Nulu

The East Market District of downtown, also referred to as Nulu (standing for New Louisville), has become known for its unique art galleries, specialty stores, antique shops and award-winning culinary scene.

EAT & DRINK

Kickstart your day with coffee and vinyl. Please & Thank You is a café and record shop that sells coffee, sweets, and sandwiches and is lauded for its chocolate chip cookies. Or, have a hearty biscuit sandwich at Biscuit Belly, where they whip up classic southern dishes with a twist (try the chocolate gravy or coffee-braised brisket).

Sip on Bourbon Slushies at Feast BBQ, tenders and pimento cheese grits at Royals Hot Chicken and superfood smoothies at Lueberry Acai. Dive into Cajun and Creole goodness at the Seafood Lady. Locals rave about the wok-seared lima beans from Mayan Café and the chocolate “cigar” at La Bodeguita de Mima Cuban Restaurant & Rum Bar is a showstopper.

NuLu is also home to Wiltshire on Market, an intimate dining space with a seasonal rotating menu. Try Bar Vetti for house-made pasta, brick oven pizza and seasonal shared plates in a lively communal space. House-ground, grass-fed burgers are served alongside 75+ Bourbons at Grind Burger Kitchen. Trust us on the Brussels sprouts! Grab a margarita at Galaxie, a light-filled watering hole and late-night dance spot. Taj Louisville, located in a storied space that dates back to the 1770s, has signature drinks and a BYOF (bring your own food) policy.

For dessert, there’s Louisville Cream, home to a rotating menu of premium small-batch ice cream in creative flavors like Bourbon Smoked Pecan and Peanut Butter Feelings.

Unwind at Garage Bar (housed in a former auto service garage) with beer, Bourbon, a seasonal cocktail or wine. The casual neighborhood spot also serves up pizzas from a wood-fired brick oven and a selection of premium country hams. During the warm weather, ping pong tournaments are in full swing outside.

Nouvelle Bar & Bottle is a stylish wine bar serving more than 40 varieties by the glass. You can also purchase a bottle to take home with you. The Local Seltzery serves a variety of crafted spiked seltzers and fizzy cocktails, and most are available nonalcoholic too.

For craft brew devotees, Akasha Brewing Co. and West Sixth Brewing are part of Louisville’s growing beer scene.

DISCOVER

For a heart-thumping adventure, try indoor rock climbing at Climb NuLu or competitive axe throwing at Flying Axes. Enjoy an authentic Bourbon experience at Angel’s Envy or Rabbit Hole Distillery, where you can take intimate tours and get an up-close look at the entire operation capped off with guided tastings. At Taste Fine Wines & Bourbons, you can sample before you buy at the tasting bar.

During the warmer months, catch a minor league Louisville Bats baseball game at nearby Louisville Slugger Field.

Featured Attractions & Things to Do