A Travel Guide to Louisville, Kentucky (curated by Lousiville natives)
Castle & Key
Louisville is one of the most underrated cities in America, in my opinion. My first visit to Derby City was December of 2015 when meeting my future in-laws for the first time. My husband, George, is a Louisville native and comes from a long line of Louisvillians. I love visiting any time of year, but I feel like Kentucky really shines in the spring months with dogwood festivals and, of course, The Kentucky Derby.
Louisville is known for its bourbon and horses, but I’ve also come to learn that Louisville is a very foodie city. From a geographical standpoint, it’s one of Kentucky’s northern-most city (as it shares a border with Indiana) so you’d think it would be more of a midwestern city. However, Kentucky really leans into its southern roots. I think the midwestern flare mixed with southern tradition and culture has heavily influenced the culinary landscape of the city.
The Nunnelley family appreciates good cuisine, so we take our food + drink recommendations seriously. If you're looking for a food + bourbon-focused Louisville travel guide, you've come to the right place. My sister-in-law, Ann, and I worked hard on this travel guide to give you our best recs! Although … it was really hard to pick favorites. There are so many! This Louisville travel guide has been thoughtfully curated by true Louisville natives (aka: my in-laws!).
And, if you only have a SHORT amount of time in Derby City, be sure check these items off of your bucket list:
1. A visit to Churchill Downs + The Kentucky Derby Museum (order a mint julep at the end of your tour!)
2. Sign up for a bourbon tasting. We love Old Forester and Angel's Envy.
3. Dinner at Jack Frys. A family favorite for a multitude of sentimental reasons. The Spicy Fried Oysters are TO DIE FOR.
So, without further ado, here is our complete travel guide to Louisville, Kentucky.
STAY
21 C Museum Hotel || $$$$ Award-winning contemporary art museum and boutique hotel on West Main Street, walkable to Whiskey Row.
The Brown Hotel || $$$. Since 1923, The Brown has been known for “Georgian-Revival elegance and timeless Southern charm” and is rumored to be the very spot where Louisville’s famous sandwich “The Hot Brown” was created. Located in the heart of downtown close to all the hustle and bustle.
Distill || $$$. Whiskey Row’s premier hotel right in the heart of the action! It’s also home to a great steakhouse called Repeal.
The Seelbach Hotel || $$. Another historic Louisville hotel. The Rathskeller in the Seelbach is a neat spot to stop in as well. It’s an old speakeasy that primarily does private events now (so not 100% as to whether it will be open to the public), but is where Al Capone escaped police raids through underground tunnels and supposedly where Scott F. Fitzgerald wrote parts of The Great Gatsby - If you’re a literature buff, you’ll remember that Gatsby met Daisy at a party in Louisville.
Moxy || $$. “Fun meets Southern Hospitality” at The Moxy! You’ll be located right in the middle of downtown on Whiskey Row … and within spitting' distance of the Old Forester Distillery (which you must see)!
The Omni || $$$. This luxe hotel has a speakeasy AND a bowling alley!
TO DO
Kentucky Bourbon Trail. Established in 1999 for bourbon lovers to enjoy “America’s spirit”, the bourbon trail encompases 41 distilleries across the Bluegrass State. Bourbon is booming. Fun Fact: 95% of the world’s Bourbon is produced in Kentucky. People travel from across the country to tour different distilleries around the state. Each spot has their own special spin on the American spirit and beautiful grounds for you to tour.
Bourbon Tour Transportation Options
If you’re looking for a traditional bourbon group tour, we’d recommend Mint Julep Tours. Family friends of the Nunnelleys own the business and will take care of your party!
If you’re interested in seeing a specific set of distilleries with your group, we’d recommend booking a local transportation service.
More Fun Things to Do
MUSEUMS! If you’re looking for some stuff to do around town besides restaurants and bourbon… the Kentucky Derby Museum and Louisville Slugger Museum and are both fantastic! The Derby Museum takes you around the grounds of Churchill Downs - from the gift shop, to the Paddock, to the grandstands and private suites. If you’re lucky, you’ll get a sneak peek at The Mansion, a new invite-only lounge for the most esteemed guests. The tour begins with an awesome introductory video in the theater and ends with an opportunity to sip on a Mint Julep in the bar. The Slugger Museum dives into the process of making the #1 bat in Major League Baseball - from the selection and cutting of the wood to the final product. You’ll also get a chance to purchase your own personalized bat.
The Speed Art Museum is also a wonderful way to spend a few hours for the art connoisseurs among us.
The Big Four Pedestrian Bridge
The walking bridge spans from Louisville to Jeffersonville, IN and offers great views of downtown! If you decide to check it out during the colder months, be sure to bundle up because the wind picks up over the river. Check out Parlour for beer and snack on the other side before strolling back to town.
Strolling around NuLu and popping in and out of shops is always a fun afternoon activity. Be sure to stop in Clayton & Crume for custom leather goods (and a beautiful store).
Recommended Restaurants
Louisville has become a foodie destination over the past few decades and boasts an incredible variety of yummy eats all over the city. Here is a selection of some of our favs. We indicated the spots you will likely need a reservation with an asterisk.
Dressed Up
Jack Fry's*- Louisville staple and Nunnelley family favorite
Decca* - New American food and cocktails, typically has live music
Brooklyn and the Butcher* - Steakhouse in Downtown New Albany
Repeal* - Excellent steakhouse and bourbon in Hotel Distil
Proof on Main* - Art-centric restaurant inside the 21 C Museum Hotel
Le Chasse* - French and Spanish cuisine in a cozy setting on Bardstown Road
Porcini* - Award-winning Italian restaurant located in the Historic Crescent Hill neighborhood
Volare - Locally-owned fine Italian cuisine
More Casual
Noche* - Fantastic authentic Mexican BBQ in an old church on Bardstown Road
Sarino* - Homemade, modern Italian fare
La Bodeguita* - New Cuban spot in NuLu - make reservations ASAP because this place is boppin
Seviche - Great Latin food and cocktails
Game - Dining hall specializing in exotic wild game
Agave & Rye - Tacos, tequila, and bourbon hall
Gralehaus - Must-have breakfast and coffee spot on Bardstown Road
North of Bourbon - Brand new cocktail bar and restaurant on Goss Ave right across from the Old Antique Mall
Joy Luck - Excellent Asian fusion fare on Bardstown Road
Super Casual
Galaxie - Carry out tacos and margs in NuLu - dance club in the back after hours
Momma's Mustard, Pickles & BBQ - Excellent wings
Hammerheads - Hole-in-the-wall with excellent sandwiches and ribs
Wick's Pizza - Classic Louisville pizza joint
Butchertown Grocery Bakery - Coffee shop and bakery in Butchertown
Please & Thank You - Coffee shop and cookie bar (get the chocolate chip cookie)
Wagner’s - You’re going to have to find this one on Google Maps. It’s an old-school classic and still a functioning pharmacy. All of the horse owners and jockeys eat breakfast here before the races.
Shady Lane - Mother of all sandwiches. There will probably be a lunchtime line. It’s worth it, I promise.
Monnik Beer Co. - A brewery and German eaterie. Ann recommends the burger.
The Post - Just a really, really solid Germantown pizza spot
Heine Bros Coffee - A Louisville coffee chain that should NOT be missed.
Recommended for Drinks
Note: Official drink of the Kentucky Derby is the mint julep (click HERE for a recipe), and the official drink of Louisville is the Old Fashioned.
Gertie's Whiskey Bar - Excellent cocktail bar and speakeasy in NuLu Marketplace
The Champagnery* - Upscale bar with bubbles, bourbon, and charcuterie
Garage Bar - Great spot in NuLu to hang out and grab drinks and snacks - pick up games of ping pong are encouraged
Pin + Proof - Speakeasy and bowling in the Omni downtown
21 C Hotel Bar Louisville - Bar and contemporary art museum
Shenanigans - Local favorite! Irish pub
West 6th Brewing - Fun brewery in NuLu Marketplace
TEN20 Craft Brewery - Butchertown brewery with lots of room to hang out
Gravely Brewing Co. - Great brewery on Baxter Ave
Monnik Beer Co. - Germantown brewery with to-die-for beer cheese
High Horse Bar - Laid back saloon walkable to NuLu with live music and dancing on the weekends
Atrium Brewing - Great spot for a brew with a big patio and shady rooftop
Taj Louisville - Divey, pub-style bar in NuLu with a big back patio and a fun weekend vibe
8 Up Elevated Drinkery & Kitchen - Rooftop bar with a view of downtown!
Distilleries
Urban Bourbon - If you are interested in the bourbon trail but don’t want to make the hike outside the city (or are worried about a DD…) The Urban Bourbon might be the trail for you! Check out these in-town distilleries for a full day - or a few hours - of fun. Be sure to book your tours well in advance.
Old Forester - Absolute classic! New distillery in the original Old Forester building on Whiskey Row. Must see!
Angel’s Envy - Excellent bourbon just steps away from NuLu
Copper & Kings - A little different with a focus on brandy, gin, and absinthe
Michter's Fort Nelson - Another great in-town tour right across from the Louisville Slugger Museum
Jim Beam - Not necessarily “Urban”, but just a quick 30min drive down I-65. Jim Beam is definitely worth a tour, especially if you aren’t planning a full day on the Bourbon Trail in Lexington but still want a flavor for the Kentucky spirit (pun intended).
The Trail - If you have one shot at the bourbon trail, be sure to hit these spots
Woodford Reserve - Again, such a classic and absolutely gorgeous property.
Maker’s Mark - Another gorgeous Kentucky property. You have the option to dip your own bottle!
Buffalo Trace - Must see and the variety is impressive!
Castle & Key - New to the trail so their bourbon is still maturing, but they have two great varieties of Rye. Located in the Old Taylor Distillery, the tour is incredible and the grounds are stunning. Excellent gin and vodka as well!
Wallace Station - NOT a distillery, but a great spot to stop for lunch on the trail! Plus the drive down Old Frankfort Pike is worth it.
Enjoy your time in Derby City and best of luck at the horse races (always).
Suggest Blog Posts:
A LOUISVILLE CLASSIC :: OLD FORESTER DISTILLERY
Garage Bar
Gerties
Heine Bros Coffee
Repeal
Please & Thank You
