Old Louisville

Louisville's historic Victorian neighborhood

Old Louisville is known for having the largest collection of restored Victorian homes in the country and is one of the largest historic preservation districts in the United States. Built as a suburb in the 1870s, this neighborhood consists of more than 40 city blocks of Victorian-era homes—considered some of the oldest, largest, and most beautifully preserved homes in the city.

Amid the rich architecture of this community, you’ll also find a high concentration of quaint bed and breakfasts, inns, and unique dining options surrounded by the beauty of mature magnolia and oak trees.

Old Louisville Restaurants

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Eat & Drink

610 Magnolia is considered one of the city’s finest restaurants. Chef-owner Edward Lee (a James Beard Award-winner who starred on “Iron Chef America” and “Top Chef”) blends European techniques with seasonal, local, and organic products during a six-course, prix-fixe dinner. Buck’s Restaurant & Bar combines European luxury and modern style with linen tablecloths, artfully mismatched china, white flowers adorning the bar, and live piano music nightly in the historic Mayflower building.

Burger Boy, open 24/7 with a full breakfast menu, is a classic diner perfect for the first or the last meal of the day. For burgers, barbecue, and Southern comfort food, you can fill up at The Service Station, a full-service restaurant located in a former fueling station. A Louisville institution since 1947, Dizzy Whizz is famous for its Whizzburger, a double-decker hamburger with a secret special sauce. Old Louisville Tavern is known for its hand-patty burgers and house-cut fries. For a nostalgic jaunt, walk up to the cash-only trolley car to place your order for a tasty burger at Ollie’s Trolley, one of two remaining locations in the country. The Granville Pub, established in 1939, is another longtime favorite, where you can get a great burger, watch a game, play pool or darts, and listen to live music. Mag Bar is also a neighborhood classic where you can enjoy live music while sipping drinks and nibbling on bar bites.

If you’re craving soul food, Lucretia’s Kitchen is a must-stop for homestyle comfort food. For Indians, head to family-owned and operated Jimmy’s Corner Market, where “Mom” prepares classic dishes in the kitchen. For Middle Eastern, Falafel Oasis is an excellent choice.

Craft beer lovers will want to visit Old Louisville Brewery, a microbrewery and neighborhood community hangout, and Noble Funk Brewing Company, where you’ll also find Noble Hearth Craft Pizza. Another neighborhood pizza spot is Pizza Donisi. Birdie & Vi’s is a friendly vintage store with a patio and casual bar, where the owners spin vinyl for the customers while their lazy cat naps. A neighborhood hangout Old Louisville Coffee Co. stays open late to host open mics, poetry readings, comedy, and art. The House Lounge is a neighborhood bar providing a relaxing atmosphere for the LGBTQ+ community.

Discover

For lovers of the Bard, check out Kentucky Shakespeare, presenters of one of the longest-running free Shakespeare festivals in the country. Check out nightly performances during the summer at Frederick Law Olmsted-designed Central Park.

Each fall, they also offer a spooky ticketed event at their Old Louisville headquarters. Stop in and admire the architecture at the Louisville Free Public Library. At the Speed Art Museum, art lovers of all ages can see paintings and sculptures from around the world. Kentucky’s oldest and largest art museum hosts special events each month and includes an outdoor art park, piazza, and a restaurant, Est. 1927 by Marigold, whose name pays tribute to the date the museum was established.

Another popular fall tradition is to experience the vibrant St. James Court Art Show, held annually in October, featuring over 600 artists from across the nation. This juried fine arts and contemporary crafts show takes place amidst the stunning Victorian architecture of Old Louisville, offering visitors a unique blend of artistic excellence and historical charm.

History buffs will want to tour the Conrad-Caldwell House, with its ornate stained glass and handcrafted woodwork, and take in the programming at The Filson Historical Society.

Louisville Memorial Auditorium offers rich history and architectural beauty while offering a variety of concerts and stage productions. Also, check out Old Louisville’s variety of walking tours with themes from historical to architectural to ghostly, where you can see neighborhood landmarks like the “Pink Palace” and the Witches’ Tree.

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