Sunergos Coffee: Our favorite cappuccino in Louisville can be found here. They have four locations throughout the city, each with a different vibe and aesthetic. We love the 5th street location, but it’s standing room only - so make sure you order your coffee to go! (@sunergos_coffee)
Please & Thank You: The trendiest coffee shop in town, and they also happen to serve the best chocolate chip cookies in town… so yep, we’re big fans of this place. They have three locations, so grabbing a cookie and an oatmilk latte is doable no matter what part of Louisville you’re in! (@plsthnks)
Heine Brothers: With 17 locations, this is definitely Louisville’s biggest chain when it comes to coffee - but don’t let that deter you. Not only is Heine Brothers’ a 100% fair trade and organic coffee roaster that is committed to sustainability, their coffee is also really good. It’s a win/win, if you ask us! (@heinebroscoffee)
Breakfast
Porch Kitchen & Bar: Our go-to spot for brunch in Louisville, Porch kitchen and Bar serves everything from a “Lean Green” green juice to an “Everything Cake Donuts”, and that’s exactly why we love it. Oh, and it’s also super chic and Instagrammable! (@porchlouisville)
Bobby’s pick: Egg White Omelette
Alli’s pick: Quinoa & Green Veggie Scrambled Eggs
Wild Eggs: Ask a Louisville local where to go for breakfast, and chances are they’ll send you here. It’s consistent, fresh, and as you can probably guess by the name, they have an endless amount of egg-centered dishes. Be sure to try their “Everything Muffin”, it’s like the bagel - but better! (Wild Eggs on Instagram)
Bobby’s pick: Eggs Bennie
Alli’s pick: Surfer Girl Omelette
Toast on Market: If you love french toast (we sure do), you HAVE to go to Toast on Market. If you like a little savory with your sweet, try the Monte Cristo, if you’re a peanut butter fan (which we sure hope you are), order The King, and if you like to keep things simple, you’ll love The Classic. They have other items on their menu besides french toast, too - but please get at least one order. You won’t regret it. (@toastonmarketlouisville)
Lunch/Dinner
Mussel & Burger Bar: Some of the finest burgers in town can be found here, and we love coming for lunch. Try the “C.E.O”, a burger topped with Gruyere cheese, truffle aioli, caramelized onions, baby arugula and over roasted tomatoes.It’s served with some of the largest fries we’ve ever seen - and it’s finger-lickin’ good! (@mussel_burger_bar)
Bobby’s pick: The Local Burger
Alli’s pick: The C.E.O.
The Lobby at The Brown Hotel: One of Louisville’s most iconic culinary specialties is the “Hot Brown”, and while many-a-restaurant serves it, the best and original Hot Brown sandwich can be found here. It’s rich and hearty, and the portions are large. We highly suggest sharing! (You still won’t be able to eat it all!) (@brownhotel)
Neighborhood Services: One of Louisville’s newest culinary hot spots, Neighborhood Services takes a modern twist on old Kentucky favorites, like “Hot Brown tOTS” and “BBQ’d Shrimp & Cheddar Grits”. Wash it all down with some Kentucky Bourbon or one of their house cocktails (we loved the Barrel Aged Old Fashioned), and you’ve got the makings of a perfect night! (@omnilou)
Bobby’s pick: NHS Fried Sandwich
Alli’s pick: Roasted Cauliflower Steak
The Eagle: No trip to Louisville is complete without some fried chicken, and that’s something that The Eagle does extremely well! Order your serving of chicken (you can choose between dark and white meat), and then go to town on the sides. We loved their Spoon Bread and the Mac & Cheese! (@theeaglelou)
Doc Crows: If you’re in the mood for some good ol’ Southern BBQ, then this is your place! They have everything from BBQ ribs, brisket, collared greens, hushpuppies, grits, and more… and it’s a lively and casual environment no matter what night of the week it is! (@doccrows)
Bobby’s pick: Smokehouse Sampler
Alli’s pick: Stuffed Baked Potato
Hell or High Water Bar: Say the word “speakeasy”, and we’re in. This one is unique - you enter a small Curio Shop on Whiskey Row, and knock on the door. Next thing you know you’re being escorted into an underground labyrinth that will have you feel as though you’ve stepped back in time. It’s a cocktail experience unlike anything else in Louisville - just make sure you make reservations in advance. (You can do so here.) (@hellorhighwaterbar)
Haymarket Whiskey Bar: Not only does this bar have one of the most extensive whiskey lists in town (nearly 400 whiskeys & 200 bourbons!), they’ve even been named a top whiskey bar by Thrillist and Travel + Leisure! It’s perfectly casual and lively, and you’re bound to make a friend or two at the bar! (@haymarketwhiskeybar)
Pin and Proof: Located in the glitzy Omni Louisville, this cocktail bar meets bowling alley speakeasy is one of the most unique places to grab a drink in Louisville! We won’t tell you exactly where in the Omni it’s located (that’s part of the fun!), but we will say that they make a mean old fashioned. (Pin + Proof on Instagram)
Omni Louisville: Located in the heart of the downtown, Omni Louisville is our pick for a central and stylish place to stay. From the grand and opulent lobby of this 612-room luxury hotel, to the spacious rooms and stunning rooftop pool, it’s an urban oasis in a big city. (@omnilou)
21C Museum Hotel Louisville: What do you get when you combine a contemporary art museum with an award-winning boutique hotel? The 21C Museum Hotel Louisville! It’s quirky and modern and eclectic, and their service is bar-none! (@21chotels)
The Seelbach Hilton: If history and old school charm is more your thing, stay at The Seelbach. It’s right in the heart of downtown, and we guarantee your jaw will be dropped from the moment you step foot in their ornate and dazzling lobby. Make sure you have a drink at The Old Seelbach Bar while you’re there! (@seelbachhiltonhotel)
The Brown Hotel: Another timeless and classic choice is the The Brown Hotel, which is just blocks from The Seelbach. It’s been voted one of the Top 500 Best Hotels in the World, and even if you don’t stay there - it’s worth a visit for a “Hot Brown”! (@brownhotel)
Distillery tours! You don’t have to drive far to tour a distillery, as several new distilleries are popping up in the downtown! We suggest hitting up Michters Whiskey and Old Forester Distilling - both have tours that last about an hour, and you’ll get a first-hand look at the whiskey production process, AND you’ll get to enjoy a thorough whiskey tasting. (Bobby’s favorite part.) Reservations are recommended, and you can do so on their websites.
Kentucky Derby Museum: You can’t visit Louisville and not pay a visit to Churchill Downs, even if it isn’t racing season! The Kentucky Derby Museum gives a comprehensive look at the history of the Kentucky Derby, through hands-on exhibits, a 360 degree video experience, and a walking tour around the property. (@derbymuseum)
Louisville Slugger Museum: Learn about the history and the making of the famous Louisville Slugger baseball bats! Here you’ll get the opportunity to hold bats used by baseball superstars like Mickey Mantle and Derek Jeter, see the world’s biggest bat, and take a swing for yourself in their batting cages! (@slugger_museum)
Zipline in the Mega Cavern: Bet you’ve never zip-lined underground… but you CAN! Louisville Mega Cavern is home to the world’s only fully underground zip line - the Mega zIP! You’ll fly through six underground zip lines, scale two challenge bridges, and learn the history of this man-made cavern. There’s over 17 miles of underground passageways deep beneath Louisville, and it’s truly a marvel to witness - especially by zip line! (@louisville_megacavern)
According to the locals, Louisville welcomes dogs with open arms! While we have yet to make the trek with Sally, here’s a list we found for some dog friendly spots!
