Karen And Bryan’s guidebook
Food scene
Really, Louisville has so many fantastic independent restaurants. From fancy to basic- they're all worth a try! Germantown features several, all within walking distance.
Monnik is a great place to meet up with frie
nds for a brew, get a great burder and don't dare forget the donder fries!
117 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Monnik Beer Company
1036 E Burnett AveMonnik is a great place to meet up with frie
nds for a brew, get a great burder and don't dare forget the donder fries!
Checks Cafe opened in 1944. One of those hidden gems.
Not your upscale gentrified restaurant- but a great mix of American -German fare. Fried fish, braunschweiger, hand rolled oysters. Nothing fancy, and cheap beers! The most amazing part of Checks is their karaoke night on - the best in town!
50 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Check's Cafe
1101 E Burnett AveChecks Cafe opened in 1944. One of those hidden gems.
Not your upscale gentrified restaurant- but a great mix of American -German fare. Fried fish, braunschweiger, hand rolled oysters. Nothing fancy, and cheap beers! The most amazing part of Checks is their karaoke night on - the best in town!
4 pegs is just a cool bar. Good pub food, great beers. It's our daughters favorite spot!
70 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Four Pegs
1053 Goss Ave4 pegs is just a cool bar. Good pub food, great beers. It's our daughters favorite spot!
This rennovated VFW Post is a must if you like pizza! Check out their menu, the pizzas are fantastic, and they usually have slices of the daily special.
155 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
The Post
1045 Goss AveThis rennovated VFW Post is a must if you like pizza! Check out their menu, the pizzas are fantastic, and they usually have slices of the daily special.
You'll need a ride, and it's a little pricier than the Germantown restaurants, but the food is amazing and the atmosphere cozy. The chef is the real deal!
125 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Mayan Cafe
813 E Market StYou'll need a ride, and it's a little pricier than the Germantown restaurants, but the food is amazing and the atmosphere cozy. The chef is the real deal!
Small but mighty! Great food, limited outside seating. On the must-visit places to eat!
158 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Hammerheads
921 Swan StSmall but mighty! Great food, limited outside seating. On the must-visit places to eat!
Family owned, amazing Italian food! Very generous portions- a neighborhood favorite.
55 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Come Back Inn
909 Swan StFamily owned, amazing Italian food! Very generous portions- a neighborhood favorite.
Just opened, and best Chicago dog in town! Also great burgers. On weekends, Head next door for funnel cakes with toppings you can't get at the fair!
Six Forks Burger Company
1039 Ash StreetJust opened, and best Chicago dog in town! Also great burgers. On weekends, Head next door for funnel cakes with toppings you can't get at the fair!
Don't have an adventurous palate? Located in the Highlands, about a mile away, Bristol's has great American food. Good quality, good menu selection- always a win.
39 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Bristol Bar & Grille
1321 Bardstown RdDon't have an adventurous palate? Located in the Highlands, about a mile away, Bristol's has great American food. Good quality, good menu selection- always a win.
just opened Feb 2022. this New Orleans based restaurant specializes in homemade biscuits and custom cured meats, and only 15 min walk away.
25 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Big Bad Breakfast Louisville
984 Barret Avenuejust opened Feb 2022. this New Orleans based restaurant specializes in homemade biscuits and custom cured meats, and only 15 min walk away.
This is a quirky little spot- combo bar and diner-with outside seating too. Specialty cocktails, breakfast items and sandwiches. But you can buy the staff a round for $15!
23 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Toasty's Tavern
1258 South Shelby StreetThis is a quirky little spot- combo bar and diner-with outside seating too. Specialty cocktails, breakfast items and sandwiches. But you can buy the staff a round for $15!
Bar
This category is for places where the booze is king, and the whole purpose is to hang out with friends and throw back a few!
We guarantee you've never been to a place like Sergio's. If your a beer aficianado- you've got to visit. Beers from all over the world, including some rare beers! It's not about food or service- you can just grab your own beer from one of the coolers. Save the cap and pay on your way out.
38 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Sergio's World Beers
1605 Story AveWe guarantee you've never been to a place like Sergio's. If your a beer aficianado- you've got to visit. Beers from all over the world, including some rare beers! It's not about food or service- you can just grab your own beer from one of the coolers. Save the cap and pay on your way out.
If you hear music on summer evenings, it might be coming from the NachBar. Just a block away, this neighborhood pub has a great beer selection, live music, and lots of non-pretentious outdoor seating (ie, picnic tables:))
85 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Nachbar
969 Charles StIf you hear music on summer evenings, it might be coming from the NachBar. Just a block away, this neighborhood pub has a great beer selection, live music, and lots of non-pretentious outdoor seating (ie, picnic tables:))
Speak easies are making a comback, and Louisville has a great one! Its near the YUM center on Washington St. The decor and staff are reminiscent of the roaring 20's, but the real star is the bartender! The cocktails are top notch! There is a library, and a couple of secret rooms. Lots of fun!
40 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Hell or High Water
112 W Washington StSpeak easies are making a comback, and Louisville has a great one! Its near the YUM center on Washington St. The decor and staff are reminiscent of the roaring 20's, but the real star is the bartender! The cocktails are top notch! There is a library, and a couple of secret rooms. Lots of fun!
A great hangout! nice patio, pool tables and pub food. No DD needed, less than a mile away.
36 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Barret Bar & Grill
1012 Barret AveA great hangout! nice patio, pool tables and pub food. No DD needed, less than a mile away.
New Orleans inspired cuisine and excellent bourbon bar! From the front of our house, head 3 blocks down Boyle st, and it's on the left. how convenient is that?
56 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
North of Bourbon
935 Goss AveNew Orleans inspired cuisine and excellent bourbon bar! From the front of our house, head 3 blocks down Boyle st, and it's on the left. how convenient is that?
On Esquires 2021 best bars in America list. Now, how can you not go?
15 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Trouble Bar
1149 S Shelby StOn Esquires 2021 best bars in America list. Now, how can you not go?
Neighborhoods
Nulu is just fun. Amazing restaurants: Decca, Mayan Cafe, Grindburger, Feast BBQ, Rye, Royals chicken, Betty's Biscuit Belly ..too many to list. If you're into Bourbon, stop at 'Fine WInes and Bourbons' for tastings. 'Please and Thank You' has the best chocolate chip cookies in Louisville. There is so much in a small area- just a fun vibe! Lots of street festivals too, so check the Louisville events Calendar.
213 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
East Market District
Nulu is just fun. Amazing restaurants: Decca, Mayan Cafe, Grindburger, Feast BBQ, Rye, Royals chicken, Betty's Biscuit Belly ..too many to list. If you're into Bourbon, stop at 'Fine WInes and Bourbons' for tastings. 'Please and Thank You' has the best chocolate chip cookies in Louisville. There is so much in a small area- just a fun vibe! Lots of street festivals too, so check the Louisville events Calendar.
The Highlands in the original 'hippie' neighborhood. Lots of stores and ethnic restaurants for every taste. It's about a mile from our place, and a safe and walkable area. If you stroll too far, just uber home!
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Highlands
The Highlands in the original 'hippie' neighborhood. Lots of stores and ethnic restaurants for every taste. It's about a mile from our place, and a safe and walkable area. If you stroll too far, just uber home!
Old Louisville is a historic district just a couple miles away. It is the third largest such district in the United States, and the largest preservation district featuring almost entirely Victorian architecture. The neighbor hood sits on the site of the Southern Exposition (1883-87), where Thomas Edison first displayed electric lights. If you are into Victorian architecture, this neighborhood will astound you. Make sure and walk St James Court, with its historic fountain and beautiful homes. An unforgettable nite: Enjoy dinner al fresco at Amicis, walk St James Court, then see Shakespeare in the (Central) Park.
53 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Old Louisville
Old Louisville is a historic district just a couple miles away. It is the third largest such district in the United States, and the largest preservation district featuring almost entirely Victorian architecture. The neighbor hood sits on the site of the Southern Exposition (1883-87), where Thomas Edison first displayed electric lights. If you are into Victorian architecture, this neighborhood will astound you. Make sure and walk St James Court, with its historic fountain and beautiful homes. An unforgettable nite: Enjoy dinner al fresco at Amicis, walk St James Court, then see Shakespeare in the (Central) Park.
You are here! The area was settled as small farms and butcher shops by German immigrants in the 1870s. In the 1890's, with the building of cotton and textile mills, the area quickly developed into a working class neighborhood with the largest collection of shotgun houses in Louisville. The area was peppered with local stores and pubs, many still around. In recent years, Germantown (and Schitzelburg, on the other side of Goss ave) have transitioned into the new 'hipster' neighborhood. New restaurants have opened, homes are being rennovated, and theres a new vibrancy to the area. The old cotton and textile mills are now high end apartments and condo's.
35 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Germantown
You are here! The area was settled as small farms and butcher shops by German immigrants in the 1870s. In the 1890's, with the building of cotton and textile mills, the area quickly developed into a working class neighborhood with the largest collection of shotgun houses in Louisville. The area was peppered with local stores and pubs, many still around. In recent years, Germantown (and Schitzelburg, on the other side of Goss ave) have transitioned into the new 'hipster' neighborhood. New restaurants have opened, homes are being rennovated, and theres a new vibrancy to the area. The old cotton and textile mills are now high end apartments and condo's.
Nights to remember
It's thrilling (not scary thrill, though) to walk across the Ohio on the Big 4 Bridge. You can ride bikes, scooters, skates- but no pets! The bridge is the best way to get to the Riverstage in Indiana, which features concerts and summertime flicks. Restaurants abound on 'the sunny side of Louisville'. Another unforgetable night? Walk the bridge to Indiana, dine at the Red Yeti, and enjoy a concert at River Stage. At dusk, the bridge lights up, the Belle of Louisville cruises past, and sometimes there are fireworks from Slugger stadium.
28 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Big Four Pedestrian Bridge
Big Four Pedestrian BridgeIt's thrilling (not scary thrill, though) to walk across the Ohio on the Big 4 Bridge. You can ride bikes, scooters, skates- but no pets! The bridge is the best way to get to the Riverstage in Indiana, which features concerts and summertime flicks. Restaurants abound on 'the sunny side of Louisville'. Another unforgetable night? Walk the bridge to Indiana, dine at the Red Yeti, and enjoy a concert at River Stage. At dusk, the bridge lights up, the Belle of Louisville cruises past, and sometimes there are fireworks from Slugger stadium.
Central Park is in Old Louisville. Its not a large park, but has a small playground for the kids, and great tennis courts. The Shakespeare Festival is held here every summer. (see kyshakespeare.com) There are also various concerts here throughout the year. Want to make memories? Walk St James Court, eat dinner al fresco at Amicis (Ormsby st), then sit in the Park for a play or concert. They do have food/alcohol vendors too.
41 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Central Park
1340 S 4th StCentral Park is in Old Louisville. Its not a large park, but has a small playground for the kids, and great tennis courts. The Shakespeare Festival is held here every summer. (see kyshakespeare.com) There are also various concerts here throughout the year. Want to make memories? Walk St James Court, eat dinner al fresco at Amicis (Ormsby st), then sit in the Park for a play or concert. They do have food/alcohol vendors too.
Local Distilleries
Distilleries are popping up like daisies! We've given what feedback we have on a few of these, but our experience is limited.. So share your experiences with us!
We've heard this is a great tour! But tickets sell out fast, so make your reservations! https://www.angelsenvy.com/
171 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Angel's Envy Distillery
500 E Main StWe've heard this is a great tour! But tickets sell out fast, so make your reservations! https://www.angelsenvy.com/
Rabbit Hole Distillery
711 E Jefferson StCopper & Kings American Brandy Company
1121 E Washington StOld Forester Distilling
119 W Main StKentucky Peerless Distilling Co
120 N 10th StThis was a very interesting tour! Includes the process of distilling, some of Louisville's bourbon history, and a nice tasting room at the end!
168 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Ukuxhumanisa kwe-Evan Williams Bourbon
528 W Main StThis was a very interesting tour! Includes the process of distilling, some of Louisville's bourbon history, and a nice tasting room at the end!
Michter's Shively Distillery
2351 New Millennium DrStitzel-Weller Distillery
3860 Fitzgerald RdJim Beam Urban Stillhouse
404 S 4th StCheck out the 'Creeds' webpage, as they host a lot of events.
36 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Jeptha Creed Distillery
500 Gordon LnCheck out the 'Creeds' webpage, as they host a lot of events.
Hiking/biking/floating
Louisville has a great park system, and is becoming a bike friendli-er community. The areas I've listed are just outside the city, but worth the drive. Please note that 'floating' in the title refers to canoes and kayaks, not swimming.
Charlestown State Park has some light-mod hiking trails. Its about 30 min from Louisville. My favorite is the Rose Island trail, which is actually the only paved route. It goes to Rose Island, and you can walk among the remnants of a by-gone error: the pool, the ferry boat landing...very cool!
21 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Iparke yase-Charlestown
3000 IN-62Charlestown State Park has some light-mod hiking trails. Its about 30 min from Louisville. My favorite is the Rose Island trail, which is actually the only paved route. It goes to Rose Island, and you can walk among the remnants of a by-gone error: the pool, the ferry boat landing...very cool!
Jefferson Memorial Forrest if 6500 acres of happiness just south of Louisville. THere are 35 miles of hiking trails, a lake for fishing, a challenge course, and ziplining.
58 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Jefferson Memorial Forest
11311 Mitchell Hill RoadJefferson Memorial Forrest if 6500 acres of happiness just south of Louisville. THere are 35 miles of hiking trails, a lake for fishing, a challenge course, and ziplining.
THe Parklands is a series of parks linked together to form part of the Louisville Loop- a 100 mile loop around the city (which isn't complete yet). Great walking, biking, canoeing..fields, forests, streams. There is a designated playground/sprayground in one area, and parking at all sites.
42 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
The Parklands of Floyds Fork
Blue Heron RoadTHe Parklands is a series of parks linked together to form part of the Louisville Loop- a 100 mile loop around the city (which isn't complete yet). Great walking, biking, canoeing..fields, forests, streams. There is a designated playground/sprayground in one area, and parking at all sites.
The Greenway is magnificent! Ride your bike down to the Big 4 Bridge, over to Indiana, and exit toward the river's edge. You'll see a path, and it takes you all the way to New Albany. It passes the Fossil beds (worth a stop), and George Rogers Clark home (also worth a stop) Beautiful river scenery. In New Albany, climb the hill to Main st and you'll find some great eateries. If you want to wait until you get back to Jeffersonville, try Adriannes. Only open for breakfast until 1pm , but oh, is it good! (not fancy, not pricey)
13 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Ohio River Greenway
315 Southern Indiana AvenueThe Greenway is magnificent! Ride your bike down to the Big 4 Bridge, over to Indiana, and exit toward the river's edge. You'll see a path, and it takes you all the way to New Albany. It passes the Fossil beds (worth a stop), and George Rogers Clark home (also worth a stop) Beautiful river scenery. In New Albany, climb the hill to Main st and you'll find some great eateries. If you want to wait until you get back to Jeffersonville, try Adriannes. Only open for breakfast until 1pm , but oh, is it good! (not fancy, not pricey)