 gorgeous Italianate houses that have been connected.
In addition to the Belle of Louisville, the Mary M. Miller, and the Portland Museum, steamboat enthusiasts will enjoy this museum. Not a steamboat fan? The mansion was once owned by a prominent local steamboat builder who used steamboat builders to construct this ornate and impressive homestead. It's beautiful to see all on its own.
13 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Howard Steamboat Museum
1101 E Market StIn addition to the Belle of Louisville, the Mary M. Miller, and the Portland Museum, steamboat enthusiasts will enjoy this museum. Not a steamboat fan? The mansion was once owned by a prominent local steamboat builder who used steamboat builders to construct this ornate and impressive homestead. It's beautiful to see all on its own.
Shopping
Perfect place for gifts, whether Louisville themed or not. They have everything from jewelry and clothes to kitchen wares and kids stuff. Cellar Door Chocolates and Moss Hill Soaps also have pop-up shops in Work The Metal. And before you ask what that smell is, Work the Metal is across the street from the pig slaughterhouse. Don't let that deter you from going because WTM is awesome!
32 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Work the Metal
1201 Story AvePerfect place for gifts, whether Louisville themed or not. They have everything from jewelry and clothes to kitchen wares and kids stuff. Cellar Door Chocolates and Moss Hill Soaps also have pop-up shops in Work The Metal. And before you ask what that smell is, Work the Metal is across the street from the pig slaughterhouse. Don't let that deter you from going because WTM is awesome!
Perfect place to stop in for a Louisville souvenir. Artist Bri Bowers has her studio in the back of the shop. Pick up a deck of Louisville playing cards or get something embroidered by Bri!
Dainty Dames
1002 Goss AvePerfect place to stop in for a Louisville souvenir. Artist Bri Bowers has her studio in the back of the shop. Pick up a deck of Louisville playing cards or get something embroidered by Bri!
This shop features a ton of great vintage sellers under one roof. Check out the rack in the back for local tshirts, including Schnitzelburg tees. Proceeds from this rack goes back to community efforts.
Germantown Vintage Collective
1004 Goss AveThis shop features a ton of great vintage sellers under one roof. Check out the rack in the back for local tshirts, including Schnitzelburg tees. Proceeds from this rack goes back to community efforts.
So many unique vintage finds in this GIGANTIC mall. You never know what kind of treasures you will walk out with!
27 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Fleur De Flea
947 E Breckinridge StSo many unique vintage finds in this GIGANTIC mall. You never know what kind of treasures you will walk out with!
Plants, plants, and more plants. You can also get pots, soil, and other plant-related items here.
8 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Forage
1201 Goss AvePlants, plants, and more plants. You can also get pots, soil, and other plant-related items here.
Food scene
One of the Schnitzelburg's newest additions. Enjoy burgers, loaded fries, and slushie style drinks at this quirky spot. Indoor and covered outdoor dining available.
Six Forks Burger Company
1039 Ash StreetOne of the Schnitzelburg's newest additions. Enjoy burgers, loaded fries, and slushie style drinks at this quirky spot. Indoor and covered outdoor dining available.
Schnitzelburg's only brewery! They also serve delicious farm to table food! Try the beer cheese and have a Hauck's pilsner (named after a neighborhood icon who passed away at 100 in 2020).
117 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Monnik Beer Company
1036 E Burnett AveSchnitzelburg's only brewery! They also serve delicious farm to table food! Try the beer cheese and have a Hauck's pilsner (named after a neighborhood icon who passed away at 100 in 2020).
A mecca for meat eaters! Hammerheads is known for it's delicious meat offerings and their truffle fries. It's a small joint that is always packed, so plan accordingly!
158 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Hammerheads
921 Swan StA mecca for meat eaters! Hammerheads is known for it's delicious meat offerings and their truffle fries. It's a small joint that is always packed, so plan accordingly!
The menu is filled with simple favorites, like burgers, tacos, and sandwiches. The shrimp and grits is a favorite, as well as the beet and arugula salad. The huge patio is wonderful on a nice day!
Germantown Smoke & Craft
1036 Goss AveThe menu is filled with simple favorites, like burgers, tacos, and sandwiches. The shrimp and grits is a favorite, as well as the beet and arugula salad. The huge patio is wonderful on a nice day!
This is one of our favorite places to eat in Louisville. House-made pasta, pizza, and other seasonal favorites decorate the menu. The cocktail menu isn't one you should miss either.
44 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
bar Vetti
727 East Market StreetThis is one of our favorite places to eat in Louisville. House-made pasta, pizza, and other seasonal favorites decorate the menu. The cocktail menu isn't one you should miss either.
Sarino is known for their delicious pastas and Neapolitan pizzas. The restaurant itself is also very beautiful, including it's atrium/outdoor seating area. This restaurant is owned by the sons of another famous restauranteur who owns Vincenzio's downtown.
22 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Sarino
1030 Goss AveSarino is known for their delicious pastas and Neapolitan pizzas. The restaurant itself is also very beautiful, including it's atrium/outdoor seating area. This restaurant is owned by the sons of another famous restauranteur who owns Vincenzio's downtown.
If you are craving tacos and a marg, stop by Taco Luchador. A lot of people praise their giant tortas, but their barbacoa taco is to doe for.
141 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Taco Luchador
938 Baxter AveIf you are craving tacos and a marg, stop by Taco Luchador. A lot of people praise their giant tortas, but their barbacoa taco is to doe for.
If you want a delicious, greasy burger, look no further than Toasty's. Pair it with a cup of chili and a cocktail for an out of this world dinner.
23 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Toasty's Tavern
1258 South Shelby StreetIf you want a delicious, greasy burger, look no further than Toasty's. Pair it with a cup of chili and a cocktail for an out of this world dinner.
Indoor market that features a lot of great local food and retail vendors. Stop in to get ingredients to make a meal at home or grab some prepared food from one of the market's food vendors. Be sure to stop by Harvey's Cheese for a great selection of cheese!
86 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Logan Street Market
1001 Logan StIndoor market that features a lot of great local food and retail vendors. Stop in to get ingredients to make a meal at home or grab some prepared food from one of the market's food vendors. Be sure to stop by Harvey's Cheese for a great selection of cheese!
This famous bakery has been serving up donuts for decades. The maple bacon donut is a fan favorite.
121 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Nord's Bakery
2118 S Preston StThis famous bakery has been serving up donuts for decades. The maple bacon donut is a fan favorite.
Grab a drink and some smoked meats at Four Pegs. Other menu highlights include chicken & waffles, chili, and fried pickles.
70 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Four Pegs
1053 Goss AveGrab a drink and some smoked meats at Four Pegs. Other menu highlights include chicken & waffles, chili, and fried pickles.
Gourmet hot dogs and ping pong. Need we say more?
14 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Red Top
1127 Logan StGourmet hot dogs and ping pong. Need we say more?
Schnitzelburg's coffee spot. Buy a cup of coffee or buy a bag of beans to go. Bean also serves up bagels, pastries, and salads.
52 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Bean
1138 Goss AveSchnitzelburg's coffee spot. Buy a cup of coffee or buy a bag of beans to go. Bean also serves up bagels, pastries, and salads.
The Post features NY style pizza that you can buy by the slice or by the pie. They also have a full bar. They are typically open late. Their newly expanded patio is a great spot to eat and watch Goss Avenue.
155 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
The Post
1045 Goss AveThe Post features NY style pizza that you can buy by the slice or by the pie. They also have a full bar. They are typically open late. Their newly expanded patio is a great spot to eat and watch Goss Avenue.
Louisville's oldest and most famous fine dining spots. Check out all the photos of famous folks that have dined there on the walls. Call ahead - you might want to make a reservation.
199 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Jack Fry's
1007 Bardstown RdLouisville's oldest and most famous fine dining spots. Check out all the photos of famous folks that have dined there on the walls. Call ahead - you might want to make a reservation.
If you are looking for a spot where food comes in plastic baskets, look no further. This no-frills spot is a local favorite and draws a diverse crowd.
50 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Check's Cafe
1101 E Burnett AveIf you are looking for a spot where food comes in plastic baskets, look no further. This no-frills spot is a local favorite and draws a diverse crowd.
Le Moo is an upscale, yet casual steakhouse. The back room has regular drag brunches on the weekend. Stop in on your actual birthday and get the dollar amount of your age off the bill!
75 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Le Moo
2300 Lexington RdLe Moo is an upscale, yet casual steakhouse. The back room has regular drag brunches on the weekend. Stop in on your actual birthday and get the dollar amount of your age off the bill!
V-Grits
1001 Barret AveVegan food emporium and brewery.
This restaurant is located inside an old church, so the food can be heavenly. : )
22 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Noche Mexican BBQ
1838 Bardstown RdThis restaurant is located inside an old church, so the food can be heavenly. : )
You'll find yourself conflicted with wanting to fill up on a bunch of tiny cheeseburgers or a bunch of other tiny sandwiches. Rest assured that you can't go wrong with either decision.
If you are on your way to the Zoo, this is a great spot to stop in!
11 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Oskar’s Slider Bar
3799 Poplar Level RdYou'll find yourself conflicted with wanting to fill up on a bunch of tiny cheeseburgers or a bunch of other tiny sandwiches. Rest assured that you can't go wrong with either decision.
If you are on your way to the Zoo, this is a great spot to stop in!
Asian fusion spot that specializes in chicken and ramen. Definitely try some nuggets!
26 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Chik'n & Mi
1765 Mellwood AveAsian fusion spot that specializes in chicken and ramen. Definitely try some nuggets!
Next to bar Vetti, this is one of our favorite spots in Louisville. Stellar food and drinks all around.
6 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Ostra
1758 Frankfort AveNext to bar Vetti, this is one of our favorite spots in Louisville. Stellar food and drinks all around.
Neighborhoods
Tons of shops, eateries, and local businesses fill this corridor. Highlights include Silver Dollar, El Mundo, Blue Dog Bakery, Red Hog, Hilltop Tavern, Varanese, Volare, Comfy Cow, The Champagnery, and The Hub.
The corridor is also home to the Kentucky School for the Blind and St. Joseph's Orphanage.
There is a trolley hop on the last Friday of every month all year long. Many of the businesses host live music and entertainment, complimentary refreshments and special sales on trolley hop nights.
16 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Frankfort Avenue
Frankfort AvenueTons of shops, eateries, and local businesses fill this corridor. Highlights include Silver Dollar, El Mundo, Blue Dog Bakery, Red Hog, Hilltop Tavern, Varanese, Volare, Comfy Cow, The Champagnery, and The Hub.
The corridor is also home to the Kentucky School for the Blind and St. Joseph's Orphanage.
There is a trolley hop on the last Friday of every month all year long. Many of the businesses host live music and entertainment, complimentary refreshments and special sales on trolley hop nights.
Tons of shops, eateries, and local businesses in and around Bardstown Road / Baxter Avenue. Restaurants include Holy Grale / Gralehaus, Jack Fry's, Ramsi's Cafe, Dragon King's Daughter, Fat Lamb, Stevens and Stevens Deli, and Seviche. Shopping includes Dot Fox, Hey Tiger, and Urban Outfitters. The "Irish District" is on Baxter Avenue and includes O'Shea's, Molly Malone, Flannigan's, and Baxter's. There is a cluster of gay bars/clubs on Bardstown Road too: Nowhere Bar / Somewhere, Big Bar, and Chill Bar.
134 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Highlands
Tons of shops, eateries, and local businesses in and around Bardstown Road / Baxter Avenue. Restaurants include Holy Grale / Gralehaus, Jack Fry's, Ramsi's Cafe, Dragon King's Daughter, Fat Lamb, Stevens and Stevens Deli, and Seviche. Shopping includes Dot Fox, Hey Tiger, and Urban Outfitters. The "Irish District" is on Baxter Avenue and includes O'Shea's, Molly Malone, Flannigan's, and Baxter's. There is a cluster of gay bars/clubs on Bardstown Road too: Nowhere Bar / Somewhere, Big Bar, and Chill Bar.
Up and coming downtown Louisville neighborhood on East Market Street. Notable places include Garage Bar (try a basil gimlet!), Galaxie (spicy margs FTW!), Taj Bar, Mahonia, Six Sisters Boutique, Muth's Candy (old school candy store!), Wiltshire, Harvest, Rye, Decca (check out their basement grotto), Royal's Hot Chicken, Feast (grab a bourbon slushie), Akasha Brewing, Grind Burger, and more!
213 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
East Market District
Up and coming downtown Louisville neighborhood on East Market Street. Notable places include Garage Bar (try a basil gimlet!), Galaxie (spicy margs FTW!), Taj Bar, Mahonia, Six Sisters Boutique, Muth's Candy (old school candy store!), Wiltshire, Harvest, Rye, Decca (check out their basement grotto), Royal's Hot Chicken, Feast (grab a bourbon slushie), Akasha Brewing, Grind Burger, and more!