Louisville best things to do, best hotels, restaurants and much more…
Louisville is well known as the city of the Kentucky Derby and is separated from Indiana by the Ohio River. The Metropolitan area of Louisville is often referred to as Kentuckiana because it encompasses counties in Southern Indiana. Louisville was founded in 1778 and is named after King Louis XVI of France. The Old Louisville neighborhood is the largest historic district in the United States and one-third of all bourbon whiskey comes from Louisville.
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Bean
modern coffee cafe
Modern and cheerful Germantown cafe, serving expertly roasted coffees full of interesting flavors. Sandwiches and snacks served.
Germantown Mill Lofts
landmark loft living
Germantown Mill Lofts occupies an entire city block in the center of the Schnitzelburg and Germantown neighborhoods. Unique, loft style living with inner courtyards, swimming pool, bocce court, yoga as well as office and commercial tenants.
Serving responsibly sourced, freshly roasted coffees, since 2004. Several locations throughout Louisville.
Nord’s Bakery
donut time
Traditional neighborhood bakery making exceptional donuts and cakes.
Butchertown Grocery
fine good served in butchertown
Carefully sourced foods, expertly prepared. Served with style in 19th century brick building in Butchertown neighborhood.
Tim Faulkner Gallery + McQuixote Books & Coffee
gallery, books + coffee
Artist studios, event space, gallery, bookstore and coffee house housed in former manufacturing building. Located in the historic Portland neighborhood, just beyond downtown.
Bussmann’s Bakery
old school bakery
Old school bakery on fashionable Frankfort Avenue serving traditional donuts, cupcakes and party cakes.
Atlantic No. 5
lunch + dinner cafe
Cheerful Main Street cafe offering coffee, homemade biscuits, pastries, desserts, soups and sandwiches.
Con Huevos
fresh and happy mexican brunch
Happy, cheerful and intimate spot to enjoy breakfast and lunch. Stroll down Frankfort Avenue and enter (and leave) with a smile on your face. Chilaquiles con huevos, sopes, tortas and cuban coffee.
Heine Brothers’ Coffee
organic coffee
Local coffee cafes all over town roasting fair trade and organic beans.
Carmichael’s Books
louisville's oldest independent bookstore
Since 1978, handpicked selections from the owners.
Galt House Hotel
largest hotel in kentucky
Enormous, privately owned and operated convention hotel complex: 1,300 guestrooms, suites, apartments, restaurants, bars, health club, convention center, spa, skywalks, shops and office buildings overlooking the Ohio River. Many large suites and outdoor swimming pool with deck and snack shop/bar (in the summer) makes the Galt House family friendly.
Wagner’s Pharmacy
breakfast and lunch across from churchill downs
Restaurant, full-service pharmacy, jockey silks and racehorse liniment across from Churchill Downs. Since 1922.
Mayan Cafe
solid latin american cuisine to feel good about
Sustainable Latin American restaurant on East Main street established before the area became trendy.
Louisville Slugger Museum & Factory
baseball bats
The Louisville Slugger Museum & Factory is housed with the corporate headquarters. Look for the world’s biggest baseball bat.
Jack Fry’s
old school gourmet meals
Established in 1933 and located in historic Highlands neighborhood. Traditional elegant cuisine from bygone era served in friendly and bustling dining room.
La Coop
french bistro
Classic and straight-forward French bistro food skillfully executed. Lovely craft cocktails and nice wines served in warm and comfy atmosphere. Be sure to sample the cheeses.
732 e market st
louisville ky
The Seelbach (Hilton)
grand hotel
Louisville’s Grand Hotel. Oak Room for a traditional Louisville-style fine dining experience; grab a bourbon in the Old Seelbach Bar. Be sure to try to check-out the often locked Rathskeller and chill in the grand lobby.
21c Museum Hotel
look for the red penguins
Intimate boutique hotel in historic downtown Louisville on Whiskey Row. Spectacular integration of art museum and lodging. Museum features contemporary, ever-changing art from the 21st century. Galleries open 24/7/365 with free admission. Proof on Main for dining and drinking; worth a visit even if not spending the night.
Silver Dollar
honkey tonk - reimagined
Chow on beef brisket, chicken fried steak, chicken and waffles in a lively atmosphere. Juices, syrups and bitters made in-house.
Quills Coffee
great coffee, service and spaces
Hand crafted coffee and roasting.
Proof On Main
fine and refined dining
Fine dining amid contemporary artwork in 21c Museum Hotel. Breakfast, lunch, dinner and cocktails. Lively bar scene late night with many Bourbon flights for tasting.
Please & Thank You
coffee, treats & records
Bakery, cafe and records. Enjoy spectacular chocolate chip cookies and freshly ground beans. Several downtown locations and Frankfort Avenue.
Ramsi’s Cafe on the World
international foods
Internationally inspired food; salads,sandwiches and entrees. Full bar.
Meat
above the blind pig
Great atmosphere for serious drinking. Feels like you have entered a speakeasy. Lots of complimentary snacks. Perfection.
1076 e washington st
louisville ky
Holy Grale
in a beer mood?
Large selection of ever-changing interesting beers from around the world served in this former church. Interesting small plate menu served. Related to Louisville Liquor Store.
Hillbilly Tea
appalachian themed tea cafe
Go for interesting lunch, dinner and bruncheon. Be sure to drink smoked tea.
120 s first st
louisville ky
Garage Bar
eat and drink in former auto service garage
Interesting pizza, craft beers and Kentucky bourbon and rye whiskeys.
Louisville Beer Store
beer tastings and beer to go
Beer store and tasting room featuring over four hundred varieties of craft beer in bottles and eight rotating taps. Limited snack menu available. Related to Holy Grale.
Cherokee Park
frederick law olmstead
389 acres; 2.4 mile scenic loop. Archery, fishing, horseshoe pit, mountain bike trails, bird sanctuary and much more.