Olivia Wood & Robert Rhea
Things To Do
For a Quick Bite
Gralehaus – A cozy breakfast spot inside a Victorian house with excellent coffee, breakfast sandwiches, and a beer garden out back. Blue Dog Bakery & Café – Artisan bakery with fresh-baked breads, pastries, and a laid-back breakfast menu. Emmy Squared Pizza (NuLu) – Detroit-style square pizza and one of the best burgers in town. It's in a courtyard with West Sixth Brewery and Gertie’s Whiskey Bar. Ramsi’s Café on the World – Global comfort food with something for everyone, located in the Highlands. Dragon King’s Daughter – Creative sushi and Asian-fusion spot with a great cocktail list. Noche Mexican BBQ – Mexican meets BBQ in a casual, lively atmosphere. Logan Street Market – A fun, indoor market with food stalls, coffee, and local vendors.
Coffee & Sweets
Please & Thank You – Indie coffee shop with the best chocolate chip cookie you’ll ever have. Phalca Coffee – Cozy, local coffee shop that’s perfect for a slow morning. Louisville Cream – Small-batch, handcrafted ice cream with unique flavors and super creamy texture. Butchertown Grocery Bakery – Go-to spot for pastries, cookies, and grab-and-go treats. Nook & Nowhere – Louisville’s first bookstore + café + bar. Sip coffee or a cocktail and browse books.
Bars & Nightlife
Hell or High Water – Speakeasy-style cocktail bar hidden behind a red door. Make a reservation! 8UP Elevated Drinkery & Kitchen – Rooftop bar with great views of downtown. Nouvelle – Wine and cocktail bar with a cool, moody vibe. Meta – Creative, top-notch cocktails. Taj Louisville – Low-key backyard bar in NuLu. Gertie’s Whiskey Bar – Hidden whiskey bar in the NuLu courtyard with one of the best bourbon selections in town. Taste Fine Wines & Bourbons – Tiny shop and bar in NuLu offering unique bourbon tastings and flights. Proof on Main – Great cocktails inside an art gallery/hotel (see Art & Culture section).
Breweries We Recommend
If you're into craft beer, Louisville has a solid brewery scene. Here are some of our favorites: Gravely Brewing Co. Monnik Beer Co. Mile Wide Beer Co. Hi-Wire Brewing Ten20 Craft Brewery West Sixth NuLu Against the Grain Brewery
For the Art Lovers
21c Museum Hotel – Free contemporary art museum inside a boutique hotel. Always something weird and interesting to see. Revelry Gallery – Local art gallery & shop featuring unique pieces from Louisville artists. Churchill Downs & Kentucky Derby Museum – Home of the iconic Kentucky Derby. Even if you’re not into horse racing, the museum is super cool and full of history.
A Walk in the Park
Waterfront Park & Big Four Bridge – Walk across the Ohio River to Indiana and back. Cherokee Park – Gorgeous park designed by Frederick Law Olmsted. Perfect for a walk, run, or picnic.
For a Shopping Day
NuLu District – Trendy area with some of the best food, bars, shopping, and art galleries. You can’t go wrong wandering around here. Bardstown Road / The Highlands – Eclectic neighborhood with great restaurants, bars, vintage shops, and record stores. Frankfort Avenue – Boutique shopping, coffee shops, restaurants, and local charm. St. Matthews – Another fun area with shops, restaurants, and bars. Craft Union Vintage – One of our favorite vintage shops in town — clothes and trinkets. Fleur de Flea Vintage Market – Outdoor vintage market full of antiques, funky finds, and local vendors (open on weekends).