Since my move, it’s been fun explaining to people what I love about my hometown. A far cry from the stereotypes portrayed about Kentucky, Louisville is a city all it’s own. With that in mind, I decided to produce a little city guide of some of my favorite places to dine and go with friends and family. Louisville is a quirky little city and has shown up on the culinary scene in big ways lately. It has been named with “the best culinary scene in the South” and called “the new Portland.” This Kentucky city has a great sense of culture, music, and heralds back to it’s European roots. Not to mention bourbon, and lots of it.
To eat:
Hillbilly tea is an incredible tea cafe and restaurant. Far from the tea rooms that the South is known for, this restaurant feels cozy and a hipster vibe. Featuring seasonal fare, a full loose leaf tea menu, and a fresh take on Southern food, this is a must eat while in Louisville. Recently, Hillbilly Tea has opened a smaller location (Hillbilly Tea Shack) on Bardstown Road. Some of the menu favorites are Pork and Pone, Hillbilly Scramble, and the Smoked Catfish. While on a recent visit, I opted for red bush pot of hot tea and ordered the duck biscuit burger and roasted cornish hen for a sampling of entrees. The service, atmosphere, and food have no comparison in Louisville.
Ghyslain is a perfect lunch or breakfast stop. With two locations in the city, this spot is the closest thing you’ll find to a parisian cafe in Louisville. Specializing in gourmet crafted chocolate and pastry, all the menu items are given special attention and feature their homemade bread. I suggest ordering the Italian baguette and surveying the dessert case for a delicious treat to top off your meal.
The Village Anchor is one of my favorite places to go for a special occasion. Located in the heart of historic Anchorage, this restaurant has stunning decor in a historic home. With double-faced stone hearth fireplaces, two enclosed patios, beautiful molding, and a touch of Southern charm, you won’t forget this meal. Some of the menu items include apricot-bourbon glazed porkchop, cast-iron scallops, shrimp and grits, buttermilk fried chicken, and roasted cornish hen. No matter what you order, you will be satisfied and looking forward to your next dining experience here.
El Taco Luchador is a new favorite. Featuring a variety of tacos with toppings, this small storefront on Baxter Avenue is charming. With a quirky decor of Mexican wrestling masks and bright colors, a friendly staff, and affordable fare, this place is the perfect lunch spot. While there I ordered the chicken tinga and baja fish tacos with a side of sweet potato fries. Tacos range from $2-3 each with delicious homemade toppings.
Harvest is a restaurant unlike any other in the city. Based on the belief that you really should know where your food comes from, this restaurant is 80% sourced by farms within 100 miles. In the restaurant you will find an art installation featuring an area map, the stories of all the farmers, and what they source to the restaurant. Every time I eat here, you know the employees love their jobs, are passionate about food, and desire to give you the ultimate “farm-to-table” dining experience. During the winter season, my favorite menu picks are the homemade pretzels with Kentucky Ale beer cheese as an appetizer and the gnocchi with roasted root vegetables and kale.
Silver Dollar features a laid-back atmosphere that you might expect in Kentucky. Heralding to the days of Okies trying to find their culture and birthing “The Bakersfield Sound,” the Silver Dollar emulates the bars where this music was born. With the bragging rights of being called one of 10 best whiskey bars in the nation (by GQ magazine), this restaurant has over 120 whiskeys available by the glass. Featuring southern comfort food, you’ll find the updated takes on these menu items to be perfect.
To shop:
NuLu district: located in the downtown corridor, the NuLu neighborhood has popped up within the past few years. Featuring local shops such as CakeFlour, an all-natural and vegan bakery, and Peace on Earth, handmade soap shop, this neighborhood has something for everyone. With a variety of restaurants and cafes it is easy to spend an afternoon here.
Bardstown Road: Spanning over 3 miles, this stretch of road features chocolatiers, bakeries, restaurants, and local boutiques. Looking for some original Louisville souvenirs? Check out Why Louisville and Caramichael’s Books. This road is always busy so plan additional time to park.
Frankfort Avenue: featuring FAT fridays (Frankfort Avenue Trolley), this road offers the same appeal as Bardstown Road but at a bit slower pace. While there make sure to sample some local ice cream at The Comfy Cow, try a Vint Julep (complete with bourbon barrel sugar) at Vint Coffee, and grab a bagel at Nancy’s Bagels. If thrift stores are your thing, look no further! Featuring 2 blocks of consignment shops, this is the road for you.
I hope you’ve enjoyed this little city guide on a few of my favorite places in Louisville! Come visit “the new Portland” soon and experience it for yourself.
