Nulu

“18 Best Food Neighborhoods in America" - Thrillist

The East Market District of downtown, called NuLu (New Louisville), is known for its unique art galleries, specialty stores, antique shops, and award-winning culinary scene named one of “The Best Food Neighborhoods in the USA” by AFAR in 2024.

Nulu Restaurants

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Eat & Drink

Start your day at Quill’s Coffee located in a 19th-century firehouse or at Please & Thank You, a café and record shop nationally known for its famous chocolate chip cookies. Biscuit Belly serves hearty biscuit sandwiches with Southern twists (try the chocolate gravy or coffee-braised brisket). You can sip on superfood smoothies at Lueberry Acai or cold-pressed juice at Cherry Pickin’.

For lunch or casual dinner, there’s Feast BBQ and Royals Hot Chicken — both spots serve Bourbon via an Ale-8-One Bourbon slushie. House-ground, grass-fed burgers are served alongside 75+ Bourbons at Grind Burger Kitchen. While strolling through the neighborhood, stop by Louisville Cream for a cone of premium small-batch ice cream.

NuLu boasts one of Louisville’s hottest dining scenes, including MeeshMeesh Mediterranean. You’ll need a reservation, but this Levantine focused restaurant is worth the wait. Try Bar Vetti for house-made pasta and seasonal shared plates. Locals rave about the wok-seared lima beans from Mayan Café, and the chocolate “cigar” at La Bodeguita de Mima Cuban Restaurant & Rum Bar. For a New Orleans experience, Lou Lou on Market has weekly live jazz. You can order a Voodoo Punch with bayou-inspired dishes or duck downstairs into The Stave for a Bourbon. Located in Hotel Genevieve, look behind the yellow door in the Mini Marché for a jazz bar-inspired speakeasy called Jimmy Can't Dance, or head to the sixth floor for rooftop views and cocktails at Bar Genevieve. Other NuLu rooftop spots where the view will rival the food and drinks for your attention include Guacamole Modern Mexican and High Stakes Rooftop Grill. NuLu Marketplace offers many options, including Emmy Squared Pizza and more. For craft brew devotees, Akasha Brewing Co., Goodwood Brewing Co., and West Sixth Brewing are all part of Louisville’s thriving beer scene.

From lazy afternoons to pumped up late nights, NuLu is filled with bars and lounges to suit any mood. Garage Bar is a casual neighborhood spot where ping pong matches are in full swing on the patio all afternoon, and the menu features pizzas from their wood-fired brick oven. Nouvelle Bar & Bottle is a stylish wine bar serving more than 40 varieties by the glass. Bar Nada Nada serves natural wines, Mediterranean-inspired cocktails, and small bites. Taj Louisville, located in a storied space that dates back to the 1770s, has signature drinks and a BYOF (bring your own food) policy. Grab a margarita at Galaxie, a light-filled watering hole and late-night dance spot.

Discover

For a heart-thumping adventure, try indoor rock climbing at Climb NuLu or tee up on a PGA Tour venue at Five Iron Golf with ten TrackMan golf simulators. Enjoy an authentic Bourbon experience at Angel’s Envy or Rabbit Hole Distillery, where you can take intimate tours, capped off with guided tastings. Whiskey Thief Distilling Co. is a tasting experience, offering unique, straight-from-the-barrel unfiltered whiskey.

Located in a newly renovated 145-year-old church, Bob’s Dylan’s Heaven’s Door Bourbon brand has recently established The Last Refuge. Visit for live music, a bar and restaurant all in an exquisite venue. At Taste Fine Wines & Bourbons, you can sample before you buy at the tasting bar. From tasting notes to music notes, NoraeBar is a Korean-inspired karaoke bar, offering a main stage and private karaoke rooms. Visit The Craftery for DIY crafting and drinks.

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

Shop

East Market Street is peppered with local shops, including Peace of the Earth (locally-made bath products), Muth’s Candies (home of the famous Modjeska – a caramel-covered marshmallow confection), Red Tree (home furnishings), Mahonia (floral and plant boutique), Revelry (jewelry, art, apparel and more by local artists), Six Sisters Boutique (women’s clothing and accessories), Woman-Owned Wallet (feminist gift shop), Sugar Town Vintage (known for their renowned Mystery Outfit Bags), Jones & Daughters (clothing, home goods and gifts), Hazel + Hunt (men’s and women’s casual apparel), Pappy & Company (fine Bourbon-inspired products), and Evergreen Liquors (full-service liquor shop). If you can’t decide whether to shop, have a cocktail, or explore Louisville lore, visit Clayton & Crume. Inside their flagship store, you’ll find the bar Stitch, named for celebrated boxer Rudell Stitch who sparred with the up-and-coming Muhammad Ali in a small boxing gym that previously occupied the same space.

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