The Best Restaurants in Louisville
By Jenna McMaster
Louisville might be known for its bourbon and horse racing, but if you think that’s all it has to offer, you’re in for a surprise. This city has a food scene that punches way above its weight, and I’ve spent many a night navigating its culinary landscape so you don’t have to. Here’s my top five list of restaurants where you should consider making a reservation — or just show up and hope for the best.
1. Jack Fry's
Ah, Jack Fry’s — the place where old-world charm meets a modern appetite. This isn’t your grandmother’s living room, but it sure feels like it with its dark wood, jazz music, and a vibe that practically begs for a Sazerac. The shrimp and grits here is something that could make you believe in love again. But the real draw? Eavesdropping on the conversations of the city's who's who — if walls could talk, they’d probably ask for a lawyer.
2. The Silver Dollar
Housed in a former fire station, The Silver Dollar takes its whiskey and Southern food seriously. This is where you go when you want to feel like a cowboy without actually having to do any cattle wrangling. The fried chicken is a thing of beauty, but the cornbread with sorghum butter is what will have you asking for the recipe like an out-of-town cousin at Thanksgiving. And if you’re not into bourbon, well, you’re probably in the wrong city, but the craft beer selection here will do you just fine.
3. Proof on Main
Nestled inside the 21c Museum Hotel, Proof on Main is that rare place where you can argue with someone over contemporary art while shoveling bison burger into your face. The menu is a mix of Kentucky staples and more daring fare, like octopus that could start a civil war if pitted against the fried chicken in a popularity contest. Bonus points for the rotating art installations that are thought-provoking after a few cocktails.
4. Seviche, A Latin Restaurant
Chef Anthony Lamas has managed to do the unthinkable: make ceviche a must-have in a city better known for its mutton and hot browns. Seviche is where Latin flavors meet Southern sensibilities — think pan-seared foie gras with a hint of jalapeño. You’ll be so busy drooling over the menu you won’t even mind that they spell "ceviche" with an "s." Here, even the cocktails are in on the fusion, blending bourbon with a twist of Latin flair.
5. Mayan Café
The Mayan Café has the distinction of being one of the few places in Louisville where you can say "I’ll have the lima beans" and mean it. Yes, lima beans. Don’t ask questions, just try them. Chef Bruce Ucán blends traditional Mayan recipes with Kentucky produce, and somehow it just works. The cochinita pibil is the kind of dish that makes you want to quit your job and learn to cook, but then you remember cooking is hard, so you just come back next week instead.
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By Jenna McMaster
When I was a child growing up in rural Kentucky, Louisville was the “big city,” a place full of bright lights and people in a hurry
Now, decades later, I’ve come back to Louisville on my own terms, ready to see the city not just through the eyes of a girl from the country, but as someone who has traveled the world and still believes that small things can mean a lot.