We’re back this month with another round of new Louisville restaurants for your rotation! The local food scene recently welcomed a globally-inspired concept, an extension of a local favorite brunch spot, and a new fine dining spot with an attached speakeasy-style cocktail bar — PLUS two new menus at already-established eateries.
äta restaurant
Neighborhood: Windy Hills
More info: ata-restaurant.com
After Louisville legend Anoosh Shariat retired this past April, David Danielson — formerly of Log Still Distillery, Levy Restaurants, and more — took over the Brownsboro Road space and opened äta restaurant. A nod to Danielson’s heritage, the word äta means “to eat” in Swedish. Global flavors inspire its menu, which focuses on seasonality and is designed to be more approachable than the space’s previous iteration.
Offerings include everything from a pork chop with a port wine demi-glace, peach basil chutney, potato hash, and broccolini to a coconut curry tofu with onions, carrots, golden raisins, cashews, and forbidden rice. Guests can also expect to find a unique cocktail program, as well as a large selection of wines by the glass from Argentina, Austria, Italy, and more.
est. 1927 by Marigold
Neighborhood: University
More info: Instagram
Brunch favorite The House of Marigold has expanded its reach to the University area by way of the Speed Art Museum. Dubbed est. 1927 by Marigold, the new concept just opened in the spot formerly occupied by Wiltshire Pantry. The cafe seats about 50 guests and offers counter-service dining.
Its menu features lots of the same seasonal comfort foods that The House of Marigold fans have come to know and love, like the Southern Chicken Salad Croissant Sandwich and honey cornbread. You can also build-your-own deviled eggs, which come with a variety of on-the-side toppings, including bacon, green onions, and cheddar cheese, to name a few. Est. 1927 by Marigold also features a full coffee program with picks from local spots Quills Coffee and Sis Got Tea.
Monk’s Road Boiler House
Neighborhood: Downtown
More info: Instagram
Gethsemane, Kentucky’s Log Still Distillery, has made its way to downtown Louisville via Monk’s Road Boiler House, a high-end restaurant and tasting room. The West Main Street spot covers two floors, with fine dining upstairs and a speakeasy-style bar below. Its chophouse menu features hearty American classics with New York-Italian influences, courtesy of New York native Chef Ciro Matteo Pirozzi. Options include a variety of steaks, pasta, and seafood.
Of course, the drink menu is full of Monk’s Road bourbons and gins. The spot is also the only place guests can find the 120-proof Monk’s Road Rye bourbon.
Wild Eggs
Neighborhood: See all KY locations HERE
More info: wildeggs.com
A new breakfast, brunch, and lunch menu has hatched at over 15 Wild Eggs locations across Kentucky, Indiana, and Ohio. New food options include the Bloody Mary Grilled Cheese, Batman and Reuben, Breakfast Lasagna, Blueberry Tall Cakes, Bacon City Omelet, Cuban, and Deviled Egg Salad. There’s also the Baked Apple — a new shareable breakfast item — and a peach mimosa on the drink menu.
A few old fan favorites have also returned to the regular menu. These include crêpes, the Loco Hash, and 100% maple syrup. Guests can also expect to find fresh-squeezed orange juice.
The Silver Dollar
Neighborhood: Clifton
More info: whiskeybythedrink.com
The iconic Silver Dollar has a new owner and refreshed offerings. Brian Downing — who has an extensive background in bars and distilling — is serving a revamped menu that still showcases southwestern flare but explores modern culinary trends. New dishes include birria tacos, a housemade black bean burger, and an heirloom tomato sandwich.
The space has also been renovated. An expansive bar and intimate booths crafted with reclaimed wood from the Stitzel-Weller distillery now line the dining room. On the patio, guests can find a variety of vintage furnishings, refinished tables, vibrant artwork, and colorful lighting.
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Published July 2024
Written by Lennie Omalza
These four Louisville restaurants recently opened their doors, adding even more options to our nationally recognized, culinary-driven city. From steak and seafood to TWO new pizza joints, you’ll want to add these eateries to your must-try list.
We’ve also included two already-established spots that are offering up new menus!
High Stakes Grill
Neighborhood: Phoenix Hill
More Info: highstakesgrill.com
Louisville’s newest hotel is bringing another rooftop dining option to Derby City: High Stakes Grill on the sixth floor of the Tempo by Hilton Louisville Downtown NuLu officially opened on July 18. It offers indoor dining as well as outdoor seating with views of the NuLu neighborhood and the city skyline.
The menu features everything from charred watermelon salad and corn riblets to bourbon peppercorn-crusted New York strip steak and honey-glazed salmon. Fun cocktails like the Brown Butter Old-Fashioned and the bacon fat-washed Paper Plane are also available.
We suggest starting with the Baked Potato Roll for the table and trying the Push Pull, made with coconut milk, cold brew, and macadamia milk. It’s a refreshing, non-alcoholic take on the ever-popular espresso martini.
Moonsong Bar + Café
Neighborhood: Phoenix Hill
More Info: hilton.com
Located on the ground floor of the new Tempo by Hilton Louisville Downtown NuLu, Moonsong Bar + Café serves sweet and savory treats morning and night. A partnership between Hilton and Australian-inspired coffee brand Bluestone Lane, the cozy space serves coffee drinks, avocado toast, açai bowls, breakfast burritos, and more from 6 a.m. to 11 a.m. each morning.
Then, from 3 p.m. to 10 p.m., the café transforms into a bar serving various spirited and spirit-free cocktails, as well as bites like blackened salmon tacos, a fried chicken sandwich, and an Impossible burger. Guests can receive 15% off their order every Monday by mentioning #MoonsongMonday.
New York Pizza Company
Neighborhood: Clifton
More Info: facebook.com
Frankfort Avenue’s newest eatery promises the authentic taste, quality, and style of true New York pizza. Located in the space formerly occupied by The Smokery, New York Pizza Company offers whole pies and by-the-slice options made with fresh dough that’s made in-house every day. Guests can build their own 18-inch large pie or 20-inch extra large pizza with their choice of 15 toppings.
There are also six specialty pies, including the Hot Honey (made with chili-infused honey), the Quattro Formaggio (parmesan, romano, mozzarella, and provolone), and the Meat Pie, which is loaded with Italian sausage, premium pepperoni, freshly sliced ham, and house-made bacon. And don’t forget about dessert! There’s creamy New York cheesecake or Italian ricotta cheesecake. Both are served with strawberry and chocolate sauces.
Wheated
Neighborhood: Bonnycastle
More Info: facebook.com
Brooklyn-based pizzeria Wheated has made its way to Bardstown Road. The restaurant opened its doors on June 27 in the space formerly occupied by Home Skate Shop. Guests can dine indoors or outdoors, choosing from a menu that boasts 11 options for 16-inch pies, which can be modified with additional toppings, including vegan sausage and cheese.
Choices include the meat-loaded Supreme (pepperoni, sausage, onions, and more) and the vegetarian East Williamsburg, which boasts crimini mushrooms, fresh and aged mozzarella, olive oil, and truffle salt. Wheated also offers a fun cocktail menu, with everything from the bourbon-based Horse’s Neck to an espresso martini with white cacao Carajillo whip.
SAME SPOTS, NEW OFFERINGS
Barn8 Restaurant & Bourbon Bar
Area: Goshen
More Info: hermitagefarm.com
Executive Chef Seth Kinder and the Barn8 Restaurant & Bourbon Bar team recently rolled out a new summer menu.
Hermitage Farm’s eatery, known for seasonal selections created from produce grown onsite as well as other locally sourced and farm-raised products, is now serving four new summer additions. These include Salmon Crudo (citrus-cured Chilean salmon with cucumber dressing, onion, cucumber, jalapeño, and habañero) and Tempura Fried Summer Vegetables (local seasonal vegetables with hot honey and black garlic mayo). You can also get BBQ Duck Leg, made with cold-smoked Groce Family Farm duck and BBQ glaze and served with succotash, or halibut served with squid ink black lentils, tarragon, coconut-orange beurre blanc, and citrus zest.
Paseo
Neighborhood: Original Highlands
More Info: paseolouisville.com
The Myriad Hotel’s onsite restaurant, Paseo, is celebrating summer with fresh seasonal ingredients from local producers. Executive chef Jeremy Frederiksen and his culinary team have introduced four new offerings, perfect for patio dining.
These include Summer Green Salad (with chickpeas, carrots, charred cucumber, dill yogurt, rye, and croutons), Arancini Milanesa (braised pork shoulder with lemon, garlic, and grana padano), Steak Frites made (grilled prime strip, grilled turnip, and harissa vinaigrette), and Mushroom Mujaddara (made with garlic greens, Frondosa mushrooms, currants, apricots, and almonds).
Still hungry? Keep scrolling for even more recent restaurant openings!
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Published June 2024
Written by Lennie Omalza
From cocktails and sweet treats to fully loaded sandwiches and savory dishes from renowned chefs, the Louisville food scene welcomed several new eateries this past month — along with two new menus at longtime local favorites. Add these seven spots to your must-try list!
Baked AF
Neighborhood: Germantown
More Info: Facebook
First, there was Pizza AF. Then came Breakfast AF. As of May 2024, the owners of the two Germantown eateries have made a sweet addition to the business: Baked AF, which offers cakes, cupcakes, cookies, and brownies. There are even made-to-order doughnuts available with a variety of toppings.
The shop, which boasts fun indoor and outdoor seating options, also offers homemade ice cream. Choose from chocolate, vanilla, strawberry, and three rotating seasonal flavors served as scoops or in sundaes, floats, and milkshakes.
Boone’s Deli
Area: Jeffersontown
More Info: boonesdeli.com
Boone’s Deli opened on June 17, next to 3rd Turn Brewing in Jeffersontown’s Gaslight Square. J-Town’s newest spot invites guests to grab a brew from next door and then pop in for lunch or dinner. The brand-new eatery serves handmade cold and hot sandwiches, served with freshly sliced deli meats and cheese, plus soups and sides with housemade sauce and dressing.
Churro sticks and baked-to-order pretzel nuggets are also available. Don’t miss the selection of loaded mac and cheese available every day starting at 4 p.m. and weekly specials posted on social media every Monday morning.
Chef Shaq Kitchen
Neighborhood: Russell
More Info: chefshaqkitchen.com
The second location of Chef Shaq Kitchen — which has no connection to NBA great Shaquille O’Neal — opened on West Market Street in May. Guests can expect to find the same offerings at both the new and original restaurant, which opened just last year. Favorites include chicken sandwiches (served with bacon, lettuce, and pickles, or Nashville-hot style), chicken wings, and codfish, shrimp, or chicken tender meals.
The menu also features a few salads, a couple of vegan options, and kids’ meals. In true Southern style, drink offerings include lemonade and unsweet tea.
Food Lab
Area: Jeffersonville
More Info: Facebook
New Korean restaurant Food Lab recently celebrated its grand opening. Located just across the bridge, the Jeffersonville spot offers a menu that boasts everything from rice and poke bowls to ramen and smoothies with boba. There are also a handful of ‘quick bites,’ including Korean corn dogs, mandu (deep-fried Korean dumplings), karaage chicken (deep-fried boneless chicken breast served with house sauce), kimbap (Korean-style seaweed-wrapped rolls), and tteokbokki (sweet and spicy rice cakes with fish cake).
And don’t skip dessert — the Korean sponge cakes are available in a variety of flavors.
Mango Tango
Neighborhood: Cherokee Triangle
More Info: Instagram
Hot dogs and handcrafted doughnuts are now served on Bardstown Road seven days a week! The space formerly occupied by Baz and Bea Boutique is now occupied by Mango Tango. The new spot opens at 6 a.m. daily, so customers can get their fix of everything from Boston cream and PB&J to caramel apple and Butterfinger doughnuts each morning.
The store even offers a happy hour special from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday, when guests can purchase three doughnuts and get another three free. The holey sweets have been known to sell out, but there are other pastries — like apple fritters — to satisfy sugar cravings, too.
SAME SPOTS, NEW OFFERINGS
Decade
Neighborhood: Butchertown
More Info: decaderestaurant.com
Louisvile’s newest happy hour is at Decade, and it boasts a handful of new cocktails and food items available only from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m., Monday through Thursday. These limited-time offerings include smoked chicken wings, chips and dip, and the Decade Single Burger. Specials also include half-priced wine by the glass and $2 off draft beers.
The Butchertown destination also started its Summer Guest Chef Series, which features a special à la carte menu by a renowned local chef for one night only each month. The next dinner will be held on July 25 and include creations by seven-time James Beard Award nominee Kathy Cary.
Switchboard
Neighborhood: Highlands
More Info: myriadhotel.com
Happy hour has arrived at Switchboard on Baxter Avenue! Available Tuesday through Friday, from 4:40 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., specials include $8 cocktails, $5 wines, and a daily rotating selection of chef snacks.
Check out more Louisville-related guides HERE!
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Published May 2024
Written by Lennie Omalza
From hot dogs and hamburgers to ramen and West African fare, the food scene around Derby City always offers something new. Check out these five fun eateries that recently opened their doors to Louisville-area residents and visitors. Plus, we’re showcasing three fan favorites that are offering brand-new menus!
Dog Haus
Neighborhood: New Albany
More Info: doghaus.com
In 2021, Doug Haus — a California-based gourmet hot dog, sausage, and burger joint — announced its plans to open multiple Louisville-area restaurants. The first of five finally began welcoming customers in May, just over the bridge in New Albany.
In addition to the variety of hot dogs, sausages, and burgers served on Hawaiian rolls, guests can find a plethora of breakfast burritos, sides like tots, fries, and chili, and soft-serve ice cream, shakes, and floats. Cocktails, wine, and local craft beer are available, too.
Elderberry Provisions
Neighborhood: St. Matthews
More Info: elderberryprovisions.com
In April, just in time for Derby, catering company Elderberry Provisions opened a brick-and-mortar location in the Chenoweth Square space formerly occupied by Cheddar Box. Father-and-daughter team Tim and Brittany Dulac serve lunch and dinner provisions, including sandwiches, snacks, and to-go meals.
Catering is also available, and customers can pick up dishes like roasted salmon, grilled shrimp, short rib lasagna, and roasted broccoli by the pound. And, in addition to salted chocolate chip, brown butter coconut, and shortbread cookies, daily bakery specials include everything from cakes and pies to galettes and sandwich cookies.
I Love Tacos
Neighborhood: Downtown
More Info: ilovetacoslouisville.com
The fourth I Love Tacos spot opened in Falls City Market, on the ground floor of the Omni Louisville Hotel. Like its locations in the Highlands, Springhurst, and Jeffersontown, the Downtown eatery offers a menu that focuses on burritos, quesadillas, tortas, and — of course — tacos.
Guests can expect to find a wide array of options, including vegetarian picks. However, restaurant regulars know that the birria tacos — made with brisket, onions, cilantro, melted cheese, and birria broth — are a popular go-to. Top it off with dessert: flan, choco flan, or churros.
Kiwami Ramen
Neighborhood: Deer Park
More Info: kiwami-ramenbar.com
A ramen bar in Tucson, AZ, has opened its first Kentucky location on Bardstown Road in the space formerly occupied by Wild Ginger. Brothers and owners Duy and Duc Tran teamed up with Ame Tani — a ramen-making chef with 20 years and numerous successful restaurants to boast about — to bring Louisvillians a plethora of tasty offerings. In addition to a variety of ramen options, the menu offers rice bowls, teriyaki and hibachi plates, and appetizers like gyoza, edamame, and barbecue squid.
KK Kitchen
Neighborhood: Crescent Hill
More Info: Instagram
West African restaurant KK Kitchen opened quietly back in January, but we would be remiss not to tell you about it — albeit belatedly! The eatery took over the Brownsboro Road space that was once home to Simply Mediterranean. Owner Makissi Livingston — originally from West Africa herself — offers a rotating menu broken down by days of the week. Options include dishes like acheke (a side dish made from fermented cassava pulp), egusi soup (typically made with meat, seafood, Nigerian tofu, mushrooms, and greens), and beans torborgee (a thick and spicy stew made with African red cow peas or lentils).
SAME PLACES, NEW OFFERINGS
Paseo
Neighborhood: Highlands
More Info: paseolouisville.com
The Myriad Hotel’s onsite metropolitan-style restaurant, Paseo, began offering lunch service in April. From 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., Guests can now enjoy dishes from the eatery’s new lunch menu, including a tandoori chicken salad sandwich with ciabatta, roasted red tomatoes, and greens or a lamb burger made with mahon, onion jam, and berberé aioli.
Barn8 Restaurant & Bourbon Bar
Neighborhood: Goshen
More Info: hermitagefarm.com
The Hermitage Farm’s Barn8 Restaurant & Bourbon Bar team recently rolled out a few new spring menu additions. Options include hamachi crudo, shrimp toast, and braised rabbit leg, to name a few. For a heavier mid-day meal, try the berry beef ribeye, a 14-day dry-aged cut that’s pepper-crusted and served with green peppercorn sauce, yuca fries, sautéed spinach, and caramelized onion purée.
Garage Bar
Neighborhood: Phoenix Hill
More Info: garageonmarket.com
Later sunsets mean expanded hours at Garage Bar, now open Thursday through Saturday from 10 p.m. until midnight. A late-night menu accompanies the longer hours, each item offering a playful take on favorite nighttime cravings. Try the Steam Burger, made with local beef, sautéed onions, American cheese, and “mustayo” sauce, served on a brioche bun, or the Garage Dog, an all-beef frank served with kimchi, scallions, and bulgogi sauce.
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Published April 2024
Written by Lennie Omalza
It stands to reason that the biggest city in the Bluegrass state is also a major foodie destination. More than just the home of the Kentucky Derby and Muhammad Ali, Louisville offers a seemingly endless supply of new food and drink offerings. Today, we’ve got four newly-opened eateries to add to your must-try list, but the scoop on new the new menus at three old favorites.
CM Chicken
Neighborhood: Clifton
More Info: cmchickenoflouisville.com
Korean cuisine seems to be having a moment in Louisville. Nami Modern Korean Steakhouse, Miki’s Karaoke Bar, and Cafe Kiwa have all opened within the last year. CM Chicken, a Korean fried chicken eatery with locations around the U.S., is the latest spot to join the list. The Clifton store, located in the space formerly occupied by The Comfy Cow, is the only Kentucky location.
CM Chicken began serving customers in March with a menu of chicken wings, sandwiches, taco offerings, and more. There are a variety of Korean sides, too, including kimchi, pickled yellow radish, Korean potato salad, and Korean slaw. Wash it all down with milk tea, then end your meal with bingsu, a milk-based Korean shaved ice dessert.
Drick’s Treats
Neighborhood: Norton Commons
More Info: drickstreats.com
Home-baker-turned-store-owner Ter’Dricka Fresh has been whipping up sweet treats at home since 2017. But this past February, the Louisville native opened a brick-and-mortar store in the space formerly occupied by Cafe Commons, bringing her delectable treats into a permanent, public venue.
“Guests can expect a delightful array of treats, including our signature gourmet cupcakes, cakesicles, coffee, and our beloved iced raspberry hibiscus tea called Drick’s Special Tea,” she says, [and] the interior is as elegant as our irresistible desserts.” The menu also includes various other options, including coffee, as well as savory bites like a fried egg sandwich, classic breakfast, and grilled cheese.
Early Bird Bagel Shop
Neighborhood: Schnitzelburg
More Info: earlybirdbagelshop.com
After taking up bagel making amid the COVID-19 pandemic, husband-and-wife team Brice and Lisa Ginardi started holding pop-ups and offering orders for their goods in 2022. But a few months ago, the couple began serving hand-rolled, small-batch artisan bagels, schmears, and more in a brick-and-mortar space in Schnitzelburg.
Customers can build their own bagel or pick from featured items like curried egg salad, lox & works, or the Diablo, which boasts ham, a cage-free egg, pepper jack cheese, jalapeños, and hot honey. Guests are welcome to enjoy breakfast in the cozy, pale yellow space or place an online order for easy pickup.
Mochi Dog & Da Tea
Neighborhood: Shelby Park
More Info: mochidogofficial.com
In case you missed the memo, there are now two places in Derby City to get mochi donuts, as the second location of Mochi Dog and Da Tea opened in Logan Street Market late last year. Made of tapioca starch and glutinous rice flour, the tasty treats are more chewy and gummy than typical donuts.
Co-owner Joseph Nguyen has developed more than 20 flavors, but guests usually find around half a dozen at the shop at any given time, as they rotate monthly. Flavors include everything from mango and tiramisu to matcha and crème brulée. The other half of the business, Da Tea, offers various specialty drinks, including milk teas, fruit teas, and lattes.
SAME RESTAURANTS, NEW OFFERINGS
Ensō
Neighborhood: Clifton
More Info: ensolouisville.com
Ensō has only been open for a few months, but its Southern/Japanese-fusion menu has already been updated. Some of the new additions, like the Frito Pie, cater to vegan and vegetarian diets. The play on Okinawa taco rice is made with Sea Island red pea chili, Charleston gold rice, lettuce, scallion, salsa, and vegan cheese, then served with crunchy Fritos.
There’s also the Potlikker Fox Soba, a traditional Japanese dish made with fried tofu pouches that resemble fox ears. The vegan Ensō potlikker consists of mushroom broth, braised collard greens, awamori pepper vinegar, and tempura shiitake, plus smoked carrots that have been salted, smoked, and dehydrated for added texture and flavor.
Mayan Cafe
Neighborhood: NuLu
More Info: themayancafe.com
This popular, well-known restaurant has been fusing locally sourced ingredients with traditional Mayan cooking techniques since 2007. And now, twice as many guests can enjoy an upscale, Latin-American experience at once, as the eatery just doubled its seating capacity with the opening of its new patio bar. In addition to the extra accommodations, Mayan Cafe recently introduced new dishes on both the regular and catering menus.
The chilaquiles dish — which will make its debut during Derby week — features a housemade tortilla lasagna with mushrooms, zucchini, tomatoes, Chihuahua cheese, Earthwave Farm asparagus, sour cream, queso fresco, salsa casera, and a hot sauce drizzle. Longtime Mayan Cafe fans might recognize the dish, as it was on the menu many years ago — but the 2024 version features tortillas made with locally ground, GMO-free masa.
Perso
Neighborhood: Shelby Park
More Info: persorestaurant.com
The menu at this open-kitchen restaurant features seasonal ingredients with Italian flair and includes everything from housemade charcuterie and Roman-style pizza to one-of-a-kind craft cocktails and unique takes on familiar dishes. The eatery recently released its spring menu, which boasts Verlasso salmon, green apple braised goat, and clam pizza, to name a few. For a give-back opportunity, try the $29 three-course, prix fixe menu Sunday through Wednesday. A portion of the proceeds are donated to Blessings in a Backpack, which helps feed school children in the community who suffer from food insecurity.
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Published March 2024
Written by Lennie Omalza
From pizza and doughnuts to more niche offerings like Scottish salmon and Moroccan lamb chops, Derby City’s food scene always has something new and exciting to offer. Check out these five new eateries that recently opened their doors in the Louisville area, and make plans to try them out!
Crave Cafe & Catering
Neighborhood: Crescent Hill
More Info: craveonlinelouisville.com
After 17 years in its little spot on Frankfort Avenue, Crave Cafe & Catering has moved into a new space roughly two miles away. As its name would suggest, the company features both a restaurant and catering business, but regulars likely know it best for its extensive offerings. These include more than three dozen salads, sandwiches, wraps, and a rotating menu of nearly 50 soups.
The business is now operating from the lower level of The Olmstead on Masonic Homes’ 82-acre property. Its renovated space boasts an expanded kitchen, a dining area for guests, and a separate room for private events.
Hop Atomica
Neighborhood: Schnitzelburg
More Info: hopatomicalouisville.com
Savannah, Georgia-based business Hop Atomica — part restaurant, brewery, and distillery — expanded its reach with a Louisville location over St. Patrick’s Day weekend. Everything served at Hop Atomica is made in-house, from the craft beer and spirits to the wood-fired pizzas.
The menu also features chef-driven starters as well as fresh, housemade salads, with vegetarian and vegan options available. Guests can choose from seven kinds of wood-fired pizza, plus “The After-School,” a dessert pizza boasting peanut butter sauce, caramelized bananas, and grape jelly with a pistachio garnish.
Jin Doshirak Korean Food Box & Sushi
Neighborhood: Downtown
More Info: facebook.com
Derby City’s newest Korean restaurant is downtown on South Fifth Street. The eatery is owned by Song Kim — who was a chef at Osaka Japanese Restaurant — and takes over the space formerly occupied by All Thai’d Up.
Open for lunch and dinner from Monday through Saturday, Jin Doshirak serves up everything from typical Korean fare like bibimbap and bulgogi to dozens of sushi selections. Try one of 12 bento-style boxes to get a taste of a few different items, including kimchi, fried mandu, and more.
Phalcha Coffee
Neighborhood: Germantown
More Info: facebook.com
Louisville’s newest coffee shop — named for a Nepalese word meaning “a place for travelers to rest” — has opened in Germantown. The store is open seven days a week, serving typical coffee drinks, including cappuccinos, macchiatos, and cortados, but guests can also expect to find unique flavor options like an iced coffee flight with butterscotch, ube, strawberry rose, and matcha lattes.
The cozy spot — with an exposed brick wall and lots of hanging plants — also serves a selection of food items. Its menu includes grilled cheese, avocado toast, waffles with syrup, and a variety of sweet toppings. Don’t forget to finish your meal with one of the five ice cream flavors sold by the scoop.
Bamboo Coffee & Donuts
Neighborhood: Northfield
More Info: bamboosweets.com
Cambodia native Sokheang Ty began his own coffee and doughnut business in high school. But this year, he grew that venture into a full-blown brick-and-mortar business dubbed Bamboo Coffee & Donuts.
The shop focuses on cake doughnuts and craft coffee — including typical drinks such as lattes and macchiatos — as well as a selection of seasonal and signature drinks, like Fancy Pants, made with white or milk chocolate, peanut butter, espresso, and milk. Doughnut options include everything from blueberry buttercream and maple berry to churro and campfire flavors.
SAME PLACES, NEW MENUS
The Champagnery
Neighborhood: Clifton
More Info: the-champagnery.com
After a months-long closure, Louisville’s award-winning bubbly bar is back open … with a fun new offering. In addition to its regular menu, the Frankfort Avenue spot also serves high tea Thursday through Saturday. The $35 option, which must be indicated when making a reservation at least 24 hours in advance, includes the choice of an artisanal tea to pair with a classic three-tier tower of sweet and savory treats.
Exact food offerings change weekly, but the first tier always features a selection of savory tea sandwiches with either meat or seafood and a vegetarian option. The second tier includes classic scones, biscuits, or croissants, and the top tier boasts sweet items, such as thumbprint cookies and lemon curd pastries. Fresh fruit, butter, jam, and honey are also included.
Rosettes
Neighborhood: NuLu
More Info: bunkhousehotels.com
New offerings are available weekly at Hotel Genevive’s Rosettes, courtesy of its Supper Sunday Series. The $45 dinner option (which began in March) features a rotating, three-course, prix fixe dinner menu from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. every Sunday.
Previous offerings have included a tartlet trio with French onion, ratatouille, and smoked tomato; chicken roulade; mashed potatoes and brussels sprouts to share; and a pear and apple tarte tatin served with spiced ice cream.
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Published February 2024
Written by Lennie Omalza
This month, the Louisville restaurant scene reminds us that there’s so much more to Derby City dining than hot browns and bourbon. Whether you’re searching for vegan fare, decadent doughnuts, or a steamy bowl of ramen, this list has you covered. Here are five new spots to check out ASAP!
Anko Japanese Kitchen & Sushi
Neighborhood: Beechmont
More Info: instagram.com
The former general manager and sushi chef of Westport Village’s Hiko-A-Mon has opened Anko Japanese Kitchen & Sushi at The Streatery. Anh Le is now using his sushi-making skills at the Beechmont food hall to serve more than 40 sushi rolls, including vegetarian options, deep-fried rolls, classic rolls, and more.
He hand-makes his tamago, a Japanese omelet consisting of several rolled layers of fried eggs. He also uses old-school techniques — like curing snapper in seaweed — to enhance fish flavors. The Anko menu also boasts a selection of sashimi and starters, like miso soup, ginger salad, and edamame. Guests can expect to find rotating weekly specials and ramen every Wednesday.
Cosmic Bird
Neighborhood: Original Highlands
More Info: facebook.com
After gaining a following at numerous pop-ups around town, vegan fried chicken mobile eatery Cosmic Bird has opened a brick-and-mortar location on Baxter Avenue. The restaurant began welcoming customers on February 12, serving a variety of fake poultry, or “fauxltry” dishes. There is also a selection of other vegan items, including Impossible meat sausages, phish sandwiches, and mushroom burgers.
Guests can always expect to find something new, and limited-time specials are regularly posted on social media. Every Monday, Grab & Go Happy Hour means everything is 25% off from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. For those with a sweet tooth, the eatery also serves baked goods — such as red velvet cookie sandwiches — crafted by Susie Brown’s Bakery.
Costa del Sol
Neighborhood: Kenwood Hill
More Info: facebook.com
Francisco Santamaria, who is originally from Honduras, operates two Costa del Sol restaurants in Charlotte, North Carolina. In January 2024, he also started serving his favorite Honduran fare to Louisvillians at his new space in Colonial Gardens. The eatery boasts bright yellow and orange walls, and an extensive menu that includes a variety of appetizers, entrées, soups, breakfast dishes, and more.
A menu page also exclusively features Honduran dishes, like Tajadas Con Carne Molida, which are fried green plantains served with ground beef, cabbage salad, and cheese. Try the Honduran crispy tacos and Honduran-style enchiladas! There’s a page full of Mexican fare along with a drink menu featuring the Michelada, a traditional beverage made with beer, lime juice, spices, chili peppers, and assorted sauces.
Hi-Five Doughnuts
Neighborhood: Belknap
More Info: hifivedoughnuts.com
The long-awaited reopening of Louisville’s first female-owned-and-operated doughnut food truck and storefront has finally arrived. Hi-Five Doughnuts — which closed its original Butchertown location in November 2022 — is now serving its unique doughnut flavors from new digs near Bardstown Road.
Customers can build their own doughnuts and doughnut holes, choosing from various glazes and toppings. These include everything from the basics like chocolate, vanilla, and strawberry to bourbon caramel and applewood-smoked bacon. Other options, like twists, Long Johns, and plain glazed, are also available. The new spot has a full-service coffee program, too.
Those who are looking for something a little more substantial will also find a selection of sandwiches. Try the fried chicken doughnut sandwich, a traditional grilled cheese, or a PB & J.
Hokkaido Ramen & Sushi
Neighborhood: Kenwood Hill
More Info: hokkaidoramenlouisville.com
Japanese cuisine has arrived in Colonial Gardens thanks to Hokkaido Ramen and Sushi. The restaurant celebrated its grand opening on February 12, offering a menu that includes a variety of hot and cold appetizers, regular sushi rolls, deep-fried sushi rolls, poke bowls, rice plates, and ramen. There is a selection of bubble teas, too.
For a unique bubble tea option, try the matcha cheese foam or kumquat flavors. Then, warm up with a bowl of ramen made with broth that is slow-simmered for eight hours. Guests can take a seat in the spacious eatery, which boasts a variety of table and bench seating, or place an online order for takeout.
Enjoy your dining adventures, Louisville!
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