Since we have so many successful restaurants here, it's easy to overlook some of the smaller places-- even if they serve the most mouthwatering meals. Whether you're new to Louisville and looking for the best dishes in town, or a native of the city in need of some fresh suggestions, you should definitely do yourself a favor and give these 14 delicious dishes a taste.
The number one dish that everyone must try in Louisville is the hot brown, as it originated here in the city at the Brown Hotel. This comforting southern dish is filled with layers of toast, turkey, moray, and bacon before being baked to perfection.
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The original hot brown can be found at the English Grill at the Brown Hotel, located at 335 W Broadway, Louisville, KY 40202.
In the mood for a taco? El Taco Luchador is the place to go. Their fish taco and mole fries are far higher in quality and taste than any other Mexican restaurant around.
El Taco Luchador is located at 938 Baxter Ave, Louisville, KY 40204.
This Harvest dish has a few Kentucky staples rolled into one, which is why everyone needs to try Grits & Goo while in Louisville. It might sound gross to outsiders, but the goo is shortened for burgoo, a traditional Kentucky stew.
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Harvest is located at 624 E Market St, Louisville, KY 40202.
If you like biscuits and gravy, you need to try the flavorful biscuit and duck gravy dish at Gralehaus. It's everything you love about traditional southern dishes and so much more.
Gralehaus is located at 1001 Baxter Ave, Louisville, KY 40204.
Poke is a Hawaiian dish that tastes much like sushi in a bowl, and luckily we have PokeHana in Louisville to serve this amazing dish, filled with fresh fish and any toppings of your choice.
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PokeHana is located at 436 W Market St, Louisville, KY 40202.
13. Chicken, Chickpeas, and Cilantro Rice at Yummy Pollo
Pork belly on a stick is a unique dish in Louisville that you don't want to miss out on. Check it out at the Against the Grain Brewery and Smokehouse, and definitely order a few of their beers to pair with it.
Against the Grain Brewery and Smokehouse is located at 401 E Main St, Louisville, KY 40202.
Have you tried any of these dishes, and did they live up to the hype? Let us know what your favorite Louisville dish is in the comments below or on Facebook. If you're a fan of food in the 502, check out this article about some of the best restaurants across the city.
Best Travel Gifts of 2024, Hand-picked by Our Travel Experts
If you're looking for gifting ideas for the travelers in your life this holiday season, check out our list of our favorite, tried and true travel gifts.
Welcome to Hand-Picked, a curated series highlighting the travel gear and goods our staff truly love. From practical essentials to playful extras, these are the items that make travel fun—and shopping even better! Each pick is independently selected by our editors, and if you make a purchase through our links, Only In Your State may earn a commission.
There is nothing that makes me happier than picking out the perfect gift. Friends often ask me for ideas of what to gift to their family, children, partners, friends... the challenge of finding that special item (or experience) is my favorite kind of adrenaline rush. And because of this, the holiday season is like my version of sky diving.
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Our team of travel experts here at Only In Your State joined me in selecting our favorite travel gifts of the season. We've hand-picked 24 gifts that we own and love and would joyfully wrap up with a shiny bow for other travel lovers in our lives. We've chosen a variety of options, from candles to books, to the perfect travel shoes and bags. There is also a wide range of prices for any gifting budget. Pick out a few to gift this season and maybe even send some of these ideas to those who are shopping for you. It may be the holiday season, but it is also always travel season in our minds.
Why We Love Them: How fun is this candle? I love picking out meaningful gifts and this one is perfect for the woman in your life who can't help but plan another trip. Or, maybe this is you and this candle needs to make its way into your own stocking! The LEADO store on Amazon actually has several unique gifts and it's worth checking out. Where to Buy Them: Shop this candle and more on Amazon. Price (at time of publication): $16.99 Bonus: Manager of Editorial Megan Shute swears by these rechargeable USB lighters – add one to your favorite candle lover's stocking, and they will not be disappointed.
Why We Love It: We've tried some pretty spiffy eye masks, but have you ever experienced an eye massager? The Bob & Brad EyeOasis 2 is as relaxing as it gets. With adjustable pressure & heat settings, this is a must-have if you want to tune out the world and treat yourself. It's the first thing we reach for when we feel a migraine coming on! Where To Buy It: Buy Now On Amazon Price (at time of publication): $59.99 (normally $74.99)
Why We Love Them: It's safe to say I am in my sneaker era and I know I'm not alone. When I discovered Kizik shoes, especially their sneakers, I felt like I discovered gold at the end of the rainbow. I love that the brand is size inclusive (I have big feet) and you literally just slip these on and go. Hands-free shoes! This makes them perfect for travel and the fact that these go with everything means no over-packing necessary. Where to Buy Them: Check out the Milan sneaker and several other styles (boots, too!) on the Kizik website. Price (at time of publication): $149
Why We Love Them: I discovered Frankie Jean while in Austin with my daughter and once I saw the Y'ALL Baseball Cap, I knew it would make the perfect souvenir -- and travel hat! I always travel with a baseball hat; they're handy for post-plane hair and offer protection from the elements. Frankie Jean has an array of adorable caps for non-y'allers, too, with all 50 states represented in the web store. Where to Buy It: Visit Frankie Jean online for this hat and many others! Price (at time of publication): $32
Why We Love Them: The Yoto Mini is an excellent gadget for kids on the go. Physical cards allow children to expand their imagination through audiobooks, music, activities, and educational audio. Manager of Editorial Megan Shute purchased the mini-player for her daughter's 4th birthday earlier this year ahead of an overseas move and has been endlessly impressed: "Not only did it replace her standard sound machine with its white noise options, but it has given us another portable screen-free entertainment option for at home and while traveling. The Yoto is also perfect for anyone who asks what your child wants for the holidays — cards for their new Yoto collection, please!" Where to Buy Them: Yoto is available on their website and Amazon. Price (at time of publication): $69.99 for player
Why We Love Them: The Vuori Performance Joggers might just be the most comfortable piece of clothing we own. The buttery-soft, stretchy material is the perfect weight, and the slim yet relaxed fit is one of the most universally flattering styles we've tried. Engagement Editor Meg Archer has gifted these to many people over the last few years: "I have yet to hear anything but rave reviews (and a bit of friendly shaming for spawning new obsessions). Don't be surprised if these just so happen to, umm... multiply... in your closet. I couldn't stop at just one pair." Bonus: The matching Vuori Halo Performance Hoodie is one of our favorite lightweight layers for all types of travel! Where To Buy Them: Buy Now From Vuori Price (at time of publication): $94
Why We Love Them: If you have a friend or family member who loves to travel and loves bags (who doesn't?), then this Calpak tote bag is the ultimate gift. When I say ultimate, I mean it, because this is the ultimate bag. My own tote bag is pictured above, when used on an overnight trip. I've also used it as a carry-on bag on flights, to tote sports equipment around for my kids, and for a weekend getaway. It is much larger than it looks in this photo and keeps everything organized. It also wipes clean! Where to Buy Them: Calpak has countless travel bags, but you can find this particular one on their website. Price (at time of publication): $131.75
Why We Love Them: I've purchased two of these portable hammocks with lightweight frames throughout the years — one as a gift for my father and one for myself after realizing how fantastic the hammock was. While it's not a travel product, per se, it has made my everyday life feel more like a vacation, something we could all use a bit more of these days. Where to Buy Them: Buy Now On Amazon Price (at time of publication): $69.99
Why We Love Them: All of the staff at Only In Your State loves to represent their roots and Wear Your Roots allows you to do that in a fashionable - and comfortable - way. We love the wears from this Montana-based company and we happen to believe that these hoodies, shirts, hats, and more make the perfect gift. Where to Buy Them: Shop now on the Wear Your Roots website Price (at time of publication): Varies by Product
Why We Love It: It's taken several trips for me to figure out my perfect "weekender bag that's TSA approved," but I've found my perfect carry on with the TOBIQ Colorado 30L. An Instagram ad caught my eye during a late-night scroll session and I was intrigued by the colorful compartments and versatility of the bag, which can be carried as a duffle or as a backpack (I prefer the backpack for even weight distribution and airport navigation.) Made of durable, weather-resistant recycled materials, I've stashed this bag under my seat and in the overhead compartment; it's easy to maneuver and the top zip pocket is perfect for easy phone/ID access. Bonus: I loved this carry on bag so much, I purchased TOBIQ's Toiletry Bag; it fits perfectly inside one of the Colorado's four compartments and has a smart, intuitive design with the brand's signature "plethora of zippered pouches and pockets."
Where to Buy Them: Visit tobiqtravel.com to purchase the Colorado 30L and/or Toiletry Bag. Price (at time of publication): $199 (Colorado 30L)/$69 (Toiletry Bag)
Why We Love Them: The Zestt Dreamsoft Travel Scarf doubles as a blanket, making it the perfect travel accessory for year-round adventures – especially on airplanes! Made from organic cotton and easy to wash and care for, we have even used this piece as a makeshift picnic blanket while traveling. Where to Buy Them: Buy Now On Amazon Price (at time of publication): $50
Why I Love It: This raincoat is absolutely perfect: it's light (12.4 ounces!) and super packable, "self stuffing" into one of its pockets in a Houdini-like feat. The hood is generously sized to fit over a hat and has a cord-and-hook design that keeps rain out (seriously -- this photo was taken after a trip to Portland, Oregon, where its water resistance was put to the test!). I purchased my Torrentshellfive years ago and it still looks brand new, the fabric has never snagged or ripped despite being put through the ringer! Bonus: The Patagonia Torrentshell 3L Rain Jacket comes in men's sizes, too! Where to Buy It: Buy it now on REI. Price (at time of publication): $179 (both men's and women's)
Why We Love Them: I love gifting books. Maybe it's the writer in me or the nostalgia I feel every time I sit down and open up an actual book. Coffee table books make for great gifts and I absolutely love this collection of photography of New York City. Whether you know someone who loves NYC or has a wanderlust for the Big Apple, this gorgeous book just needs a bow on top and it's ready to gift. Where to Buy Them: Buy this book and others in the collection on Amazon. Price (at time of publication): $19.78
Why We Love Them: A well-stocked first aid kit is essential for any traveler, and we love these small Welly kits. They're the perfect option to keep in your car, diaper bag, or carry-on for accidents on the go. Another excellent stocking stuffer for anyone in your life. Where to Buy Them: Buy Now On Walmart Price (at time of publication): $9.70
Why We Love Them: The OluKai Pehuea Lī Sneaker is lightweight and breathable, but also extremely comfortable and surprisingly supportive. It's our go-to shoe when we know we're going to be on our feet all day! We love that they can be worn as either sneakers or slides, so they're easy to slip off when going through TSA checks. Plus, the style goes with just about everything. Where To Buy Them: Buy Now From OluKai Price (at time of publication): $110
Why I Love It: Fact: Airplanes are notoriously dry, dry, dry. No matter how much water I drink both before and during the flight, I always find myself in a hydration deficit for days. My skin feels so tight and parched during flights, and while I've been known to slap on a sheet mask at 12,000 feet, my 11 year old's mortification on a recent trip had me rethinking this strategy. My solution? BioRepublic's Lost Baggage biocellulose eye masks. These mini moisturizers contain an uber-hydrating cocktail of peptides, hyaluronic acid, squalene, rose water, and vitamin E that feel oh-so-refreshing on parched skin. Bonus: Each of these little masks has enough moisture that I'm able to massage the excess into the rest of my face after my brief, in-flight spa moment. Where to Buy It: I have a BioRepublic Lost Baggage Under Eye Emergency Repair Mask Subscribe & Save order through Amazon -- you'll get a slight discount if you set this up! Price (at time of publication): 3/$15.00
Why I Love It: I am a dedicated Stanley girl, but when I travel, I like to keep things as light and portable as possible. A recent trip to Washington D.C. had me singing the praises of my Hydaway Collapsible Water Bottle, especially after paying $6 for a tiny bottle of water the afternoon we arrived and embarked sans water. I love the bottle's muted color options (I have the Hydaway in Twilight), sturdy handle, and fuss-free cleaning; fully extended it holds 17 ounces of water, making this smart little number perfect for filling up on the go. Where to Buy Them: The Hydaway Collapsible Water Bottle is available at several online merchants; I purchased through REI. Available here on Amazon. Price (at time of publication): $27.95.
Why We Love Them: This is one of those things that we don't know how we traveled without them. Packing cubes keep things organized, save space in a suitcase, and take the pain out of the packing process. If you know and love someone who travels, this set would make the perfect gift. Where to Buy Them: There are so many options for packing cubes on Amazon, but we particularly LOVE this set. Price (at time of publication): $16.99 for 8 cubes
Why We Love Them: I've been a fan of Beis for years now, starting with the Weekender (it’s my absolute favorite travel bag for short car trips or flying and is surprisingly roomy). I recently purchased another Beis item — the backpack. With a padded interior sleeve, two water bottle pockets, and plenty of organization built-in — we’re talking zippered interior pockets, pen slots, a key leash, and more — this is the best backpack I’ve ever owned. It also has a full-zip opening, so it’s easy to pack, and the trolley pass-through makes it the perfect carry-on companion. This olive beauty is officially my new favorite personal item while traveling, and I’ve already brought it on several trips. Where to Buy Them: Buy Now On Beis Price (at time of publication): $88
Why We Love Them: We bought this set of two accessory organizers for a recent trip and think they would make a fun stocking stuffer filled with all sorts of small and useful travel goodies — chapstick, hair ties, mini lotions, bandaids, etc. The gift recipient can then use the organizers for travel. Where to Buy Them: Buy Now On Amazon Price (at time of publication): $17.66
Why We Love It: The sleek style of the Away Everywhere Zip Backpack looks at home in just about any environment, making it a great transition bag if you need to hop right from a flight into a work meeting (or want to start exploring as soon as you land). It's water-resistant, has a padded laptop sleeve to keep your devices safe, and the full wrap-around zipper makes it incredibly easy to grab what you need in a cramped airplane seat. I love it! Where To Buy It:Buy Now From Away Price (at time of publication): $195
Why We Love It: Engagement Editor Meg Archer recently travel-testedthis high-end aluminum travel case, and it can only be described as the Lamborghini of Luggage: "The Sterling Pacific 40L Travel Case is hands down the best I've ever owned or reviewed. It's stunning inside and out, timelessly stylish, and rolls like a dream. Honestly, I didn't know luggage could move like this." It's undeniably a splurge, but if you're looking for a piece of eye-catching yet understated luxury-tier luggage, this is it. Where To Buy It: Buy Now From Sterling Pacific Price (at time of publication): $2,150
Why We Love It: Throw out all your assumptions about generators. The Anker Power Bank Portable Generator is all-electric (so it's totally silent), super compact, and has a massive 60,000 mAh capacity that can power multiple devices dozens of times on a single charge. It also retains an impressive 85% charge after a whole year of non-use, making it absolutely vital during emergencies. This bad boy kept us in touch with family during a multi-day blackout, but we also love it for camping trips and off-grid adventures. Where To Buy It:Buy Now On Amazon Price (at time of publication): $149.99
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If you need anymore ideas for the best travel gifts of the season, we have you covered. Check out more of our travel-themed gift guides...
It is hard to find something that everyone loves to eat or drink. In Louisville, though, there are a few foods and beverages that are revered among almost the entire city’s population. If you are ever passing through town, be sure to try the ten foods and drinks on this list if you want to get a real taste of Louisville, Kentucky.
The Hot Brown is Louisville’s most famous dish. It has been featured on countless national television and news shows, and has been around since the 1920s. Chefs at the Brown Hotel invented this open-faced turkey sandwich with a cheesy cream sauce for hotel guests who had been dancing all night, and needed something hearty to eat to get their energy back. Today you don’t have to dance before you eat it – but it will certainly fill you up anyway!
Kentucky is bourbon country, and Louisville is happy to take part in that legacy. Whether it is Four Roses, Larceny, Jim Beam, or Woodford Reserve, Louisvillians love trying different types of this sweet variant of whiskey. Residents and tourists can even take tours of the local distilleries to see where the bourbon is made (and to get a sample, of course).
If you live anywhere near the Pleasure Ridge Park area in Louisville, then chances are you spent a lot of your childhood summers eating snow cones from Snow to Go. Located in a small wooden food truck-style stand across from a Thornton’s gas station, this unassuming little place is actually one of Louisville’s hidden gems. They have any flavor imaginable, so there is undoubtedly a snow cone there to put a smile on anyone’s face.
Sure, the name sounds made up, but I promise this is a real dish – and one that Louisvillians really love. Burgoo is a slow-cooked, spicy stew that is usually made using vegetables and any type of meat that is available, ranging from chicken and beef to opossum or squirrel. Many times, making burgoo is a community event, with people coming from miles around to help make a big batch, with each person contributing a different ingredient. Some schools and other organizations actually have burgoo-making events as a fundraiser!
If there are two things Kentucky is known for, it is the Kentucky Derby and bourbon. This sweet cocktail involves both! Made with bourbon, mint leaves, sugar syrup, and crushed ice, mint juleps are the official drink of the Kentucky Derby. Every year, more than 100,000 mint juleps are served to Derby spectators – with many more being made at home at any time of year.
Everyone loves ice cream. Louisvillians, though, take it a step further. You can barely throw a rock in this city without hitting a place that sells ice cream, with one of the best being the Homemade Ice Cream and Pie Kitchen. With several locations around town, this beloved restaurant sells fresh-baked pies (and other baked goods) and hand-churned ice cream, all made from scratch. It is like having dessert at your grandmother’s house!
It has been said that Kentucky has the best fried chicken in the world, and that Louisville has the best fried chicken in Kentucky. So, by that logic, Louisville fried chicken is something you just can’t miss! Whether it comes from Indi’s, Chicken King, Goose Creek Diner, or Kentucky Fried Chicken, the one that started it all, Louisvillians never say no to some good fried chicken. You can have it plain, spicy, sweet, with fries, on a sandwich, or smothered in gravy, but you just can’t turn it down!
Despite the stereotypes that exist (and a couple entries higher up on this list...), Louisville residents don’t just love to drink alcoholic beverages. They also have a strong loyalty to Coca-Cola, as there is a Coca-Cola bottling plant here in Louisville that provides jobs for many of the locals. The Louisville love for Coke is so strong that you’ll hear most people refer to any soft drink as a "coke" instead of a soda, like they do in other cities or states.
Pizza is another food that Louisvillians just can’t turn down. While it may not have been invented here (even if Impellizzeri’s pizzeria is known for inventing "Louisville-style pizza"), it is beloved by even the finickiest of eaters. There are many local pizzerias to choose from, including Butchertown Pizza Hall, Garage Bar, and Bonnie & Clyde’s, but there are also many big chain pizza parlors, like Pizza Hut, Domino’s, Little Caesar’s, and Papa John’s. No matter what type of pizza you prefer, Louisville has got you covered.
Last on our list, but definitely not least, is the one thing that combines everything Louisvillians love: Derby Pie. Made with melted chocolate chips and crunchy walnuts inside a flaky, pastry dough crust, this hearty pie is the dessert dreams are made of. Like most things that make Louisville famous, this pie is associated with the Kentucky Derby, but a warm, chocolatey slice of heaven is welcome at any time of year, right?
Have you tried all of the food and drinks on this list? Are there any that were left out?
