Winter 2022 (Vol 76)

RESTAURANT GUIDE

Dining Guide

Our comprehensive list of Louisville eateries is a unique and essential tool for area diners.

Maps (RESTAURANT LOCATOR)

Location is everything for diners and for restaurateurs — and our one-of-a kind maps cover the entire Metro region.

FEATURES

PROFILE

| Watch Hill Proper

A wildly creative chef and 1600 bourbons beckons pilgrims traveling the Bourbon Trail.

PROFILE | Barn8

History, horses, bourbon, farm-to-table cuisine and a sustainable vision come together in Goshen.

COLUMNS

Starters

COMINGS & GOINGS

A summary of changes in the local restaurant scene — with openings, closings, changes and more.

THE LOCAL | Kern’s Korner

A true neighborhood tavern traces its legacy to the end of Prohibition.

Liquids

BAR BELLE | Tequila South of the border

Our Bar Belle delves deep into the mysteries of tequila — and becomes a convert.

HIP HOPS | Global cuisine calls for thoughtful pairings

Our columnist calls for new pairing principles that reflect the full range of international cuisines.

SPIRITS | Fireside sipping

“Book” bourbons — the most complex to be found — are well-suited to wintry fireside contemplation.

COCKTAIL CONTESSA | Mingle your way to 2023

The next few festive months — from now through Val/Galentine’s Day — call for flavorful, fun cocktails. Here’s how to mix them up.

Food

COOKING

WITH RON | Put a pie in your pocket…

Hand pies — whether sweet or savory — are staples around the world. And with store-bought crusts, they’re simple to prepare.

EASY ENTERTAINING | A taste of Easy E cookbooks

Throw a no-stress holiday party by sticking to the simple things! The Lairds show you how it’s done.

comings goings &

BY ROGER BAYLOR

As prelude to our final quarterly compendium of 2022, let’s look back to F&D’s Winter edition in 2019. Three years ago Ron Mikulak’s tally of openings (130) and closings (77) of restaurants in the magazine’s coverage area was followed by a comment: “All in all, the listings in our guide at the back of the magazine currently total 1,437. When Food & Dining published its first issue in 2003, there were 817.”

Since 2019 we’ve endured the COVID pandemic, unprecedented supply chain disruptions, a shrinking labor force, nagging inflation, and what can only be described as daily industry insider pessimism exceeding all previous norms. And yet, here we are.

As 2022 comes to a close, we’ve seen 114 openings and 72 closings, with 1,481 restaurant listings patiently waiting your perusal in the back of the magazine. We’re also tracking 47 restaurants planning to launch during the next three to six months.

Major league baseball recently reported that attendance in 2022 “almost” matched pre-pandemic levels. The same appears to be true with food and dining in Louisville, although we’re also witnessing an ongoing evolution.

Business hours seem shorter, costs and prices are up, and shortages of staff suggest an “adapt or perish” approach, as with Tandoori Fusion, which recently “hired” a robot to deliver food and bus tables. Let’s take a closer look.

COMINGS

Our assessment starts not with an opening, but a continuance, because in the Fall issue of F&D we erroneously reported that Ada’s Kitchen & Catering (downtown at 214 W. Broadway) “wasn’t coming back” following the death of its legendary matriarch, Ada Smith.

In fact the eatery paused only briefly for bereavement, and is still ser ving home-cooked comfort food to an adoring public. Smith’s children, Willie Smith (kitchen) and Gayle Briscoe (front of the house), run Ada’s with the help of the founder’s grandchildren and other family members. The legacy lives on.

It’s a 20-minute drive from downtown Louisville to Caesars Southern Indiana (11999 Casino Center Dr. SE, Elizabeth, IN), where Gordon Ramsay Steak will replace Jack Binion’s Steakhouse in midDecember 2022. The Scotsman, familiar to millions from his television appearances and worldwide restaurant empire, brings a trademark flair to SoIN, with signature dishes (Beef Wellington, Sticky Toffee Pudding) alongside dry-aged steaks, seafood and locallysourced specials.

Situated at 712 Brent St. in revitalizing Paristown, The Village Market is a new-school food hall, bringing five independent restaurants into a collective service area with a house-run bar. The new concepts are Sarap Filipino Eatery, Taco Rito (flex-Mex) and Ramble (fried chicken sandwiches), while Bunz Restaurant (smash

burgers) relocated from Baxter Avenue expressly to join the hall, and Jeff’s Donuts opened their fifth location here.

A stone’s throw from Paristown, Norma Jean’s Baked Goods (821 E. Broadway) offers a seemingly limitless array of cakes, cookies, brownies, chess bars, and honey buns. Nearby in Irish Hill, the veteran operators behind High Horse Bar and Darling’s have revived the much-loved Spring Street Bar & Grill (300 S. Spring St.). The original iteration closed in 2020 upon the owners’ retirement, but the chicken wings, Blue Ribbon and televised sports are as if they never left.

Downtown near 4th Street Live! and the Seelbach Hotel, Parlay (416 W. Muhammad Ali Blvd.) is opening an upscale sports bar in December. Virtue Bar & Lounge (1971 Brownsboro Rd.) left downtown for Clifton, expanding its kitchen in the process. They sell 1,000 pounds of chicken wings weekly. ‘Nuff said.

Fowl ‘n’ ale are the focus at Waldo’s Chicken & Beer (10700 Meeting St.), a concept originating in Tennessee and alighting in Nor ton Commons courtesy of the Endeavor Restaurant Group. Right around the corner at Empanadas Alchemy (10640 Meeting St.), Venezuelan-Latin fusion food — pepitos, patacones, arepas and yes, empanadas – awaits in the former Mercato space.

Sushi tacos, anyone? In the South End, the owners of Blue Bay Seafood & Sushi (4322 Poplar Level Rd.) have combined various ele-

ments of their previous Hibachi Sushi Buffet and Ville Chicken & Seafood into a new amalgamation.

Indian street food purveyor Honest Restaurant died so Sankalp Louisville (9008 Taylorsville Rd.) might live. It’s a chain based in India that boasts Guinness Book of World Records recognition for the world’s longest dosa, and posts a lengthy menu of specialty curries.

Ten20 Craft Brewery’s profile expanded with the opening of a Highlands taproom at 2200 Bardstown Rd. (MozzaPi bakes pizzas on site), and with plans to cross state lines into the Clarksville riverfront in 2023. Epiphany Barrel House (1525 Highland Ave.) will brew onsite in 2023. Until then, the Highlands brewery offers farm-to-bar craft cocktails and creative bar snacks.

Just before Thanksgiving, a Louisville Business First news item listed the “best coffee cities in the country” based on criteria gleaned from independent and small chain coffee shops. Louisville’s combined score was the highest overall.

Perhaps this helps explain the seven new coffee (or tea) dispensaries openings since the last issue: Dad’s Coffee (2204 Dundee Rd., in the Highlands), Fresco Tea Bar (2441 State St. in New Albany), Haraz Coffee House (655 Fourth St., downtown), Honey Depot and Coffee House (10512 Watterson Trl., Jeffersontown), Ntaba Coffee Haus (2860 Packerland Way, Okolona), Quills Coffee Shop (10501 Watterson Trl., Jeffersontown), and Sunergos Coffee (3922 Willis Ave., St. Matthews).

Coffee pairs with breakfast, right? The aforementioned Endeavor group established a second Louisville area Big Bad Breakfast (from Mississippi) near the Gene Snyder at 5050 Norton Healthcare Blvd., where Corbett’s: An American Place used to be, while Biscuit Belly inaugurated its newest location further south at 13301 Shelbyville Rd., former home of Yang Kee Noodle.

Elsewhere, churros meet corned beef hash at Sleepy Rooster Morning Kitchen (2204 State St., New Albany), from the creators of Señor Iguanas and La Catrina, fusing Mexican and American breakfast, br unch and lunch traditions. Jeffersonville-based Jeff’s Donuts didn’t restrict its Louisville expansion to Village Market, opening a shop at 6405 Bardstown Rd., which joins locations in St. Matthews and the Hurstbourne corridor.

Representing the polar opposite of doughnuts, regional greens chain Vinaigrette Salad Kitchen added a spot at 4037 Summit Plaza Dr. in Springhurst, and Lueberry Acai (“healthy, handy and high-powered”) jumped into the St. Matthews Mall (5000 Shelbyville Rd.). Also, the healthier-leaning Tropical Smoothie Café (5023 Mud Ln.) chain established a second Louisville store in the South End.

Lastly, there are now seven Chipotle Mexican Grills in our coverage area with additions in the East End (7710 Bardstown Rd.) and in New Albany (2133 State St.).

GOINGS

The Cottage Inn’s fried chicken livers and Salisbury steak are “86-ed” since the end of its lengthy residency (founded 1929!) at 570 Eastern Parkway. The building and components are now for sale, “turnkey.” Got a half-million? You’re in.

Louisville also lost a fabled local bakery when Breadworks, dating to 1995, shuttered its wholesale kitchen and retail locations at 2204 Dundee Rd. (since replaced by Dad’s Coffee) and 3628 Brownsboro Rd.

Occupying the premises of the iconic Another Place Sandwich

Shop at 119 S. Seventh St., Against the Grain Sandwich Emporium was minted to ride a post-pandemic downtown wave, which hasn’t yet materialized. Not far away in Shelby Park, Red Top Gourmet Hot Dogs launched in 2018 as a food truck that came inside (1127 Logan St.) but improving commercial prospects there have suggested a new non-wiener concept.

In the Highlands, vegan fare specialist Flora Kitchenette (1004 Barret Ave.) closed in late 2020, was revived by new owners, but recently ceased operations.

Points east: Sal’s Pizza & Wings (812 Lyndon Ln.), a pizzeria known for its fried cod sandwich, closes in December 2022 when owner Scott Canfield retires. European-style street sweets purveyor Liège & Dair y Ice Cream + Waffles (2212 Holiday Manor Ctr.) halted after four years, citing lease issues.

Ranging to the south side, the fire was extinguished at Double Flame Burgers (5408 Valley Station Rd.), which in 2023 will become the new home of Barry’s Cheesesteaks. Babie Bac’z Good Grill (8533 Terry Rd.) closed its bricks ‘n’ mortar following a six-year run, but hopes to return as a food truck.

In closing the “goings” section, some restaurants closed one location but have others still open: Ramsi’s Café On The World — the Norton Commons outpost (10639 Meeting St.) closed; the iconic Highlands eatery is still going strong after 28 years. Royals Hot Chicken —the Middletown site (10310 Shelbyville Rd.) closed; the original NuLu Royals is still frying. Biscuit Belly —the Colonial Gardens space (818 W. Kenwood Dr.) closed; three other locations are still serving. Monnik Beer Co. — the downtown New Albany brewpub (415 Bank St.) closed; the original Germantown operation is still pouring. Red Robin Gourmet Burgers — the Clarksville branch (1354 Veterans Pkwy.) closed; Springhurst and Mall St. Matthews remain open. Bubbakoo’s Burritos — the St. Matthews spot (4214 Shelbyville Rd.) shuttered; the Factory Lane spot is still rolling them up.

MOVES & CHANGES

Toki Masubuchi’s eclectic culinary fusion is simultaneously adventurous and rooted in tradition, and with the original Dragon King’s Daughter’s late autumnmove to much larger digs in the Highlands at the former Café Mimosa (1543 Bardstown Rd.) her vision has fresh room to breathe.

Louisville’s gluten- and peanut-free specialist, The Silly Axe Café, moved from Dundee Loop in the Highlands to Shelby Park’s Logan Street Market, with a new “celiac’s chicken shack” menu, albeit retaining some vegetarian and vegan items. As previously noted, Bunz Restaurant (969 Baxter Ave.) shifted its smash burger prowess from Baxter Avenue to Village Market food hall (712 Brent St.).

Long-running Napa (1211 Herr Ln., Westport Village) shed “River Grille,” remodeled and updated its menu to reflect developments beyond the Pacific Rim. Relax; your fave Pad Thai remains.

Owner/Chef Charles Reed ceased service at Melba’s Culinary Canvas (downtown at 430 W. Jefferson St.) and will reemerge in NuLu in early 2023 at 620 E. Market St., the former home of Toast on Market. Similarly, Hi-Five Doughnuts (1011 E. Main St.) enjoyed five successful years in Butchertown, but has closed and will be relocating to the Douglass Loop (1940 Harvard Dr.) in the Highlands sometime in early 2023.

And, Blaze Fast-Fire’d Pizza will move from 4600 Shelbyville Rd. to 4848 Shelbyville Rd. to add a pickup-window. F&D

BY MARTY ROSEN

TheLocal

TheLocal TheLocal

Kern’s Korner A Timeless Tavern

On December 5, 1933, the 21st Amendment to the U.S. Constitution was ratified — and Prohibition ended. Over the next several months, state and city governments were busy figuring out how to restart the adult beverage business — the legal business, that is. So, all over the country cities were establishing licensing procedures and fees. In Louisville, in March 1934, city leaders were trying to find the sweet spot for fees. According to The Courier-Journal story, their goal was to keep the licensing fees low enough to discourage illegal bootlegging, but high enough to regulate the growth of the business.

It must have been a hectic year for the folks issuing licenses. Licensed facilities were popping up all over the city. One of the folks who got a license that year was William F. Kern — who opened Kern’s Place at what was then the intersection of Michigan Drive and Portland Avenue.

Fast forward nearly 90 years and hop across town to Bardstown Road and you’ll see a sign for Kern’s Korner. It’s one of those places so local that even locals don’t know about it, except for passing by its unassuming sign day after day.

In a world fueled by an epidemic of attention deficit disorder, Kern’s is a place where attention is always paid. Walk in, you’ll be noticed. Sit at the bar, you’ll be seen. Speak, and you’ll be heard. Order a drink, you’ll be served. Dip a spoon into a bowl of soup or chili, you will taste the living memory of an old family recipe that is still honored. Watch closely as the cook grills your burger (which by the way is freshly ground chuck from Kingsley’s Meats, a few blocks away), you’ll see a legendary cook’s trick that’s mostly been forgotten for decades (the thumb press).

These days, when the search for “mindfulness” is a marketing cliché and the object of exotic pilgrimages, it seems incongruous to find it at a neighborhood pub in a slice of bologna fried crisp and caramelized, but at Kern’s every dish tells a story. And that fried bologna can be had on an extreme burger called the “Krutz” (or the Double Krutz) that was invented and named for an aspiring high school football player whose coaches had advised him to put on some pounds — pounds that landed him a scholarship to the University of Cincinnati, as well as a place on the menu.

The Krutz is a pretty extravagant sandwich, but anything conjured from that kitchen — the Kern Klub, the sandwiches, a lively beer cheese with a pretzel, grilled chicken breast, chili dog, the “K Boy” (a classic double-decker with a house-made sauce), even a simple grilled cheese — has a sense of intention and connection.

Kern’s Korner was opened at this location in 1978 by Bob Kern, Sr. and his wife Doris (whose recipes are still strictly followed). And the founding is a story of its own. Mr. Kern had been working for the old Falls City Brewing Company when it closed, and he found himself at loose ends. A group of friends at St. Raphael’s Catholic Church came together around a communitarian idea that continues to shape the legacy of the place.

The idea was that Mr. Kern should open a tavern — for them, as much as for the neighborhood. They banded together to invest in shares and gave Mr. Kern first right to purchase shares if anyone wanted to redeem them. With those funds, Kern purchased a place

The Local celebrates the places that make Louisville Metro feel like home, whether old or new, traditional or innovative.

called Godfrey’s, which became Kern’s — and those folks and their families became regulars. Over time, all the shares came back to Kern (indeed, some of the shareholders actually declined to accept any interest on their investment).

In time, the business passed to the next generation, two brothers, Bob Kern, Jr. and the late Jeff Kern (a famously gregarious and witty storyteller who passed away in August).

But the brothers shared a passion for maintaining the original sense of community. “It was always the goal,” said Bob Kern, Jr., “to keep it a place where people come in and talk. We never had the music blaring. We had the TVs on and people just talked about sports or the news. It was always an atmosphere where you could talk to someone easily without having to shout it out. It was personally always my goal just to have just a neighborhood joint — that’s what I love.”

That and the food.

Bob, Jr. recalled that his mother, who had grown up the daughter of a police officer in the West End, was a home cook who had never worked in a commercial kitchen. “When they started,” he said, “Mom had never done anything like that. She just became dad’s cook until they could grow and bring a cook in. But she’d sit back there and cook. She had to, because they had to work to survive. And they felt so indebted to the people that backed them that they just wanted to make sure that everything was perfect.”

“Perfect” is still the right word. In an era when most so-called “home-cooked” food is counterfeit, Doris’s recipes are the real thing. Even items as seemingly mundane as tuna salad have a special quality. Then there is the cheeseburger ( F&D awarded it Best Bar Burger in 2017 and LEO named it Burger of the Year in 2021), chili, and soups — all bona fide legends. On a cold winter day, don’t delay in your quest for chili or chicken noodle soup, or one of the rotating soups — vegetable, bean (flavored with ham hocks from Kingsley’s), chicken Baja, or clam chowder on Friday. When they’re gone, they are gone. All the food prep takes place in sight behind the bar, where a smallish grill sits in the corner. That grill has been there for decades — and among customers and staff it has a legendary mystique.

At Kern’s it’s pretty common that the person who takes your order may also prepare your food. That might be Wyatt Gray, who grew up visiting Kern’s with family, dropping by with his dad after swimming at Lakeside, and has been tending bar and cooking at Kern’s for about ten years.

Gray is one who admires the grill. “A lot of people think what makes a great burger is the person cooking it. And we all do a great job of that. But in my opinion, I think it’s the grill. It’s a grill that’s been here for probably the past 40 years. And you know I’ve taken the same stuff that we have here to make our cheeseburgers — the same meat, lettuce, tomatoes… all that and I’ll do it at my house on the grill. And it doesn’t taste the same. It’s still a good burger, but it just isn’t the same.”

“We had a customer today who is 75,” said Gray. “He’s been coming in since he was 45. And he said the burgers taste the same now as when he first started coming here.”

Pretty much everybody associated with Kern’s has a keen desire to keep things the same.

In 2016, Clay Shulhafer bought the business. Like Gray, he’d pretty much grown up around Kern’s dining with family as a youngster and visiting with friends from the 80s on. Later, he left town to play tennis in college, returned home and built a career as a teaching tennis pro. But he always kept a connection to Kern’s, taking a shift now and then, working on rainy days in the summer. “I was like the sixth man,” said Shulhafer. “I’d come off the bench when they needed me.”

Then, in 2016, after a shoulder surgery, he talked to Bob Kern, Jr. “He’s always been sort of a mentor to me, somebody I could go to for advice,” said Shulhafer. And that discussion eventually resulted in the sale.

“We decided that I would be an understudy for a year,” said Shulhafer. “That way I could really understand the business, see how everything works, and decide whether I really wanted to do it.”

It turned out to be a great fit. Shulhafer says owning Kern’s is much like being a tennis pro, and arguably less daunting: “I get to Kern’s 7 days a week at 7 in the morning. Some people might think that’s a lot, but for twenty years I was a tennis pro, starting early in the morning, tending to clay courts, and working outside 12 hours a day, sometimes in 100degree heat.”

For Shulhafer as an owner — as with the other folks I talked to — the key to Kern’s is keeping it as it is. “My whole deal when I took it over was ‘don’t screw it up.’ Kern’s is a place where you can walk in as a total stranger. And the next thing you know you’re gonna have a conversation with the bartender and the next thing you know you’re talking to 7 or 8 people, and then you leave 4 hours later with a bunch of new friends, and next time you’re in town or in the neighborhood you’re back again.”

Shulhafer continued, “That’s really why it’s been so successful. It’s a fun place to be and I like being there. Why would I change anything?”

I’m not a regular, but I never walk out of Kern’s without a spring in my step and a sense that I should be fulfilled, partly because the homemade cooking is tremendous, but mostly because for the moment I feel like I’ve just been in one of those old storybook neighborhood bars that are gone from the landscape. F&D

The BarBelle Belle

Worming my way into tequila south of the border

BY SARA HAVENS AKA THE BAR BELLE

Just a few months ago, I found myself in an unfamiliar land sipping on a very familiar spirit. The temperature was warm, the landscape was dotted with prickly but pretty blue plants, the natives were welcoming, and the language was not my own. I was deep in the heart of Mexico, sipping on some tasty tequila in the town of Tequila, located in the state of Jalisco.

I learned before I left Kentucky that the J in Jalisco should sound like an H. Armed with that knowledge and the ever-so-important words I can recall from high school Spanish — cervesa, baño, gracias, biblioteca and Crunchwrap Supreme — I felt I was ready to experience an exciting country steeped in history and tacos.

The purpose of the trip was to learn all about making tequila the old-fashioned way, courtesy of the high-quality and competent team at Tequila Fortaleza, a premium brand of tequila. The press trip included about 10 journalists who are known for their spirits writing and social media presence, and I was honored to be among them.

Since bourbon is my drink of choice, I felt like I could use a crash course in all things tequila and learn to appreciate the spirit more than I did in my lick-it-slam-it-suck-it college days. And I certainly did learn a lifetime of knowledge on this amazing three-day trip and will no longer be licking or slamming any tequila for the fore-

seeable future. Just like bourbon, it’s best sipped slowly with intention and gratitude.

I flew into the big and frenzied city of Guadalajara, where I connected with some other writers and the cool dudes from Fortaleza. They took us to lunch at a quaint restaurante near a market that had a legit and legendary mariachi band. We snacked on delicious tacos, quesadillas and even a bottle of tequila, which was served with freshly cut oranges and limes and even a bowl full of sea salt (I thought only Americans needed training wheels). Of course most at the table didn’t touch the condiments, but I love me some oranges, so I went to town adding a little citrus to my straight tequila.

Later that afternoon, we made our way to the town of Tequila, about an hour’s drive from Guadalajara, where there are more distilleries than solid pavement. The cobblestone streets were bumpy to say the least, but the upside is we really got a chance to take in the town as our van crawled along at 2 mph.

Tequila is like the Bardstown of Mexico — it’s the epicenter of tequila production. And just like bourbon, tequila has a set of rules to follow in order to call it tequila. The two most important ones are: It must be made from at least 51% blue agave (although, in my opinion, you only want to drink tequilas that say 100% agave on the label); and it can only be made in the Mexican states of Jalisco (don’t say the J!), Michoacán, Tamaulipas, Nayarit and Guanajuato.

And the last lesson of Tequila 101 are the types. Blanco/silver means the tequila is unaged — came off the still and went right into the bottle after being proofed down. Reposado means aged in a used (most likely bourbon) barrel for a minimum of two months. Añejo means aged for a minimum of 12 months in a barrel. Any questions? Ask Google.

Back to my little jaunt south of the border. The Tequila Fortaleza property was simply stunning. The brand prides itself on making tequila the old-fashioned way, and the only thing somewhat modern in their distilling process is the electric vehicle that takes the place of a mule

for pushing around a huge stone wheel that mashes up the cooked agave plants — now called piñas — in the tahona pit.

All three of Fortaleza’s core brands — blanco, repesado and añejo — are 100% agave, and the distillery owns acres of blue agave fields, which we got to check out firsthand with owner Don Guillermo, the first real cowboy I’ve ever met. Guillermo and his crew monitor the agave fields daily, and they know exactly which ones are ready for tequila-makin’. Fun fact: An agave plant has to age 7 to 9 years before it’s ready to be made into tequila.

Of course during our time we became extremely familiar with all three Fortaleza brands because it was basically served at every meal. And that’s not a complaint. We also got a chance to try the new Winter Blend the distillery releases each year, and we spent our last night drinking in a boozy bat cave on the property. The trip gave me a whole new respect for tequila, but don’t worry, I’m still a bourbon girl at heart.

Old Bar, New Bar

So many bars have opened and closed since the last issue that I can’t keep track. Yes, I know it’s my job to become intimately familiar with all Louisville bars, but I don’t get around like I once did … except when I’m south of the border … and that’s what she said. But when some of my favorite spots close down only to reopen like a phoenix rising from the ashes, I take notice. So if you haven’t visited these new old places, I suggest you break your routine and careen for a new scene.

First up is one of my favorite spots, the beloved Spring Street Bar & Grill. Revived by the crew that also owns High Horse, Darlings and The Corridor, Spring Street lives again for all the sports and chicken wings you can muster. All the clutter is gone, but what’s left is a decent, cozy spot with cold beer, damn-fine pub grub and questionable bathrooms. Seems like the perfect ingredients for a dive bar.

Next is another one of my old haunts, Left Field Lounge. It closed for a month or two before being resurrected by new management. Shooting pool and Jager just wouldn’t be the same without LFL. F&D

BY RON MIKULAK | PHOTOS BY ANDY HYSLOP

It seems that every world cuisine has a class of dishes that involve stuffing some sort of dough with fillings sweet and savory. In Mexico it’s the empanada. Pierogies are found throughout Central, Eastern, and Southern Europe. In Greece, phyllo pastry cloaks spanakopitas

The Republic of Georgia, which sits at one of the western ends of the ancient Silk Road has the khinkali, and at the eastern end of that route the Chinese snack on eggrolls, potstickers, steamed buns and a myriad of other concoctions.

So it’s not surprising that even American cuisine has a native version of stuffed dough: the hand pie. After all, the hand pie is basically an empanada filled with a sweet fruit filling.

What distinguishes all these dishes from one another is the filling. Otherwise, the construction techniques are pretty much the same.

For our purposes, supermarket refrigerated pie crusts are convenient, and work just fine for most jobs, though packages of this can be in short supply at grocery stores during the holiday season. If you’re looking for locally made artisanal pie dough, check out Blue Dog Bakery & Café, which usually has it in the cold case.

With the supermarket dough, I press it slightly. Thickness, of course, depends on what I am making — experience is the best teacher here, but this is a pretty forgiving medium — it’s hard to go very wrong. For all these recipes I use a set of plastic flipper/crispers that I found at a yard sale (more on my yard sale finds will be in the Spring issue). These flippers work very well for the hand pie, adequately for the fried ravioli, but the smallest size crimper is a bit unwieldy for making reasonably sized tortellini — which really requires handwork, as I note in the tortellini recipe.

Tortellini in Brodo

Once you feel a bit comfortable about playing with the pie dough, it’s efficient and fun to make all three of the suggested fillings at once. Slowly sauté thinly sliced apples or peaches that have been sprinkled with brown sugar and a dash of cinnamon, stirring occasionally. Decide on your preferred ravioli filling and cook that. Then let it sit while you mix together one cup of ricotta cheese, a quarter cup of grated Parmesan and a quarter cup Asiago.

Those are your fillings. Now turn your attention to the dough.

The technique is simple: From your flat sheet of dough, cut out a circle that overlaps inside slightly for the cutter you’re working with. Brush the edges with beaten egg. Spoon your filling onto the dough. Top it with another layer of dough, and cook as specified. The specifics are in each recipe.

My largest plastic crimper turned out to be the perfect size for making a fruit-filled hand pie. I had some frozen peaches given to me by a friend, so though I had planned to make apple hand pies at first, I decided on a peach filling, but the process is the same regardless.

Tortellini in Brodo (Serves 6)

The idea of tortellini, cheese-filled pasta folded into a cute little shape, appealed to me, But the next time I want tortellini, I’ll buy it at a market. Still, this is what I did.

For the tortellini filling:

1 refrigerated pie crust ½ cup of ricotta cheese ¼ cup grated Parmesan ¼ cup grated Asiago

In a medium bowl combine ricotta, Parmesan and Asiago cheeses. Cut dough into appropriately sized units, rather small. Fill with a small quantity of cheese mixture and fold over. With wet fingers, fold over the corners and press together tightly. Set aside.

For the broth:

2 cups chicken stock 1 carrot, peeled and diced 2 celery sticks, cut into ½-inch pieces 1 onion, peeled and chopped

Fried Ravioli

In a medium size pot add chicken stock and add all vegetables. Cook on medium-high until vegetables are tender, about 15 to 20 minutes. Add the tortellini and cook until the tortellini float to the top, about 6 to 8 minutes.

Fried Ravioli (Serves 6)

We usually think of ravioli as cooked soft like pasta and served with a tomato sauce. But ravioli can be fried crisply and served as a hand-held appetizer with dipping sauces. And that is what I tried here.

1 refrigerated pie crust

½ cup onion

¼ cup celery

¼ cup chopped carrot

½ cup ground meat (pork or beef)

½ cup cooking oil

Bread crumbs

In a medium saucepan combine chopped onions, chopped celery, and chopped carrot. Cook at medium heat until vegetables are soft. Add chopped meat such as ground pork (which I had in the freezer) or ground beef and sauté

until brown. Remove from heat and allow to cool uncovered at room temperature for 30 minutes.

Heat about a half cup of oil in the skillet. Cut the dough into the size you wish and fill with the cooled meat and vegetables. Brush edges with beaten egg, top with another layer of dough and crimp the edges tightly. Brush lightly with water and with breadcrumbs. Fry until nicely browned on both sides.

Serve with dipping sauces. I used a tomato pasta sauce and a mixture of mayonnaise with wasabi.

Fruit Hand Pie

(Serves 4)

For the filling:

1 refrigerated pie crust

2 medium size Granny Smith apples, peeled and diced into bite-size pieces (OR)

2 medium size peaches (about 1 cup), peeled and pitted and diced into bite-size pieces

1 tablespoon butter

¼ cup light brown sugar

½ teaspoon ground cinnamon

¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional)

¼ teaspoon ground allspice (optional)

In a medium saucepan combine the diced apples (or peaches), butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice and bring to a simmer over low-medium heat. Stirring occasionally, cook until apples are tender, about 3 to 4 minutes. Remove from heat and allow to cool uncovered at room temperature for 30 minutes.

For the glaze:

½ cup powdered sugar, sifted 3–4 tablespoons milk or water

¾ teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)

In a medium bowl add powdered sugar and slowly stir in the milk a little at a time, for desired glaze consistency. Stir in vanilla (optional).

Preheat your oven to 400 degrees. Cut the dough into the size you wish and fill it with the fruit filling, brush the edges with the beaten egg, fold over and crimp well. Place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake for about 15 minutes, turn front to back and bake for another 10 minutes. Let cool and then brush with glaze. F&D

BY ROGER BAYLOR | PHOTOS BY DAN DRY

A Bourbonist’s Dream & Epicureans Delight

If judged by breath of choice, by any reasonable quantitative measure, Watch Hill Proper — which materialized in the Norton Commons community in Prospect this summer — ranks among the top whiskey bars in the world. That’s quite a feat, especially when you consider that its massive list of whiskeys (1,600) is restricted entirely to bottles produced in the US (the current Guinness world record list for the most varieties of whiskey includes 2,467 bottles from all around the globe).

That’s enough to make Watch Hill Proper a mandatory stop for pilgrims traveling the Bourbon Trail. And when you add in the fact that all those spirits are offered in tandem with a seriously epicurean kitchen and luxurious surroundings, it’s easy to see why lots of folks are plugging Watch Hill Proper into their navigation devices.

So questions naturally arise: What is “Watch Hill?” And why is it proper?

The story begins in a barn. And it begins with a friendship between Josh Howes and Tommy Craggs who came together over a shared love of bourbon. Howes, an entrepreneur who works in the engineering, construction and energy markets, built a comely space for sampling inside his remodeled former barn amid rolling terrain on the Shelby-Oldham county line, near a neighborhood called Watch Hill (which New Englanders might recognize as invoking a fashionable seaside resort in Rhode Island).

Whenever Craggs dropped by the Howes household, the two bourbon aficionados retreated to their snug to sip the nectar and solve world problems. After a time their talk turned to the nature of the ideal bourbon bar and their dream of creating such an emporium themselves.

In time, those talks evolved from philosophical musings to genuine possibilities. The “Watch Hill” tag resonated, evoking countless generations of Kentucky distillers who let nature take its course while patiently observing bourbon’s aging process.

Craggs, a Bourbon Steward and Certified Spirit Specialist regionally renowned for his tenure as bourbon educator at Heaven Hill Distillery, contributed the word “Proper” in the sense of describing something that is appropriate, justified and correct.

There it was: Watch Hill Proper, a real-life bourbon bar and restaurant, co-owned by Howes and Craggs, and with Louisville-area culinary legend Michael Crouch as executive chef.

Gurus aside, finding Watch Hill Proper is easy. It is situated at street level in Lyric, an apartment community within the North Village at Norton Commons, which in turn is a subdivision conceived and built according to New Urban principles — but located outside the city proper.

See what I did there?

The Congress for the New Urbanism elaborates: “New Urbanism is a planning and development approach based on the principles of how cities and towns had been built for the last several centuries: walkable blocks and streets, housing and shopping in close proximity, and accessible public spaces. In other words: New Urbanism focuses on human-scaled urban design.”

Norton Commons is Louisville’s first such subdivision development, occupying agricultural acreage once owned by pioneering local media mogul George Norton. Ground was broken in 2004, and currently just under 5,000 people live in the development, a number expected to double by the time North Village (the second and current phase) is completed.

That’s plenty enough nearby residents for Watch Hill Proper to function as a “local” bar, albeit one with 1,600 unique American whiskies (1 for every 3 residents) and counting, enumerated by means of a 78-page .pdf file, and shelved on a vertigo-inducing, ceiling-high “Great Wall” that faces the main dining area.

There are at least seven bar-length rows of around 50 bottles each, with the higher realms accessible by wheeled ladders — and these are only 25% of the total. Behind this visible shock-and-wall is a backing labyrinth of floor-to-ceiling storage shelves, connected by ladders and catwalks. As high-volume restaurants employ food runners, so Watch Hill Proper has bourbon climbers, scaling the heights like sailors mounting the mizzenmast, assuring each guest’s tumbler is filled.

Just don’t ask for Lagavulin, Vodka Collins or Michelob Ultra. Howes and Craggs, passionate bourbonists to the core, have minted a short, sassy disclaimer: Nothing foreign, nothing clear, and no beer.

However, there is an extensive wine list, and when I asked, Crouch was quick to credit resident mixologist and creative director Karla Green for her innovative cocktail program.

“Our drinks curator (Green) does an exceptional

(top) The two-story tall “Great Wall” of bourbon houses a portion of the 1,600 varieties of bourbon offered. (center) “The Library” is one of two rooms adjoining the main dining room that can be enclosed to make private meeting spaces. (left) The “Duck Confit Sando” – duck leg cooked in duck fat with fried leaks, black truffle aioli on a Grainwright cuttlefish ink bun.

job of mimicking, for instance, a gin drink, using whiskies and other liqueurs and building the same flavor profiles while using whiskies. Having her makes things really good for customers who aren't huge on whiskey — as long as they trust us a little bit.”

There’s also a membership option at Watch Hill Proper. “The club will be open to the public,” read a press release in advance of opening in April, 2022, “but members will have priority access and favorable pricing on all spirits, amenities, and special events. Membership will be capped to ensure premier experiences.”

Let’s take this opportunity to dispel any potential confusion, because Watch Hill Proper is a public house, and emphatically welcomes non-members. At the same time, membership has its privileges; for instance, members are allowed to reserve tables, while non-members aren’t.

This occurred to Howes and Craggs, and those nonmembers arriving during busy evenings will find perhaps the grandest waiting area in the region, a gorgeous bar and seating area called The Fermenter, so named because a distillery’s fermenter is the vessel where the wash is finished for feeding into the still, hence beginning the liquid’s journey to maturity.

At the distillery, the wash must leave the fermenter in order to be complete. At Watch Hill Proper, visitors spending quality time with nibbles and cocktails at The Fermenter bar might feel under no such compulsion and conclude their session right there.

The showplace main seating area is accessible through a short corridor to the left, past what might appear to be welllighted bourbon history museum displays. But actually, these are “lockers” belonging to members, who store and display their favorite bourbons there — and presumably compete for bragging rights, given their prominence and illumination. Even before the “Great Wall” of bourbon comes into view, deep shades of dark gray and bluish-green evoke Kentucky’s timeless limestone and bluegrass ambiance. The dining room’s high ceilings allow for a phalanx of bourbon barrels to be arranged in rows, stolidly resting far above one’s head, as though it were a rick house where bourbon rests until mature.

Plush sofas, cushioned chairs and heavy wooden tables exemplify sedate, contemplative comfort. An adjoining library is filled with books about bourbon. “I’ve read every one of them,” beams the aficionado Craggs, and he could have easily written a few of his own. The library is capable of being enclosed into a bespoke private meeting space, as is the case with another small room opposite it.

And so you’ve found Watch Hill Proper, and are seated bar-side amid The Fermenter, nursing a Proper Manhattan or a glass of Art of the Earth Prosecco, maybe both at once.

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(top) “The Fermenter” is the bar/waiting room for guests on the waiting list to enjoy a cocktail during their wait. (center) A wall of lockers for members to store and display their bourbon. (right) 28-ounce bone-in ribeye with a bordelaise sauce, shallot crumb and finished with bone marrow butter.

You begin to feel encroaching pangs of hunger. Naturally, humankind cannot subsist on Old Forester alone even if 109 different versions are available, but your table is prepared and Crouch’s menu awaits.

Let’s meet the chef

Louisville area diners know and like Michael Crouch. Over a period of two decades, Crouch has established his reputation as a kitchen craftsman at the Standard Country Club, Le Beaujolais, Café Metro, Bourbons Bistro, and Bistro 1860. He has cooked overseas and on television, and possesses an extensive magazine and publication dossier including Wine Spectator, Esquire and Bon Appetit

And yes, that’s Bourbons Bistro, the pioneering Frankfort Avenue bourbon bar and restaurant. “One of my first chef jobs in the city was Bourbons Bistro,” says Crouch. “So I already had a good bit of knowledge on bourbon in general. And, I enjoy drinking bourbon. Watch Hill Proper was kind of meant to be, I guess.”

When Bistro 1860 closed in 2018, Crouch’s professional profile became less publicly prominent, although the chef stayed quite busy. “I've been doing private work and consulting. Just by chance, some friends of the (Watch Hill) proprietors contacted me when their view on what the place was going to be changed.”

“Watch Hill originally was going to be a bar only, with maybe a really small kitchen. I linked up with Josh and Tommy, had a little meeting — and laughed out loud at the planned kitchen. I didn’t really know them previously whatsoever, but it's turned out to be a great partnership. Just the idea of what they were bringing to the table, being the biggest American whiskey bar in the world.”

It’s easier in retrospect for Crouch to poke good-natured humor at the kitchen’s tiny founding design, given that it was significantly expanded, permitting Watch Hill Proper to become a full-service restaurant and to identify as both bar and kitchen. The cooking area’s square footage doubled, dining room seating and table space expanded, and a full dinner menu was added.

Today, ranging from Sake Katsu Iberico Secreto (the “Wagyu of pork,” sourced from acorn-fed Iberian pigs) to escargot prepared in the French style with “garlic, butter and more garlic,” Crouch’s daily dishes at Watch Hill Proper have left the early notion of cheese and meat plates far behind, although build-your-own charcuterie boards remain an option for guests.

Crouch’s kitchen credo hasn’t changed. “I do simple, flavorful food that is sophisticated and elegantly prepared,” he explains. “I'm big on sourcing and utilizing only the best ingredients, creating elevated food, if you will, trying to bring flavors to people that aren't common at other places in town.

(center) Escargot with garlic butter, Parmesan-Reggiano and topped with puff pastry. (far left) Foie gras bratwurst with fennel and blackberry poblano jam served with the “Jack & Jell” cocktail. (left) The “Sake Katsu Iberico Secreto” — Iberico pork shoulder with stone fruit jam and whiskey balsamic.

Chef Michael Crouch

“I'm not Italian. I'm not Latino. I'm not French. I'm not Modern American. I create food that I love to eat, and I've been a chef in this city for twenty years. People know my style, and I think they're grown to know and appreciate what I bring to the table. And, the back of the house is probably one of the strongest culinary teams that I've ever had.”

As an example of Crouch’s sense of timelessness, consider his Steak Tartare, adorned only with Dijon aioli, radish, cornichon and capers, with grilled Grainwright sourdough. The chef says this dish goes back to his “days working under my mentor Patrick Peter at Restaurant Le Beaujolais. This recipe has stayed pretty much true and unchanged, as it has always remained a favorite to many in the city, including myself.”

Watch Hill Proper is packed with events during a typical month, including bourbon and wine tastings, meet-and-greet events with guest distillers or industry celebrities, and cocktail instruction classes. There is an ongoing dinner series with bourbon star Fred Minnick, as well as new editions of Crouch’s renowned theme dinners; the first was “Seven Deadly Sins,” with lust represented by (what else?) an oyster orgy accompanied by champagne.

What does it mean to Crouch to have 1,600 brands of whiskey close at hand?

“There is some bit of knowledge about pairing that goes into it, but I don't necessarily cook with bourbon,” he says. “I don't pair whiskies with food on the menu or during the menu development stages. As far as I'm concerned, everything goes with whiskey! A little knowledge is required to pull notes out of certain whiskies and foods and combine them, to marry them together.”

Happily, the timing of Watch Hill Proper was ideal for Crouch, who says he missed the “community” of the hospitality business. “I've always been big with developing a rapport with the guests, and it has created a lot of great friendships. Being able to get back into that role played a big part in coming here.”

The secret of successful restaurants is making the intricacies of service seem effortless, when in fact the efforts required are intense and relentless. Crouch points out that servers at Watch Hill Proper must be “clear-headed, fresh and ready to absorb information” in order to master his own culinary style as well as Green’s many specialty cocktails — not to mention those 1,600 whiskies.

“It’s a place to learn every single day,” says the chef, who provides a coda for the ages.

“Sit with friends, relax, drink whiskey and enjoy what we do. Sink down in those chairs and have a beautifully executed dinner — and have a wonderful evening." F&D

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(top, from left) Roasted duck breast with braised lentils and figs; lobster roll with the “Dowling’s Daisy” cocktail. (center) Tuna sashimi. (right) Chocolate éclair with gold flake.

BY ROGER BAYLOR

Hip Hops

Global Cuisine Calls for Thoughtful Pairings

The revered musician Frank Zappa is renowned for an utterance that has nothing to do with music:

“Every major industrialized nation has A BEER (you can’t be a Real Country unless you have A BEER and an airline—it helps if you have some kind of a football team, or some nuclear weapons, but at the very least you need A BEER).”

Riffing on Frank, kindly allow me to advance a modest proposal of my own with regard to the symmetry between a nation’s beer and its food.

Just because a nation has a beer, it isn’t necessarily the best beer for pairing with that nation’s food.

Metropolitan Louisville is fortunate to boast numerous eateries serving “national” cuisine: Mexican, Nigerian, Italian, Chinese, Norwegian, Japanese, Thai, Jamaican, Bosnian and Indian.

This list isn’t exhaustive, and regional variations within nations can be confusing, although nowadays most casual diners are aware that Cantonese and Sichuan dinners differ, or that Sicilians and Florentines have distinct ideas about cooking. We merely aggregate these as Chinese and Italian, and order from whatever menu we’re handed. Overall I believe we can agree that the notion of “national” cuisines derives from human beings living

in particular locales, making use of the foodstuffs at their disposal, and developing ways of cooking and eating in their own places and spaces.

As a corollary, when people move around the planet, they pack their culinary ideals with them, explaining why Irish pubs boasting of Guinness, fish & chips and colcannon are located in most major cities from Siberia to Patagonia (which are geographical regions, not nations).

Having haphazardly defined the terms, here is my question: Which beer brands do we commonly see offered at Louisville restaurants specializing in national cuisine?

For example, at Mexican eateries you’ll almost always find Modelo Especial, Corona, Pacifico, Tecate, and the like. They’re national beers distributed globally, as suggested for pairing with meals deriving

from Mexico. A few other examples:

• Chinese: Tsingtao

•Italian: Peroni, Moretti

•Indian: Kingfisher

•Jamaican: Red Stripe

•Turkish: Efes Pilsener

•Thai: Singha

•Japanese: Sapporo, Asahi, Kirin

There’s one small problem. While foodstuffs differ, each of these beers is exactly the same stylistically, as descendants of the golden lager first brewed two centuries ago in Pilsen, Czechia. Strange, isn’t it? Diverse and bountiful culinary ideals almost universally yield far narrower brewing monocultures. Maybe we should consider the ways we strategize choosing beer for food. To me, there are three.

Pairing by “Just Washing It Down”: Most national beers are golden lagers, which are light, bubbly and pair well enough with everything imaginable because they don’t taste like anything specific.

Pairing by Association: Even if the ingredients on one’s plate are 100% American, if they represent (for instance) an Indonesian culinary ethos, then the beer simply must come from Indonesia, too, even if the beer style originated in Central Europe.

Pairing by Comparison: The flavor characteristics of food and beer can be weighed according to demonstrable criteria, seeking those styles of beer that complement certain elements of cuisine, taking into account multiple breweries and kitchens.

Yes, I know. It’s easier to drink Corona with tamales, and the “comparison” theory constitutes a road seldom traveled. However, at least one luminary in the brewing community has made it his life’s work to provide signposts. That’s Garrett Oliver, a brewer and writer best known for his long tenure at Brooklyn Brewing.

In his groundbreaking book, The Brewmaster’s Table: Discovering the Pleasures of Real Beer with Real Food (2003), Oliver goes to great lengths to explain that once the respective characteristics of beer and dish are determined and understood, there is greater satisfaction when enjoying them together, rather than separately.

In a long-ago feature at Food & Wine, he elaborated:

“ I generally think about (beer) the same thing I do with wine: whether I want to compliment or contrast flavors. The nice thing is that beer has a better chance of doing both. Say I have a seared piece of meat or a piece of pancetta, I can contrast it with some carbonation, bitterness or fruitiness. But at the same time, I also have a set of flavors, which I call flavor hooks—the beer flavors that link up specifically with the flavors in the food.

So in an Abbey Dubbel (from Flying Fish Brewing Co.), for example, I have caramel flavors that can grip onto the caramel flavors in the meat. ”

Oliver concludes with a knockout punch:

“ The fact of the matter is, beer is far more diverse than wine. And the reason for that is pretty simple: Brewing is much more like cooking than winemaking. ”

As one example of many, Oliver offers a brief cheat sheet for Indian food: HefeWeizen, Witbier, Helles, Kölsch, Belgian Strong Golden, Pilsner and British Pale Ale for mild dishes, and Saison, Pilsner, Dortmunder, Helles Bock and IPA for spicy platters.

Obviously a detailed examination of this topic would require far more column inches than I have to expend, so consider today’s words an amuse bouche.

But my overarching point remains: Whether it’s an Indian curry house, taqueria, sushi bar, herring dispensary, dim sum emporium or bistro bouillabaisse, restaurants specializing in national cuisines would benefit immeasurably from offering a broader stylistic beer selection than usual.

At the very least, cans, bottles or draft of American Pale Ale, German-style Hefeweizen, Robust Porter, Hazy IPA, Saison or Belgian Tripel, and maybe a Gose would be capable of transforming the dining experience in meaningful ways that everyday golden lager cannot achieve by itself.

Wholesale prices probably would be around $300 for these six or seven beers, and assuming customary solid margins, the task of implementing stylistic diversity is revealed to be painlessly profitable for purveyor and customer alike.

I’m happy to consult if called upon. I’ve also been known to work for food and beer—paired sensibly, of course. F&D

BY SUSAN REIGLER

The trees are bare, the air is brisk, and there may even be some snow flurries flying. Many whiskey lovers find this the perfect time of year to raid the woodpile, build a fire, and relax in a favorite cushy armchair with a book and a bourbon. This is also the season that many distilleries release their annual limited editions, almost always worth seeking out. My friend, bourbon historian Michael Veach, even has a name for these kinds of bourbons (and ryes, and other whiskeys) to be enjoyed sip by sip — Book Bourbons.

Settle in by the fire (cat on lap or dog at feet optional), with your whiskey and the book of your choice. Take an initial sip, put the glass aside, and read a chapter. At the end of the chapter, take another sip. A complex whiskey will evolve in the glass, revealing more, and different, flavors throughout your reading.

Depending upon the brand and expression, the initial sip will probably be dominated by the caramel or vanilla notes in the whiskey, with perhaps some spices and fruits. As oxygen and water do their duties as solvents, more and different fruits may emerge. Spices could go from sweet, like nutmeg and cinnamon, to savory, like licorice or cardamom. Or vice versa. It all hinges upon the flavors contained in that particular bottle.

water or a very large ice cube that will melt slowly.

Some will frown at the thought of water or ice. But water acts as a solvent that unlocks a cascade of flavors that may otherwise be prisoners, especially in higher proof whiskeys. Usually, not a lot is needed, but feel free to experiment based upon your palate. This is not a contest to see what your proof tolerance is. It’s about savouring a fine whiskey.

So, with Book Bourbons in mind, here are some recommendations for fireside sipping. (No cheating by choosing a book with two- and threepage chapters!) A couple are fairly limited releases, so you might have to exchange your armchair for one at a well-stocked bourbon bar.

Angel’s Envy Cask Strength 2022

Angel’s Envy is aged secondarily in used port wine barrels which imparts distinct fruit notes to the bourbon. It’s also a pretty good “gateway” bourbon for wine drinkers. Fans of this bourbon will want to seek out this limited edition since at 119.8 proof this Envy is downright covetous. The wine note pops up in the finish of the regular expression, but here it’s the nose that is extravagantly fruity with oranges and apples which carry through to the palate of caramel apple, brown sugar, toasted marshmallow, saddle leather, and cinnamon.

Johnny Drum Private Stock

Bardstown’s small, family-owned Willet Distillery (which, by the way, boasts a dynamite bar and restaurant) has a portfolio of distinguished bourbons and ryes. Among them is Johnny Drum, which is dangerously smooth for its proof of 101. Its medley of caramel, toasted marshmallow, cinnamon, sweet oak, almonds, and dark cherries are so inviting that you may only make it through half a chapter before you cheat. It seems to appear and vanish from store shelves like a character in a Harry Potter novel. So carpe diem when you see it.

O.H. Ingram River Aged Flagship Straight BourbonWhiskey 2022

The Ingram Company began as a barge company hauling river freight. One of those barges has now been repurposed as a “floating warehouse”

moored on the Kentucky bank of the Mississippi River near Wickliffe to age sourced ryes and bourbons. This year’s release of Flagship Expression is 100 proof and a mingling of eight different high-rye bourbons each made by Green River Distilling Co. of Owensboro So, it has plenty of the cinnamon and pepper notes that rye imparts and they brace some dark cherry and oak notes. A little water brings out more underlying caramel.

Old Forester 1910

One of the expressions in the Old Forester Whiskey Row series, the 93 proof 1910 commemorates the year there was a fire in the Brown-Forman botteling facility and bourbon had to be transferred to extra-charred barrels. The current whiskey is regular Old Fo that after its regular aging period is put in a second barrel charred so deeply that without the iron bands holding it together, it would fall apart. It is then aged for several more months. The result is a bourbon with notes of caramelized banana, smoke, and chocolate. Great by hearthside!

Peerless Anything

Actually, that’s not the name of an expression from Louisville’s Kentucky Peerless Distilling Company. Everything I have ever tasted from this distillery is a more than worthy Book Whiskey. (They make rye as well as bourbon.) But make a point of visiting the distillery at 10th Street, just a block north of Main, to check out limited release, cask strength offerings. The “Spiced Sugar Plum” bourbon I bought last spring lived up to its name. The fall release is a rye finished in absinthe barrels. Licorice, cinnamon, leather, tobacco – 110.7 proof.

Weller Antique

Any bourbon from Buffalo Trace with “Weller” on the label is – like Jeeves –bound to give satisfaction. The use of wheat instead of rye yields rich vanilla and fruit. A lot of people are high on the 12-year-old, which is lovely. But I had an especially memorable encounter with the 107 proof Antique at a restaurant in Evanston, Illinois that was pouring it for an astonishing $7. (Expect to pay almost twice that, or more, in L ouisville.) I ordered it before dinner, enjoyed a couple of sips and set it aside as dessert. When I came back to it, it was a caramel fruit bomb. F&D

STORY AND PHOTOS BY HEATHER WIBBELS

Jingle & Mingle YourWayto 2023

As we slide into the last month of the year and step into 2023, it feels like we’re rushing downhill with parties, gatherings, and celebrations to close out 2022 and ring in the new year. Treating friends and family to delicious seasonal cocktails keeps the conversation flowing and makes laughter flow through the rooms. For me, the best cocktails delight and surprise with variations on wellknown standards — but with an unexpected seasonal twist. And for the winter and early year holidays, I crave drinks that capture the flavors and the sparkling celebratory spirit of the season — like chocolate, bubbles, and the tastes of the season.

Designing cocktails for the holidays often means leaning toward vividly and surprising tastes and colors, as well as ideas like infusion twists to give even the most classic cocktail a novel appeal. But in every case, the deciding factor never changes. The focus is always on great flavor — whether the combination is well-known or mysterious. With that in mind, below I offer a fun variation on the margarita that uses cranberry syrup and pomegranate to impart a gorgeo us red hue, a riff on the Negroni with a surprising infusion of the Campari and sweet vermouth, and a fun champagne cocktail to celebrate New Year’s Eve.

We switch gears a bit for January with a spirit-free cocktail in the style of a spritz and close things out with an indulgent chocolate cocktail to cuddle up with or share with friends on Valentine's. To make any of these cocktails spirit free, search for spirit-free or non-alcoholic versions of the base spirit. Many can be found at larger, well-established liquor stores. Happy, happy holidays to all of you!

Forgotten Midnight Resolutions

Port’s rich berry notes and chocolatey undertones make this cocktail an easy serve to celebrate midnight on New Year’s Eve. We’ll add a touch of cognac to bring out even more fruitiness, a bit of orange bitters for balance and top it all with dry champagne.

1½ oz ruby port

¾ oz cognac

2 dashes orange bitters

3 fresh raspberries

Dry sparkling wine

Garnish: fresh raspberries

Combine port, raspberries, bitters, and cognac in a mixing glass and muddle slightly. Add ice, stir for 10 seconds, and strain into a champagne glass. Top with dry sparkling wine and a fresh raspberry or two for garnish.

Winter’s Best Negroni

Negroni lovers already have a great bit of juniper and pine gracing the palate of the classic cocktail, but adding infused Campari and sweet vermouth gives you a compelling and very easy-to-sip variation for November and December holidays - no matter what you celebrate. (For bourbon lovers, swap the gin for bourbon for a Boulevardier riff.)

1 oz rosemary-infused Campari

1 oz gin

1 oz candied orange-infused sweet vermouth

Winter’s Best Negroni

Forgotten Midnight Resolutions

Garnish: candied orange slice and sprig of rosemary

Infuse 1 cup of Campari with 4 tablespoons of dried rosemary for 1-2 days, and strain. Infuse 1 cup of sweet vermouth with 4 tablespoons of chopped candied orange for 1-3 days (I get mine at Trader Joe’s), and strain. Add 1 oz of the infused Campari, infused sweet vermouth, and gin to a mixing glass. Fill with ice and stir for 30 seconds. Strain into a rocks filled glass and garnish.

High and Dry

Seedlip Spice 94’s non-alcoholic spirit bursts with allspice, cardamom, and baking spices. Add some citrus and top with a bitter citrus soda for a complex but refreshing non-alcoholic cocktail for Drynuary. And if you prefer to reduce but not forgo alcohol, use a spicy amaro like Cardamaro or St George Bruto Americano to provide a little kick of alcohol.

2 oz Seedlip Spice 94

½ oz lime

½ oz simple syrup

4 oz Chinotto bitter citrus soda

Garnish: star anise and orange

High and Dry

Combine Seedlip, lime, and syrup in a spritz glass or highball glass. Fill with ice, stir briefly and top with Chinotto. Garnish and enjoy as you would an Aperol Spritz.

Val’s Demise

I have a weakness for chocolate cocktails, and adding a bit of caramel liqueur makes this tipple even easier to sip when celebrating Val- or Gal-entine’s. In this drink the bourbon is just along for the ride, adding a bit of complexity but not interfering with the cocoa-centric theme of the drink. For a true bourbon drinker, increase the bourbon to 2 ounces and use a 100-proof bourbon to make it sing.

1 oz bourbon

¾ oz Ballotin Chocolate whiskey

¾ oz Ballotin Caramel Turtle whiskey

1 pinch ground cinnamon

Garnish: chocolate-covered salted caramel

Combine ingredients in a mixing glass and fill with ice. Stir for 30 seconds, then strain into a rocks glass filled with ice. Garnish with chocolate covered sea salt caramel for a truely decadent drink.

Merry Margarita

Forgo the margarita glass for this easy and seasonal riff on a classic marg. Cranberry syrup, easy to make at home, imparts a lovely red hue bolstered by a touch of pomegranate juice.

Val’s Demise

This delicious riff on a classic margarita can be easily batched and served in a pitcher for holiday entertaining. Convert ounces to cups and add ¾ cup of water to each batch.

2 oz tequila Blanco ½ oz cranberry syrup* ½ oz triple sec

1 oz pomegranate juice

1 oz lime juice

Garnish: salt rim and sugared cranberries

Rim a wine glass with salt. Combine ingredients in a shaker and fill with ice. Shake for 10-12 seconds. Strain into the ice-filled prepared glass. Take some fresh cranberries, cover them with simple syrup and roll them in sugar. Add them to the drink on a cocktail pick as garnish. If you’re feeling very festive, add a sprig of rosemary or thyme to the drink to make the colors pop a bit.

* Cranberry Syrup: Combine 1 cup sugar and 1 cup unsweetened cranberry juice in a saucepan on medium heat. Simmer for 5 minutes on low, and turn off the heat and let it cool. Store the syrup in the fridge for 3-4 weeks. F&D

Merry Margarita

In 2021 visitors to Kentucky spent 7.7 billion dollars in the Commonwealth — despite the lingering effects of the pandemic. It’s a good bet that some huge percentage of those visitors were attracted by the twin lures of horseracing (and equine activities in general) and by the burgeoning appeal of bourbon tourism. Of that $7.7 billion, more than $2 billion was spent on food and beverages.

Louisville, of course, is the key gateway for Kentucky visitors. And for visitors — and locals — looking for the tourism trifecta — horses, bourbon, and cuisine — Barn8 at the Hermitage Farm in Goshen is as close to a sure thing as anyone could hope for. By any measure, it’s a unique destination that brings all those elements together — and getting there involves nothing more than a pleasant scenic drive north on U.S. 42 to Goshen.

Barn8 offers the quintessential farm-to-table experience. Hyper-local might be a buzzword, but it’s the right word for a place where many of the ingredients are raised right there on the historic grounds of Hermitage Farm, and form the basis for an upscale, yet approachable, seasonal menu that relies on harvests from an on-site greenhouse not only for its culinary offerings but also for its cocktail program.

Besides that, Hermitage farm also remains a working Thoroughbred farm set on more than 700 rolling acres where legendary Kentucky Derby, Kentucky Oaks, and Breeder’s Cup winners have been getting their start (and coming home to retire) since the 1930s.

All that was by design, at least since the farm was purchased and reimagined in 2003 by Laura Lee Brown and Steve Wilson, who together founded the boutique chain of 21C Museum Hotels. Their experience with Kentucky tourism through that unique hotelmeets-art-gallery venture is what inspired a transformation from a working horse farm to a destination for hungry tourists.

“Basically, with more and more people coming to taste bourbon and to see horses, I wanted to try to create an iconic Kentucky destination where you could do all these things” in one place, Wilson said. And thus, Barn8 was born.

BY KEVIN GIBSON | PHOTOS BY DAN DRY

THE FARM

Brown and Wilson essentially bought the farm to save it at a time when there were proposals to convert the site into housing. After acquiring it, the couple invested several years in planning and development that involved what Wilson described as “some neighbor-friendly zoning agreements.” The end result: Hermitage Farm was placed in an “Agricultural Conservation Easement” alongside similar neighboring properties to ensure that more than 2,000 acres of prime Kentucky soil will remain farmland forever.

Keeping the farm an active, productive horse farm and conservatory was just the first part of the plan, though. The classic farmhouse (built in 1835), which has hosted luminaries like Queen Elizabeth II, has been refurbished and turned into a majestic showcase that offers tours and overnight stays, while the farm also hosts weddings, bourbon tastings, and every other year one of the most prestigious international equestrian events, the three-day Kentucky Classic Combined Driving Event — a celebration of horse and carriage. All of this takes place in a setting in which, as you slowly traverse the grounds, you are likely to hear a stray whinny in the distance or to catch a peek of a grazing Thoroughbred.

The farm is the legacy of Captain John Henshaw, and for a century his family ran it as a working farm, sans racehorses. In 1935, it was purchased by Warner L. Jones, Jr., whose great-great uncle had founded the Kentucky Derby. It was Jones who added horses to the mix, ultimately creating what Wilson termed a “Thoroughbred nursery,” saying that, “Horses were all over the farm, based on the records.”

Indeed, it became a successful venture with a fine legacy of stakes and classics winners. The first Hermitage Farm Derby winner was Dark Star, who beat the legendary Native Dancer by a nose.

THE BEVERAGES

At heart, Wilson asserts, bourbon is fundamentally a farm product — distilled from Kentucky grains like corn and barley. So bourbon is a focal point for the Barn8 Farm Restaurant and Bourbon Bar, where the bourbon list exceeds a hundred offerings and all manner of home-state pours, including difficult-tofind options like King of Kentucky, OId Fitzgerald decanter bourbons, and assorted small batch and unique craft distillations.

Of Barn8’s focus on bourbon, Wilson says, “It’s basically celebrating our agricultural heritage.”

A visitor stepping into Barn8 is immediately

(top) Thoroughbreds grazing alongside the entrance road to Barn8. (center, clockwise from top left) Red Kuri Squash Spätzle; views of the Bourbon Bar. (left) The Bourbon Bar’s adjoining lounge.

greeted on the right by a small, on-site bourbon shop featuring everything from bottles of Kentucky-made bourbons to a display of vintage whiskies to glassware and ingredients to make an Old Fashioned, the classic bourbon cocktail that was invented in Louisville.

Speaking of which, when Barn8 Beverage Director, Randi Densford was asked what cocktail she would recommend a first-time visitor choose from her carefully curated list, she didn’t miss a beat: “The Old Fashioned,” she said. And when asked a follow-up, “What’s the best-seller?” She gave the same answer, with a light chuckle.

So, to be clear, the Barn8 Old Fashioned, which features Old Forester 100 Proof as its key ingredient, is the drink to start with. “It’s a very simple Old Fashioned but it’s delicious and very encapsulating of the farm,” Densford said.

But there are plenty of other house-created concoctions that tempt, such as the “Bourbon, Beets, Battlestar Galactica,” which aside from the reference to “The Office,” features Hermitage-grown beets and thyme. Using items grown on-site is a theme, from making bitters and infusions from in-house ingredients to foraging hickory bark for use in creating the sugars for the drink.

In addition, Densford’s beverage program is informed by her collaboration with Executive Chef Seth Kinder to pair cocktails with dishes. And since the food menu is seasonal, the cocktail menu follows suit, creating the opportunity for the bar staff to keep inventing.

THE RESTAURANT

To simply call Barn8 “unique” isn’t quite describing it; it’s more an immersive experience than a traditional restaurant. Walk in during off-hours and you’ll find sous chefs working amidst piles of vegetables and herbs, prepping fresh ingredients for future dinners. And once inside, you’ll realize the name of the restaurant is not an attempt at clever wordplay — it literally once operated as a horse barn.

In fact, of the 22 barns located at Hermitage Farm, what is now the restaurant literally was labeled as Barn 8, as a reference point for farm workers. As in, says Wilson, “Take this load of hay to Barn 8.” The number eight can still be seen in faded paint on the barn’s side.

Inside, the horse stalls are still, well, horse stalls — converted now into comfortable booths with feeding racks in the corners and brass name plates highlighting horses associated with Hermitage Farm. You might, for example, be seated in a booth honoring Indian Miss, a 2009 foal and the 2021 Kentucky Thoroughbred Owners and Breeders Association Broodmare of the Year — proud mama of (among others) Mitole (the 2019 Eclipse Champion Sprinter) and Hot Rod Charlie, whose accomplishments include winning the Louisiana Derby and running second in the Kentucky Derby and the Belmont Stakes. That’s pretty good company, for a person who loves the Sport of Kings.

Sliding stall doors are painted red for contrast, and the aging wood is rustically coated in what looks like white paint from decades ago, weathered by years and use. The place truly is a horse barn deep in its soul, rustic and authentic — and yet immaculately clean. It just feels like it truly belongs on this land of horses.

“Nothing is made up,” Wilson said. “We haven’t bought a barn entrance or anything from someplace else. It’s all real.”

(top, from left) Executive Chef Seth Kinder; Barn8 Beverage Director Randi Densford. (center) A private dining space converted from a horse stall. (right) A section of Barn8’s massive onsite greenhouse.

And if all the ingredients in a dish aren’t grown right on site, they are “imported” from farms that are, typically, within 30 miles of Goshen. And while so many of the ingredients are decidedly southern in nature, like sweet potatoes, squash, carrots and eggplant, they are used in such a way that the menu seems to span the globe, from the house-made pastas such as Canestri and Agnolotti to German-style Red Kuri Squash Spaetzle.

Executive Chef Kinder’s menu takes plenty of liberties with what otherwise might be considered basic foods. One recent specialty was the simply-named Grilled Carrots. Sure, it sounds basic, but this dish takes carrots to a new place. They’re served as a small plate for sharing, with a BBQ rub, dill, candied walnuts, curry oil and other touches. And the Groce Family Farm Chicken Breast entrée (sourced from a small family farm in Southern Indiana) is made with spicy aji Amarillo sauce, a Peruvian pepper paste, along with candied pepitas and chicken chicharrones.

Even Brussels Sprouts get a sophisticated treatment at Barn8, with pickled golden raisins and Fresno chiles, garlic toum (a citrusy, garlicky Lebanese condiment), dukkah (an Egyptian spice blend), chili crisps and dill.

Despite the emphasis on local ingredients, Kinder’s seasonally-changing menu reflects eclectic global influences — as in an autumn agnolotti that uses local ingredients and housemade ricotta in a classic dish from Italy’s Piedmont region. “The interesting twist,” Wilson said, “is it’s not necessarily southern US cooking — the idea is how people use these eggplants with a Mediterranean recipe. We can serve Middle Eastern and Mexican and Spanish. And everything is intentional; there are no accidents.”

To every crop there is a season, and as the harvest changes, so does the menu, rotating roughly in the rhythm of the solstices and equinoxes. That said, Kinder notes that he plans a season ahead, so ingredients can be extracted from a summer crop, processed and frozen for use in winter dishes, offering as example his kitchen crew processing a bumper crop of red curry squash to add as future ingredients or twists on certain dishes — or even in cocktails.

Another ongoing carryover ingredient — bison. Wilson and Brown also own Woodland Farm in Goshen, where they raise bison. So that can almost always be found on the Barn8 menu in some form. Recently Kinder and his staff created a Bison Carpaccio, which uses the sirloin cut of the animal that is sliced thin, pounded and then rolled out with a rolling pin for the thinnest possible texture. At that point, Kinder said, it’s a matter of adding the elements that build depth of flavor: duck fat mayo, black lemon gastrique, fried

(top) Riverence Farm trout with roasted cauliflower, crispy kale, tajin and red curry served with the “Bourbon, Beets, Battlestar Galactica” cocktail. (center) Brussels sprouts with pickled golden raisins, pickled Fresnos chilies, garlic toum, dukkah and dill. (far left) Apple Toffee Pudding — baked apple cake, Grand Marnier toffee sauce, apple butter, chai ice cream and popped sorghum. (left) Pumpkin and sunflower cheesecake.

capers, shallots, pecorino Romano cheese, arugula, fresh black pepper, yuzu oil and salt from JQ Dickenson Salt Works that is taken from the remains of an ancient underground sea.

“What’s beautiful about it is how simple it is — put some interesting complementary flavors on top of it and it comes together,” Kinder said.

Given how Barn8 began, its ability to thrive is a testimony to its originality; the restaurant, after years of planning, was slated to open to the public on the very day Gov. Andy Beshear ordered restaurants to be shut down due to Covid-19 restrictions. It literally was over before it ever began.

But the kitchen saw it through with private meal service, and the vision never wavered, even if the future may have seemed uncertain.

Wilson demurs, saying, “That was a rough beginning, but all restaurants suffered through Covid.”

And while Hermitage Farm and Barn8 certainly remains the destination it was designed to be, what Wilson says is a pleasant element is that it’s developing a uniquely strong cadre of regulars right in the area, who are delighted to have it nearby. And as for those who have to come from farther away, he notes that most people enjoy the scenery along the way as just another part of the overall experience.

It’s true: the scenic drive nicely sets up one’s first foray to Barn8. When entering or exiting the grounds, visitors do so by way of a single-lane drive that bears signs urging motorists to go slowly and to please yield for any horses that might be crossing the small road!

This experience, which takes visitors around a barn area horses frequent, past the old farmhouse and onto a lot that looks down over the restaurant, makes the original feel of Barn8’s ambiance all the more rewarding. Dining on creative dishes while sipping an Old Fashioned, surrounded by horses, history and lumber that goes back generations, does indeed seem a most Kentucky-style experience.

And if you go, be sure to bring out-of-town visitors, family and friends. While the menu offers an impressive list of entrees, there are plenty of small shareable plates, and Kinder said a “tasting menu,” which will be carefully curated, is in the works that will offer even more choices

“The allure of the restaurant itself is it’s the ultimate dream if you’re a chef,” said Kinder. “Stephanie [Tittle, Hermitage Farm’s horticulturist) comes in and it will just be baskets and baskets of stuff she and I have collaborated on. To be able to really plan out what you’re going to put on a menu, that came out of the backyard, is a fun challenge. You actually feel like you’re sort of giving back something.” F&D

(top) (Woodland Farm Bison Carpaccio. (center) Fischer Farms pork loin with red grits and a fennel soubise sauce accompanied by the “Esuze Me?” cocktail. (right) Agnolotti pasta with eggplant, ricotta and Parmigiano.

entertaining EASY

BY TIM & LORI LAIRD PHOTOS BY DAN DRY

A Taste of Easy Entertaining Cookbooks

In 2008, when we started writing for Food & Dining, we had not yet authored any of our three cookbooks. It was our F&D columns that inspired our first book, That’s Entertaining! with America’s CEO — Chief Entertaining Officer. From the beginning our columns were called “Easy Entertaining,” and our recipes are just that: easy. Our mission here and in our books is to eliminate all the anxiety associated with entertaining and that you, the host or hostess, have as much fun as your guests. In that spirit, we offer recipes that are not only simple to execute but use ingredients that can be easily sourced at your local grocery store. Our goal has always been to avoid the frustration we’ve often experienced with recipes that are just too lengthy, too complicated, and call for ingredients that are too hard to find.

Our second book, That’s Entertaining! Cocktails and Appetizers is smaller and was created for those who are looking for guidance on today’s trend: casual entertaining. We dedicated each chapter to a spirit category and included chapters on pitchers and punches, skinny cocktails, and alcohol-free cocktails — another trend. We paired fun appetizers with cocktails that are easy to prepare, present, and serve.

Our most recent book, The Bourbon Country Cookbook, is a collaboration with Chef David Danielson (former Executive Chef of Churchill Downs) who leads the culinary team at Dant Crossing and Log Still Distillery in Bardstown. This book includes recipes from Millionaires Row at Churchill Downs and many other traditional southern dishes that have been modernized for today’s times.

Again, all our recipes fit the theme of “Easy Entertaining.” Here we offer a few of our favorite recipes from each book to help ease the stress of your holiday (or anytime) entertaining. These appetizers and entrees can be combined for a festive brunch or served individually. Enjoy!

The Bourbon Country Cookbook

by David Danielson and Tim Laird • Agate Surrey, 2018

MANHATTAN SALMON - We love to drink Manhattans, and the same flavors found in that cocktail are used here to create this delicious salmon. It’s the perfect side for brunch, served on a bagel or toast with cream cheese or sliced on a salad. You’ll get a hint of one of our favorite cocktails in every slice of salmon.

SORGHUM BAKED FRENCH TOAST - This dish is easy to make and oh so impressive! You can also prepare this fabulous sorghum-rich brunch favorite ahead of time. Just mix the eggs, milk, cream, sorghum, maple syrup, vanilla, cloves, nutmeg, and cinnamon in an airtight container and put it in the refrigerator overnight. The next morning, simply shake the mixture up and pour it over the bread.

That’s Entertaining! Cocktails and Appetizers

by Tim Laird • Butler Books,

2013

CHEESE BISCUITS – The secret to the “crunch” in these Cheese Biscuits is using puffed rice cereal instead of nuts - no worries about nut allergies. This recipe makes a lot, they freeze really well, and can be pulled out to thaw quickly when lastminute guests arrive. They also make a wonderful gift, packaged for the holidays.

CHORIZO WITH RED WINE – Our favorite, easy, last-minute appetizer. The flavors are rich and delicious and we have our friend Judy to thank for sharing her, then, secret recipe.

by Tim Laird • Butler Books, 2010

CHOCOLATE DECADENCE – An easy make-ahead cake that will drive chocolate lovers crazy…it’s that good!

RUBY MANHATTAN – An unexpected combination of bourbon and red wine makes this cocktail something special and the perfect drink to serve for the holidays and during the cold winter months.

RED WINE WITH CHOCOLATE RIMMED GLASSES – The vanilla notes in the dark chocolate and the red wine complement each other for a delightful treat. Your guests will have fun trying to lick the chocolate off the rim of the glass.

That’s Entertaining! with Tim Laird, America’s CEO - Chief Entertaining Officer

Manhattan Salmon

Manhattan Salmon

(Serves 8-10)

1 2-pound salmon fillet, skin on ½ cup kosher salt ½ cup dried cherries

3 tablespoons brown sugar

Zest of 1 orange

¼ cup Woodford Reserve bourbon

4 dashes aromatic bitters

Remove any pin bones from the salmon. Rinse the salmon under cold water and pat dry. Place it, skin-side down, on several large sheets of plastic wrap.

In a food processor combine the salt, cherries, sugar, and orange zest. Pulse until the cherries are finely chopped. Add the bourbon and bitters and combine until smooth. Spread the mixture evenly over the fleshy side of the fish, pressing the mixture into the flesh. Wrap the salmon tightly in the plastic wrap and place it, skin-side down, on a baking sheet. Place a second baking sheet on top of the salmon and weigh it down. Refrigerate for at least 24 hours or up to 48 hours.

Unwrap the salmon and rinse off the saltsugar cure under running water. Pat the salmon dry, remove the skin, and slice diagonally into paper-thin slices.

Chorizo with Red Wine

(Serves 4-6)

1 pound chorizo sausage, cut into ¼-inch slices

½ cup cabernet sauvignon wine

2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 baguette, cut into large cubes

Preheat the oven to 450 degrees. Arrange sausage slices in a single layer in a shallow baking dish. Pour in the wine, then sprinkle with parsley and garlic. Bake 10 minutes. Serve directly from the dish with bread cubes for soaking up the sauce.

Sorghum-baked French Toast

(Serves 6)

1 (12-ounce) loaf of soft French bread, cut into 1-inch slices

8 large eggs

1 cup whole milk

11 ⁄ 3 cups heavy whipping cream

1 3 cup sorghum

1 teaspoon maple syrup

¼ teaspoon pure vanilla extract

⅛ teaspoon ground cloves

⅛ teaspoon ground nutmeg

1 tablespoon ground cinnamon

2 tablespoons powdered sugar, for garnish

Preheat the oven to 350ºF. Place the bread slices, slightly overlapping each other, in the

bottom of a 9 × 9-inch baking dish or a cast iron skillet.

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, cream, and sorghum. Add the maple syrup, vanilla extract, cloves, nutmeg, and cinnamon, stirring to combine. Pour the egg and cream mixture evenly over the bread.

Bake on the middle rack of the oven for 45 minutes, until it is golden brown and the egg mixture has thickened. Sprinkle with the powdered sugar and serve warm.

Cheese Biscuits

(Makes 80)

10 ounces sharp cheddar cheese, shredded

2 sticks butter, softened

2 cups flour

½ teaspoon cayenne pepper

1½ cups Rice Krispies cereal

Garlic salt

Preheat oven to 375 degrees. In a large bowl, using your hands, combine the cheese, butter, flour, and pepper. Then add the cereal, until combined.

Break off a piece of dough and roll into a 1-inch diameter ball. Place on a non-stick baking sheet and mash with the tines of a fork. Repeat with the remaining dough.

Bake for 15 minutes, then sprinkle with garlic salt. Enjoy immediately or freeze in an air-tight container.

Sorghum-baked French Toast

Chorizo with Red Wine

Chocolate Decadence with Raspberry Sauce

NOTE: Be sure to wash the baking sheet in between batches.

Chocolate Decadence with Raspberry Sauce (Serves

6-8)

6 whole eggs

3 egg yolks

1 tablespoon sugar

1 tablespoon flour

16ounces bittersweet chocolate

10tablespoons (1¼ sticks) unsalted butter

1 pint fresh raspberries for garnish

Raspberry Sauce for garnish Powdered sugar for garnish

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. In a mixing bowl, blend the whole eggs, egg yolks, sugar and flour until smooth and thick. Set aside.

In the top of a double boiler, melt the chocolate with the butter. Slowly add the egg mixture into the chocolate mixture until incorporated.

Pour into a greased 8-inch round springform pan. Smooth the top and bake for 15–17 minutes. It will seem undercooked, but will set as it cools. Place one piece on a plate, drizzle desired amount of Raspberry Sauce and sprinkle with powdered sugar. Garnish with fresh raspberries.

For the raspberry sauce:

1 12-ounce package frozen raspberries, thawed

1 ⁄ 3 cup sugar

2 tablespoons Chambord liqueur

In a food processor or blender, puree the raspberries with the sugar and Chambord. Pour through a fine mesh sieve to remove the seeds. Pour into a small pitcher for serving.

Ruby Manhattan (Makes 1 cocktail)

In a shaker with ice, add:

1½ ounces Bourbon

3 ounces red wine such as merlot or pinot noir

1 ounce simple syrup

Squeeze of lemon

Shake and strain into a chilled martini glass. Garnish with a lemon twist.

Chocolate Rimmed Glasses

For a sweet treat, try a couple bites of dark bittersweet chocolate with cabernet sauvignon wine. It is truly a wonderful marriage! To make a festive dessert, rim a red wine glass in melted chocolate, let set and when it is dessert time, fill it with cabernet. F&D

Ruby Manhattan

Chocolate Rimmed Glasses

Ada's

Addis

Adrienne

Adrienne's Italian 70European / Italian 16

Afrokanza Lounge 65African 2

Against The Grain 64Microbreweries 1

Agave & Rye Epic Tacos 54Casual Dining 2, 14

Aji Sushi and Asian Cuisine67Asian / Japanese 11

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Asian Buffet 66Asian / Chinese 14

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B.J.'s Restaurant & Brewhouse64Microbreweries 5

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Baer’s

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Brendon's Catch 23 49Seafood 1

Brew & Sip Coffee Bar 77Coffee / Tea Houses 1,4

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Brooklyn & The Butcher 50Steakhouse 14

Brownie's 'The Shed' 62Bar & Grill / Taphouse 6,14

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Bungalow Joe's Bar & Grill 62Bar & Grill / Taphouse 11

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Captain's Quarters Riverside Grille49Seafood 10

Carali's Rotisserie Chicken72Latin American 1,2,5,6, 15

Caribbean Café 69Cuban / Caribbean 2

Carrabba's Italian Grill 70European / Italian 5

Carr's BBQ and Market 58Barbecue 14

CASK Southern Kitchen & Bar61Southern / Soul Food 6

Caspian Grill Persian Café71 Mediterranean/Middle Eastern2

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Catfish Haven Restaurant49Seafood 12

Cattleman's Roadhouse 50Steakhouse 6,13, 14

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Chamling Kitchen & Bar 70Indian 4

Champions Grille 54Casual Dining 16

Charcoal 71Mediterranean/Middle Eastern8

Charlestown Pizza Co. 56Pizza 16

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Cheddar's Scratch Kitchen 54Casual Dining 8,13,15

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Chef's Cut Pizzeria 56Pizza 5

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Chicago’s Jerk Tacos 69Cuban / Caribbean 9

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Chicken Salad Chick 52Burgers / Chicken 5, 15

Chik'n

Bluegrass

Bob's

Bonefish

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Come Back Inn 70European / Italian 1

Common Haus 69European / German 16

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Copper & Kings Rooftop Restaurant46Upscale Casual 2

CoreLife Eatery 55 Casual Dining 5, 15

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Cottage Café 60Diner / Home Style 5

Craft House Pizza 56Pizza 6, 11,13

Crave Café & Catering 53Cafes 2

Cravings Ala Carte 62Cafeterias / Buffet 1

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Cuban Restaurant and Bakery69Cuban / Caribbean 13

Cultivator Coffee 77Coffee / Tea Houses 14

Cultured Cheese and Charcuterie46Upscale Casual 1

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Cunningham's Creekside 49Seafood 10

Cup of Joy 53Cafes 9

Currito 55Casual Dining 3

Cuvée Wine Table 48Bistro / New American 8

D. Nalley's 60Diner / Home Style 1

Daddy Rich's 52Burgers / Chicken 1

Daddy Vic's Soul Food 61Southern / Soul Food 12, 14

Dad's Coffee 77Coffee / Tea Houses 2

Dairy Kastle 75Desserts / Bakery 13

Daisuki Sushi 67Asian / Japanese 1

Dakshin Indian Restaurant70Indian 11

DaLat's Gateaux & Bakery75 Desserts / Bakery 13

Danny Mac's Pasta & Pizza56Pizza 2

Dark Horse Tavern 62Bar & Grill / Taphouse 2

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Deeno's Pizza & Wings 56Pizza 12

Del Frisco's 50Steakhouse 5

Denny's 55Casual Dining 3,13

Derby Café Express 53Cafes 13

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Dino's Bakery 76Desserts / Bakery 9

DiOrio's Pizza & Pub 56Pizza 2,3

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Ditto's Grill 48Bistro / New American 2

Dixie Chicken 52Burgers / Chicken 9,12

Dizzy Whizz Drive-In 52Burgers / Chicken 1

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Down One Bourbon Bar 51Gastropub 1

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Dragon City 66Asian / Chinese 12

Dragon King's Daughter 67Asian / Japanese 2,14

Drake's 62Bar & Grill / Taphouse 3, 6, 8

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East Star Buffet 66Asian / Chinese 13

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El Nopal 72Mexican [23]

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El Toro Cantina & Grill 73Mexican 5

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Equus & Jack's Restaurant 46Upscale Casual 3

Everyday Kitchen 46Upscale Casual 1

Everyday Kitchen Cafe 53Cafes

Fuzzy's

Galan's

Galan's

Galaxie

Gallant

Gander,

Garage

Gaslight

Gatsby's

Georgia's

Geraldine's

Germantown

Gerstle's

Gertie’s

Gigi's

Ginza

Glow

Gogi

Golden

Golden

Golden

Golden

Goodfellas

Goodwood

Goose

Gordon

Gordon

Gorilla

Gralehaus

Granville

Grape

Grassa

Gravely

Great

Great

Great

Green

Grind Burger Kitchen 52Burgers / Chicken 1

Guacamole Modern Mexican73Mexican 1

Gustavo's Mexican Grill 73 Mexican 5, 8,10

Guy Fieri's Smokehouse 58Barbecue 1

H. M. Frank's 51Gastropub 16

Habana Blues Restaurant & Lounge69Cuban / Caribbean 13

Hammerheads

Happy

Happy China 66Asian / Chinese 6

Happy Dragon 66Asian / Chinese 6

Haraz Coffee House 77Coffee / Tea Houses 1

Harbor and Hops 62Bar & Grill / Taphouse 16

Harley’s Hardwoodz Bar-B-Q58Barbecue 16

Harrods Creek Tavern 55Casual Dining 10

Harry's Taphouse & Kitchen62Bar & Grill / Taphouse 16

Harvey’s Cheese 59Deli / Sandwich 1

Hauck's Corner 51Gastropub 13

Havana Bakery Café 69Cuban / Caribbean 11

Havana Rumba 69Cuban / Caribbean 5

Havana Rumba & Tapas 69Cuban / Caribbean 2

Heart & Soy 67Asian / Japanese 2

Heine Brothers' Coffee 77Coffee / Tea Houses [17]

Heirloom Chef’s Table 46Fine Dinning 8

Heitzman Traditional Bakery & Deli 76 Desserts / Bakery 5

Hell or High Water 62Bar & Grill / Taphouse 1

Hibachi Buffet 66Asian / Chinese 12

Hibachi Sushi Buffet 66Asian / Chinese 13

Hideout Pizzaria 57Pizza 12

Highland Morning 54Breakfast 2,3

Highlands Taproom Grill 62Bar & Grill / Taphouse 2

Highview Ice Cream & Coffee77Coffee / Tea Houses 11

Hiko A Mon Sushi Bar 67Asian / Japanese 5

Hill Street Fish Fry 49Seafood 13

Hillcrest

Hilltop

Hing

Hing

Hitching

Hi-Wire

Holsopple

Holy

Holy

Home

Homemade

Jersey Mike's Subs 59Deli / Sandwich2,5,6,8,14,15,16

Jerusalem Kitchen 71Mediterranean/Middle Eastern13

Jets Pizza 57Pizza 2,3,5,8,11

Jimmy John's 59Deli / Sandwich [11]

JJ Bakes & Co. 76Desserts / Bakery 1

Joe Huber Restaurant 65Entertainment Dining 14

Joella's Hot Chicken 52Burgers / Chicken 3,5, 15

Joely's Bar & Grill 73Mexican 2

Joe's Crab Shack 50Seafood 1

Joe's Older than Dirt 55 Casual Dining 5

John O'Bryan's Tavern 63Bar & Grill / Taphouse 12

Joy Luck 66Asian / Chinese 2,8

Jucy's Smokehouse 58Barbecue 5

JujuBe at La Que 66Asian / Chinese 2

Jumbo Buffet 66Asian / Chinese 6

Juno Japanese 67Asian / Japanese 8, 13

JW Café & Bakery 53Cafes 5

Kabuki 67Asian / Japanese 16

Kansai Japanese Steakhouse67Asian / Japanese 6,15

Karem's 55Casual Dining 8

Kashmir Indian 71Indian 2

Kathmandu Kitchen and Bar71 Indian 4

Kayrouz Café 53Cafes 3

Kern's Korner 63Bar & Grill / Taphouse 2

Khalil's 63Bar & Grill / Taphouse 12

Kim & Bab 68Asian / Korean 14

King Donut 76Desserts / Bakery 13

King Donuts 76Desserts / Bakery 5

KingFish 50Seafood 7,16

King's Fried Chicken 52Burgers / Chicken 9

Kolkin Coffee 77Coffee / Tea Houses 14

Koreana II 68Asian / Korean 13

L & J Asian Cuisine 67Asian / Japanese 10

La Bamba 73Mexican 2

La Bodeguita de Mima 69 Cuban / Caribbean 1

La Bodeguita Del Medio 72Latin American 11

La Catrina Mexican Kitchen73Mexican 14

La Chapinlandia 73Mexican 13

La Chasse 46Fine Dining 2

La Guanaquita 72Latin American 13

La Lupita 73Mexican 15

La Maison Aux Crepes 76Desserts / Bakery 1

La Pana Bakery 76Desserts / Bakery 1

La Popular 73Mexican 13

La Riviera Maya 73Mexican 13

La Rosita Taqueria 73Mexican 5,13

La Sierra 73Mexican 11

La Suerte 72Latin American 2

La Terraza Fourth Street 74Mexican 1

La Torta Loca 74Mexican 13

La Tropicana 74Mexican 13

Lady Tron's 59Deli / Sandwich 14

Las Cazuelas 74Mexican 13

Las Gorditas 74Mexican 11

Las Margaritas Mexican Restaurant74Mexican 5, 13

Le Moo 50Steakhouse 2

LeAnn's Home Made Cheesecakes76Desserts / Bakery 1

Leaven Bakery 76Desserts / Bakery 14

Lee's Korean 68Asian / Korean 13

Legacy Pizza & Bakery 57Pizza 14

Legend Crab Seafood House50Seafood Boils 4

Legends Café 63 Bar & Grill / Taphouse 14

Lemongrass Restaurant 69Asian / Vietnamese 4,5

Lenny's Sub Shop 60Deli / Sandwich 4

Levee Bourbon Lounge 47Upscale Casual 7

Lil' Wagners 60Diner / Home Style 13

Limòn y Sal 74Mexican 8

Lindsay's Kitchen 60Diner / Home Style 12

Ling Ling 66Asian / Chinese 5

Little Caesar's Pizza 57Pizza [10]

Little Greek Fresh Grill 71Mediterranean/Middle Eastern3

Liu's Garden 66Asian / Chinese 5

Logan's Roadhouse 50 Steakhouse 6,12

Longhorn Steakhouse 50Steakhouse 6,8,13,15

Lonnie's Best Taste Of Chicago60Deli / Sandwich 2

Los Aztecas 74Mexican 5,10

Losers812 63Bar & Grill / Taphouse 16

Lotsa Pasta 60Deli / Sandwich 3

Lou Lou Food + Drink 48Bistro / New American 3

Louie's Hot Chicken & Barbecue58Barbecue 13

Louisville Cream 76Desserts / Bakery 1

Louisville International Pub63Bar & Grill / Taphouse 13

Louisville Tea Co. 77 Coffee / Tea Houses 5

Louvino 48Bistro / New American 2,5

Lucky Burrito 74Mexican 2

Lucky Leopard Pizza 57Pizza 2

Lucretia's Kitchen 61Southern / Soul Food 3, 9

Lueberry Acai & Superfoods76Desserts / Bakery 1

Luigi's Pizzeria 57Pizza 1

Luna's Rotisserie 74Mexican 13

M&M BBQ 58Barbecue 13

Ma Zerella's 57Pizza 15

Misawa Hibachi & Sushi 67Asian / Japanese 11

Mission BBQ 59Barbecue 3,15

Mitchell's Fish Market 50Seafood 8

Moe's Southwest Grill 75Southwest / Tex Mex3,6,8,11

Mojito in Havana 69Cuban / Caribbean 3

Mojito Tapas Restaurant 70European / Spanish 7

Molly Malone's 69European / Irish 2

Momma's Mustard Pickles & BBQ59Barbecue 3,5

Monnik Beer Co. 65Microbreweries 13

More Shenanigan's 69European / Irish 4

Morning Fork 54 Breakfast 2

Morris Deli & Catering 60Deli / Sandwich 2

Morton's Of Chicago 50Steakhouse 1

Moya's American Kitchen56Casual Dining 6

Mozza Pi 57Pizza 2, 5

Mr. Gatti's 57Pizza 12,13,15

Mt. Fuji 67Asian / Japanese 13

Mussel & Burger Bar 52Burgers / Chicken 1,6

My Favorite Muffin 76Desserts / Bakery 5

My Old KY Dinner Train 65Entertainment Dining 13

Naïve 56Casual Dining 2

NamNam Café 69Asian / Vietnamese 3

Napa 47Upscale Casual 5

Neat Bourbon Bar + Bottle Shop 63Bar & Grill / Taphouse 2

Neighborhood Services 48Bistro / New American 3

Neil & Patty's Fireside Grill63Bar & Grill / Taphouse 14

Neon Pizza 57Pizza 1

New Albanian Brewing Co. Pizzeria57Pizza 14

New Albanian Brewing Company 65Microbreweries 14

New Direction Bar & Grill 63Bar & Grill / Taphouse 5

New Wave Burritos 74Mexican 13

Noble Funk Brewery 65Microbreweries 1

Noche Mexican BBQ 74 Mexican 2

Noodles & Company 56Casual Dining 6,8,13

Noosh Nosh 48Bistro / New American 7

Nord's Bakery 76Desserts / Bakery 13

Norma Jean’s Baked Goods76Desserts / Bakery 1

North Lime Donuts 76Desserts / Bakery 5, 13

North of Bourbon 47Upscale Casual 13

Nouvelle Bar & Bottle 48Bistro / New American 1

Ntaba Coffee Haus 77Coffee / Tea Houses 2, 13

O'Charley's 56Casual Dining 3,6,12

O'Connell's Irish Pub 69European / Irish 11

O'Dolly's 60 Diner / Home Style 13

Off the Rails Tasting Room48Bistro / New American 4

Oishii Sushi 68Asian / Japanese 4

Old Hickory Inn 63Bar & Grill / Taphouse 13

Old Louisville Brewery 65Microbreweries 13

Old Louisville Tavern 63Bar & Grill / Taphouse 13

Old School NY Pizza 57Pizza 5,8

Old Spaghetti Factory 70European / Italian 1

Olé Frijole 74Mexican 11

O-Line Sports Grill 63Bar & Grill / Taphouse 8

Olive Garden 70European / Italian 6,8,11,15

Ollie's Trolley 52Burgers / Chicken 1

Onion Restaurant & Tea House66Asian / Chinese 14

Open Caribbean Kitchen 69Cuban / Caribbean 13

Orange Clover Kitchen 53Cafes 16

Oriental Café 66Asian / Chinese 4

Oriental House 66Asian / Chinese 3

Oriental Star 66Asian / Chinese 13

Original Impellizzeri's 57Pizza 2,5,10

Osaka Sushi Bar 68Asian / Japanese 1,2

O'Shea's Irish Pub 69European / Irish 2

Oskar's Slider Bar 52 Burgers / Chicken 13

Our Lady of Perpetual Hops65Microbreweries 14

Outback Steakhouse 50Steakhouse 8,11,13,15

OvrDrive Games 65Entertainment Dining 1

P.F. Chang's China Bistro48Bistro / New American 5

Panchitos Ice Cream 76Desserts / Bakery 2,13

Panda Express 67Asian / Chinese 5,6,8,15

Panera Bread Co. 60Deli / Sandwich [10]

Papa Murphy's Pizza 58Pizza [8]

Paris Banh Mi & Bakery 76Desserts / Bakery 2

Parlay 63Bar & Grill / Taphouse 1

Parlour Pizza 58 Pizza 1, 2, 14, 16

Parnelli's Chicago Eatery60Deli / Sandwich 16

Pasha's Mediterranean 72Mediterranean/Middle Eastern4

Passtime Fish House 50Seafood 6

Patrick O'Shea's 69European / Irish 1

Pat's Steak House 50Steakhouse 2

Paul's Fruit Market 60Deli / Sandwich 3,4,5,7

Payne Street Bakehouse 60Deli / Sandwich 2

Pearl Street Game & Coffee House77Coffee / Tea Houses 16

Pearl Street Taphouse 63Bar & Grill / Taphouse 16

Pearl Street Treats 76Desserts / Bakery 16

Peking City Express 67Asian / Chinese 3

Penn Station 60Deli / Sandwich [17]

Penny and Pearl's Bakeshop76Desserts / Bakery 3

Phantom Cafe Modern Eatery48Bistro / New American 2

Philly's Best Frozen Desserts 76Desserts / Bakery 3

Pho Ba Luu 69Asian / Vietnamese 2

Pho Café 69Asian / Vietnamese 3

Pho Phi 69Asian / Vietnamese 3

Pier 17 Cajun Seafood 50Seafood Boils 6, 12

Pin + Proof 65 Entertainment Dining 1

Piña Fiesta Mexican Grill 74Mexican 12

Pints&Union 63Bar & Grill / Taphouse 14

Pivot Brewing Co. 65Microbreweries 2

Pizza Donisi 58Pizza 13

Pizza King 58Pizza 14,16

Pizza Lupo 58Pizza 2

Pizza Place 58Pizza 4

Pizzaville 58Pizza 8

Please & Thank You 77Coffee / Tea Houses 1,2,10

Recbar 63Bar & Grill / Taphouse 6,14

Red Hog 53Cafes 2

Red Hot Roasters 77Coffee / Tea Houses 2

Red Lobster 50Seafood 3,13,15

Red Robin 52Burgers / Chicken 3,8

Red Sun Chinese Restaurant67Asian / Chinese 4

Red Yeti Restaurant 63Bar & Grill / Taphouse 16

Redbud Dining Room 47Upscale Casual 13

Repeal Oak-Fired Steakhouse51Steakhouse 1

Rice Bowl 68Asian / Korean 14

Rice Box 67 Asian / Chinese 13

Ricky B's Club Café 48Upscale Casual 2

Riot Cafe 53Cafes 1

River City Drafthouse 63Bar & Grill / Taphouse 2

River House Restaurant 48Upscale Casual 7

River Road BBQ 59Barbecue 7

ROC Restaurant 70European / Italian 2

Rockey’s Clarksville Seafood50Seafood 16

Roof Top Grill 69Cuban / Caribbean 1

Roosters 52Burgers / Chicken5,8,11,12,13,15

Rootie's Sports Bar 63Bar & Grill / Taphouse 8

Roots 68Asian / Japanese 2

Royal's Hot Chicken 52 Burgers / Chicken 1

Rubbie's Southside Grill 59Barbecue 13

Rubbin' Butts BBQ 59Barbecue 14

Rumors Raw Oyster Bar 50Seafood 5

Ruth's Chris Steakhouse 51Steakhouse 3

Sabor Latino 72Latin American 13

Safai Coffee 77Coffee / Tea Houses 2

Safier Mediterranean Deli72Mediterranean/Middle Eastern1

Saint's 63Bar & Grill / Taphouse 3

Sake Blue 68Asian / Japanese 11

Sakura Blue 68Asian / Japanese 3

Sala Thai 68 Asian / Thai 11

Salsarita's Fresh Cantina75Southwest / Tex Mex 3,5

Sam's Food & Spirits 56Casual Dining 14

Sam's Gyro 72Mediterranean/Middle Eastern13

Sam's Seafood & Grill 50Seafood 13

Samurai 68Asian / Japanese 5

Sangria Bar at Union 63Bar & Grill / Taphouse 16

Sankalp Louisville 71Indian 6

Sante Fe Grill 74Mexican 13

Sapporo Japanese Grill 68Asian / Japanese 2

Sarang 68Asian / Korean 2

Sarap Filipino Eatery 67Asian / Filippino 1

Sarino 70 European / Italian 13

Scene 48Upscale Casual 1

Schlotzky's Deli 60Deli / Sandwich 8

Scooter's Coffee 77Coffee / Tea Houses 5,12,13

Seafood Lady 50Seafood Boils 1,13

Seasoned Pub & Grill 63Bar & Grill / Taphouse 10

Seeds & Greens Deli 60Deli / Sandwich 14

Selena's At Willow Lake Tavern69Cajun / Creole 5

Senegambia African Restaurant66African 4

Señor Iguana's 74Mexican 11,13,15

Senora Arepa 72Latin American 1

Sergio's World Beers 64 Bar & Grill / Taphouse 2

Seviche A Latin Restaurant46Fine Dining 2

Shack In The Back BBQ 59Barbecue 13

Shady Lane Café 53Cafes 7

Shahar Café 53Cafes 2

Shalimar Indian 71Indian 6

Shark's Seafood 50Seafood 4

Shenanigan's Irish Grille 69European / Irish 2

Sherrilli's Pizza Parlor 58Pizza 15

Shippingport Brewing Co.65Microbreweries 1

Shiraz Mediterranean Grill72Mediterranean/Middle Eastern2,5,7,8,13

Shirley Mae's Café 61 Southern / Soul Food 1

Shogun 68Asian / Japanese 6

Shoney's 56Casual Dining 13

ShopBar 64Bar & Grill / Taphouse 2

Shreeji Indian Vegetarian71Indian 6

Sichuan Garden 67Asian / Chinese 6 Sicilian Pizza & Pasta 58Pizza 1,11

Sidebar at Whiskey Row 48Bistro / New American 1

Silvio's Italian Restaurant70European / Italian 3

Simply Mediterranean 72Mediterranean/Middle Eastern2

Simply Thai 68Asian / Thai 3,5

Sinclair Smoked Salmon 50 Seafood 2

Sister Bean's 77Coffee / Tea Houses 13

Six Forks Burger Co. 52Burgers / Chicken 13

Skyline Chili 56Casual Dining 2,3,6,14

Sleepy Rooster Morning Kitchen54Breakfast 14

Smashburger 52Burgers / Chicken 1,5,13

Smokey Bones BBQ 59Barbecue 6

SnoWhat 76Desserts / Bakery 13

Sol Aztecas 74Mexican 2,11

Somewhere Louisville 48Bistro / New American 2

Soul Food Dining 61Southern / Soul Food 13

Soupy's 60Deli / Sandwich 4

Southern Express 61 Southern / Soul Food 13

Southern Hospitality 62Southern / Soul Food 9

Southern Restaurant & Lounge62Southern / Soul Food 1

Spaghetti Shop 70European / Italian 14

Spinelli's Pizzeria 58Pizza 2,3

Spring Street Bar &

Square

Star

Starbucks

Starlight

Starlight

Steak

Steak

Stevens

Martini

Stomping

Plehn's Bakery 76Desserts / Bakery 3

PokeHana

Quizno's

Rafferty's

Railyard

Raising

Ramble

Ramen House 68Asian / Japanese 2

Ramiro's Cantina 74Mexican 2

Ramiro's Cantina Express74Mexican 16

Ramsi's Café 53 Cafes 2

Rawnaissance Desserts 76Desserts / Bakery 2

Stoney

Storming

Tea

TEN20

Terri

Texas

TGI

Tha

Thai

Thai

The

The

The

The

The

The

The

The

The

The

The

The

The

The

The

The

The

The

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The

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The

The

The

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The

The

The

The

The

The

The

The

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The

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56Casual Dining 13

The Table 54Cafes 9

The Water Company 64Bar & Grill / Taphouse 1

The Wing Zone 53Burgers / Chicken 4,13

Thelma's Deli 60 Deli / Sandwich 1

Thirsty Hound Sports Bar64Bar & Grill / Taphouse 11

Three Brothers 50Seafood 9

Tikka House 71Indian 3

Tim Tam Tavern 64Bar & Grill / Taphouse 13

Time 4 Thai 68Asian / Thai 2

Tin Roof 64Bar & Grill / Taphouse 3

Tino's Tacos 74Mexican 13

Toast on Market 54Breakfast 14

Toasty's Tavern 64Bar & Grill / Taphouse 1

ToGo Sushi 68Asian / Japanese 5

Tokyo Japanese 68Asian / Japanese 7

Tomo Japanese Restaurant68Asian / Japanese 14

Top Hat Café 54Cafes 1

Topp't Pizza & Chopped Salad58Pizza 14

Torchy's Tacos 74Mexican 15

Torino's Sandwich Bar 60Deli / Sandwich 1

Town 70European / Italian 16

Tres Amigos 74Mexican 5

Troll Pub Under The Bridge64Bar & Grill / Taphouse 1

Tropical Smoothie Cafe 54Cafes 5,13

Tsubaki Sushi & Bar 68Asian / Japanese 5

Tucker's 56Casual

jj bakes

211 CLOVER LANE RESTAURANT 211 Clover Ln., 896-9570. 211 Clover Lane has been tucked away across the railroad tracks in St. Matthews, in the corner of a little cluster of upscale shops since 1992. Those who know how to find it enjoy drinks in a quiet elegant lounge and dine off seasonal menus. Owner Andrew Smith and his staff keep 211 Clover Lane among the town’s top tables. $$$$ D pf

610 MAGNOLIA 610 Magnolia Ave., 636-0783. Since taking over this Old Louisville landmark restaurant in 2004, Edward Lee has become a Food TV fixture and opened several new restaurants. Jeff Potteris the Executive Chef at this perennial top table and continues the adventurous prix-fixe menu. $$$$ D pf

BARN8 10500 W. US Hwy 42, 398-9289. The newest project of Laura Lee Brown and Steve Wilson is refashioning their Hermitage Farm as an agro-tourism destination. Building number 8 of the historic thoroughbred stable (where Dark Star, who defeated Northern Dancer in 1953, was foaled) is now a restaurant open to the public. Diners can choose to dine at private tables (in the stalls) or rent the Hayloft for parties up to 200. Executive Chef Seth Kinder’s eclectic menu features heirloom, local and seasonal ingredients drawn heavily from the farm’s extensive gardens. $$$$ D pf

BUCK’S 425 W. Ormsby Ave., 637-5284. This elegant, understated dining room has been an upscale lunch and dinner destination since 1992, an Old Louisville institution that draws patrons from across the city. The lavish white flowers in the bar remain, as does the crispy fish and spicy noodles on the menu. Also on the menu are well-made traditional dishes: fried chicken livers and shrimp cocktail, Bibb lettuce salad, filet mignon and seafood rigatoni. $$$ L D pf

HEIRLOOM CHEF’S TABLE 9448 Norton Commons Blvd., 822-1184. There are only 6 tables at this suburban outlet for United Catering. Chef Ryan Smith creates multi-course meals for small groups, emphasizing foods from local purveyors. $$$$ D p

JACK FRY’S 1007 Bardstown Rd., 452-9244. Inside its unprepossessing exterior is one of Louisville’s longest-running top tables. Seating is tight but the food is consistently excellent. Chef Duncan Williams has continued classic menu items that regulars love (crab cakes, shrimp and grits) and worked in newer items (braised pork shank, squash risotto). $$$$ L D p

LA CHASSE 1359 Bardstown Rd., 822-3963. Font-of-the-house man Isaac Fox creates the ambience of a fine European country

inn in the heart of the Highlands. The frequently-changing menu, overseen by Chef Alex Dulaney, fuses the tastes and techniques of Southern France and Northern Spain. $$$$ D p

SEVICHE A LATIN RESTAURANT 1538 Bardstown Rd., 4738560. Chef Anthony Lamas’ menu offers an eclectic range of Latin American dishes in addition to its namesake, the Latino seafood dish “cooked” in tart citrus juices. Continuing to get notice throughout the Southeast for his imaginative cooking, he is setting a standard of cool for the Bardstown Road eating scene. $$$$ D pf

SWIZZLE 140 N. Fourth St. (The Galt House), 252-2500. The Galt House replaces Rivue, its 25th floor restaurant, with Swizzle, a retro-meets-modern redesigned room with a menu focused on steaks, chops and sustainable seafood served up from the open-concept exhibition kitchen in the middle of the restaurant, allowing diners to watch the action. The retro beverage program will focus on classic cocktails, with seasonal specials. $$$$ D p

VINCENZO’S 150 S. Fifth St., 580-1350. Founded in 1986 and known for its suave professional service, high-end Northern Italian fare and many trademark dishes finished at tableside, Vincenzo’s continues to hold its own amid a constantly changing downtown scene. Those hits (Toasted Ravioli Diavolo, Pasta Cacciatore, Crepes Agostino) just keep on coming, along with a regular garnering of plaudits: the 50 best Italian restaurants in America list (Yahoo, 2020) and a 2022 AAA Four Diamond Award, among others. $$$$ L D pf

fans. The menu offers sandwiches and an array of bistro entrées — pasta, seafood, beef and chicken, including fried chicken livers and “light” fried chicken. $$$ Br D pf

BRAVO! 206 Bullitt Ln. (Oxmoor Center), 326-0491. Management describes the Ohio-based Bravo! chain as “a fun, white-tablecloth casual eatery … positioned between the finedining and casual chains.” A Roman-ruin setting houses abundant Italian-American style fare. We particularly enjoyed appetizers and first-rate grilled meats. $$ Br L D pf

BRISTOL BAR & GRILLE 1321 Bardstown Rd., 456-1702, 300 N. Hurstbourne Pkwy., 426-0627, 614 W. Main St., 5821995. A cornerstone of Louisville’s restaurant renaissance, Bristol started three decades ago on Bardstown Road. Now, with three venues around town, diners can always find dependable pub grub, eclectic entrées, and evergreen standards like the green-chile won tons and the Bristol Burger.

$$ Br L D pf

CC’S KITCHEN 651 S. Fourth St., 215-0797. With fresh new digs on Theater Square in the former Marketplace Restaurant’s vast indoor and outdoor spaces, CC’s seems poised to become even more of, well, itself. Bright, whimsical brunch/dinner menus offer inventive, idiosyncratic and zany riffs on traditional dishes and drinks (cotton candy martini, anyone?). At dinner find goat cheese-stuffed deviled eggs, stuffed pork chops, ribeye steak stroganoff and various flatbreads. Did we mention entertainment? The drag brunches at CC’s have gained a fanatical loyal following, featuring goodies-laden bloody marys, mimosas, stuffed French toast, biscuits and gravy and (of course) chicken and waffles. $$$ D pf

CHARR’D BOURBON KITCHEN & LOUNGE 1903 Embassy Square Blvd. (Marriott Louisville East), 491-1184. The J’town Marriott Hotel’s restaurant is on the Urban Bourbon Trail. Chef Raquel Romero’s eclectic menu offers Kentucky burgoo, Kentucky Kobb salad and several dishes (Buffalo Trace Reuben, Makers Mark ribs) that incorporate some of the bar’s 75 offerings of Bourbon. $$$ Br L D p

THE CHEESECAKE FACTORY 5000 Shelbyville Rd. (Mall St. Matthews), 897-3933. One of 175 outlets of the Californiabased chain, this popular restaurant maintains a large and diverse menu that entices and satisfies a wide range of diners. Food quality is above average for this kind of restaurant chain, though its namesake cheesecakes are baked in California and North Carolina. $$$ Br L D pf

COPPER & KINGS ROOFTOP RESTAURANT 1121 E. Washington St., 561-0269. Up on the third floor of the distillery, with a fine view over the city, you can find a menu of cocktails using Copper & Kings distillates, and a food menu that ranges from the familiar (pimento cheese, Caesar salad) to the unusual (salmon tartine, sesame scallion pancake). $$$ Br L Dpf

CULTURED CHEESE, CHEERS, AND CHARCUTERIE 1007 E. Main St., 409-8706. Made-to-order charcuterie boards, including some with vegan and vegetarian options. Cheese selections showcase the owner’s family’s Kenny’s Farmhouse Cheese and other mainly local food products. $$ L D p f

THE 1894 LODGE 409 E. Main St., New Washington IN, 6289006. This ambitious restaurant, housed in a historic building a not-too-distant trek up Rte 62, offers two different dining rooms and a bar area. The menu has some typical bar fare (burgers, calamari, sandwiches), but also some less usual items: mushroom arancini, chicken Gorgonzola, and a smoked half-chicken with quinoa salad.$$$ D pf

8UP ELEVATED DRINKERY AND KITCHEN 350 W. Chestnut St. (Hilton Garden Inn), 631-4180. This rooftop restaurant and bar above the hotel at the corner of Fourth and Chestnut has three elegant areas - an upscale casual dining room, the bar with a separate kitchen and menu, and an expansive outdoor patio that overlooks downtown. The bar kitchen’s two wood-fired ovens offer small plates to nibble while sipping; the main kitchen overseen by Executive Chef Henry Wesley serves fine dinners. $$$ B D pf

BLACKSTONE GRILLE 9521 U.S. 42, 228-6962. Long-time restaurateur Rick Dissell’s comfortable, casual restaurant in the Prospect Center continues to please regulars and to find new

DOC CROW’S 127 W. Main St., 587-1626. Doc Crow’s solidly anchors the dining choices on Whiskey Row. Oysters from both coasts, raw and fried, fried green tomatoes, pork rinds, shrimp and grits, all served in a handsome renovation of one of Main Street’s classic cast-iron front buildings. $$ L D p

EQUUS & JACK'S RESTAURANT | LOUNGE 122 Sears Ave., 897-9721. A Louisville institution since 1985 under the ownership of the late culinary icon Dean Corbett, Jared Matthews now runs both the restaurant and Jack’s Lounge. Matthews has made some physical updates, but has striven to keep the restaurant’s and the lounge’s classic upscale casual atmosphere and approachable menu. The signature mushroom fumé remains, along with satisfying entrées like Yankee pot roast, fried chicken with sawmilll gravy and Parmesan-crusted sea bass. $$$ D pf

EVERYDAY KITCHEN 552 E. Market St. (Gateway to NuLu building), 805-7345. Local and regional farmers are featured in an approachable downtown setting with dishes inspired by

iconic Kentucky cuisine, including Wild (Frondosa Farms) Mushroom Stroganoff, Shrimp & (Weisenberger) Grits, Nashville Hot “Chicken” Sandwich (it’s really tofu) and 3D Valley Farms Roasted Beast (from the in-house rotisserie). $$$

FORK & BARREL 1722 Frankfort Ave., 830-9500. Chef/owner Geoffrey Heyde has consolidated his two “Fork” restaurants into the Lower Clifton space that had been Morning Fork. With all three meals Heyde serves up on local ingredients, craft cocktails and southern hospitality. Look for starters like langostino fritters, buttermilk soaked fried chicken livers, or devilish eggs; entrees such as vegetarian ravioli, salmon and beef tip stroganoff. For dessert choose from cheesecake, fruitfilled sweet crèpe or triple chocolate brownie. $$$ D p

FUZZY'S THE 15TH CLUB, FOOD & SPIRITS 4900 Water TowerRd.,JeffersonvilleIN,812-670-5713.NewAlbany native Fuzzy Zoeller enjoyed a successful golfing career, then launched Fuzzy’s Ultra Premium Vodka, which pours at his new branded restaurant inside the Hilton Garden Inn Jeffersonville. It’s open to the public, serving breakfast, lunch and dinner, featuring American cuisine of precisely the sort you’d expect Fuzzy and friend John Daly to enjoy. $$ B L D pf

J. ALEXANDER’S REDLANDS GRILL 102 Oxmoor Court, 339-2206. This comfortably upscale venue, a Nashville-based chain, features “contemporary American” fare with a broad menu that ranges from burgers and sandwiches to such upscale eats as grilled tuna or a New York strip steak. $$$ D p

LEVEE BOURBON LOUNGE 3015 River Rd., 897-5000. John Varanese’s riverside music bar has been redesigned and rebuilt as a Bourbon-centric bar and lounge, with Bourbon barrel tables, sofas and easy chairs in the lounge, artwork and decor made from barrel tops and staves, and, of course, a large, eclectic selection of over 200 Bourbons (and other spirits). Order from the River House menu while you sip: sautéed mussels, grilled octopus, a charcuterie tray or any of the delights on the raw bar. $$ D pf

MELTING POT 2045 S. Hurstbourne Pkwy., 491-4762. If you have pleasant memories of fondue parties of the ’70s, The Melting Pot is for you. If you can melt it and dip things in it, it’s probably on the menu. $$$ D p

MESH 3612 Brownsboro Rd., 632-4421. The lush modern building and the casual/elegant menu have made a strong presence in the neighborhood. The cosmopolitan menu includes kung pao calamari, beet salad, Amish chicken and mushroom strudel, all served in an atmosphere of “contemporary elegance and comfort.” $$$$ Br L D pf

NAPA 1211 Herr Ln., 423-5822. The former Napa River Grill in the East End at Westport Village has simplified its name and remodeled, with longtime Chef Seth Butkus introducing a new “elevated” menu, including handmade pasta, dry-aged steaks and a raw bar, but retaining “Napa Signature Originals” like Pad Thai, tomato soup and shrimp scampi, which reference the restaurant’s original Pacific Rim influences. $$$ Br L D pf

NORTH OF BOURBON 935 Goss Ave., 749-3305. New Orleans and the Deep South converge in Germantown with inventive lunch, brunch and dinner menus from Chef Lawrence Weeks, focusing on traditional and heirloom ingredients, with dishes like Shrimp Yakamein (a New Orleans fusion dish said to cure hangovers), Crawfish Boudin Balls and Chicken & Sausage Gumbo. The bar features more than 300 bourbons and a range of bourbon cocktails. $$$ L D pf

PROOF ON MAIN 702 W. Main St. (21c Hotel), 217-6360. The restaurant attached to 21C Museum Hotel has, from its inception, under several different executive chefs, offered one of the most creative menus in town. The bison burger and charred octopus have been there from the start. The most recent menu includes salmon crudo and parsnip soup, duck confit and dumplings, and coconut curry spaghetti squash. $$$ B Br L D pf

REDBUD DINING ROOM 983 Goss Ave., 384-1862. Relax, Louisville; the team behind Toasty’s Tavern and New Wave

Burritos registered your trepidation, and previous occupant Eiderdown’s renowned duck fat popcorn is back. Hungrier visitors might consider lamb tartare, pork schnitzel or quail a l’orange. The eclectic menu is primarily a la carte, stressing shared plates. $$$ D p

RICKY B'S CLUB CAFÉ 2901 Brownsboro Rd., 333-0110. This vaguely Moorish-style building that has housed several restaurants over the years is now a supper club run by the well-known pianist Rick Bartlett. His “world fusion” eclectic menu includes short ribs, fettuccine Alfredo, sea bass, “mystical” fries and Bartlett’s signature Bouncin' Back Burger. Bartlett, along with others, will entertain diners. $$$ D p

RIVER HOUSE RESTAURANT & RAW BAR 3015 River Rd., 897-5000. Chef John Varanese’s riverside restaurant complex never ceases to evolve. His elegant reimagining of a former boat dealership building befits the always interesting seafood dishes inspired by Nawlins and Charleston, where Varanese began his career. There’s also an extensive raw bar, dockside service for boaters, the adjacent Levee Bourbon Lounge, event space upstairs (Savor at River House) for 300 of your closest friends, and to seal the deal, in 2022 River House was named one of the 100 Best Restaurants for Outdoor Dining in America by OpenTable diners. $$$$ Br L D pf

SCENE 501 W. Main St., 566-5297. Scene is the latest dining venture in the space at the Kentucky Center for the Arts that has seen a lot of things come and go. Open before shows for drinks and small plate dining served in the fast-casual style. Flatbreads, burgers, pasta dishes, crab cakes; a small but good wine and beer selection and a full bar. $$ D p

SWAY 320 W. Jefferson St. (Hyatt Regency), 581-1234. The handsome dining room on the entry level of the hotel has a bar that opens to Fourth Street in good weather and a menu based on the “Southern Way,” from whence comes the name Sway. The fried chicken, cooked to order, quickly became a signature dish. $$$$ D pf

UPTOWN CAFÉ 1624 Bardstown Rd., 405-8898. The iconic Highlands restaurant re-opens under new ownership, with an updated kitchen and a renovated interior, but with many of the former kitchen crew and staff (including Chef Matt Weber), with a menu re-creating many fan favorites, and some new additions.

VARANESE 2106 Frankfort Ave., 899-9904. Chef John Varanese’s signature restaurant (he has River House and Levee too) has a slate-backed interior waterfall and a folding front wall that opens in good weather. The lively, international seasonal menu is buttressed by frequent special wine, whiskey or beer dinners. Live jazz, contemporary art and urban style complete the mood. $$$ D pf

WALKER’S EXCHANGE 140 N. Fourth St. (Galt House Hotel), 272-1834. The Galt House’s Kentucky-style brasserie, located in the West Tower, is styled after a 19th-century restaurant of the same name. The menu juxtaposes familiar French and American dishes — including classic Southern-style comforts like short rib hand pies and shrimp po-boys. $$$$ B Br L D p

WATCH HILL PROPER 11201 River Beauty Loop 230-1982. This new “Premiere Bourbon Club” in Norton Commons houses one of the largest selections of American whiskeys in the world. It is membership-based, but open to the public on a first-come, first-served basis. The interior has an old-world country club vibe with overstuffed leather seating and warm woods throughout. Chef Michael Crouch, long-time Louisville veteran, helms the menu of shareable small plates, such as lobster hush puppies and build-your-own custom charcuterie boards. $$$$ D pf

WILTSHIRE ON MARKET 636 E. Market St., 589-5224. Veteran Chef Eric Morris, has taken over the Executive Chef reins upon the long-awaited reopening of this NuLu restaurant. The finely crafted small plates menu changes weekly to showcase the best seasonal ingredients. Start with the weekly charcuterie board or cheese plate, followed by a seasonal flatbread or salad, and perhaps a pasta dish. Open Thur.-Sun. only. Reservations suggested. $$ D pf

ANOOSH BISTRO 4864 Brownsboro Rd., 690-6585. Anoosh Shariat’s elegant Brownsboro Center space has an eclectic lunch and dinner menu that includes trout provençal, coconut curry tofu, grilled romaine salad, and house-made pastas and risottos. $$ L D p

BOARD AND YOU BISTRO & WINE BAR 434 Pearl St., New Albany IN, 913-4109, 10700 Meeting St. 398-5271. Look for handcrafted cocktails, charcuterie boards with meats and cheeses from around the world, entrées, small plates, salads, soups and house-made desserts such as blueberry pie bar, mascarpone cheesecake and a pots de creme flight. $$$$ B L D pf

BOURBONS BISTRO 2255 Frankfort Ave., 894-8838. Located in a historic Clifton building, Bourbons Bistro has become one of the prime bourbon bars in the America, with its stock of more than 130 bourbons, including a barrel selection program. It was this almost two-decade devotion to bourbon that has earned Bourbons Bistro “Bar of the Year” in 2022 by Whisky Magazine. Chef Jereme McFarland’s bourbon-inspired, seasonally-influenced menu recently has featured spicy fried oysters, Prince Edward Island mussels and a charcuterie board as appetizers. Entrées include shrimp and grits, and a bourbon chop. Dessert choices include, of course, bourbon bread pudding. $$$ D pf

BRIX WINE BAR 12418 La Grange Rd., 243-1120. The use of an obscure wine term (it’s pronounced “bricks” and refers to the sugar content of ripe grapes at harvest) hints that the proprietors of this wine bar know their vino. Interesting wines and a short bistro-style menu make it a welcome suburban alternative. $$ D p

CUVÉEWINETABLE 3598SpringhurstBlvd.,242-5200.Scott HarperandothersfromtheBristolBar&Grilleorganization have madethiswinebarandcaféintheEastEndafinestop forafterwork.DropintoexploreMasterSommelierHarper’s adventurouswinelistwithtastingpoursandsmallplatesof charcuterie,cheeses,saladsandsnacksfromthekitchen.Look forregularcasualclassesorganizedonvariouswinethemes. $$ L D pf

DITTO’S GRILL 1114 Bardstown Rd., 581-9129. This informal Highlands space masks the work of classically trained ownerchefs Dominic Serratore and Frank Yang. Don’t overlook Serratore’s “gourmet casual” menu of New England crab cakes, fanciful salads and Sunday brunch egg dishes. $$ L D pf

GARAGE BAR 700 E. Market St., 749-7100. Housed in a former service station in NuLu, Garage Bar serves up draft and bottled craft beers, Bourbons, seasonal cocktails and wine, pizzas from a wood-fired brick oven and Southern specialties, with an emphasis on fresh, local ingredients. The ham flight is not to be missed. $$$ D pf

HAMMERHEADS 921 Swan St., 365-1112. Hammerheads, one of the hippest of Germantown’s restaurants, run by owners Adam Burress and Chase Murcino, serve BBQ beef brisket, pork and lamb ribs, roasted duck sandwiches and soft shell crab tacos. $ Dpf

HAPPY BELLY BISTRO 1020 E. Washington St. (Ten20 Brewery), 835-8202. Fusion food from all culinary backgrounds has characterized Ashlee Northington’s fare as she has progressed from sous chef (Mayan Café, Woodhaven Country Club) through food truck catering, and now to a kitchen inside Butchertown’s Ten20 Brewery. Menu items rotate, but usually include purposeful burgers, tacos and at least one vegan choice. $$ L D pf

HOLY GRALE 1034 Bardstown Rd., 857-7457. There are a lot of places to quaff craft beers in town, but Holy Grale’s frequently changing draft selection is among the most esoteric. Couple that with the seasonally adapted menu of small plates and the oddity of being housed in a renovated church and you have a unique dining and drinking experience. $$ L D

HUGE IMPACT RESTAURANT 566 S. Fifth St., 208-2887. This home-style restaurant takes over the spot on Fifth and Chestnut that had for decades been Pesto’s. Salads and

sandwiches, fried corn on the cob, and daily specials like crab legs, lamb chops, and ribeye with loaded potatoes and greens. $$ Br L D

LOU LOU FOOD + DRINK 106 Sears Ave, 893-7776. Jared Matthews, who also operates Equus and Jack’s Lounge, continues the Café Lou Lou tradition of Nawlins-style Cajun food, but Chef Christian Garay has added other casual fare including pizza, pastas and calzones. $$ Br L D p

LOUVINO 1606 Bardstown Rd., 365-1921, 11400 Main St., 742-1456. Steve Ritchie, former CEO at Papa John’s Pizza, has taken over this popular wine bar and small plates restaurant. He is keeping on Executive Chef Tavis Rockwell and his staff, so fans will still be able to enjoy the seasonal shareable small plates menu and clever organization of the wine list. A myriad of wines by the glass are available fresh from their winedispensing cruvinet system. $$ Br D pf

MERLE’S WHISKEY KITCHEN 122 W. Main St., 290-8888. Tony Palombino’s popular Whiskey Row food and music spot across from the KFC Yum! Center offers live music on a regular basis and a menu that emphasizes tacos and Southern fried chicken. Sides offered include sweet potato casserole, long-cooked green beans and a candied bacon appetizer. 100 bourbons are currently on offer, including handpicked private barrels from Buffalo Trace, Maker’s Mark, Wild Turkey and others. $ L D pf

NEIGHBORHOOD SERVICES 400 S. Second St., (Omni Hotel), 313-6664. This casual eating option in the Omni hotel serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner and offers relaxed indoor and outdoor dining. Enter from the hotel or street. $$$ B L D pf

NOOSH NOSH 4816 Brownsboro Ctr., 205-2888. Anoosh Shariat’s family-style eatery is close by his upscale Bistro in Brownsboro Center. Here, a rustic stone oven in an open kitchen offers “homey, comfort food.” Chef Peng Looi, of Asiatique and August Moon, cooks three nights a week. $$$ B Br L D pf

NOUVELLE BAR & BOTTLE 214 S. Clay St., 631-9428. This French-style wine bar sells 40+ wines by the glass (in 3-, 6- or 9-ounce pours) and 200 to 300 wines by the bottle, focusing on affordable, interesting wines. A selection of beers, ciders, classic cocktails, bourbons and scotches also are available to accompany cheese and charcuterie boards, along with desserts. $ L D pf

OFF THE RAILS TASTING ROOM AND WINE DEPOT 2118 Bruce Ave., 822-0738. Enjoy three favorite adult beverages at this Buechel winery – wine, craft brews, and bourbon. The wines made by owners Kenny and Denise Jewell include a Cabernet and Reisling, and several fruit blends. The beers and Bourbons are from all over Kentucky. $$ Br D pf

P.F. CHANG’S CHINA BISTRO 9120 Shelbyville Rd., 3277707. This Arizona-based, Chinese-themed restaurant offers a loud, happy scene with Chinese-style dishes. To its credit, everything is prepared well and service is consistently fine. $$$ L D pf

PHANTOM CAFE MODERN EATERY 1813 Frankfort Ave., 4429878. Phantom Cafe offers a menu of soups, salads and specialty sandwiches and wraps. It also offers all-day brunch from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays. $$ Br L D f

SIDEBAR AT WHISKEY ROW 129 N. Second St., 630-2012. On the west side of Whiskey Row, above Troll Pub under the Bridge, Sidebar focuses on burgers, Bourbon and beer, a potentially boffo combo for those going to or coming from the Yum! Center across the street. The emphasis is on craft cocktails served alongside a short but bold selection of sandwiches, appetizers and desserts. $$ L D p

SOMEWHERE LOUISVILLE 1135 Bardstown Rd., 552-6942. Now you can dine and have some cocktails, and then slide right next door to Nowhere for late-night fun and games. The Southern-inspired menu includes beer cheese and pretzels, smoked wings, buttermilk fried chicken and 3 varieties of flatbreads. $$ D pf

THE CHAMPAGNERY AT ARCHITYPE GALLERY 1764 Frankfort Ave., 896-8050. This Clifton business hosts art shows and now also has a full bar with a focus on more than

120 Champagnes and sparkling wines plus a menu of light bites – oysters, caviar, charcuterie, cheeses, fruit and desserts. $$$ D p

THE FAT LAMB 2011 Grinstead Dr., 409-7499. The first of Chef/owner Dallas McGarity’s dining properties, this comfortable, classy Highlands bistro serves lunch and dinner, focusing on small plates such as onion and chive hushpuppies, lamb meatballs, curry-seared salmon, tandooriseared scallops and ricotta ghnocchi with truffled mushroom cream. $$ L D pf

THE HUB LOUISVILLE 2235 Frankfort Ave., 777-1505. Clifton has taken to this sprawling modern restaurant, cocktail bar and adult rec center with gusto. The Southern-inspired small plates menu and its specials board of rotating entrees pleases multiple tastes. The bar boasts a big rum and tequila selection, with alcoholic floats a specialty. The lively patio is packed in good weather. $$ D pf

THE PINE ROOM 6325 River Rd., 528-4422. Augusta Holland is behind the modern incarnation of this classic Prospect restaurant, in the space that most recently was Cast Iron Steakhouse. Start with, perhaps, the chicken liver lettuce wraps, or sweet potato falafel. Then go for the blackened pork chop or the grain bowl. The buttermilk fried chicken is a dining favorite. $$$ Br D pf

THE SILVER DOLLAR 1761 Frankfort Ave., 259-9540. In this Clifton honky tonk bar and restaurant, the music, all on vinyl, is the “Bakersfield sound” — a fusion of Mexicali and American roots music. The southern country-style menu with sophisticated nuances has happy fans crowding in mosty nights. Choose from more than 80 Kentucky Bourbons, ryes, tequila and mescal, but no “foreign whiskey” like Scotch. $$ Br L D pf

VILLAGE ANCHOR PUB & ROOST 11507 Park Rd., 7081850. In the heart of Anchorage is this two-level Euro-village inspired concept. On the upper level, a French bistro with an outdoor terrace. Downstairs at The Sea Hag the ambience is a

British pub. The hearty upscale comfort food-style menu is served lunch and dinner with weekend brunch. A short, wellselected wine list and ambitious beer list with more than 50 craft and import choices accompany 55 Bourbons to boot. $$$ Br L D pf

WILTSHIRE AT THE SPEED 2035 S. Third St., 634-2976. This sunny, elegant café at the Speed Museum is currently open only on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. The often-changing seasonal menu currently offers salmon and dill chowder, a breakfast croissant, and a vegetable frittata. $$ B Br L pf

CATFISH HAVEN PAY LAKE & RESTAURANT 7208 Whipple Rd., 937-7658. If you like to fish, or if you like to eat fish, you’ll likely enjoy Catfish Haven, a simple, down-home eatery in Southwestern Jefferson County. Seafood is the specialty. Fishermen will enjoy their pay-to-fish lake. $$ L D f

CUNNINGHAM’S CREEKSIDE 6301 Upper River Rd., 2283625. One of the longest-lived restaurants in the city, Cunningham’s has had several incarnations since 1870, and now pulls in old timers and new fans at its Harrod’s Creek location. There you can find fine fish sandwiches and pub grub, and absorb some of the nostalgia associated with this long-time favorite. $ Br L D pf

BONEFISH GRILL 657 S. Hurstbourne Pkwy., 412-4666. This franchise concept from the Florida-based Outback Steakhouse chain offers impressive seafood in a comfortable setting. Add Bonefish to your short list of suburban chain eateries that do the job right. $$$ D p

BRENDON’S CATCH 23 505 S. Fourth St. (Embassy Suites), 909-3323. This downtown upscale seafood restaurant’s fish menu depends on what has come in fresh that day. The 2 and 3 tier seafood towers are a fun shared appetizer for a group. Other choices include lobster mac ’n’ cheese, cornmealcrusted salmon, and wild-caught grouper and sea bass. There is a substantial steak selection as well. $$$ D p

CADILLACS CHICKEN AND FISH 7105 Fegenbush Ln., 2873437. This family-operated food truck has found a permanent space, where you can find catfish, codfish plates, chicken tenders and fish tacos, with simple sides of fries, coleslaw, baked beans, mac and cheese, onion rings and hushpuppies.

$$ L D p

CAPTAIN’S QUARTERS RIVERSIDE GRILLE 5700 Captain’s Quarters Rd., 228-1651. One of the city’s most attractive eateries for atmosphere, Captain’s Quarters matches the beautiful setting with quality bistro-style fare that won’t disappoint. Summer or winter, it’s a delightful place to dine. $$ Br L D pf

THE FISH HOUSE 1310 Winter Ave., 568-2993. Louisville is as overflowing as a well-stocked lake with fish-sandwich houses, and The Fish House is right up there with the best. Crisp breading laced with black pepper is the signature of Green River fried fish from Western Kentucky. And on weekends the space morphs into Café Beignet, serving hearty breakfasts and New Orleans-style beignets. $ Br L D pf

HILL STREET FISH FRY 111 E. Hill St., 636-3474. This Old Louisville tradition is small and easy to miss, but it’s worth the effort to find. Its oversized fried whitefish sandwich is the flagship dish, but a varied menu is also available. $ L D f

HOOKED ON FRANKFORT 3202 Frankfort Ave., 690-9835. The owners of Frankfort Ave Beer Depot operate this fish house two doors away. The menu features fried fish sandwiches, fish tacos, baskets of shrimp or oysters or frog legs. Clam/conch chowder and seafood gumbo, too, or mac and cheese and grilled cheese sandwiches for those who can’t do fish. $$ L D p

HUNGRY PELICAN 5412 Bardstown Rd., 239-7145. The sole remaining representative of a quite popular chain still keeps up the tradition. The cooks and servers are old-timers who understand the intricacies of getting perfectly fried seafood to customers in timely fashion. Generously-filled rolled oysters, too. $$ L D pf

JOE’S CRAB SHACK 131 River Rd., 568-1171. The setting on the edge of Riverfront Park is bright, noisy and fun, with a wraparound deck providing a panoramic river view. $$ L D pf

KINGFISH RESTAURANT 3021 Upper River Rd., 895-0544, 601 W. Riverside Dr., Jeffersonville IN, 284-3474. Fried fish in a family dining setting has made Kingfish a popular favorite for many years. Aficionados of rolled oysters and frog legs can find both here, as well as a large selection of fried and broiled seafood, as dinners and sandwiches. Both locations boast river views. $$ L D pf

MIKE LINNIG’S 9308 Cane Run Rd., 937-9888. This popular riverside restaurant has been dishing up tasty fried fish and seafood at family prices since 1925. There’s indoor seating and a bar, but the picnic grove with its giant shade trees makes Linnig’s a special place in season. Out of season — Nov. to Jan. — the family shutters the place and takes a nice vacation. $ L D f

MITCHELL’S FISH MARKET 4031 Summit Plaza Dr., 4121818. The decor of this upscale eatery evokes the feeling of a large fish market, with an open kitchen that offers views of chefs at work. Quality seafood and service have made Mitchell’s a popular destination. $$$ L D pf

PASSTIME FISH HOUSE 10801 Locust Rd., 267-4633. If you are looking for an honest fish sandwich and a cold beer, with no frills, this Jeffersontown tavern is just the ticket. Belly up, place your order, and be sure to have cash — no credit cards accepted here. $$ L D f

RED LOBSTER 4639 Outer Loop, 964-9647, 986 Breckenridge Ln., 899-3334, 951 E. Lewis and Clark Pkwy., Clarksville IN, 812-285-0444. Consistent quality and moderate prices have maintained this seafood chain’s popularity in the casual dining category since its founding more than fifty years ago. Periodic promotions please repeat customers and draw new folks into the fold. $$$ L D pf

ROCKEY’S CLARKSVILLE SEAFOOD 916 Eastern Blvd., 812590-2427. Clarksville IN. The former Clarksville Seafood building has new life. Does the return of fried fish, shrimp and oysters — and the alluring scent of the frying — bring back nostalgia for a seemingly lost time? Veteran seafood restauranteur Hubert Rockey scrubbed down the old building, renovated the interior, brightened everything up, and is frying the same seafood, in the same way, and with the same menu as the old Clarksville Seafood. Clarksville is happy again. $$ L D

RUMORS RESTAURANT & RAW BAR 12339 Shelbyville Rd., 245-0366. Visualize Hooter’s without the scantily-clad waitresses, and you’ve drawn a bead on Rumor’s, the original Louisville home of the bucket-of-oysters and impressive raw bar. $$ L D pf

SAM'S SEAFOOD & GRILL 4918 Poplar Level Rd., 966-6940. The choices here include jack salmon, frog legs, grouper and red snapper, as well as catfish, tilapia and shrimp. The fishaverse can fill up on chicken wings or gizzards or a range of meat-filled sandwiches. $$ L D

SHARK’S SEAFOOD 3099 Breckenridge Ln., 450-5775. Several types of crunchy-breaded fried fish - white fish, shrimp, catfish, salmon - to choose from, as well as wings and side dishes like fried mushrooms and fried okra. $ L D

SINCLAIR SMOKED SALMON 2208 Dundee Rd., 548-1203. You can find just verlasso salmon here, in various sizes of fillets, hot smoked over hickory, using a process developed by a hobbyist turned weekend seafood entrepreneur. Order ahead and takeaway only. $$$$

THE FISHERY 3624 Lexington Rd., 895-1188. This fried-fish eatery has been popular in the St. Matthews neighborhood since 1983. The Fishery remains justly popular for its quick, sizzling hot and affordable fish and seafood meals. $ L D f

THREE BROTHERS 2001 Seventh Street Rd., 409-7447. The menu of this Algonquin neighborhood fish house includes Chicago-style fried perch, cod, salmon and catfish, the best seller. $ L D

HING WANG CAJUN SEAFOOD & SUSHI 2116 E. Spring St., New Albany IN, 812-924-7388. The phenomenon of the Vietnamese/Cajun seafood boil finally has come to New Albany with this brand extension of the venerable Hing Wang Chinese Restaurant (located directly across the street). Combo boils include options like crab (three varieties), lobster, crawfish and clams, and there’s an added bonus of a broad selection of sushi and sashimi. $$ L D p

LEGEND CRAB SEAFOOD HOUSE 3020 Bardstown Rd., 939-9888. Located in the former Buckhead’s space in the Gardner Ln. shopping center, legends offers seafood boils and fried seafood, with sides of corn, coleslaw, fries or sausages. $$$ D p f

PIER 17 CAJUN SEAFOOD 1975 S. Hurstbourne Pkwy., 4099857, 5362 Dixie Hwy., 963-5120. Pier 17 introduced Louisville to the Vietnamese-Cajun fusion concept of Asianspiced seafood boils (which originated on the Texas-Louisiana coast). Now this variation on the seafood boil has opened a second location in Pleasure Ridge Park. $$$ L D pf

SEAFOOD LADY 3207 Fern Valley Rd., 907-5251, 601 E. Jefferson St., 907-5251. The lure here is fresh fish, shrimp and crab legs brought up from the Gulf Coast, prepared with Cajun spices, and served simply and relatively cheaply. $$ L D f

STORMING CRAB 1360 Veterans Pkwy., Clarksville IN, 5903773,4801OuterLoop,999-9998.Hereyoucangetmarket priceseafoodboilsinseveralspicelevelsandflavors(crab house Cajun, garlic butter and plain) to take home or dump on paper-coveredtablestoeatastheyshouldbeeaten.Other Cajun dishestoo,likegumboandcrawfishetouffé.$$$ L D

THA DRIPPIN CRAB 1219 W. Jefferson St. (Village at West Jefferson), 749-6005. Superchef Darnell Ferguson offers a range of sauces for his seafood dishes that will be different from the standard “boil-in-the-bag” offerings of other Cajun/Creole seafoods places. On the menu: seafood lasagna, seafood birria tacos and lobster rolls. $$$ L D p

as fried pickle chips and jalapeño poppers, grilled chicken, salmon, and plenty of sandwiches. $$$ L D pf

DEL FRISCO’S 101 Whittington Pkwy., 897-7077. Over a year after having its roof collapse, this long-time St. Matthews steakhouse has resumed operation at the former location of Z's Oyster Bar & Steakhouse. The high-end menu offers steaks, a variety of surf ’n’ turf selections, seafood and, of course, its famous spinach dish, green phunque. $$$$ D p f

GORDON RAMSAY STEAK 11999 Casino Center Dr. SE (Caesars Southern Indian), Elizabeth, IN, 866-676-7463. Caesars welcomes the renowned, multi-starred Michelin chef’s signature steakhouse concept, emphasizing dry-aged beef, lamb, seafood, and appetizers like smoked beef tartare and Kurobuta (“black hog”) pork belly. Ramsay’s famed Beef Wellington and Sticky Toffee Pudding are both on the menu, accompanied by an extensive wine and bourbon lists, and hand-crafted cocktails. $$$$ D p

JEFF RUBY’S STEAKHOUSE 325 W. Main St., 584-0102. This Cincinnati restaurateur has made an impact in Louisville with his outstanding steaks, glittery bar, urban vibe and top-notch service. The rooms have Churchill Downs themes. The steaks take the rail with seafood and sushi coming up fast on the outside. $$$$ L D p

LE MOO 2300 Lexington Rd., 458-8888. Restauranteur Kevin Grainger has created a lively and amusing space with a decor that delights in lots of steel, neon and velvet. The menu has some unusual choices: a filet “flight” of choice, prime and wagyu beef; sliced loaded baked potato; drunk-cut fries; chicken and waffles; and drinks like the Moohatan or the Le Mule. The Sunday drag brunches have become a thing. $$ Br L D pf

LOGAN’S ROADHOUSE 970 E. Lewis & Clark Pkwy., Clarksville IN, 288-9789, 1540 Alliant Ave., 266-6009., 5229 Dixie Hwy., 448-0577. With more than 100 properties in 17 states, this Nashville-based chain parlays peanut shells on the floor and steaks on the table into a popular formula. $$ L D p

BOB'S STEAK & CHOP HOUSE 400 S. Second St., (Omni Hotel), 313-6664. The signature restaurant located off the lobby in the Omni Hotel offers refined service and a decor focused on American thoroughbred racing. A steak menu offers seven prime selections, from ribeye to filet to 28-oz. porterhouse. Seafood, too (crab cakes, scampi, lobster tails), and sumptuous desserts. $$$$ D p

BRAZEIROSCHURRASCARIA 450 S.FourthSt.(FourthStreet Live)290-8220.ThisKnoxville-basedcompany’sfirstsatellite locationhasbeenadowntownhit.Achurrascariaworkslike this:Youchoosedrinks,visitthesaladbarandawaitvisits from“gauchochefs”whobringyard-longskewersofgrilled meats(beef,lamb,sausage)toyourtableforslicing—asmuch asyouwish—alongwithsidedishes.$$$$ L D pf

BROOKLYN & THE BUTCHER 148 E. Market St., New Albany IN. 590-2646. Ian Hall of The Exchange Pub + Kitchen opened this steakhouse in a renovated historic hotel with lots of cool touches: black and white tiles on floor and walls, an open kitchen and a vintage bar counter from an old local Woolworth’s store. The bar program emphasizes bourbon, Scotch and craft beers. The menu includes fresh seafood, small plates and lots of beef — New York strip, bone-in ribeye, flat iron steaks — all as locally sourced as possible. $$$ D pf

CAST IRON STEAKHOUSE 1207 E. Market St., Jeffersonville IN, 590-2298. Buck’s owner Curtis Rader also operates this riverside eatery where the kitchen cooks steaks and sides in cast iron pans at moderate prices. The ambience is upscale with “no peanuts on the floor, antlers on the wall or country music,” Rader promises. $$$ D pf

CATTLEMAN’S ROADHOUSE 2001 S. Hurstbourne Pkwy., 384-7623, 139 Historical Trail, 543-3574, 3500 St. Joseph Rd., New Albany, 725-7166. These local outlets of the small regional chain offer mid-priced beef choices and starters such

LONGHORN STEAKHOUSE 2535 Hurstbourne Gem Ln., 6715350, 9700 Von Allmen Ct., 326-7500, 1210 Veterans Pkwy., Clarksville IN, 284-5800, 4813 Outer Loop, 969-9790. Oversize steaks and a “big sky” western theme are the draw at this chain eatery, although most of its properties are east of the Mississippi. $$ L D p

MALONE'S 4370 Summit Plaza Dr., 618-0702. This Lexingtonbased restaurant serves lunch and dinner. Menu choices include various cuts of prime steaks, fish and seafood, including sushi, and house favorites, such as bottomless salad and bread. $$$ L D p f

MATT WINN STEAKHOUSE 700 Central Ave. (Churchill Downs) 636-4888. This premier steakhouse restaurant at Churchill Downs is a stunning and extensive dining space, with exquisite food and a memorable view over the landmark track and infield. The restaurant, named for Matt Winn, one of the most influential figures in thoroughbred racing history, is open all year, not just during racing meets, serving Marylandstyle crab cakes and deviled eggs with lobster and salmon roe; charcuterie boards; selections from the raw bar; and entrées of prime beef, pork chops, and trout, among others. $$$$ D pf

MORTON’S 626 W. Main St., 584-0421. This below-ground temple to the red meat gods is elegant and masculine, full of wood paneling, brass rails and leather booths. Louisville reveres its home-grown restaurants but has welcomed this Chicago-based chain with open mouths. $$$$ D p

OUTBACK STEAK HOUSE 6520 Signature Dr., 964-8383, 9498 Brownsboro Rd., 426-4329, 8101 Bardstown Rd., 2312399, 1420 Park Place, Clarksville IN, 283-4329. The name suggests Australia, and so does the shtick at this popular national chain, but the food is pretty much familiar American, and the fare goes beyond just steak to take in chicken, seafood and pasta. $$$ D p

PAT’S STEAK HOUSE 2437 Brownsboro Rd., 896-9234. A local favorite for more than 60 years and as traditional as a steakhouse gets. Pat Francis, like his father before him, cuts the meats himself. Its combination of quality beef and hospitality rank it among the best steakhouses in town. $$$$ D pf

REPEAL OAK-FIRED STEAKHOUSE 101 W. Main St. (Hotel Distil), 716-7372. The main restaurant at the new Hotel Distil on Whiskey Row fires the steaks over used bourbon barrel staves. If steak isn’t your dish, check out the sole meunière, the truffled spaghetti, the well-stocked raw bar, or grab a blue crab omelet at lunch. As you might expect, the spirits list is deep.

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RUTH’S CHRIS STEAKHOUSE 6100 Dutchman’s Ln., 4790026. The long-standing Louisville location of this New Orleans-based international chain is perched atop the 16-floor Kaden Tower. Ruth’s Chris serves excellent steaks, chops and seafood in an atmosphere of elegance that will make you feel pampered, at a price to match. $$$$ D p

STEAK & BOURBON 1321 Herr Ln., 708-2196. Ole Restaurant Group has branched out with this affordably-priced premium steakhouse. In addition to the signature 24 oz. cowboy cut Angus ribeye (aged a minimum of 30 days) the menu offers pan-roasted chicken, grilled Verlasso salmon, steak & cheese hand pies, Maryland-style crab cakes and carrot cake with bourbon caramel icing. Try the House Punch or choose from over 100 bourbons, including a reserve list. $$$ L D pf

STONEY RIVER LEGENDARY STEAK 3900 Summit Plaza Dr., 429-8944. Stoney River in the Springhurst shopping center is one of the chain’s first properties outside its Georgia home. It draws big crowds with its memorable steaks and trimmings, with extra points for friendly service and a comfortable atmosphere. $$$$ Br D p

TEXAS ROADHOUSE 757 E. Lewis & Clark Pkwy. (Green Tree Mall), Clarksville IN, 280-1103, 4406 Dixie Hwy., 448-0705, 3322 Outer Loop, 962-7600, 13321 Shelbyville Rd., 2530085, 5055 Shelbyville Rd., 897-5005. The spirit of the West sets the theme for this popular steak house. Salads, vegetables and breads with hearty side dishes round out your meal options. This is family-style dining, with no tray sliding — service at your table. $$ L D p

CORNER 102 W. Main St., 583-1888. Corner is the bar and restaurant attached to the chic, contemporary Aloft Hotel downtown. The emphasis here is on the bar, with a wine and cocktail menu longer and more creative than the food side. Still, there are solid bar munchies, from dips and deviled eggs to sandwiches, salads and tacos. $$ B D pf

DOC'S BOURBON ROOM 129 W. Main St., 742-2449. Doc Crow’s has taken over the space next door to create what they say is “the nation's biggest whiskey bar.” It carries thousands of Bourbons and other whiskeys, served as flights, tastes, pours and cocktails. Menu items include beef tartare, lamb flatbread, fingerling poutine and fresh-baked pretzels. A coffee bar is open early in the morning. $$$ D p

DOWN ONE BOURBON BAR & RESTAURANT 321 W. Main St., 566-3258. Situated down one flight below street level, this cool, shaded watering hole stocks 150-plus Bourbons, local craft beer and serves wines by the glass. Well-priced bar food like biscuit sandwiches, tacos and Frito Pie make for a quick, satisfying lunch. Bluegrass music several times a week too. $$ L D pf

EXCHANGE PUB + KITCHEN 118 W. Main St., New Albany IN, 948-6501. Owner Ian Hall has made his gastropub in a sumptuously renovated historic building such a fun place to sit and sample the eclectic bistro-style menu that he has had to expand his dining room and patio. Wash things down with something from its substantial beer, wine and cocktails list that even includes house-made ginger ale. $$ L D pf

FOURPEGSBEERLOUNGE 1053GossAve.,634-1447. Twelvecraftbeersontapanda30bottlebeerlistbringinthe fans,whoalsoappreciatetheaward-winningveggieburger andotherwell-pricedpubgrubsuchasachickenandwaffle sandwichandanestimableburgerwithfriedgreentomatoes and beersauce.$ D f

GALAXIE 732 E. Market St., 690-6595. The guys behind RYE just down the street now have the Green Building space for a bar dedicated to moderately priced drinks ($7 cocktails are what they are shooting for) and a bar menu of “internationalinspired street food,” which was described as “easy to take with you,” so you can nosh as you imbibe. $$ L D pf

GRALEHAUS 1001 Baxter Ave., 857-7457. Gralehaus has fully reopened its cafe for coffee, breakfast and lunch and a new concept, Grale Goods, will open next door to Holy Grale in early 2022, selling beer and other foodstuffs. The new concept, Gralehaus and Holy Grale are collectively known as "The Grales.” $$ B L f

H. M. FRANK'S AN O'SHEA'S PUBLIC HOUSE 355 Spring St., Jeffersonville IN, 913-1174. Upon gutting the interior and re-building the facade of this 1880’s-era building, the original identity of H.M. Frank’s Dry Goods store was uncovered, a discovery that has given this O’Shea’s outpost its name. The bar is made from repurposed barn wood, there’s an event space upstairs, and upscale bar food is created by Chef John Knightly. $$ L D pf

HAUCK'S CORNER 1000 Goss Ave., 384-9374. Hauck’s Handy Store, a humble corner grocery, closed in 2019 after 107 years as a Schnitzelburg neighborhood icon. The late George Hauck is revered locally for reviving the tradition of Dainty, an immigrant German street game. Hauck’s Corner has now reopened with a bar and restaurant in the comprehensively remodeled building, with voluminous outdoor seating. Chef Allan Rosenberg developed the new menu —which proudly proclaims the return of the famous Hauck’s bologna sandwich. $$ L D pf

THE MANHATTAN PROJECT 2101 Frankfort Ave., 749-8925. This upscale gastropub has expanded, with a main room now looking out on the lively Cifton streetscape. The new menu includes short rib sliders, chicken and waffles and four kinds of fries. Mac ’n’ cheese has its own menu section listing almost a dozen possible adds ons—from bacon to crab to pork cheek

to grilled chicken. TMP has become popular for its brunch, tacos & trivia Tuesdays, and the original space in the rear is a great sports watching or special party venue. $$ Br L D pf

WORLD OF BEER 9850 Von Allmen Ct., 690-4280. This Florida-based chain serves a wide variety of craft beers and sports a tavern menu that is a few notches above the usual bar food: wings and sandwiches, sure, but also chimichurri meatballs, ahi tuna poke and chipotle BBQ chicken flatbread. Its giant pretzel and beer cheese is a great shared nibbler. $$ L D pf

DIZZY WHIZZ DRIVE-IN 217 W. St. Catherine St., 583-3828. This neighborhood eatery, an institution that goes back more than 70 years, hasn’t changed much. It opens early, stays open late and offers good value for what you’d expect. $ L D f

FAMILY TIES 1030 Cecil Ave., 907-6548. This West End convenience store also has a vibrant carryout business offering a family-friendly menu of burgers, wings, rib tips, hot dogs and brats. $ B L D

OSKAR'S SLIDER BAR 3799 Poplar Level Rd., 395-9010. Jesse and Liz Huot (Grind Burger Kitchen) expand on their burger concept with a new slider bar. Oskar’s (the name inspired by the Huots’ son, Oskar) offers over a dozen slider choices –chicken, fried fish and pork belly in addition to the expected ground beef mini-burgers. Fries and salads, too. $$ L D p

80/20 @ KAELIN’S 1801 Newburg Rd., 200-8020. The original Kaelin’s, with its dubious history of inventing the cheeseburger, underwent several incarnations before current owners Bill DuBourg and Matt Staggs revived its nostalgic charm. There’s an indoor/outdoor rectangular bar, a fenced-in wrap-around patio and an adjacent malt shop and ice cream parlor. The restaurant menu features burgers, of course, as well as salads, sandwiches and dinner entrées.$$ L D pf

BUFFALO WILD WINGS 4600 Shelbyville Rd., 899-7732, 9134 Taylorsville Rd., 499-2356, 10206 Westport Rd., 3949596, 12901 Shelbyville Rd., 254-9464, 1112 Veterans Pkwy., Clarksville IN, 283-9464, 4917 Outer Loop, 964-5803. As much a sports bar as a restaurant, this national franchise chain offers tasty snack-type fare, including the chain’s trademark Buffalo chicken wings. $$ L D pf

BUNZ RESTAURANT 712 Brent St. (The Village Market), 6321132. Gourmet smash burgers, a selection of sandwiches, fries, onion rings and all the fixings (Bunz relocated to Village Market after 11 years in the Highlands). $$ L D pf

BURGERIM 3733 Lexington Rd., 901-1101. This fast-growing California-based chain offers burgers made with beef, salmon, lamb, chicken and falafel. Chicken wings and milkshakes too. $$ L D f

THE CHICKEN HOUSE 7180 Hwy. 111, Sellersburg IN, 2469485. The parking lot of this white frame building in rural Indiana is packed on weekend nights as families from throughout the area wait on delectable fried chicken. This is the very heart of American comfort food, including green beans, dumplings, and mashed potatoes. $$ L D

CHICKEN KING 639 E. Broadway, 589-5464. Spicy, crunchy and sizzling hot fried chicken is the primary draw on a short, affordable menu. $ L D

CHICKEN SALAD CHICK 12009 Shelbyville Rd., 842-4341, 1520 Veterans Pky., Jeffersonville IN, 504-2360. The name says it all: here you can find a baker’s dozen styles of chicken salad, as a scoop or a sandwich, plus pimento cheese sandwiches, soups and salads. $$ L D f

CLUCKERS WINGS 4308 Charlestown Rd., New Albany IN, 944-8100, 100 W. Riverside Dr., Jeffersonville IN, 590-3662. At this growing chain, you can get your wings doused in an array of sauces, from honey barbecue to spicy garlic barbecue to sweet Thai chili to inferno — a habanero-based sauce that has a legit name. Also breaded and grilled tenders, chicken sandwiches, appetizers and salads. $ L D pf

CULVER’S 4630 S. Hurstbourne Pkwy., 671-2001, 1555 Veterans Pkwy., Jeffersonville IN, 913-0810, 11801 Interchange Dr., 618-0838. When the signature item is called a “ButterBurger” and frozen custard tops the dessert menu, you know you’re not in for diet fare. Quality fast food and friendly service make this chain popular. $ L D f

DADDY RICH’S 617 W. Oak St., 290-9110. The kitchen incubator Chef Space gave birth to this new Old Louisville soul food spot. Owner Rodrick Martin named it after his late grandfather, who inspired him. The limited cooked to order menu includes chicken wraps, mini-waffles and ten wing flavors.

DIXIE CHICKEN 1785 W. Oak St., 690-2748, 3947 Dixie Hwy., 448-2102. A growing fried chicken spot that serves up honest fried chicken and good, standard sides at reasonable prices. $$ L D

FIVE GUYS BURGERS & FRIES 2221 State Street, New Albany IN, 944-9958, 4116 Summit Plaza Dr., 426-1702, 4226 Shelbyville Rd., 891-8848, 4917 Outer Loop, 822-3702, 13303 Shelbyville Rd., 244-1027. Based in Virginia, this burger chain invokes the early days of fast food with freshlygrilled burgers, big smoky kosher dogs, enough condiments to satisfy any craving, fresh-cut fries and a cheery rock’n’roll sensibility. $ L D

GET IT ON A BUN AT BOOTY’S 822 State St., New Albany IN, 292-3800. Another successful food truck finds a permanent home. Booty’s made their name with the Booty Dog, Booty Burger and chili but the menu now ranges from jerk chicken to pulled pork on brioche to a meatloaf cupcake.$ L D

GRIND BURGER KITCHEN 829 E. Market St., 851-7333. Owners Liz and Jesse Huot are firmly established now in NuLu, giving them much-needed parking, as well as a full bar. In addition to their signature burgers, the Huots have a chopped chicken sandwich, an “adult” grilled cheese made with Brie and Gruyere and a couple of salad choices. $$ L D f

HOME RUN BURGERS & FRIES 2723 S. Hurstbourne Pkwy., 409-7004, 12949 Shelbyville Rd., 384-8403, 303 W. Cardinal Blvd., 708-1818. Burgers, dogs and fries with a baseball theme highlight these suburban spots, and more than 20 toppings offer you a fielder’s choice of options to dress your burger. $ L D f

HOOTERS 4120 Dutchmans Ln., 895-7100, 4948 Dixie Hwy., 449-4194, 7701 Preston Hwy., 968-1606, 700 W. Riverside Dr., Jeffersonville IN, 218-9485, 941 E. Lewis & Clark Pkwy., Clarksville IN, 284-9464. Hooter’s may draw crowds with its long-standing reputation as a party scene, but you’ll stay for the food, an appetizing selection of soups, salads, seafood and, of course, wings. $ L D pf

INDI’S RESTAURANT 1033 W. Broadway, 589-7985, 3820 W. Market St., 778-9099, 2901 Fern Valley Rd., 969-7993, 5009 S. Third St., 363-2535, 2970 Tenth St., Jeffersonville IN, 2888980, 4590 Dixie Hwy., 447-4856, 4419 Cane Run Rd., 4481109, 4901 Poplar Level Rd., 969-5352. Grown from a tiny West End takeout spot to a mini-chain, Indi’s vends a variety of affordable soul food and barbecue specialties to take out or eat in. $ L D

JAGGERS RESTAURANT 6464 Dutchmans Ln., 242-9311. The Texas Roadhouse folks are trying out a new concept. This fastfood restaurant offers chicken sandwiches, burgers, shakes and salads. $$ L D f

JOELLA’S HOT CHICKEN 3400 Frankfort Ave., 895-2235, 13401 Shelbyville Rd., 254-1111, 1225 Veterans Pkwy, Clarksville IN, 913-7555. You can find Nashville-style hot chicken – medium, hot and hotter – at all three locations. House-made sides local craft beers and wine and freshsqueezed lemonade as well. $$ L D pf

KING’S FRIED CHICKEN 1302 Dixie Hwy., 776-3013 $ L D

MUSSEL & BURGER BAR 9200 Taylorsville Rd., 384-4834, 113 S. Seventh St., 749-6451. The unusual combination in the name sparks immediate interest; the consistently excellent offerings of both shellfish and meat patties keeps satisfied customers coming back. Choose from six different sauces for the mussels, and 12 clever twists on burgers. The downtown venue has an expanded menu and a handsome outdoor courtyard. L D pf

OLLIE’S TROLLEY 978 S. Third St., 583-5214. A little piece of fast-food history remains in Old Louisville. It’s one of the nation’s few surviving trolleys of the Louisville-based chain that spread across the nation in the ’70s. Oversize burgers with a spicy, homemade flavor are just as good as ever. $ L

RAILBIRDS HOT CHICKEN 4520 Poplar Level Rd., (Derby City Gaming), 961-7600. Grab some wings or jumbo tenders at your choice of heat level or other non-spicy chicken dishes and sides like fries and slaws before you head back to the games. $ L D

RAISING CANE’S 10490 Westport Rd., 425-4040, 6811 Bardstown Rd., 654-7737, 5212 Dixie Hwy., 742-9035, 1250 Bardstown Rd., 822-1188, 1905 S. Hurstbourne Pkwy., 4099441. A national chain with a single core product — chicken fingers. Six locations in town now, all offering simple and straightforward fried chicken finger combos and sandwiches with slaw and fries on the side. $ L D f

RAMBLE 712 Brent St. (The Village Market). Fried chicken sandwiches available in a variety of culinary guises: Nashville Hot, Cajun, General Tso’s and Korean, among others.$$ L D pf

RED ROBIN GOURMET BURGERS 9870 Von Allmen Ct., 339-8616, 5000 Shelbyville Rd., 899-9001. This Seattle-based chain serves up its well-regarded “gourmet burgers” and trimmings in two East End locations and S. Indiana. Despite a full bar, it reportedly attracts hordes of happy youngsters. $$ L D pf

ROOSTERS 7405 Preston Hwy., 964-9464, 4420 Dixie Hwy., 384-0330, 1601 Greentree Blvd., Clarksville IN, 590-3391, 10430 Shelbyville Rd., 883-1990, 5338 Bardstown Rd., 6181128, 3601 Springhurst Blvd., 708-2798. With a wide footprint in Ohio, this Columbus-based wings-and-brews chain is now spreading its franchise reach across Indiana, West Virginia and Kentucky. Its six local properties have gained popularity for a lively sports bar setting and oversize wings. $ L D pf

ROYALS HOT CHICKEN 736 E. Market St., 919-7068. Ryan Rogers first pressure-fries his chicken, then, in the Nashville style, blankets it with a paste of oil and spices delivering mild to “Gonzo” heat. If you’re not in the mood for bird, salads and even Southern-fried tofu are on the menu. $$L D f

SIX FORKS BURGER CO. 1039 Ash St., 565-9750. This popular Germantown spot has moved to larger digs in Schnitzelburg. In addition to burgers you can find hot dogs, Polish sausage, not-your-ordinary grilled cheese and several vegetable side dishes.$ L D p

SMASHBURGER 9409 Shelbyville Rd., 326-4141, 312 S. Fourth St., 583-1500, 600 Terminal Dr. (Louisville Airport) 3632526. A growing chain located mostly in the West and the South now has three Kentucky locations serving made-toorder Angus beef burgers, and is looking to open more area locations. $ L D f

STEAK ‘N SHAKE 4545 Outer Loop, 966-3109, 980 E. Lewis & Clark Pkwy., Clarksville IN., 285-1154. One of the oldest fastfood chains in the U.S., Steak ‘n Shake traces its ancestry to an Illinois roadside stand in 1934. It now boasts 400 outlets in 19 states but still sticks to the basics: quality steak burgers and hand-dipped shakes served, if you dine in, on real china. $ B L D

THE CHICKEN BOX 5905 Terry Rd., 618-0430. This Pleasure Ridge Park restaurant offers six flavors of wings, all cooked to order: buffalo, extra hot, bbq, lemon pepper, hot garlic Parmesan and lemon pepper hot. The waffle biscuit has impressed fans. $ L D f

THE CHILLBURGER 500 LaFollette Station Dr., Floyds Knobs IN, 728-8283; 1225 Veterans Pkwy., Clarksville IN, 7259157. These two Southern Indiana burger places tout freshlyground USDA Choice beef, fresh-cut fries and milk shakes and sundaes from hormone-free dairy. Chicken and fish sandwiches, too. $ L D f

THE EAGLE 1314 Bardstown Rd., 498-8420. This small Cincinnati-based chain serving fried chicken, five-cheese macaroni, house-made biscuits and other comfort food, has

established itself firmly in the Highlands restaurant row. The three-season patio is a great place to enjoy the beer list. $ L D pf

THE WING ZONE 905 Hess Ln., 636-2445, 3038 Hunsinger Ln., 618-0106. Wing Zone, with locations scattered across the eastern U.S., excels with jumbo wings in 25 flavors, including traditional Buffalo-style wings that range from Tame to Nuclear Habanero. Burgers, fried shrimp and sides as well. $ L D f

VIRTUE BAR & LOUNGE 1971 Brownsboro Rd., 290-0830. Relocated to the Clifton neighborhood from downtown, and still offering regular nightclub-style entertainment, Virtue’s kitchen has been expanded and features turkey legs, catfish nuggets and chicken wings (with a wide variety of sauces and dry rubs). $$ D pf

WALDO’S CHICKEN & BEER 10700 Meeting St., 434-4035. Where’s Waldo? In Norton Commons, where the Endeavor group (Big Bad Breakfast, LouVine) has introduced this Southern-style, chicken-led concept, with fried fowl “on the bone, on a bun, in a bowl, or in a basket,” and beer solemnly promised to be cold. $$ L D pf

WEEK-END BURGERS 5600 National Tpke., 994-8215. Another food truck business has gone off the wheels. WeekEnd Burgers boast their “burgers are the way burgers used to be made years, years ago, good, tasty & messy).” Philly sandwiches, too, and sides and desserts. $ L D f

WHISKEY DRY 412 S. Fourth St. (Fourth Street Live!) 7497933. Ed Lee expands his local empire to Fourth Street Live! with this casual burger and whiskey bar. The menu features a suggested whiskey pairing for each burger from among the 200 whiskeys from America, Ireland, Japan and elsewhere. $$ L D pf

WINGSTOP 4812 Dixie Hwy., 409-6000, 2007 S. Hurstbourne Pkwy., 491-7171. This Texas-based chain with 500 restaurants nationally, now reaches into Louisville. Their specialty? Wings of course, and you can get them 9 different ways. $$ L D p

W.W. COUSINS RESTAURANT 900 Dupont Rd. 897-9684, 4913 Dixie Hwy., 742-1583. After 30+ years of offering buildyour-own burgers on substantial house-baked buns and a huge condiment bar, this popular burger place has finally opened a second location, in a revamped Steak ’n’ Shake building. $ L D

ZAXBY’S (8 Locations) There are now 9 outlets in Louisville and Southern Indiana. The casual dining chain cutens its menu with a lot of “z’s”: zappetizers, zalads, platterz, wingz and fingerz - that sort of thing. $ L D

BLUE HORSE CAFÉ 830 Phillips Ln. (Crown Plaza Hotel), 3672251. $$$ L D p

BOOMER’S CAFÉ 722 W. Main St., 585-4356. Named after the owner’s dear, departed beagle, Boomer’s is a popular, low-key downtown deli in the heart of the museum district. Sandwiches, burger and fries, homemade chocolate cookies, and good coffee. $ L

BORSALINO CAFÉ & DELI 3825 Bardstown Rd., 807-5325. This Buechel store is somewhere between a coffee shop, a fancy bakery and a deli. You can stop in for your morning coffee and sweet bun to go, buy a cake for dessert or take away a stuffed pita for lunch. $ B L D f

CAFÉ 360 1582 Bardstown Rd., 473-8694. Highlands diners enjoy an eclectic and international menu at this friendly corner place, with Southern fried catfish and Indian lamb biryani in immediate juxtaposition. You can get it all, diner-style, just about 24/7. $ B L D pf

CAFFE CLASSICO 2144 Frankfort Ave., 895-0076. At first a coffee bar, but over the years the classy space at Clifton and Frankfort has matured into an elegant bistro serving an eclectic menu — salmon croquettes with wasabi aioli, empanadas, an international array of salads, panini, bocadillos and pizzas. A stylish place for lunch or supper. $$ B L D f

CHEDDAR BOX CAFÉ 12121 Shelbyville Rd., 245-2622. An attractive — and busy — Middletown lunch spot where owner Michelle Bartholmew serves popular salads, sandwiches and soups, as well as hot entrées such as lasagna and Brie and cranberry-stuffed chicken. Pick up some frozen appetizers for your next cocktail party. $ L D f

CHRISTI'S CAFÉ 12810 Dixie Hwy., 937-3110. This familyoperated restaurant in Valley Station serves breakfast, lunch and dinner, all the dishes you know you want: omelets, hotcakes, wings, chili, bean soup, giant burgers, open-faced roast beef with mashed potatoes and liver and onions. $ B L D

CLEAN EATZ 3565 Springhurst Blvd., 653-7865. This outpost of a Wilmington, NC franchise, the first of three planned for the area, houses a café, where customers can dine or collect weekly meal plans featuring health-conscious prepared meals that can be reheated at home. $$ L D

CORNER CAFÉ 9307 New Lagrange Rd., 426-8119. This family-owned and operated, classier-than-the-average-strip mall place has quietly turned out delicious menus for better than 30 years. The Frederick family serves an eclectic menu (blackened tenderloin, Andouille-stuffed chicken, garlic-basil chicken pizza) and dishes like the Irish pork have won prizes at local charity contests. $$$ L D pf

HOT BOX EATERY 438 W. Market St., 822-3995. Try their fresh soups, salads, sandwiches, wraps and daily specials. Menu choices include a Brie and salami wrap, Indonesian chicken peanut satay, pork schnitzel, a turkey club wrap and a gyro — in other words, an appealingly diverse selection. $ L

J. GRAHAM’S CAFÉ & BAR 335 W. Broadway (The Brown Hotel), 583-1234. The home of the legendary “Hot Brown” sandwich, J. Graham’s offers a more casual bistro-style alternative to the upscale English Grill, with choice of menu service or buffet dining. $$ B L pf

JW CAFÉ & BAKERY 2301 Terra Crossing Blvd., 907-5248. The bakery part of this East End spot offers scones and cupcakes and other expected bakery treats. The café part has a variety of lunch items, including Korean specialties. The smoked salmon salad has won fans quickly. $ B L f

KAYROUZ CAFÉ 3801 Willis Ave., 896-2630. Tucked in among St. Matthews sidestreets is one of the best sandwich places in Louisville. The tuna salad, Portobello mushroom Reuben, fish, chicken and hamburger — all are innovative and all come with some of the best fries in town. $ L D f

ORANGE CLOVER KITCHEN & MORE 590 Missouri Ave., Jeffersonville IN, 282-1005. Find quick breakfast and lunch items here, such as the Orange Clover muffin: poppy seed and blood orange flavors with a blood orange drizzle, as well as a cupcake version with cranberries. Two soup specials offered every day out of a recipe rotation of 75 possibilities

PURE BLENDZ 1001 Logan St. (Logan Street Market), 6408668. This kiosk at the Logan Street Market offers pure, unprocessed foods in the form of superfood smoothie bowls, avocado toast, kombucha, lemonade tea fogs and more. $ L D f

PURRFECT DAY CAT CAFÉ 1741 Bardstown Rd., 916-5051. One room is a wine bar with snacks and small bites provided by local bakeries. The other room, by reservation, is a Cat Room, populated by cats needing homes, provided by the Humane Society. Bring in a drink, and play and cuddle with kitties — and maybe take one home. $ B L D p

RAMSI’S CAFÉ ON THE WORLD 1293 Bardstown Rd., 4510700. The beating bohemian heart of the Highlands, Ramsi Kamar brings a wonderfully eclectic spirit to the environment and to his menu, where you can find Cuban, Jamaican, Greek, and Middle Eastern dishes at moderate prices. A weekend brunch and late-night hours add to the draw. $$ L D pf

ALLEY CAT CAFÉ 11804 Shelbyville Rd., 245-6544. This suburban Alley Cat is a cozy and bright little place, and the lunch-only menu is affordable and appealing. $ L f

ANGIE’S CAFE 2781 Jefferson Centre Way, Jeffersonville IN, 920-0831. Angie’s cooks up a solid breakfast menu – eggs, omelets, breakfast sandwiches, pancakes – and creates hearty hot and cold sandwiches for lunch, at pleasantly retro prices. $ B L

AROMA CAFÉ & BAR Caesars Southern Indiana, Elizabeth IN, 866-676-7463. Grab a bite before hitting the casino. Sandwiches, salads, sides, cold beverages and coffee will fuel you for a night of entertainment. $$$ B L D p

ATRIUM CAFÉ 9940 Corporate Campus Dr. (Embassy Suites), 426-9191. An eclectic bistro atmosphere in the heart of the hotel. Specials run from their popular crab cakes and array of pasta dishes to a Reuben sandwich or fruit pie. $$ B D p

BLUE DOG BAKERY AND CAFÉ 2868 Frankfort Ave., 8999800. Tables are always at a premium at this popular Crescent Hill breakfast and lunch spot. And its artisanal bakery continues to produce hearty European-style breads that have set a gold standard on restaurant tables and in better grocery stores around town. $$ B L D f

CRAVE CAFÉ & CATERING 2250 Frankfort Ave., 896-1488. Experienced caterers and chefs offer casual quality café fare in this comfortable frame house in Clifton. Three variations on chicken salad are available, 8 different green salads, 8 hot sandwiches (many with cute names: The Big Dirty, The Guido). Vegetarian choices and cheesecake or cookies, too. $$ L D

CUP OF JOY 2507 Bank St., 919-9074. This coffee shop and café, located in a former bar, is a project of Haven Ministries and run mostly by volunteers. According to founder Esther Lyon, the food is “homemade, down-home cooking … biscuits and gravy, homemade potato soup, chicken and dumplings, turnovers, pastries.” Nothing on the menu tops $5. $ B L

DERBY CAFÉ EXPRESS 704 Central Ave. (Kentucky Derby Museum), 637-1111. You can get both grab-and-go eats, and made-to-order breakfast and lunch items before or after your visit to the Derby Museum. At breakfast, choose from hot and cold breakfast items, fresh pastries and kolache. The lunch menu offers deli-style sandwiches, paninis, soups, salads, Derby Pie (of course) and Benedictine. There is also a full bar. $ B L pf

EVERYDAY KITCHEN CAFE 204 S. Hancock St., 805-7346. This NuLu restaurant is the breakfast-and-lunch foil to Everyday Kitchen’s upscale dinner dining environment.

Breakfast options include Breakfast Burrito, Coconut Overnight Oats, and an assortment of pastries made in-house. Lunch includes salad, soup and sandwiches, as well as a Lodgic Burger and Bruschetta Turkey Burger. $$ B L

RED HOG 2622 Frankfort Ave., 384-0795. Kit Garrett and Bob Hancock, owners of Blue Dog Bakery, now also have this butcher shop and café offering artisan cured meats in Crescent Hill. Pasture-raised pork, beef, bison, lamb and poultry are available. The café serves small plates and pizzas fired from their wood-burning oven. The bar offers craft cocktails and 12 beer taps. $$ L D pf

RIOT CAFE 574 S. Fourth St., 709-5654. Olivia Griffin has taken over the Craft(s) Gallery & Mercantile space adjacent to her Tiki Bar to provide a safe space for progressive conversation and refreshment. Part bodega, part cafe and bar, and part art gallery, Griffin sets aside a percentage of sales to fund a loan program for people of color to start or grow a food or beverage business. $$ B Br L

SHADY LANE CAFÉ 4806 Brownsboro Center, 893-5118. This perennially popular little East End eatery, long a go-to choice for breakfast and lunch, now provides dinner on Friday nights too. $ Br L D f

SHAHAR CAFÉ 1511 Bardstown Rd., 653-7083. Anselmo’s Italian gives way to this eclectic eatery whose owners have devised a menu of Euro-Asian entrees and snacks. The wideranging menu includes beef kabobs, Russian piroshki, samosas and poutine. Weekend entrée specials may include plov (a central Asian rice and meat dish), shashlik (similar to shish kebab), pelmeni (Russian dumplings) and borscht. $ B Br L D

STARLIGHT CAFÉ 19816 Huber Rd., Starlight IN, 923-9813. This café in the Winery building at Huber Farm provides light lunch items such as seasonal soups, Rueben sandwiches, a turkey club, chicken salad or artisan flatbread pizza. Dine inside in the dining room or outside on the patio that

overlooks the 550-acre farm. Huber wines and cocktails made from spirits distilled on the premises available too. $$ L D pf

TERRI LYNN'S CAFÉ AND CATERING 133 E. Market St., New Albany IN, (812) 923-1503.After two decades in the catering business, owner Terri Lynn Doyle now has a brickand-mortar café in downtown New Albany, in the space that had recently been Adrienne & Co. Bakery Café. The menu features Terri Lynn’s staples such as salads, baked goods and sandwiches. $$ B L f

THE CAFÉ 711 Brent St., 589-9191. The transition is complete. The Café is now across the street from its original Paristown location, in a newly renovated, airy space, part of the Paristown Pointe development. The menu, with its complement of hearty breakfast and lunch dishes, remains the same. $$ B Br L D pf

THE CHEDDAR BOX 3909 Chenoweth Sq., 893-2324. Since 1975 this St. Matthews tradition has delighted ladies who lunch, hungry students who munch, and just about everyone else with their sandwiches, pasta salads and tasty desserts. It caters parties with almost 50 choices of appetizers, party sandwiches, dips, cheese rings and crostini. $ L f

THE CHEDDAR BOX TOO 109 Chenoweth Ln., 896-1133. Cheddar Box owner Nancy Tarrant has extended her presence with a café just across the parking lot. Look for the same tasty salads, soups and desserts that have made her take-away business so popular. $ B L

THE SILLY AXE CAFÉ 1001 Logan St. (Logan Street Market), 290-7197. Silly Axe (a play on celiac disease) is a completely gluten-free and peanut-free dining concept. After a three-year residency at Douglass Loop, owner/chef Angela Pike has moved the restaurant to shared space at the Logan Street Market in Shelby Park, where the emphasis is on celiacappropriate chicken dishes, though not excluding vegan and vegetarian options. $$ L D pf

THE STARVING ARTIST CAFÉ & DELI 8034 New Lagrange Rd., 412-1599. $ L

THE TABLE 1800 Portland Ave., 708-2505. This West End nonprofit, social entrepreneurship experiment serves locallygrown, fresh food and operates under a pay-what-you-can model. Pay suggested prices if you can, or if not, contribute your time. Or donate more to “pay it forward.” The menu offers soups, salads, sandwiches and sides. $ L D

TOP HAT CAFÉ 1300 Muhammad Ali Blvd., 583-8822. Located inside the Old Walnut Plaza, this neighborhood coffee shop and breakfast and lunch café, named after an historic West End nightclub, is a project of the Louisville Central Community Center, in its effort to connect the Russell neighborhood to its past and to encourage fellowship and neighborhood networking.$ B L D

TROPICAL SMOOTHIE CAFÉ 13128 Shelbyville Rd., 2909903, 5023 Mud Ln., 709-5420. Ah, if only restaurant names were transparent. There is a full range of smoothies, of course, but also an extensive menu of flatbreads, wraps and other health-minded menu items. $$ B L D

VIC’S CAFÉ 1839 E. Market St., New Albany IN, 944-4338. $ L D

WAYCOOL CAFÉ 120 W. Broadway, 582-2241. Wayside Christian Mission trains people here in its community re-entry program in restaurant service and management. Breakfasts for under $5; a lunch buffet is $8 for unlimited trips. A dinner menu too. It’s a do-gooder place that serves good food. $ L D

WILTSHIRE PANTRY BAKERY AND CAFÉ 901 Barret Ave., 581-8561, 6301 Moonseed St., 581-8560, 605 W. Main St., 749-1683. Caterer/ Restaurateur Susan Hershberg’s popular bakery and café operation now has three locations, with the opening of a downtown café in the former Atlantic No. 5 space. At all three you can find artisanal breads, scones and croissants, full breakfasts (Tuscan egg sandwich, breakfast grain bowl, frittata, smoked salmon plate) as well as sandwiches, side salads and paninis. $ B L

locally as the Lynn’s Paradise Café and (Dean) Corbett’s: An American Place have become part of the regional chain Big Bad Breakfast. The extensive breakfast and lunch menus include Creole omelet (filled with shrimp and andouille), chicken and waffles, and huevos rancheros made with grits, chicken sausage and saucy black beans. $$ B Br pf

BISCUIT BELLY 900 E. Main St., 409-5729, 3723 Lexington Rd., 690-2945, 13301 Shelbyville Rd., 208-8722. Chad and Lauren Coulter, of LouVino fame, own this breakfast- and lunch-oriented eatery. You’ll find over-sized biscuit sandwiches filled with chicken, country ham or brisket; oatmeal, hash and Nutella toast, as well as an adult beverage program that includes beers and coffee-inflected cocktails. There’s non-alcoholic coffee, too, and eggs however you like them. $$ B Br L pf

CON HUEVOS 2339 Frankfort Ave., 384-3027, 4938 US-42, 384-3744, 400 S. Second St. (Omni Hotel), 2125 S. Hurstbourne Pkwy, 384-2432. This hugely popular Mexican breakfast and lunch restaurant continues to expand, adding its fourth location near the busy intersection of S. Hurstbourne Pkwy. and Taylorsville Rd. Expect huevos rancheros, chilaquiles, breakfast-style enchiladas (with eggs, of course), frijoladas, churros and molletes. Tortas and tacos at lunch as well. Expect a wait on weekends — but well worth it. $ B Br L

EGGS OVER FRANKFORT 2712 Frankfort Ave., 709-4452. Husband and wife team Jackson and Cortney Nave have creatively refurbished this Crescent Hill space into a “very traditional” breakfast spot. Its menu includes omelets, eggs Benedict, waffles and oatmeal, as well as salads and sandwiches for lunch. $ B Br L

HIGHLAND MORNING 1416 Bardstown Rd., 365-3900, 111 St. Matthews Ave., 883-0203. You can order breakfast anytime at both locations, with an eclectic menu that also encompasses brunch, burgers, soul food, Southern dishes and vegetarian fare as well. $ B L D

MORNING FORK 1722 Frankfort Ave., 830-9500. The breakfast and brunch concept from Chef/Owner Geoffrey Heyde has found firm footing in Lower Clifton. The varied menu offers well-made breakfast/brunch classics alongside dishes like short rib eggs Benedict and hot honey fried chicken and Liege waffles. Heyde’s popular sister restaurant, Fork & Barrel, has relocated here and is sharing the space with Morning Fork. Both restaurants are now at the Lower Clifton location, where all three meals will be served. $$ B Br L p f

SLEEPY ROOSTER MORNING KITCHEN 2204 State St. New Albany IN, 812-725-0814. Are you ready for the Mexicali Benedict? Churros meet corned beef hash at this New Albany spin-off from the creators of Señor Iguanas and La Catrina, fusing breakfast, brunch and lunch favorites from the American and Mexican culinary traditions. $$$ B Br L D pf

TOAST ON MARKET 141 E. Market St., New Albany IN, 812941-8582. After a period of pandemic hibernation, the New Albany location of Toast has reopened as the only location of Toast. Auf Wiedersehen, NuLu. There are no new developments on the trendy breakfast or lunch menus of American café classics with a twist, but all dishes are fresh, made with care, and familiarly tasty. $ B Br L pf

TWIG & LEAF RESTAURANT 2122 Bardstown Rd., 451-8944. A popular Highlands hangout, the “Twig” is probably at its best for breakfast — whether you’re enjoying it while venturing out on a leisurely Sunday morning or heading home very late on a Saturday night. It’s a place to grab a quick, filling bite and doesn’t pretend to be more. $ B L D f

ZEGGZ AMAZING EGGS 11615 Shelbyville Rd., 882-1650. This quick-service breakfast and lunch spot offers five house omelets (plus the chance to build your own), three variations on eggs Benedict, as well as biscuits and gravy, croque madames, waffles and pancakes. Luncheon fare includes a B.A.L.T (the ‘a’ is for avocado), salads and soups. $$ B Br L pf

A NICE RESTAURANT 3129 Blackiston Mill Rd., New Albany IN, 945-4321, 404 Lafollette Station, Floyds Knobs IN, 9237770. A Nice Restaurant, billed as “New Albany’s Finer Diner,” is, well, nice enough to have branched out to three locations. All specialize in simple, down-home breakfast and lunch at affordable prices. $ B L

AGAVE & RYE EPIC TACOS 426 Baxter Ave., 873-5111, 324 E. Main St., New Albany IN, 993-8226. This Covington-based chain has added a second area store in southern Indiana. Offerings include tacos, bourbon, arcade games and 70+ tequilas. The Rooster taco contains crispy chicken, mac & cheese and hot sauce. The Bang Bang is a vegetarian dish, with crispy cauliflower, corn fritters, queso and spicy carrots. $$ L D p f

APPLEBEE’S 4717 Dixie Hwy., 448-1399, 10006 Will Way, 231-1661, 4535 Outer Loop, 969-1228, 771 E. Lewis and Clark Pkwy., Clarksville IN, 283-3594.. This cheery national chain features an eclectic assortment of salads, steaks, ribs, poultry and pasta as well as full bar service. It’s as consistent as a cookie cutter, but competent execution makes it a good bargain for those whose tastes run to mainstream American cuisine. $$ L D p

ASPEN CREEK RESTAURANT 8000 Bardstown Rd., 2392200, 302 Bullitt Ln., 425-0077. A lodge-style restaurant that invokes the rustic feel of the Rockies, and offers a menu of pastas, burgers, and poultry at prices that aren’t mountain high. $$ L D p

BAER’S CITY WINERY 321 Pearl St., New Albany IN, (812) 924-7348. Under new ownership, this successor to the longrunning River City Winery has the same winemaker, with Brandon Noe as the new chef. $$ L D p f

BLIND SQUIRREL 592 N. English Station Rd., 384-6761. This American-style restaurant is part of the King Louis Sports complex. The 400-seat, two-story dining facility boasts outdoor seating overlooking the sand volleyball courts, 27 TVs inside, a performance venue, a cigar humidor and outdoor smoking lounge. Chef Chris Goss serves up his take on American family standards: burgers, sandwiches, pizza and so on. $$ L D pf

BOOMTOWN 110 E. Main St., New Albany IN, 590-1314. A third restaurant takes over the former home of the legendary South Side Inn, Boomtown focuses on affordable classic dishes: several burgers, including a wild game option, steak dinner with two sides and pork chops. $$ L D pf

BRICK HOUSE TAVERN + TAP 871 S. Hurstbourne Pkwy., 326-3182. Brick House, a Houston-based chain, has upgraded its image with an increased focus on food. Serving brunch, lunch and dinner, with a half-dozen local beers on tap, and an unusual menu of beer cocktails. $$ L D pf

CHAMPIONS GRILLE 505 Marriott Dr. (Radisson Hotel), Clarksville IN, 283-4411. Known by locals for its Saturday night buffet of New York strip, ribeye and prime rib. Salads, sandwiches, soups and a kid-friendly menu round out the selection. $$ B Br L D p

BIG BAD BREAKFAST 984 Barret Ave., 289-8227, 5050 Norton Healthcare Blvd., 709-5420. The buildings known

WILD EGGS 3985 Dutchmans Ln., 893-8005, 1311 Herr Ln., 618-2866, 153 S. English Station Rd., 618-3449, 121 S. Floyd St., 690-5925, 1450 Veterans Pkwy., Jeffersonville IN, 9134735, 223 W. Fifth St., New Albany IN, 850-9453, 9010 Taylorsville Rd (Stony Brook Shopping Center), 473-5959. Specialty omelets, the “everything” muffin, spicy egg salad sandwiches — these dishes and more have made Wild Eggs a wildly popular breakfast and lunch spot. Prized seats at weekend brunch can soon be found at this growing minichain’s seventh outlet in New Albany, is expected to open in October. $$ B Br L p

CHEDDAR’S SCRATCH KITCHEN 10403 Westport Rd., 3395400, 3521 Outer Loop, 966-3345, 1385 Veterans Pkwy., Clarksville IN, 280-9660. This popular Dallas-based chain draws big, hungry crowds with its large bar and familiar “casual to upscale American” fare. $ L D pf

CHEF SHAQ’S KITCHEN 612 S. Fifth St., 614-7527. Shaquan McDonald, a two-decade food business veteran, describes his first foray into eatery ownership as “American style with a twist.” Early standouts include the Smoketown Burger, Thunder Over Louisville Fries with bacon and white queso, and McDonald’s signature Nashville Hot Chicken Sandwich. $$ L D

CHILI’S 421 S. Hurstbourne Pkwy., 425-6800, 3623 Bardstown Rd., 301-8888, 11600 Antonia Way, 301-8181, 9720 Von Allmen Ct., 301-8880, 3007 Poplar Level Rd., 638-5202, 940 E. Lewis & Clark Pkwy., Clarksville IN, 670-3000. More than just a place to chow down on baby back ribs, this national chain has a wide selection including fajitas, burgers, sandwiches and veggies. $$ L D

CORELIFE EATERY 1225 Veterans Pkwy., Clarksville IN, 6705680, 9365 Viking Center Dr., 709-7131. This Syracuse-based franchise offers vegetable and grains bowls, bone and vegetable broth, and grass-fed steak, chicken and tofu power plates. $$ L D

CURRITO 6460 Dutchmans Pkwy., 883-0043. This Cincinnatibased chain offers Asian versions of grain bowls and wraps, with a choice of meat or tofu. Their signature drink is the Dreamsicle Shake. $ L D

DENNY’S 4030 Dutchmans Ln., 896-2669, 434 Eastern Pkwy., 636-2538. What better place for travelers to get breakfast than Denny’s? This venerable chain knows its customers, pleasing them with familiar diner food in big portions. The late-night scene in this 24-hour refuge for the hungry makes for colorful fun. $$ B Br L D

DOUBLE DOGS 13307 Shelbyville Rd., 244-4430. Double Dogs, a Bowling Green, Ky.-based chain with four locations, has its first Louisville-area restaurant in Middletown. Double Dogs describes itself as “a family friendly restaurant with a sports atmosphere,” serving a variety of appetizers, sandwiches, hot dogs, burgers and pizza. $ L D pf

EAT YOUR BOURBON MARKETPLACE 2708 Frankfort Ave., 618-0939. Owner Matt Jamie extends his Crescent Hill Bourbon Barrel Foods concept with this grab-and-go prepared foods store that uses recipes from Jamie’s "Eat Your Bourbon" cookbook: charcuterie boards, sandwiches and other prepared foods from Chef-in-Residence Michael Crouch and Butchertown Grocery Bakery. $$ B Br L D p

FIRST WATCH 201 S. Hurstbourne Pkwy., 384-6075, 960 Breckenridge Ln., 618-1955, 1205 Veterans Pkwy., Clarksville IN., 575-3447, 2225 Taylorsville Rd., 444-7744, 12913 Shelbyville Rd., 233-0770, 4948 U.S. 42, 242-9444. This Florida-based chain offers both traditional breakfast fare (fried eggs, sausage), proprietary specials, like French toast Monte Cristo (made with ham, turkey and Swiss cheese), crepes with plenty of fillings and healthful dishes like egg white omelets and cranberry nut oatmeal. $ B L

GAME 2295 Lexington Rd., 618-1712. Though under new ownership, the specialties here remain the same: sliders, meatballs and burgers made from ground exotic meats. Start with bone marrow or fried frog legs, try some wild boar chorizo sliders, or build your own burger from kangaroo, venison or alpaca, with bun choices ranging from brioche to pretzel to Kaiser roll. $$ D f

GANDER, AN AMERICAN GRILL 111 S. English Station Rd., 915-8484. Chris and Anne Mike, of Goose Creek Diner, have opened Gander, An American Grill, serving steaks, burgers, pasta and sandwiches — "a little bit of everything that makes America what it is," according to Mike. $$$ Br L D pf

GATSBY’S ON FOURTH 500 S. Fourth St. (Seelbach Hilton Hotel), 585-3200. The casual dining space on the first floor of the Seelbach reflects its connection of the hotel to F. Scott Fitzgerald. There are two breakfast buffets, American and Continental, as well as a la carte choices from the griddle or from a “Healthy Sunrise” menu. $$ B L p

GERMANTOWN SOCIAL 1318 McHenry St., 709-7669. Taking over the space that had a short run as Couvillion, Germantown Social is a family and neighborhood-friendly place helmed by.Chef Nate Gibson, who comes over from owner Shay Tinsley’s BA Colonial. The offerings include lunch, dinner, and brunch on Sundays. $$ D p f

GREEN DISTRICT SALADS 126 Breckinridge Ln., 409-5293, 225 S. Fifth St., 822-3055, 13301 Shelbyville Rd., 565-4986,

1449 Bardstown Rd., 792-9011, 4227 Town Center Blvd., Clarksville IN, (812) 712-4351, 9850 Von Allmen Ct., 9965666. This quickly expanding quick-service restaurant now has six locations, with the opening of two restaurants this year. Customers watch their salads being constructed while they wait. House-made soups and wraps are also offered. $$ L D

HARROD’S CREEK TAVERN 6313 River Rd., 919-8812. Commuters trundling home to the suburbs can mingle with Prospect residents, river rats and parched kayakers docking out back on Harrod’s Creek. Look for an expanded bar food menu, brown bag lunches to go and late-night food service. $ L D pf

IN SEASON 324 W. Main St., 323-3200. Sourcing ingredients from his farm, owner Daniel Passafiume, offers healthy options like salads, stir fry and harvest bowls, designed with what is currently in season. The menu will rotate at least four times per year. $$ L

INTERNATIONAL HOUSE OF PANCAKES 1220 Veterans Pkwy., Clarksville IN, 285-1772, 1401 S. Hurstbourne Pkwy., 618-2250. IHOP fans can choose to go out to the East End or across the river to satisfy their jones for the national chain’s inimitable food. $ B L D

JOE'S OLDER THAN DIRT 8131 New Lagrange Rd., 434-7470. The Lyndon landmark has returned to its old spot, replacing Red Barn Kitchen, which had replaced Joe’s. The bar is rebuilt and another stuffed moose has been found. But Olé Restaurant Group remains a partner, providing the food: smoked wings, brisket chili, cheese fritters, a mac and cheese burger and a daily lunch plate, all at prices that will appeal to Joe’s original fan base. $$ L D pf

KAREM’S 9424 Norton Commons Blvd., 327-5646. Karem’s Grill & Pub, one of the first restaurants to open in the village-like Norton Commons, carries the look and feel of a neighborhood watering hole inside and out. The test of a restaurant, though, is the food, and Karem’s is excellent. $$ L D

MAPLE STREET BISCUIT COMPANY 1004 Bardstown Rd., 384-8022. This growing Florida-based breakfast chain has taken over the too-long-empty Yang Kee Noodle space in the Highlands. The menu features fresh biscuit dishes, fromscratch sausage and shiitake gravies and homemade jams and jellies. Waffles, grits and oatmeal, too. $$ B Br L f

MOYA'S AMERICAN KITCHEN 10000 Linn Station Rd., 4966692. This "good old American comfort food" restaurant in Jeffersontown offers fare such as jalapeño hushpuppies, fried green tomatoes, grilled cheese and tomato soup, smothered pork chop, chopped steak, meatloaf and fried catfish.$$ L D pf

NAÏVE 1001 E. Washington St., 749-7856. This Butchertown vegetarian restaurant has been catering for some months in preparation for its opening as a sit-down restaurant. Its dishes include savory rice bowls, burritos, frittatas and quiches, savory toasts, salads and sandwiches. $$ D pf

NOODLES & COMPANY 1225 S. Hurstbourne Pkwy., 6320102, 4302 Summit Plaza Dr., 791-9015, 319 Cardinal Blvd., 632-2846. This Colorado-based fast-casual chain offers an eclectic noodle array: Asian style (pad Thai, Bangkok curry), pastas (Tuscan fresca, penne rossa) — or select from a lineup of savory sandwiches and salads.. $ L D f

O’CHARLEY’S 1901 S. Hurstbourne Pkwy., 491-8372, 962 Breckenridge Ln., 899-9430, 4404 Dixie Hwy., 447-9203. O’Charley’s, Inc. could serve well as the picture in the dictionary next to “American casual dining.” The Nashvillebased chain operates 206 properties in 16 states in the Southeast and Midwest, serving a straightforward steak-and-seafood menu with the motto

RAFFERTY’S OF LOUISVILLE 988 Breckenridge Ln., 8973900. This full-service, casual dining establishment has a hearty menu. Specialties like Red Alfredo Pasta showcase the gourmet offerings along with some of the largest and most

SAM’S FOOD & SPIRITS 702 Highlander Point Dr., Floyds Knobs IN, 923-2323. Fans of Sam Anderson’s steaks, chicken, pizza and pasta know it is well worth the trip up into the Knobs above New Albany to enjoy the conviviality of his restaurant, and his always satisfying take on classic American steak, sandwiches and seafood. $$ L D p

SHONEY’S 6511 Signature Dr., 969-8904. For nearly 50 years, Shoney’s restaurants have been one of America’s top choices for fast roadside dining, and happily they’ve kept up with the times. $ B L D

SKYLINE CHILI 1266 Bardstown Rd., 473-1234, 340 Whittington Pkwy., 429-5773, 4024 Dutchmans Ln., 721-0093, 3505 Grant Line Rd., New Albany IN, 725-7176. Louisville’s outposts of a famous Cincinnati chili restaurant, these casual eateries offer the regional favorite (really it’s Greek spaghetti sauce, but keep it quiet) and other fast-food dishes. $ L D

TGI FRIDAY’S 416 S. Fourth St. (Fourth Street Live), 585-3577. The original place to loosen the tie and congregate after the whistle blows. TGIF carries on its party atmosphere tradition with American bistro dining and libations. The bill of fare ranges from baskets of appetizers on up to contemporary entrées. $$ L D pf

THE B.A. COLONIAL 818 Kenwood Dr. (Colonial Gardens), 242-8686. Another entry into the Iroquois-area resurrection of the historic Colonial Gardens. The menu here features American casual cooking, such as freshly-ground burgers, salads and seafood. A full bar serves a five-cocktail list, margaritas, rum punches, and its own take on the Old Fashioned. $ L D p f

THE SOUTH SEAS 1301 Story Ave., 618-1301. The Butchertown space that had been Butchertown Pizza, then Hog Father Pizza, and for a generation before that, Hall’s Cafeteria, is now a tiki bar. Here you will find original ’50’s era fruity tiki cocktails, a family-style pig roast, spicy chicken tortas, Spam fried rice, and Baja fish tacos. Brunch seven days a week, featuring different variations of Hawaiian-style pancakes and Spam and eggs. $$$$ D p f

THE STREATERY 304 W. Woodlawn Ave., 398-5777. Welcome to the diverse Beechmont neighborhood’s collective kitchen

and evolving food court, as helmed by Dung Tran, whose second Fresh Out of the Box eatery (which also distributes Char’Cute’rie Creations) operates there along with Soul Hi Vegan, Ms. Lisa’s (Vietnamese), and various weekly kitchen pop-ups. Tran is working toward six permanent food vendors and a full bar. $$ L D f

TUCKER’S 2441 State St., New Albany IN, 944-9999. Tucker’s gives you a little bit of everything with a down-to-earth flair, offering burgers, ribs, steaks, a variety of appetizers and pastas. $ L D p

CHEF'S CUT PIZZERIA 9901 LaGrange Rd., 265-1320. This reasonably priced Lyndon pizza place has sandwiches too, from chili dogs to turkey clubs, and pasta dishes. $ L D p

CHUBBY RAY’S 3910 Ruckriegel Pkwy., 267-1188. This family restaurant has grown from a small mostly carry-out spot to a large (400 seat) Jeffersontown institution. The menu offerings have expanded as well. In addition to signature pizzas, you can find quesadillas and rooster wings, burgers and subs, calzones, pasta and salads. $$ L D pf

8TH STREET PIZZA 411 E. Spring St., New Albany IN, 7250004. This “boutique, pay-it-forward pizza shop and ministry” serves New York style pizza with a “pay what you can afford” concept. Pay the full suggested price, pay what you can afford to pay, or pay the full amount of the suggested meal price plus a little extra to "pay it forward”. $ L D f

ANGILO’S PIZZA 1725 Berry Blvd., 367-0580. The local favorite is the steak hoagie, dripping with pizza sauce, pickles and onions. Angilo’s also offers a wide selection of hot pizza pies and cold beer. $$ L D

ANNIE’S PIZZA 2520 Portland Ave., 776-6400, 4771 Cane Run Rd., 449-4444. Annie’s has made-to-order pizza and a variety of stacked sandwiches such as the Big Daddy Strom with beef, Italian sausage, onions and banana peppers. $$ L D

ARNI’S PIZZA 1208 State St., New Albany IN, 945-1149, 3700 Paoli Pike, Floyds Knobs IN, 923-9805. A favorite Hoosier pizza and sandwich stop. Insist on getting the Deluxe. $$ L D

ARNO’S PIZZA 3912 Bardstown Rd., 384-8131.$$ L D

BEARNO’S PIZZA (14 locations) What began as a simple, family-run pizzeria near Bowman Field has morphed into a local chain with, at last count, 14 locations. $$ L D f

BLAZE FAST-FIRE’D PIZZA 4848 Shelbyville Rd., 895-7800, 13317 Shelbyville Rd., 822-3677, 4118 Summit Plaza Dr., 915-8731, 1225 Veterans Pkwy., Clarsville IN, 406-4347. At this California-based pizza franchise you customize your own pie from a lineup of meat and vegetable toppings, cheeses and several sauces. The pie bakes in just 2 minutes in a flaming hearth oven. There are ready-to-order signature pies also for those who can’t make up their minds. $$ L D p f

BONNIE & CLYDE’S PIZZA 7611 Dixie Hwy., 935-5540. It may look like a dive that hasn’t been renovated in ages, the service can be surly at times, and you have to pay in cash, but devoted fans of its thin-crust pizzas and hoagies keep coming back and talk it up with their friends. $$ L D f

BOOMBOZZ PIZZA · WATCH BAR 1448 Bardstown Rd., 4588889, 1890 S. Hurstbourne Pkwy., 265-4591, 1315 Herr Ln., 394-0000, 1450 Veterans Pkwy., Jeffersonville IN, (812) 9134171. After two decades of success with his gourmet pizza stores, Tony Palombino is reimagining his brand and retooling both the decor and the menus at all of his locations. That reimagining includes audio/video enhancements, a new company logo and slogan (“Crafted for You”), an expanded wine and cocktail list and a dedicated takeout entrance. New menu items include jumbo tater tots stuffed with bacon and cheddar cheese, a cauliflower crust pizza, seasonal pizzas and game day specials. $$ L D pf

BORROMEO’S PIZZA & ITALIAN 9417 Smyrna Pkwy., 9687743. Serving up old-school thin-crust pizzas to chowhounds south of the Gene Snyder. $$ L D pf

CALIFORNIA PIZZA KITCHEN 7900 Shelbyville Rd. (Oxmoor Center), 425-5125. California pizza became a trend when famous chefs gave this simple Italian fare a multi-ethnic spin with non-traditional Pacific Rim toppings. CPK successfully translates this trend for the mass market. $$ L D pf

CHARLESTOWN PIZZA COMPANY 850 Main St., Charlestown IN, 256-2699. This welcoming venue on Charlestown’s town square, a short trip upriver from Jeffersonville, is run by folks who learned their pizza and beer at New Albanian Brewing Company. That’s a fine pedigree, and it shows in impressive quality. $$ L D

COALS ARTISAN PIZZA 3730 Frankfort Ave., 742-8200, 11615 Shelbyville Rd., 253-0106, 600 Terminal Dr. (Louisville Airport). Middletown and airport travelers now partake in what St. Matthews diners have enjoyed for a few years–excellent pizzas made in coal-fired ovens burning at 800 degrees F, crisping the crust in 4 minutes and “leoparding” it with black spots. Toppings are fresh and regionally-sourced. $$ L D pf

CRAFT HOUSE PIZZA 4041 Preston Hwy., 363-4880, 9601 Newbridge Rd., 409-6276, 12607 Taylorsville Rd., 742-8700. These former outlets of the Hometown Pizza regional chain have rebranded as Craft House Pizza, reflecting their owner Tom Brown’s deepening involvement with craft beer, which he has been brewing since 2019 at the Preston Highway location (still called Hometown Brewing), and supplying beer to all four eateries. The Craft House pizzeria menu has not so much changed as deepened, with pasta dishes, hoagies and stromboli remaining aboard, as well as pies like the one-of-akind Bacon Cheeseburger pizza, with the tasty added innovation of crusts incorporating spent grain from the brewhouse.$$ L D p

DANNY MAC’S PASTA & PIZZA 1836 Mellwood Ave., 8906331. Dan McMahon sells generously-topped pizzas at the walk-up venue in the courtyard of the Mellwood Arts Center. The choices are mostly traditional with outliers like Hawaiian and Kentucky Hot Brown. His butter-drenched garlic breadsticks, aka “Cracksticks,” are a fan favorite. McMahon’s pizzas can also be found at Tim Tam Tavern. $$ L D

DEENO'S PIZZA & WINGS 9100 Dixie Hwy., 653-7814. This ambitious little family-run place rolls and shapes house-made dough to order, and bakes, then air-fries wings before tossing them in one of 11 sauce coatings. The weekend buffet offers pizza, wings and a taco bar. $$ D f

DERBY CITY PIZZA 5603 Greenwood Rd., 933-7373, 2500 Crittenden Dr., 384-4777, 10619 Manslick Rd., 742-3940, 2331 Brownsboro Rd., 290-0677, 9910 Linn Station Rd., 3848733, 12900 Dixie Hwy., 290-2310. When 15-year-old Larry Davis went to work at a local pizzeria in 1991, you might say the pie was cast. Three decades later Davis’s family-oriented local pizza chain stresses solid and reasonably priced Italian food, with seven signature pizzas as well as a build-your own; gluten free and low carb crustless options; wings, salads and toasted subs; and lasagna and spaghetti with genuinely “jumbo” meatballs. $$ L D pf

DIORIO’S PIZZA & PUB 310 Wallace Ave., 618-3424, 917 Baxter Ave., 614-8424. Residents in St. Matthews and in the Highlands can savor pizza by the slice, as well as by the mammoth 30-inch pie. Also grilled sandwiches, salads, wings, queso sticks, and a good selection of domestic and import beers. $$ L D pf

EMMY SQUARED PIZZA 825 E. Market St., 785-5800. This Detroit-style pizza chain joins a growing list of properties in the Nulu Marketplace, anchored by West Sixth Brewing. The square pizzas here share the menu with burgers, including the double-stack "Le Big Matt.” $$$ L D p f

FAT JIMMY’S 12216 Shelbyville Rd., 244-2500. This friendly neighborhood nook offers a cold mug of beer and a hot slice of pizza, along with sub sandwiches, pasta dishes and salads. $$ L D

GOODFELLAS PIZZERIA 642 Baxter Ave., 398-5704. This Lexington-based regional pizza chain, known for its large, latenight slices, is one of the early tenants in the apartment/retail development across from the entrance from Cave Hill. Pizzas are denoted by Mafia-style names: the Wiseguy, the Don, Tommy “Two Times.” $$$$ L D

HIDEOUT PIZZARIA 5620 Barrett Ln., 742-3145. This familyfriendly sports bar has 12-foot TV screens, pool and cornhole, arcade games and live music, in addition to pizzas, burgers, spaghetti and an array of sandwiches. $$$ L D

HOMETOWN PIZZA 11804 Shelbyville Rd., 245-4555. The Middletown outlet of this Kentucky regional chain offers pasta dishes, hoagies and stromboli as well as signature pies, including a trio of chicken specialties: White, Buffalo and Barbecue. $$ L D p

IROQUOIS PIZZA 6614 Manslick Rd., 363-3211. $$ L D

JAKE & ELWOOD’S 2230 Frankfort Ave., 690-2167. The main draw to this Clifton spot is Chicago-style deep dish pizzas, but Jake and Elwood’s menu includes hot dogs and sausages, Italian beef sandwiches, wings, chili, fries and salads. $$ L D p

JET’S PIZZA 101 S. Hubbards Ln., 895-4655, 3624 S. Hurstbourne Pkwy., 491-1700, 235 Blankenbaker Pkwy., 244-4440, 6523 Bardstown Rd., 239-0000, 2500 Bardstown Rd., 458-5387, 10494 Westport Rd., 426-1181. Now with seven Louisville outlets, this Detroit-based chain offers sitdown service and carry-out. The menu features eight crust flavors and some gourmet pizza options such as a BLT and chicken parmesan. $$ L D f

LEGACY PIZZA & BAKERY 1001 Vincennes St., New Albany, IN, (812) 725-0021. This sincere little pizza joint sells New York-style pizzas, calzones, strombolis and breadsticks. $$ L D

LITTLE CAESARS PIZZA (10 Locations) This pizzeria chain lost market share in the ’90s, but business analysts say the company known for its two-for-one “pizza pizza” deal has turned things around with a renewed commitment to quality and service. $$ L D

LUCKY LEOPARD PIZZA 1032 Story Ave. Located inside High Horse Bar in Butchertown, Lucky Leopard focuses on thin

crust Neapolitan pizzas, flash-cooked in a 900-degree oven. The pizza dough is also used in the Panozzo sandwiches, flash baked to order and filled with pulled pork and caprese with black olive vinaigrette, among other choices. $$ D p

LUIGI’S PIZZERIA 712 W. Main St., 589-0005. New York Citystyle pizza, a treat that you’ll find on just about every street corner there, has been making inroads in River City, but Luigi’s was one of the first to offer in its authentic form here.

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MA ZERELLAS 949 S. Indiana Ave., Sellersburg IN, 246-9517. A pleasant family-run-for-family-fun establishment. Pizza, pasta, salads and subs served for lunch and dinner seven days a week. $$ L D

MAC'S @ MILE WIDE 636 Barret Ave. (inside Mile Wide Beer Co.), 409-8139. Beneath the silos at Mile Wide Brewery, Mac’s offers a concise menu of personal-size pizzas with clever names, also salads and appetizers that pairs well with Mile Wide’s tap list. There’s even a Nutella dessert pizza. $$

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MARCO’S PIZZA 2011 Charlestown Rd., New Albany IN, 9411144. A rapidly growing (300+) pizza chain from Toledo, Ohio, adds to the choices of takeout pies in New Albany. Ironically, its CEO lives in Louisville and commutes to Toledo.

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MIMO’S NEW YORK STYLE PIZZERIA 2708 Paoli Pike, New Albany IN, 945-7711. People move to the Knobs for its bucolic setting, but locals still crave their pizza fix. Mimo’s provides that with daily specials, such as Buffalo pizza, calzones, heroes, wraps or salads. Mangia, mangia! $$ L D p

MOZZA PI 12102 Lagrange Rd., 890-4832, 1020 E. Washington St. Tom Edwards began MozzaPi several years ago as one of the first food trucks in Louisville. At his Anchorage pizza place

he drafts artisanal pies from flour he mills himself. He makes bread too, and gives courses in artisanal baking. Now with an outpost in TEN20 Brewery. $$$ L D pf

MR. GATTI’S 703 E. Lewis & Clark Pkwy., Clarksville IN, 2835005, 10035 Dixie Hwy., 632-2504, 4200 Outer Loop, 9640933. This Austin-based chain was one of the first national pizzerias to reach Louisville in the 1970s, and quality ingredients — plus Gattiland playgrounds for the kids — have made its crisp, thin-crust pizzas a popular draw. $$ L D

NEON PIZZA 1201 S. First St., 635-6960. This Old Louisville corner has been the site of several businesses over the years. The newest branding is as Neon Pizza, a name that disguises the fact that favorite sandwiches and soups from the Toonerville Deli days are still available, along with, of course, pizzas. $$$ L D pf

NEW ALBANIAN BREWING CO. PIZZERIA 3312 Plaza Dr., New Albany IN, 944-2577. Touting “the best pizza in Southern Indiana” is quite a boast, but pizza only tells half of this tasty story. NABC combines the fine pies of Sportstime Pizza with the pub formerly known as Rich O’s. The remarkable beer list, with more than 100 selections from around the world — plus locally brewed craft beers — has won international awards. $$ L D

OLD SCHOOL NY PIZZA 12907 Factory Ln., 882-1776, 10600 Meeting St., 882-3000. You want Sicilian-style pizza, just like they make in Brooklyn? Now you can get it in these two Eastern suburbs locations. Top it with vegetables supplied by local farmers, or tie into a calzone and finish with gelato. $$ L D pf

ORIGINAL IMPELLIZZERI’S 1381 Bardstown Rd., 454-2711, 4933 Brownsboro Rd., 425-9080, 805 Blankenbaker Pkwy., 653-7243. Impellizzeri’s massive pies, loved for a generation, are the draw but there is also a full menu of Italian-inspired

meals including hoagie sandwiches and pasta dishes at all three locations. $$$$ L D pf

PAPA MURPHY’S PIZZA (8 Locations) There are eight locations for this take-and-bake pizza purveyor scattered around town. $$ L D

PARLOUR PIZZA 131 W. Chestnut St., Jeffersonville IN, 9147400, 2636 Frankfort Ave., 895-9400, 225 State St., New Albany IN, 920-6400, 133 W. Liberty St., 888-1515. It all started with a lively beer garden operation at the food of the Big Four bridge. Now there are four locations on both sides of the river. All locations have 40+ beers on top and serve New York-style pies. $$ L D pf

PIZZA DONISI 1396 S. Second St., 213-0488. Old Louisville hipsters have long needed a nearby pizza joint. Now they have it and it’s owned by Danny Fitzgerald, impresario behind Mag Bar. Get it by the slice or in whole artisan pies, along with appetizers, fried ravioli and more. $$ L D f

PIZZA KING 3825 Charlestown Rd., New Albany IN, 945-4405, 1701 E. 10th St., Jeffersonville IN, 282-8286. The pizza is baked in a sturdy, stone oven and hand-tossed with thinner crust where the ingredients go all the way to the edge. We heartily recommend the barbecue pizza. $$ L D

PIZZA LUPO 1540 Frankfort Ave., 409-8440. Max Balliet, the owner of Holy Molé taco truck, now also has Lupo, a casual Italian restaurant where he bakes up pizzas on a fire-enginered wood-fired oven. Along with pizza, Lupo offers a variety of handmade pastas in a restored 19th century Butchertown building. $$ D pf

PIZZA PLACE 2931 Richland Ave., 458-9700. $$ L D pf PIZZAVILLE 2901 Goose Creek Rd., 754-3001. Owner Todd Case once was a pizza scientist, overseeing corporate pizza dough varieties. His own versions of New York-style handtossed and Detroit deep dish pizzas have become so popular that Pizzaville is expanding into an adjoining Westport Plaza (East End) business suite formerly occupied by Bandido Taqueria. $$ L D

PRIMO'S PIZZERIA 2043 S. Hurstbourne Pkwy., 749-7072. Based on a recent visit, this new spot is off to a great start. There are no conveyor belts here. Well-trained pizza makers give each pie individual attention, the toppings and accents (like fresh basil) are fine quality, and the assortment of crusts — wheat, thin, rising, deep dish, cauliflower, broccoli — is first rate. The lunch special, ten bucks for a big fresh salad with a generous personal pizza is a steal. $$ L D f

SHERRILLI'S PIZZA PARLOR 496 N. Indiana Ave., Sellersburg IN, 246-3346. $$ L D f

SICILIAN PIZZA & PASTA 629 S. Fourth St., 589-8686, 8133 Bardstown Rd., 491-3663. Ready for takeout or eat-in, both the downtown storefront and its suburban sister site offer good, standard pizza and other familiar Italian-American dishes. $$ L D pf

SPINELLI’S PIZZERIA 614 Baxter Ave., 568-5665, 4005 Shelbyville Rd., 895-0755. This locally-owned pizzeria, widely known for their Philly Cheesesteaks and massive slices of pizza has added a third location. All are open until 5 am nightly Wednesday through Saturday. $ L D

SQUARE CUT PIZZA AND SUGAR ROOM 741 E. Oak St., 290-5721. The Sugar Room serves soft-serve ice cream in unusual flavors: burnt marshmallow, chocolate sea salt, s’mores swirl and others. Roman-style pizzas, with thin but airy crusts, is the concept in the larger Shelby Park space, which also sells Italian cured meats. $$ L D f

THE CORNER 4111 Murphy Ln., 426-8340. $$ L D

THE GRAIN HAUS 41 W. First St., New Albany IN, (470) 5882337. Part of Floyd County Brewing, the separate building across the court yard boasts a wood-fired pizza oven and a rotating list of guest beers. $$ D pf

THE POST 1045 Goss Ave., 635-2020. Germantown has long needed a classic New York-style pizza joint, and this spot, in a former VFW post, has provided it. Pizza is available by slice or whole pie, mostly classic tomato sauced varieties, but a few

oddities, like the chicken dinner pizza with Buffalo-based sauce, chicken, cheddar, onion and ranch drizzle. Calzones, subs and salads, too.$$ D p

TOPP'T HANDCRAFTED PIZZA 373 Professional Court, New Albany IN, 725-8891. This Elizabethtown-based fast-casual pizza and salad concept serves fast-fired (in an 800-degree oven), handcrafted pizzas and made-to-order chopped salads.

The thin crust dough is made onsite daily in original, wheat and gluten-free versions. One price regardless of the number of toppings. $$ L D f

UNION 15 5205 New Cut Rd. (Colonial Gardens), 653-7494.

The name of this pizza and tap house refers to Kentucky joining the Union as the 15th state. The menu includes Chicago thin crust pizza, wings and sandwiches. The bar has more than 50 beers, wines and bourbon on tap. $$ L D pf

WICK’S PIZZA PARLOR 975 Baxter Ave., 458-1828, 3348 Hikes Ln., 907-5542. Wick’s wins popularity with a welcoming mix of good pizza, a quality beer list and a friendly neighborhood feel at both of its eateries. The pies are straightforward, made with ample toppings. “The Big Wick” is a favorite. $$ L D pf

ZA’S PIZZA 1573 Bardstown Rd., 454-4544. $$ L D

AMERICAN SMOKEHOUSE STADIUM 5580 Hwy. 62, Jeffersonville IN, 282-6700. This Southern Indiana BBQ joint does the usual stuff – brisket, pulled pork and chicken. But also look for the smoked prime rib, burnt ends, smoked lamb gyros or fried tofu. $ L D p

BABY MAE'S 1817 Graybrook Ln., New Albany IN, 914-7040. Barbecue and soul food in the old Mom & Pop’s Cone Corner building. Baby Mae’s reasonably priced menu includes everyone’s comfort foods: ribs, pulled pork, smoked turkey, mac and cheese, home fries and the “grandaddy of chili dogs.” $ L D

BACK DECK BBQ 801 W. Kenwood Dr., 705-7662. What began as a popular barbecue food truck has settled down at the late, lamented Jimbo's Bar-b-Que spot near Iroquois Park. In addition to the expected pulled pork and chicken, brisket and sausages, burnt ends are available Friday and Saturday. $$ L D f

BARREL 33 TAVERN & GRILL 14049 Shelbyville Rd., 2446868. This Middletown outpost has a long menu of betterthan-the-usual pub grub (barbecue, chicken made several ways, tacos), salads, wraps and sandwiches (including a Kentucky Cuban, made with country ham and pimento cheese). The bar runs a robust bourbon program. There’s a lively atmosphere all nights, and live music on weekends. $$ L D p

BIG BEN’S BBQ 600 Quartermaster Center, Jeffersonville IN, 284-4453. This family run BBQ joint is now at the Quartermaster Center, smoking up a storm and impressing locals who recommend Johnnie’s Smokin Ribs, Joecille’s Backbone (brisket tips), Big Ben’s shredded pork sandwich and Alvin’s Wild-Side shredded chicken sandwich. $$ L D f

BOOTLEG BARBECUE COMPANY 9704 Bardstown Rd., 2392722.Bootleg Barbecue offers a touch of rusticity and a good helping of country hospitality, as it dishes out hearty portions of well-prepared and affordable smoked meats and fixin’s. It’s one of the few places in Louisville where you can get Western Kentucky-style mutton barbecue. $ L D f

CARR'S BBQ AND MARKET 3700 Paoli Pike, Floyds Knobs IN, 728-8106. This Floyds Knobs restaurant uses locally-sourced meats in its pulled pork, brisket, smoked turkey breast, chili and ribs. Choose sandwiches, plates with sides, or order by the pound. $$ L D f

CITY BARBEQUE 329 Whittington Pkwy., 996-8003. This Ohio-based BBQ chain specializes in brisket, but doesn’t neglect pulled pork (served with slaw on top) and St. Louis ribs. It also smokes turkey breast, chicken and sausage. $$ L Dpf

FAMOUS DAVE’S BAR-B-QUE 8605 Citadel Way, 493-2812. This franchise chain operation maderby cityderbuyy be based in the twin cities, but it looks like a Georgia gas station with its exuberant, if tongue-in-cheek faux country decor. The important thing, though, is the food, and Dave’s excels with genuine, hickory-smoked barbecue. $$ L D pf

FDKY BBQ 9606 Taylorsville Rd., 785-4273. The logo shows that “FD” stands for Fire Department — after all, those guys know all about smokin’. Eat dinner in or order a couple of pounds of pulled pork, marinated pulled chicken, brisket or smoked sausage, firehouse chili or Res Q stew and all the required side dishes to go. Ribs on Wednesdays and Friday calls for fried fish. $$ L D f

FEAST BBQ 909 E. Market St., 749-9900, 10318 Taylorsville Rd., 749-6534. Owner Ryan Rogers brings a modernist sensibility to the art of barbecue to both NuLu and Jeffersontown. He has formulas for brining times and uses a high-tech smoker to keep the temps low and the smoke from overwhelming the meats. $ B L D pf

FRANKFORT AVENUE BEER DEPOT 3204 Frankfort Ave., 895-3223. A neighborhood bar that welcomes all comers with some of the most notable ’cue in town. The burgoo and the baked beans rank as some of the best in the city and the pulled pork by the pound is value worth taking home. $ L D pf

GUY FIERI'S SMOKEHOUSE 434 S. Fourth St. (Fourth Street Live!), 919-7299. The latest creation of the Food TV’s bad boy chef caused some serious musing about the meaning of “celebrity” chefs to local eating. But see the hoopla for yourself, and try some of the fried chicken brined in pickle juice, brisket with pomegranate, sorghum-glazed pork chops or Triple Crown grilled cheese sandwich. $$ L D pf

HARLEY’S HARDWOODZ BAR-B-Q 1703 Charlestown-New Albany Pk., Jeffersonville IN, 284-4490. Owner Frank Harley said “I found my calling, which is barbecue.” He smokes up barbecue pork, chicken and brisket, marinated in Harley’s own barbecue sauce. A menu specialty: smoked chicken white chili. $ L D

HOLY SMOKES BAR-B-QUE 7508 Preston Hwy., 968-5657. The former Bootleg Bar-B-Q franchise on Preston Hwy. has become Holy Smokes Bar-B-Que. Owner Mark Weatherholt smokes his wings for three hours, his ribs and chicken for five, and his pork lingers overnight. He does brown sugar wings, too. $ L D

JUCY’S SMOKEHOUSE BAR-B-QUE 7626 New Lagrange Rd., 241-5829. Jucy’s offers exceptionally good Texas-style barbecue from a little wooden shack that looks just like a country BBQ joint should. Highly recommended. $$ L D f

LOUIE’S HOT CHICKEN & BARBECUE 4222 Poplar Level Rd., 709-4274. The chicken here ranges through 4 levels of heat, the hottest using the notorious ghost pepper. BBQ choices include pulled pork and brisket and smoked wings. $ L D f

M&M BBQ 1401 Bluegrass Ave., 996-0163. The Ekklesia Christian Life Ministries operates this BBQ joint that offers rib tips, meat loaf, an assortment of traditional sides, and keeps a limited schedule (Tuesday-Friday, 11:30-7). The food is popular enough that they sometimes sell out, so get there early. $$ L D f

MACK BROS BBQ 2700 Rockford Ln., 384-4590. This family owned and operated restaurant serves ribs, rib tips, chicken and sides, including a fan favorite: cornbread salad. $$ L D

MARK T'S SLAB HOUSE 4912 Preston Hwy., 409-7366. That would be slabs of ribs, of course. A wonderfully direct name for a barbecue restaurant. Several drum-style smokers out front exude a savory cloud, attesting to the work being done inside those drums. $ L D

MARK’S FEED STORE 11422 Shelbyville Rd., 244-0140, 1514 Bardstown Rd., 458-1570, 10316 Dixie Hwy., 933-7707, 3827 Charlestown Rd., New Albany IN, 285-1998, 6501 Bardstown Rd., 442-0808. Mark’s routinely takes local honors for its sauces, sandwiches and its meaty baby-back ribs. And don’t miss the smoked take-home turkeys at Thanksgiving. $$ L D pf

MARTIN'S BAR-B-QUE JOINT 3408 Indian Lake Dr., 2424666. Pretty famous in Tennessee, but Louisvillians can now savor the meats smoked in the open pit (the whole hogs take 24 hours). All dishes, meats, sides and even sauces are made in-house daily. For a different kind of treat, try the smoked turkey sandwich. $$ L D pf

MISSION BBQ 4607 Shelbyville Rd., 206-3331, 1213 Veterans Pkwy., Clarksville IN, 269-3860. The National Anthem is played every day at noon at this Baltimore-based chain, which makes a point of supporting soldiers, firefighters, police officers and other first responders. Look for Texas-inspired brisket, smoked turkey, pulled chicken and pork, and even smoked salmon. There are also ribs, of course, sandwiches and scratch-made sides. $$ L D pf

MOMMA’S MUSTARD PICKLES & BBQ 102 Bauer Ave., 9386262, 119 S. Hurstbourne Pkwy., 290-7998. The St. Matthews spot garnered so many barbecue fans that a second outlet opened in the East End for the overflow. Knot on your bib for Kansas City-style smoked pork and beef ribs (a house specialty), brisket, chicken, pulled pork and all the standard sides. Their wings are a contender for best in all the city. Momma's “2% for Louisville” program steadily donates 2% of earnings to local charities. $$ D f

RIVER ROAD BBQ 3017 River Rd., 592-7065. Right next to the Water Tower, this little take-out-only place smokes brisket and pork: some days one sells out, on other days the other. Winter hours are 11-6 or until the meat runs out. Potato salad, slaw and drinks. Buy it by the sandwich or by the pound. $ L D

RUBBIE’S SOUTHSIDE GRILL & BAR 6905 Southside Dr., 367-0007. This South End family knows how to do BBQ. It may be off the beaten path for some folks but here you’ll find a bounty of secret BBQ recipes. $ L D pf

RUBBIN’ BUTTS BBQ 8007 Highway 311, Sellersburg IN, 7487266. Up the road a ways you will find this “traditional” BBQ joint with some house specialties not so traditional: smoked deviled eggs, BBQ pork queso and their signature, the BBQ Pig-E-Chonga, a flour shell stuffed with baked beans, cheese, and pulled pork, then deep fried and smothered in queso and BBQ sauce. $ L D

SHACK IN THE BACK BBQ 10706 W Manslick Rd., 363-3227. It’s a new location for this long-time Fairdale restaurant. In addition to standards like ribs, pulled pork and chicken, you can find smoked bologna, turkey ribs and pork rinds, plain or loaded with your choice of toppings. $ L D f

SMOKEY BONES BBQ 2525 Hurstbourne Gem Ln., 491-7570. This Stony Brook-area eatery combines a sports-bar with a barbecue concept. Its large and varied menu includes wings and burgers, steaks and pork chops, and several takes on mac ‘n’ cheese, as well as righteous ribs. $$ L D p

BRIAN’S DELI 531 S. Fourth St., 561-0098. Between Chestnut Street and Muhammad Ali Boulevard, Brian’s services the downtown lunch crowd with soup, salads, sandwiches and snacks. $ B L

BRUEGGER’S BAGELS 119 Breckenridge Ln., 618-1158. The bagel/sandwich chain has set up shop in the middle of St. Matthews, offering another quick breakfast and lunch option. Choose from bagels and breakfast sandwiches, muffins, panini, salads and soups. $ B L f

BUTCHER’S BEST 9521 US Hwy. 42., 365-4650. This fullystaffed meat store in Prospect offers custom-cut beef, lamb, pork, bison, chicken and veal, plus a well-stocked deli and specialty foods, with skilled butcher Jimmy Mike at the helm. $ L D f

CHICAGO STEAK & LEMONADE 9015 Galene Dr.,742-1381. This local spot serves a variety of Philly cheese steaks, gyros, lemon-pepper fish dinners and wings. The lemonade comes in a passel of different flavor combos. $ L D

CLOSE ENOUGH CAFÉ 250 Spring St., Jeffersonville IN (812) 913-4911. Here you can find interesting breakfast sandwiches,

hot and cold lunch sandwiches and coffee, geared to grab-andgo luncheaters. Mimosas and Bloody Marys at brunch. $$ B Br L f

COLD SMOKE BAGELS 1001 Logan St. (Logan Street Market), 309-4269. Four kinds every day, with a schmear of your choice. Bagels, sandwiches and the weekend brunch highlights latkes. $ B Br L f

EV'S DELI 500 W. Jefferson St., 614-6300. A cozy downtown deli located in the Hilliard-Lyons building. Open for breakfast and lunch, it offers a good selection of sandwiches, panini and wraps at budget prices. $ L

FIREHOUSE SUBS 215 S. Hurstbourne Pkwy., 365-3473, 4905 Outer Loop, 749-4257. This national chain touts that they steam their meat and cheese sandwiches. Specialty subs carry out the Firehouse theme and the kids meals include a little fire helmet. $ L D

FRANK'S MEAT & PRODUCE 3342 Preston Hwy., 363-3989. Frank’s has been around a long time, treating those in the know to piled-high deli sandwiches for prices so reasonable it might seem you stepped into a time warp. There are steaks and chops and produce and other groceries, but it is best known for lunchtime service, where the long lines move fast, and the constant turnover ensures freshness of sandwiches and soups. $ L D

GALAN'S MEAT MARKET & DELI 2801 W. Market St., 6148514. This old-school butcher shop also offers piled-high deli sandwiches and sides such as German potato salad or sour cream macaroni and cheese salad. Eat-in at the handful of small tables or take away. $$ B L D

GORILLA BOB’S GRUB SHACK 8503 Terry Rd. The line forms early at the window of this tiny, carry-out-only kitchen kiosk in Pleasure Ridge Park, where devotees from near and far flock for the best-selling Hot Brown, and also other substantial sandwiches: A Reuben, Meatball, Philly Cheesesteak and Cuban, among others. $ L D f

HARVEY’S CHEESE 1001 Logan St. (Logan Street Market), (512) 269-8127. Lots of cheeses to choose from over the counter. At lunch, grilled cheese sandwiches (as exotic as you want) and daily blackboard specials. Call ahead to reserve an artistically-arranged and tasty party tray of cheese, charcuterie and fruit. $$ L D f

HONEYBAKED CAFÉ 4600 Shelbyville Rd., 895-6001, 6423 Bardstown Rd., 239-9292, 3602 Northgate Crt., New Albany IN, 941-9426. Before holidays, you go in and carry out huge spiral-sliced hams or turkey breasts or beef roasts for your own parties. In the off season, you sit down in the café and order generous, filling sandwiches made from those same meats, served on rolls or croissants, cold or with a hot cheese melt. Soup and salads too. And cookies. $ L D f

JASON’S DELI 4600 Shelbyville Rd., 896-0150, 410 N. Hurstbourne Pkwy., 412-4101. Don’t look for a New York kosher-style deli at this Texas-based chain, but suburbanites are lining up at its multiple locations for oversize sandwiches, salads, wraps and more. $ L D f

JERSEY MIKE’S SUBS 10266 Shelbyville Rd., 244-1991, 10519 Fischer Park Dr., 425-1025, 1983 S. Hurstbourne Pkwy., 3841384, 3013 Poplar Level Rd., 263-7002 404 W. Daisy Ln., New Albany IN, 812-590-1359, 5530 East Hwy. 62, Jeffersonville IN, 812-920-0359, 1305 Veterans Pky. Clarksville IN, 812-725-8799. East Coast-style sub shop with local faves that include cheese, ham, prosciuttini, capicola, salami, pepperoni and fixings. $ L D f

JIMMY JOHN’S SUB SHOP (11 Locations) This national sandwich-shop chain offers a wide selection of over stuffed subs that benefit from fresh quality ingredients. But what sets them apart from the rest is their value — and they deliver. $ L D f

LADY TRON’S 147 E. Market St., New Albany, IN 725-9510. Owner Summer Seig has created an eclectic sci-fi theme for her soup and sandwich diner. Outside is Lady Tron, a smiling robot with red hair and a yellow apron; inside, you can find seasonal soups and sandwiches. $ B L D

LENNY’S SUB SHOP 3942 Taylorsville Rd., 454-7831. Another semi-national chain, covering mostly the South and Midwest, brings a selection of familiar subs, sandwiches and salads to Louisville diners eager for more standardized semi-fast food. $ L D f

LONNIE’S BEST TASTE OF CHICAGO 121 St. Matthews Ave., 895-2380. This appetizing operation offers genuine Chicago style hot dogs and a taste of Chicago atmosphere for a fair price. $ L D f

LOTSA PASTA 3717 Lexington Rd., 896-6361. This familyowned pioneer in gourmet cheeses, oils, dips, hummus and, of course, pasta has been in operation for 37 years now. They are mainly an eclectic specialty-food store but fans stand threedeep at the sandwich counter every afternoon. And next door is a comfy café, to eat that deli sandwich, or get coffee and dessert. $ L D f

MAIN EATERY 643 W. Main St., 589-7200. Smack dab in the middle of the Main Street historic district, this fashionable deli lures the savvy business midday crowd. $ L

MANHATTAN GRILL 429 W. Muhammad Ali Blvd., 561-0027. $ B L

MCALISTER’S DELI (11 Locations) Emphasizing quality customer service, this delicatessen ladles up such soups as gumbo and chicken tortilla along with cutting board favorites. They have a special way with a tumbler of sweet iced tea. $ L D

MELT 502 6318 Bardstown Rd., 594-8570. Here you will find egg rolls and sandwiches crafted from unusual combinations, all named after hip-hop or soul singers. The "Hot Boy" sandwich has grilled buffalo chicken, cream cheese and ranch sauce; the "M.I. Yayo" egg roll is stuffed with shrimp and cheese, and "Big Poppa” rolls contain jalapeños, bacon, and three cheeses. $$ L D

MORRIS DELI & CATERING 2228 Taylorsville Rd., 458-1668. Many locals still know this small, popular Highlands deli as Karem Deeb’s after its longtime previous owner. Mostly for takeout — it packs in a few crowded tables — it’s known for high-quality, hand-made deli fare. $ L

PANERA BREAD CO. (10 Locations) Warm breads finish-baked on the premises make a tasty base for a variety of sandwiches. Soups, salads, coffee drinks and a free WiFi hotspot make Panera’s outlets popular gathering places. $ B L D f

PARNELLI'S CHICAGO EATERY 3548 E. 10th St., Jeffersonville IN, 913-0025. If you crave Windy City classics like Vienna Beef hot dogs with neon relish or wet Italian beef sandwiches with giardiniera, head to the Jeff suburbs for Chicago specialites, incuding Greektown favorites like gyros and falafel. $ L D f

PAUL’S FRUIT MARKET 3922 Chenoweth Sq., 896-8918, 4946 Brownsboro Rd., 426-5070, 12119 Shelbyville Rd., 2530072, 3704 Taylorsville Rd., 456-4750. One of Louisville’s popular sources for produce, cheeses, deli items, and the like. Deli sandwiches and salads are available (takeout only). $ L D

PAYNE STREET BAKEHOUSE 225 S. Spring St., 895-8323. Nancy’s Bagel Grounds has remodeled the space that had been Willingers Beer Depot after moving from its longtime digs on Frankfort Ave. Despite the name change, you can still get bagels and cream cheese with your coffee or juices as well as a breakfast sandwich called The Willinger. $ B L

PENN STATION (17 Locations). Billed as the East Coast Sub Headquarters, this sandwich kitchen does a brisk business here in the Louisville area. $ L D

POTBELLY SANDWICH SHOP 302 S. Fourth St., 540-1100, 4023 Summit Plaza Dr., 420-9616, 9018 Taylorsville Rd., 290-4820. This local outpost of the Chicago chain offers substantial sandwiches, salads and even breakfast sandwiches and oatmeal both to the downtown lunch crowd along Fourth St., and out at the Summit in the eastern suburbs. $ L D f

QUIZNO’S SUBS 4212 Charlestown Rd., New Albany IN, 9817849. Toasted breads, a sandwich selection of meats, veggies and fish are built to fight hunger. Fresh soups are available daily, from chili to chowder; so are salads and desserts. $ L f

SCHLOTZSKY’S DELI 10531 Fischer Park Dr., 425-8447. The original Schlotzsky’s offered just one kind of sandwich — “The Original” — when it opened its first eatery in Austin, Texas, in 1971. Now this national chain vends a full selection of delistyle fare, with one significant improvement on the traditional deli: the servers are invariably polite. $ B L D f

SEEDS AND GREENS NATURAL MARKET & DELI 207 W. First St., New Albany IN, 944-3800. Browse among the organic vegetables and health foods, and stop by the deli for soups and salads, hot and cold sandwiches, vegan, vegetarian and omnivore preparations. $ L D

SOUPY’S 3027 Hunsinger Ln., 451-5325. Back in 1987, Danny Bowling’s mother-in-law, Bette, started making pots of soup in a corner of Bowling's Meats & Deli, a family courtesy that led in 1995 to Soupy’s. Now it’s about 2 million cups of soup later, by Soupy’s estimate, all using Bette’s recipes, cooked up in small batches daily. Salads, sandwiches (including veggie burgers) and sweets as well. $ L D

STEVENS & STEVENS 1114 Bardstown Rd., 584-3354. This authentic New York-style deli occupies the rear third of the Ditto’s space in the heart of the Highlands. Take out or eat in one of the booths, you’ll get piled-high pastrami, brisket and corned beef and you’ll love lox and a schmear on your bagel — even if you don’t know what a schmear is. $ L

SUB STATION II 3101 Fern Valley Rd., 964-1075. The hardy No. 19, a six-meat-and-cheese super sub, keeps the store buzzing. An array of sandwiches, salad sides and desserts fill out an appetizing menu. $ L D

SWEET PEACHES 1800 W. Muhammad Ali Blvd., 356-0232. Breakfast, sandwiches and soups are what you will find at this West End spot. And don’t overlook fresh baked goodies like brownies and cookies or the chance to wash them down with peach-flavored sweet tea. This also is the location of the monthly Sweet Peaches Poetry Slam. $ B L D

THE BLOCK GOURMET DELI 14041 Shelbyville Rd., 7854689. A husband and wife team with considerable experience in restaurants runs this Middletown deli. Fans report excellent thick sandwiches, fresh salads and homemade soups. Box lunches and catering also available. $$ L D

THE SALAD CHIC 428 W. Market St., 650-4450. At this downtown lunch spot customers can build their own salads, salad and fruit kabobs or wraps, or choose from a prepared salad menu and changing daily soups. $$ L f

THELMA’S DELI 140 N. Fourth St. (Galt House), 589-5200. Located in the glassed-in walkway (conservatory) between the two hotel towers, Thelma’s provides breakfast items, coffee, sandwiches and snacks 24/7 for Galt House guests and anyone else who needs, say, a pizza at 3 a.m. $$ B L D

TORINO'S SANDWICH BAR 821 E. Market St., 785-6800. Torino’s is one of two additions to NuLu Marketplace. An Italian-style deli, Torino’s offers Italian, roast beef and meatball subs, artichoke & eggplant panini, salads, deli counter items, and grab & go items. It is also a front for its sister business, Gertie’s Whiskey Bar. $$ L p

VINAIGRETTE SALAD KITCHEN 203 N. Hurstbourne Pkwy., 205-9933, 3012 Bardstown Rd., 874-5740, 4037 Summit Plaza Dr., 323-5515. This Lexington-based modestly upscale salad restaurant offers locally sourced soups and salads and fresh lemonade. The menu includes the Bluegrass Blackberry salad; chicken taco and maki shrimp salads; and soups such as creamy tomato and sausage, kale and potato. Be sure to try one of three fresh lemonades on offer daily. $$ L D

WHICH WICH? 9850 Von Allmen Ct., 290-3721, 221 S. Hurstbourne Pkwy., 708-2535, 13124 W. Hwy 42, 228-0621, 3531 Grant Line Rd., New Albany IN, 920-0637. The concept here is “create your own sandwich” and draws on variety of proteins and over 30 toppings choices. The subs are the draw, but they also have wraps, and now a variety of shakes. $$ B L D

Brook and Burnett is the real thing. Neighborhood denizens drink coffee and chow down on burgers and breakfast until the wee hours (the joint is open 24 hours). If Louisville is home to a budding Charles Bukowski, there’s a good chance he’s sitting at their counter right now, recovering from last night’s excesses. $ B L D

BURGER GIRL 3334 Frankfort Ave., 709-5454. Dan Borsch, who owns Burger Boy Diner and Neon Pizza, has expanded into Crescent Hill. Burger Girl is a 24-hour burger grill, the sister to long-time somnambulists’ favorite Burger Boy. $$ B L D f

CHECK’S CAFÉ 1101 E. Burnett Ave., 637-9515. You can whiff a scent of Louisville history coming off the old walls of this quintessential Germantown saloon. The bar food here is about as good as bar food gets, and that’s not bad. The open-faced roast beef sandwich, with mashed potatoes and brussels sprouts, is a F&D favorite. $ L D pf

COTTAGE CAFÉ 11609 Main St., Middletown, 244-9497. This nostalgic old house in the countryside offers a taste of Kentucky-style cookery in an array of lunch specials that range from homemade soups and sandwiches to the traditional Hot Brown. $ L

D. NALLEY’S 970 S. Third St., 618-2429. The nostalgia here is almost palpable. The interior has been upgraded, but changed as little as possible. The food offerings continue to be diner standards, like what was served when it first opened 50+ years ago. $ B L D

DAVE & PEG’S COPPER KETTLE 276 Main Cross St., Charlestown IN, 256-4257. $ B L D

FOUR KINGS CAFÉ 4642 Jennings Ln., 968-2930. Steam-table service featuring spaghetti and meatballs, lasagna and chicken attract a hungry lunch crowd at this casual spot, and brunch specialties are just as popular. $ L D pf

FRONTIER DINER 7299 Dixie Hwy., 742-2478. The name “diner” says it all, and this friendly neighborhood spot on Dixie Highway delivers just what you’d expect in down-home comfort fare. The word on the street, though, is simple: Go for the pancakes. They’re worth a special trip. $ L D

GASLIGHT DINER 10509 Watterson Trl., 694-2322. The owners of Mac’s Dough House did some research and decided that one more pizza place was more than J’town needed, so they have converted their space to a diner: all day breakfast, lunchtime specials and comfort food dinners to appeal to all ages. $$ B Br L D f

GERALDINE’S KITCHEN 402 Wall St., Jeffersonville IN, 9247707. Geraldine is the late mother of owner/chef Bob Hoyland; Geraldine’s Kitchen is a tribute to her sense of hospitality. Breakfast and lunch are served in an inviting, homey atmosphere. $ B L

GOOSE CREEK DINER 2923 Goose Creek Rd., 339-8070. Goose Creek Diner offers old-fashioned comfort food, as the name “diner” suggests, but transcendently adds a gourmet taste to the down-home eats. $ B Br L D

LIL' WAGNERS 4520 Poplar Level Rd., (Derby City Gaming), 961-7600. A sit-down restaurant when you need a break from betting. Burgers and sandwiches (including fried bologna), starters like nachos, fried pickles and crab cakes, and soups and salads. Also a grab-and-go menu of wraps, sandwiches and desserts. $ L D

LINDSAY'S KITCHEN 5300 Cane Run Rd., 384-4823. Good ol' southern hospitality and home-made food are the draws at this modest place in the far southwest of the city. The menu includes chicken-fried steak, meatloaf and liver and onions. $ B L D

METRO DINER 4901 Outer Loop, 357-0767. The first local outlet of this Florida-based chain features "classic comfort food with flair.” Harking back to the glory days of diners, Metro Diner offers breakfast, lunch and dinner menus all day long. Signature dish is fried chicken and waffles, with burgers, seafood and salads also available. $$ B L D

BURGER BOY 1450 S. Brook, 635-7410. For a real slice of Louisville life, this weathered greasy spoon at the corner of

O’DOLLYS 7800 Third St. Rd., 375-1690. Homestyle steamtable favorites, available from breakfast to dinner, not to

mention full bar service that makes O’Dollys a Southwest Louisville destination. $ B L D p

WAGNER’S PHARMACY 3113 S. Fourth St., 375-3800. A track-side institution that has as much history as the nearby Twin Spires of Churchill Downs. Soups, sandwiches, shakes and an early bird “trainer’s” breakfast can be enjoyed all year round. Racing history on the walls and servers who’ll call you “hon.” $ B L

smothered pork chops, Bar-B-Que ribs, fried catfish, chicken and dumplings, and on Sundays, baked chicken or pot roast. $$ L D p

DASHA BARBOURS SOUTHERN BISTRO 217 E. Main St., 882-2081. This peripatetic, family-owned restaurant with a fine reputation settled anew, moving from Buechel to downtown, into the former Celtic Pig. Dasha’s certainly gives the “bistro” concept a down-home Southern twist. The menu is Southern comfort food: excellent fried chicken, pork chops, sweet potato casserole, and mac and cheese. $$ B L D p

LUCRETIA’S KITCHEN 1812 West Muhammad Ali Blvd. (Chef Space), 294-8143. It’s Wing Wednesday, Rib Tip Thursday, Fried Fish Friday and Soul Food Sunday at this ambitious little startup operating in the business incubator in the near West End.$$ Br L D

MATTIE'S KITCHEN 1018 S. 15th St., (St. Stephens Family Life Center), 544-8954. Open Wednesdays and Fridays for lunch and dinner, and Sundays for after-church dining. The flexible menu can list fried or baked chicken, pork chops, mac n’ cheese, spaghetti and meatballs, and on Fridays, catfish is a special.$ Br L

ADA'S KITCHEN AND CATERING 214 W. Broadway, 5613762. The late Ada Smith’s astounding half-century of community culinary service lives on at Smith’s namesake eatery downtown, where her children and grandchildren continue to prepare “your first choice in home-style cooking,” with soul food staples like fried chicken and fish, meatloaf, pork barbecue and “Kentucky oysters” (chitterlings), along with all the sides, including mashed potatoes, mac ‘n’ cheese and baked beans. $ L

BOOK & BOURBON SOUTHERN KITCHEN 600 Terminal Dr. (Louisville Airport). This library-themed concept at this upscale, airport dining venue offers more than 100 bourbons, along with a classic craft cocktail list. The food menu tweaks Southern comfort food with items such as fried green tomato Benedict and buttermilk fried chicken and waffles. $$ B L D p

CASK SOUTHERN KITCHEN & BAR 9980 Linn Station Rd., 614-6499. The former SOU! Southern Kitchen & Bar has been reconceptualized as, as one customer called it, a “Bbq plus restaurant.” Gumbo, Brunswick stew, grit fritters and pulled pork nachos, dry rubbed oak-smoked ribs, smoked meatloaf sandwich (served hot or cold) and buttermilk Southern fried chicken sandwich are among the new items on the menu. $$$ D p

DADDY VIC'S SOUL FOOD 4444 Cane Run Rd., 365-3631, 426 Pearl St. (Elks Lodge), New Albany IN (812) 945-8111. The daily specials here cycle through the soul-food lexicon:

FLO'S HOUSE OF SOUL 3400 W. Muhammad Ali Blvd., 7423065. You order at the window and eat on the patio, which has heaters for cooler weather and TVs for watching big games. Owner Jason Hatcher tries to do good for his community, offering food rewards to kids with good report cards. Choices include burgers, chili dogs, Philly cheesesteaks, whiting and catfish sandwiches, nachos and ice cream. $$ Br D pf

FORTY ACRES AND A MULE RESTAURANT 1800 Dixie Hwy., 776-5600. $ L D

FRANCO’S RESTAURANT & CATERING 3300 Dixie Hwy., 448-8044. Long-time fans of Jay’s Cafeteria (including politicians and national entertainers) are no longer bereft. Jay’s former owners serve up Southern Soul food in Shively at family-friendly prices. Look for smothered pork chops, collard greens, fried chicken, fried catfish and fruit cobbler. $ L D

FRY DADDY’S 1991 Brownsboro Rd., 742-4596, 1270 S. Preston St., 384-4012. Here, you start with a plate of fries topped with Monterey Jack cheese. Then you can choose from 7 protein additions such as fried chicken, pulled pork, vegan chicken, snow crab and lobster. And then, you can choose from 12 sauces and other toppings before leave the building. $$ L D

FUN FOOD KITCHEN & DELI 4106 Murphy Ln., 329-2266. This East End strip mall soul food outlet has it all: jumbo chicken wings and tenders, pork ribs and rib tips, fish, sandwiches, home-cooked sides, peach cobbler and banana pudding. $ L D f

PO-Z'S KITCHEN 6801 Dixie Hwy., 883-0073. Pleasure Ridge Park residents in need of chicken wings, fried fish and side dishes like fried cabbage, mixed greens and sweet baked beans can find them here. Desserts too, like banana pudding and honey bun cake. $$ L D p

SHIRLEY MAE’S CAFÉ 802 Clay St., 589-5295. This Smoketown institution draws hungry locals as well as celebrities in town hungry for the soul food of their youth. BBQ ribs and hot-water cornbread cooked in a cast iron skillets. Pig’s feet and chicken wings and collards, all seasoned with Shirley Mae Beard’s spice rack — salt and pepper. $ L D

SOUL FOOD DINING 4900 Poplar Level Rd., 915-8239. A cafeteria-style restaurant that offers all that a soul food fan would want: BBQ chicken, meatloaf, ribs, pork chops (with or without gravy), catfish, buffalo, and whiting, mac and cheese, mashed potatoes, greens, green beans, sweet potatoes and slaw. $$ L D

SOUTHERN EXPRESS 418 W. Oak St., 963-1719. This wellknown West End carryout spot has moved into a sit-down location in Old Louisville. There, classic soul food is served for eat-in or takeout and at rock-bottom prices. Diners build their own meal at $1 per item. Choices vary daily, but look for fried chicken, cooked cabbage, fried whiting, pork roast, fried or smothered pork chops, mac and cheese and rib tips. $ L D f

SOUTHERN HOSPITALITY 3402 W. Broadway, 822-1474. A family sports bar that satisfies all ages with its homey atmosphere and its well-crafted familiar food like double cheeseburgers, fried chicken with hot water cornbread, catfish, wings and ribs. $ L D p

SOUTHERN RESTAURANT & LOUNGE 301 W. Market St., 649-0037. This corner spot that was for many years Deke’s Marketplace Grill has new life. Now, during the day, it is an upscale dining destination, featuring a Southern-inspired menu. In the evening it becomes a lounge with live music and limited menu. $$ D p

SUE'S TOUCH OF COUNTRY 2605 Rockford Ln., 450-5059. Sue’s provides Shively with the kind of “stick to your ribs” food you go to a country/family style restaurant for. Daily Specials, homemade desserts and breakfast served all day. $ B L D

THE BLACK JOCKEYS LOUNGE 630 S. Fourth St., 587-0526. Most recently this downtown space was Encore on 4th. Now, in partnership with the Project to Protect African-American Turf History, Black Jockeys Lounge celebrates the history of Black jockeys. Waitstaff wear jockey-inspired uniforms and the menu features items the jockeys may have ordered themselves: chicken and waffles, jerk chicken, prime rib, fried catfish and bread pudding. $$ Br L p

THE KITCHEN TABLE 522 Happy Hollow Rd., Clermont, KY 347-2920. Jim Beam Distillery’s on-site restaurant serves highquality traditional Kentucky dishes (burgoo, fried catfish, fried chicken) and interesting variations (dick poppers, hot smoked trout). Bourbon balls, of course, are among the dessert choices. $$$ L pf

V-GRITS 1025 Barret Ave., 742-1714. Vegan food truck V-Grits has settled down in the busy corner on the border of Germantown and the Highlands. Co-owner Kristina Addington defines her vegan menu as “southern comfort food, stick to your ribs, healthy junk food.” She has recently taken over False Idol Brewery, which shared the space, and rebranded it as Chimera Brewing Co. $$ L D pf

VIBES RESTAURANT & ULTRA LOUNGE 1346 River Rd., 568-6691. This sleek, chic, eclectic music and food venue is in the former Relish building. Vibes serves bar bites such as burgers and sandwiches, appetizers, loaded hot dogs and entrees like wings, tenders, shrimp and fish at lunch, brunch and dinner. $$ Br L D p

Lower Highlands bar and grill a satisfying place to dine. The BBQ comes as pulled chicken, pork and brisket in sandwiches or full dinners. $ D pf

BEEF O’BRADY’S 241 Blankenbaker Pkwy., 254-2322, 5628 Bardstown Rd., 239-2226, 3101 S. Second St., 637-3737, 11324 Preston Hwy., 969-5559, 105 LaFollette Ct., Floyds Knobs IN, 923-1316. If you think your basic sports pub is only suitable for guys guzzling beer, take another look: Beef O’Brady’s puts the “family” in “family sports pub,” offering a wholesome environment. $ L D f

BIG AL’S BEERITAVILLE 1715 Mellwood Ave., 893-4487. Good people, good food, cold beer: The sign out front says it all, and we might add “cool atmosphere” in praise of this small but friendly Butchertown oasis. $ L D pf

BROWNIE’S THE SHED GRILLE & BAR 9900 Linn Station Rd., 326-9830, 826 W. Main St., New Albany IN, 920-0030. Restaurant owner and namesake Keith Brown used to host neighborhood gatherings in a shed at his home. Now he brings the same sociable concept to his two sports pubs, the area’s official homes for Cincinnati Bengals fans. $ L D pf

BUBBA'S 33 4631 Medical Plaza Way, Clarksville IN, 284-5933. The 12th location of the growing chain from the guys at Texas Roadhouse, Bubba’s is a family friendly sports bar with TVs galore and corn hole boards on the patio. The menu offers chicken with two types of bacon, chili-rubbed salmon, smoked chipotle wings, a spicy habanero burger and pizzas. $$ L D pf

BUD’S TAVERN GOOD FOOD & BARBECUE 4014 Dixie Hwy., 384-9131, 9119 Galene Dr., 409-6066. This wellestablished Shively tavern has added a second location in Jeffersontown. It’s noted for excellent service and honest bar food that consistently receives high praise. Signature dishes — “gently fried” grouper, burgers (including a Reuben burger), as well as burritos and barbecue — are now available at both locations. $ L D pf

BUNGALOW JOE’S BAR & GRILL 7813 Beulah Church Rd., 931-5637. A “family friendly sports bar and grill” in the Fern Creek area boasts 23 HDTVs including a 5- by 7-foot HD projector for 3D football viewing, a game room for kids, and plenty of wings, shrimp, burgers and beer. $$ L D pf

DARK HORSE TAVERN 2354 Frankfort Ave., 709-5176. The handsome renovations to this little house is a great addition to the bustling Frankfort Avenue corridor. With a neighborhood bar vibe, well-made cocktails and a fusion bar food menu featuring tacos from around the world. $$ L D pf

GERTIE’S SPORTS BAR NEXT DOOR 823 E. Market St. (NuLu Marketplace), 785-6800. The owners of Gertie’s Whiskey Bar have opened a sports bar right next door, featuring a Fireball machine and tequila snow cones. Watch games and indulge in“sophisticated hotdogs” and Frito pie, as well as shareable snacks. $$ D p

GERTIE'S WHISKEY BAR 821 E. Market St., 785-6800. Nashville chef (and Louisville native) Matt Bolus has opened a second location of his popular Gertie's Whiskey Bar, hidden away, speakeasy-style, behind Torino's Sandwich Bar; both businesses are part of Nashville-based Red Pebble Hospitality. Bolus has hand-picked 11 single barrel selections to augment the 100+ bottles of whiskey in stock. $$$ D p f

GRANVILLE INN 1601 S. Third St., 636-2748. A longtime gathering place for U of L students, faculty and fans, this sturdy redbrick tavern just north of the university campus offers a good variety of bar munchies, sandwiches and simple grilled fare plus pizza. It’s perhaps best known, though, for the signature Granville Burger, widely reputed as one of the best burgers in town. $ L D p

GREAT AMERICAN GRILL 2735 Crittenden Dr. (Hilton Garden Inn), 637-2424. Salads, burgers, pastas and sandwiches are available for the casual diner; main entrées include New York strip, filet of salmon and more. $ Br D pf

HARBOR AND HOPS 3010 Gottbrath Pkwy., Jeffersonville IN, 748-2622. TIn 2020 the Brown family localized and rebranded their erstwhile franchise operation, emerging with the largest selection of draft beer in Southern Indiana (85 taps) plus draft wines, hard ciders, kombucha and hard seltzer. The hearty pub menu is familiar and comforting – lots of burgers, beer cheese soup, salads and sandwiches, and a limited entree selection. $$$ L D pf

HARRY’S TAPHOUSE & KITCHEN 130 W. Riverside Dr., Jeffersonville IN., 725-1111. The terrace and patio of this family-friendly riverside spot provide wide views of the Ohio, where you can chow down on well-crafted bar food – fried pickles or jalapeño cheese balls, harvest apple salad, a chicken wrap, Philly cheesesteak or grilled bologna sandwich, baby back ribs or smothered chicken over jasmine rice or a full 1/2 pound burger. $$ L D pf

CRAVINGS ALA CARTE 101 S. Fifth St. (National City Tower), 584-6846. This thrifty deli offers a variety of build-your-own sandwiches, a soup-and-salad bar and specialty bars featuring baked potatoes and a monthly ethnic creation. $ L

GOLDEN CORRAL 1402 Cedar St., Clarksville IN. 812-9137577, 4032 Taylorsville Rd., 883-5700. Now cafeteria style family dining at one price, all you can eat. Steaks are served beginning at 4 p.m. $ B L D

ABOUT TIME BAR AND GRILL 12406 La Grange Rd. At this suburban sports bar and grill you can find casual fare like fried cod, fish and steak tacos and Philly cheesesteaks. The bar serves an extensive cocktail menu, beer and wine. $ L D p f

AMY Z’S PUB 813 Lyndon Ln., 290-7334. A staple in Lyndon for more than a decade, with televised sports, live entertainment, pool tables, and an outdoor patio. Dining options include homemade burgers and old-school comfort food. $ D pf

BACKSIDE AT WHISKEY ROW 108 W. Washington St., 6302012. Taking over the space near the Yum! Center that had briefly held The Hall on Washington, Backside’s menu leans toward American dishes: burgers, chicken sandwiches, honeybutter biscuits and salads. The restaurant is also adding bourbon flights to qualify for a listing on the Urban Bourbon Trail. $$ L D p

BAXTER’S 942 BAR & GRILL 942 Baxter Ave., 409-9422. Lively music offerings and excellent barbecue have made this

DRAKE’S 3939 Shelbyville Rd., 614-7327, 3921 Summit Plaza Dr., 384-3921, 2651 S. Hurstbourne Pkwy., 409-6130. Lexington-based Bluegrass Hospitality Group has three local outlets that offer twenty-four craft beers on tap to wash down the traditional pub grub of tacos, ribs and — these days — sushi. Family-friendly by day and a hoppin’ spot at night, with music videos and a DJ. $$ L D pf

DUNDEE TAVERN 2224 Dundee Rd., 458-6637. After a few flips and changes, Dundee Tavern has found its soul again as a neighborhood bar. A lot of beer choices on draft and in bottles, and a comfort food menu that includes wings and fingers, fried pickles, chili, burgers and sandwiches and Tavern Specialties like grilled flat iron steak and southern-fried cod. $$ L D pf

FIRST STRING BAR AND GRILL 5921 New Cut Rd., 3660049. This South End sports bar offers pizza, baked spaghetti, fried bologna sandwiches and Cajun dry rub chicken wings. $$ L D p

FLANAGAN’S ALE HOUSE 934 Baxter Ave., 585-3700. Gourmet pizzas, hoagies, and an enormous beer selection draw Highlands folks to this cozy neighborhood pub. For a late night pizza (the kitchen’s open until 2 a.m.), it’s one of the best options in the city. $$ L D pf

GERSTLE’S PLACE 3801 Frankfort Ave., 742-8616. A popular St. Matthews neighborhood tavern since 1924. Although dining is secondary to booze and sports here, the food goes well beyond mere pub grub. $ L D pf

HELL OR HIGH WATER 112 W. Washington St., 587-3057. The entrance is through Hello Curio, an ostensible arts and crafts gallery. Downstairs is the main bar in a two-story library with a mezzanine floor, looking out onto a small live entertainment area. Craft cocktails are bourbon-focused but not exclusively. There is a small bites menu, but drinks are the center of the “speakeasy” experience. $$ D p

HIGHLANDS TAPROOM GRILL 1058 Bardstown Rd., 5845222. Another nice choice for beer and bar food along the B’town Rd. corridor, but owner Tommy Clemons’ menu includes, but extends beyond, the usual beer cheese, chili and burgers. Look for the crabby patty or the French toast sausage. The pulled pork spring rolls are on their way to becoming legendary. $$ L D pf

HILLCREST TAVERN 3212 Frankfort Ave., 290-6917. Dan Borsch, who runs several Old Louisville spots like Burger Boy Diner and Old Louisville Tavern, has expanded into Clifton with this renovation of a long-time neighborhood watering hole. The menu mirrors that of Old Louisville Tavern, with burgers, sandwiches, appetizers and a few entrée items. A vintage 100-year old bar will anchor the nostalgic ambiance. $$ L D pf

HILLTOP TAVERN 1800 Frankfort Ave., 742-2908. The Skelton brothers (John is an alum of Seviche) have settled in at this prime Clifton location. Their tavern fare is focused on barbecue, with pulled pork and beer-butt chicken specialties, along with hefty sandwiches (their meatloaf is a standout). $ D p

HITCHING POST INN 7314 Fegenbush Ln., 239-4724. In addition to its full bar and beer garden, and lively conversation, the Hitching Post Inn offers an array of pub grub, including burgers, chicken tenders, and sandwiches. $ L D pf

HOOPS GRILL AND SPORTS BAR 6733 Strawberry Ln., 3754667. The name says it all: sports, casual dining and good things to drink all find their natural meeting place at this friendly neighborhood spot that boasts 3 different steak sandwiches, along with pizza, burgers and chicken. $ L D pf

INTERNATIONAL TAP HOUSE 637 E. Main St. The St. Louisbased chain has opened on the ground floor of the Main & Clay apartment building. Not a brewery, but a purveyor of hundreds of craft beers, ciders and a limited selection of wine. Patrons are invited to bring in food from neighboring businesses. $$ p f

JOHN O’BRYAN’S TAVERN 4123 Flintlock Dr., 449-4940. $ B L D f

KERN’S KORNER 2600 Bardstown Rd., 456-9726. This familyowned tavern, a popular neighborhood pit stop since 1978, offers freshly made ham, chicken salad sandwiches and soups. The hamburgers, though, might be the best unpretentious burgers in town: freshly ground daily, always cooked perfectly, and served on a toasted bun. $ L D pf

KHALIL’S 10966 Dixie Hwy., 632-2227. A family sports bar in Valley Station boasts plenty of TVs, including some tabletop TVs in booths. Menu presents the usual bar food suspects — salads, wings, burgers — but the burgers are on pretzel buns. $ L D p

LEGENDS CAFÉ 2602 Charlestown Rd., New Albany IN, (812) 920-0786. This small, family-owned cafe, serves breakfast, lunch and dinner, with $1 beer every day. Daily specials rotate monthly, and Fridays are a fish-only menu. $ B L D p

LOSERS812 1005 W. Market St., Jeffersonville IN, 812-9131414. Two local musicians who saw an unfilled market niche for rock and roll in all its many permutations put their money where their chords are, and the result is live music seven days a week, a late-night kitchen, full bar, billiards, a small arcade, and corn hole. The Jeffersonville venue lies in the shadow of the Clark Memorial Bridge. $ L D pf

LOUISVILLE INTERNATIONAL PUB 5343 Mitscher Ave. 384-3952. A neighborhood bar with an international focus. Eclectic bar food options cover the globe with dinner and sandwich options like nachos, chili, falafel, poppers, burgers, kabobs, and shawarma.$ L D p

MG'S PRIME TIME CAFÉ 7017 Global Dr., 333-0719. If you find yourself hungry on the far Southwest side of town, this café can satisfy with appetizers like jalapeño poppers or fried pickles, burgers built your way, or an range of sandwich options. $ L D pf

NEAT BOURBON BAR & BOTTLE SHOP 1139 Bardstown Rd., 690-3254. This Highlands vintage Bourbon bar takes advantage of the Kentucky vintage spirits law that allows bar owners to buy, sell and trade on the secondary market. The result is Neat’s focus on old and rare bottles that people have collected over the years and now want to sell or trade. $$ L D p

NEIL & PATTY’S FIRESIDE BAR & GRILL 7611 IN 311, Sellersburg IN, 246-5456. A family owned and operated outpost up the road a piece, long known for their warm and welcoming, down-home atmosphere, has expanded their craft beer selection. The local cognoscenti know they can also find excellent pastas, steaks, seafood, and salads. Homemade soups are created daily. Breakfast served until 2 p.m. $$ Br L D p

NEW DIRECTION BAR & GRILL 2630 Chamberlain Ln., 2438429. $ L D pf

OLD HICKORY INN 1038 Lydia St., 634-3011. John Murrow, long involved with Check’s Café, has re-opened this iconic Germantown bar, setting out to return the troubled property to its historic role as a quintessential neighborhood dive bar. $ L D p

OLD LOUISVILLE TAVERN 1532 S. Fourth St., 409-6281. It’s risen from the ashes, the interior gutted and redone, a new kitchen installed, but the menu is the same as before: topflight bar grub made from scratch. An expanded beer program with 16 new taps includes a selection of local and craft beers. $$ L D pf

O-LINE SPORTS GRILL 2813 N Hurstbourne Pkwy., 3846171. You can watch every game, every sport all year long, they claim. While you do, you can chow down a variety of bar food, such as the juicy Lucy cheese burger or nacho burger. The kids might like the mini-footballs, franks encased in pastry dough, fried and served with dipping sauces. $ L D p

PARLAY 416 W. Muhammad Ali Blvd., 384-4239. Downtown sports bar slated to open in late 2022, located a discus throw from the 4th Street Live! entertainment district, Parlay promises elevated cocktails and original riffs on classic bar food, like Philly cheesesteak cheese sticks, with nachos, pork sandwiches and other nibbles. $$ D p

PEARL STREET TAPHOUSE 407 Pearl Street, Jeffersonville IN, 285-0890. Located in an historic home that was saved through a preservation grant, this pub has 24 taps with a heavy focus on local breweries, with regional and national choices as well. Food choices range from pizzas to bacon-wrapped dates to corned beef grilled cheese sandwiches. Everything is fresh and nothing is deep-fried. $ L D p f

PINTS&UNION 114 E. Market St., New Albany IN., 913-4647. Beer maven (and F&D contributor) Roger Baylor and partner Joe Phillips have renovated an old neighborhood bar, where the taps dispense familiar quality beers and ales, the bar crafts interesting cocktails and the bottled beer selection skews toward Belgian ales. The small kitchen offers pub-inspired small plates with an Indian accent. $ L D p

PORCH KITCHEN & BAR 280 W. Jefferson St. (Marriott), 6714246. As part of the recent renovation of the Marriott, this allday restaurant replaces Champions Sports Grill. The name reflects the intention of the new restaurant to be a homey, welcoming downtown spot. Look for American-style comfort foods and a friendly bar. B Br L D pf

RAILYARD BILLIARDS & SPORTS BAR 630 Barret Ave., 618-4033. Serious pool players and rabid sports watchers will find common cause amid 4,000 square feet of fun, or put another way, 31 pool tables, three bars with craft beer and cocktails, pub fare, 26 TVs, a covered deck and live music. All this, and Mile Wide Beer Co. is just downstairs, too. $$ L D FB f

RECBAR 10301 Taylorsville Rd., 509-3033, 336 Pearl St., New Albany IN, 670-5234. Family fun is the object here, with games galore: pool and ping-pong, skeeball, arcade games (for Nintendo, Sega Genesis, Super NES) and card and board games. A full bar and pub-style food, too. $$ L D pf

RED YETI RESTAURANT 256 Spring St., Jeffersonville IN. 2885788. The small brewing system is gone; rotating craft beer taps remain, and the kitchen is as ambitious (and popular) as ever. It’s the little things, like ample street-side seating and a genuinely thoughtful kid’s menu. Appetizers like Goat Cheese Fritters and Truffle Fries lead logically to Buttermilk Fried Chicken, Brisket and a Kentuckiana Hot Brown. $$ L D pf

RIVER CITY DRAFTHOUSE 1574-1/2 Bardstown Rd., 6905111. Another beer joint along the Bardstown Road corridor boasts more than 20 taps focused on independent, American, craft beer (in sample, half-pint and pint sizes) and several bottled options. Its limited (for now) bar menu has garnered early praise for its wings. $$ L D f

ROOTIE’S SPORTS BAR & GRILLE 12205 Westport Rd., 365-4681. The first entry of the Buffalo-based chain to open in the area. Rootie’s angle is charcoal-grilled wings with a thick, hickory-smoked spicy sauce. $ L D pf

SAINT’S 131 Breckinridge Ln., 891-8883. Almost like two restaurants in one, Saints features both a small, intimate, candle-lighted room and a larger, happily boisterous main room with the look and feel of a sports bar. $$ L D pf

SANGRIA BAR AT UNION 125 W. Chestnut St., Jeffersonville IN, 812-725-7778. This colorful and airy weekends-only bar specializing in sangria and sparkling mimosas is freestanding, but shares ownership with the bustling adjacent Union Restaurant & GameYard, just yards from the Big Four Walking Bridge. $$ BL D pf

SEASONED PUB & GRILL 6021 Timber Ridge Dr., 290-6215. A quintessential sports bar with TVs galore and a classic bar

menu: beer cheese, tots, onion rings or fries But also strombolis and other hot sandwiches, burgers and wings, of course, and salads. $$ L D p

SERGIO’S WORLD BEERS 1605 Story Ave., 618-2337. Despite minimal signage, Sergio’s Butchertown digs pull in his fans, who dig the quirky website, and the whole aura of haughty mystery. What you really need when you locate the place is a desire to explore Sergio’s world beer inventory, nearing 1000 different brews. $$ D

SHOPBAR 950 Barret Ave., 709-4696. The former gas station has been converted into a small artisanal boutique and welcoming bar with a food truck — FoodShop at the rear. The menu rotates, but recently it included fried white fish, a pork jowl sandwich served on a pretzel bun, and mushroom tostadas. $ Br D pf

SPRING STREET BAR & GRILL 300 S. Spring St. The beloved Irish Hill eatery and watering hole closed in 2020 after a 33year run but has been seamlessly revived by the owners of High Horse bar and Darling’s. Wings remain the draw, augmented by sandwiches, soups and salads. $$ L D p

TAVERN ON FOURTH 427 S. Fourth St. (Fourth Street Live), 588-8888. This spacious sports bar adds to the festivities at Fourth Street Live. You will find plenty of games, filling upscale bar food and lots of drink choices at the bar. $$ D pf

THE BACK DOOR 1250 Bardstown Rd. (Mid City Mall), 4510659. You need a bit of perseverance to track down this saloon on the back side of Mid-City Mall. When you do, you will find one of the city’s friendliest pubs, with a reputation for the best pour of drinks around. Limited bar fare, but don’t miss the chicken wings. $ D pf

THE EARL 109 E. Market St., New Albany IN, 590-2611. This bar offers craft cocktails and upscale bar food such as spicy pimento cheese with pretzel bread, cheese and charcuterie boards, and roasted cauliflower with bleu cheese. $$ D p

THE FOX DEN 3814 Frankfort Ave., 742-0068. Returning to his roots in the restaurant biz, Jared Matthews has revamped the St. Matthews Diamond Billiards space into The Fox Den. Plenty of sports-oriented fun can be found here: Ample big screen TVs, 11 pool and billiard tables, darts and live music, plus a menu of elevated bar food. Open every night till 4am. $$ L D pf

THE GOAT 700 Landis Ridge Dr., 791-8325. Ohio-based LC Lifestyle Communities operates this small chain of unusually named upscale-casual restaurants. Enjoy Italian pizza rolls, stuffed potatoes, salads, “double-grind” burgers, wings, pizza, wraps and craft beer on the expansive deck or around the community pool, or join one of the competitive leagues in euchre, corn hole or volleyball. $$ L D pf

THE LIBRARY 400 S. Second St., (Omni Hotel), 313-6664. By day, the Library serves coffee, lattes and tea along with freshly baked pastries. By late afternoon, it morphs into a bourbon bar with locally inspired cocktails. $ B L p

THE PALM ROOM 1821 W. Jefferson St., 581-1251. The classic West End entertainment and dining spot is back, with a variety of special nights – Tuesday comedy, Thursday ladies’ night, Sunday brunch and jazz at night. The menu focuses on wings, salads and dinner specials. $$ D p

THE PEARL 1151 Goss Ave., 996-7552. The Pearl aims to be a classic neighborhood pub (not unlike Pauly’s, which it replaces). It also aims to be a spirits-focused hangout, with a bar menu limited to snacks like pickled eggs, country ham and cheese sandwiches and free popcorn or roasted nuts. In the works is a permanent food truck to be parked in the rear to expand food offerings. $$ L D pf

THE SPORTS & SOCIAL CLUB 427 S. Fourth St. (Fourth Street Live), 568-1400. This Cordish-owned spot has four bars — including one that opens out onto the street — plenty of TVs to catch every game, and even a “stadium style sports media room.” Chow down with the usual burgers, sandwiches and wings. $$ L D pf

THE WATER COMPANY 400 S. Second St., (Omni Hotel), 3136664. There is a 3rd-floor rooftop pool at the new Omni Hotel,

and this is the bar that goes with it, also offering seasonallyinspired light bites. $$ L D p f

THIRSTY HOUND SPORTS BAR 7207 Fegenbush Ln., 9197003. This Fern Creek hangout offer all that a sports fan could want: wings and ribs, nachos, potato skins, fried pickles, sandwiches, pork chops and steaks. $$ L D pf

TIM TAM TAVERN 1022 Clarks Ln., 883-0101. Named for the 1958 Kentucky Derby winner, the Schnitzelburg/ Audubon neighborhood bar has a new look and a kitchen that serves bar staples like burgers, fried pickles and cheese curds plus pizza from Danny Mac’s Pizza. (Dan McMahon, owner of Danny Mac’s Pizza, is a partner.) $ L D p f

TIN ROOF 3921 Shelbyville Rd., 895-1914. This Nashvillebased chain in the heart of St. Matthews has a split personality: a family-friendly vibe during the lunch hours; and a rockin’ juke joint at night with live music until 3 a.m. Its menu encompasses everything you expect from bar grub: deep-fried hot dogs, hot wings, quesadillas and salads for the ladies. $ L D pf

TOASTY'S TAVERN 1258 S. Shelby St., 614-7094. An addition to the Germantown bar scene, Toasty’s addresses the needs of late night hungry imbibers with cheeseburgers and breakfast sandwiches, loaded fries, and a vegan hot dog. Signature cocktails include watermelon mint margarita and flavored daiquiris. $ D pf

TROLL PUB UNDER THE BRIDGE 150 W. Washington St., 618-4829. On the downslope alongside the Clark Memorial Bridge, a large troll beckons the adventurous into a space excavated out of the lost space in the old whiskey warehouse. The renovation boasts lots of dark, brick-walled spaces, as well as a funky outdoor dining area in the lightwell. The menu offers stacked sandwiches, bison burgers and sweet potato tots, and ribeye steaks. $$ L D pf

UNION RESTAURANT & GAMEYARD 115 W. Chestnut St., Jeffersonville IN, 590-1285. Those wanting more fun as well as some food after strolling across the Big Four bridge can find both here, near the bridge’s Indiana-side off-ramp. Burgers, of course, and brisket, pork belly and brined chicken breast sandwiches. After eating, play iceless curling, four-way volleyball, cornhole or ping-pong. $$ L D pf

ZANZABAR 2100 S. Preston St., 635-9227. An icon of the ’70s bar scene. The stylish tile front has been recreated anew, the arcade is stocked with vintage games and top-flight live music plays late into the night. The chow several days a week is created by Yeon Hee Chung, owner of the former Charim Korean restaurant. $ L D pf

3RD TURN BREWING 10408 Watterson Tr., 482-3373. Jeffersontown’s first brewery inhabits a repurposed 150-yearold church building, and offers an ever-changing roster of beer styles. Guests are welcome to bring their own food. 3rd Turn’s second location is Oldham Gardens at 6300 Old Lagrange Rd. in Crestwood KY, boasting an acre of indoor and outdoor space at a former garden center. $ D pf

AGAINST THE GRAIN BREWERY 401 E. Main St., 515-0174. Slugger Field once again has a beer-pub. The owners, veterans of the local brewing revival, have worked out an ambitious rotating beer selection and a smokehouse theme for the kitchen, with an emphasis on seasonal dishes. $$ L D pf

AKASHA BREWING COMPANY 909 E. Market St., 742-7770. Rick Stidham brews a full range of craft beers. Akasha is known for variations on a theme of kettle-soured Gose, as well as the scrupulously recreated Fehr’s XL, Louisville’s celebrated pre-Prohibition Pilsner. There is no food, but numerous NuLu eateries are located within carryout and delivery distance. $ D pf

APOCALYPSE BREW WORKS 1612 Mellwood Ave., 7420090. Veteran home brewers Leah Dienes, Paul Grignon and Bill Krauth run this brewery in Butchertown, dedicated to fresh craft beer in a space that heats with solar, recycles and reuses materials and grains. Their taproom, dubbed The Fallout Shelter, serves up to 10 of their concoctions. $ f

ATRIUM BREWING 1154 Logan St., 690-3069. The Shelby Park neighborhood is definitely on the upswing: it now has a local brewery. Atrium’s first efforts include a hazy IPA, coffee stouts in collaboration with Bean on Goss Ave. and fruitinfused tart ales. Brick & Mortar food truck provides a beerfocused menu. $ L D p f

B.J.’S RESTAURANT & BREWHOUSE 7900 Shelbyville Rd.(Oxmoor Center), 326-3850. This Southern California chain arrived east of the Mississippi, including a large and imposing brewhouse at Oxmoor Center. A full range of madein-Nevada craft beers is dispensed, along with upscale-casual pub grub. $$ L D p

BLUEGRASS BREWING COMPANY 300 W. Main St., 5620007. BBC, one of the first, if not the first, craft breweries in town, continues to produce their beers and ales here, and to feed upscale bar food to hardy souls who come downtown for entertainment. The Theater Square outlet at 600 S. 4th St. has been closed since the beginning of the pandemic. We are delisting that outlet and look forward to reinstating that location in the future. $$ L D pf

BUTCHERTOWN BREWING 1860 Mellwood Ave., 437-9407. Small batch brewery located at The Mellwood Arts Center, where Andy Cobb has garnered a determined cult following for an array of fruited sours and behemoth-scale stouts like Arise, a boozy 12% barrel-conditioned Imperial Stout. No food. $ D pf

CHIMERA BREWING COMPANY 1025 Barret Ave., 742-1714. How many vegan restaurants have their own breweries? VGrits, a vegan comfort food purveyor of long-standing, took control of the former False Idol Independent Brewers in 2020. Chimera’s beers are formulated to accompany the V-Grits food menu, and a portion of every pour is donated to local nonprofits. $$ L D pf

DONUM DEI BREWERY 3211 Grant Line Rd., New Albany IN, 590-2478. Owner Rick Otey maintains that beer is a gift from god, hence the name of his craft brewery. The interior is starkly Scandinavian modern. A distilling permit has made it the area’s first “brewstillery.” $ L D p

EPIPHANY BARREL HOUSE 1525 Highland Ave. Craft brewing on site is delayed until 2023, but Epiphany will make its Highlands debut in December 2022 with farm-to-bar craft cocktails, bourbon, tequila and mezcal, complemented by creative bar snacks. $$ L D pf

FALLS CITY TAPROOM 901 E. Liberty St., 257-7147. This historic brand that was first brewed in 1905 has been revived (2010) and re-imagined as a modern craft beer. Now you can sip on their offerings at their new taproom and beer garden operating just east of downtown where Phoenix Hill and NuLu merge. Food is also offered tableside from the adjacent Bandido Taqueria Mexicana. $$ L D pf

FISTFUL OF ALE 2708 Paoli Pk., New Albany IN, 557-0226. The bar attached to A Fistful of Tacos offers 20 or so taps of a wide variety of “strong-flavored” craft beers such as IPAs, stouts and porters, and unusual lagers. $$ D pf

FLOYD COUNTY BREWING CO. 129 W. Main St., New Albany IN, (470) 588-2337. Walk in this new brewpub and you will find what looks like a medieval banquet hall, but scaled down to a Yorkshire public house. Brewer Jeff Coe’s repertoire includes Braun Jovi (Brown Ale), Hefe’ns Gate Hefeweizen and Vlad’s India Pale Ale, which complement perfectly menu items like fish and chips and oversized turkey legs. $ L D

GALLANT FOX BREWING 2132 Frankfort Ave., 822-1988. Located in that odd Clifton intersection of Frankfort Ave., New Main St. and the railroad tracks, this brewery concocts things like blood orange blonde ale, Space Force IPA and mangoguava American pale ale. Ten guest taps feature regional brews. $$ D pf

GOODWOOD BREWING + SPIRITS 636 E. Main St., 5842739. Located at “The Brewery Corner of Main & Clay,” where beer has been brewed continuously since 1997, Goodwood is Louisville’s biggest brewer by volume, hosting a taproom and BBQ-specialty kitchen. Goodwood’s Bourbon Barrel Stout is a style perfectly attuned to Louisville. $$ L D p

GORDON BIERSCH BREWERY RESTAURANT 400 S. Fourth St., 589-8935. The growing national brewery and restaurant chain has become an anchor at the corner location at 4th and Liberty, brewing their characteristic German-style bottomfermented lagers, Hefeweizen, bocks, pilsners and Schwarzbiers. The large menu offers the usual pub-grub, but touted as fresh, seasonal and made on the premises. $$$ Br L D pf

GRAVELY BREWING CO. 514 Baxter Ave., 822-3202. Gravely offers 14 draft choices, all brewed and served on site. The brewery partners with Mayan Street Food, run by The Mayan Café. Walk up to the truck and order snacks like guacamole, fried plantains, Mexican corn, salbutes or tacos. Brunch on Sunday is provided by Commonwealth Cure with items like pork hash, Scotch eggs, or pork sliders. Plus, a full brunch drink selection. $ L D pf

GREAT FLOOD BREWING CO. 2120 Bardstown Rd, 2080882, 12717 Shelbyville Rd., 208-0882. The original Douglass Loop location is just a taproom, with no food service. The Middletown taproom occupies a former Wick’s Pizza complete with a kitchen that offers pizza and other pub fare made on site. $$ L D pf

HI-WIRE BREWING 642 Baxter Ave., 717-4500. This Asheville-based brewery has opened its first out-of-state operation in the Lower Highlands. The bar has 21 taps of HiWire beer, from a variety of IPAs to seasonal brews such as S’more porter to specialties such as honey lager and chocolate macaroon stout. Family-friendly activities on offer include table tennis, foosball, and shuffleboard. $ L D p f

HOLSOPPPLE BREWING 8023 Catherine Ln., 708-1902. Rustic, family-friendly Lyndon taproom owned and operated by a husband and wife team. Holsopple’s IPAs are highly rated, although blueberries, toasted hemp seeds and cinnamon have been used to flavor a range of styles. Twinspire Pizza bakes onsite. $ D pf

HOMETOWN BREWING CO. 4041 Preston Hwy., 363-4880. Tom Brown, partner in the Hometown Pizza chain, and high school friend Mark Allgeier, owner of the now-closed Cumberland Brewery, have opened this craft brewery in the space where Brown has stored his car collection, which inspire the names of his beers. His goal is to make craft beer more accessible in small towns out in the state, where Hometown Pizza has 18 scattered locations. $$$ L D pf

MILE WIDE BEER COMPANY 636 Barret Ave., 409-8139. Mile Wide’s reputation as the Hazy/New England-style IPA champions of Louisville is both deserved and slightly ironic, considering brewer/co-owner Kyle Tavares’ brewing education in Bavaria. His lagers are great, too. Tasty Neapolitan-style pizza is served by Mac’s at Mile Wide. $$ L D p

MONNIK BEER CO. 1036 E. Burnett St., 742-6564. This popular Germantown microbrewery offers Euro-pub inspired menu includes three kinds of double-fried fries, pork and currant pie, and several burgers. Frequently changing guest taps join the house brews of Mild George and King George (British brown ales), His Dark Materials (stout) and Hauck’s American pilsner. $$ L D pf

NEW ALBANIAN BREWING COMPANY 3312 Plaza Dr., New Albany IN, 812-944-2577. NABC dates to 2002 and is the 9tholdest Hoosier brewery in continuous operation, with two dining areas serving locally renowned pizza and pasta (see the restaurant listing under “pizza”), a games arcade, guest taps, and perennial house beers like Community Dark and Elector Ale. $$ L D p

NOBLE FUNK BREWERY 922 S. Second St., 755-2739. Louisville's newest brewery is in the massive former Old Louisville Krogers building. The 25-tap brewery also has a short wine and cocktail selection. The brewery’s sister concept, Noble Hearth Pizza, serves specials like "Date Night," topped with dates, bacon, spinach and spicy aioli, and "Pollo Diablo,” topped with house-made chicken sausage, jalapeños and spicy sauce. $$ D pf

OLD LOUISVILLE BREWERY 625 W. Magnolia Ave., 3654886. Established in 2016 in an extensively remodeled historic structure, Old Louisville Brewery functions as a Cheers-level neighborhood hangout where the regulars have yet to meet a

stranger. There’s an eclectic selection of house beers, both traditional and experimental, but no food. $ D pf

OUR LADY OF PERPETUAL HOPS 300 Foundation Ct., New Albany IN. This brewery offers 12 taps (currently 8 house and 4 guest taps), as well as plenty of space for playing games like cornhole, darts, Jenga; pool, and video golf. If you work up an appetite, food trucks will tend your hunger on Friday and Saturday nights. $$ D

PIVOT BREWING COMPANY 1753 Bardstown Rd. This Louisville satellite taproom of Pivot Brewing plans to open in September, next door to the Purrfect Day Cat Cafe. The brewery/cidery, which is a signatory to the Brewers’ Climate Declaration, will bring its beers, ciders and commitment to community outreach initiatives to this location from a solarpowered home base in Lexington, Kentucky. $

PUBLIC HOUSE BY AGAINST THE GRAIN 1576 Bardstown Rd., 409-9866. After almost 20 years of fine craft brewing, Cumberland Brews founder Mark Allgeier has passed the taps over to the guys at Against the Grain, who have redubbed the popular Highlands space the Public House. All the taps serve ATG brews (to-go growlers are available). The menu features pub grub with a twist, including burgers, paninis, pimento cheese balls and French onion soup. Brunches promise to be destination weekend events. $$ Br L D pf

SHIPPINGPORT BREWING CO. 1221 W. Main St. 690-2002. Owner and brewer Amelia Pillow located her new brewery in Portland to encourage beer drinkers to venture beyond their west-of-9th-Street comfort zone. Her first brewing efforts include an American IPA, an oaked Helles Bock, a Belgian IPA and an Imperial / Double Coffee stout, among others. The food menu is geared to panini-style sandwiches and vegetable side dishes. $ L D p

TEN20 CRAFT BREWERY 1020 E. Washington St., 290-6820, 11505 Park Rd., 384-8714. A second location, in Anchorage, to complement the first location in Butchertown, suggests that the craft beer boom continues. Ten20 brews a wide range of beverages, from a wheat beer to a sour to a hefty Russian Imperial stout, along with a hard seltzer and a black cherry cider. $$ L D p f

THE OLDHAM BREWING CO. 10601 Worthington Ln. (Glenn Oaks Country Club), 341-1622. Located inside the Glenn Oaks Country Club (which it is open to the public), this new microbrewery brews on a tiny one-barrel system. They opened with five beers, all light ales to appeal to golfers. $$ L D pf

UPLAND BREWING CO. 707 W. Riverside Dr., Jeffersonville IN, (812) 750-1234. This Hoosier brewing operation has opened a southern outlet on the Ohio River, taking over the former Buckhead’s space, with its extensive pet-friendly patio overlooking the Louisville skyline. A full range of craft beer styles is on offer, along with a menu of hearty bar-food standards — pizza, sandwiches, burgers, wings, bison meatballs and mussels. $$ Br L D p f

WEST SIXTH NULU 817 E. Market St., 234-4733. West Sixth Brewing's newest taproom project includes a taproom, brewery, private event space & open air courtyard in the NuLu Marketplace on Market Street. $ L D p f

WILD HOPS BOURBON BAR & LOUNGE 1001 Logan St. (Logan Street Market), 384-2001. The name speaks to the range of offerings at this bar inside the Logan Street Market. The on-site brewery crafts its own beer, and there is an extensive cocktail menu and a large selection of bourbons and other whiskeys. $$ B L D p f

Louisville’s long-running entry in the dinner-theater sweepstakes. The expansive seasonal buffet offerings have fans returning show after show. $$$ L D p

HOWL AT THE MOON 434 S. Fourth St. (Fourth Street Live), 562-9400. What’ll they think of next? How about a nightclub featuring a “dueling” piano bar with two pianos and a singalong concept? You’ll find this 4,000-square-foot club at Fourth Street Live on the ground level. $ D pf

JOE HUBER FAMILY FARM & RESTAURANT 2421 Scottsville Rd., Starlight IN, 923-5255. A pleasant 20-minute drive from downtown Louisville, Huber’s has built a solid reputation for simple farm fare that’s well-made, fresh and good. Some of the produce is grown on the premises in season. $$$ L D pf

MAIN EVENT BAR & GRILL 12500 Sycamore Station Pl., 2405555. This Dallas-based chain offers plenty of fun: bowling, laser tag, a high ropes course, billiards, video games — along with pizzas, sandwiches, full dinners and a full bar. $$ L D p MESA 216 Pearl St., New Albany IN, 725-7691. Mesa calls itself a “collaborative kitchen-classroom,” in which local established and aspiring chefs offer cooking demonstrations and food prep advice for a small audience, who will then eat what the chefs prepare before them. There is also a boutique selling high-end cookware and food products. $$ D p

MY OLD KENTUCKY DINNER TRAIN 602 N. Third St., Bardstown KY, (502) 348-7300. Talk about a nostalgia trip: My Old Kentucky Dinner Train offers a four-course meal during a two-hour voyage along scenic Kentucky railroad tracks near Bardstown in vintage 1940s-era dining cars. Reservations are strongly recommended. $$$$ L D p

OVRDRIVE GAMES 112 W. Jefferson St., 653-5853. Plenty of ways to have fun here: virtual reality car racing, ax throwing, rage rooms (where you can destroy TVs and home appliances), and immersive VR games. The food and beverages aren’t virtual though: made-to-order pizza, wings and appetizers, and a self-pour tap wall featuring 15 beers and 6 pre-mixed cocktail choices. $$ L D p

PIN + PROOF 400 S. Second St., (Omni Hotel), 313-6664. The Omni’s bar has a cool angle. There are four bowling lanes, as well as hors d’oeuvres to enjoy in the “the opulent and mysterious atmosphere." $ D p

THE BARD’S TOWN 1801 Bardstown Rd., 749-5275. The second floor theater continues to be a top local venue for all sorts of theater, improv and silly/hilarious roasts of toys (Barbie), computer game characters (Mario) and years (2017). Downstairs, the menu offers Shakespeare-themed items such as Sir Francis BBQ Bacon Burger and The Steakspeare. $$ D pf

ABYSSINIA 554 S. Fifth St., 384-8347. This downtown Ethiopian restaurant has gained many fans with its variety of hearty stews, known as “wots,” and interesting vegetarian choices, with large portions and reasonable prices. $ L D

ADDIS ABABA ETHIOPIAN BAR & RESTAURANT 4750 Bardstown Rd., 384-6296. This modest little place joins other ethnic eating spots in the Buechel area. The menu includes a wide variety of richly seasoned Ethiopian fare including the national dish doro wat (a berbere-spiced chicken and egg stew) and many vegetarian options too. $$ B L D

DAVE & BUSTER'S 5000 Shelbyville Rd., (Mall St. Matthews), 963-0940. Fun galore with arcade, billiards, sports TVs, and a 16 page menu with surprising options for every special diet like flavorful lettuce wraps, the Impossible Burger and full entrees like steaks or salmon plus expected bar fare: nachos, sliders and wings. Desserts, beers and festive cocktails of impressive size, too. $$ L D p

DERBY DINNER PLAYHOUSE 525 Marriott Dr., Clarksville IN, 288-8281. The play’s the thing at Derby Dinner,

AFROKANZA LOUNGE 1578 Bardstown Rd., 379-5734. This Afro/Caribbean/soul food fusion restaurant and nightclub brings a new vibe to Bardstown Rd.’s restaurant row. Drinking and dancing till 4 am, with menu items like grilled red snapper and rice with peanut sauce to keep those late-night partiers fueled. $$ D p

BARAKA RESTAURANT 519 W. Oak St., 822-3046. This allhalal restaurant serves African, Asian and Indian dishes. At the counter you pick a meat and choose an accompaniment of rice, bread or noodles. The fish curry with chapati and chicken saqaar with rice are good examples. Goat is often available for those who want to try something different. $ L D

FUNMI’S AFRICAN RESTAURANT 3028 Bardstown Rd., 4545009. Funmi’s offers a range of dishes from North and Central African cultures. Sample goat in a soup or a thick stew. Try soya, a West African shish kebab with a spicy peanut rub or moin-moin, a savory bean cake or lablabi, a Tunisian chickpea soup. $$ L D

IMANKA RESTAURANT 737 S. Eighth St., (International Mall) 210-7503. Somali immigrant entrepreneur Mohamed Abbi Abdalla and his family serve their native cuisine at the International Mall. Suggested dishes include chicken suqaar (a chicken stew-like dish) or goat seasoned with onions and green peppers. $$ L D

QUEEN OF SHEBA 2804 Taylorsville Rd., 459-6301. This authentic Ethiopian restaurant offers a wide selection of intriguing dishes, including a variety of vegetarian selections as well as the traditional beef and chicken specialties. Ethiopian fare is made for sharing and eating with the fingers, but they’ll gladly make forks available for the finicky. $ L D

SENEGAMBIA AFRICAN RESTAURANT 4109 Bardstown Rd., 491-3152. $$ L D

WOLOGISI RESTAURANT 3707 Klondike Ln., 883-0054. The space that was Alwatan is now a Liberian restaurant (goat soup; torborgee, a bean stew; palm butter with fufu) that also tempts American tastes with items like Philly cheesesteak and gyros, as well. $$ L D

ZIBA’S BISTRO 1001 Logan St. (Logan Street Market), 7970633. The rich cuisine of his native Burkina Faso in Central West Africa is Chef Bapion Ziba’s main inspiration, but he brings elements of European and American flavors too. Tiguedigue chicken, cooked with vegetables in a peanut sauce, will be a signature dish. $$ L D 888 GREAT WALL 9464 Brownsboro Rd., 425-2811. Strip mall Chinese food is an accurate description of what to expect here. Locals from the neighborhood have said good things about the garlic chicken and their crab Rangoon. $ L D

A TASTE OF CHINA 1167 S. Fourth St., 585-5582, 8105 Lagrange Rd., 327-6863. $ L D

ASIAN BUFFET 3813 Charlestown Rd., New Albany IN, 9451888. Competent cookery and careful management ensures food offerings here stay fresh and hot. The name remains the same, but service is now cafeteria style, not self-serve buffet, a change done with customer health in mind. $ L D

ASIAN WOK 2235 Frankfort Ave., 822-3385. This pan-Asian spot offers a very large selection of Chinese & Japanese dishes in the stir-fried, hibachi-grilled and sushi categories. A lot of familiar things — Kung Pao chicken, pepper steak with onion, veggie fried rice, rainbow roll, hibachi steak, and so on. $$ L D

AUGUST MOON 2269 Lexington Rd., 456-6569. Housed in a soaring, open space with a Zen master’s style, consistent commitment from the kitchen makes it a top spot for Asian fare. A lovely patio at the rear affords a pleasant al fresco dining experience. $$$ L D pf

CHEER KING STAR 231 S. Fifth St., 587-8686. Just what downtown needed — a Chinese buffet for quick lunches. Mostly the familiar, a mix of Cantonese, Szechuan and Hunan choices for those who need a little spice to fire them up to get back to work. $ L D

CHINA 1 123 Breckinridge Ln., 897-6511. $ L D

CHINA 1 8105 Lagrange Rd., 327-6863. $ L D

CHINA BISTRO 234 W. Broadway, 583-8988. $ L D

CHINA BUFFET 706 E. Lewis & Clark Pkwy., Clarksville IN, 288-8989. Chinese buffets are ubiquitous, but this one is squarely in the upper range. Regularly refreshed steam tables, attentively fried rice, and properly spicy General Tso’s Chicken raise it above the other places typical of the genre. $ L D

CHINA CAFÉ 8625 Preston Hwy., 969-9222, 9246 Westport Rd., 425-1818. $ L D

CHINA CASTLE 7420 Third Street Rd., 367-4272. $ L D

CHINA CHEF 7813 Beulah Church Rd., 384-5322. Pretty standard Chinese choices can be found at this new store in the South End. Eat in or carry out. $ L D

CHINA COAST 4952 Manslick Rd., 363-4259. $ L D

CHINA DRAGON 8507 Terry Rd., 995-9897. The far southwest corner of the city can get its Chinese table hot food fix here. $ L D

CHINA GARDEN 7309 Preston Hwy., 968-4672. A busy restaurant with the double pleasure of Chinese and American menu items. $ L D

CHINA KING 3830 Ruckriegel Pkwy., 240-0500. $ L D

CHINA STAR 291 N. Hubbards Ln., 896-1818. $ L D

CHINA TASTE 135 Quartermaster Ct., Jeffersonville IN, 2845580. $ L D

CHONG GARDEN 10341 Dixie Hwy., 935-1628, 6445 Bardstown Rd., 231-0393. $ L D

CHOPSTICKS HOUSE 2112 W. Broadway, 772-3231. Fans of this somewhat funky Chinese place post positive notices about the quality of its food. No strange Asian dishes here, just familiar Chinese hot table fare that Americans recognize. $ L D

CHUNG KING PALACE 110 E. Market St., 584-8880. $ L D

DOUBLE DRAGON 1255 Goss Ave., 635-5656, 2600 W. Broadway, 778-2573. Every neighborhood seems to need a Chinese steam table outlet serving up Asian dishes familiar to Americans. Double Dragon does that job for its neighborhoods. $ L D

DOUBLE DRAGON II 12480 LaGrange Rd., 241-7766, 6832 Bardstown Rd., 231-3973, 3135 S. Second St., 367-6668, 5222 Dixie Hwy., 448-1988. $ L D

DOUBLE DRAGON 9 9501 Taylorsville Rd., 267-5353.$ L D

DRAGON CAFÉ 13206 W. U.S. Hwy. 42, 228-1885. This Prospect-area Chinese restaurants offers many familiar dishes. East End fans say the service is quick and the food aboveaverage tasty. $ L D

DRAGON CITY 6413 Greenwood Rd., 935-6111. It used to be First Wok. It still is a strip mall Chinese-American place with a standard menu of crab Rangoon, fried rice, lo mein dishes, and a wide variety of stir-fries. $ L D

EAST STAR BUFFET 161 Outer Loop, 368-2868. $$ L D

FIRST WOK 3967 Seventh Street Rd., 448-0588. $ L D

GOLDEN BUDDHA 8000 Preston Hwy., 968-7700. $ L D

GOLDEN STAR CHINESE RESTAURANT 3458 Taylor Blvd., 368-1833. $ L D

GREAT WALL 1977 Brownsboro Rd., 891-8881. This Clifton restaurant ranks high up in the fast-food Chinese pack. Offering steaming-hot, competently prepared and flavorful dishes. $ L D

HAPPY CHINA 9106 Taylorsville Rd., 493-1001. $ L D

HAPPY DRAGON 12613 Taylorsville Rd., 297-8788. You guessed it: a good, go-to standard pan-China family-style restaurant in Jeffersontown that’s always there when you’re tired of cooking dinner for the clan. $ L D

HIBACHI BUFFET 5372 Dixie Hwy., 449-8688. This far South Louisville Asian buffet gets strong positives from locals who appreciate its cleanliness, its range of choices (including hibachi grilled meats to order and sushi) and a buffet bar that is kept freshly loaded. $ L D p

HIBACHI SUSHI BUFFET 5729 Preston Hwy., 969-3788. Capitalizing on two seemingly persistent trends in American dining, this hot table place offers standard Chinese buffet dishes, and standard sushi choices. Cashew chicken, shrimp with garlic sauce, Dancing Dragon roll, spring and summer maki — it is all here. $$ L D

HING WANG CHINESE RESTAURANT 2123 E. Spring St. New Albany IN, 812-542-2728. No one in New Albany can

remember exactly when the unassuming Hing Wang was launched in a strip mall on the east side of town; perhaps it dates to the advent of home video, but in truth, probably around 2002. The carry-out Chinese dishes (primarily standard Cantonese fare) have been flying out the door ever since. $ L D

HONG KONG FAST FOOD 5312 S. Third St., 367-8828. One of the many international eateries in Iroquois Manor, this fastfood Chinese spot offers Cantonese standards hot and fast and inexpensively. Check out the daily specials for an occasional intriguing item. $ L D

JADE PALACE 1109 Herr Ln., 425-9878. Jade Palace offers familiar Chinese food choices, as well as a long list of Chef’s Specials, with names in Chinese characters as well as English (a sure sign you are in for authentic Chinese fare). Dim sum is offered daily, but on weekends it is served from a traditional rolling cart. $$ Br L D p

JASMINE 13823 English Villa Dr., 244-8896. Like many Chinese restaurants, Jasmine is in a strip mall, but this is not just another hot table stir fry joint. There is an American menu, but those in the know will ask for the 14-page Szechuan menu, featuring such interesting things as pig ear in sesame oil, hot and spicy intestines, spicy diced rabbit foot, frog legs, beef maw and tendon Szechuan style — one of the most popular choices, the manager said. $ L D p

JASMINE ASIAN BISTRO 2420 Lime Kiln Ln., 618-3000. The owners of Jasmine Essential Chinese on English Villa Dr. have gone more upscale with this bistro-style location. Expect the same authentic Chengdu-style Sichuan cuisine (be adventurous!) and well-executed Americanized dishes, sushi and other offerings. $$ L D p

JOY LUCK 1285 Bardstown Rd., 238-3070, 9850 Von Allmen Ct., 618-1601. This fine Asian restaurant across from Mid-City Mall has opened a suburhan site too. Both serve familiar Chinese dishes very well done, as well as authentic Taiwanese offerings. Duck dishes are cooked in three different styles — Cantonese, Taiwanese and Beijing. $$ L D pf

JUJUBE AT LA QUE 1019 Bardstown Rd., 238-3981. La Que, the pan-Asian eatery on the conjunction of Bardstown and Baxter, has been sold, and now JujuBe at La Que has a rather standard Chinese take-out menu with a few of the original Thai/Vietnamese dishes rounding out the menu. $$ L D f

JUMBO BUFFET 2731 S. Hurstbourne Pkwy., 742-8550. Housed in a good-looking dining room, high on Chinatownstyle glitz and glitter, Jumbo offers a standard all-you-can-eat Chinese buffet, with a larger-than-average selection of American dishes for those who want something less exotic. $$ L D

LING LING 10476 Shelbyville Rd., 245-2100. Modern and efficient in its East End shopping center location, Ling Ling is a cut above fast-food Chinese; better yet, it adds a few Vietnamese dishes to the bill of fare. $$ L D

LIU’S GARDEN 11517 Shelbyville Rd., 244-9898. Small but charming, with white tablecloths and soft Chinese music, family-run Liu’s gains our approval with fresh, competent cookery and courteous, friendly service that makes you feel like you’re visiting a Chinese family at their home. $$ L D

ONION RESTAURANT TEA HOUSE 4211 Charlestown Rd., New Albany IN, 981-0188. Masterful Chinese and Japanese cuisine (including magnificent hotpots, donburi dishes, and wooden-bucket steamed rice) set this airy restaurant apart from the horde of other Asian spots. $ L D f

ORIENTAL CAFÉ 3360 Hikes Ln., 451-0077. $ L D

ORIENTAL HOUSE 4302 Shelbyville Rd., 897-1017. New owners continue the tradition at this long-standing St. Matthews restaurant, featuring both traditional ChineseAmerican and now, authentic Cantonese, menus. $ L D p

ORIENTAL STAR 4212 Bishop Ln., 452-9898. A long-time area favorite in this heavy traffic lunch area. This establishment is quite good with Lo Mein Noodles, and Sweet and Sour Chicken. $ L D

PANDA EXPRESS 1075 Veterans Pkwy., Clarksville IN 2880774, 1232 S. Hurstbourne Pkwy., 326-8430, 13311 Shelbyville Rd., 489-3980, 10600 Westport Rd., 425-1678. The Pentagon even has one of the 1500+ outlets of the nation’s largest Chinese fast food chains, and now we have four. Moderately priced chow such as orange chicken, Beijing beef, SweetFire chicken breast and honey walnut shrimp fill the menu. $ L D

PEKING CITY EXPRESS 4000 Dutchmans Ln., 891-0388. A lot of familiar items on the menu here, but those in the know ask for a Chinese menu, and order the dumplings or the xiao long bao (steam bun with meat filling). Dishes are handsomely presented, and servings are large. $$ L D

RED SUN CHINESE RESTAURANT 3437 Breckinridge Ln., 499-7788. $ L D

RICE BOX 6810 Southside Dr., 380-2209. This typical Chinese hot table provides South End residents with the kind of Chinese food you would expect at budget prices. $ L D

SICHUAN GARDEN 9850 Linn Station Rd., 426-6767. Another Asian restaurant that has stood the test of time, Sichuan Garden offers high-end Chinatown style and well-made dishes, plus a few Thai specialties to spice up the bill of fare. $ L D

TEA STATION CHINESE BISTRO 9422 Norton Commons Blvd., 423-1202. This comfortable, sit-down Chinese restaurant has a large and eclectic menu, with lots of spicy dishes and daily double shot specials at the inviting bar. Now offering delivery to Norton Commons and adjacent suburbia.

$$ L D p

YEN CHING 1850 S. Hurstbourne Pkwy., 491-3581. $ L D

YOKI BUFFET 1700 Alliant Ave., 267-2277. A Chinese foodoriented buffet, with sushi as well, offers more options near the Jeffersontown Industrial Park along the Blankenbaker Rd. corridor. $$ L D

DAISUKI SUSHI 1001 Logan St. (Logan Street Market), 4342395. This sushi stop has joined the eclectic grab-and-go choices in Logan Street Market’s restaurant row. $ L D p

DRAGON KING’S DAUGHTER 1534 Bardstown Rd., 6322444, 129 W. Market St., New Albany IN, 725-8600. Founder Toki Masubuchi’s eclectic flair for culinary fusion is simultaneously adventurous and rooted in tradition, and with the original Louisville DKD’s move to much larger digs in the Highlands at the former Café Mimosa, her forever creative tacos, bibimbap, quesadillas and sushi rolls have space to breathe. A full bar boasts numerous cocktail, craft beer and sake selections. $$ L D pf

FUJI ASIAN BISTRO 6801 Dixie Hwy., 937-0488. $$ L D p

FUJI JAPANESE STEAKHOUSE 3576 Springhurst Blvd., 3391978. Part of the fun of sitting at the sushi bar is that you get to watch the chef at work. Put in your order, then sit back and sip your tea while the artist creates edible delights. This suburban sushi bar does the job well. $$ L D p f

GINZA ASIAN BISTRO 9420 Shelbyville Rd., 749-8878. A onestop Asian restaurant. Choose to eat from the Chinese, Japanese or Thai kitchen, or sidle up to the sushi bar for all manner of vegetarian or fish-focused rolls, or sushi combos that include miso soup and salad. A la carte sushi entrées too. $$ L D p

HEART & SOY 1216 Bardstown Rd., 452-6678. To the left is Roots, a sit-down restaurant. To the right is Heart & Soy, serving vegetarian “street food,” and entertaining passers-by with a glass-walled tofu-making room. State-of-the-art equipment from Taiwan transforms organic soy beans from Ohio into soy milk and then coagulates and presses it into tofu as you watch. $ L D

HIKO A MON SUSHI BAR 1115 Herr Ln., 365-1651. Japanesetrained chef Norihiko Nakanashi brings his skills to this sushi bar and Japanese grill in Westport Village. In addition to fine dining at the bar or in traditional Japanese dining rooms, Hiko

A Mon offers sushi-grade fish from a small fish market. $$$ L D p

JUNO JAPANESE RESTAURANT 5406 Antle Dr., 409-7094, 4110 Hampton Lake Way, 632-2777. A wide-ranging menu of Japanese options make these two restaurants interesting destinations. Diners have plenty of sushi options, as well as hibachi dinners, yakisoba, udon and ramen noodle dishes, tonkatsu and tempura. $$ L D p

KABUKI 2784 Meijer Rd., Jeffersonville IN, (812) 590-3430. A full range of Japanese dishes can be found here: sashimi and sushi, hibachi grilled meats and seafood, ramen, bento boxes and seaweed salad. $$ L D p

KANSAI JAPANESE STEAKHOUSE 1370 Veterans Pkwy., Clarksville IN, 218-9538, 1850 S. Hurstbourne Pkwy., 6181870. Traditional Japanese dishes and sushi are available here, but like most Japanese Steakhouses, choose the grill tables with their slice-and-dice Japanese chef show for maximum entertainment. $$$ L D p

L & J ASIAN CUISINE 6017 Timber Ridge Dr., 228-8399. A slight change of focus at this East End Asian fusion spot adds Hawaiian BBQ dishes and a wide selection of ramen preparations to the eclectic menu. $$ L D f

MASA JAPANESE 12336 Shelbyville Rd., 409-5040. Middletown, too, joins in the sushi expansion. Open for lunch and dinner, the standard menu is bolstered by daily chef’s specials. Lunch specials include the Japadawg, a hot dog with Japanese toppings, a range of teriyaki choices and ramen noodles, Japanese style. $$ L D f

MISAWA HIBACHI & SUSHI BAR 7931 Bardstown Rd., 2901780 The hibachi grills here are not for show, just for grilling, which keeps prices lower than other Japanese steak houses. Rodeleo See, a sushi chef with almost two decades of experience runs the sushi bar. $$ L D p

MT. FUJI 309 W. Cardinal Blvd., 637-5887. The quick-eating strip on the north side of U of L’s campus needed a Japanese ASIAN / FILIPINO

SARAP FILIPINO EATERY 712 Brent St. (The Village Market). Filipino cuisine is under-represented in Louisville, and Sarap’s lumpia, pancit, adobo and other dishes are a welcome corrective, along with a weekend-only silog (garlic fried rice and egg) brunch. $$ L D pf

AJI SUSHI AND ASIAN CUISINE 5610 Outer Loop, 618-1781. Okolona area residents can now get their sushi fix. The extensive menu offerings include egg rolls, salads and soups, noodle, rice and curry dishes, and tempura, as well as a large variety of raw and cooked sushi preparations. $ L D p

ARATA SUSHI 9207 U.S. 42, 409-4880. Arata is a dedicated sushi place, with only a few items that fall outside of the maki, nigri and sashimi offerings. The elegant modern interior, and the commitment to the freshest ingredients have been drawing in fans from beyond the East End. $$ L D p

ASAHI JAPANESE 3701 Lexington Rd., 895-1130. This small room in St. Matthews houses a neighborhood sushi spot that also serves grilled dishes and tempura. $ L D

ASIANA SUSHI 6435 Bardstown Rd., 614-7244. This ambitious Asian restaurant in Fern Creek offers an extensive sushi selection, hibachi meals, various noodle choices and even a few Korean dishes such as bulgoki and bi bim bap. $$ L D p

BENTO ASIAN KITCHEN + SUSHI 12951 Shelbyville Rd., 822-1202. Order from an assortment of teriyaki or fried bento boxes, rice or noodle bowls, poke bowls or sushi and sashimi at this ambitious Middletown newcomer. $$ L D p f

BLUE BAY SEAFOOD & SUSHI 4322 Poplar Level Rd., 9198994. The owners of the defunct Hibachi Sushi Buffet and Ville Chicken restaurants have combined elements of their previous menus in South Louisville, offering seafood by the pound, seafood combo dinners, chicken wings, hibachi rice, sushi and even sushi tacos. $$ L D f

place to satisfy students’ sushi cravings. The menu also has tempura and Japanese noodles. $ L D p

OISHII SUSHI 2810 Taylorsville Rd., 365-3474. This small, attractive and popular sushi spot serves all the popular maki and nigri near Bowman Field. $$ L D

OSAKA SUSHI BAR 2039 Frankfort Ave., 894-9501, 426 W. Market St., 588-8899. This long-standing Clifton favorite also has a second location downtown, serving up sushi and other Japanese dishes in a bright and cheery environment to a loyal clientele. $$ L D

POKEHANA 436 W. Market St., 996-7994. Poke, an increasingly popular Hawaiian raw fish salad, is given a fast-casual Asian fusion twist here in the space that had been Chop Chop Salads. Choose your combination of protein and vegetables and toppings such as ginger, jalapeno and seaweed salad. Also fried rice, bibimbab and noodle-bab, made with sweet potato noodles.$$ L

RAMEN HOUSE 1250 Bardstown Rd. (Mid City Mall), 7094374. Next to the Baxter Avenue Cinemas, Jonathan Ham, who formerly owned the popular Ramen Inochi, expanded his culinary range with a menu that includes traditional ramen, rice bowls, steamed buns and handmade gyoza. $$ D

ROOTS 1216 Bardstown Rd., 452-6688. Veteran restaurateur Coco Tran looks to seduce the vegan/ vegetarian world of the Highlands with this crisp, elegant room. Eat at tables in the front, enjoy smoothies and tea at the bar, or snuggle down in a Japanese pit table in the back. Choose from an international selection of small plates. $ L D

SAKE BLUE JAPANESE BISTRO 9326 Cedar Center Way, 708-1500. This Fern Creek restaurant brings the “full-service” Japanese restaurant experience to the southeast part of Louisville Metro. Look for hibachi grill tables and a sushi bar, along with a traditional dining room and cocktail bar. $$ L D p

SAKURA BLUE 4600 Shelbyville Rd., 897-3600. Located in elegant, upscale quarters in a St. Matthews shopping center, Sakura Blue ranks among the city’s top sushi bars. $$ L D

SAMURAI 12905 Shelbyville Rd., 253-0036. Middletown gets some artistic sushi, as well as hibachi-grilled steak and seafood. Teppan-style (food cooked on an iron griddle) lunch and dinner entrees are a specialty. $$ L D p

SAPPORO JAPANESE GRILL & SUSHI 1706 Bardstown Rd., 479-5550. The remodeled Highlands location has an expanded kitchen, new sushi bar and new fixtures, giving trendy, glitzy Sapporo new bona fides as one of the city’s top spots for sushi and Japanese fare. $$$ L D p

SHOGUN JAPANESE STEAK HOUSE 9026 Taylorsville Rd., 499-5700. Shogun’s decor is attractive, and quality food and service make it a pleasant dining destination. It’s unthreatening enough to appeal to those who find exotic cuisine “challenging,” but good enough to satisfy just about anyone who craves a Japanese dinner or a bite of sushi. $$$ L D p

STAR SUSHI 2781 Jefferson Centre Way, Jeffersonville IN, 7258444. Jeffersonville joins the sushi craze with its own source of yellowtail rolls, sashimi and nigiri, which is drawing fans for the freshness and flavor of its offerings, and its very fair price point. $$ L D

SUSHI MASTER 9415 Norton Commons Blvd., 890-5157. This traditional Japanese restaurant offers sashimi, classic sushi rolls, noodle dishes such as udon and cold soba and entrees such as teriyaki chicken, and grilled fish. A few Korean dishes such as bulgogi are on offer too. $$ L D pf

TOGO SUSHI 700 Lyndon Ln., 883-0666. ToGo offers primarily drive-thru sushi-to-go, but it does have a five-seat bar and three two-top tables inside. Owner Chet Gurun also owns Samurai Sushi & Hibachi in Middletown and is also part owner of Oishii Sushi near Bowman Field. If sushi isn’t your thing, there are items like fried oysters, fried calamari and shrimp tempura, as well as some vegetarian options. $$ L D

TOKYO JAPANESE RESTAURANT 2415 Lime Kiln Ln., 3397171. It’s appealing, pleasant in atmosphere and friendly in

service, and most important, this East End sushi bar serves excellent Japanese treats, prepared with care and flair from high-quality, impeccably fresh ingredients. $$ L D

TOMO JAPANESE RESTAURANT 4317 Charlestown Rd., New Albany IN, 941-0200. This Japanese hibachi steak house offers a good show of knife skills and tableside grilling, as well as sushi. Patrons seem to admire the oversize sushi rolls, the salads with ginger dressing, and the grilled chicken and scallops. $$ L D p

TSUBAKI SUSHI & BAR 13823 English Villa Dr., 244-8896. A new addition to Jasmine, many people’s favorite Chinese restaurant in town. Look for both raw and cooked two-piece nigiri and three-piece Sashimi, a variety of vegetable rolls and deep fried rolls, and special rolls almost beyond counting. $$

L D p

WILD GINGER SUSHI & FUSION 1700 Bardstown Rd., 3849252. This Highlands sushi and Asian fusion spot has a sushi bar up front, and a pan-Asian menu in the back dining room. Entrees include standard Japanese entrées such as teriyuaki chicken, Japanese curry, and soba and udon noodle dishes. $$

L D p

YAMATO JAPANESE STEAK HOUSE 345 New Albany Plaza, New Albany IN, 590-1380. A lot of Japanese food preparations are on the menu at this southern Indiana restaurant, located between State Street and Green Vallley Road. Offerings include: ramen bowls and bento boxes, yaki soba and sushi rolls, and steak, chicken or seafood hibachi grilled dishes. $$ L D

FRESH OUT THE BOX 1001 Logan St. (Logan Street Market), 303-3322. This food truck serving Asian fusion street food now has a stand in the Logan Street Market too, serving well-crafted tacos, rice and noodle bowls and Korean dishes. $$ L D

GOGI 1055 KOREAN BBQ 1055 Bardstown Rd., 747-4644. The old neighborhood theater that recently housed Buffalo Wild Wings has become home to a grill-your-own-bulgogi table-side Korean restaurant. The interior has been gutted and redone, and gas grills at the tables will allow for tableside grilling of meat to one’s own preference. $$$$ D p

KIM & BAB 3012 Charlestown Crossing Way, New Albany IN, 725-9844. This little Korean restaurant is getting rave notices from locals who love the mandu (dumplings), japchae (a noodle dish), galbi (short ribs) and dak-kangjung (fried marinated boneless chicken in a spicy sweet and sour sauce). More familiar things like bulgogi and fried rice too. $$ L D

KOREANA II 5009 Preston Hwy., 968-9686. One of the city’s few restaurants devoted entirely to authentic Korean fare, Koreana is worth a special trip for this ethnic cuisine that offers a hearty, spicy alternative to the more familiar Chinese. $$ L D p f

LEE’S KOREAN RESTAURANT 1941 Bishop Ln., 456-9714. This little spot has been a secret since the ’70s, and it just keeps on going. Walk into what looks like a diner in an office building, but push past the counter to the back room, where you’ll find generous heaps of really authentic Korean food for next to nothing. $$ L D

RICE BOWL 3114 Grant Line Rd., New Albany IN, 590-6786. Rice Bowl is another addition to the restaurant row area near the IUS campus. It serves Korean and Asian dishes. You will find clay pot bibimbap, chicken curry rice, several varieties of ramen. $$ L D

SARANG 1908 Eastern Pkwy., 709-4282. The store on the Eastern Parkway side of the Schuster Building most recently was a Ce Fiori yogurt shop, but it now serves Korean food such as bibimbap, mandoo, ramen and dak-kangjung. Bubble tea is back, too. $ L D

former Carali’s Rotisserie Chicken. The menu includes curries, papaya salad and veggie stir fry, plus classic Thai dishes like pad see ew and pad thai. According to owner Kathy Aphaivongs, the dishes are “straightforward Thai, no BS, no Americanism,” which means no heat scale for dishes. $$ L

MAI’S THAI RESTAURANT 1411 E. Tenth St., Jefferson-ville IN, 282-0198. With a broad range of well-prepared and authentic Thai dishes, Mai’s is the eatery to beat among the metro area’s Thai restaurants. For both authenticity and quality, it’s right up there with the top Thai places in New York, San Francisco and Seattle. $ L D

SALA THAI 8125 Bardstown Rd., 231-1992. This entry on the growing list of Thai restaurants is gaining fans, partly because it is vegetarian- and vegan-friendly. $$ L D

SIMPLY THAI 323 Wallace Ave., 899-9670, 12003 Shelbyville Rd, 690-8344. Owner Mahn Saing and his wife, a classically trained Thai chef, are pleasing diners in St. Matthews and Middletown. Their menu of traditional Thai dishes, well-made sushi and a few upscale Thai-style “fusion” dinner items use many ingredients from their small home garden. $$ L D f

TANTHAI RESTAURANT 4510 Charlestown Rd., New Albany IN, 948-2012. It’s in a strip mall, but the folks who run TanThai create a distinctive atmosphere by hanging sheer white scrims that divvy the room up into serene little chambers. The menu of Thai specialties is small — just a dozen or so entrées — but nicely executed and beautifully presented. $ L D

THAI CAFÉ 2226 Holiday Manor Center, 425-4815. You’ll find this small café tucked into a corner of the “Holiday Manor Walk.” Owner Chavantee Snow and her family offer a small but well-prepared selection of authentic Thai dishes at very reasonable prices. $ L D f

THAI NOODLES 5800 Preston Hwy., 961-9018. The menu covers Thai standards like pad Thai and curries, with some interesting variations, including several duck items, such as Bangkok duck and pineapple curry duck. Noodle dishes range from flat and thin egg noodle to bean thread and rice noodle. $ L D

TIME 4 THAI 2206 Frankfort Ave., 996-7899. The elegantly redone interior is matched by some unusually elegant Thai dishes, such as the volcano Cornish hen, a whole bird, marinated with Thai herbs and spicy chili sauce, which is flambéed at the table. All dishes are cooked to order, so choose your spice level. $$ L D p

ANNIE CAFE 308 W. Woodlawn Ave., 363-4847. Annie Cafe ranks not just as one of the better Vietnamese restaurants, but one the city’s best of any variety, particularly when value and price are taken into account. Authentic Vietnamese food is made with care and served with pride. $ L D

CAFÉ THUY VAN 5600 National Turnpike, 366-6959. A bit off the beaten track, this South End spot is true, authentic Vietnamese. Friendly service overcomes any language barrier, and prices are hard to beat. Don’t miss the banh mi, traditional Vietnamese sandwiches. $ L D

CHIK'N & MI 1765 Mellwood Ave., 890-5731. A brief try at maintaining two locations has resulted in consolidation at the former Bistro 1860 location, which is serving the original Asian-inspired comfort foods — Laotian spiced fried chicken, hearty ramen noodle soups and an extensive selection of sake, craft beer and cocktails. $$ Br D p

DISTRICT 6 3930 Shelbyville Rd., 873-5561. Named after the veteran restaurant owners’, the Thai family’s, native district in Saigon, District 6 features traditional Vietnamese cuisine based on their mother Nga’s recipes, updated with modern influences. Look for items like the bone-in short rib pho, spicy fried hot wings, beef lettuce wraps, red curry chicken and Vietnamese spicy street corn, as well as noodle bowls — and whole crispy fried fish. $$ L D p

ALL THAI’D UP 211 S. Fifth St., 653-7437. The popular food truck has found a permanent space downtown, replacing a

EATZ VIETNAMESE RESTAURANT 2244 Frankfort Ave., 785-4550. This Vietnamese spot has moved from

Germantown into larger quarters at the former Fork & Barrel on Frankfort Avenue. You’ll still find Pho and Bahn mi sandwiches, of course, but also other noodle dishes, a bento box and crispy tofu in chili sauce. $$$$ L D pf

LEMONGRASS RESTAURANT 11606 Shelbyville Rd., 2447110, 2956 Richland Ave., 614-7448. Lemongrass Café offers an appealing blend of Vietnamese, Thai and Chinese fare in a simple setting that transcends an obviously low budget with style and grace. $ L D

NAMNAM CAFÉ 318 Wallace Ave., 891-8859. This small St. Matthews Vietnamese restaurant has gained many enthusiastic fans who flock there for the pho, the banh mi and other authentic Vietnamese dishes. $ L D f

PHO BA LUU 1019 E. Main St., 384-6822. This Butchertown restaurant focuses on Vietnamese street food such as pho, the classic noodle soup, and banh mi sandwiches. The very cool repurposed space was once a welding shop; its large open spaces and high ceilings make for an elegant place to sip sweet iced coffee or munch on an Imperial roll or tuck into a rice or noodle bowl. Fast casual service at lunch; after happy hour the full bar and large patio have full service. $$ L D pf

PHO CAFÉ 1704 Barstown Rd., 916-2129. Local restaurant veteran Tuan Phan, who worked at Asiatique for 18 years along with a stint at Dish on Market, is serving Vietnamesestyle home cooking. There is pho, of course, the signature noodle soup, as well as other noodle and rice dishes, banh mi sandwiches and a small selection of stir-fries. $$ L D

PHO PHI 4600 Shelbyville Rd., 290-3019. A Vietnamese restaurant joins the choices in Shelbyville Road Plaza, setting up shop in the former Home Run Burgers site. Phos, of course, and Bahn mis, and rich Vietnamese coffee. $$ L D

VIETNAM KITCHEN 5339 Mitscher Ave., 363-5154. This little South End storefront is well worth seeking out. The chef goes beyond the ordinary, preparing authentic Vietnamese dishes of unusual subtlety and flavor. We have yet to be disappointed with the quality of the food or service. $ L D

VINBUN VIETNAMESE BISTRO 12422 Shelbyville Rd., 7081470. Middletown now has access to the delights of Vietnamese cooking. Run by husband and wife team Vinh Nguyen and Dieu Dinh — both Vietnamese immigrants. The restaurant serves a variety of authentic Vietnamese noodle dishes, Banh mi sandwiches, salads and appetizers. This spot has already gained a loyal following for its authenticity and quality. $$ L D

CARIBBEAN CAFÉ 317 W. Woodlawn Ave., 434-7711. The diverse Woodlawn neighborhood welcomes the area’s first Haitian restaurant. The boldly-painted exterior is decorated with cool Haitian folk art; the menu offers generous portions of jerk chicken, fried red snapper, goat, and hearty sides of rice, beans and plantains. $ L D

CHICAGO’S JERK TACOS 227 S. 30th St., 780-9410. From this “ghost kitchen” Chef Aaron Williams offers a variety of wraps, quesadillas, tacos, and burgers featuring his signature jerk sauce. Takeout and catering only. $$ L D

CUBAN RESTAURANT AND BAKERY 5614 Preston Hwy., 919-7074. Among the range of Latin restaurants along Preston Hwy, this unassuming place has garnered many fans, for the satisfying Cuban food in the café, as well as for its baked goods. $ B L D

EDEN & KISSI 3912 Bardstown Rd., 384-9102. Another addition to the growing ethnic food choices in Buechel, this Afro-Caribbean restaurant serves several kinds of jerk chicken, chicken curry, and peri-peri wings. Daily specials include Ivory Coast style jollof rice, and a shrimp burger. $$ L D

GALAN’S MEAT MARKET & GRILLE 2300 W. Market St., 618-3191. Carlos Galan, who has made a mark with his butchershopinPortland,hasopenedanotherenterprise,ina former bank. His family-oriented restaurant, which has a Cuban/PuertoRican/Caribbeanmenufocus,alsohasameat market on site. Order breakfast, lunch or dinner inside, or from the drive-through. $ B L D f

HABANA BLUES RESTAURANT & LOUNGE 6112 Preston Hwy., 842-2262. After more than a decade in downtown New Albany, restaurateur Leo Lopez—who came to America in 1994 as a penniless refugee aboard a hand-built raft—has moved his tapas-driven Cuban kitchen to Louisville for expansion into a full-blown, Latin-themed restaurant, nightclub and concert complex at the former Trixie’s (opening in September). $$ L D p

HAVANA BAKERY CAFÉ 5510 Fern Valley Rd., 509-3410. This Cuban spot offers sweets and savories: tres leches cake, coquitos (coconut-caramel rolls) and flan; sandwiches or meat and fish combos (ropa vieja, albondigas, pechuga de pollo). $$ L D

OPEN CARIBBEAN KITCHEN 4735 Poplar Lever Rd., 6011332. Owner/Chef Ernest Pierre is originally from Haiti, but his interpretation of “open” implies a mélange of Caribbean influences crossing national boundaries. The ingredient list for Pierre’s popular Rasta Pasta’s (penne pasta, jerk chicken, sausage, shrimp, onions, peppers and homemade sauce) hints at the many flavor combinations. $$ L D

ROOF TOP GRILL 414 W. Oak St., 618-2287. This Jamaican restaurant serves the native cuisine of owner Courtney Johnson. Look for jerk chicken, curry with chicken, turkey, goat and rib tips, along with Kentucky favorites like fried catfish, barbecue and beef patties. $ L D

BISTRO LE RELAIS 2817 Taylorsville Rd. (Bowman Field), 451-9020. This art deco spot makes stylish use of an historic 1920s airport building to present elegant modern French cuisine. Owner Anthony Dike’s refocus of the restaurant around a bistro menu continues its popularity. $$$$ D pf

BRASSERIE PROVENCE 150 N. Hurstbourne Pkwy., 8833153. This Provençal-style brasserie serves classical and Southern French specialties, the comfort food enjoyed by owner Guy Genoud in his childhood home of Cannes, France. Dine like the French do on fish and seafood, a variety of meat and fowl, a daily "plat du jour", French cheese and charcuterie, specialty cocktails, draft beer and a large selection of French wine. $$$ L D pf

COMMON HAUS 134 Spring St., Jeffersonville IN., (812) 5901243. A “sister restaurant” to Pints & Union, this Bavarianstyle hall has a selection of German beers, German-style comfort food, three floors of outdoor seating, including two decks and a new patio on the ground floor. A long communal table runs down the center of the ground floor dining room, and the upper floors have a clear view of the river. $$$ D p f

BOUDREAUX’S CAJUN COOKING 11816 Shelbyville Rd. Inside the tiny Boudreaux's New Orleans Style Sno-Balls shack in Middletown, you can now find take-out only New Orleans style spicy gumbo (lunch only). Eat on the patio, or take home to reheat for supper. $ L f

J. GUMBO’S 8603 Citadel Way, 493-4720, 1616 Grinstead Dr., 873-5006, 2109 Frankfort Ave., 896-4046. Former jockey Billy Fox has come full circle with his chain of popular quickservice Cajun restaurants — his most recent outlet is in the little house near Bardstown Rd., where it all began. Among the hearty, affordable dishes that have made J. Gumbo’s a go-to spot is the drunken chicken, still a favorite. $ B L D f

SELENA’S AT WILLOW LAKE TAVERN 10609 LaGrange Rd., 245-9004. This Cajun/Creole place in a renovated Anchorage roadhouse continues to find fans. Shrimp or fish with Manale sauce is a tribute to Pascal Manale’s in New Orleans. $$ Br L D pf

TAYLOR'S CAJUN MEAT CO. 3306 Plaza Dr., New Albany IN, 725-0039. A few blocks down Grant Line Rd. from I-265, Taylor’s is a spic-and-span shop run by a family from Lafayette, LA. Daily plate lunches often sell out quickly. A great variety of fresh and frozen savory Cajun specialties (sausages, stuffed everything) are always available, as well as crawfish and shrimp pies, gumbo and étouffée, and special orders. This place is the real deal. $ L

HAVANA RUMBA 12003 Shelbyville Rd., 244-5375. A true taste of Old Havana can be found at this consistently busy Cuban restaurant. Bountiful servings of Cuban fare as good as any in Key West or Miami, not to mention a hopping mojito bar, have earned Havana Rumba a place on our short list of local favorites. $$ L D p f

HAVANA RUMBA & TAPAS BAR 2210 Bardstown Rd., 7494600. The Havana Rumba family brings Cuban food to the Douglass Loop, and adds a large selection of Spanish tapas as well. Fans have also spoken reverently of the mojitos and other cocktails in the stylish bar. $ L D pf

LABODEGUITADEMIMA 725E.MarketSt.,690-5016. AdjacenttotheACHotelinNuLu,thisCubanrestaurantisthe latest restaurantconceptfromFernandoMartinezandhisOlé Restaurantgroup.Cigarlounge,rumbar,1950sHavanadécor andamenuofclassicsfromfamilyrecipes,likeCubantamal conPuerco,panconbistecandsomedelectabledesserts.$$ D pf

MI SUEÑO 3425 Bardstown Rd., 709-4526. This honest little bodega and hot table restaurant serving Latin groceries and a variety of Cuban-centric Latin dishes was, as the name translates, the owner’s dream. $ B L D

MOJITO IN HAVANA 3939 Shelbyville Rd., 897-1959. Longtime Louisville favorite Havana Rumba has resurfaced with a new identity in the location previously occupied by Waylon’s Food & Firewater. The roomier location of this Cuban favorite offers diners a two-tier menu that brings together the best selections from both Mojitos Tapas Restaurant and Havana Rumba. Look for some new offerings, as well, including shrimp croquettes and a selection of flatbreads. $$ B Br L D pf

IRISH ROVER 2319 Frankfort Ave., 899-3544. Owner Michael Reidy is the Irish rover, having come to the U.S. from County Clare in 1984. His saloon is as smooth as Guinness, as warm as fish and chips, as genuine as Scotch eggs. Serving classic Irish fare. $ Br L D pf

MOLLY MALONE’S 933 Baxter Ave., 473-1222. Molly Malone’s, as authentically Irish as the Wearin’ o’ the Green, has anchored the dining scene in the Lower Highlands for many years. You’ll find fish and chips, corned beef and cabbage, bangers and mash and shepherd’s pie, along with Irish interpretations of American bar food like wings and pretzels and beer cheese.$$ L D pf

MORE SHENANIGAN’S 4521 Bardstown Rd., 493-3585. $ L D pf

O'CONNELL'S IRISH PUB 5520 Fern Valley Rd., 964-0040. If you are in the mood for an Irish Car Bomb, this is the place. Guinness, too, karaoke nights and a satisfying selection of bar food. $ L D p

O’SHEA’S TRADITIONAL IRISH PUB 956 Baxter Ave., 5897373. The O’Shea family has been operating an Irish pub since the early 1900s. Today they have one of the most popular pubs on the entire Bardstown-Baxter corridor. Diners of all ages like its burgers, flat breads, sandwiches and fish and chips. When music fills the rooms, it’s great to be Irish, even if you’re not. $$ L D pf

PATRICK O’SHEA’S 123 W. Main St., 708-2488. This downtown Irish bar was one of the first to open in the Whiskey Row complex. Crowds have been elbowing in for upscale Irish-inflected bar food and plenty of sports talk. $$ L D pf

SHENANIGAN’S IRISH GRILL 1611 Norris Pl., 454-3919. Not just a neighborhood tavern (although it’s a fine neighborhood

tavern), Irish-accented Shenanigan’s goes an extra step with an estimable selection of memorable burgers. $ L D pf

THE RAVEN 3900 Shelbyville Rd., 882-2222. The St. Matthews outpost of Molly Malone’s has been remodeled and rebranded to offer “an authentic, Irish cultural experience.” Gaelic legends and myths inspire the decor, and rugby, hurling and football (by which they mean soccer) are the sports that fans come watch while chowing down on shepherd’s pie and fish and chips. The extensive menu offers American food as well as Irish dishes. $$$ L D p f

ADRIENNE’S ITALIAN RESTAURANT 129 W. Court Ave., Jeffersonville IN, 282-2665. A part of the dining renaissance on the sunny side of Louisville, Adrienne’s has been pleasing Indiana diners with home-style Italian dishes. The owners also operate Adrienne’s Bakery in Jeffersonville. $$ L D

ANGIO’S ITALIAN RESTAURANT 1915 Blankenbaker Pkwy., 451-5454. This small eatery moved from its Buechel location to the East End, still attracting a friendly neighborhood crowd with hefty subs and quality pizzas, along with cold beer. $$ L D p

BAR VETTI 727 E. Market St., 883-3331. The crew behind Feast BBQ and Royals Hot Chicken scored another win when bar Vetti, an upscale casual Italian eatery, opened in the 800 Building. Now moved to a larger space in the AC Hotel in NuLu, bar Vetti continues to draw fans with the smashed meatball burger, the popular eggplant Parmesan sandwich, pastas and pizza. $$$$ L D pf

BELLA ROMA AUTHENTIC ITALIAN RESTAURANT 134 E. Market St., New Albany IN, 725-9495. Bella Roma adds classic Italian-American choices in a pleasant environment in the midst of New Albany’s growing restaurant row. $$$ L D f

BLACK OLIVE ITALIAN RESTAURANT / EL NOPAL 2745 Crittenden Dr., 690-2014. Sharing space with the Mexicanflavored El Nopal at the former Cardinal Hall of Fame, Black Olive’s menu offers varied takes on traditional ItalianAmerican comfort food—ravioli, parmigiana, alfredo, pesto— in addition to a more substantive collection of seafood dishes and steaks. $$ L D p

BUCA DI BEPPO 2051 S. Hurstbourne Pkwy., 493-2426. Buca di Beppo’s recipe has all the necessary ingredients: huge portions of excellent food served with flair and the Buca scene is fun, a conscious parody of the exuberant decor of family Italian-American restaurants of the 1950s. $$ L D p

CARRABBA’S ITALIAN GRILL 617 S. Hurstbourne Pkwy., 412-2218. Not your ordinary suburban shopping-center franchise eatery. This place dramatically exceeds expectations. From warmed bread dishes with quality olive oil to first-rate Italian-American fare at reasonable prices. $$$ L D pf

CIAO 1201 Payne St., 690-3532. You will find a full range of familiar Italian fare in this Irish Hill favorite. With lunch choices like pizzas, chicken Parmesan sandwiches and baked manicotti, and dinner dishes such as salumi platter, shrimp scampi, gnocchi alla vodka and pork osso bucco, Ciao has become more than a neighborhood favorite. $$ L D pf

COME BACK INN 909 Swan St., 627-1777. Come Back Inn looks pretty much like any other neighborhood saloon. But unlike other neighborhood saloons, this houses a family Italian spot that wouldn’t be out of place in Chicago or Brooklyn. $$

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DIFABIO’S CASAPELA ITALIAN RESTAURANT 2311 Frankfort Ave., 891-0411. Reminiscent of a menu that harks back to the red-checked tablecloth and Chianti bottle era of Italian restaurants. Look for baked stuffed mushrooms and toasted ravioli, veal parmesan and chicken piccata, and your choice of pastas with your choice of sauce. $$ D f

GRASSA GRAMMA 2210 Holiday Manor Ctr., 333-9595. Kevin Grangier’s newest dining idea is his take on familiar Italian food, just like your robust Italian grandmother made, only better. There’s lasagne, of course, and spaghetti and meatballs, ravioli and gnocchi and several other pastas, but prime beef

filet with Gorgonzola sauce, veal scallopini, whole roasted branzino, and pizza, too. $$$$ Br L D p

MARTINI ITALIAN BISTRO 4021 Summit Plaza Dr. 394-9797. Now locally owned, Martini’s continues to serve hearty, wellfashioned Italian entrées, pastas and pizzas, a comfortable approximation of a Tuscan trattoria. An open kitchen with wood-fired oven gives a peek at the culinary goings-on. $$$ Br L D pf

MILANO ITALIAN RESTAURANT 11300 Westport Rd., 7422926. This family-owned restaurant with locations in Shelbyville and Mt. Washington has opened its first Louisville location. The menu, based on owner Jonathan Balderas’s grandmother’s recipes, features items like calzones, thick- and thin-crust pizzas, pasta and more than a dozen house specials with all dough, sauces and dressings made from scratch in house. $$ L D p

MILANTONI ITALIAN RESTAURANT 1600 S. Hurstbourne Pkwy., 742-8210. This East End restaurant serves up all you would want in a casual Italian eatery: mozzarella sticks and calamari; subs and Philly cheesesteaks; pizzas and calzones; and a dozen or so different pastas. $$ L D p

OLD SPAGHETTI FACTORY 235 W. Market St., 581-1070. One of the original ventures of this national firm. Bright and noisy, it offers well-made if basic Italian family fare and dishes it out for surprisingly low prices. $$ L D p

OLIVE GARDEN 1320 Hurstbourne Pkwy., 339-7190, 9730 Von Allmen Ct., 425-3607, 4805 Outer Loop, 968-2978, 1230 Veterans Pkwy., Clarksville IN, 218-8304. The top property of the Darden chain, Olive Garden now operates more than 500 properties and bills itself as the leading Italian restaurant in the casual dining industry. Hearty pastas of all shapes and sauces, appetizers and combo platters all carry the Italian theme. $$ L D p

PORCINI 2730 Frankfort Ave., 894-8686. This anchor trattoria of the Crescent Hill dining scene has been serving up risotto, ossobuco and bistecca since 1992. Start with fried artichokes, a Roman specialty. Opt for the grilled Romaine salad, then the gnocchi with spicy sausage. The grilled veal chop is a fine choice, and finish with tiramisu. $$$ L D pf

ROC RESTAURANT 1327 Bardstown Rd., 459-7878. New York City chef/restaurateur Rocco Cadolini has transformed a Highlands building into an elegant upscale restaurant, with a handsome pergola in the front garden. The first floor has a large bar and casual dining, and upstairs sees a more formal white tablecloth space with several private dining rooms. Here you will find authentic Italian food, served with flair. Now open for lunch and the “disco brunches” are becoming legendary. $$$ D pf

SARINO 1030 Goss Ave., 822-3777. Owners and brothers, Carmelo and Michael Gabriele, the next generation of the noted Gabriele family (owners of the highly revered Vincenzo’s), have taken over the short-lived Goss Ave. Pub space for their casual, authentic Italian restaurant that emphasizes fresh pasta and Neapolitan pizza, something Germantown had been lacking. The menu also features Sicilian street fare, Italian cheeses paired with charcuterie, and traditional entrees. $$ D p

SILVIO’S ITALIAN RESTAURANT 104 Fairfax Ave., 883-6369. Owned by one of the Melillo family, fondly remembered for their NuLu retaurant before NuLu became popular, this St. Matthews spot evokes the classic New Jersey style Italian restaurants of the “Big Night” era: baked pasta dishes, cheese-stuffed rice balls, pasta fagiole, and eggplant Parmesan. $$ L D p

SPAGHETTI SHOP 4510 Charlestown Rd., New Albany IN, 944-5400. Baked pasta dishes, subs, salads and appetizers are prepared while you wait. $ L D

THE BLACK ITALIAN 2009 Highland Ave., 690-8914. Unpretentious Italian home-cooking is the style at this Highlands spot. Choose from six pasta dishes, grilled meatballs and chicken wings, and sub sandwiches. $$$ L D

TOWN 415 Spring St., Jeffersonville IN, 285-1777. The former Southern Indiana branch of the Come Back Inn has a new

identity and a menu still focused on pasta dishes and pizzas with several new salads, sandwiches and a revamped appetizer selection. Other entrees include items like chicken piccata and Greek lamb pasta. $$ L D p

TUSCANY ITALIAN RESTAURANT 165 Outer Loop, 3630308. Adding an appetizing option to a stretch of the South End that hasn’t been over-served by restaurants, this goodsized storefront near New Cut Road boasts a Mexican chef who demonstrates an expert’s hand with hearty, red-sauced ItalianAmerican fare at a price that’s right. $$ L D p

VOLARE 2300 Frankfort Ave., 894-4446. Chef and co-owner Josh Moore has revised his menu after an inspirational tour of Italy, and brings in fantastic whole fish for seafood specials on Fridays. His pasta extruder allows him to do things like squid ink fettuccine. Volare continues to be a top spot for suave Italian dining. Moore supplies his kitchen with vegetables he raises himself on his Taylorsville farm. $$$ D pf

BARCELONA BISTRO BAR 10415 Taylorsville Rd., 614-6055. Jeffersontown gets a Spanish restaurant thanks to chef/owner Alba Clementson. Here she offers Catalan-style spinach with caramelized onions, roasted cashews, cranberries, and peanuts; paella; Serrano ham croquettes; and albondigas (pork meatballs in almond sauce), among other dishes. $$$ Br D p

MOJITO TAPAS RESTAURANT 2231 Holiday Manor Center, 425-0949. An offshoot of the popular St. Matthews Cuban restaurant Havana Rumba, Mojito quickly established its own identity as the East End spot for Spanish-inspired small plates with a global taste profile. Always crowded on weekends; no reservations, but call ahead to get high on the waiting list. $$ L D pf

APNA CAFÉ 11322 Maple Brook Dr., 690-7555. This Indian café attached to the neighboring grocery offers a colorful and aromatic assortment of curries and more. $$ L D

BOMBAY GRILL 216 N. Hurstbourne Pkwy., 425-8892. With its broad array of Indian regional specialties including the requisite lunch buffet, this spot in The Forum on Hurstbourne is winning praise for its aromatic flavors and bountiful portions. $$ L D f

CHAMLING KITCHEN & BAR 2249 Hikes Ln., 451-2500. Another entrepreneurial immigrant family has opened Louisvillians’ taste buds to more ethnic possibilities. In the former Empress of China space, the Rai family serves standard Chinese hot table dishes, but also adds Nepalese and Indian fare. $ L D p

CLAY OVEN INDIAN RESTAURANT 12567 Shelbyville Rd., 254-4363. Northern Indian cuisine with a focus on the clay oven specialties of the region, including some Nepalese dishes, like goat curry and chicken mo-mo (a kind of chicken and dumplings dish). Also selections of lamb dishes and, of course, a large vegetarian menu. $$ L D

DAKSHIN SOUTH INDIAN RESTAURANT 4742 Bardstown Rd., 491-7412. This Indian restaurant has won many fans with its aromatic and spicy Southern Indian fare to the BuechelFern Creek neighborhood in the Eastland Shopping Center. $$ B L D p

EGGHOLIC 1947 S. Hurstbourne Pkwy., 690-2116. This small Chicago chain boasts that its dishes are just like those found on Indian lahris (street carts). The menu offers egg dishes prepared in various styles of Indian cuisine, as well as sandwiches, rice dishes and curries. $$ B Br L D p

HYDERABAD HOUSE LOUISVILLE 12412 Shelbyville Rd., 405-8788. The first of this international chain of Indian restaurants to arrive in Louisville, this Middletown restaurant boasts that its Indian food is more authentic than other restaurants, with over 200 dishes on its menu, including several biryanis, curries, masalas and naan. $$ L D p

KASHMIR INDIAN RESTAURANT 1277 Bardstown Rd., 4738765. One of the city’s most popular Indian restaurants, Kashmir is casual, neither posh nor expensive, and it produces an extensive menu of seemingly authentic Indian fare. $$ L D f

KATHMANDU KITCHEN AND BAR 3825 Bardstown Rd., 202-1481. Named for the capital city of Nepal, this crisp, modern place in Buechel serves Nepalese food (a sort-of fusion of Chinese and Indian cuisines). Expect dishes such as pakoras, biruanis and even chow mein, but also Nepali items such as pork sakuwo (spiced pork chunks cooked on skewers), fried mo-mo (a kind of dumpling with dipping sauce) and khasikomaasu ra bhata, an aromatic stew with curried accents. $$ L D pf

SANKALP LOUISVILLE 9008 Taylorsville Rd., 690-8355. The Guinness Book of World Records credits a Sankalp franchise somewhere (the chain is headquartered in India) for creating the longest dosa (a type of crepe) in the world. The menu is also pretty long, with dozens of dishes, including uthappa, rava, idli, chaat and more than 35 different curries. $$ L D

SHALIMAR INDIAN RESTAURANT 1850 S. Hurstbourne Pkwy., 493-8899. Modern and sleek in appearance, modest in price, this restaurant has become the patriarch of local Indian restaurants. With a substantial lunch buffet and a full range of dinner items, it has built a loyal clientele. $$ L D

SHREEJI INDIAN VEGETARIAN STREET FOOD 1986 S. Hurstbourne Pkwy., 890-4000. The extensive, completely vegetarian menu of this East End restaurant looks to the street food of India for dishes not often seen here: a variety of chaats, masala pav, hakka, dosa and even an aloo mutter sandwich, filled with a blend of potato, peas and a balance of savory spices. $$ L D

TAJ PALACE 2929 Goose Creek Rd., 423-9692. Focused on Northern Indian cuisine, the menu offers a wide range of chicken, lamb, seafood and vegetarian dishes. Spiciness can be decided by the customer. Lunch buffet and dinner menu. $$ L D f

TANDOORI FUSION 4600 Chamberlain Ln., 255-2590. Owner Purna Veer offers authentic Indian cuisine with a locallysourced flair in the East End (tandoori, biryanis and seldomseen dumplings called Karvepaku Manchurian), using Indian vegetables grown on his Oldham County farm; the restaurant’s chicken, goat and lamb are certified Halal. As a bonus, Veer has “hired” a robot to deliver food and bus tables, the Louisville area’s first such labor-saving innovation. $$ B L D pf

TIKKA HOUSE 3930 Chenoweth Sq., 749-4535. Tikka House has garnered positive notice for both its lunch buffet and a la carte dinner service. Diners have praised dishes such as lamb masala with roasted coconut, Tandoori wings, fish pakora, paneer chili, several daal preparations and saag paneer. $$ L D pf

AL HAMRA HALAL BUFFET 1250 Bardstown Rd., (Midcity Mall), 630-2255. Re-opened after a 2-year closure due to COVID, this halal restaurant is back offering plenty of choices on the buffet line, half cold (salads and other mezze) and half hot items. Familiar Near-Eastern foods such as kebabs, kofta and gyros are available, but also dishes from other Muslim lands: samosas, masalas and lamb shank stew. $$$ L D

AL SULTAN MEDITERRANEAN GRILL 8129 Bardstown Rd., 630-3334. Located in the Glenmary Shopping Center, this Middle-Eastern restaurant offers the classics — shwarma and kofta, tabbouleh. $$ L D f

ALADDIN’S MEDITERRANEAN 37 Bank St., New Albany IN, 489-7969. After bringing a higher level of Middle Eastern cuisine to the still-growing dining scene in New Albany, Aladdin’s has moved to the cool new Underground Station complex. You will still find well-crafted gyros, chicken shawarma, tabbouleh and hummus in their sleek new environs. Finish your meal with thick Turkish coffee. $ L D

CASPIAN GRILL PERSIAN BISTRO 2716 Frankfort Ave., 2906050. Middle Eastern food of an above-average quality.

Kabobs and hummus, of course, but also shirazi salad with tomatoes, cucumbers and onions in a lemony dressing, and chicken stew with pomegranate and walnuts. $ L D

CHARCOAL 2805 N. Hurstbourne Pkwy., 749-8888. Chicken cooked over charcoal and served with garlic sauce is just one of the draws at this new Mediterranean restaurant. The menu also lists classics like falafel, chicken shawarma, hummus, baba ganoush, tahini salad — and baklava cheesecake. $$ L D f

EAT A PITA 2286 Bardstown Rd., 473-7482. Enjoy Mediterranean-Middle Eastern favorites, as well as the addition of a few “American” sandwiches — on fresh pita, of course. $ L D

FALAFEL OASIS 226 W. Broadway, 742-2030. The owner of Superior Market and Deli a few doors away has also opened this Middle Eastern restaurant, serving gyros, falafel, and other regional fare. $ L D

GRAPE LEAF 2217 Frankfort Ave., 897-1774. For those in the know, the Grape Leaf has long been a destination spot, well above the generic Middle Eastern eatery nich in both ambiance and quality of food. Prices remain affordable; the food and mood justify a special trip. $$ L D f

JERUSALEM KITCHEN 4413 Saint Rita Dr., 614-6465. Little Jerusalem Café has moved from the Iroquois Manor area and moderately rebranded itself. You can still find a range of Mediterranean dishes here, shawarma and fattoush, gyros and hummus and so on. $$ D f

LITTLE GREEK FRESH GRILL 4600 Shelbyville Rd., 6908348. This Arkansas-based chain is now serving dolmades and spanikopita, pita sandwiches and wraps, a variety of skewers and mousaka and pastitsio. $$ L D p

MASALA GRILL 528 S. Fifth St., 562-0202. $ L

MIRAGE MEDITERRANEAN RESTAURANT 4100 Preston Hwy., 363-7788. Preston Highway’s international restaurant row is enriched by this Middle Eastern eatery, run by the owners of the now-defunct Little Jerusalem. Gyros, hummus,

falafel — what one would expect, but done with attention to details and a flair for flavor. $$ L D f

PASHA'S MEDITERRANEAN 3904 Bardstown Rd., 409-4532. You can find the usual Mediterranean fare here – falafel, baba ghanouj – but with influences of Jordanian recipes such as Kalaya, ground lamb cooked in tomatoes, and char-grilled lamb liver. Fans cite the value-sized portions. $$ L D f

SAFIER MEDITERRANEAN DELI 641 S. Fourth St., 585-1125. You can get standard American fare at this downtown quickeats spot, but who’d do that when you can enjoy such appetizing Arabian delights as hummus, mutabal, falafels and the gyros-like (only better) shawarma beef-on-pita sandwich?

$ L D f

SAM’S GYRO 3123 S. Second St., 709-4292. This hummus and kebab joint, with its tasty food and friendly service, has moved out to the South End. The menu features everything you would expect from a typical Eastern Mediterranean menu: falafel, tabouli, gyros, baklava and spanakopita. $ L D

SHIRAZ MEDITERRANEAN GRILL 2226 Holiday Manor Center, 426-9954, 201 N. Hurstbourne Pkwy., 426-3440, 3521 Poplar Level Rd., 632-2232, 4614 Chamberlain Ln., 919-9014, 1565 Bardstown Rd., 749-0385. From a tiny neighborhood storefront, Shiraz quickly grew out of its original location and expanded into a local mini-chain. In all its locations, Shiraz shines with authentic Persian (Iranian) cooking, such as char-grilled kebabs, fine pitas and lavash. $ L D f

SIMPLY MEDITERRANEAN 2900 Brownsboro Rd., 963-5577. The menu is based on “perfected” family inherited recipes. There are familiar and expected choices: kebabs and shawarma, baba ganooj and kibbeh. Also cheese and spinach pies, chickpea salad, and fried cauliflower. $ L D

SYRIAN GRILL ABU ABDU 3325 Bardstown Rd., 749-0071. This Middle Eastern restaurant, tucked away amid other businesses just past the Watterson, serves familiar Mediterranean dishes — kibbeh, shawarma, biryani — and also family size meals of mixed grill and the Syrian rice dish mansaf. $$ L D

TAZIKI’S MEDITERRANEAN CAFÉ 13317 Shelbyville Rd., 244-6222, 106 Fairfax Ave., 212-5373, 1580 Veterans Pkwy., (812) 404-1191. At these Alabama-based chain outlets the food is made fresh daily with vegan and gluten-free choices. The menu includes grilled chicken roll-ups, a grilled tilapia sandwich with dill-caper sauce, gyros, a grilled vegetable and rice plate, roasted potatoes and baklava, along with beer and wine. $$ L D pf

ZOE’S KITCHEN 4126 Summit Plaza Dr., 329-8963. This chain has been growing throughout the South and Southwest, and now has two Louisville locations. An eclectic menu offers kabobs, hummus, quesadillas, roll-ups, pita sandwiches and chicken, tuna and shrimp salads. $ L D

menu includes salchipapa (sausage and potatoes), lomo saltado (a beef stew), plantains and Peruvian green rice. $ L D

EL SAZON DE ABUELA 8506 Preston Hwy., 290-0030. The ethnic food choices along Preston Highway continue to expand with this Puerto Rican restaurant. Mofongo, – smashed plantains infused with garlic and seasonings – is a comfort food staple of PR cuisine made with shrimp, chicken, seafood, or veggies and broth. Breakfast dishes, burgers, and sandwiches are also on offer. $$ B L D f

EMPANADAS ALCHEMY 10640 Meeting St., 619-4778. Nelson Michelangeli and his wife Nahyla have vended their Venezuelan-Latin fusion food — pepitos, patacones, arepas and yes, empanadas —by market stall and food truck, and now have landed in the Norton Commons commercial space where Mercato formerly operated. $$ L D pf

I LOVE TACOS 9909 Taylorsville Rd., 384-2154, 1534 Bardstown Rd., 742-4119, 3550 Springhurst Commons Dr., 749-6847. The opening of the third location of this locallyowned Mexican spot testifies to restaurant’s popularity. The menu’s focus extends beyond the expectations of the name with burritos and quesadillas too. But the birria taco, filled with spiced stewed beef and then crisped on a griddle, has become a sort of signature dish. $$ L D pf

LA BODEGUITA DEL MEDIO 5700 Outer Loop, 742-2144. You can find a variety of Latin dishes here, from tamales and tacos to cerdo asado (roast pork in citrus marinade), ropa vieja and churrasco, seafood and soups. $$ L D p

LA GUANAQUITA 4231 Taylor Blvd., 822-1343. This South End spot serves the dishes of Guatemala and Honduras: pupusas and baleadas and pescado frito (fried fish), served whole, head and tail on, garnished with lime wedges and avocado slices. $$ L D

LA SUERTE 2116 Bardstown Rd., 883-1000. Owner Chris Seckman has transformed his Douglass Loop North End Café site into a Latin restaurant. Partner and Executive Chef Adrian Jimarez Neri offer dishes inspired by his mother and grandmother. The dinner menu includes pollo tostadas, shrimp a la parilla, pork posole and shrimp a la diabla. Brunch will offer molletes, migas, and jalapeño biscuits with chorizo gravy. $$$ Br D pf

SABOR LATINO 1273 S. Brook St., 276-4954. A welcome addition to Old Louisville is this tiny restaurant serving a “Latin Culinary Mix,” as a sign advertises. The menu offers Cuban sandwiches, patatas bravas, burritos, quesadillas, carne asada, ropa vieja and pollo de vacaciones – a chicken stew. $$ L D f

SENORA AREPA 721 E. Market St., 795-3995. The longawaited Senora Arepa serves the rich Venezuelan cuisine, with influences from Spanish, West African, and Native American cultures. Arepas, the cornmeal bread stuffed with meat or cheese that is ubiquitous in northern Latin America, anchors the casual menu. $$ L D pf

CAFÉ AROMA 2020 Brownsboro Rd., 618-3434. This little shop along the lower Brownsboro food corridor touts “a world of flavor with a Mexican flair.” It’s mostly Mexican and really mostly good, according to our friends in the neighborhood. Affordable, casual and filling. $ L D

CANCÚN 808 Lyndon Ln., 883-1924, 9424 Shelbyville Rd., 742-3697. Now with two locations, Cancún offers familiar dishes, combination platters, and steak and seafood specialties like carne bandito and tostados de ceviche. $$ L D pf

CHIPOTLE MEXICAN GRILL 315 S. Fourth St., 584-8606, 10333 Westport Rd., 526-5170, 1075 Bardstown Rd., 4528990, 13303 Shelbyville Rd., 244-7173, 420 S. Hurstbourne Ln., 425-3017, 7710 Bardstown Rd., 398-3452, 2133 State St. New Albany IN. Now with seven area locations, this increasingly popular Tex-Mex chain, with an emphasis on cooking with humanely-raised meat products, seems to have struck a chord with consumers. $ L D f

EL CAPORAL 2209 Meadow Dr., 473-7840, 1909 Blankenbaker Pkwy., 266-9605. Louisville’s growing Mexican-American community has fostered a happy trend: excellent, authentic Mexican food. El Caporal bridges the gap between the Latino and Anglo communities. $ L D p

EL COMAL TAQUERIA 9609 Dixie Hwy., 632-2053. As one might expect, the main focus here is on tacos, including party taco trays, but other choices include burritos, quesadillas and chilaquiles. $ L D p

EL MARIACHI 9901 La Grange Rd., 413-5770. Fans of this Mexican restaurant, situated between a bakery and an ethnic grocery, find much to rave about: tacos and burritos made with the bakery’s fresh tortillas, funky authentic fillings and quick, friendly service. $ B L D p

EL MOLCAJETE 8106 Preston Hwy., 742-3485, 2932 S. Fourth St., 638-0300. You can get gringo-style tacos (with shredded lettuce, cheese & sour cream) at this south-end Mexican joint. But if you come here, why not eat like a native? Lash your pork, beef and chicken tacos with fresh-squeezed lime juice and a heap of sliced radishes. Want to get truly authentic? Step up to beef tongue (lengua), intestine (tripas) or brain (sesos). $$ L D p

EL MUNDO 2345 Frankfort Ave., 899-9930, 1767 Bardstown Rd., 384-5633. he crowded little Crescent Hill storefront, offering creative renditions of Mexican regional specialties that make most diners want to yell “Olé!”, now has a second outlet in the multi-level space in the Highlands that once was Asiatique. Both locations provide high-quality Mexican food and drink. $ L D pf

EL NOPAL (22 Locations) These locally-owned restaurants have become a growing mini-chain, winning popularity on the basis of delicious and inexpensive Mexican fare in comfortable surroundings. $ L D pf

CARALI'S ROTISSERIE CHICKEN 9148 Taylorsville Rd., 6180699, 642 Baxter Ave., 12531 Shelbyville Rd., 618-2725, 5439 New Cut Rd., 963-5698, 211 S. Fifth St., 654-7131, 703 E. Lewis and Clark Pkwy., (812) 286-2900. You will find Peruvian-style rotisserie chicken and other South American dishes here: lomo (grilled marinated steak), chaufa rice and various salads and side dishes (such as stuffed avocado). Sandwiches as well as full dinners, and take away half and full roasted chickens. $ L D p

CLASSICO TAKEOUT AND EMPANADAS 104. S. Preston St., 489-1380. Downtown eaters now have a way to enjoy some of the crowd-pleasing dishes of well-knonw to fans of Clifton’s Caffe Classico. Restaurateur Tommy Mudd’s new downtown kiosk will focus on hand-held takeaway choices, including his well-regarded empanadas. Espresso too, and limited outdoor seating. $$ B L p f

EL RINCONCITO 4806 Bardstown Rd., 742-9537. This Peruvian restaurant adds to the ethnic choices in Buechel. The happy chicken logo touts the charcoal-grilled chicken, but the

YUMMY POLLO 4222 Bishop Ln., 618-1400. You can get Peruvian-style charcoal roasted chicken here by the piece, half or whole bird. American-style side dishes include fried or mashed potatoes, rice, steamed vegetables, slaw and pasta salad. $ L

BANDIDO TAQUERIA MEXICANA 423 University Blvd., 9967788, 2901 Goose Creek Rd., 547-1825. These San Diegostyle Mexican places, the first in a strip mall near U of L, the second newly relocated from NuLu to a former fast food space off Westport Road, serve California-style tacos, quesadillas, burritos, nachos and burrito bowls, with a choice of four salsas at the condiment bar. $$ L D f

BUBBAKOO’S BURRITOS 12919 Factory Ln., 384-0778, 4214 Shelbyville Rd., 630-2017. This East Coast fast-casual chain offers lots of standard Mexican fare (tacos, quesadillas, nachos), along with wings and choice of six sauces. One house specialty is the Chiwawa, a stuffed rice ball, breaded and fried. $$ L D

EL PASTORCITO 2060 S. Hurstbourne Pkwy., 365-3277, 4132 Outer Loop, 618-0520. El Pastorcito serves Mexican street food (tacos, sopes, tortas, etc.) and a range of Mexican/American entrées (gorditas, quesadillas, burgers and chicken tenders). $$ L D p f

EL RIO GRANDE 10001 Forest Green Blvd., 632-2403. A Mexican restaurant has taken over the expansive space that once was Limestone. Patrons report good experiences, with both the food and the service. $$ L D p

EL SOMBRERO 2784 Meijer Dr., Jeffersonville IN, 285-0109. An Indianapolis restaurant group has taken over the old Bearno’s near Meijer in J’ville, and opened this “Americanized Mexican” restaurant. $ B L D pf

EL TACO LOCO 5622 Preston Hwy., 225-7229. This unpretentious Mexican restaurant tries to be as authentic as it can, and has persuaded many fans with its efforts. Inexpensive, freshly made tacos, quesadillas and other familiar Mexican dishes, served in value sizes. $ L D

EL TACO LUCHADOR 938 Baxter Ave., 583-0440, 112 Meridian Ave., 709-5154, 9204 Taylorsville Rd., 708-1675, 5205 New Cut Rd. (Colonial Gardens), 384-8457. With the opening of the Colonial Gardens site and a store in J’town, Olé

Restaurant Group now has five taquerias that all have diners lined up out the door. Familiar taco names — carnitas, carne asada — get clever riffs in the kitchen. Call it elevated Mexican street food. And do try the fantastic tortas. $ L D f

EL TARASCO 5425 New Cut Rd., 368-5628, 110 Fairfax Ave., 895-8010. El Tarasco’s take on Mexican food appeals both to the area’s growing Latino population and Anglos who want to enjoy a South-of-the-Border culinary adventure without compromise. $ L D p

EL TORAZO 1850 S. Hurstbourne Pkwy., 491-7272. A familyoriented Mexican restaurant offers the expected menu items, as well as some more sophisticated dishes, such as 7 mares sopa, a soup with shrimp, scallops and octopus; banderillas, a colorful beef brochette; and chuleta sabrosa, a Durango-style grilled steak. $$ L D pf

EL TORO CANTINA & GRILL 10602 Shelbyville Rd., 4893839. One of the top Mexican restaurants in the metro, El Toro earns our recommendation for food, service and environment. Tex-Mex dishes are fine, but save room for the authentic Mexican seafood specialties. $ L D pf

FELIPE’S MEXICAN RESTAURANT 2400 Lime Kiln Ln., 7429142, 4000 Dutchmans Ln., 919-7014. The second East End location seems to show that the ethnic fare at Felipe’s is wellmade, and tasty. The menu lists 16 chicken dishes from various areas of Mexico, along with variations on fajitas and tacos. $$ L D p

FIESTA MEXICANA 4507 Bardstown Rd., 491-2922 $ L D p

FIESTA TIME AMIGOS 8133 Bardstown Rd., 231-2444, 135 S. English Station Rd., 254-7755. These traditional Mexican restaurant’s locations serve the expected things, like fajitas and burritos. But there is also an extensive grill menu, with items such as steak tampiqueño (rib-eye steak with ranchero sauce), Chile Colorado and Los Amigos cheese steak. $ L D pf

FIESTA TIME MEXICAN GRILL 11320 Maple Brook Dr., 4259144. $ L D p

FISTFUL OF TACOS 2708 Paoli Pk., New Albany IN, 5570226. This ambitious little taco joint in the Knobs offers five taco choices - The Good (chicken tinga, citrus slaw),The Bad (beef, pico de gallo), The Ugly (Bourbon pork, mango salsa), The Vegan (roasted sweet potato, black bean) and The Pesky (scallop ceviche, melon). $$ L D f

FOKO 1001 Logan St. (Logan Street Market), (210) 792-5858. Chef Paco Garcia fuses his two favorite cuisines, Mexican and Southern. The result is chicken with jalapeno gravy or tortas with collard greens, among others. $$ L D f

GUACAMOLE MODERN MEXICAN 900 E. Market St., 2128225. This popular East End modern Mexican restaurant has relocated to NuLu, taking over the space that had been Rye. No Tex-Mex here, just pure Mexican: asados and moles and pibils, along with authentic variations on familiar choices such as tacos, burritos and enchiladas. The bar menu is centered on Mexican cocktails. $$ D pf

GUSTAVO’S MEXICAN GRILL 6051 Timber Ridge Dr., 4347266, 10715 Meeting St., 690-7070, 401 S. Hurstbourne Pkwy., 420-1100. Gustavo’s offers “bold Mexican flavors.” Everything you would expect — fajitas, burritos, tacos — but also vegetarian options, house specialties like enchiladas verdes, chimichangas, shrimp tacos and pollo feliz (grilled chicken with chorizo and pineapple). $$ L D pf

ISRAEL’S DELICIAS DE MEXICO GOURMET 604 E. Spring St., New Albany IN, 725-9139. Israel Landon introduced Kentuckiana to his Mexican home-style cooking at La Rosita a few years ago. Now he is moving into the former Destinatins Booksellers space by the end of March. Look for street tacos and Mayan quesadillas and weekly specials highlighting cuisine from various regions of Mexico, including seafood dishes and new desserts. $ L D f

JOELY'S BAR & GRILL 1999 Brownsboro Rd., 742-9456. Taking over the former El Frijol location in Clifton, this Mexican restaurant serves breakfast, burritos, quesadillas,

tortas and chimichangas. Dinner choices range from pollo con arroz to carnitas de puerco to seafood. $$ L D p

LA BAMBA 1237 Bardstown Rd., 451-1418. The revamped and updated Highlands authentic fast food place still offers burritos as big as your head, and tacos, quesadillas and tortas too. $ L D

LA CATRINA MEXICAN KITCHEN 202 E. Elm St., New Albany IN, 725-8264. The owners of Señor Iguanas restaurants have opened this Mexican party food and street food restaurant in the building that Dragon King’s Daughter moved out of. Look for naked and dressed tacos, soups, salads and shareable dishes and seasonal menu updates. $$ L D pf

LA CHAPINLANDIA 1209 McCawley Rd., 384-7075. If those tiny hole-in-the-wall places are the best for real Mexican food, this little South End place will satisfy Okolona’s need for tacos and burritos. $ L D p

LA LUPITA 827 Eastern Blvd., Clarksville IN, 285-0083. Tucked away on the back side of a strip mall, this is a new spot for authentic Mexican food. The usual stuff but also panbazos, tlacoyos, tlayudas and aguachile, all explained and illustrated on the menu. $$ L D pf

LA POPULAR 2521 Seventh St Rd., 636-3688.$ L D p

LA RIVIERA MAYA 8104 National Turnpike, 361-3566. This South End Mexican restaurant is popular with local Latinos, which is always a good sign. Look for gorditas and carne asada, as well as familiar fare like enchiladas. Word is that the horchata is rich and spiced just right. $ L D p

LA ROSITA TAQUERIA 8730 Westport Rd., 618-4588, 5059 Preston Hwy., 618-2883. For those who crave genuine Mexican tacos, you want them convenient when the urge to scarf one down strikes. These little places will certainly satisfy those cravings. $ L D

LA SIERRA RESTAURANT AND TAQUERIA 6501 Shepherdsville Rd., 969-7938. $

LA TERRAZA FOURTH STREET 654 S. Fourth St., 409-6103. Inheritor of Bluegrass Brewing’s 4th Street satellite location, which did not return from the pandemic, La Terraza also assumes the role of a well-situated, pre-concert drinks and dinner option; several music venues are nearby. It’s Mexican cuisine, emphasizing quesadillas, taquitos, tacos and outdoor seating with a solid vantage point for people watching. $$ L B pf

LA TORTA LOCA 5213 Preston Hwy., 966-3254. This simple, strip mall eatery has been around long enough to gain dedicated fans of their well-seasoned and fairly spicy versions of familiar Mexican dishes. Some of those fans recommend the agua de Jamaica (hibiscus).

LA TROPICANA 5215 Preston Hwy., 964-5957. This Latino grocery store has been selling a full range of fruits, vegetables, meats and grocery items for a while. Now there is a steam-table buffet with a wide range of lunch choices. It’s mostly takeaway, but there’s also limited outdoor and indoor seating. $$ B L D f

LAS CAZUELAS 4214 Bishop Ln., 614-8634. This unassuming strip mall eatery has amassed a dedicated local clientele with fast, friendly service, cold margaritas and well-prepared familiar Mexican fare. $$ L D pf

LAS GORDITAS 4756 Bardstown Rd., 492-0112. As Louisville’s small, thriving Latino community grows, it’s now possible to enjoy an authentic Mexico City-style dining experience at this taco and gordita wagon that rolls up in the Eastland Shopping Center. Family owners and chefs Pat and Esperanza Costas and Ofelia Ortiz now also have a sit-down storefront just down the street. $ D f

LAS MARGARITAS MEXICAN RESTAURANT 12220 Shelbyville Rd., 963-5503, 307 Central Ave., 690-8071. The emphasis here is on the cuisine of the Gulf coast of Mexico. You will find the familiar (tacos, fajitas) and the slightly different — caldo de pollo (Mexican chicken soup), mole poblano and salmon al ajillo (garlic salmon) and tlayollos, a variation on tamales. $$ L D p

LIMÓN Y SAL 10000 Brownsboro Rd., 423-4604. This authentic Mexican kitchen offers suburbanites many choices: taquitos, bocadillos and dips to start, soups such as pozole and caldo de camarón (shrimp soup), tacos, tortas and combination dinners. $$ L D pf

LOS AZTECAS 445 E. Market St., 561-8535, 1107 Herr Ln., 426-3994, 9207 U.S. Hwy. 42, 228-2450. Genuine Mexican cuisine has become a viable option in Louisville thanks to a growing immigrant community. Los Aztecas, one of the best, has moved its W. Main St. anchor store to E. Market, taking over the larger, spiffy space left by Wild Rita’s closing. It’s satellite locations are still bustling too. $ L D pf

LUCKY BURRITO 2118 Bardstown Rd., 883-1000. Christopher Seckman and partner Adrian Jimarez Neri morphed the Douglass Loop location of North End Café into the Modern Latin restaurant La Suerte. Now the team has added a new offering next door: Lucky Burrito is a quick-service place with hefty burritos, nicely-priced tacos, and plenty of interesting ingredients and an assortment of deftly-crafted tacos. $$ L D f

LUNA'S MEXICAN ROTISSERIE 5213 Preston Hwy., 9628898. The owners came from Puebla, Mexico, but made a stop in Los Angeles before moving to Louisville and starting Luna’s Rotisserie. Their specialty is slow-cooked rotisserie chicken from the coast of Veracruz. There’s plenty more on the board, such as tamales, quesadillastarlights and menudo. On Saturdays & Sundays, pozole and cabo de camaron are added.

$$ L D

MANGO’S BAR & GRILL 4632 Hendrik Dr., 671-5291. This Mexican-American restaurant chain serves a Latin lunch buffet seven days a week as well as a full dinner menu. You will find burritos, tacos and tamales, but also several steak dishes and Mexican-style desserts. $$ L D

MAYAN CAFÉ 813 E. Market St., 566-0651. Chef Bruce Ucán arguably kicked off the restaurant renaissance along East Market Street, in the area now known as NuLu. His stylish

bistro serves distinctive cuisine from Ucán’s native Yucatan Peninsula. $$ D pf

MEXA TACOS 3701 Lexington Rd., 290-1334. This fast-casual restaurant features a list of signature steak tacos customizable with house-made salsas, guacamole, peppers and other toppings, such as the special house queso made with poblano peppers. Owner Lorena Casas-Ostos is a steak taco purist, but she offers fish, shrimp and pork pastor too. $$ L D p

MEXICO CITY TAQUERIA & RESTAURANT 3826 Hamburg Pk., Jeffersonville IN, 283-1072. This bright little Mexican place in a Jeffersonville strip mall offers the usual, and on weekends adds traditional Mexican soups like caldos de camarones, menudo and pozole. $ L D

MI BONITO PINOTEPA 7200 Preston Hwy., 290-5328. Dishes from southern Mexico, around Oaxaca, are the focus of this Okolona strip mall restaurant. Look for Oaxacan-style tamales, various moles and tlayudos, a kind off open-faced quesadilla. $ L D

MI CASITA PARRILLA MEXICANA 520 S. Fourth St., 3150666. Enthusiastic fans of the restaurant formerly known as Mi Cocina will find the same quick and efficient lunch service and dishes executed with skill under the new name change. The margaritas at Happy Hour are notable. $$ L D pf

MI TIERRA MEXICAN RESTAURANT 2400 Lime Kiln Ln., 742-9142, 2610 Chamberlain Ln., 384-3101. These two clean, well-lighted places in the East End serve up familiar Mexican food – fajitas, tacos, carne asada – in a friendly, efficient atmosphere that is drawing raves from its local fans. $ L D pf

NEW WAVE BURRITOS 3311 Preston Hwy., 963-2727. The late-night burrito delivery service that has been operating out of borrowed kitchen spaces since late 2014 has moved into its own space at the former Grind Burger location. In addition to their five signature burritos new items include tacos, tortas and chicharrones. $$ D

NOCHE MEXICAN BBQ 1838 Bardstown Rd., 467-8015. Inside a de-commissioned Lutheran Church, illuminated by the large stained glass windows in the sanctuary/dining room, you can find authentic Tex-Mex barbecue. Look for brisket and pulled pork smoked with Noche’s special spice blend, fajitas, flautas, green chili macaroni and cheese and grilled Mexican street corn. $$ D pf

OLE FRIJOLE 5612 Bardstown Rd., 822-3388. After a bit of a hike out Bardstown Rd., you will find oversized margaritas, well-priced, nicely made familiar Mexican food, and a welcoming atmosphere. The customize-your-guacamole bar is a popular feature. $$ L D p

PIÑA FIESTA REAL MEXICAN GRILL 7895 Dixie Hwy., 9956775. Fans of Mexican food have another place to try, out along the wide, wide highway. You won’t find anything new here, but they say it will be real. $ L D p

PUERTO VALLARTA 4214 Charlestown Rd., New Albany IN, 945-3588, 125 Quartermaster Ct., Jeffersonville IN, 2882022, 7814 Beulah Church Rd., 239-4646. $$ L D p

QDOBA MEXICAN GRILL (17 locations). This chain operation extends from Louisville to Frankfort and Lexington. Fastfoodish in style, Qdoba edges out its competitors on variety and interesting salsas, plus sizable portions at a price you can afford. $ L D f

RAMIRO’S CANTINA 2350 Frankfort Ave., 895-3333. Ramiro Gandara’s Mexican restaurant in the heart of Crescent Hill’s restaurant row has his mom, Tina Ruton Escajeda, in control in the kitchen. Together they deliver some unique menu items, such as enchiladas verdes, lobster quesadilla, guacamole burger, and shrimp fajitas. And don’t forget Tina’s specialty: scratch-made tamales. Vegetarian choices too, and a full bar. $ L D pf

RAMIRO’S CANTINA EXPRESS 253 Spring St., Jeffersonville IN, 924-7770. Long-time restaurateur Ramiro Gandara’s second restaurant, a quick-casual version of his Frankfort Ave. spot, is now serving in Jeffersonville. Order at the counter, grab and go, or sit down and enjoy. Ramiro features his

favorites: burritos, chicken bowls, nachos, tortas and tacos. A full bar, too. $ L D pf

SANTA FE GRILL 3000 S. Third St., 634-3722. This tiny eatery in a century-old South End storefront near Churchill Downs never fails to satisfy with genuine Mexican tacos and other simple fare at prices that will leave you plenty of change for an exacta bet at the races. $ L D

SEÑOR IGUANA’S (3 locations) This local chain has gone upscale with re-designed crisp modern decor, well-prepared Mexican food, and plenty of it, in a casual, comfortable modern atmosphere. $ L D pf

SOL AZTECAS 2427 Bardstown Rd., 459-7776. Founded by Saul Garcia down on Main St.’s museum row, his restaurant has an extensive menu that satisfies those who want standard fare like tacos, fajitas and burritos, and also offers more sophisticated fare like salmon and shrimp, steak and several Mexican chicken preparations. $ L D pf

TACO CHOZA 3922 Westport Rd., 409-5080. In the heart of St. Matthews, this locally-owned taqueria also makes burritos and quesadillas, pours craft beers, and offers daily margarita specials. $ L D pf

TACO CITY LOUISVILLE 1283 Bardstown Rd., 409-9454, 11601 Shelbyville Rd., 742-1638, 3085 Breckenridge Ln., 443-4286. The trio of locations of this Mexican place — run by a trio of Mexican natives — serve tacos on homemade corn tortillas, tortas, salads and burritos, using recipes straight from Mexico like the mole sauce by the owner’s grandma. $ L D f

TACO RITO 712 Brent St. (The Village Market). Located in the Village Market Food Hall Taco Rito offers six proteins (including a tofu option) that are available as tacos, burritos or bowls with rice. $$ L D pf

TACO TICO 5925 Terry Rd., 449-9888. Founded in Wichita in 1962, the same year Taco Bell was born in Southern California, the Taco Tico chain had been gone locally for more than a decade. Its happy return has been drawing remarkable crowds. $ L D

TAQUERIA DON JUAN 615 Eastern Blvd., Clarksville IN, 9201238. This addition to Clarksville’s rich array of Mexican restaurants focuses on seafood: ceviche, oysters, seafood cocktails, and caldo de camarones. But it doesn’t neglect meats. Choose tacos filled with lengua or cabeza (tongue or meat pulled from the head) as well as more familiar fixings. $$ L D p

TAQUERIA EL MEXICANO 7611 Preston Hwy., 690-4044. You can enjoy authentic Mexican cuisine for breakfast, lunch and dinner at this Okolona spot. A variety of ceviche, tortas, tacos, burritos and quesadillas are available every day, but pozole and menudo are weekend specials. $$ B L D p

TAQUERIA LA MEXICANA 6201 Preston Hwy., 969-4449. The tacos are fine at this tiny storefront. This is seriously ethnic stuff, but Anglos are thoroughly welcome, the staff is bilingual, and they will happily provide a menu with all the English translations written in. $ L D

TAQUERIA LOS GORDITOS 2017 Brownsboro Rd., 5098676. Joining the burgeoning taco-oriented restaurant choices is this new spot in Clifton. “Gorditos” means “the fat ones.” so expect overfilled tacos, burritos and other Mexican standards. $ B L D

TINO'S TACOS 161 Outer Loop, 742-3030. An extensive menu here offers all the Mexican food choices Americans are familiar with including tortas, burritos, gorditas, quesadillas and fajitas. $ L D p

TORCHY'S TACOS 1540 Veterans Pkwy., Jeffersonville IN, (812) 645-4800. This Texas-based taco chain has expanded east to Jeffersonville. Try the "Trailer Park" taco with fried chicken, green chiles and pico de gallo, or go for a Scallywag, with coconut-battered shrimp, bacon, green chiles, and peach habanero jam. Or choose a salad, fajita or burrito, There’s a full bar featuring margaritas and specialty cocktails. $$ B L D p f

TRES AMIGOS 9921 Ormsby Station Rd. $ L D

VALLARTA MEXICAN SEAFOOD AND GRILL 9874 Linn Station Rd., 290-6268. This family-owned restaurant serves

freshly cooked seafood dishes in the style of Mexico’s Pacific coast, as well as more familiar Mexican fare (tacos, fajitas, burritos). Fans enjoy the large portions. $ L D p

VICTORIA MEXICAN RESTAURANT 2918 Hikes Ln., 7095178. $ L D f

YELLOW CACTUS 3620 Paoli Pk., Floyds Knobs IN, 903-0313. A yellow neon cactus draws diners to this Indiana restaurant that offers standard Mexican cantina fare, as well as steak and chicken in both American and Mexican styles, and a few seafood dishes. $ L D p

ZOMBIE TACO 100 W. Washington St. (Moxy Hotel), 7167377. This always-open walk-up taco window at the new Moxy Hotel features Taco Tuesdays specials on tacos and margaritas, a 3-taco survival box with a side of chips and salsa, and deep discounts for restaurant industry workers on Sundays and Mondays. $$ B L D pf

TUMBLEWEED TEX MEX GRILL & MARGARITA BAR (8 locations). Starting as a humble Mexican restaurant in New Albany, Tumbleweed grew to become an area favorite serving bold, southwest-inspired food such as burritos, spicy chile con queso, mesquite-grilled steaks, fish and chicken. The Margarita Bar offers two dozen tequila varieties and dozens of sweet and tangy margarita combinations. $ L D p

provides fresh-squeezed juices and local kombuchas, coffee and espresso. $$ B Br L D p

CLIFTON DONUTS 2317 Brownsboro Rd., 749-6896. A family from Thailand produces very fresh donuts of all sorts daily to an appreciative crowd from the Clifton corridor. Fans favorably compare the offerings here to those at the chains, lauding freshness of product and friendliness of service. $ B

ADRIENNE & CO. BAKERY CAFÉ 129 W. Court Ave., Jeffersonville IN, 282-2665. If you need something for your sweet tooth and won’t be denied, count yourself lucky if the craving strikes when you’re in the vicinity of this cozy Southern Indiana spot, with its good selection of homemade cakes and treats. $ f

COLD STONE CREAMERY 1013 Jefferson Commons Dr., Jeffersonville IN, 913-0034, 2015 S. Hurstbourne Pkwy., 4997750, 976 Breckenridge Ln, 894-6292. The angle that distinguishes this ice cream chain is the long list of add-ons that fans can choose to have worked into their favorite flavor: bananas, berries, candies, cookies and nuts, to name a few. Ice cream cakes, smoothies and shakes too. $

CHUY’S 104 Oxmoor Ct., 327-3033, 1440 Veterans Pkwy., Clarksville IN, 288-2489. The Austin, Texas “unchain,” has two area locations, offering a complimentary happy hour nacho “car bar” set in the back end of a 50s era auto, plenty of Elvis memorabilia, and a wall of chihuahua photos. Oh, and Tex-Mex food at reasonable prices. $$ L D pf

MOE’S SOUTHWEST GRILL 2001 S. Hurstbourne Pkwy., 4911800, 1001 Breckinridge Ln., 893-6637, 4652 Chamberlain Ln., 425-3330, 9310 Cedar Center Way, 614-7722. The food may be more fast-food Mexican-American than authentic South-of-theBorder fare, but it is freshly made from quality ingredients and comes in oversize portions, and that’s not a bad thing. $ L D

SALSARITA’S FRESH CANTINA 285 N. Hubbards Ln., 8975323, 12915 Shelbyville Rd., 365-1424. Another entry in the hot “Fresh Mexican” niche that features gigantic burritos made to order. Now with two locations, in St. Matthews and Middletown. $ L D f

ANNIE MAY’S SWEETS CAFÉ 3110 Frankfort Ave., 384-2667. The only gluten and nut-free bakery in the state caters to customers with dietary issues such as celiac disease and allergies. Cookies, brownies, cakes, pies, wedding cakes all made without wheat, dairy, eggs, soy or tree nuts. Arrive early, before the vegan and allergen-free oatmeal cream pie cookies sell out. $

BOOMTOWN CREAMERY 114 E. Main St., New Albany IN, (812) 590-1314. Next door to Boomtown Kitchen (in the space that housed the legendary South Side Inn), this ice-cream shop serves hand-dipped ice cream and large shakes. $ L D

BOUDREAUX’S NEW ORLEANS STYLE SNO-BALLS 11816 Shelbyville Rd., This little family run shop offers the garishly colored shaved ice treat with all sorts of syrup flavors and toppings. $ f

BUTCHERTOWN GROCERY BAKERY 729 E. Main St., 7428315. With its move from a cramped upstairs space on Washington Street to more spacious digs on Main, Butchertown Grocery’s bakery maven Barbara Turner now offers a wide range of pastries, breads, chocolates, cookies, sandwiches, soups and take-home dinners. Good Folks coffee

THE COMFY COW 1301 Herr Ln., 425-4979, 2223 Frankfort Ave., 409-4616, 339 W. Cardinal Blvd., 409-5090, 13301 Shelbyville Rd., 883-4128, 4005 Summit Plaza Dr. (Paddock Shops), 423-4465, 600 Terminal Dr. (Louisville Airport). Now fans of this “new-fashioned” ice-cream parlor can find their favorite flavors popping up all over town. And, you can now find Comfy Cow products in Krogers ice cream section. $ f

CRUMBL COOKIES 12949 Shelbyville Rd., 405-8156, 4110 Summit Plaza Dr., 509-2828. This gourmet cookie chain specializes in fresh-baked cookies with a weekly rotating menu that always includes a warm milk chocolate chip cookie and a chilled sugar cookie. $ B L D f

DAIRY KASTLE 575 Eastern Pkwy., 634-8990. A long-time seasonal favorite that has drawn celebrities (like Denny Crum and Rick Pitino) and is ever popular with Germantown folks craving cones, flurries, milkshakes, sundaes and chili dogs. Seasonal: March-November. $ f

DALAT’S GATEAUX & BAKERY 6915 Southside Dr., 3689280. New co-owners Anthony Pham and his partner Bill Ho (whose parents founded DaLat’s in 1999) renovated the bakery and café earlier this year. The business is named after Da Lat, the largest city of the Central Highlands in Vietnam, where

Ho’s parents were bakers before they immigrated. The café is known for its pastries, banh mi desserts, boba tea, and Vietnamese coffee. $ B L D

DINO’S BAKERY 4162 Bardstown Rd., 493-2396. Dino Ghazawi, whose family owned a bakery in his native Jordan, has renovated space in the Buechel Plaza Shopping Center, installed three ovens for baking pita, French and Italian bread and pies. Many of those are sold wholesale, but retail shoppers can get locally made fresh pita and other Middle Eastern groceries. $ B

DUCK DONUTS 4600 Shelbyville Rd., 614-6657. This coastal North Carolina-based chain offers high concept donuts (S’mores donuts, maple-bacon donuts) and a create your own donut option. Or, try a breakfast sandwich built on a donut, if you dare. $

EHRLER'S ICE CREAM 201 E. Main St., 749-2236. Louisville’s iconic ice cream shop returns after a long hiatus. Good, locally-made ice cream and nostalgia for the ice cream treats of childhood will be the main draws. $ f

GELATO GILBERTO 9434 Norton Commons Blvd., 423-7751. 9434 Norton Commons Blvd., 423-7751, 2240 Frankfort Ave., 422-0908. Justin and Kristin Gilbert so loved the gelato they ate as students in Italy that they returned there after graduating to study gelato making. Their popular Norton Commons store now has a sibling in Clifton. You can get crepes at both stores as well. $

GEORGIA'S SWEET POTATO PIE CO. 1559 Bardstown Rd., 742-2852. If you watched Grace & Frankie, you know how versatile sweet potatoes can be. In addition to several variations on sweet potato pie, ice cream and cookies, you can find sweet potato-infused soy candles, room sprays and wax melts. $ L D

GIGI’S CUPCAKES 1977 S. Hurstbourne Pkwy., 499-4998. This Tennessee-based chain offers a changing selection of high-end cupcakes in designer flavors — Bailey’s Irish cream, apple spice, coconut snowball, and so on. $

GLOW WORM PLAY CAFÉ 962 Barret Ave., 690-4633. Calling itself “the first play café in Louisville,” Glow Worm offers three play sessions per day for children 6 and under, while parents wait, mingle or work in the full-service café. $ B L

GOLD SWEET BAKERY 529 Lyndon Ln., 614-6342. The husband and wife team behind Gold Sweet Bakery, who were bakers in Cuba, immigrated to Louisville in 2017 in hopes of opening an authentic Cuban bakery. Mission accomplished. Expect cakes, pastelitos, flan and rice pudding, plus an assortment of sandwiches as well as Mexican pizza. $ B L D

GOLDEN GATE DONUTS 8605 Smyrna Pkwy., 883-0012. This South End donut shop has garnered copious fans for their always freshly-made donuts and cream-filled Long Johns, French crullers, giant bear claws and apple fritters. Savory breakfast sandwiches too. $ B L

HEITZMAN TRADITIONAL BAKERY & DELI 9426 Shelbyville Rd., 426-7736. The Heitzman family has been baking in the Louisville area since your great-aunt was a girl ordering dinner rolls. Made fresh daily, the pies, cakes, cookies and specialty pastries provide tasty nostalgia for all who visit.

$ B L D

HOMEMADE ICE CREAM & PIE KITCHEN 2525 Bardstown Rd., 459-8184, 3737 Lexington Rd., 893-3303, 3521 Springhurst Commons Dr., 326-8990, 5606 Bardstown Rd., 239-3880, 3113 Blackiston Mill Rd., New Albany IN, 5903580, 4810 Dixie Hwy., 409-6100. $ L D f

HONEY CREME DONUT SHOP 514 Vincennes St., New Albany IN, 945-2150. Off the beaten track, this down-homey bakery in a plain white building offers a wide selection of doughnuts, fritters and Danish that keeps the shop’s fans coming back again and again. $ B

HONEYDEW 135 Breckenridge Ln., 963-5657. The owner of District 6 in, the popular Vietnamese restaurant in St. Mathews, now adds a smoothie bar with healthful, freshpressed juices, smoothies and croffles, something between a croissant and a waffle that is opular in Asia. $ B L

INSOMNIA COOKIES 1913 S. Fourth St., 385-5143, 948 Baxter Ave., 665-0237. This late-night (til 3 a.m.) cookie and ice cream delivery business was so successful with U of L students that the owners opened a second location in the Highlands. You can order ice cream sandwich cookies too; drink choices are milk or chocolate milk, of course. $ L D

JASMIN BAKERY 2201 Steier Ln., 458-0013. This “Europeanstyle” bakery offers an eclectic menu of Eastern Mediterranean fare, such as gyros and baklava, as well as breads. $ B L D f

JEFF'S DONUTS 5420 IN-62, Jeffersonville IN, 283-3636, 6401 Dutchmans Ln., 365-3299, 712 Brent St. (The Village Market), 6405 Bardstown Rd., 384-4451. Jeff concocts 40 variations of donuts. The Texas donut (order in advance) is large enough for several people. Also available are apple and cherry hand pies, cinnamon twists and glazed honey buns. The Jeffersonville location is open 24 hrs. $ B L D

JJ BAKES & CO. 210 W. Liberty (Omni Hotel), 606-226-3566. This counter service and custom order bakery specializes in wedding cakes and spectacular desserts. Owner Jackie Joseph, encouraged by stints at The Brown Hotel and her gig cooking for the 2010 Olympic team, entered — and won — the Food Network’s “Best Baker in America” in 2021.$ B L

KING DONUT 814 Eastern Pkwy., 742-9003. You’ll find a tasty selection of donuts, along with ice cream, breakfast sandwiches and smoothies at this friendly, brightly lit neighborhood favorite on the edge of Germantown. $ B L D

KING DONUTS 608 Lyndon Ln., 890-5293. Donuts, yes, but you can also choose muffins, breakfast sandwiches and sandwiches for lunch. Healthy juices as well as coffee. $ B L D

LA MAISON AUX CREPES 1001 Logan St. (Logan Street Market). Eight kinds of filled crepes, savory and sweet, and two kinds of waffles are available at this addition to the restaurant row at Logan Street Market. $$ B L D p

LA PANA BAKERY 1001 Logan St. (Logan Street Market), 9360307. At this takeaway kiosk you can find traditional Oaxacan sweetbreads or pan dulce: orejitas, a fried dough pastry not unlike elephant ears; concha, a sweet roll and pan de muerto, a sweet bread eaten on the Day of the Dead. Be sure to try the donuts filled with lechesilla custard. $ B L pf

LEANN'S HOME MADE CHEESECAKES 1001 Logan St. (Logan Street Market), 919-597-1625. Whole cheesecakes and cheesecake cupcakes can be found at this new grab-and-go food option at Logan Street Market. $$$ L D p

LEAVEN BAKERY 1515 E. Market St., New Albany IN, 5368823. Zechariah and Kimberly Maxey, veterans of Jack Fry’s and the Brown Hotel, have opened a French bistro/bakery in a 100-year-old New Albany building. In addition to baked goods, the bakery will also serve breakfast and lunch items: eggs Benedict, omelets, mussels with spicy marinara sauce, BLTs with pork belly and other seasonal menu choices. $$ B L f

LOUISVILLE CREAM 632 E. Market St., 882-1516. Owner Daryl Goodner takes milk from grass-fed cows at JD Country Farms and makes it into small batch ice cream vended from his NuLu shop. There is a mix of classic flavors and rotating seasonal creations, including French Vanilla, Bourbon Baklava, Banana Pudding, Pistachio Honeycomb and many others. $ L D f

LUEBERRY ACAI & SUPERFOODS 808 E. Market St., 7420640, 5000 Shelbyville Rd. (St. Matthews Mall). These shops serve açai bowls topped with things like goji berries, banana, chia, strawberries and coconut. Smoothies and other healthful options also available. $$ B L D

MY FAVORITE MUFFIN 9800 Shelbyville Rd., 426-9645. All the muffins are made right in the store, including such popular choices as the Cinnamon Crumb and the Turtle Muffin. $ B

NORD’S BAKERY 2118 S. Preston St., 634-0931. This oldschool, family-owned bakery on the edge of Germantown has a devoted following, drawn by divine Danish, donuts, and great coffee from the nearby Sunergos micro-roastery — and if you’re a sucker for over-the-top excess, try the caramel donut topped with — yes, it’s true — bacon. $ B

NORMA JEAN’S BAKED GOODS 821 E. Broadway, 324-3338. A prolific and seemingly limitless array of cakes, cookies, brownies, chess bars, honey buns, curated at a new shop in Phoenix Hill by Jerrica Tinsley, an alumnus of the Chef Space food business incubator. $ D

NORTH LIME DONUTS 1228 S. Seventh St., 384-2320, 1301 Herr Ln., 963-5734. This Lexington-based bakery offers made-on-premises donuts, certain of them uncommonly flavored (blueberry cheesecake, French toast and pumpkin cream cheese) and coffee in an invitingly renovated 19thcentury factory building on the western edge of Old Louisville. A second location in the ‘burbs (Westport Village) is now open. $ B Lf

PANCHITOS ICE CREAM 8112 Preston Hwy, 554-6222, 2245 Bardstown Rd., 554-4190. Lexington-based Panchito’s now has two outlets in Louisville, offering Mexican ice cream, popsicles (paletas), tacos, quesadillas and other Mexican snacks. The new Highlands outpost is in the former Bánh Mi Hero building. $ L D

PARIS BANH MI & BAKERY 1237 Bardstown Rd., 384-9676. You will find a wide variety of Vietnamese sandwiches here, as well as pastries ranging from croissants to apple turnovers and a long list of cakes, some gluten-free. $$ B L D f

PEARL STREET TREATS 301 Pearl St., Jeffersonville IN. 2888850. An invigorating walk across the Big Four Bridge will bring you down very close to this family-run frozen yogurt shop that also serves soup, chili, cookies, popcorn, and frozen dog treats. Novelty soda flavors in the cooler, but they will refill your water bottle for free. $ L D

PENNY AND PEARL'S BAKESHOP 106 Fairfax Ave., 8906004. This St. Matthews bakery offers 8 to 10 flavors daily of cookies with a crispy edge and a softer middle. Look for weekly specials which include snickerdoodle with brown butter, crème brulée cookies and salted caramel pretzel ‘sammies’. $ B L

PHILLY'S BEST FROZEN DESSERTS 3912 Bardstown Rd., 996-0640, 307 Wallace Ave., 916-2022. This variation on cold summer refreshment serves water ice, a summer staple in the owners’ hometown of Philadelphia. This version of flavored water uses a process that shaves ice until it is finely textured and creamy, to which is added a variety of sweet fruit flavors. $ L D f

PLEHN’S BAKERY 3940 Shelbyville Rd., 896-4438. A neighborhood institution, this bakery is as busy as it is nostalgic. Enjoy the hometown soda fountain with ice cream while you wait for your hand-decorated birthday cake, breakfast rolls or colorful cookies to be boxed. $ B

POLLY FREEZE 5242 IN-62, Georgetown IN, 945-6911. The scenic drive out Highway 62 to this Southern Indiana institution on hot summer nights has been a tradition since 1952. Soft serve ice cream in any variation (cones, sundaes, shakes, floats), a wide range of burgers, dogs, sandwiches and sides. Worth the trip. $ L D f

RAWNAISSANCE DESSERTS 1759 Bardstown Rd., 424-3638. Owner Barbora Shneydman offers “guilt-free” dessert concoctions, a variety of chocolate and fruit truffles, and cakes made with raw vegan ingredients. Everything is free of sugar, grains, soy, dairy and eggs. $ L D

SNOWHAT 3801 Poplar Level Rd., 742-6080. After a hot day at the zoo, stop by this New Orleans-style snoball shop for a cooling cone. Blueberry and strawberry flavors, and for the more adventurous: lavender lemonade, watermelon basil and jalapeño margarita. $ L D

SUGAR AND SPICE DONUT SHOP 5613 Bardstown Rd., 2311411. This Fern Creek bakery has loads of loyal fans, who often buy out their favorite donut by mid-morning. Coffee to go too, of course, and even little half-pints of chocolate milk. $ B

SWEET STUFF BAKERY 323 E. Spring St., New Albany IN, 948-2507. This long-time southern Indiana home-style bakery is noted for baked goods just like your grandmother made. Its specialty: painted sugar cookies, with designs in white chocolate that change with the seasons and holidays. Also custom cookie and cake designs. $ B

SWEET SURRENDER 1804 Frankfort Ave., 899-2008. Sweet Surrender, with Jessica Haskell at the helm, has returned to its original Clifton neighborhood to provide elegant desserts. $$ f

SWEETS BY MORGAN 533 Spring St., Jeffersonville IN. 7250080. Owner Morgan Coomer is dedicated to scratch baking and using real butter in her icings. Expect the usual sweet bakery items like cookies and cupcakes, along with clever specialties. $ B L D

THE PEACH COBBLER FACTORY 805 Blankenbaker Pkwy., 496-4020, 2237 Bardstown Rd., 690-4004. These dessert café makes a dozen or so fruit cobblers served with ice cream. Cinnamon rolls and banana puddings (tricked out with added flavors) are also on the menu. $ L D f

WILLIAM’S BAKERY 1051 N. Clark Blvd., Clarksville IN, 2842867. $ B

ABOL CAFÉ 102 1/2 Cannons Ln., 384-9430. The coffee served in this St. Matthews shop is from Ethiopia, as are many of the dishes on the brunch menu, which includes checheba (Ethiopian flatbread served with scrambled egg or honey) and quanta firfir, a dried beef and tomato stew. $ B Br L f BEAN 1138 Goss Ave., 785-4079. $ B L

BLACKBEARD ESPRESSO 718 W. Main St., 618-0004. Former food truck Blackbeard Espresso now has a Main St. storefront, taking over for Mrs. Potters. Look for coffee, hot and cold teas, milkshakes and smoothies, which the truck’s limited generator couldn’t handle. Baked goods include muffins and scones for those who need a carb lift with their caffeine. $ B L

BREW & SIP COFFEE BAR 3800 Shepherdsville Rd., 6183416, 505 W. Broadway, 589-1020. Here you will find an ambitious menu of exotic coffee drinks, teas and smoothies, and, for an ostensible coffee bar, an unusual food menu: not just pastries, but sandwiches, wings, and soups. $ B L

CAFE COMMONS 10616 Meeting St., 365-1059. What was once the FIX coffee shop is now Café Commons, with new ownership and a fresh mandate to deliver barista-created coffee to residents of the 600-acre Norton Commons mixed use community, including a compact menu of egg, cheese and sausage biscuit sandwiches, grilled cheese, donuts, cookies and macarons. $ B L f

COFFEE CROSSING (1-888-465-6067) 140 E. Main St., New Albany IN, 4212 Charlestown Rd., New Albany IN, 410 Patrol Rd., Jeffersonville IN, 805 Talaina Pl., New Albany IN, 8105 Highway 311, Sellersburg, IN. All five locations please their Southern Indiana clientele with a full roster of coffee drinks, teas, cider and smoothies.$ B L f

CULTIVATOR COFFEE 1415 E. Spring St., New Albany IN. Hot coffees and espresso here are sourced from Louisville’s Sunergos, while rotating guest roasters from across the country will provide pour-overs and iced coffees. $ B L D f

DAD’S COFFEE 2204 Dundee Rd. Located in the former Breadworks location off Dundee Road, Dad’s serves locally roasted Quill’s coffee as well as baked goods sourced from Payne Street Bakehouse and The Pocket Bakery, along with chocolate chip cookies from “mom” (a.k.a., one of the coowners). $ B L f

DAY’S ESPRESSO AND COFFEE BAR 1420 Bardstown Rd., 456-1170. Dark and cozy, with an old-fashioned feeling, Day’s has everything you would expect in a college-neighborhood coffee shop except a college near by. $ f

ENDLESS SUMMER PADDLE & COFFEE COMPANY 1301 Frankfort Ave., 203-1041. Located in the Waterside Apartments, this stand-up paddleboard livery also offers a coffee shop. Fresh juice, smoothies and snacks are available for paddlers, paddleboard students, and landlubbers. $ B L

FANTE'S COFFEE 2501 Grinstead Dr., 454-0543. Owner Leo Fante has been in the coffee business most of his life, and has finally opened his own shop across the road from Cherokee Park. Fante imports his beans from small suppliers around the

world, and roasts on premise. There is also a limited menu of sandwiches, soups and salads, and breakfast pastries. $ B L D pf

FLEUR DE TEA 10704 Meeting St.742-9561. Choose from a selection of tea varieties, pastries and bubble tea at this ubercute Norton Commons tea shop. $ B L D

FRESCO TEA BAR 216 Pearl St., New Albany IN, 725-7691, 223 Pearl St., Jeffersonville IN., 2441 State St.New Albany IN. Bubble tea in many manifestations is the focus here, but stop in for a breakfast bagel or burrito, or cookies or fudge, or a wide selection of “wellness teas.” $ B L

FULL STOP FILLING STATION 1132 E. St. Catherine St., 260-8046. A former Germantown gas station converted to a full-service neighborhood coffee shop and kitchen, specializing in various human fuels: An extensive coffee program; hot food for breakfast, lunch and dinner; package and draft beer (also kombucha on tap); and a small market. $ B L p

FUN TEA 1613 Bardstown Rd., 749-1376. Tea in many variations – pure tea, milk tea, tea lattes, and Taiwanese bubble tea – can be found here, along with slushies, smoothies and bubble puff cake. $ L D f

HARAZ COFFEE HOUSE The first Louisville iteration of this family-owned cafe (another is coming in early 2023 to the Highlands, and there already are four in Michigan) is located downtown in the historic Ohio Theater building, taking its identity from the mountainous Haraz coffee-producing region in Yemen, supplier of the organic beans. $ B D pf

HEINE BROTHERS’ COFFEE (16 locations) Heine Bros. continues their dominance in the local brewing scene. The stores are always friendly and affordable, with good coffee roasted on the premises and a short list of pastries, desserts and panini sandwiches. $ f

HIGHVIEW ICE CREAM & COFFEE 7525 Outer Loop, 6183809. This suburban oasis offers coffee and specialty coffee drinks made from Sunergos beans and serves locally-made Bernoulli Small Batch Ice Cream. $ B L D f

HONEY DEPOT & COFFEE HOUSE 10512 Watterson Tr., 212-6228. This Jeffersontown location of HoneyBear Farms’ evolving retail concept stocks regionally-produced honey, jams and jellies in addition to serving locally-roasted coffee on premise, accompanied by pastries (including cinnamon rolls). $ B L f

JACKDAW COFFEE & BOURBON BAR 120 S Floyd St., 9774590. The Cambria Hotel on Whiskey Row is a property of O’Reilly Hospitality Management, hence billing modern Irish “fusion” branding for its bar and restaurant, as revealed by the use of corned beef in the breakfast burrito, plus Irish bacon, a ploughman’s plate, and Irish soda bread. The cocktail list quite properly eschews Irish uisce beatha for the preferred Kentucky variant. $ B L D p

KOLKIN COFFEE 2736 Charlestown Rd., New Albany IN, 5998410. This family run caffeine dispensary on the north side of New Albany serves coffee from Sunergos roastery in a cheerful, inviting environment. $

LOUISVILLE TEA COMPANY 9305 New LaGrange Rd., 3652516. Teas of all sorts, pastries and cookies make for a perfect morning snack the English call “elevenses.” $ B L

MICKEY’S 624 Vincennes St., New Albany IN. Owner Mickey Ball’s former McQuixote Books and Coffee in Portland lives on as a socially conscious used bookstore and coffee shop in New Albany, with Good Folks Coffee, Elmwood Inn Fine Teas and baked goods from Viking Hat Bakery and Payne Street Bakehouse. $ B L D f

NTABA COFFEE HAUS 2407 Brownsboro Rd., 871-5082., 2860 Packerland Way. It is always fun to see former chain restaurant buildings repurposed. The one-time Pizza Hut in Clifton on Brownsboro Road is now a purveyor of Africansourced coffees and teas. A second location is open off Fern Valley Road near the airport. $ B L

PEARL STREET GAME & COFFEE HOUSE 405 Pearl St., Jeffersonville IN, 648-1663. The name says it all: you can play

your favorite boards games from the extensive library of such while enjoying coffee drinks, fresh fruit smoothies, lavender lattes, and sandwiches. $ B L D f

PLEASE & THANK YOU 800 E. Market St., 553-0113, 2341 Frankfort Ave., 432-8614, 9561 U.S. Hwy 42, 544-9225. This small-batch bakery and coffeehouse offering quiches, panini, cookies, and a hip vibe. $ B L f

PREGAME COFFEE 1737 Frankfort Ave., 645-0324. It’s a coffee shop. No, it’s a sports bar. Well, it is both. Stop in in the morning to talk about sports and order from a selection of coffee drinks, teas and beer and wine as well. Or come back during game time and watch your games in a coffee house environment. $ B L D p f

QUILL’S COFFEE SHOP 930 Baxter Ave., 742-6129, 802 E. Main St., 473-5379, 10501 Watterson Trl. Fans of this local purveyor of excellent coffee and provider of amenable working spaces can find their caffeine fix and wi-fi hotspot at any of the three locations. $ pf

RED HOT ROASTERS 1399 Lexington Rd., 569-0000. Sondra Powell has closed her Butchertown Block sit down store and returned to purveying her excellent house-roasted coffee and refreshing coffee drinks from her drive-thru location in Irish Hill. $ f

SAFAI COFFEE 1707 Bardstown Rd., 384-3555, 1001 Logan St. (Logan Street Market). This casual spot boasts the ambiance of a friendly old-fashioned book shop, with comfortable seating, house-made crepes, and coffee roasted at the Logan Street Market, where there is a second shop. $ B L f

SCOOTER'S COFFEE 4703 Dixie Hwy., 260-8642, 11506 Shelbyville Rd., 690-6349, 9060 Dixie Hwy., 690-4042., 4036 Poplar Level Rd. This Omaha-based chain of drive-through coffee stops has plans to add several more Louisville-area locations to its portfolio of over 300 outlets around the Midwest. Red Bull infusions, too, and pastries and breakfast items. $ B L D

SISTER BEAN’S 5225 New Cut Rd., 364-0082. $ f

STARBUCKS COFFEE (40+ locations) $ f

STARLIGHT COFFEE CO. 3131 Grant Line Rd., New Albany IN, 542-1522, 101 Lafollette Station, Floyds Knobs IN, 9231404, 7613 Old Hwy. 60, Sellersburg IN. 748-7000. For almost twenty years this staple of the Southern Indiana coffee culture has been roasting and serving its custom-blends to happy Hoosiers. Owner Jim Book has recently expanded north to Sellersburg, where he will move the company’s roasting and wholesale operations. $ f

STOMPING GROUNDS COFFEE CO. 10019 Dixie Hwy., 9967473. This friendly, locally-owned coffee shop serves Sunergos roasted coffees in all sorts of popular versions, hot and cold. $ B L D

SUNERGOS COFFEE 2122 S. Preston St., 634-1243, 306 W. Woodlawn Ave., 368-2820, 231 S. Fifth St., 589-3222, 1647 Norris Pl., 919-9676, 3922 Willis Ave. Matthew Huested and Brian Miller used to roast their own coffee beans as a hobby. Their friends said they did it so well, they should turn pro — the result is Sunergos Coffee. $

THE COFFEE BOXX 1512 Portland Ave., 544-5787. This new Portland coffee bar fills the former McQuixote Books and Coffee space and offers all you’d expect: a range of popular coffee drinks, teas and some specialty items such as Vietnamese coffee and caramel cream cold brew. $ B L f

THE COFFEE ZONE 9601 Whipps Mill Rd., 708-1522. North Carolinian transplant Craig Bishop has established a beachhead in Louisville. In addition to some good java, he features bakery items, such as pastries, and assorted sandwiches. $ f

THE OLD LOUISVILLE COFFEE CO-OP 316 W. Ormsby Ave. A unique worker-owned business with an ambitious agenda, including partnerships with Three Keys Coffee (Houston TX), Sis Got Tea and Kizito Cookies; a 24-hour schedule on weekends; the offering of alternatives to the bar scene for people in recovery; and serving as an LGBTQ safe space. $ B L D

HILL –CLIFTON