These are the best restaurants in Louisville Ky.

real estate Louisville Kentucky search homes or houses email: theteam@rivervalleygroup.com

Take my advice. These are the best places to eat in Louisville. I grew up here in Louisville and I love to go out to eat and try new restaurants. Below are my reviews of the best restaurants and shopping in Louisville Kentucky.

My favorite restaurant right now is Z's Fusion in downtown Louisville.

If you have other favorites for me to include, call me 502-777-3578 or email me

Louisville Events 2011
These are really fun things to do for the adults in the family and others with the whole family. The events are a big part of what makes Louisville Kentucky the friendly place that it is. Here's a list of upcoming events. Maybe I'll see you there! Tell me about your community's events: theteam@rivervalleygroup.com

Fun things to-do in Winter 2011

1. The Nutcracker - Louisville Ballet Dec 4-19
2. Rain, a tribute to the Beatles at Kentucky Center Dec 2
3. A Christmas Carol at Actors Theater Dec 7-23
4. A Christmas Story (comedy) at Actors Theater through Nov 27
5. LePetomane's A Very Special Holiday Special at the Bards Town through Nov 20
6. Bob Segar in concert at YUM Center Nov 17
7. KaLightoscope at the Galt House Nov 17 through Jan 2
8. Christmas Village with Snow Fairy Castle at the Galt House www.christmasatthegalthouse.com
9. Make blown-glass ornament at Glassworks or Flame Run contemporary art glass studio
10. Holiday Fireworks at the Summit Nov 18
11. Kosair Childrens Snow Ball Gala Nov 19
12. Lights Under Louisville at Louisville Mega Cavern Nov 18-Jan1 www.louisvillemegacavern.com
13. Light Up Lyndon Nov 23 www.cityoflyndon.org
14. Thanksgiving is Nov 24- Volunteer to serve Thanksgiving Dinner at a homeless shelter
15. Light Up Louisville at Jefferson Square Park Nov 25
16. Frankfort Avenue Trolley Hop Nov 25
17. My Old Kentucky Home Candelight Tours Nov 25,26 and Dec 2,3,9,10
18. Makers Mark Distillery Holiday Tours Dec 1-10
19. Light Up Corydon Indiana Nov 26
20. Jingle Walk and Light Up New Albany Indiana Nov 26 www.developna.org
21. Whitehall's 4 course Christmas Dinner Dec 2
22. Kentucky Railway Museum Santa Express Dec 3-18
23. My Old Kentucky Dinner Train Ride with Santa Dec 4,11,18 www.visitbardstown.com
24. Old Louisville Holiday House Tour Dec 3-4
25. Thoroughbred Chorus Holiday Concert Dec 3
26. Louisville Chorus Family Christmas at St. Mary's Catholic Church in New Albany In Dec 3
27. Martinis and Mistletoe party and artist trunk show at Kentucky Museum of Art and Craft Dec 8
28. Victorian Christmas Tea at Whitehall Mansion Dec 10
29. Louisville Chorus Christmas at St Agnes Catholic Church Dec 10
30. Toys, Trees and Traditions at the Frazier History Museum Dec 12
31. Corydon Indiana Winter Wine Walk through downtown Corydon Dec 17
32. Sanders Family Christmas at the Derby Dinner Playhouse through Dec 31
33. Kids New Year’s Eve party at the Free Public Library www.lfpl.org
34. Belle of Louisville/Spirit of Jefferson boat New Year's Eve Dinner Dec 31
35. New Year's Eve at 21C Museum Hotel
36. Dinner Gala and Celebration at the Brown Hotel Dec 31
37. New Year's Eve at the Galt House Hotel Dec 31
38. New Year’s Day 10K walk called “The Hangover Classic”

I know Louisville - and I love this town!!!!

2010 Kentucky Center for the Arts Calendar of Events
Louisville has a thriving arts community and is home to Kentucky’s leading performing arts center offering a variety of shows, ranging from modern dance and classical music to jazz and bluegrass. The Kentucky Center for the Arts also plays host to Louisville Ballet, The Louisville Orchestra, Kentucky Opera, Stage One: Louisville’s Family Theatre and PNC Broadway in Louisville.
Wicked 5/5, 5/6, 5/11, 5/12, 5/13, 5/18, 5/19, 5/20 at 7:30pm, 5/6, 5/8, 5/15, 5/22 at 2pm, 5/7, 5/8, 5/14, 5/15, 5/21, 5/22 at 8pm, 5/9, 5/16, 5/23 at 1pm, 5/9, 5/16, 5/23 at 6:30 pm Whitney Hall
Colin Mochrie & Brad Sherwood 5/7 at 8pm Brown Theatre
Daniel Okrent 5/10 at 6pm Bomhard Theater
The Boy Who Cried Wolf 5/15 at 11am Brown Theatre

Josh Ritter 5/17 at 7:30pm Brown Theatre

One Man Lord of the Rings 5/21, 5/22 at 8pm Bomhard Theater

The Swell Season 5/29 at 7:30pm Brown Theatre
Legally Blonde: The Musical 6/8, 6/9, 6/10 at 7:30pm, 6/11, 6/12 at 8 pm, 6/12 at 2pm, 6/13 at 1 pm, 6/13 at 6:30 pm Whitney Hall

Storytime Live! 6/22, 6/23 at 7pm, 6/23 at 10:30am Whitney Hall
1776 6/25, 6/26, 6/27, 6/29, 6/30, 7/1, 7/2 at 7:30pm, 6/27, 7/3 at 2pm, 7/3 at 6:30 pm Bomhard Theater
Second City Touring Company 6/26 at 8pm Brown Theatre

2010 Kentucky Opera www.kyopera.org

September 2010
9/24/2010 OPENING NIGHT GALA! Cavalleria Rusticana | I Pagliacci 8pm – Brown Theatre
9/26/2010 Cavalleria Rusticana | I Pagliacci 2pm – Brown Theatre
October 2010
10/22/2010 The Elixir of Love 8pm – Brown Theatre
10/24/2010 The Elixir of Love 2pm – Brown Theatre
November 2010

11/19/2010 Madame Butterfly 8pm – Brown Theatre
11/21/2010 Madame Butterfly 2pm – Brown Theatre

Or for more good times, try these places...

Actors Theatre of Louisville - 316 W Main 40202 - PH: 502-584-1205 - www.ActorsTheatre.org
Derby Dinner Playhouse - 525 Marriott Dr, Clarksville IN 47129 - PH: 502-288-8281 - www.DerbyDinner.com
The Frazier International History Museum - 829 W. Main St, Louisville, KY 40202 - Ph: 502-412-2280 - www.FrazierMuseum.org
Kentucky Derby Museum - 700 Central Ave, Louisville, KY 40208 Ph: 502-636-4400 - www.ChurchillDowns.com .
Louisville Science Center - 727 West Main St, Louisville, Kentucky 40202 Ph: 502-561-6100, ext. 6111 - www.LouisvilleScience.org
Muhammad Ali Center - One Muhammad Ali Plaza, 144 N. Sixth St, Louisville, KY 40202 - Ph: 502-584-9254 - www.AliCenter.org
The Palace Theatre - 625 S. Fourth Street, Louisville, KY 40202 - Ph: 502-569-3060 - www.LouisvillePalace.com
Rudyard Kipling - 422 W Oak St, Louisville, KY - 40203 - PH: 502-636-1311 - www.TheRudyardKipling.com
St. James Court Art Show - PH: 502-635-1842 - www.StJamesCourtartShow.com
The Speed Art Museum - 2035 South Third St, Louisville, Kentucky 40208 - Ph: 502-634-2700 - www.SpeedMuseum.org
-Check out the calendar and choose one of many exhibitions to suit your tastes.
Walden Theatre - 1123 Payne St 40204 - PH: 502-589-0084 - www.WaldenTheatre.org

Shopping is best along Bardstown Road for the latest trends. Start at the intersection of Taylorsville Rd and Bardstown and go in and out of stores all the way into town. Don't miss General Eccentric at 1283 Bardstown Road and Clodhoppers at 1561 Bardstown Road; they stay on top of fashion. Don't miss Pataya 955 Baxter Avenue 479-6006 or Fung Shway either. Now there is Luna Boutique next to Avalon at 1310 Bardstown Rd, 454-7620. These are the most likely places to find New York fashion in Kentucky. After Bardstown Road, cruise down to Frankfort Avenue and Lexington Rd, where Blink Boutique is the hottest shops to happen to the everyday work or social event. Blink Boutique, featured in Lucky Magazine, is located at 319 Wallace Avenue 40207 close to St. Matthews and the Highlands upscale clothing stores. Lady Bug in Prospect at US 42 and River Road has "classic trends". Some of my other favorites include Julep at 2420 Lime Kiln Ln, 425-3926, Rodeo Drive at 2212 Holiday manor Center, 425-8999, Rodes at 4938 Brownsboro Rd, 753-7633, Croquis at 1201 Herr Ln, 425-7212, Circe 3630 Brownsboro Rd, 894-0095.

Shopping Malls in Louisville
- Mall St. Matthews - 5000 Shelbyville Rd, Louisville, Kentucky 40207 - Ph: 502-893-0311 - www.MallStMatthews.com
- Oxmoor Center - 7900 Shelbyville Rd, Louisville, Kentucky 40222 - Ph: 502-426-3000 - www.OxmoorCenter.com
- The Summit Louisville - 4300 Summit Plaza Dr, Louisville, KY 40241 - Ph: 502-425-3441 - www.TheSummitOnline.com/louisville/
  - an outdoor mall in Louisville's East End on Brownsboro Rd at the Gene Snyder
- Shopping in St. Matthew's Chenoweth Square
  - Paul's Fruit Market
  - Bailen's Jewelers (handcrafted fine jewelry)
  - Cheddar Box (wonderful food)
  - Fleur de Lis (design shop & giftware)
  - St. Matthews Gallery (fine art)
  - Watermark Gallery & Gifts (whimsical gifts by local, regional, American & Canadian artists, as well as imports)
  - Tradewinds (fine glass works and French country furniture and interior design services)
  - Three Dog Bakery
  - H.J. Redmon Exclusive Footwear
  - Parfumerie
  - Snips Hair Salon
  - Isaacs & Isaacs Antiques
  - Seafood Connection
  - Bedded Bliss (fine linens)
  - Rick's Ferrari Grille
  - Digs at Home in the Garden (Smith & Hawken dealer)
  - Soon to come: Parallel 38, authorized Orvis distributor and Americana Home Interiors.
  - nearby is Heine Brothers coffee shop
  - across the street is Blade's Salon
  - a few doors down is Rebecca's Bridal Shop
  - Next to Rebecca's is Animal Crackers children's clothing store
Movie Theaters
- Baxter Avenue - at Mid City Mall on 1250 Bardstown Rd. Popular movies, foreign films, call for more info 459-2288
- Rave Motion Pictures- 9700 Preston Crossing Blvd., 499-6656
- Rave Motion Pictures- 2754 S. Hurstbourne Pkwy where Taylorsville Rd crosses 499-6656
- Cinemark Tinseltown - in Springhurst, 4400 Towne Center Dr., off I-265 on Westport Rd 326-0088
- Village 8 - in DuPont on Dutchmans Lane off Breckenridge 897-1870
- Movie Show Times from www.Courier-Journal.com
- The Louisville Palace is a beautiful old theatre on Fourth St. Take in one of these classics this summer and then head up to Fourth Street Live to party at The Rock Bar, Felt, Makers Mark Lounge, Red Star Tavern or the Hard Rock Cafe.

Arts

Actors Theatre of Louisville 584-1205 www.actorstheatre.org
Louisville Palace 361-3100 www.broadwayacrossamerica.com or www.louisvillepalace.com
Kentucky Center for the Arts information 562-0122 / box office 584-7777
Louisville Ballet 583-3150
Louisville Orchestra 587-8681
PNC Bank Broadway Series in Louisville 584-7469
Music Theatre Louisville 589-4060

Louisville Best Art Galleries

Art Sanctuary - 1030 E. St. Catherine St., 724-1845
21C Museum Hotel - 700 W. Main St., 217-6400
Cinderblock Gallery - 931 E. Main St., www.cinderblockgallery.com
Mellwood Art & Entertainment Center - 1860 Mellwood Ave., 895-3650
Speed Art Museum - 2035 S. Third St., 634-2700
You can tour many of the art galleries on the First Friday Trolley Hop http://www.galleryhop.org/ I usually start the Trolley Hop at Glassworks. I catch a few tunes at the Jazz Factory downstairs and then start the tour of galleries below:

Actors Theatre Gallery 316 West Main Street 584-1205
The Butcher Block Gallery 931 East Main Street at Wenzel 802-9993
Chapman Friedman Gallery 624 West Main Street 584-7954
Chez Moi Art Gallery at Metro Deli 400 West Market, Suite 160 585-4206
Elaine Claire 712 East Market Street 584-0843 Antiques
Embroiders' Guild of America 426 W. Jefferson Street 589-6956 historic and modern embroidery
E&S Gallery 108 S. 10th Street 568-2005 Featuring African American Art
Flame Run 828 East Market Street 584-5353 Contemporary original glass creations
Galerie Hertz 632 East Market Street, upstairs 584-3547 Contemporary painting, sculpture, photography and clay works
Galerie Sumshee 202 South Preston Street
Gallery 8664 327 East Market Street vision for the future of downtown Louisville
The Gallery at Kentucky Center for the Arts 501 West Main Street 562-0159
Gallery NuLu 632 East Market Street, 2nd Floor 561-1162 Paintings, Sculpture, Video, New Media, Photography
Garner / Furnish Studio 642 East Market Street 594-2039
Glassworks 815 West Market Street 584-4510
Inspirations/Spiritual Art Gallery 415 West Muhammad Ali Blvd. 583-3100
Kentucky Museum of Art and Craft 715 West Main Street 589-0102
Lionheart Gallery 313 South 4th Street in the Hyatt 568-3030
Ming Gallery 1430 Mellwood Avenue 897-7988 Chinese antique furniture, pottery, original contemporary paintings.
Paul Paletti Gallery 713 East Market Street, Suite 100 589-9254 Contemporary photographic artworks
Pyro Gallery 624 W. Main St 587-0106 Works in painting, photography, sculpture
Ray of Light 714 East Market Street 587-3299
Red Tree 701-705 East Market Street 582-2555 An international collection of home accessories and unique gifts.
Swanson Reed Gallery 638 East Market Street 589-5466 Changing exhibitions of contemporary art plus a backyard urban sculpture garden.
Towne House Antiques 612 East Market Street
Unabomber 815 East Market Street #4 Upstairs 595-7222
Wayside Art Gallery 800 East Market Street 584-3711
Zephyr Gallery 610 East market Street 585-5646 Contemporary painting, sculpture and photography & urban sculpture garden

Thinking about living downtown near the art galleries? Visit the lofts of downtown Louisville page HERE
Frankfort Avenue Art Galleries on the Last Friday Trolley Hop below...
Blue Velvet 2044 Frankfort Avenue 895-5525 - retro furniture, artwork, home décor and new fashion
Crescent Hill Gallery 2720 Frankfort Ave., Ste. 2 893-0511 www.crescenthillartgallery.com paintings, hand crafted items
Dunbar-Bryant Art Studio 2003 Frankfort Ave. 905-5966 www.dunbar-art.com
www.catherinebryantart.com Art studio and gallery, award winning oil paintings of Kentucky and Southern Indiana.
Fiori Gallery 2015 Frankfort Ave 893-7211 Fresh flower boutique at the Clifton Lofts
Kaviar Forge & Gallery 1718 Frankfort Ave 561-0377 www.kaviarforge.com
Mellwood Arts & Entertainment Center 1860 Mellwood Ave 895-3650 www.mellwoodartcenter.com Over 150 Artisans at work; shops & restaurants.
Pottery Rowe 2048 Frankfort Ave. 896-0877 www.potteryrowe.com Studio and showroom of potter Melvin Rowe
Sister Dragonfly Gallery 2021 Frankfort Ave 899-7625 Unique arty clothing, jewelry, gifts and folk art
uzoMa studio & gallery 1813 Frankfort Ave 895-9805 creative coaching & expressive art therapy.

Louisville Best Museums
- Speed Art Museum - 2035 S. Third St., 634-2700 - www.SpeedMuseum.org/
- Louisville Science Center - 727 W. Main St., 561-6100 - www.LouisvilleScience.org
- Muhammad Ali Center - 144 N. Sixth St., 584-9245 - www.FrazierMuseum.org

Antique Stores
- Louisville Antique Mall - 834 E. Broadway, 333-6195
- Joe Ley Antiques -615 E. Market St., 583- 4014
- Nussbaum Gallery - 2040 Frankfort Ave., 894-9490
- What is your favorite Antique Store? E-mail theteam@rivervalleygroup.com

Entertainment abounds: from the artsy movies at Baxter Theater to the live music at one of the Bardstown Road and Frankfort Ave and Shelbyville Road venues, the Courier-Journal and the Leo have up to date info on tonight's festivities. Try Molly Malone's or Brendan's Irish Pub for casual, Rivue to dress up a bit, and the new Nios on Baxter is for the hippest individuals. For live music, call Dutch's Tavern. To watch sports, try BW3's (bee-dubs to the locals). Now the place to be is Fourth Street Live where you'll find long lines to get into the newest hottest clubs like the Hotel Nightclub. And the new place for lunch is the Hard Rock Cafe.
Try these places for entertainment: bars, nightclubs, dance clubs, live music:
- Captain's Quarters - The only place for summer Sunday nights 228-1651
- Dutch's Tavern - Local place for bands and good times 895-9004
- Gerstle's Place - Great live music, I mean great music, Line up 899-3609
- Jazz Factory - 815 W. Market St., 992-3242 This is unlike any other club in Louisville. You'll love it.
- Molly Malone's Louisville - Irish music, drinks and food 473-1222
- O'Shea's - Frequent live music. Outside seating is great! 589-7373
- Petrus -"Louisville's only 3 Story Nightclub" Downtown 583-3772
- Phoenix Hill Tavern - 644 Baxter Avenue 589-4957
- Red Star Tavern - on Fourth Street Live
- R Place Pub - East end place to play pool and volleyball; Steelers fan club 425-8516
- Rivue - my new favorite place for martinis. This used to be the Flagship Room at the top of the Galt House - very trendy!
- Saints - In the heart of St. Matthews. Check out the Sky Bar upstairs! 891-8883
- Shenanigans Pub - Everyone in the Highlands knows this name 454-3919
- Stevie Ray's Blues Bar - 230 E. Main St. 582-9945
- The Connection - 130 S. Floyd St., 585-5752 -one of the best dance clubs
- other fun places I like to frequent for the atmosphere, wine and martinis:
  - Napa Valley on DuPont Circle & at the Westport Village - big wine selection (hence the name)
  - Porcini's on Frankfort Avenue - try the pizza
  - Cafe Lou Lou's (LOUisiana and LOUisville mix) on Shelbyville toward downtown
  - Volare on Frankfort Ave - great house merlot and excellent bruschetta appetizer
Pizza in Louisville is a staple, especially in the Highlands I like to go to these pizza parlors to watch my favorite teams play basketball - the Cats, the Cards and the Musketeers (the Xavier University mascot)
- Bearno's Pizza- Very different crust flavor to try 458-8605
- Highlands Pizza Company - Have you tried this one yet? 456-1414
- Impellizzeri's Pizza is back! 1381 Bardstown Rd in the Highlands between Eastern Parkway and Cherokee Parkway - this is the best pizza!
- Louisville Pizza Co. -Delicious! 3910 Ruckriegel Parkway 267-1188
- Lots-A-Pasta - on Lexington Rd in St. Matthews try the Foccacia Bread
- North End Bar - 1722 Frankfort Ave 896-8770
- Tony Boombozz - Easy to find on the corner of Bardstown Road and Eastern Parkway, the pizzas are big and flavorful. 458-888
- Vito's Pizzeria - Katherine Pulzone, my Italian food reviewer recommends the Canoli and the pizza. She rates it as the most authentic in Louisville.
- Wick's Pizza - Always a crowd pleaser, the atmosphere is great to eat it there or take it home. Live music, bar and pizza. 458-1828. Beyond the Highlands, try Wicks on Westport 2927 Goose Creek Rd 327-9425, Middletown Wicks Pizza 12717 Shelbyville Rd 213-9425. I recommend the Bar-b-que chicken pizza.
- Za's Pizza Pub -1573 Bardstown Road -454-4544 - also open for lunch
Where to take the kids for supper? These are my favorite family-friendly environments in Louisville, KY
- Kingfish 3021 Upper River Road, 1610 Kentucky Mills Drive, or 601 West Riverside Drive
  Jeffersonville, IN
- Buca Di Beppo - 2051 S. Hurstbourne, 493-2426
- Mark's Feed Store 10316 Dixie Hwy, 1514 Bardstown Road, or 11422 Shelbyville Road
- Joe's Crab Shack 131 River Rd, 568-1171
- Beef O'Brady's - All over town. Click here for locations.
- Old Spaghetti Factory -235 W Market St, 581-1070
- Wick's Pizza 2927 Goose Creek Rd, 327-9425 or 12717 Shelbyville Road, 213-9425
- Eva Mae's Creekside Restaurant 6313 River Road, Harrods Creek. -- 6-9 p.m. 228-2882
- Cunningham's Creekside 6301 Upper River Road.
- Louisville Pizza Co. 3910 Ruckriegel Pkwy, 267-1188
- Brandon's BBQ 9246 Westport Rd, 426-6666
- Carrabbas 617 S Hurstbourne Pkwy, 412-2218
- Maccaroni Grill 401 S Hurstbourne Pkwy, 423-9220
- Cracker Barrel 2701 Crittenden Dr., 636-2263, 10150 Brookridge Village Blvd., 231-4663 or1401 Kentucky Mills Dr, 266-8895
- Waffle House Click link for various locations
- Bob Evans Click link for various locations
- Pizza Hut
- Gatti-Land
- Chuck E. Cheese 2030 S Hurstbourne Pkwy, Louisville, 40220 - (502) 493-0261
- Olive Garden 1320 S Hurstbourne Pkwy, 339-7190 (2 doors down from Keller Williams Realty Louisville East)
- Fazoli's 337 Whittington Parkway, Louisville, KY 40222 - (502) 423-1777
Louisville's finest restaurants
- Asiatique - 1767 Bardstown Rd, 451-2749
- Avalon - 1314 Bardstown Rd, 454-5336 - awesome atmosphere
- Captain's Quarters - 5702 Captain's Quarter's Rd, 228-5447 - right on the river!
- CheeseCake Factory--Connected to Mall St. Matthews, over fifty types of cheesecakes, and 200 or more items on the menu! 893-3933. The menu is huge, but my favorite items on it is the lettuce wraps
- Del Friscos- Great place to suit all appetites. St. Matthews 897-7077 Good steakhouse in St Matthews are of Louisville
- El Mundo -2345 Frankfort Ave, 899-9930
- Equus in St. Matthews - 122 Sears Avenue 897-9721 Try the chef's selection. The food is incredible. If you are looking for a romantic restaurant in Louisville, you can't beat the atmosphere at Eqqus. And the service is some of the best in Louisville
- Ferd Grisanti Restaurant- Amazing Italian. Jeffersontown 267-0050 I think this is the best Italian food in Louisville
- J Harrods - In Prospect on River Road 228-4555
- Jack Fry's - where Bardstown Rd meets Baxter Ave 452-9244 In the middle of everything in the Highlands
- Jeff Rubys - best place for steak in Louisville 584-0102 at the corner of Main and 4th St. I'm a big fan of the Ahi Tuna and NY Strip
- Jefferson Club - On top of the PNC building on Jefferson 584-1177 Ultra classy establishment
- Joe's Crab Shack - 131 River Road, 568-1171 My favorite dish is the barbecue crab
- Le Relais - click HERE for my personal review of this wonderful French restaurant 451-9092
- Limestone - click HERE for my review - you absolutely will love the atmosphere and dining experience
- Mojitos Tapas is owned by the same talented restaurateurs that run Havana Rumba in St Matthews, the cuban restaurant. Mojitos has very different food than any other restaurant near it in Prospect. Everytime I've been there tables are full from wall to wall. Go before or after the dinner rush to avoid a wait. Located in Holiday Manor between US 42 and US 22 near the Watterson Expwy exit - a very convenient location to anyone in Prospect or Oldham County
- Mortons Steakhouse Louisville - 584-0421 at 626 W Main Street
- Napa River Grill - located in Dupont 893-0141 Great wine selection
- North End Cafe - 1722 Frankfort Ave, 896-8770 Good place to go for lunch too.
- Pat's Steak House - 2437 Brownsboro Rd, Louisville, KY 40206 Ph: 502-893-2062 - www.PatsSteakHouseLouisville.com
- Pendennis Club - Downtown on West Muhammad Ali Blvd 584-4311
- Porcini's - on Frankfort Ave 894-8686
- Proof on Main -700 Main St, 217-6360 Try the buffalo burger
- Ramsi's Cafe on the World -1293 Bardstown Rd, 451-0700
- Rivue at the Galt House, the old Flagship Room, call 568-4239 for reservations Everything on the menu I've tried is fabulous. You can't go wrong here, and the view is amazing. Try to go at sunset. Part of the restaurant is on a revolving floor, giving a great view of the downtown Louisville skyline and the River
- Ruth's Chris Steakhouse - Fabulous steaks, wines, seafood 479-0026
- Seviche -1583 Bardstown Rd 473-8560
- The Oakroom - 500 S. Fourth St at Seelbach Hilton, 585-3200
- Uptown Cafe- Bardstown Rd near Douglass Blvd 458-4212
- Vincenzo's - Absolute best in Italian food. Downtown 580-1350
- Zen Garden on Frankfort - best vegetarian restaurant in Louisville. Try the mock duck.
- Louisville has great independently owned restaurants. I love to support our local businesses. Click here for a list of unique and independent Louisville restaurants.
MY FAVORITE LUNCH SPOTS IN the Highlands, Crescent Hill, St. Matthews and Prospect
- HIGHLANDS Sweet and Savory Cafe in the Highlands on Bardstown Rd
- HIGHLANDS Butterfly Garden in the Highlands - the most beautiful place to enjoy spring outside for lunch
- HIGHLANDS Winstons at Sullivan College - fabulous everything
- CRESCENT HILL Zen Garden in Crescent Hill on Frankfort Ave
- CRESCENT HILL The Irish Rover on Frankfort Ave
- CRESCENT HILL Caffe Classico on Frankfort Ave by the tracks - get a salad. They are really fresh.
- PROSPECT Austins in Prospect - I believe it is every Louisvillian's obligation to eat a Hot Brown once a year
- PROSPECT Captain's Quarters - my hands down favorite for hot summer days. Best dish: the chicken salad boat
- PROSPECT Eva Mae's Creekside in Prospect - Ph: 228-2882
- ST MATTHEWS Cafe Lou Lou at 106 Sears Ave
- HIGHLANDS, PROSPECT The Bristol - I feel obligated to put that on as a Louisville resident
- and .... as much as it pains me to put a chain on the list.... Panera Bread on Hurstbourne, at Springhurst and Oxmoor Mall

Check out Louisville's BEST ethnic and specialty restaurants:

Chinese

Indian

Japanese and Sushi

Mexican

Middle Eastern/Greek

Breakfast & Brunch

Vegetarian Menu

Thai

August Moon

2269 Lexington Rd.

456-6569

Kashmir

1285 Bardstown Rd.

473-8765

Maido

1758 Frankfort Ave.

894-8775

El Nopal

(various locations)

Grape Leaf

2217 Frankfort Ave.

897-1174

Lynn's Paradise Cafe

984 Barret Ave.

583-3447

Benedict's Garden Cafe

1519 Baxter Ave.

479-7777

Thai Siam

3002 Bardstown Rd.

458-6871

P.F. Chang's

9120 Shelbyville Rd.

327-7707

Shalimar

1820 S. Hurstbourne Pkwy.

493-8899

Sapporo Japanese Grill & Sushi

1706 Bardstown Rd.

479-5550

Ernesto's

(various locations)

Pita Delights

1616 Grinstead Dr.

569-1122

Cafe 360

1582 Bardstown Rd.

473-8694

Shogun

9026 Taylorsville Rd.

499-5700

Los Aztecas

(various)

Shiraz

2018 Brownsboro Rd

891-8854

Looking for the most luxurious places to stay?

Louisville Hotels known for excellent service and atmosphere
- The Brown - Yes, this is where the Hot Brown dish originated 583-1234
- Executive Inn and Executive West- These two hotels also have wonderful food and a great location near the airport. Inn 367-6161 West 367-2251
- Galt House - On the Ohio River near the Belvedere 589-5200
- Hilton Seelbach - Patrons-who-know dine at the Oakroom 585-3200
- Hyatt - Located downtown close to the Derby events 587-3434
- Ramada Riverside - Beautiful view of the Louisville skyline 284-6711
- 21C Museum Hotel - 700 W. Main St., 217-6400

Volunteer Opportunities

Wayside Christian Mission - 808 e. Market St., 584-3482
Kentucky Humane Society (various)
Add your volunteer opportunity by e-mailing theteam@rivervalleygroup.com

To those just visiting for the weekend:

What to do while you are in L'vul? Louisville is a fun town. You’ll have fun hanging out in the Highlands on Baxter Ave, and in St Matthews on Frankfort Avenue.

Check out the shops Pataya and General Eccentric on Baxter Avenue. Also try shopping at Blink Boutique in St Matthews where Lexington Rd and Frankfort Ave come together in the Pavilion Shops.

The best jewelry place in town is Seng Jewelers at Fourth Street and Muhammad Ali Blvd. Ask for Barb Eckert. The nearest Tiffany’s is in Cincinnati, about 2 hours northeast of Louisville.

You do not need to dress up when shopping. Louisville is a very relaxed, laid back place.

For dinner with your boyfriend, well, Ruth’s Chris is good… for a chain restaurant. But for the best steak in town with romantic ambiance, try Bucks, a tiny restaurant you wouldn’t even know was there, at the corner of 5th and Ormsby downtown. Or for something really special and different, try Le Roulais French restaurant at Bowman Field small airport.

Somewhere nice to grab drinks and listen to a piano: Jeff Rubys at the corner of 4th and Main, connected to the Galt House hotel, if you happen to be staying there. It’s a fun, upscale atmosphere and I think you’ll really enjoy it.

Keep checking weather.com for the forecast. Type in zip code 40202. It is absolutely impossible to know what the weather will be. A few days ago it was sunny and 70 degrees. Yesterday it was 40 degrees and cloudy. Today it’s sunny again and a little warmer.

Going to a Churchill Downs cocktail party? You can’t go wrong with a little black dress. Churchill Downs has the reputation of derby fashion, however, and therefore bright colors are never inappropriate at the Downs. I went to a day-party there last year in November, and wore green with a big black hat. Night parties at the downs do not require hats. If you go to a day-party there, you must get a wide brimmed hat to keep the sun off your face… and just because it’s the only place to wear a big brimmed hat and look classy not weird. But for a night-party, no hat. Knee length or tea length cocktail dress is appropriate in any color.

You are going to have so much fun!!!

Let me know what you end up doing. I’d love to hear your reviews of these places.

Heidi

Heidi's favorite finds:

Corbett's Fine Dining - 5050 Norton Healthcare Blvd, Louisville, KY 40241 Ph: 502-327-5058 - www.corbettsrestaurant.com

I was most impressed by the atmosphere and the service. I felt like I was dining at the home of a good friend. The food and drinks were top notch, and I am looking forward to coming back soon.

Limestone Restaurant Kentucky food - upscale southern favorites

I just found my new favorite restaurant in Louisville. Limestone is elegant and classy yet warm and inviting. It is southern cooking yet not greasy and not cliche. Menu items have very interesting, delicious, unique flavors ranging from lobster fumé to braised beef short ribs. Vegetarians will be pleased with the salads, soups and specials. On Mondays, all grilled items are half price. On Thursdays, bottles of wine are half price.

10001 Forest Green Bvd. near Hurstbourne Pkwy and Dorsey Lane 426-7477
Review the menu before you go at www.limestonerestaurant.com

Hours of Operation
Lunch Hours: Monday-Friday, 11:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Weekday Hours: Monday-Thursday, 5:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m.
Weekend Hours: Friday & Saturday, 5:00 p.m. - 10:30 p.m.
Sunday, 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. Southern Sunday Brunch!

Erika's and the Gasthaus German restaurants (it's a tie)

I'm surprised German people don't fly over here for dinner at Erika's new restaurant on Hurstbourne Pkwy at I-64. It tastes better than my German Grandmother's home cooked meals - and that's really saying something. Jaegerschnitzel and sausages never disappoint, and the potato dumpling kartopfelknudeln are a true pleasure. Erika is open for dinner only. 499-8822 BUT for a more authentic Deutsche atmosphere, try the Gasthaus on Brownsboro Road at I-264. Call ahead first since they have true European hours of operation. 502-899-7177

Le Relais Favorite French Restaurant at Bowman Field Airport Hangar

An atmosphere for any occasion, this restaurant has the warmth of a Parisian cafè, with the elegance of Louisville's finest restaurants. This ambiance makes it great for a quiet, mid-week gathering with clients, girlfriends and neighbors while maintaining the superior level of service and cuisine normally reserved for special occasions and Saturday night full course dinners. The crab cakes and crème brulèe won the coveted Best of Louisville award and the wine and cheese selection is fabulous. I recommend both the salmon appetizer and entree. I will be returning for the jazz nights Wednesdays and Sundays- and for the chocolate mousse. This is my favorite place to go for cheese and wine and conversation.

Call for reservations 451.9020. Closed Mondays.

Buck's Favorite Steak Restaurant at 5th and Ormsby

The steak here is the only place I go and don't even look at the other items on the menu. Try the New York strip. Small, quiet and romantic, you can go to chains and get the chain-steakhouse-vibe anywhere. But the ambiance and the service here are uniquely Louisville. It's in the old Mayflower Hotel in Old Louisville near Central Park.

Jeff Ruby's Favorite Martini and Piano Bar

Fun crowd, good wait staff - fabulous martinis. At the corner of 4th and Main Street, connected to the Galt House. The walls are colorful and decked out in a 1920's fun spirit. The ahi tuna dish is fabulous.

The Corner Cafe in Lyndon favorite "please everybody" RESTAURANT: 9307 New Lagrange Road

A great spot in the Lyndon Area tucked away in a shopping center called The Corner Cafe. The desserts are fantastic also, made by Desserts By Helen. Try the Chocolate Truffle Cake and the Key Lime Pie. All of the subs, pizza, pastas and salads at our table were delightful. 426-8119

Eva Mae's Creekside on Lower River Road Favorite Place to Casually Relax by the Water

A wonderful place to sit on the back porch and have a delicious fish sandwich while watching the water. 228-2882

READERS REVIEWS:

"Heidi, I think Tijuana Flats in Prospect is great for a first date. The restaurant has a fun, casual atmosphere. They play good music. The food is great and there is a hot sauce bar to make your burritos as spicy as you like it." - Sarah P, Louisville

"Hi Heidi, I think your readers should try The Grapeleaf in Crescent Hill. It has Mediterranean cuisine that you can't find anywhere else. It's definitely somewhere I would take a business lunch or a friend for dinner." - Holly T., Hurstbourne Area

"Captains Quarters is the only place to go on summer Sunday afternoons for a great view of the River and a fun atmosphere with good food. I like the Bar B Que pizza and fish sandwich" - Teddy A., Audubon Park

"Anybody who is moving to Louisville has to eat the Frickled Pickles at Ginny's Diner on Frankfort Avenue. It's practically a right of passage." - Kent A., Louisville East End

"The Douglass Loop intersection in the Highlands has everything you need: Heine Brothers coffee, Graeters Ice Cream and Fat Jimmy's Pizza. Why go anywhere else?" Kevin S., Highlands

"Basa is always good." Chris B.

"One of my favorite places is Another Place Sandwich Shop, at 119 South Seventh St between Main and Market." Jesse B.

"My favorite place is Clifton's Pizza 2230 Frankfort Ave 893-3730" - suggested by Steve

Louisville's best restaurants reviews:
- Write your own review and submit it to Heidi. Remember, we only want to send people to places
  we've had good experiences.
  email: theteam@rivervalleygroup.com

If you are going to the Kentucky Derby or any of the hundreds of Derby parties around the town,
brush up on the following:

"MY OLD KENTUCKY HOME"
By Stephen Foster

The sun shines bright in the old Kentucky home,
Tis summer, the people are gay;
The corn-top's ripe and the meadow's in the bloom
While the birds make music all the day.

The young folks roll on the little cabin floor
All merry, all happy and bright;
By'n by hard times comes a knocking at the door
Then my old Kentucky home, Good-night!

Weep no more my lady. Oh! Weep no more today!
We will sing one song for my old Kentucky home
For the old Kentucky home, far away.

I know Louisville - and I love this town!!!!

Is it too early to start talking about Kentucky Derby 2012? Not a bit.

Here is my Derby hat from last year. I found it online. There are some great hat shops in Louisville. Most of them are in St. Matthews, on Hurstbourne, or at the Summit shopping mall.

If you have not been to Derby, you must go this year. It is the most fun, decked out, dressed up, loud, excited, fast paced event you'll ever attend.

Derby is always the first Saturday of May.

The Derby festivities, like Thunder Over Louisville 2010, begin 2 weeks before the Derby. Thunder is also on a Saturday. Thunder Over Louisville is an air show during the day and fireworks at night.

Hotels and restaurants fill up FAST during Derby Week. So call now for next year's dates. Here's what we went to last year:

4/15 They're Off! Luncheon

4/16 Thunder Over Louisville

4/22 Night of Future Stars

4/23 Derby Festival Basketball Classic

4/28 Chow-Wagon at Waterfront Park, Fest-a-Ville presented by Kroger

5/3 Wine Fest

5/4 Great Steamboat Race, Battle of the Bounce

5/5 Republic Bank Pegasus Parade

5/6 Derby Eve Jam Presented by Kentucky Proud, Annual Running of the Oaks

5/7 The Kentucky Derby!

Events from Fall 2010: Be sure to check back when Fall 2011 rolls around...

October 8-30 The World's Largest Halloween Party at the Louisville Zoo, www.louisvillezoo.com

October 8 2010 Garvin Gate Blues Festival-Tribute to George Unseld, www.garvingatebluesfestival.com

October 9 Foxhollow Farm Fall Festival, www.foxhollow.com

October 9 Fall Fest at Sawyer Park

October 15 Howl at the Moon Dog Hike- Jefferson Memorial Forest, www.louisvilleky.gov/metroparks

October 26- 28 Old Louisville Ghost Walk, Old Louisville

October 29 FAT Friday Halloween Trolley Hop

October 30 Belle of Louisville Boo! Cruise

November 5-7 Churchill Downs hosts the 2010 Breeder's Cup, www.breederscup.com

November 12 Festival of Trees and Lights at Louisville Slugger Field

November 13 Bullit Central Winter Craft show, Buillit Central High School

November 25 Fast Freddie's Festive Five Mile Foot Feast, New Albany Indiana

Please do not copy my words or pictures.

This website is protected by copyright laws. I do have a copyright attorney. Besides, it took me a long time to eat at this many restaurants and write about it :)

real estate Louisville Kentucky search homes or houses email: theteam@rivervalleygroup.com

Movie Theaters

Try these places for entertainment: bars, nightclubs, dance clubs, live music:

Pizza in Louisville is a staple, especially in the Highlands I like to go to these pizza parlors to watch my favorite teams play basketball - the Cats, the Cards and the Musketeers (the Xavier University mascot)

Where to take the kids for supper? These are my favorite family-friendly environments in Louisville, KY

Louisville's finest restaurants