Top Rated Restaurants & Cafes in Louisville

Located in the heart of downtown Louisville on the ground floor of the 21c Museum Hotel, Proof on Main has captured the hearts, minds and palates of diners throughout the city. Inside the blend is modern and chic, but upon first glance it looks like an ersatz safari scene, with large sculpted faux animals such as tigers and zebras on the walls. The white tablecloths and elegant, light wooden fixtures and chairs only add to the eclectic mix. The food is just as varied, and though most would classify it as New American, the kitchen tries to transcend any compartmentalization or label. And with dishes such as diver scallops on rice grits or traditional Italian campanelle made with local lamb, it's easy to understand why.

Emerging from the alcoholic waves of post-Prohibition activity, Jack Fry's tavern opened up way back in 1933. Mr. Fry closed the original incarnation of the restaurant in 1972 and it changed hands for a few years until it re-opened with the same moniker in 1987. The new owner (a former waitress at old Jack's) still pays homage to the man with his old horse racing pictures and other sports memorabilia hanging on the walls. The menu features a slate of elegant classics such as veal tenderloin and foie gras; it's open for lunch and dinner.

Established in 2011, Against The Grain Brewery & Smokehouse is an ideal place to quaff microbrews and delicious food. Managed by a group of friends (Jerry, Adam, Sam and Andrew), this is the first traditional brewpub in the city. Against The Grain takes pride in brewing a vast variety of beers, from classic ales to flavor infusions alongside the hops are available here. Their menu features a delightful range of burgers, sandwiches, ribs and chicken that will complement your beer. Located on the grounds of Louisville Slugger Field, you can enjoy a drink and meal here before or after a game.

Housed in a former garage, The Garage Bar is one of the most popular eateries and bars in the NuLu neighborhood or East Market District of Louisville. The place is always thumping with excitement and the two crashed cars at the entrance is a cool, gimmick that belies what the bar is all about. Their wood-fired oven pizzas are phenomenal and every single one of them uses local, farm fresh ingredients. Just check the menu, it has the local farmers and purveyors listed behind the products in your dish.

Equus & Jack's Lounge is located east of downtown in the neighborhood of St. Matthews and it serves an amalgam of upscale pub-grub. Where else will you find tater-tots made with a truffle aioli alongside Maple Leaf Farms duck breast? The menu is customized for casual dining and it features food as diverse as fried calamari and osso bucco to pot roast and diver scallops. It also changes often as they only use fresh, seasonal produce in the kitchen.

Gralehaus Cafe is a the holy grail for lovers of bean and brew. The charming little cafe occupies the first floor of the Gralehaus Bed and Breakfast, housed within an early-20th-century Victorian home. The menu showcases a rotating selection of coffees sourced from local roasters, alongside Intelligentisa Coffee and Kilogram Tea, expertly brewed and blended to create signature coffee-based drinks and all the classic espresso-based varieties. Coffee-infused draft beer is a regular feature, alongside three taps that offer a rotating selection, beer cocktails, and over 150 bottled ciders and beers. To help soak up the suds, a seasonal breakfast and lunch menu lists contemporary comfort food, packed with the goodness of fresh, locally sourced ingredients, country style cooking and oodles of creativity. Beer- and coffee-centric events are hosted often so be sure to stay updated with the latest happenings at the Gralehaus.