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Best Restaurants that are Worth The Drive in Downtown Louisville

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28 restaurants available nearby

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A photo of Jeff Ruby's Steakhouse - Louisville restaurant
4.8
Exceptional(8189)
$$$$
• Steak • Downtown Louisville
Booked 92 times today
The first & only steakhouse of its kind in the Louisville area, Jeff Ruby's Steakhouse serves only dry-aged USDA prime beef. While steak is the foundation of the menu, Jeff Ruby's promises to please seafood lovers as well with its raw/sushi bar & seafood entrees.Jeff Ruby regulars will be pleased to know that their favorite signature items from the Cincinnati restaurants will be well represented in Louisville. The bone-in filet, the 7 cheese baked macaroni, creamed spinach, truffle flake, & of course Jeff Ruby's secret recipe cheesecake are all staples of the Louisville menu.Styled after the great NY steakhouses of the 1930s & '40s, Jeff Ruby's promises to be as pleasing visually as it is to the palate. French art-deco design, plush mohair upholstery, hand-selected antique furniture, and cinematic crystal chandeliers anchored by a 1950s-era antique are featured in the Starz series Magic City and the 32-foot wall of wine.
A photo of Nic & Normans - Louisville restaurant
4.4
Awesome(390)
$$$$
• American • West Louisville
Booked 7 times today
As artists, we are passionate about creating special moments. Beyond the screen, we recognize that this often happens while enjoying a great meal in the company of family and friends. When the opportunity came to open a restaurant in Senoia, we knew it was a natural extension of our passion. We hope you capture a few of those special moments here. Thanks for joining us on this journey we call Nic & Norman’s.
A photo of La Bodeguita De Mima restaurant
4.9
Exceptional(5121)
$$$$
• Cuban • East Market St - NuLu
Booked 110 times today
Hailing From Cuba, Fernando and Yaniel Martinez have brought their passion and love to the plate, showcasing generations of love passed on by their mothers. Are you ready to experience some of the best Cuban food this side of the equator?From plantains to the classic Cuban sandwich, we have all of the classic Cuban specialties covered with our twist, of course! Come visit us to see what Louisville has been missing.At Mima's, we believe in creating an inviting and invigorating atmosphere. That's why you can find different choices to choose from. Whether you're enjoying a delicious dinner in our dining room, a tasty Mojito at our bar, or even a fine hand-rolled cigar on our patio, there's something for everyone to enjoy.
A photo of Lou Lou on Market restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(998)
$$$$
• Cajun • East Market St - NuLu
Booked 26 times today
A taste of New Orleans in the heart of NuLu - Louisville's premier dining neighborhood! Lou Lou on Market is a beautiful eatery serving Southern cuisine, with a primary focus on the rich, eclectic flavors of the Big Easy. From the best Shrimp & Grits in town to our indulgent spin on Bananas Foster, we've got it all! Like eating outside? We have a gorgeous and spacious shaded patio and a beautiful, covered balcony that overlooks it all. We have two floors of indoor dining, several private rooms, and a speakeasy in the basement called Stave - which features live music Thursday through Sunday!
A photo of River House Restaurant & Raw Bar restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(8372)
$$$$
• Seafood • Downtown Louisville
Booked 107 times today
River House Restaurant and Raw Bar is Louisville’s premiere riverfront dining destination. It is the vision of award-winning chef and restaurateur John Varanese and seats 330 in its main dining room, raw bar, and patio. Guests experience a charming “home like” atmosphere as they enter the restaurant from the front porch garden area. Enter through a 20-foot tall by 40-foot wide water wall, and enjoy intimate decor, and a floor-to-ceiling glass wall overlooking the back courtyard and river, River House is open 7 days a week for lunch and dinner. The menu features regional cuisine with a Southern flair and an emphasis on fresh seafood including Grilled Oysters on the Half Shell, BBQ Braised Beef Short Rib, and the Maker’s Mark Bourbon Barrel Smoked Salmon. Our 15 foot raw bar features assorted raw oysters, king crab, and jumbo shrimp. Reservations are recommended. We look forward to serving you!
A photo of 8Up Elevated Drinkery + Kitchen restaurant
3.2
Good(60)
$$$$
• American • West Louisville
Booked 10 times today
Set in the lively entertainment district, our rooftop restaurant in downtown Louisville offers eclectic dining and drinking experiences. 8up Elevated Drinkery & Kitchen offers three distinctive atmospheres - the open-kitchen restaurant, swanky lounge, and rooftop bar and event space. Our restaurant offers a menu of creative American food with a local twist, hand-crafted cocktails, and unparalleled city views. Whether you're throwing a party, meeting friends for dinner, or chilling with a drink after work, enjoy an elevated ambiance the celebrates the spirit of Louisville.
A photo of Lobby Bar & Grill at the Brown Hotel restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(1410)
$$$$
• Contemporary American • Downtown Louisville
Booked 13 times today
Come enjoy the historic lobby of The Brown Hotel in our Lobby Bar and Grill. Contemporary cuisine meets historic opulence at The Brown Hotel’s spectacularly beautiful, and classic lobby setting. A popular spot for the next generation of Louisville merrymakers, this glamorous, gilded space balances its history with modern touches and sophisticated tastes. Our menu includes a mix of classic and contemporary dishes, but our signature Hot Brown is rated as Kentucky's most popular dish. Enjoy our Hot Brown, and other signature items with a classic Old Fashion. Our bar features well-crafted cocktails and an highly rated bourbon menu. Finish your experience with Louisville's original dessert, the Derby pie. Reservations are for the Lobby Bar and Grill.
A photo of Joe's Crab Shack - Louisville restaurant
4.0
Excellent(90)
$$$$
• Seafood • West Louisville
Booked 10 times today
Joe’s Crab Shack offers a variety of favorites from all parts of the sea and shore. From its extensive menu, guests can choose from buckets of seasonal seafood, fried shrimp platters and fish dishes, as well as options from the “mainland” that include steak, sandwiches, and chicken. Guests can indulge in over-sized and creative cocktails, such as the Shark Bite which is playfully garnished with a shark toy. Since its inception, Joe’s popularity has stemmed not only from its menu, but also its retail store. With various pieces of merchandise for purchase, including the ever-popular tie-dye T-shirt with the phrase “Peace, Love and Crabs,” Joe’s has become synonymous with the word “fun.”
A photo of 610 Magnolia restaurant
4.6
Exceptional(132)
$$$$
• American • Downtown Louisville
Booked 10 times today
Located in the heart of Old Louisville, Chef Edward Lee’s menu is a modern approach to the Southern Table. Louisville is at the intersection of many different traditions and cultures that make up this historic city. At 610 Magnolia, we celebrate everything that is Louisville, both historic and progressive, diverse and complex.
A photo of Gordon Ramsay Steak - Caesars Southern Indiana restaurant
4.5
Awesome(2412)
$$$$
• Steakhouse • Elizabeth
Booked 20 times today
Diner under 21 in your party? Please park in the hotel garage for direct access to the restaurant.Just minutes from Louisville, Gordon Ramsay Steak at Caesars Southern Indiana brings Chef Ramsay’s bold flavors and modern sophistication to one of the best steakhouses in the Louisville area. Guests enjoy expertly prepared dry-aged steaks, fresh seafood, and signature dishes like the famous Beef Wellington, alongside indulgences such as A5 Wagyu—all in an upscale, stylish setting where every dish is a masterclass in flavor.Perfect for date nights, celebrations, or a refined night out, Gordon Ramsay Steak delivers a five-star dining experience. Dining is open to all ages. For parties of 11+, private dining, or group celebrations - please contact our team at 812-969-6363.

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Discover best worth the drive restaurants in Downtown Louisville

Discover exceptional dining experiences in Louisville, Central Kentucky, particularly in Downtown Louisville, where restaurants truly are "worth the drive." This vibrant area boasts a variety of eateries that stand out not only for their unique culinary offerings but also for their commitment to quality service and delightful ambiance. Each restaurant in this locale offers a unique blend of flavors, catering to an array of tastes and preferences, ensuring that every meal is both memorable and satisfying. Downtown Louisville's dining scene is dynamic and inviting, characterized by both its innovative approaches to Southern cuisine and its sophisticated takes on classic dishes. Whether you're in the mood for a succulent steak, inventive craft beers, or local specialties, these establishments make every effort to exceed expectations with expertly crafted menus and impeccable service. The restaurants highlighted under the keyword "worth the drive" are praised consistently for their exceptional food quality and the overall dining experience they provide. Patrons often regard these spots as essential destinations, making them perfect for both locals looking for a special night out and visitors seeking to experience the best of Louisville's culinary scene. By choosing any of these recommended dining spots, you're guaranteed a meal that's not just worth the drive, but also worth remembering. Embrace the chance to indulge in a dining experience that brilliantly combines atmosphere, service, and culinary excellence in the heart of Louisville.

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