The Ultimate Guide to Dining in Louisville during the Kentucky Derby®

NuLu

This new, hip East Market District also known as NuLu is a dining hub with restaurants spanning upscale American cuisine to casual barbeque and burger joints.

Butchertown Grocery

1076 E Washington St, Louisville, KY 40206

Distance from Churchill Downs: 7 miles

Located in the heart of Louisville’s trendiest neighborhood, Butchertown Grocery serves refined food and cocktails in a former family market. With a brunch, lunch, dinner, dessert and drink menu, Butchertown Grocery is a perfect option for any time of the day. (Pictured to the right: Catelli Bros. Lamb Rack)

Lou Lou On Market

812 E Market St., Louisville, KY 40206

Distance from Churchill Downs: 4.9 Miles 

A fun, lively new restaurant in a popular part of Louisville. New Orleans focused, but features a wide variety of cuisine such as Cajun, pizza, pasta, Mediterranean, and everything in between! 

Royals Hot Chicken

736 E Market St, Louisville, KY 40202

Distance from Churchill Downs: 5.9 miles

Despite its name, Kentucky Fried Chicken (KFC) is not where you should go for great Southern fried chicken. Do yourself a favor and go to Royals Hot Chicken. The menu features juicy, jumbo, fried chicken tenders, sandwiches and tacos with an assortment of heat levels to choose from if you want to spice your meal up. Top off the night with a side and a sweet!

Feast BBQ

909 E Market St #100, Louisville, KY 40206

Distance from Churchill Downs: 6 miles

Feast BBQ is easily the best BBQ in Louisville. The appetizer options are plentiful, but it doesn’t stop there. The menu features pulled pork, brisket, chopped chicken, baby back ribs and crispy smoked tofu as its main entrées. These can be ordered as a sandwich or by a half pound plate! The side selections are amazing which will make for a hard decision. I can guarantee you will not leave Feast BBQ disappointed or hungry. (Pictured from left to right: Mac ‘n Cheese & Loaded Brisket Tater Tots)

Garage Bar

700 E Market St, Louisville, KY 40202

Distance from Churchill Downs: 5.9 miles

In what used to be a former garage, Garage Bar is a hip restaurant and bar featuring brick-oven pizzas and Southern specialties. Take advantage of Garage Bar’s huge patio where you can relax with friends and family while enjoying craft beers, Kentucky bourbons, cocktails, and wines

Grind Burger Kitchen

829 E Market St, Louisville, KY 40206

Distance from Churchill Downs: 6 miles

Grind Burger is the go-to place for a burger and fries in Louisville. What once was a food truck has grown into an established, thriving restaurant that receives local and national attention. Any burger on the menu is an amazing choice, and the sides are just as good as the entrées.  Elevate your experience by enjoying the food and the on-tap craft beer in the outside dining area.

East End

Capital Grille

7600 Shelbyville Rd, Louisville, KY 40222

Distance from Churchill Downs: 11.3 miles

Best known for their expertly prepared steaks, which are dry aged in house for 18 to 24 hours and then hand-cut by the restaurant's on-premise butcher. The Capital Grille's wine list features more than 350 selections, and its floor-to-ceiling wine kiosk regularly houses 3,500 bottles. Reservations are recommended but not required.

River House 

3015 River Road Louisville, KY 40207

Distance from Churchill Downs: 8.5 miles 

Louisville's Premier Riverfront Dining Destination. Known for its regional cuisine and fresh seafood. Everything is made with fresh ingredients and prepared creatively and culturally. Some of the signature entrees are: the Bourbon Barrel smoked porkchop, fried green tomato salad, and a caramelized orange bourbon salmon. 

Bardstown Road

Jack Fry’s

1007 Bardstown Road, Louisville, KY 40204

Distance from Churchill Downs: 5.6 miles

Jack Fry’s is a historic and classic up-scale Southern fare restaurant serving high-end dishes from lunch to dessert. Make a reservation because you don’t want to risk missing dining here.

LouVino Restaurant & Wine Bar

1606 Bardstown Road, Louisville KY, 40205

Distance from Churchill Downs: 4.9 miles

There isn't a wrong time of day to eat at LouVino—a chill, fashionable restaurant with Southern-style plates and an impressive wine selection. However, for brunch recommendations, try the Stuffed French Toast (pictured to the left) or the Chicken Biscuits Sliders (pictured to the right).

Mexican Eats  

Taco Luchador

938 Baxter Ave, Louisville, KY 40204

Distance from Churchill Downs: 5.6 miles

Enjoy tacos (pictured to the left), tortas, margaritas and sangria at one of Louisville’s best Mexican restaurants.

El Mundo

2345 Frankfort Ave, Louisville, KY 40206

Distance from Churchill Downs: 7.9 miles

EL Mundo is a casual Mexican restaurant that’s been serving tequila cocktails and made-from-scratch, delicious food since 1995.

Other Local Eateries 

Porcini 

2730 Frankfurt Ave, Louisville, KY 40206

Distance from Churchill Downs: 6.7 miles

Established in 1992, Porcini is an independent, award-winning restaurant located in the Historic Crescent Hill. Specializing in Northern Italian Cuisine, excellent service and an intimate Tuscan-style atmosphere + extensive selection of fine wines, bourbons, and signature cocktails. 

Mesh

3608 Brownsboro Road, Louisville, KY 40207

Distance from Churchill Downs: 9.9 miles 

Mesh blends elegance and comfort with innovative cuisine and excellent service. The original menu and unique decor make Mesh an ideal settling for lunch or dinner after a day at Churchill Downs. A meal at Mesh is one you won't forget.

Ruth's Chris Steak House 

Kaden Tower - 16th Floor, 6100 Dutchmans Ln, Louisville, KY 40205

Distance from Churchill Downs: 10.5 miles

Known for their signature steaks, and hand-crafted cocktails. Enjoy the Ruth's Chris experience with warm hospitality and good times that never stop rolling.

Malones

4370 Summit Plaza Dr, Louisville, KY 40241

Distance from Churchill Downs: 16.2 miles 

Established in 1998, Malones is filled with history and heritage. Guests will experience an unmatched dining experience and atmosphere. 

The Most Important Meal of the Day: Breakfast/Brunch

LeMoo

2300 Lexington Rd, Louisville, KY 40206

Distance from Churchill Downs: 9.4 miles

Start your day at LeMoo. LeMoo offers a dinner menu, but it’s the brunch and the incredible selection of entrées that will get you to stay. Prepare to be indecisive when choosing from LeMoo’s menu. Some menu options include biscuits & gravy, a decadent PB&J (pictured below) and tater tot casserole.*Note: Minimum $250 per person required during Kentucky Derby weekend.