Louisville's oldest restaurants
From a 1920s horse-racing diner to one of the first Chinese-American restaurants in the city, take a bite out of these historic restaurants in Bourbon City.
Twig and Leaf diner was designated as a local landmark in 2011. | Photo by Steve Grider
Today, Bourbon City’s foodie scene is known for being home to James Beard Award winners and finalists — like Ed Lee, Lawrence Weeks, and Noam Bilitzer — and for making bourbon a culinary icon in the kitchen.
But long before the awards and bourbon buzz, a few restaurants helped cook up our culinary identity — and many are still serving Bourbon City today. Check out 11 of Louisville’s oldest restaurants to see where Louisville has been dining for decades.
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Wagner's Pharmacy has themed breakfast dishes, like the Trifecta Platter. | Photo by Steve Grider
Wagner’s Pharmacy | 1922
This gift shop and diner is synonymous with Churchill Downs and horse-racing culture. Its humble beginnings as a low-key meeting spot for coffee and conversation among horsemen has grown to become an iconic Louisville location. It’s a must-visit destination during Derby week and has been featured in movies, including “Secretariat” and “Elizabethtown.”
Brown Hotel | 1923
Louisville’s most famous dish, the Hot Brown, was invented at the Brown Hotel in 1926 by Fred K. Schmidt. The open-faced turkey sandwich smothered in mornay sauce is still served today in the hotel’s Lobby Bar & Grill and J. Graham’s Café.
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In addition to being a fried seafood haven, Mike Linnig's often hosts car shows and other events. | Photo by Louisville Tourism
Mike Linnig’s | 1925
This long-running family-owned seafood restaurant in Southwest Louisville is located on a working farm and originally started out at a roadside produce stand. Today, it’s known for its generous portions of fried seafood — including fried fish, shrimp, frog legs, and onion rings — and features multiple indoor and outdoor seating areas, playgrounds, and eclectic decor.
Jack Fry’s | 1933
Named after the original owner, this American bistro has a rich history written on its walls in photographs. Over the years, it has been a sportsman’s hangout, a bootlegging and bookmaking operation, Louisville’s first Mexican restaurant, and a casual tavern. Today, it’s a fine‑dining staple in the Highlands with live jazz in the evenings.
Check’s Cafe | 1935
Known for its chili — an original menu item since 1944 (served with or without spaghetti) — Check’s is a true neighborhood restaurant. The walls are filled with vintage neon signs, tin tackers, and photos of the community spanning over 60 years. In addition to its famous chili, the Germantown restaurant serves fried bologna, hand-rolled oysters, wings, and more.
Dairy Del | 1951
Open seasonally beginning in March, this nostalgic ice cream shop located in the Schnitzelburg neighborhood has all the classic treats — banana splits, floats, sundaes, hamburgers, and hot dogs. Plus, offers vegan, dairy-free, and gluten-free ice cream. Order from the walk-up window and enjoy the patio or hit the drive-through for an on-the-go treat.
Pat’s Steakhouse | 1958
Aged, hand-cut steaks are just the beginning at this family-owned restaurant on Frankfort Avenue. With a warm ambiance framed by wood-paneled walls and chandeliers, Pat’s is a classic steakhouse-meets-Southern-cooking experience. Plus, the bar dates to the 1860’s when it was used as a coach stop.
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Twig and Leaf diner was designated as a local landmark in 2011. | Photo by Steve Grider
Twig and Leaf | 1962
Originally, this Highlands neighborhood landmark opened as a traditional diner. Today, it still serves old-school diner vibes, but with a Latin flare. Open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, you’ll find classic breakfast fare all day, plus Mexican and Guatemalan dishes in the evenings.
Oriental House | 1964
You can’t miss Oriental House when traveling down Shelbyville Road. It’s notable red Pagoda-style roof and giant neon sign are iconic to Louisvillians. Oriental House is one of Bourbon City’s first Chinese restaurants and has built a loyal fan base over the last 60 years thanks to its extensive menu, offering authentic dishes like dim sum and Beijing duck, as well as Chinese-American favorites.
Bristol Bar & Grille | 1977
Since opening nearly 50 years ago on Bardstown Road, Bristol Bar & Grille has expanded to two more locations in Bourbon City. In addition to being the home of Louisville’s favorite guilty pleasure green chili wontons, the restaurant helped lead the city’s contemporary foodie scene in the 1980s.
Buck’s Restaurant & Bar | 1992
This trademark Old Louisville restaurant was designed after the magic and mystery of moon gardens. Inside, you’ll find dozens of vases filled with white flowers, silvery accents against dark green walls, elegant mismatched dinnerware, a black-and-white checkered floor, and live piano music. The fine-dining menu features dishes like beef short rib wellington and the Kentucky Lawyer, a pan-seared lobster tail over mashed potatoes with bourbon cream sauce.
In addition to Louisville’s oldest restaurants, check out these historic Bourbon City bars:
- The Mellwood Tavern | 1885
- Seidenfaden’s | 1921
- Air Devil’s Inn | 1934
- The Outlook Inn | 1974
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