In recent years, Louisville has gone from having the reputation as a “hidden gem” on the dining and entertainment scene to being duly recognized as one of the best cities in the U.S. for unique restaurants and bars. And of course, the spotlight shines brightest on Kentucky’s biggest (some would say only) city during Kentucky Derby Presented by Woodford Reserve week.
After 2020, when the Derby was postponed until September and held without fans, and then 2021 with on-track attendance restrictions in place due to the pandemic, the 2022 Derby brought activity back to full tilt, and this year promises to be no different as tens of thousands of visitors from all around the world descend on “da Ville” for a week of merriment.
Here are some restaurant and bar options to consider during the week leading up to Derby 2023.
Buck’s qualifies as an institution in Louisville, celebrating its 31st year in operation in 2023. Located in the heart of Old Louisville in the historic Mayflower building, roughly halfway between Churchill Downs and downtown, it offers an expertly crafted continental menu and old-school, elegant ambience.
This is a new outpost of the original Lou Lou in Louisville’s St. Matthews neighborhood. Located downtown in the hip NuLu district, Lou Lou on Market focuses on a New Orleans-inspired menu and has STAVE, a bourbon bar with live jazz, in the basement.
One of Louisville’s longest running Asian restaurants, August Moon serves Chinese cuisine with Southeast Asian influences in relaxed, inviting surroundings including a patio. It also has one of the best Happy Hour deals in town: $7 small plates from 4-6:30 p.m.
Near the eastern entrance to the hip Germantown neighborhood on Goss Ave., Four Pegs is one of quite a few “corner bar” joints in an area spanning several blocks that’s alive with activity. This one has a great selection of craft beers and a tasty pub grub menu featuring wings, spare ribs, burgers, and more. Proprietor Chris Williams also runs the Café 502 BBQ food truck.
This “natural wine & dive” bar is a new addition to Louisville’s eclectic food and drink community, opening last fall. It’s part of the emerging Shelby Park neighborhood next to Germantown and shares a building with sister establishment the Breeze, a retail wine and coffeeshop. Offering late-night food and sporting a cool 45-foot long custom made bar, it’s a great, chill spot to wind down an evening of revelry during Derby week.
