Summer 2018 (Vol. 60)

SUMMER 2018

PUBLISHER JOHN CARLOS WHITE EDITOR-IN-CHIEF JESSICA MATHIS EDITOR-AT-LARGE RON MIKULAK BUSINESS MANAGER BRIANA MORGAN PHOTOGRAPHERS DAN DRY ANDY HYSLOP COLUMNISTS ROGER BAYLOR JESSICA MATHIS ENTERTAINMENT EDITORS-AT-LARGE TIM & LORI LAIRD CONTRIBUTING WRITERS ROGER BAYLOR DAVID DANIELSON GREG GAPSIS MICHAEL L. JONES GRAPHIC DESIGN & PRODUCTION ED ROTHER COPY EDITOR CARLA CARLTON SALES MANAGER GINA R. WOLFE ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES KAREN SHANE ANNETTE B. WHITE

Food & Dining Magazine® P.O. Box 665, Louisville KY 40201 502.509.EATS (3287)

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Food & Dining Magazine® is published quarterly by Louisville Dining Magazine, Inc. P.O. Box 665, Louisville KY 40201 The publisher and advertisers are not responsible or liable for misprints, typographical errors or misinformation. The opinions expressed herein are those of the writers and do not necessarily reflect the opinion of the publisher. *Reproduction without permission is strictly prohibited. All rights reserved.

Tuna crudo from Sarino (page 28) Photo by Dan Dry

ON THE COVER

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Summer 2018 www.foodanddine.com

contents SUMMER 2018 | VOLUME 60

RESTAURANT GUIDE

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44 | Dining Guide 82 | Maps

Our comprehensive listing of over 1,400 area restaurants, complete with reviews.

(RESTAURANT LOCATOR)

Find all of the restaurants in our Dining Guide on these user-friendly maps — a unique resource you can’t find elsewhere.

FEATURE THAT’S ITALIAN! Italian restaurants have swept the city with numerous openings in the last couple of years. We take a closer look at three such restaurants with notably differently approaches: classic Southern Italian from a native, a multigenerational family tradition, and Kentucky-sourced with an Italian inspiration.

16 | 28 | 38 |

PROFILE | ROC: Traditional Southern Italian From Italy to New York to Louisville, this transplant brings Southern Italy cuisine and showmanship to this popular Highland spot.

PROFILE | Sarino: Carrying On Tradition With family restaurants in Italy, Louisville (Vincenzo’s) and St. Louis, this third generation offers authentic Italian and neapolitan pizza in Germantown.

PROFILE | bar Vetti: A Kentucky Take on Italian

28

Inspired by an ancient house in Pompeii, bar Vetti gives new life to the ground floor of the 800 Tower, fusing Kentucky-sourced ingredients with Italian methods.

COLUMNS Starters FROM THE EDITOR | 8 COMINGS & GOINGS | 10

New editor-in-chief, Jessica Mathis, offers her introduction.

A summary of changes in the local restaurant scene — with openings, closings, moves and more.

14 |

Liquids

22

38

SPIRITS | Rise of the NE IPA Roger Baylor recounts the history of New England IPAs and talks with Mile Wide Brewing about their version, Nomah!

Food

22 | 34 |

EASY ENTERTAINING | Bourbon Country Cooking The Lairds celebrate the 10th anniversary of this column with recipes from their newest book: “Bourbon Country Cookbook: New Southern Entertaining”

COOKING WITH RON | When Summer Comes Summer and picnics go together like Kentucky and bourbon, but Ron takes you around the world with recipes for a globally inspired feast at the park.

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starters | from the editor

From the Editor

Hello. I’m Jessica Mathis, and I’m the new editor-in-chief.

After more than a decade of intermittent stints wrangling this magazine as editor, Ron Mikulak is ready to spend more time in the kitchen and enjoying retirement bliss. He’ll still be sharing amazing recipes in his “Cooking with Ron” column and covering restaurant change-ups in the “Comings and Goings.” He’ll also keep dishing bite sized delicious blurbs about restaurants around town.

As Ron spends more time at the stove top, I’ll be spending more time at the desk top. I’ve been involved with the magazine in some capacity for a year now, and I most recently took over the duties as online editor. Now with my expanded role as the editor-in-chief, I’m excited to work with the talented writers and photographers who have given this publication such an impressive 15 years of relaying culinary trends and excellence with informative profiles and quality photography. Louisville’s service, hospitality and tourism industries have exploded like never before, and I look forward to being part of the next chapter for Louisville’s food culture and this magazine.

I come from a background in writing, producing and performing (like stand-up comedy.) I’ve served as editor-in-chief of a college publication as well as writing and producing for video, print, live events and online publications while also juggling the hats of single parenting.

After a simple culinary upbringing, the diverse food scene in Louisville has opened my eyes to a whole new world over the years, and I’ve become a total foodie. I love great stories, and our growing city is blossoming with plenty for us to share with you as the magazine also grows in some exciting ways.

So, what’s next?

We have been busy here at the magazine. You might have noticed more activity on our website and social media outlets as we’ve begun to expand our digital presence. Things are just getting cooking with an Instagram account, some live Facebook broadcasts, audio chef interviews and more in depth articles at www.foodanddine.com to keep you informed between issues.

So, we invite you to follow us on our social media outlets — Facebook (/FoodandDine), Twitter (@FoodandDine), and Instagram (@food_and_dining_magazine). While you’re at it, go to our website, and sign up for our newsletter, too. We’ll be offering our newsletter followers exclusive invitations to free VIP events, restaurant gift card drawings and other free perks.

We will also be more involved out in the community with launch parties for each issue and other live events. We have a Whole Hog Cook-off (pitting four of our city’s celebrated chefs against each other) in the works for later this summer. Keep your eyes on our website for more details, or sign up for that newsletter for the advance invitation.

I’d love to hear from our readers. You can let me know how we’re doing or send tips, ideas, press releases, invitations, news and feedback to editor@foodanddine.com.

In addition to my editor duties, I’ll let the stand-up comic in me out to play from time to time with a humor column under my alter-ego “The Clueless Ginger,” where I recount moments from my own esculent explorations. Check out the very first one on our website now, and watch for future columns here in the magazine.

By all means, laugh at my silly antics, but don't judge me by them. I'll keep my jester hat for my column and put on the serious hat to manage all the good stories about our city’s unbelievable food culture.

Make sure to say hello if you see me out. And if you’re inclined, I doubt I’d refuse the chance to share great conversation or stories over good bites and drinks.

Cheers!

8 Summer 2018 www.foodanddine.com

Best Neapolitan Pizza & Fresh Pasta in Louisville • Late night bar menu • • Tuesday: Service industry night • 20% off after 8pm

• Wine down Wednesday • Half price bottles of wine

• Happy hour nightly from 5-7 • Pizza, appetizers, beer, wine, select spirits

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~ Fresh Pasta Made In-House Daily ~ ~ Neapolitan Style pizza ~ Trained at Biverò Pizza Academy in Florence Italy

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starters | comings & goings

comings & goings

BY RON MIKULAK

This year’s cool, rainy reluctant spring delayed the blossoming of the dogwoods, redbuds, azaleas and weeping cherries, so Derby guests were gifted with an unusual efflorescence all over Louisville.

But there was another abundant efflorescence this spring. In this issue, F&D is adding listings of 37 restaurants that have recently blossomed (seven of which are offshoots of existing businesses emerging in new locations). Only 21 restaurants have shriveled up, including six multi-location businesses who uprooted one location while maintaining others.

A few observations can be discerned in the churn of the local restaurant world. Italian restaurants have topped our category count in recent issues (F&D profiles three of those recent arrivals in this issue), but an influx of seven new dessert purveyors ready to sate customers’ appetites for sweets, tops the category count this issue for new spots. An assortment of BBQ places, Latino restaurants, fish houses and bars & grills add to our new options. But most of note were the eight new restaurants that have moved into vacated restaurant spaces.

NEW TABLES

Of those, 80/20@Kaelin’s is the most notable — its name reflecting the heritage of the site at 1801 Newburg Rd., long renowned as the birthplace of the cheeseburger. The interior of the nostalgic building has been completely renovated into a multi-format family dining destination, but that historic connection to burgers will remain; the menu will include seven burger choices along with seven main entrées. One side of the building has been remodeled into a classic soda fountain and ice-cream counter, replete with a refurbished 1950s-era soda jerk station. Between the soda fountain and the dining room, is the bar, backed by a wall display of enough bourbons to qualify for a spot on the Urban Bourbon Trail.

The tucked-away space at 1767 Bardstown Rd. that served the Pacific Rim fusion cuisine of Asiatique for two decades is now Flavour, offering Creole and Cajun dishes. In Crescent Hill, the long-dormant building at 2901 Brownsboro Rd. that had former glory as the first location for Anoosh Shariat — and then as Red Pepper Chinese — is now the Japanese hibachi/yakitori/sushi restaurant Ikebana. V-Grits will continue to operate its founding food truck at event venues but will anchor itself in the former Monkey Wrench space at 1025 Barret Ave. in June. The menu continues the vegan/vegetarian Southern soul food focus that the food truck popularized. Noodles and other Asian comfort foods return to 2009 Highland Ave. with Ramen Inochi serving in the storefront that was briefly once Rumplings and more recently LOVAFARE. Sweet and savory crepes and other breakfast and lunch items can now be found at Le Petit Café, 1325 Bardstown Rd., a space that most recently was Roux.

Out in Middletown, the owners of Germantown institution Check’s Café have rebranded the former Scotty’s Ribs & More by opening Check’s BBQ & Blues at 14049 Shelbyville Rd., where the daily barbecue offerings (and some favorites from Check’s Café’s 10 Summer 2018 www.foodanddine.com

menu) will be supplemented by live blues music on weekends. The 50s-era Deco building at 1318 McHenry St. that had been renovated into Finn’s Southern Kitchen is now Couvillion, which will serve Chef-Owner Paul Skulas’s take on Cajun/Creole cuisine.

The other recurrent theme this quarter is the curious upsurge of places focused on desserts, pastries or other sweet treats. Three will be especially welcome as summer heats up. SnoWhat, another brick and mortar store spawned from a food truck, dispenses NOLA-style fluffy snocones in both familiar (strawberry) and unusual (cucumber lime) flavors at 3801 Poplar Level Rd. Highview Ice Cream & Coffee provides both of those civilized necessities at 7525 Outer Loop. In the East End, Liège & Dairy Ice Cream + Waffles crafts their ice cream in-house and introduces Louisville to Belgian-style waffles. It has opened at 2212 Holiday Manor Ctr. Lexington-based North Lime Donuts has renovated a former industrial building at 1228 S. Seventh St. In the lofty interior of brick and reclaimed wood, you can sample maple bacon, blackberry cobbler and apple butter donuts, while lingering over coffee at sunny tables.

An unusual approach to desserts can be found at Rawnaissance Desserts, 1759 Bardstown Rd., and No Baked Cookie Dough, 805 Blankenbaker Pkwy. The latter serves several flavors of egg-free cookie dough in cups or cones, and offers add-on toppings.

Rawnaissance crafts vegan and organic chocolates and cakes that are free of soy, gluten, dairy, sugar, grains, nuts and GMO ingredients.

Lueberry Açai & Superfoods brings a recent fad to NuLu at 808 E. Market St. The “superfoods” bowls combine açai berries, other fruits, nuts and granola to bridge the craving for a healthful lunch and dessert.

The other new restaurants comprise a range of categories. Pints & Union at 114 E. Market St. in New Albany marks F&D contributor and well-known brewing maven Roger Baylor’s return to the Continued on page 12

starters | comings & goings pub scene. He and his partners have thoroughly rebuilt a former neighborhood dive bar into a British style pub, dispensing traditional beers and ales in an atmosphere that encourages lingering to discuss in depth the pressing issues of life, the universe and everything.

Also new in New Albany is Roadrunner Kitchen, 145 E. Main St. There you can find healthful grab-and-go lunches of wraps, salads and smoothies from the folks behind the former Earth Friends Café.

Tim Tam Tavern, 1022 Clarks Ln., has reopened after extensive renovations inside and out by new owners, who intend Tim Tam to be more family-friendly. They will serve pizzas from Danny Mac’s; Dan McMahon, of Danny Mac’s Pizza in the Mellwood Center, is a partner in the new enterprise.

On the loftier end of the bar scene is Hell or High Water, the self-described “speakeasy” hidden away on the back side of Whiskey Row at 112 W. Washington St. One enters through a “gift shop” named Hello, Curio, which harbors a hidden door that leads down to a two-story library/lounge where you can sip their custom and changing cocktail menu.

A couple of new BBQ joints join the fray. American Smokehouse Stadium, 5580 Hwy. 62 in Jeffersonville, plays up its monogram with a Big A.S.S. Burger, Big A.S.S. Rack of Ribs, and so on but also offers vegan and gluten-free selections, smoked wings, wraps, sandwiches and sides. Porkland BBQ, 2519 St. Cecelia St., is run by Love City Inc., a Portland community group that uses profits from the restaurant to support neighborhood projects. In addition to pulled pork and chicken sandwiches, the menu offers rib tips, fried fish and “Porkland Round Steak” — hickory-smoked bologna topped with cheese and crumbled potato chips. And at 4222 Poplar Level Rd., Louie’s Hot Chicken & BBQ’s menu reflects its name.

Havana Bakery & Café at 5510 Fern Valley Rd. concocts Cuban and Caribbean sweets (tres leches cake, flan) and savories (Cuban sandwiches, ropa vieja). La Lupita at 827 Eastern Blvd., Clarksville, has been gaining fans for its unpretentious down-home Mexican food. The Kentucky Taco Co. is another food truck that has opened a storefront at 502 Warnock St. near U of L, and the online video of their offerings has gone viral, so expect a wait.

A few other new businesses fall into no category or theme.

Bridge & Barrel replaces the Jeffersonville Bristol at the Sheraton Riverside Hotel, 700 W. Riverside Dr. Diners there will find a traditional American menu. Captain Ville, in the Algonquin neighborhood at 2001 Seventh St. Rd., fries up perch, salmon, catfish and shrimp, chicken wings and tenders.

Old Louisville Chili Bowl has opened at 501 W. Oak St., and Rice Box is now open at 6810 Southside Dr. The Shelby Park revival continues with the opening of Red Top Gourmet Hot Dogs at 1127 Logan St. How gourmet? All beef, nitrate and preservative free, bison and Wagyu beef choices, and even vegan/vegetarianfriendly dogs.

Six established businesses have added an additional location in recent months. The Kindred expansion had demolished the original Bluegrass Brewing Co. building in Theater Square, but the Kindred complex now houses BBC’s return at 660 S. Fourth St.The Mexican breakfast and lunch spot Con Huevos has so steadily gained new fans at its original Clifton location that it has opened a second restaurant at 4938 U.S. Hwy. 42. It is expanding its Clifton site as well and will finally have a bar there.

Steel City Pops and Quills Coffee have agreed to share the 12 Summer 2018 www.foodanddine.com

space at a refurbished and repurposed firehouse at 117 St. Matthews Ave. Those of us who have wondered what will become of the classic building that once housed Lynn’s Paradise Café at 984 Barret Ave. can wonder no longer. As we go to press, Martin’s Bar-B-Que is finally moving full speed ahead with its renovation plans, hoping to open its second Louisville location there in early summer.

Wick’s Pizza has closed its Goose Creek Rd. location and is opening a new store at 3348 Hikes Ln. And First Watch, a regional chain focusing on breakfast and lunch dishes, has opened its third local outlet at 1205 Veterans Pkwy. in Clarksville.

CLOSINGS

Of the 21 restaurants that have ceased operation, we have to note that the Jeffersonville riverfront adjacent to the Kennedy bridge, which once hosted six anchor restaurants, has lost three. Bearno’s Pizza left that market last year, and Rocky’s Sub Pub at 715 W. Riverside Dr. and the Bristol Bar & Grille both closed this spring. Rocky’s Sub Pub has had a presence in Southern Indiana ever since Elvis died in August, 1977. The Jeffersonville Bristol had been an anchor tenant for the Sheraton Riverside Hotel, 700 W. Riverside Dr. The Bristol is now reduced to three sites scattered around Louisville metro.

Gary’s on Spring, 204 Spring St., had a good run as a comfortable upscale casual dining spot — a run that ended recently. Three barbecue operations are smoking no more: Scotty’s Ribs & More, 14049 Shelbyville Rd.; Smokehouse BBQ, 5414 Bardstown Rd.; and Shawn’s Southern BBQ, 822 State St., New Albany.

The other closings are all smaller businesses that couldn’t find the mojo for longevity: JJ Fish & Chicken, 1701 E.Tenth St., Jeffersonville; Game Day Wings, 4806 Bardstown Rd.; Joe & Kathy’s Place, 5408 Valley Station Rd.; Moca Diner, 2610 Chamberlain Ln.; Cook N’ Company, 947 Central Ave.; At the Post Sports Bar & Grill, 3701 Hopewell Rd.; The Krush, 5011 Poplar Level Rd.; Geechee Bayou, 1161 S. Second St.; Delfino’s Italian Bistro, 3701 Hopewell Rd; and Lolita’s Tacos, 4222 Poplar Level Rd. Two of the handful of multi-location businesses that have recently closed one location but maintain others were in Southern Indiana.

New Albany has lost its Feast BBQ store (the original one) and its Comfy Cow ice cream dispensary. Two chains have contracted: Panera Bread closed its location in Oxmoor Mall, 7900 Shelbyville Rd., and Applebee’s closed its Middletown store at 12913 Shelbyville Rd.

CHANGES

Finally, a few changes to local restaurants need to be noted. Griff’s has shuttered its U of L store at 323 W. Cardinal Blvd. and will reopen downtown when renovations are completed at the old O’Malley’s Corner building at Second and Liberty Sts. Three suburban pizza parlors have all been rebranded as Derby City pizza.That name change will affect Fairdale Pizza, 10619 Manslick Rd., and the two Pleasure Ridge Pizza & Sports Bars, at 2500 Crittenden Dr. and at 5603 Greenwood Rd. Nancy’s Bagel Grounds will leave its long-time Clifton home to reopen later in the summer at 225 S. Spring St. And, Eagle Lake & Restaurant at 7606 Whipple Rd. has been rebought by the original owner, who has changed the name back to Catfish Haven Pay Lake & Restaurant. F&D

Rise

liquids | hip hops

The

IPA

of the New England Style

Louisville’e’s MiMilee Wide Beer Company Louisvi was the firs firstst Kentuckykyy breweryy to embrace NE IPA PA and now off offers ferss four annua interpretations of the popuar annual popular sty style. y e.

BY ROGER BAYLOR | PHOTOS BY ANDY HYSLOP

The doors at Mile Wide Beer Company

opened at 4 p.m. on a Thursday in early April to a waiting crowd of two dozen craft beer fans, who filed inside and queued in orderly fashion by the bar for the long-awaited NOMAH! release day.

In turn, they paid for one or more 4-packs of 16-ounce cans, and most bought a glass of NOMAH! to drink — sometimes two of them.

Two of Mile Wide’s owners, Scott Shreffler and Matt Landon, stood taking carry-out sales tickets, bagging purchases, and answering questions from behind a folding table by a pallet stacked neatly with flats of tall boy cans.

Watching the festivities, I couldn’t help thinking about our last trip to New England. My wife’s niece lives in western Massachusetts. She and her husband enjoy craft beer, but they’re not snobs. As working parents of a rambunctious young daughter, there isn’t time for internet ratings and guided tastings — just spare moments for refreshment and relaxation whenever the opportunity arises.

Ben keeps his garage fridge packed with regional beer — most of it in cans. Last year during our stay, his larder included lots of hitherto unfamiliar brands of India Pale Ale with mysterious names like Trillium Congress Street, Lord Hobo Boom Sauce and Tree House Julius.

We’d pluck a couple of tall boys, pop their tabs and drink straight from the cans. These ales were an intriguing jumble of sensations –

14 Summer 2018 www.foodanddine.com

medium-bodied and complex, flavorful and hoppy, yet curiously thirst-quenching and weirdly lacking bitterness.

On the third or fourth time around, curiosity got the best of me and I decided to pour my selection into a tumbler from the kitchen cabinet. The beer was turbid, billowy and opaque; not so long ago, such a milky appearance would have signified either a Bavarian-style unfiltered wheat ale or a catastrophic brewhouse mistake.

Suddenly, it all came back to me; the viral Instagram-ability, the hoarding, the trading and swapping – the sheer hysteria. In fact, I was sampling rare sought-after examples of New England IPA, a style now officially recognized by the Brewers Association as “Juicy” or “Hazy” by definition, not happenstance or marketing phraseology.

hip hops | liquids Head brewer and co-owner co-own w er Kyle wn Kyl Ky yle Tavares T va Ta v res

As for Ben, he just smiled and shrugged.

It’s his favorite style, and when he and his friends go to stand in line at a local taproom for their allocation, they tease the hipsters and black marketers who are there only to snatch sought-after commodities.

“Aren’t you supposed to drink the beer, dude?”

New England IPAs are red hot, and they’ve turned the traditional notion of India Pale Ale on its head, giving it a vigorous and perhaps overdue shaking.

IPA was born in the United Kingdom, where it was a tipple with a colorful back story about cleverly concocted barrels of strong, bitter ale being shipped all the way to India.

Indeed, in olden times — prior to pasteurization and refrigeration — alcoholic heft and heavy hopping acted as preservatives, but by World War II, IPA had become an afterthought in the British Isles, only to reemerge with a vengeance in another former colonial realm, the United States of America.

By the early 2000s, American craft brewers were specializing in several distinct and excessively hoppy sub-genres of IPA, including West Coast IPA, Black IPA, and maybe even Midwestern IPA. They shared the common trait of possessing a distinctive underlying bitterness, which results from early hop additions in the boil.

However, New England IPAs eschew massive doses of bittering hops, opting instead

for new-age, fruit-forward (and expensive) hops like Citra, Mosaic, Galaxy, Azacca and El Dorado. They’re added at the end of the boil and in the fermenter (“dry-hopping”).

The grist typically includes wheat, oats and higher-protein barley malts, while preferred yeast strains produce noticeably fruity flavors and aromas. Combining ingredients with technique, brewers create juiciness and haziness as natural by-products of the process, without gimmicks or additives.

New England IPAs have one big caveat, because their shelf life is short. Lush, juicy, fruity and tropical flavors and aromas fade quickly, so freshness is imperative.

Accordingly, many breweries purposefully limit distribution to their own taprooms – as with Mile Wide (636 Barret Avenue).

“The best and earliest versions of the style all come from the Northeast, obviously, and two of the best are from Boston with Trillium and Tree House,” explained Shreffler.

After tasting both, the Mile Wide crew opted to brew a range of IPAs instead of only one. Head brewer Kyle Tavares’s emblematic New England IPA releases are NOMAH!, Tessie, Tuck Rule and Moxie; the latter is a Double NE IPA with 8% abv, while the remaining three are around 6.5%.

“We were the first brewery in the state of Kentucky to brew a (New England) IPA,” said Shreffler, “and the first batch of Tessie really took off.”

Did it ever. According to Landon, Mile Wide’s New England IPA series currently comprises only 10% of total production (circa 1,100 barrels in 2017 and aiming for 2,400 in 2018) but accounts for a staggering 34% of sales made in-house at the taproom.

Therein lies a final lesson in craft beer’s evolution. Whenever breweries are allowed to distribute from their own brick and mortar, taproom sales represent the highest possible profit margin; after all, wholesalers always take their cut.

Given that the best way to control freshness and quality in beer is to sell it at the bar or from the loading dock, any beers like these that magically fly from the walk-in cooler represent an ideal marriage of art and commerce.

Fad or trend?

Considering recent “national” releases by Sierra Nevada, New Belgium and Samuel Adams, the answer should be obvious: New England IPA is quite likely here to stay. F&D

www.foodanddine.com Summer 2018 15

ROC Restaurant

BY GREG GAPSIS & JESSICA MATHIS | PHOTOS BY DAN DRY

Rocco Cadolini grew up steeped in the cuisine of Campania on the Amalfi Coast of Southern Italy, while Chef Giovanni Tenace’s roots are set deep on the heel of Italy a little farther South in Puglia. Both areas feature a ‘farm-to-table’ focus on fresh produce, herbs, olive oil, a love of seafood and a mastery of pasta. His grandmother Rosa and mother Concetta both carried forward the tradition of old recipes and cooking with vegetables in their home, although he admits he hated all those healthy dishes as a kid. Now, it’s all he wants when he visits Italy.

Rocco explained that people cook together from scratch every day in Italian homes, and he, his two brothers and his sister were often asked to help nonna (“grandmother” in Italian) Rosa.

“I was a little wild kid who drove my grandma nuts,” he explained.

“She would hit me with the wooden spoon with which she stirred the tomato sauce.” With a sly smile and dramatic pause, he added, “I made that spoon disappear!”

The anecdote reflects Rocco’s charm, but he went on to explain that nonna Rosa, who passed away at 100 years old, grew up a farmer and brought vegetables and herbs to both cooking and medicine — but that she was also skillful with meat.

“She could kill a chicken in three seconds,” he remembered with a chuckle, admitting he thought he would lose a hand at times when asked to hold the chicken for her.

Rocco’s culinary tradition doesn’t just come from the women in his family. His grandfather, Pietro Cadolini, owned a panetteria (bakery), and nonno Pietro’s brother Francesco owned a pasticceria (pastry shop), rounding out an upbringing immersed in food.

His father was the only person in his immediate elder family who wasn’t cooking, but Pappa was an accountant for a hospitality boarding school called Oiermo, to which young Rocco was accepted at age 14.

Rocco already knew he loved to talk to people, and his wild personality steered him to the front of the house rather than the kitchen. While at the four-year school, he spent time abroad working at a 5-star hotel in Switzerland and later at another 5-star hotel in England.

After a year of compulsory military service, Rocco turned 20 and journeyed to the U.S.A, where he quickly found work as a waiter at Petaluma (owned by Elio Guaitolini). Within a couple months, he trans-

Roots of the Meal

16 Summer 2018 www.foodanddine.com

Classic Italian and Lively Spirit meld into something Bellissimo at ROC

roc restaurant | profile

Rocco Cadolini

ROC Restaurant 1327 Bardstown Rd. 502.459.7878 rocrestaurant.com 17

profile | roc restaurant

ferred to serving tables at Guaitolini’s Elio’s on the Upper East Side, where he became assistant manager after a couple years.

He mentored under Guaitolini for ten years before the two partnered in ROC Tribeca in 2000.

Just a year after opening, disaster struck the twin towers nearby on September 11, and Rocco responded, utilizing his gas stove and oven to feed rescue workers and neighbors who were without power. He also transported food to the closest school where his daughters attended. This service led to an official proclamation from New York City and ROC saw many highlights over the years, including customers like Robert De Niro and Billy Crystal, who screened a film about Crystal’s uncle at the eatery years later in 2011.

Guaitolini died in 2016, which played a small role in ROC’s migration from New York. Other factors were astronomical rents, big city bureaucracy and the relocation of some Tribeca friends to Louisville.

After the Cadolinis visited them a few times, Louisville began to seem like the right move. Rocco began explorations in NuLu, but the Bardstown Road location won out in capturing his dream.

It took nearly two years and a million dollars between the purchase and build-out before ROC finally opened. While Rocco has a perfectionistic attention to detail, this was still unusual for new restaurants. For a while, it was one roadblock after another. He lamented, thinking it would have been much easier to open in a smaller city than it was proving to be.

“I wasn’t ‘taking my time’,” said Rocco. “It took me six months to build the bar and get the lighting just right. Now, it is a beautiful element in the room. We were always working, but the challenges of getting the design right and the materials we wanted and the permits [for the kitchen, pergola and more] took a long time — and I’m still not done.”

The hard work paid off. As you leave the busy chaos of one of Louisville’s most popular roadways, you’ll find a peaceful escape into a little slice of the Old World. As you pass under the wooden pergola with awning, it’s easy to imagine why this has

become one of the Highlands’ favorite patios (with eating for 30) when the weather is right. Moving through the clean and manicured entry, Rocco’s strong sense of design is indicated by the contrast between modern and warm antique notes indoors.

The first floor is an intimate yet sparse modern room accented with custom lighting fixtures, dark wood trim, natural wood tables and chairs, and a bar that illuminates its extensive offerings. The softly lit arches behind the bar that showcase the impressive liquor selection and fun Sicilian vases tease the eye across the room, evoking a sense of both elegance and charm, which is heightened by lovely place settings for 50 in the parallel dining area.

With seating for 70, the upstairs reflects the same stylish restraint in a dining area adjacent to three side rooms. These three side rooms are private enclosures for groups of 10 to 15, where everyone can sit around the large tables, facing each other to share a meal. Two of those rooms feature beautiful large tables of polished sawn California Chestnut and are named after — and painted in the favorite colors of — daughters Alessia and Sophia. The third, La Costiera, has a large hightop of antique Amalfi tiles under soft and comforting custom lighting. Even the bathrooms showcase Rocco’s stylish choices with mirrors split down the middle, one half a reflective surface and the other half of copper or wood.

Rocco’s attention to detail doesn’t stop with the obvious but goes beyond the walls to hidden details.

Restaurants are more than somewhere to eat — especially within Italian culture. They are a gathering place, and he extended his thoughtful process to the tools needed for modern meeting spaces. The same care in design was given to the sound system, unobtrusive Wi-Fi, and the hidden projectors and screens that can be lowered for meetings, special sporting events, or presentations.

Rocco is a showman at heart, using his lively spirit and surrounding minutia in every way to engage diners with warmth, humor and great food — and he loves to throw a good party.

ROC has started both a Saturday Lounge experience — for an older crowd to mingle over drinks— and a monthly Disco Brunch.

A Jovial Celebration

(opposite, from top) The modern first floor dining room is accented with dark wood trim; the well-appointed bar (center); the second floor has seating for 70 (bottom left) with three side rooms for groups of 10-15 (bottom right).

The intimate sunroom overlooks the expansive patio (top). Chef Giovanni Tenace with Rocco Cadolini (center). Branzino (Mediterranean bass) al Cartoccio (right).

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profile | roc restaurant

“These are common weekly in New York. We would often go to Lavo or Bagatelle to have some fun,” Rocco explained.

An impressive brunch is served in normal lighting as people arrive with or without costumes that match the theme of the month. As diners finish their meals, the lights dim completely to show off colored lights as a DJ kicks off his performance with accompaniment from live musicians. Flashing lights are handed out, dancing ensues and cocktails are consumed before guests exit the party into daylight once more. The Cadolinis, including the young, are vamping, dancing, and having a good time right in the middle of it all, doing their best to pull everyone into the family and fray for a truly interactive experience where active participation is encouraged but not required.

“The celebration at a Disco Brunch is like adding an Off-Broadway element: you can dress up and be part of the show or just sit, relax and enjoy it,” Rocco said.

Whether Rocco is dancing on the bar during one of the brunches or is tableside to serve a dish, his exuberance inspires diners to feel as if they’ve been invited to a jovial Italian family celebration when dining in.

ROC serves Lunch 11:30 to 2:30 Tuesday through Friday; Dinner 5 to 10 Sunday thru Thursday, and 5 to 11 Fridays and Saturday. Brunch is from 11 to 4 on Sundays. Reservations are suggested but not required.

A Tuesday evening specialty, ROC serves up Cacio e pepe (cheese and pepper) like no other.“Cacio e pepe à la ROC” is prepared tableside in dramatic fashion by Rocco himself or Manager Gianfranco Vecchio: a scooped out round of Pecorino Romano is ignited before house-made spaghetti is added and mixed into the still-flaming melted cheese prior to being served with fresh ground pepper to top it off.

Showmanship aside, the concept of the menu might be described as “simple but excellent.” While the Stacey salad and a sublime salad of crisp sliced pears over frisee (with caramelized walnuts and crumbled gorgonzola under a honey dressing) are both large enough to share or be an entree, there are plenty of antipasta to share with friends as well. Mamma Concetta’s eggplant parmesan recipe on the menu is featured in Rocco Dispirito’s cookbook, “Now Eat This! Italian.”

Pastas can be beguiling in their simplicity and flavor, and ROC has a specific goal in mind with their offerings.

Chef Giovanni Tenace said, “Our goal is to have the best pasta in Louisville. We make all but one in-house to

All Part of the Show!

(top) Grilled octopus with potato cake, celery and sundried tomato pesto. (center left) Cavatelli pasta with broccoli rabe and sausage.(center right) Italian sausage with roasted pepper, onions and potatoes. (left) Black squid ink taglierini with half lobster.

20

make our combinations of pasta with special sauces.”

Presentation and flavor move from simple to exquisite with dishes like the black squid ink taglierini with roasted half lobster and cherry tomatoes or Concetta’s Sorrento-style gnocchi with tomato and mozzarella.The cavatelli with crumbled sweet sausage and broccoli rabe done in a simple olive oil, butter, and white wine sauce with parsley and garlic was also featured by Rocco Dispirito on the Food Network’s “The Best Meal I Ever Ate”.

Depending on one’s appetite, one could be sated now and ask to take unfinished portions. But if dining in true Italian-style, it is customary to enjoy your company and dinner; there is still the Secondi, or third course of protein to consider.These dishes are hearty and range from a roasted Branzino (Mediterranean bass) with mixed vegetables and roasted tomatoes to a veal shank ossobuco. And, ROC’s signature truffle fries are not to be missed.

It only takes a quick scan of online reviews to see the specialty cocktails and beverage program are as celebrated as the rest of the ROC experience. The wine list allows one to explore Italian vintages, from lighter Soaves to full-bodied Chiantis and Montepulcianos. For special occasions, there is the “Reserve List” of wine offerings.

“We have wines with a 100-point Wine Spectator rating,” Rocco boasted. “This is a rarity in the world, much less the state of Kentucky.”

The bar also now features more than 100 bourbons, and ROC hopes to be a stop on the Bourbon Trail soon. Sounds to us like just one more reason to celebrate! Prego! F&D (top left) Gnocchi in a tomato sauce with mozzarella. (top right) Marinated salmon carpaccio. (center) Beef carpaccio with baby arugula, parmesan fondue and toasted almond. (below) “Cacio e pepe à la ROC” is prepared tableside.

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food | easy entertaining

Bourbon EASY entertaining Country Cooking

BY TIM & LORI LAIRD & DAVID DANIELSON | PHOTOS BY DAN DRY

Not that we need a reason, but

this issue of Food & Dining gives

“Easy Entertaining” a great excuse

to throw a party. It’s our tenth anniversary writing for this fine publica-

tion, and it also marks the release

of our third cookbook inspired by our column, so let’s celebrate!

For years, we have shared our love of entertaining and hosting parties by bringing different groups of people together for festive food and drinks. We began keeping a journal of our parties when we moved to Louisville in 1998, and there have been literally hundreds.

These journals are filled with recipes, drinks, quantities served, guests who attended, detailed notes on which dishes were most popular, prep times, shopping lists and details that made the next time - well, easier. We started sharing our entertaining techniques, which then became the column you’re 22 Summer 2018 www.foodanddine.com

reading now and have been reading for the last decade in Food & Dining.

In forty columns and more than 200 recipes, we have shared our discoveries while hosting themed parties ranging from grilled pizza to brunch, lobster feasts to shrimp boils, holiday parties to summer picnics and a wonderful myriad in between.

Writing for this magazine inspired us to start writing cookbooks, as did working with acclaimed photographer, Dan Dry (who has photographed every column and all of our cookbooks). We published our first book in 2010: “That’s Entertaining! with Tim Laird, America’s CEO - Chief Entertaining Officer.” This was a compilation of some of our best “Easy Entertaining” columns with several additional chapters on a variety of entertaining occasions. Four years later, in 2014, we published our second book, “That’s Entertaining! Cocktails and Appetizers.”

Over time, our writings have also featured local chefs and their favorite dishes to serve when they entertain — like David Danielson, Executive Chef of Churchill Downs. While we’ve known David for years, this sparked a discussion that led to a collaboration with him on our third book, “The Bourbon Country Cookbook: New Southern Entertaining.”

This book is a guide to modern Southern entertaining and a pure celebration of Bourbon Country heritage, culture and hospitality. It distills both the old and new spirit of great Southern food and drink in 95 accessible recipes arranged by traditional fare one might find on a Kentucky table: pickles, vegetables, ancient grains, bounties from the barnyard, bourbon cocktails, and more. These recipes pay homage to the rituals of yesteryear while embracing the new Southern palate and the flavors of modern Kentucky bourbon.

We’re thrilled with the end result and know you’ll enjoy some of our favorite recipes shared here.

The Bourbon Country Cookbook is available in local bookstores and wherever books are sold, including Amazon.

easy entertaining | food

Bacon and Pecan Pimento Cheese (Makes 3 cups)

3 3 1 1 ¼ ½ ½

cups grated sharp yellow cheddar cups grated extra sharp white cheddar cup mayonnaise, such as Duke’s (4-ounce) jar diced pimentos, drained cup toasted pecan pieces (see Note) cup cooked and diced bacon (about 8 strips) tablespoon Dijon mustard Pinch cayenne pepper Pinch celery seed Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

In a large bowl, combine the yellow cheddar, white cheddar, mayonnaise, pimentos, pecans, bacon, mustard, cayenne pepper, and celery seed. For a smoother mixture, use a stand mixer with a paddle attachment and beat on medium speed for 2 to 3 minutes. When the mixture is completely combined, taste and add salt and pepper as needed. Transfer to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.

Note: To toast pecans at home, preheat the oven to 325°F. Place the pecans on a baking sheet and bake for 5 to 7 minutes, until the nuts begin to brown and become fragrant.

Grit Fritters with Country Ham (Makes 24 fritters)

2 2 1 2 1 ½ 1 ½ ¼

cups plus 1 tablespoon water, divided cups whole milk cup yellow grits, such as Louismill tablespoons unsalted butter teaspoon kosher salt teaspoon freshly ground black pepper cup grated sharp cheddar cup diced country ham cup finely sliced green onions Canola oil, for frying 2 large eggs 3 cups panko breadcrumbs

In a medium saucepan over medium-high heat, combine 2 cups of the water and the milk and bring to a boil. Slowly whisk in the grits, reduce the heat to medium-low, and stir occasionally until the grits thicken and are smooth, about 20 minutes. Stir in the butter, salt, pepper, and cheese, whisking until the cheese is melted. Remove from the heat and stir in the country ham and green onions. Transfer the mixture to a 9 × 9-inch baking pan, cover, and refrigerate until cool and firm, 3 to 4 hours or overnight.

After the grits have cooled, place a Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Heat 3 to 4 inches of the oil until a deep-fry thermometer registers 350°F. In a small bowl, combine the eggs and remaining 1 tablespoon of water and whisk thoroughly. In a separate bowl, place the breadcrumbs.

Using your hands, scoop the chilled grits and roll them into 2-inch balls, placing each ball on a clean work surface until all have been rolled. One at a time, dip the balls into the egg mixture and then into the breadcrumbs, making sure they are completely coated.

Fry the fritters in batches, three to four at a time, for 3 to 4 minutes, until golden brown on all sides. Transfer the fritters to a plate lined with paper towels to drain. Serve warm.

www.foodanddine.com Summer 2018 23

food | easy entertaining

Derby Shrimp and Grits with Tasso Gravy (Serves 6)

For the shrimp: 1 tablespoon olive oil 1 pound jumbo shrimp, peeled, deveined, tails removed Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste In a large skillet over medium heat, heat the oil until it shimmers. Add the shrimp and cook for 4 to 5 minutes, just until they are pink. Transfer the shrimp to a plate.

Season with salt and black pepper and set aside.

For the grits: 2 cups water 2 cups whole milk 1 tablespoon kosher salt, plus more to taste 1 cup stone-ground white grits, such as Louismill 2 cups grated white cheddar 1 teaspoon ground white pepper In a medium saucepan over medium-high heat, combine the water, milk, and salt, and bring the mixture to a boil. Slowly add the grits, stirring to combine.

Reduce the heat to low and continue to cook, stirring frequently to prevent the grits from sticking, for 20 minutes. Remove the pan from the heat and add the cheese, stirring until smooth. Season with the white pepper and more salt as needed.

For the Tasso gravy: 2 ½ 3 1 2 2

tablespoons unsalted butter pound Tasso ham, diced tablespoons all-purpose flour cup strongly brewed coffee cups chicken broth dashes Tabasco Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste 1 tablespoon finely chopped flat-leaf parsley, for garnish

In a medium skillet over medium heat, melt the butter.

Stir in the Tasso ham and sauté until the ham is just browned. Whisk in the flour and cook, whisking constantly, until the mixture is lightly browned. Whisk in the coffee, broth, and Tabasco and let simmer. Keep whisking until the sauce thickens and becomes smooth, about 15 minutes. Taste and add salt and black pepper as needed.

To serve: Place the grits on a large platter. Place the shrimp on top of the grits and ladle on the Tasso gravy. Garnish with the chopped parsley and serve immediately.

24 Summer 2018 www.foodanddine.com

easy entertaining | food

Beet and Strawberry Salad with Arugula and Poppy Seed Dressing (Serves 6)

For the salad: 3 medium red beets Olive oil, for drizzling 3 medium yellow beets 4 cups strawberries, hulled and quartered 6 ounces baby arugula 3 ounces goat cheese, crumbled Preheat the oven to 425°F. Place the red beets on a 12-inch piece of aluminum foil, drizzle with the olive oil, and wrap into a tight packet. Repeat with the yellow beets to make two big packets. Place the packets directly on the middle rack of the oven and bake for 1 hour, or until the beets are soft when pierced with a knife. Remove from the oven and set aside until the beets are cool enough

to touch. Remove and discard the skins and cut the beets into 1-inch cubes.

In a large bowl, combine the beets, strawberries, and arugula and drizzle with the desired amount of dressing. Toss to coat and place on a serving platter or in a glass bowl. Top with the crumbled goat cheese and serve at room temperature.

For the poppy seed dressing: 1 cup sliced strawberries 2 tablespoons sugar 1 â „ 3 cup apple cider vinegar 1 â „ 3 cup extra virgin olive oil 1 tablespoon poppy seeds Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste In a blender, combine the strawberries, sugar, and vinegar. Blend on low, and then, with the machine running, slowly add the oil until all of the oil is incorporated. Pour the dressing into a bowl, stir in the poppy seeds, taste, and add salt and pepper as needed. Transfer to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.

www.foodanddine.com Summer 2018 25

food | easy entertaining

Bourbon Bacon Chocolate Chip Cookies (Makes 5 dozen)

1 2½ 1 1 ¼ 1 ⁄ 3-1 ¾ ¾ 3 1 2 10

Bacon Wrapped Beef Tenderloin with Henry Bain Sauce (Serves 8)

1 1 1½ ½ ¼ 1

tablespoon chopped fresh rosemary tablespoon chopped fresh thyme tablespoons finely minced garlic teaspoon kosher salt teaspoon freshly ground black pepper (4-pound) center-cut beef tenderloin, trimmed of fat 1 pound sliced bacon Henry Bain Sauce

Preheat the oven to 400°F. In a small bowl, combine the rosemary, thyme, garlic, salt, and pepper.

Sprinkle the herb mixture evenly over the tenderloin and rub it in with your fingers. On a clean work surface, place the bacon slices lengthwise

26 Summer 2018 www.foodanddine.com

side by side, overlapping them slightly. Use enough slices so the width of the bacon layer is about 2 inches shorter than the length of the tenderloin.

Place the tenderloin perpendicular to the bacon in the center of the slices. Fold the ends of the bacon over the tenderloin, then roll the tenderloin toward you so the ends of the bacon are on the bottom of the tenderloin. Stretch the bacon slices if necessary to fit around the tenderloin.

Heat a baking pan in the oven for 5 minutes.

Remove the pan from the oven and carefully place the meat, bacon-ends down, in the hot pan.

Roast, uncovered, for 50 to 60 minutes, until an instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the tenderloin registers 135°F for medium rare.

Remove the meat from the oven, cover it with aluminum foil, and let it rest for 15 minutes. The temperature of the meat should rise to 145°F while it rests. Cut the meat into ½-inch-thick slices and transfer to a serving platter. Serve with the Henry Bain Sauce on the side.

pound thick-cut bacon cups all-purpose flour teaspoon baking soda teaspoon salt teaspoon baking powder cup unsalted butter, room temperature (see Note) cup granulated sugar cup packed brown sugar tablespoons bourbon teaspoon pure vanilla extract large eggs ounces dark chocolate chips

Preheat the oven to 400°F. Place the bacon in a single layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet.

Bake for 15 to 20 minutes, until crisp. Remove the bacon to a paper towel–lined plate to drain. Pour the bacon grease from the baking sheet into a glass measuring cup and place it in the refrigerator to solidify, about 30 minutes. Transfer the bacon to a cutting board, cut into small dice, and set it aside.

Reduce the oven temperature to 375°F. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper and set them aside.

In a medium bowl, combine the flour, baking soda, salt, and baking powder and set aside.

Once the bacon fat is solidified, add just enough of the unsalted butter to make 1 cup. In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, combine the butter and bacon fat, granulated sugar, and brown sugar. Beat on low speed until combined. Add the bourbon, vanilla, and eggs and beat on low speed until thoroughly mixed.

With the machine still running on low speed, gradually add in the flour mixture until completely combined. Stir in the bacon and chocolate chips.

Drop rounded tablespoons of dough about 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets. Bake for 9 to 11 minutes, until the cookies are lightly

easy entertaining | food browned. Remove from the oven and let stand for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Repeat this process (you can reuse the parchment) until you have used up all the dough. Store in an airtight container at room temperature for 1 week or in the freezer for up to 1 month.

Note: It’s important to use a total of 1 cup of fat in this recipe. The amount of fat rendered from the bacon will tell you how much butter you need to use. For example, if you have ¼ cup bacon fat, you’ll use ¾ cup unsalted butter to equal 1 cup. Generally, 1 pound of bacon renders 1⁄ 3 cup fat, in which case you’d add 2⁄ 3 cup butter to equal 1 cup total fat. However, all bacon is not the same in terms of thickness, size, fat content, or quality.

Bourbon Peach Cooler 1½ ¼ 2 1 1

ounces bourbon ounce peach schnapps ounces peach nectar ounce unsweetened iced tea dash peach bitters (optional) Peach slice, for garnish

In a shaker filled with ice, combine the bourbon, schnapps, peach nectar, iced tea, and bitters, if using. Shake the mixture vigorously and strain it into a tall glass with ice. Garnish with the peach slice and serve. F&D www.foodanddine.com Summer 2018 27

profile | sarino

BY MICHAEL L. JONES | PHOTOS BY DAN DRY

Carmelo (left) and Michael Gabriele

Sarino

1030 Goss Avenue Louisville, KY 502.822.3392 sarinolouisville.com

28 Summer 2018Â www.foodanddine.com f d ddi

sarino | profile

G

abriele is a revered name in St. Louis and Louisville, because it represents the family

behind some of the best restaurants in these

cities. This culinary dynasty began in the late 1950s

when Agostino Gabriele immigrated from Sicily to St. Louis, where he built the family’s reputation at

Agostino’s on the Hill, Agostino’s Colosseum, and G.P. Agostino’s. He set the foundation for the next genera-

tion of Gabriele restaurateurs, which would include his

sons — John and Paul — and nephews Giovanni, Rosario (nicknamed “Sarino”), Vincenzo and Agostino.

Louisville diners are familiar with two of the

nephews — brothers Vincenzo Gabriele (namesake of

the venerable Vincenzo’s restaurant) and co-owner

Agostino Gabriele. A downtown institution for nearly three decades, Vincenzo’s has launched the careers of

many of the city’s top chefs. Their older brother

Giovanni and cousins, John and Paul, are equally celebrated for their Italian restaurants in St. Louis.

Unfortunately, Sarino never became as well known as the others, but he is no less important to the Gabriele legacy. Sarino owned a restaurant in Sicily where Giovanni, Vincenzo and the younger Agostino learned the cooking business. He was also Agostino’s first business partner; they co-owned a restaurant in Sicily and later one in St. Louis called Agostino’s Little Place. Had he spent more time in America, Sarino might be in the Distinguished Restaurants of North America Hall of Fame today like Vincenzo and Agostino (inducted in 2014).

“After my grandfather passed, Sarino went back to Italy with my grandmother. She didn’t want to move back without at least one of her sons. If he had stayed in this country, he would have been successful. He would have had a restaurant with his name on it, but he never had that opportunity,” asserted his nephew Carmelo Gabriele.

Carmelo is the second child and first son of Agostino Gabriele. He and younger brother Michael became part of the third generation of restaurateurs in December 2017, when they opened Sarino in Germantown. The restaurant continues the Gabriele family’s tradition of authentic Italian food but in a casual setting designed to appeal to contemporary diners. In a few short months, Sarino has developed a devoted following that includes Louisville

29 www.foodanddine.com Summer 2018 29

profile | sarino Metro Mayor Greg Fischer, who has raved about the restaurant on Instagram.

Choosing to name the restaurant Sarino was a tribute to their uncle — who died of cancer about eight years ago — and a nod to their father’s beginnings in the cooking business. Carmelo and Michael know some people will judge Sarino by what the Gabriele family (especially their father) has accomplished in the past. Public expectations do not bother them.

Carmelo admitted, “There was certainly some added pressure in the beginning because of our last name. We are very cognizant of who our family is and who our father is — the bar that he set. We feel like we shouldn’t have any problem hitting it.”

Brothers Took Different Routes To The Same Place

Carmelo was just four years old when his father moved to Louisville in 1985 to take over the kitchen at Vincenzo’s. Even then, he knew it was his destiny to work behind a stove, too. It was a denouement that was tough to avoid, because his relatives have asked him when he was going to work for his father for as far back as he can remember. He held out as long as he could, but poor grades at school made working at Vincenzo’s a selffulfilling prophecy.

“Toward the end of my high school career, my father realized I wasn’t the best student, and I probably wasn’t going to college. He said to me, ‘Well, if you’re not going to college, it’s time to get your butt in the kitchen.’ So, at 17, I started working at Vincenzo’s at the very bottom. They had me mopping floors, chopping vegetables, and making salads.”

Carmelo worked his way up through the ranks and learned practically every task in the kitchen, but he didn’t develop a passion for what he was doing until about 10 years into his career when his uncle Sarino returned to America. Carmelo said their relationship helped mold him into the chef he is today. Working side by side with young Carmelo at Vincenzo’s, Sarino became a mentor and friend.

Expectations were a bit different for Michael Gabriele, the youngest of Agostino’s Caprese salad with bocconcini mozzarella (left center), cheese and charcuterie board (right center) and tuna crudo (left).

30

four children. Although he worked in the front of the house at Vincenzo’s while he was in high school, Michael was never steered toward the family business. In fact, he majored in creative writing at Eckerd College in St. Petersburg, Florida. Carmelo loves to needle him about that.

“Really what Michael studied was fishing. He chose his college because it was right on the Gulf,” the older brother jokes.

Carmelo and Michael are very close. Carmelo once told a reporter that he threatened to leave home as a 10-year-old if his mother didn’t have another son.

He already had an older and younger sister, so he wanted someone to share the torment of being surrounded by women while father was at work.

That young camaraderie grew into a smooth partnership, where Michael runs the front of Sarino’s house and Carmelo handles most of the kitchen duties. Michael said growing up watching Agostino and Vincenzo gave them a view of the joys and pitfalls of working with your brother.

“We certainly saw with our father and uncle that there are certain challenges when you are working with family,” Michael confessed. “It is fair to say Carmelo and I have a different relationship.”

Michael, 27, wasn’t sure what he wanted to do with his life after he graduated from college. He took a job as a server in a restaurant called Haven in Tampa, Florida just to earn some money, but he was nervous about working at a restaurant not owned by his family for the first time. Carmelo proved to be the best moral support. He reminded Michael that he probably knew more about the industry than the people writing the checks at his new job.

It didn’t take long for Michael to realize his brother was right. Just listening to Carmelo and their father talk about Vincenzo’s at the dinner table had taught him nearly everything he needed to know.

After a few years working as a server and bartender at various places, Michael became convinced that he and Carmelo should open a restaurant of their own. Carmelo was interested in the venture, but it took nearly two years for the brothers to get on the path to that led them to Sarino.

The original plan was to open a place in Florida, because Michael was already living there, but the brothers could not find the right opportunity or original concept to make a business work in the Sunshine State. After they decided to make their mark in Louisville, Michael came across the space at 1030 Goss Ave. that Pat Hagan — co-owner of the Crescent Hill Craft House and founder of the Bluegrass Brewing Company — had originally renovated for the shortlived Germantown Craft House in 2016. Hagan and his partners reopened the space in 2017 as the Goss Avenue Pub, but it too closed after a few months.

31

The practically new construction on Goss with its glass-enclosed dining room, covered patio and a large kitchen was the ideal space for what Michael and Carmelo had in mind. “We came in and did some work, but what was already there was like nothing we’d seen before. It is rare you come across something that is on the market, available, that has all the things you want. That really helped with our startup time,” Michael said.

Carmelo added, “Once we found the building, right away we kind of fell in love with it because of the location. We like the proximity to the Highlands. It’s only five minutes from downtown and a couple of minutes from Old Louisville. Plus, we really feel Germantown is a very up and coming neighborhood.”

Although Carmelo has been in the restaurant business for 20 years, this was the first time he had to start a restaurant from scratch. He had never had to juggle contractors or deal with permits. This part of the process was a learning curve for both brothers, but their father Agostino was very supportive. He offered help any way he could, and he still gets together with his boys to make Sarino’s homemade Limoncello (Italian lemon liqueur).

Sarino’s concept is traditional Italian cuisine with an emphasis on Neapolitan pizzas and fresh pastas. One lesson the younger Gabrieles learned from Agostino is attention to detail and authenticity, and there is nothing more authentic than house-made pasta. The Sarino kitchen has a dedicated pasta maker, Jake Brockman, who makes eight different varieties of noodles daily.

Traditional dishes like Pomodoro and Carbonara grace the menu alongside standouts like Vodka Sauce (rigate, vodka tomato cream, shrimp and mushrooms); Pea Pesto (radiatore pasta, pea pesto, toasted pistachios, toasted breadcrumbs, dehydrated Kalamata olives and pecorino romano); and Seafood Linguine with Pesto (linguine, white wine, fish stock, pesto, shrimp, swordfish, salmon and Parmigiana-Reggiano).

Sarino wants to appeal to diners from all demographics with a variety of food options and price points, so pizza is an important option — something the Gabriele family has never been known for.

“Our family, they have always been into fine dining.

Our uncles, cousins that are in the restaurant industry, they never did pizza… Pizza is something Michael brought to the concept,” Carmelo said.

After attending the Biverò Pizza Academy in Florence, Italy, Michael really fell in love with the pizzamaking process itself. He enjoyed learning to make the dough from scratch, forming it by hand and working (top) Seafood linguine with shrimp, salmon and swordfish. (center, from left) Tagliatelle carbonara with guanciale and a collection of the eight pastas made in-house daily. (left) Spaghetti Bolognese with a wide tagliatelle noodle.

32

sarino | profile with fresh ingredients.

“I don’t know how other people learn how to make pizza. Maybe they go work at Papa John’s or somewhere like that, but having that authentic Italian experience made me more excited about it. Having these quality ingredients to make pizza was sort of like trying it for the first time,” Michael explained.

He liked the pizza academy so much that he dragged Carmelo there, so they could take the classes together.They brought a pizza oven home with them and import many of their ingredients from Italy in order to follow the strict guidelines of a crispy airy crust Neapolitan pizza. They must use volcanic plane grown San Marzano tomatoes (Mt. Vesuvius) and Mozzarella di Bufala Campana, a water buffalo milk origin cheese (from the marshlands of Campania and Lazio).

The pizza selection at Sarino varies from expected combos — Calabrese Salame or the Prosciutto Arugula pizza — to Smoked Duck and Sausage or Roasted Potato pizzas.Then, there are the popular non-pizza entrees like Grilled Shrimp, Grilled Salmon Captona, and Swordfish or Roasted Half-Chicken, Pork Milanese and the New York Strip.

The cheese and charcuterie plate offers light eats alongside a selection of salads and appetizers.

The Deconstructed Tiramisu and the Limoncello are the standouts on the dessert menu.

Sarino is open for dinner Tuesday through Thursday 5 p.m. to midnight, Friday and Saturday 5 p.m. to 2 a.m. and Sunday 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.The cocktail list and late-night menu with pan pizza by the slice — from 10 p.m. to midnight weekdays and until 2 a.m. on Friday and Saturday — are an appeal to patio crowds. Lunch may be in the future, and they intend to make seasonal menu changes.

The brothers have been so busy with this work in progress that neither of them has had time for a family; however, Carmelo is leaving it up to Michael to carry on the family tradition.

“Right now, Sarino is our child. It is our wife.

But my brother is young. It’s time for my brother to give his father what he really wants: a grandson with his name. Yes, Michael is going to give you all the fourth generation. He’s taking applicants now,” Carmelo said with a laugh. F&D (top left) Cannoli with raspberries and blackberries. (top right) Swordfish with yellow pepper coulis, artichoke, cherry tomato and asparagus tip salad. (center) Prosciutto and arugula pizza with buffalo mozzarella. (right) Sicilian-style pan pizza is offered on the late-night menu.

33

food | cooking with ron

When

Summer Comes, Can Picnicking Be Far Behind?

Summers are made for picnics, aren’t they? Everyone thinks so.

In the 1600s, the French came up with the term pique-nique for casual lunches eaten outdoors — often as part of an excursion in balmy weather and usually in parks or other scenic locations — but the concept is immemorial. What else but a picnic could Omar Khayyam have had in mind when he wrote in The Rubaiyat, “A loaf of bread, a jug of wine / And thou beside

BY RON MIKULAK | PHOTOS BY ANDY HYSLOP

34

me in the Wilderness?”

cooking with ron | food

The Egyptians have made picnicking a national holiday: Shem el-Nessim (or “Smell the Air Day”) when families take simple meals of onions, dried fish and boiled eggs outdoors so they can inhale the fragrances of the summer season that is approaching — a tradition that dates back to Pharaonic times.

So, wanting to take some easy-to-prepare and easyto-eat food outside to enjoy in pleasant scenic surroundings seems to be an inherent human trait that has been around forever, possibly tied to an appreciation of seasonal change.

When you consider the ubiquity of the picnicking impulse, it seems proper to consider expanding a picnic menu to encompass some of the foods from other cultures who also enjoy getting outdoors, spreading out a blanket or tablecloth on the ground or on a rustic table,

–––––––––––––––––––––––– Tabbouli

and eating al fresco. I have put together this international menu with a few constraints in mind: 1 ■ The dishes should be not difficult to prepare, although they might require some chopping or mixing and perhaps minimal cooking.

2 ■ The ingredients should be easy to acquire (nothing more exotic than what can be found in Whole Foods, for example).

3 ■ The dishes should be able to be made ahead and transported easily without requiring refrigeration.

4 ■ There should be minimal clean up after the picnic with little trash to be carried away.

With those limitations in mind, I offer ideas for a tasty picnic lunch with Greek, French and Moroccan pedigrees and flavors.

Tabbouli

(Serves 2) This is a most refreshing salad and keeps well without needing to be refrigerated. To some, tabbouli is a bulgur salad with parsley. To others, it is a parsley salad with bulgur. I side with the latter conception, so I go heavy on the parsley. But by adding the bulgur last, you can eyeball the proportions that seem best to you.

¼ cup olive oil ¼ cup fresh lemon juice 2 garlic cloves, peeled and minced 1 cup bulgur (cracked wheat) 1 cup water 1 bunch Italian parsley 1 cup chopped seeded plum tomatoes (Canned diced tomatoes will work well.)

1 bunch green onions, trimmed and chopped 2 tablespoons chopped fresh mint Whisk oil, lemon juice, and garlic in small bowl to blend; set aside.

Bring the cup of water to a boil, stir in the bulgur, and remove from heat when water returns to a boil. Let stand until bulgur is tender and water is absorbed, about 15 minutes.

www.foodanddine.com Summer 2018 35

food | cooking with ron Wash the parsley well and spin dry in a salad spinner. Cut off the longest stems and discard them (or put them in a plastic bag and freeze to add to stocks later). Gather the parsley together tightly, and chop coarsely. Place in a large bowl, and toss with the diced tomatoes, chopped green onions and chopped mint.

Stir the bulgur to fluff a bit, then add as much of the bulgur to the parsley mixture as you think makes a good balance between vegetables and grains.

Whisk the dressing again, add to the parsley-bulgur mixture, and toss to blend. Taste and season with salt and pepper. Cover and refrigerate before packing up for the picnic. (Can be made one day ahead.)

–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– Pan bagnat (Serves 2) Since the French came up with the word, why not try a classic French pique-nique sandwich? My wife is of the thoughtful opinion that most French sandwiches are terrible. She is thinking of those sold at the train stations, a ficelle — or small baguette — sliced in half and spread with a thin smear of butter and filled with one thin layer of cheese and ham or sliced paté. The too crusty bread, if not stale, is hard to bite into, and the sandwich filling is meager. The pan bagnat is not that sandwich.

The concept here is sort of putting a salade niçoise into a hollowed-out roll. This is a tuna-based sandwich but made with olive oil, not mayo, so it stays fresh and edible with no fear of spoilage on a warm summer day. It is generously dressed with oil and ideally made the night before, wrapped and weighted down so the dressing infuses through the bread, which is

Pan bagnat

36

flattened enough to be easily bitten into. The dressing and the fresh ingredients guarantee a moist, sort-of-sloppy but oh-so-delicious sandwich.

2 1 1 ½ 2 1 1 1 1 8 ½ 2 1

anchovy fillets, minced (optional) very small garlic clove, minced teaspoon red wine vinegar teaspoon Dijon mustard Pinch of salt and freshly ground pepper tablespoons extra virgin olive oil 8-inch round crusty country loaf or small ciabatta, halved Kirby cucumber or 1/2 regular cucumber medium-size, ripe tomato, sliced 5 to 6-ounce can tuna packed in olive oil, drained large basil leaves small red onion, peeled and diced tablespoons sliced pitted olives, preferably a mix of black and green hard-cooked egg, peeled and thinly sliced (optional)

In a small bowl, whisk together the garlic, vinegar, mustard, salt and pepper, and the anchovies (if using). Slowly drizzle in oil, whisking constantly.

(You can make this in a blender, too.)

Pull out some of the soft interior crumb of the bottom half of the bread, making a shallow bowl to better hold the tuna filling.

cooking with ron | food

Moroccan Spiced Oranges Peel the cucumber, halve lengthwise, and thinly slice. Add sliced cucumber to the vinaigrette dressing and toss. Spread half the cucumbers on the bottom of the bread. Top with tomato and onion slices.

Mix the tuna with the coarsely chopped basil, diced onion and sliced olives. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Spoon the tuna mixture over the tomatoes in the bread bottom, and top with egg slices (if using). Top with remaining cucumbers and vinaigrette. Cover with second bread half and firmly press sandwich together.

Wrap sandwich tightly in foil, waxed paper or plastic wrap; then, place in a plastic bag. Put sandwich under a weight such as a cast-iron frying pan filled with a few unopened cans of beans or soup. Refrigerate overnight. Unwrap, slice in half, and re-wrap until picnic time.

––––––––––––––––––––––––––– Moroccan Spiced Oranges (Serves 2)

This light, tangy-sweet dessert is easy to make and eat outdoors. (Be sure to pack

sporks for the tabbouli and this dessert.)

2 navel oranges ¼ cup slivered almonds 3 tablespoons chopped pitted dates (about 4) 1 tablespoon honey 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon Ground cinnamon Grated orange rind To prepare oranges, cut off the top and bottom to reveal the flesh. Slice away the rind from pole to pole, leaving just the gleaming flesh. Work around the circumference of the orange, slicing away rind and white pith. When all the rind is cut away, go back and trim off any white pith remaining. Cut oranges crosswise into wheels about 1/4-inch thick.

Place oranges in a bowl; add almonds and dates. Mix together the honey, lemon juice and cinnamon. Pour dressing over fruit and toss lightly to coat. Sprinkle lightly with more cinnamon and grated orange rind if desired. F&D

www.foodanddine.com Summer 2018 37

profile | bar vetti

Putting the

Bluegrass

ong ago, there were two brothers named

L

Vettii — social climbers who had been freed from slavery and rose through the

ranks of the social strata as merchants. They eventually reached a secure position amid the

into the

upper crust and built a large, comfortable

Bruschetta at bar Vetti

The brothers lived in Pompeii, and the year was A.D. 79. The epochal eruption of Vesuvius buried their house in volcanic ash and debris until it was excavated in the 1890s.

The House of the Vettii has since enjoyed considerable renown for a series of well-preserved frescos based on ancient myths, but the brothers Vettii didn’t live by art and valuables alone.

Among the foodstuffs common in Pompeii were bread, olives, beans, fruit, nuts, seafood, pork and sausages. While wealthy Pompeiians considered house-fattened dormice a gourmet delicacy, they didn’t eat tomatoes, capsicum peppers, spinach or eggplant, which hadn’t yet been brought to the land we now call Italy.

Among the items left intact on that fateful day were copper cooking vessels situated atop iron braziers on a wood-burning stove. It is known that food and drink were critically important to the success of “business lunches” in the Roman Empire, which tended to fill entire days.

As the crow flies, Louisville and Pompeii are 5,000 miles apart, but you’ll now find a reference to the Vettii family in Derby City almost 2000, years later. Louisville restaurateur Ryan Rogers visited Pompeii and found a connection between this ancient building and his newest concept, which he hopes will help Louisville begin to mirror daylong enjoyments.

Rogers, known for his Feast BBQ (2012) and Royals Hot Chicken (2016) successes, has partnered with Executive Chef Andrew McCabe, bringing a whole new concept to the ground floor of the recently renovated 800 Tower apartments at 800 S. Fourth Street in downtown Louisville. You might recognize the structure by its nickname — the Turquoise Tower of Power — because of its exterior bluish-green aluminum curtain wall.

Rogers thought the Vettii name was perfect, because he recognized similarity between the ancient Italian structure he toured and this Louisville icon — both buildings that had been lost for a time and found new life. After trying times, the 800 building has come around again, and the new owners wanted a restaurant downstairs from the

BY ROGER BAYLOR | PHOTOGRAPHY BY DAN DRY

bar Vetti 800 S. Fourth Street 502.883.3331 barvetti.com

38 Summer 2018 www.foodanddine.com

house. There was just one problem.

bar vetti | profile

Owner Ryan Rogers

very start. Rogers and McCabe accepted the challenge of the small 55-seat footprint, which took three years to realize, and bar Vetti was born (with an intentionally lower case “b”).

Their objective is fusion, and they’ve been thinking about it for quite a while. Their desire to truly fuse their many interests became apparent as we sat down to a discussion that encompassed bovine anatomy, European social mores, environmental sustainability, the little-known origins of tipping in Reconstruction-era America, the counter-productivity of surface parking lots in dense urban settings, the hows and whys of whey, and architecture’s subliminal effect on the subconscious.

The architecture and design caught my eye as we spoke. Aesthetically, bar Vetti is a café-culture-style potential neighborhood fulcrum — the type of hangout common in Italy and the Mediterranean, where the offerings are first-rate and the regulars loyal for generations.

Colors are dark and subdued, neatly accenting the eye-level view of a brilliant neon-red Negroni cocktail, as contrasted with the large

though tasteful bar Vetti neon light on the rear wall, itself set against greyish-white marble. All of this is edged in shades of orange and pink, as well as vestiges of turquoise to match the building’s exterior.

The two men knew there’d eventually be a built-in clienteles with several hundred residents gradually moving in to live directly above bar Vetti in 286 completely refurbished apartments.

“When we were opening, we arranged things the way we’d want them if we actually lived in the building,” McCabe said.

The immediate vicinity — inevitably destined for branding as “SoBro,” or South of Broadway — also seemed genuinely poised for revitalization after decades of fits and starts. Both the neighborhood and bar Vetti are in transition, and Rogers and McCabe accept the need to experiment with hours and offerings.

“It’s one thing we’re still trying to figure out,” explained Rogers.

“The Louisville dining culture is very different from café dining culture in Europe – and that café culture is what I personally yearn for.”

Actor George Clooney, a Kentuckian who spends a fair amount of

www.foodanddine.com Summer 2018 39

time in Italy, remarked on similar yearnings to People magazine in 2006.

"I think people in Italy live their lives better than we do. It's an older country, and they've learned to celebrate dinner and lunch, whereas we sort of eat as quickly as we can to get through it. We’re constantly going—work, work, work. Italians have taught me about stopping.”

Rogers continued explaining the type of pace he and Clooney enjoy, “I want to come in and get an espresso, hang out and get one little bite, and come back later – maybe get another espresso, and at 5 o’clock I’m getting a spritz. Then, maybe I’m eating at eight or nine that night – just small plates, because maybe I ate a bigger meal at lunch.”

However, Rogers is a realist.

“That’s shifting a whole pattern of the way people have been eating for hundreds of years in Louisville and the United States.”

Rogers and McCabe are determined to do their best. To the casual observer, bar Vetti serves demonstrably Italian food. However, Rogers and McCabe point out that the Italian culinary scene has constantly changed through the millennia since disaster befell the House of Vettii. (center left) Ricotta doughnuts with apple butter. (left) Rigatoni cacio e pepe. (above) Executive Chef Andrew McCabe. (opposite) Black Hawk Farms beef tartare with a sourdough cracker.

40

bar vetti | profile

41

Dormice are long since out, and marinara sauce with meatballs is very much in. But both dishes owe to a way of thinking about food rather than being a hidebound template or inviolable collection of recipes.

To help understand bar Vetti’s aim, Rogers and McCabe sketched the parameters of this thought process, starting with why they chose Italy as inspiration.

“It’s what we talked about for a long time,” said McCabe, “Ryan wanted to do pizza, and we might as well consider pasta, too, because I love making pasta.”

According to Rogers, it’s an Italian thought process in a regional setting.

“If this is where we live, and these are the foods we’re getting in [as available], what would I make? That’s how it is in Italy,” said Rogers. “At bar Vetti, we do have pasta and pizza – very typical Italian things – but we use what’s available, what’s in season, what’s speaking to us, what makes sense being in our region, this being Louisville, Kentucky.

“Then, we make Italian food from that.”

At bar Vetti, examples of these regional items include ramps (wild leeks), American Wagyu beef from Black Hawk Farms, Jake’s Country Sausage and award-winning Broadbent ham.

“We just got morels in,” added McCabe, mentioning another recent seasonal example.

“Exactly,” said Rogers. “We’re going to do them in a very traditional Italian sense, which is taking the really best ingredients, treating them with respect, presenting them nicely – and that’s it.

42 Summer 2018 www.foodanddine.com

“We don’t need to gussy them up, like tossing them with batter and making Korean barbecue-fried morels. It’s just a great morel; it’s fantastic, we season it nicely — here’s some fresh herbs on it. It’s a morel.”

Rogers says that thinking like an Italian in the kitchen also means being economical and practicing sustainability, not just preaching it.

“We’ve got a cacio e pepe,” McCabe said. “It’s cheese and black pepper with fresh noodles. We’re also making ricotta in house and have a bunch of whey left over. We add that to the cacio e pepe to lighten it up.”

“That’s the most specifically Italian thing,” noted Rogers, “because we have whey left over, and in a typical American restaurant, we’d just throw it away. But here, we’re saying it’s pretty tasty. Let’s find a use for it; so, we put it in the cacio e pepe and the focaccia bread.

“In America, whey would be considered waste or a by-product — and in Europe, you’d never throw it away. It costs money, but it’s a good product; use it for other things. People [in America] would say, ‘you’re taking some leftover milk water and using it to make pasta?

That’s stupid’ – but no, that’s really smart. It’s what we would do if we were in Italy.”

Unlike in Italy, bar Vetti’s succinct one-page menu is not organized into classic courses (antipasto, primo, secondo, et al), although enterprising traditionalists might easily superimpose old world order.

Rather, there are bites like hot fried chickpeas and fonduta (cheese dip), and a selection of mostly smaller plates such as roasted cauliflower, beef tartare and chicken liver crostini. The menu also boasts entrée-sized sea trout and chicken saltimbocca.

bar vetti | profile Five pastas and a half-dozen pizzas provide hearty options for large appetites. The aforementioned Kentucky-sourced meats feature prominently, but two pizzas (Margherita and four-cheese) and a rye gemelli pasta with kale pesto make go-to vegetarian options.

McCabe offered a simple, elegant coda for his menu.

“We don’t want it to be this generic Italian thing.

It’s how we use Italian sensibility as a base and give it this sense of place.”

That’s it, in a nutshell: the Base and the Place. It’s an effective and incisive rhyme, handily describing bar Vetti’s kitchen philosophy as well as its overall feel. The restaurant is relaxed, sleek, comfortable and confident. There’s nothing showy or ostentatious about it.

Gratuity Included

Perhaps the most prominent of bar Vetti’s paradigm shifts is its “hospitality included” policy, reminding us that tipping did not exist here prior to the Civil War, although the practice is now taken for granted in American full-service restaurants.

For Rogers and McCabe, “no tipping” is a way of ensuring fairness for everyone who participates in the dining experience — workers as well as customers. As for the latter, Rogers characterizes tipping as “an awkward transaction that happens at the end of a meal.”

In terms of the business itself, it’s about resolving disparities in earning potential between the front of the house — where staffers meet the customer — and the kitchen, where line cooks working for an hourly wage sometimes make vastly less than servers.

So far, the reaction has been favorable on all fronts, and bar Vetti’s experiments in cultural adaptation will continue. It might have been simpler for Rogers and McCabe to build their first full-service bistro around the tried and true, but they’ve chosen instead to innovate locally while thinking globally.

Rogers ended our chat on a hopeful future note.

“Andy and I are working together on some other projects that are radical changes different from anything we’ve seen in Louisville, and hopefully those things come to fruition.”

Bravissimo! This calls for Prosecco … and an Ale8-One. F&D (opposite) Pizza with wild ramp leaves, fontina, pickled ramps and ‘nduja (spicy sausage spread). (top) Taglierini Aglio e Olio. (center) Salt cured sea trout with blood orange, fennel, lemon and smoked salt. (right) Boats of romaine filled with classic Caesar components and topped with salmon roe.

43

dining guide

Cuisine Style African ......................................70 Asian/Chinese ..........................71 Asian/Japanese........................72 Asian/Korean............................73 Asian/Thai ................................73 Asian/Vietnamese ....................73 Bar & Grill/Taphouse ................67 Barbecue ..................................63 Bistro/New American ................50 Burgers/Chicken.......................55 Cafés ........................................56

Cafeterias/Buffet.......................67 Cajun/Creole ............................73 Casual Dining ...........................59 Coffee/Tea Houses...................81 Cuban/Caribbean .....................74 Deli/Sandwich...........................64 Desserts/Bakery .......................79 Diner/Home Style .....................65 Entertainment Dining................70 European/French......................74 European/German....................74 European/Irish ..........................74 European/Italian .......................74 European/Spanish....................76

Alphabetical Index RESTAURANT

211 Clover Lane 321 Deli 410 Bakery 502 Bar & Bistro 502Café Smokehouse 610 Magnolia 80/20 @ Kaelin's 888 Great Wall 8UP Drinkery A Nice Restaurant A Taste of China Abyssinia Á-Châu Restaurant Addis Grill Adrienne & Co. Bakery Café Adrienne's Italian Against The Grain Al Watan Aladdin's Mediterranean Alley Cat Café American Smokehouse Stadium Amici Angie’s Home Cooking Angilo's Pizza Angio's Restaurant Annie Café Annie May's Sweets Café Annie's Pizza Ann's By The River Anoosh Bistro Another Place Sandwich Shop Anselmo's Italian Bistro Apocalypse Brew Works Applebee's Arata Sushi The Arctic Scoop Argo Sons Coffee Arni's Pizza Arno's Pizza Aroma Café Artesano Tapas Vino Y Mas Asahi Japanese Asian Buffet Asian Wok Aspen Creek Restaurant Aspire Café At the Italian Table Atlantic No. 5 Atrium Café August moon B.J.'s Restaurant & Brewhouse B3Q BBQ Baby Mae's Back Yard Burger Bandido Taqueria Mexicana Bank Street Brewhouse Bar Vetti Baraka Restaurant Barrelhouse on Market Barry's Cheese Steaks Baxter's 942 Bazo's Mexican Grill Bean Bean Street Coffee Co. Bearno's Beef O'Brady's Bella Roma Bella's Diner Big Al’s Beeritaville Big Ben's BBQ Big Four Burgers + Beer Big Momma's Soul Kitchen BirraCibo Bistro 1860 Wine Bar Bistro 301 Bistro 42 Bistro Le Relais Blackstone Grille Blaze Fast Fire'd Pizza

RESTAURANTS LISTED ALPHABETICALLY, FOLLOWED

BY THE PAGE NUMBER OF ITS REVIEW, THE CUISINE STYLE, AND THE CORRESPONDING MAP NUMBER(S). [ ] DENOTES UNMAPPED MULTIPLE LOCATIONS.

PAGE #/CUISINE STYLE 48 64 79 50 63 48 55 71 48 59 71 70 73 70 79 74 70 76 76 56 63 74 65 60 60 73 79 60 67 51 64 74 70 59 72 79 81 61 61 56 76 72 71 71 59 56 74 56 56 71 67 63 63 55 77 70 74 70 68 64 68 77 81 81 61 68 74 66 68 63 55 66 74 51 51 74 74 49 61

MAP #

Fine Dining 3 Deli / Sandwich 1 Desserts / Bakery 14 Bistro / New American 8 Barbecue 13 Fine Dining 13 Burgers / Chicken 2 Asian / Chinese 8 Upscale Casual 1 Casual Dining 14, 16 Asian / Chinese 1 African 1 Asian / Vietnamese 13 African 1 Desserts / Bakery 14, 16 European / Italian 16 Microbreweries 1 Mediterranean/Middle Eastern 4 Mediterranean/Middle Eastern 14 Cafes 5 Barbecue 16 European / Italian 13 Diner / Home Style 9 Pizza 13 Pizza 4 Asian / Vietnamese 13 Desserts / Bakery 3 Pizza 9, 12 Cafeterias / Buffet 16 Bistro / New American 7 Deli / Sandwich 1 European / Italian 2 Microbreweries 2 Casual Dining [5] Asian / Japanese 10 Desserts / Bakery 5 Coffee / Tea Houses 6 Pizza 14 Pizza 4 Cafes 14 European / Spanish 5 Asian / Japanese 3 Asian / Chinese 14 Asian / Chinese 2 Casual Dining 3, 11 Cafes 1 European / Italian 2 Cafes 1 Cafes 5 Asian / Chinese 2 Bar & Grill / Taphouse 5 Barbecue 14 Barbecue 14 Burgers / Chicken 6 Mexican 13 Microbreweries 14 European / Italian 1 African 1 Bar & Grill / Taphouse 16 Deli / Sandwich 13 Bar & Grill / Taphouse 2 Mexican 2, 3, 6 Coffee / Tea Houses 13 Coffee / Tea Houses 14 Pizza [13] Bar & Grill / Taphouse 5, 3, 14 European / Italian 14 Diner / Home Style 13 Bar & Grill / Taphouse 2 Barbecue 16 Burgers / Chicken 14, 16 Southern / Soul Food 9 European / Italian 1 Bistro / New American 2 Bistro / New American 1 European / Italian 10 European / French 4 Upscale Casual 10 Pizza 3, 5, 8, 15

44 Summer 2018 www.foodanddine.com

Fine Dining ...............................48 Gastropub.................................55 Indian........................................76 Latin American..........................77 Mediterranean/Mid East ...........76 Mexican ....................................77 Microbreweries .........................70 Pizza.........................................60 Seafood ....................................53 Southern/Soul Food .................66 Southwest/Tex Mex ..................79 Steakhouse ..............................54 Upscale Casual ........................48

RESTAURANT

Blind Squirrel Blue Dog Bakery Blue Horse Café Bluegrass Brewing Company Bluegrass Burgers Bluegrass Exchange Bob's Steak & Chop House Bombay Grill Bonefish Grill Bonnie & Clyde's Pizza Book & Bourbon Southern Kitchen Boombozz Pizza Boomer's Café Bootleg Barbecue Co. Borromeo's Pizza Borsalino Coffee Boudreaux's Sno-Balls Bourbon Raw Bourbon's Bistro Brasserie Provence Bravo!

Brazeiros Churrascaria Breadworks Brendon's Catch 23 Brian's Deli Brickhouse Tavern & Tap Bridge and Barrel Bristol Bar & Grille Brix Wine Bar Brooke & Billy’s Brooklyn & The Butcher Brownie's 'The Shed' Bruegger's Bagels Bubba's 33 Buca Di Beppo Buckhead Mountain Grill Buck's Bud's Tavern & Barbecue Buffalo Wild Wings Bungalow Joe's Bar & Grill Bunz Restaurant Burger Boy Butcher's Best Butchertown Grocery Butchertown Pizza Hall The Butchertown Social Café 157 Café 360 Café Aroma Café At Main Street Café Magnolia Café Mimosa Café On Meigs Café Thuy Van Caffe Classico California Pizza kitchen Cancún Captain Ville Captain's Quarters Carali's Rotisserie Chicken Cardinal Hall Of Fame Café Caribbean Café Carrabba's Italian Grill Casa Fiesta Caspian Grill Persian Café Cast Iron Steakhouse Cat Box Deli Catfish Haven Restaurant Cattleman's Roadhouse Cellar Door Chocolates Chamling Kitchen & Bar Champions Grill Charim Korean Restaurant Charlestown Pizza Co. Charr'd Bourbon Kitchen Check's BBQ & Blues Check's Café Cheddar Box Café Cheddar's Casual Café Cheer King Star

PAGE #/CUISINE STYLE 59 56 56 70 55 64 54 76 53 61 66 61 56 63 61 81 79 49 51 74 49 54 79 49 64 59 51 49 51 59 54 68 64 68 74 59 48 68 55 68 55 66 64 51 61 68 56 76 77 57 59 73 57 73 57 61 77 53 59 55 59 74 75 77 76 54 64 53 54 79 76 59 73 61 49 63 66 57 59 71

MAP #

Casual Dining 5 Cafes 2 Cafes 13 Microbreweries 1 Burgers / Chicken 3 Deli / Sandwich 8 Steakhouse 1 Indian 5 Seafood 5 Pizza 12 Southern / Soul Food 13 Pizza 2,6,15 Cafes 1 Barbecue 11 Pizza 13 Coffee / Tea Houses 4 Desserts / Bakery 5 Upscale Casual 1 Bistro / New American 2 European / French 5 Upscale Casual 3 Steakhouse 1 Desserts / Bakery 2, 5, 7 Upscale Casual 1 Deli / Sandwich 1 Casual Dining 6 Bistro / New American 16 Upscale Casual 1,2,5 Bistro / New American 8 Casual Dining 1 Steakhouse 14 Bar & Grill / Taphouse 5, 14 Deli / Sandwich 3 Bar & Grill / Taphouse 15 European / Italian 6 Casual Dining 4, 16 Fine Dining 13 Bar & Grill / Taphouse 12 Burgers / Chicken 2,3,5,6,8,11,12,15 Bar & Grill / Taphouse 11 Burgers / Chicken 2 Diner / Home Style 13 Deli / Sandwich 10 Bistro / New American 2 Pizza 2 Bar & Grill / Taphouse 2 Cafes 14 Mediterranean/Middle Eastern 2 Mexican 2 Cafes 6 Casual Dining 1 Asian / Vietnamese 2 Cafes 16 Asian / Vietnamese 13 Cafes 2 Pizza 5 Mexican 5 Seafood 9 Casual Dining 10 Burgers / Chicken 6 Casual Dining 13 Cuban / Caribbean 2 European / Italian 5 Mexican 8 Mediterranean/Middle Eastern 2 Steakhouse 16 Deli / Sandwich 1 Seafood 12 Steakhouse 6, 13 Desserts / Bakery 1, 2 Indian 4 Casual Dining 16 Asian / Korean 3 Pizza 16 Upscale Casual 6 Barbecue 5 Diner / Home Style 13 Cafes 3 Casual Dining 8, 13, 15 Asian / Chinese 1

RESTAURANT The Cheesecake Factory Chef's Cut Pizzeria Chicago Steak & Lemonade The Chicken House Chicken King Chik'n & Mi Chili's China 1 China Bistro China Buffet China Café China Castle China Chef China Coast China Dragon China Garden China Inn China King China Star China Taste Chinese Express Chipotle Mexican Grill Choi's Asian Food Market Chong Garden Chopsticks Chopsticks House Chung King Palace Chuy's Ciao Citizen 7 City Barbecue City Café Clarksville Seafood Clay Oven Clifton Donuts Clifton's Pizza Clucker's Wings Coals Artisan Pizza Cocoberry Pops Coconut Beach Tacos Coffee Crossing The Coffee Zone Come Back Inn The Comfy Cow Common Table Con Huevos Corner Corner Café Cottage Café Cottage Inn Couvillion Crave Café & Catering Cravings A La Carte Creekside Outpost & Café Crescent Hill Craft House Cricket's Café Culver's Cumberland Brews Cunningham's Cup of Joy Cuvée Wine Table D. Nalley's Daddy Rich's Daisy Mae's Dakshin Indian Restaurant DaLat's Gateaux & Bakery Danish Express Pastries Danny Mac's Pasta & Pizza Dasha Barbours Bistro Dave & Peg's Copper Kettle Day's Espresso Decca Del Frisco's Derby Café Derby City Pizza Derby Dinner Playhouse Desserts By Helen DeVino's Diamond Pub & Billiards Difabio's Casapela Dino's Dino's Bakery DiOrio's Pizza & Pub Dish On Market District 22 Pizzeria Ditto's Grill Divine Treats Dixie Chicken Dizzy Whizz Drive-In Doc Crow's Donum Dei Brewery Double Dogs Double Dragon Double Dragon 9 Double Dragon II Down One Bourbon Bar Dragon Café Dragon King's Daughter Drake's Dundee Tavern Earth Friends Café East Star Buffet Eat A Pita Eddie Merlot's Egg Roll Machine Eggs Over Frankfort Eiderdown El Barrio Tequila and Whiskey Bar El Caporal El Mariachi El Molcajete El Mundo El Nopal El Rio Grande El Sabor de Cuba El Sombrero El Taco Loco El Taco Luchador El Tarasco El Torazo El Toro Cantina & Grill Encore on Fourth The English Grill Equus Exchange Pub + Kitchen

PAGE #/CUISINE STYLE 49 61 64 55 55 73 59 71 71 71 71 71 71 71 71 71 71 71 71 71 71 77 72 71 71 71 71 79 75 77 63 57 53 76 79 61 55 61 79 77 81 81 75 80 59 77 54 57 66 66 73 57 67 57 54 57 55 70 53 57 51 66 55 66 76 80 64 61 66 66 81 49 54 57 61 70 80 64 68 75 55 80 61 51 61 52 80 55 55 49 70 59 71 71 71 54 71 72 68 68 57 71 76 54 71 52 74 77 77 77 77 77 77 77 74 77 77 77 77 77 77 52 48 49 54

MAP #

Upscale Casual 3 Pizza 5 Deli / Sandwich 9, 12, 13 Burgers / Chicken 14 Burgers / Chicken 1 Asian / Vietnamese 2 Casual Dining 2, 4, 5, 8, 12, 13, 15 Asian / Chinese 3, 5 Asian / Chinese 1 Asian / Chinese 15 Asian / Chinese 8, 13 Asian / Chinese 12 Asian / Chinese 11 Asian / Chinese 13 Asian / Chinese 12 Asian / Chinese 13 Asian / Chinese 13 Asian / Chinese 4, 6 Asian / Chinese 3 Asian / Chinese 16 Asian / Chinese 12 Mexican 1, 2, 5, 8 Asian / Japanese 5 Asian / Chinese 12 Asian / Chinese 1 Asian / Chinese 9, 13 Asian / Chinese 1 Southwest / Tex Mex 3,15 European / Italian 2 Mexican 8 Barbecue 5 Cafes 1 Seafood 15 Indian 5 Desserts / Bakery 2 Pizza 2 Burgers / Chicken 14, 16 Pizza 3, 5, 13 Desserts / Bakery 2, 13 Mexican 13 Coffee / Tea Houses 14 Coffee / Tea Houses 5 European / Italian 1, 16 Desserts / Bakery 2,5,13,15 Casual Dining 9 Mexican 2, 8 Gastropub 1 Cafes 5 Diner / Home Style 5 Diner / Home Style 13 Cajun / Creole 13 Cafes 2 Cafeterias / Buffet 1 Cafes 14 Gastropub 2 Cafes 15 Burgers / Chicken 6, 15 Microbreweries 2 Seafood 10 Cafes 9 Bistro / New American 8 Diner / Home Style 1 Burgers / Chicken 1 Southern / Soul Food 14 Indian 11 Desserts / Bakery 13 Deli / Sandwich 3 Pizza 2 Southern / Soul Food 2 Diner / Home Style 5 Coffee / Tea Houses 2 Upscale Casual 1 Steakhouse 3 Cafes 13 Pizza 12, 13 Entertainment Dining 16 Desserts / Bakery 2 Deli / Sandwich 1 Bar & Grill / Taphouse 2, 3 European / Italian 2 Burgers / Chicken 4 Desserts / Bakery 9 Pizza 2, 3 Bistro / New American 1 Pizza 14 Bistro / New American 2 Desserts / Bakery 15 Burgers / Chicken 9, 12, 13 Burgers / Chicken 1 Upscale Casual 1 Microbreweries 11 Casual Dining 5 Asian / Chinese 9, 2 Asian / Chinese 6 Asian / Chinese 8,11,12,13 Gastropub 1 Asian / Chinese 10 Asian / Japanese 2, 14 Bar & Grill / Taphouse 3, 8 Bar & Grill / Taphouse 3 Cafes 14 Asian / Chinese 13 Mediterranean/Middle Eastern 2 Steakhouse 1 Asian / Chinese 2 Bistro / New American 2 European / German 13 Mexican 1 Mexican 4, 6 Mexican 5 Mexican 13 Mexican 2 Mexican [21] Mexican 5 Cuban / Caribbean 13 Mexican 16 Mexican 13 Mexican 2, 3 Mexican 3, 5, 13 Mexican 6 Mexican 5 Bistro / New American 1 Fine Dining 1 Upscale Casual 3 Gastropub 14

RESTAURANT

PAGE #/CUISINE STYLE

Executive Bistro The Falafel House Family Ties Famous Dave's Fante's Coffee Fat Jimmy's FDKY BBQ FeastBBQ Fiesta Mexicana Fiesta Time Amigos Fiesta Time Mexican Grill FireFresh BBQ Firehouse Subs Firenza First Watch First Wok The Fish House Fishery Station The Fishery Five Guys Burgers Flanagan's Ale House Flat 12 Bierwerks Flavour Flo’s House of Soul Flora Kitchenette Floyd County Brewing Co. Fond Fork & Barrel Forty Acres & A Mule Restaurant Four Kings Café Four Pegs Beer Lounge Franco's Restaurant Frankfort Ave. Beer Depot Frank's Meat & Produce Fredrick's Frontier Diner Fuji Asian Bistro Fuji Japanese Steakhouse Funmi's African Restaurant Galaxie Gallery K Game Gander, An American Grill Garage Bar Gasthaus Gatsby's On Fourth Gelato Gilberto Gerstle's Place Gigi's Cupcakes Ginza Asian Bistro Golden Buddha Golden Corral Golden Star Chinese The Golden Wall Good Ole' Jessie's Goose Creek Diner Gordon Biersch Brewery Gospel Bird Gracious Plenty Gralehaus Granville Inn Grape Leaf Gravely Brewing Co. Great American Grill Great Wall Great Wok Green District Salads Green Leaf Natural Vegetarian Bistro Grind Burger Kitchen Guaca Mole Gustavo's Mexican Grill Guy Fieri's Smokehouse Gypsy's Sports Grille H. M. Frank's an O’Shea’s Pub Habana Blues Tapas Half Peach Café Hammerheads Happy China Happy Dragon Hard Rock Café Harley’s Hardwoodz Bar-B-Q Harrods Creek Tavern Harvest Havana Bakery Café Havana Rumba Havana Rumba & Tapas Hawksview Gallery Haymarket Bistro Heart & Soy Heine Brothers Coffee Heitzman Bakery & Deli Hell or High Water Hibachi Buffet Hibachi Sushi Buffet Hi-Five Doughnuts Highland Coffee Co. Highland Morning Highlands Taproom Grill Highview Ice Cream & Coffee Highway 31 Diner and Dive Hiko A Mon Sushi Bar Hill Street Fish Fry Hilltop Tavern Himalayan Restaurant Hitching Post Inn The Hobknobb Coffee Co. Holy Grale Holy Smokes Bar-B-Que Home Run Burgers Homemade Pie Kitchen Hometown Pizza Honey Crème Donut Shop Honeybaked Café Hong Kong Fast Food Hoops Grill and Sports Bar Hooters HopCat Hosanna's Kitchen Hot Box Eatery Howl at the Moon Hull & Highwater IHOP Ikebana Imanka Restaurant Indi's Restaurant

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Diner / Home Style 13 Mediterranean/Middle Eastern 2 Burgers / Chicken 9 Barbecue 6 Coffee / Tea Houses 2 Pizza 5 Barbecue 6 Barbecue 1 Mexican 4 Mexican 5, 11 Mexican 8 Barbecue 1 Deli / Sandwich 5, 11 Pizza 5 Casual Dining 3, 5, 15 Asian / Chinese 12 Seafood 2, 5 Seafood 3 Seafood 11 Burgers / Chicken 3, 5, 8, 11, 14 Bar & Grill / Taphouse 2 Microbreweries 16 Cajun / Creole 2 Southern / Soul Food 9 Desserts / Bakery 2 Microbreweries 14 Upscale Casual 2 Upscale Casual 2 Southern / Soul Food 13 Diner / Home Style 4 Gastropub 13 Southern / Soul Food 12 Barbecue 3 Deli / Sandwich 13 Casual Dining 9 Diner / Home Style 12 Asian / Japanese 12 Asian / Japanese 8 African 4 Gastropub 1 Cafes 2 Casual Dining 2 Casual Dining 5 Bistro / New American 1 European / German 7 Casual Dining 1 Desserts / Bakery 8 Bar & Grill / Taphouse 3 Desserts / Bakery 6, 8 Asian / Japanese 5 Asian / Chinese 13 Cafeterias / Buffet [4] Asian / Chinese 13 Asian / Chinese 13 Diner / Home Style 12 Diner / Home Style 8 Microbreweries 1 Southern / Soul Food 14 Cafes 2, 10 Gastropub 2 Bar & Grill / Taphouse 13 Mediterranean/Middle Eastern 2 Microbreweries 1 Bar & Grill / Taphouse 13 Asian / Chinese 2 Asian / Chinese 13 Casual Dining 1, 3 Casual Dining 13 Burgers / Chicken 1 Mexican 5 Mexican 8, 10 Barbecue 1 Bar & Grill / Taphouse 11 Gastropub 16 Cuban / Caribbean 14 Desserts / Bakery 3 Bistro / New American 1 Asian / Chinese 6 Asian / Chinese 6 Bistro / New American 1 Barbecue 16 Casual Dining 10 Upscale Casual 1 Cuban / Caribbean 11 Cuban / Caribbean 3,5 Cuban / Caribbean 2 Cafes 13 Cafes 1 Asian / Japanese 2 Coffee / Tea Houses [14] Desserts / Bakery 5 Bar & Grill / Taphouse 1 Asian / Chinese 12 Asian / Chinese 11, 13 Desserts / Bakery 1 Coffee / Tea Houses 2 Cafes 2, 3 Bar & Grill / Taphouse 2 Coffee / Tea Houses 11 Diner / Home Style 12 Asian / Japanese 1, 5 Seafood 13 Bar & Grill / Taphouse 2 Indian 2 Bar & Grill / Taphouse 11 Coffee / Tea Houses 14, 16 Bistro / New American 2 Barbecue 13 Burgers / Chicken 3, 5, 6, 13 Desserts / Bakery [8] Pizza 7 Desserts / Bakery 14 Deli / Sandwich 3, 11, 14 Asian / Chinese 13 Bar & Grill / Taphouse 13 Burgers / Chicken 3,13,12,15,16 Bar & Grill / Taphouse 2 Diner / Home Style 9 Cafes 1 Entertainment Dining 1 Seafood 14 Casual Dining 6, 15 Asian / Japanese 2 African 1 Burgers / Chicken [8]

www.foodanddine.com Summer 2018 45

RESTAURANT Inwave Restaurant & Juice Bar The Irish Rover Iroquois Pizza Israel’s Delicias de Mexico Gourmet J. Alexander's J. Graham's Café J. Gumbo's J. Harrod's Jack Binion's Jack Fry's Jack's Lounge Jade Palace Jasmin Bakery Jasmine Jason's Deli JB's Pub Jeff Ruby's Steakhouse Jersey Café Jersey Mike's Subs Jerusalem Kitchen Jets Pizza Jimbo's BBQ Jimmy John's Sub Shop Joe Huber Restaurant Joella's Hot Chicken Joe's Crab Shack Joe's Older than Dirt John O'Bryan's Tavern Johnny Brusco's Pizza The Joy Luck Jucy's Smokehouse Jumbo Buffet Kailana Sushi Kansai Japanese Steakhouse Karem's Kashmir Indian Kathmandu Kitchen and Bar Kayrouz Café Kentucky Taco Company Kern's Korner Kevin's Picnic Khalil's Kim & Bab King Donuts KingFish King's Fried Chicken Kobe Japanese Steak Kolkin Coffee Koreana II Krispy Krunchy Chicken L & J Asian Cuisine La Bamba La Chapinlandia La Chasse La Guanaquita La Hacienda Guadalajara La Lupita La Peche La Popular La Que La Riviera Maya La Rosita Taqueria La Sierra La Torta Loca La Tropicana Lady Tron's Las Gorditas Le Moo Le Petit Café Lee's Korean Lemongrass Restaurant Lenny's Sub Shop Levee at River House Liège & Dairy Ice Cream + Waffles Lilly's Ling Ling Little Caesar's Pizza Little Greek Fresh Grill Liu's Garden Logan's Roadhouse Longboard's Taco & Tiki Longhorn Steakhouse Lonnie's Best Taste Of Chicago Los Aztecas Lotsa Pasta Lou Lou Food + Drink Louie's Hot Chicken & Barbecue Louisville Cream Louisville Pizza Co. Louisville Tea Co. Louvino Lueberry Acai & Superfoods Luigi's Lulu's Frozen Yogurt Luna's Rotisserie Lupo Lydia House Ma Zerella's Maa Sha Allah Mac's Dough House Main Eatery Main Event Bar & Grill Maira Mediterranean Grill Mai's Thai Restaurant Mamma Love's Soul Food Mango's Bar & Grill Manhattan Grill The Manhattan Project Marco's Pizza Mark T's Slabhouse Marketplace Restaurant Mark's Feed Store Martini Itialian Bistro Martin's Bar-B-Que Joint Masa Japanese Masala Grill Mayan Café McAlister's Deli McQuixote Books & Coffee Mellow Mushroom Melrose Café The Melting Pot Mercato Italiano Merle's Whiskey Kitchen

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Casual Dining 5 European / Irish 2 Pizza 13 Mexican 14 Upscale Casual 3 Cafes 1 Cajun / Creole 2, 6,16 Upscale Casual 10 Fine Dining 14 Fine Dining 2 Bistro / New American 3 Asian / Chinese 5 Desserts / Bakery 4 Asian / Chinese 5 Deli / Sandwich 3, 5 Bar & Grill / Taphouse 13 Steakhouse 1 Bar & Grill / Taphouse 15 Deli / Sandwich 5, 8 Mediterranean/Middle Eastern 13 Pizza 2, 3, 5, 8, 11 Barbecue 13 Deli / Sandwich [11] Entertainment Dining 14 Burgers / Chicken 3,5 Seafood 1 Casual Dining 5 Bar & Grill / Taphouse 12 Pizza 8 Asian / Chinese 2, 8 Barbecue 5 Asian / Chinese 6 Asian / Japanese 11 Asian / Japanese 6, 15 Casual Dining 8 Indian 2 Indian 4 Cafes 3 Mexican 13 Bar & Grill / Taphouse 2 Cafes 5 Bar & Grill / Taphouse 12 Asian / Korean 14 Desserts / Bakery 5 Seafood 6, 7, 16 Burgers / Chicken 9 Asian / Japanese 16 Coffee / Tea Houses 14 Asian / Korean 13 Burgers / Chicken 9, 13 Asian / Chinese 10 Mexican 2 Mexican 13 Fine Dining 2 Latin American 13 Mexican 13 Mexican 15 Cafes 2 Mexican 13 Asian / Vietnamese 2 Mexican 13 Mexican 5, 13 Mexican 11 Mexican 13 Mexican 13 Deli / Sandwich 14 Mexican 11 Steakhouse 2 Cafes 2 Asian / Korean 13 Asian / Vietnamese 5 Deli / Sandwich 4 Bistro / New American 7 Desserts / Bakery 7 Fine Dining 2 Asian / Chinese 5 Pizza [15] Mediterranean/Middle Eastern 3 Asian / Chinese 5 Steakhouse 6, 12, 15 Mexican 14 Steakhouse 6, 8, 13, 15 Deli / Sandwich 2 Mexican 5, 10 Deli / Sandwich 3 Bistro / New American 3 Barbecue 13 Desserts / Bakery 1 Pizza 6 Coffee / Tea Houses 5 Bistro / New American 2, 5 Desserts / Bakery 1 Pizza 1 Desserts / Bakery 2 Mexican 13 Pizza 2 Bistro / New American 13 Pizza 15 African 4 Pizza 6 Deli / Sandwich 1 Entertainment Dining 6 Mediterranean/Middle Eastern 3 Asian / Thai 16 Southern / Soul Food 9 Mexican 3, 6, 13 Deli / Sandwich 1 Gastropub 2 Pizza 14 Barbecue 13 Upscale Casual 1 Barbecue 2, 5, 11, 12, 14 European / Italian 8 Barbecue 2, 8 Asian / Japanese 5 Mediterranean/Middle Eastern 1 Mexican 1 Deli / Sandwich [9] Coffee / Tea Houses 9 Pizza 3 Cafes 10 Upscale Casual 6 European / Italian 8 Bistro / New American 1

46 Summer 2018 www.foodanddine.com

RESTAURANT Mesa Mesh Metro Diner Mexa Tacos Mi Cocina on Fourth Mi Sueño Mi Tierra Mexican Restaurant Migo Mike Linnig's Mike's Tavern Milantoni Italian Restaurant MilkWood Mimi's Café Mimo's Pizzeria Mirage Mediterranean Restaurant Mirin Miss Ada’s Mission BBQ Mitchell's Fish Market MOD Pizza Moe's Southwest Grill Mojito Tapas Restaurant Molly Malone's Momma's Mustard Pickles, Pickles Momma's Pizza Monnik Beer Co. More Shenanigan's Morels Café Morris Deli & Catering Morton's Of Chicago Mozza Pi Mr. Gatti's Mrs. Potter's Coffee Mt. Fuji Mussel & Burger Bar My Favorite Muffin My Old KY Dinner Train Naila's Caribbean Cuisine Naïve NamNam Café Nancy's Bagel Box Nancy's Bagel Grounds Napa River Grill Neighborhood Services Neil & Patty's Fireside Grill New Albanian Brewing Co. New Albany Roadhouse New China New Direction Bar & Grill New Wave Burritos Ngon Appétit Nirvana No Baked Cookie Dough Noodles & Company Noosh Nosh Nord's Bakery North End Café Northlime Donuts Nouvelle O' Charley's O' Connell's Irish Pub O' Dolly's O' Shea's Irish Pub The Oakroom Oishii Sushi Old Chicago Old Hickory Inn Old Louisville Chili Bowl Old Louisville Pizza Company Old Louisville Tavern Old School NY Pizza Old Spaghetti Factory Old Stone Inn Olé Frijole Ole Hickory Pit BBQ O-Line Sports Grill Olive Garden Olive Leaf Bistro Ollile's Trolley Onion Restaurant & Tea House Orange Clover Kitchen Oriental Café Oriental House Oriental Star Original Impellizzeri's Osaka Susji Bar Oskar's Slider Bar Outback Steakhouse P.F. Chang's China Bistro Panchitos Ice Cream Panda China Panda Express Panera Bread Co. Papa John's Papa Murphy's Pizza Parlour Pasha's Mediterranean Passtime Fish House Patrick O'Shea's Pat's Steak House Paul's Fruit Market Pearl Street Taphouse Pearl Street Treats Peking City Bistro Peking City Express Penn Station Peppers Bar and Grill Perfetto Pizza Pesto's Italian Pho Ba Luu Pho Café Pieologoy Pin + Proof Piña Fiesta Mexican Grill Pints & Union Pita Pit Pizza Donisi Pizza King Pizza Place Please & Thank You Plehn's Bakery Plump Peacock Bakery PokeHana Ponderosa Steakhouse Porch Kitchen & Bar

PAGE #/CUISINE STYLE 70 50 66 78 78 74 78 78 53 68 75 48 60 62 76 60 67 63 53 62 79 76 74 64 62 70 74 58 64 54 62 62 81 72 56 80 70 74 60 73 64 64 50 52 68 62 60 71 68 78 73 68 80 60 52 80 58 80 52 60 74 66 74 48 72 62 68 60 62 68 62 75 50 78 64 68 75 52 56 71 58 71 71 71 62 72 56 54 52 80 72 72 65 62 62 62 76 54 74 54 65 68 80 72 72 65 69 62 75 73 73 62 70 78 69 76 62 62 62 81 80 58 72 54 69

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Entertainment Dining 14 Upscale Casual 3 Diner / Home Style 11 Mexican 3 Mexican 1, 6 Cuban / Caribbean 4, 13 Mexican 1 Mexican 2 Seafood 12 Bar & Grill / Taphouse 14 European / Italian 6 Fine Dining 1 Casual Dining 5 Pizza 14 Mediterranean/Middle Eastern 13 Casual Dining 2 Southern / Soul Food 1 Barbecue 3 Seafood 8 Pizza 4 Southwest / Tex Mex 3,6,8,11,15 European / Spanish 7 European / Irish 2, 3 Barbecue 3, 5 Pizza 15 Microbreweries 13 European / Irish 4 Cafes 2 Deli / Sandwich 1, 2 Steakhouse 1 Pizza 5 Pizza 12, 13, 15 Coffee / Tea Houses 1 Asian / Japanese 13 Burgers / Chicken 1, 6 Desserts / Bakery 5 Entertainment Dining 13 Cuban / Caribbean 15 Casual Dining 2 Asian / Vietnamese 3 Deli / Sandwich 1 Deli / Sandwich 2 Upscale Casual 5 Bistro / New American 3 Bar & Grill / Taphouse 14 Pizza 14 Casual Dining 14 Asian / Chinese 5 Bar & Grill / Taphouse 5 Mexican 13 Asian / Vietnamese 2 Bar & Grill / Taphouse 2 Desserts / Bakery 6 Casual Dining 6, 8, 13 Bistro / New American 7 Desserts / Bakery 13 Cafes 2 Desserts / Bakery 13 Bistro / New American 1 Casual Dining 3,6,8,13,12,15 European / Irish 11 Diner / Home Style 13 European / Irish 2 Fine Dining 1 Asian / Japanese 4 Pizza 6, 8 Bar & Grill / Taphouse 13 Casual Dining 1 Pizza 1 Bar & Grill / Taphouse 13 Pizza 5 European / Italian 1 Upscale Casual 5 Mexican 11 Barbecue 11 Bar & Grill / Taphouse 8 European / Italian 6,8,11,15 Bistro / New American 16 Burgers / Chicken 1 Asian / Chinese 14 Cafes 16 Asian / Chinese 4 Asian / Chinese 3 Asian / Chinese 13 Pizza 1, 2, 5, 10 Asian / Japanese 1, 2 Burgers / Chicken 13 Steakhouse 3,8,11,13,15 Bistro / New American 5 Desserts / Bakery 2, 13 Asian / Chinese 10 Asian / Chinese 5, 6, 8, 15 Deli / Sandwich [10] Pizza [30] Pizza 3,4,5,8,11,12,14,15,16 Pizza 16 Mediterranean/Middle Eastern 4 Seafood 6 European / Irish 1 Steakhouse 2 Deli / Sandwich 3, 4, 5, 7 Bar & Grill / Taphouse 16 Desserts / Bakery 16 Asian / Chinese 5 Asian / Chinese 3 Deli / Sandwich [17] Bar & Grill / Taphouse 1 Pizza 6 European / Italian 1 Asian / Vietnamese 2 Asian / Vietnamese 3 Pizza 6 Entertainment Dining 1 Mexican 12 Bar & Grill / Taphouse 14 Mediterranean/Middle Eastern 1 Pizza 13 Pizza 14, 16 Pizza 4 Coffee / Tea Houses 1, 2 Desserts / Bakery 3 Cafes 5 Asian / Japanese 1 Steakhouse 13 Bar & Grill / Taphouse 1

RESTAURANT Porcini Porkland BBQ Portage House Potbelly Sandwhich Shop Primo's Delicatessen Prince Hookah Lounge Proof On Main Prospect Café Puerto Vallarta Qdoba Mexican Grill Queen of Sheba Queue Café Quick Wok Quill's Coffee Quizno's Subs Rafferty's of Louisville Raising Cane's Ramen Inochi Ramiro's Cantina Ramiro's Cantina Express Ramsi's Café Rawnaissance Desserts Recbar Red Herring Red Hog Red Hot Roasters Red Robin Red Sun Chinese Restaurant Red Top Gourmet Hot Dogs Red Yeti Brewing Co. Rice Bowl Rice Box River City Drafthouse River City Winery River House Restaurant River Road BBQ Riverside Café Rivue Roadrunner Kitchen ROC Restaurant Rocky's Pizza & Panini Romano's Macaroni Grill Roof Top Grill Roosters Rootie's Sports Bar Roots Royal's Hot Chicken Rubbie's Southside Grill Rubbin' Butts BBQ Ruby Tuesday Rumors Raw Oyster Bar Ruth's Chris Steakhouse Rye Sabor Latino Safai Coffee Saffron's Safier Mediterranean Deli Saint's Sake Blue Sakura Blue Sala Thai Sal's Pizza & Wings Salsarita's Fresh Cantina Sam's Food & Spirits Sam's Gyro Samurai Sandi's Kitchen Sante Fe Grill Sapporo Japanese Grill Sarang Sarino Scarlet's Bakery Scene Schlotzky's Deli Seafood Lady Seeds & Greens Deli Selena's At Willow Lake Tavern Senor Iguana's Sergio's World Beers Seviche A Latin Restaurant Shack In The Back BBQ Shady Lane Café Shalimar Indian Shark's Seafood Shenanigan's Irish Grille Shine's Diner Shiraz Mediterranean Grill Shirley Mae's Café Shogun Shoney's Sichuan Garden Sicilian Pizza & Pasta Sidebar The Silver Dollar Silvio's Italian Restaurant Simply Thai Sir Dano's Pizza Parlor Sister Bean's Skyline Chili Smashburger Smoke & Rye Smokey Bones BBQ Snappy Tomato SnoWhat Sol Aztecas Somewhere Louisville Soupy's South End Zone Southern Express Southern Hospitality Spaghetti Shop Spinelli's Pizzeria Sporting News Grill The Sports & Social Club Spring St. Bar & Grill Stadium Joe's Sports Café Star Sushi Starbucks Coffee Starlight Café Starlight Coffee Co. Starving Artist Café State Donuts Steak N Shake Steel City Pops Stevens & Stevens Deli Stoney River

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European / Italian 2 Barbecue 1 Casual Dining 16 Deli / Sandwich 1, 6, 8 Deli / Sandwich 14 Mediterranean/Middle Eastern 13 Upscale Casual 1 Cafes 10 Mexican 11, 14, 16 Mexican [17] African 4 Cafes 1 Asian / Chinese 1 Coffee / Tea Houses 1, 2, 3, 13, 14 Deli / Sandwich 1, 5,14,15 Casual Dining 3, 8 Burgers / Chicken 2, 5, 6, 8, 11, 12 Asian / Japanese 2 Mexican 2 Mexican 16 Cafes 2 Desserts / Bakery 2 Bar & Grill / Taphouse 14 Bar & Grill / Taphouse 2 Cafes 2 Coffee / Tea Houses 2 Burgers / Chicken 3, 8, 15 Asian / Chinese 4 Burgers / Chicken 13 Microbreweries 16 Asian / Korean 14 Asian / Chinese 13 Bar & Grill / Taphouse 2 Bistro / New American 4 Upscale Casual 7 Barbecue 7 Cafes 16 Fine Dining 1 Deli / Sandwich 14 European / Italian 2 Pizza 4 European / Italian 5 Cuban / Caribbean 1, 9 Burgers / Chicken 5, 11, 12,13,15 Bar & Grill / Taphouse 8 Asian / Japanese 2 Burgers / Chicken 1 Barbecue 13 Barbecue 14 Casual Dining 6 Seafood 5 Steakhouse 3 Upscale Casual 1 Latin American 13 Coffee / Tea Houses 2 Mediterranean/Middle Eastern 1 Mediterranean/Middle Eastern 1 Bar & Grill / Taphouse 3 Asian / Japanese 11 Asian / Japanese 3 Asian / Thai 11 Pizza 5 Southwest / Tex Mex 3,5 Casual Dining 14 Mediterranean/Middle Eastern 13 Asian / Japanese 5 Diner / Home Style 12 Mexican 13 Asian / Japanese 2 Asian / Korean 2 European / Italian 13 Desserts / Bakery 13 Southern / Soul Food 1 Deli / Sandwich 8 Cajun / Creole 1 Deli / Sandwich 14 Cajun / Creole 5 Mexican [8] Bar & Grill / Taphouse 2 Fine Dining 2 Barbecue 13 Cafes 7 Indian 6 Seafood 4 European / Irish 2 Southern / Soul Food 9 Mediterranean 1, 2, 5, 7, 8,13 Southern / Soul Food 1 Asian / Japanese 6, 8 Casual Dining 13 Asian / Chinese 6 Pizza 1, 11 Bistro / New American 1 Bistro / New American 2 European / Italian 3 Asian / Thai 3, 5 Pizza 15 Coffee / Tea Houses 13 Casual Dining 2, 3, 6, 12 Burgers / Chicken 1, 5, 13 Bistro / New American 14 Barbecue 6 Pizza 8 Desserts / Bakery 13 Mexican 2, 11 Bistro / New American 2 Deli / Sandwich 4 Bar & Grill / Taphouse 12 Southern / Soul Food 13 Southern / Soul Food 9 European / Italian 14 Pizza 1, 2, 3 Bar & Grill / Taphouse 13 Bar & Grill / Taphouse 1 Bar & Grill / Taphouse 2 Bar & Grill / Taphouse 6 Asian / Japanese 16 Coffee / Tea Houses [36] Cafes 14 Coffee / Tea Houses 14 Cafes 5 Desserts / Bakery 8 Burgers / Chicken [6] Desserts / Bakery 2, 3 Deli / Sandwich 2 Steakhouse 8

RESTAURANT Stout Burgers & Beer Stricker's Café Sub Station II Sue's Touch of Country Sugar & Spice Donut Shop Sullivan’s Tap House Sunergos Coffee SuperChefs Sway Sweet Frog Sweet Peaches Sweet Peaches 2 Roll Sweet Stuff Bakery Sweet Surrender Sweets By Morgan Taco Steve Taco Tico Taj Palace Tandoori Fusion TanThai Restaurant Taqueria La Mexicana Tavern On Fourth Taziki's Mediterranean Cafe Tea Station Chinese Bistro Texas Roadhouse TGI Friday's Thai Café Thai Noodles That Place On Goss The Back Door The Bakery The Bard's Town The Bistro The Block Gourmet Deli The Café The Cheddar Box The Cheddar Box Too The Corner The Cure Lounge The Eagle The Fat Lamb The Fudgery The Goat The Hub Louisville The Library The Lighthouse The Pearl The Planet Bar The Post The Spread Buffet The Sword & the Scone The Table The Water Company Thelma's Deli Tikka House Tim Tam Tavern Time 4 Thai Tin Roof Toast on Market ToGo Sushi Tokyo Japanese Tomo Japanese Restaurant Tony Impellizzeri's The Toonerville Deli Top Round Roast Beef Topp't Pizza & Chopped Salad Troll Pub Under The Bridge Tsubaki Sushi & Bar Tucker's Tumbleweed Tuscany Italian Restaurant Twig & Leaf Uptown Café Urban Bread Co. Varanese Verbana Café V-Grits Vic's Café Victoria Mexican Restaurant Vietnam Kitchen Village Anchor Pub & Roost Ville Taqueria Vinaigrette Salad Kitchen Vincenzo's Vint Coffee Vis a Vis Bar & Grill Volare W.W. Cousin's Wagner's Pharmacy Ward 426 Way Cool Café Waylon's Feed & Firewater Webb's Market Wei Wei Chinese Express Which Wich?

Whiskey Dry Wick's Pizza Wild Dog Rose Tea Boutique Wild Eggs Wild Ginger Sushi & Fusion Wild Rita's Williams Bakery Wiltshire at the Speed Wiltshire On Market Wiltshire Pantry Bakery and Café The Wing Zone Wingstop World of Beer Yaching's East West Cuisine Yafa Café Yang Kee Noodle Yellow Cactus Yen Ching Yoki Buffet You-Carryout-A Yummy China Yummy Pollo Zanzabar Za's Pizza Zaxby's Zeggz Amazing Eggs Zen Garden Zoe's Kitchen Zoom Zoom Yum Zoup!

Z's Oyster & Steak Bar

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Burgers / Chicken 2 Cafes 16 Deli / Sandwich 13 Southern / Soul Food 12 Desserts / Bakery 11 Bar & Grill / Taphouse 3 Coffee / Tea Houses 1, 13 Casual Dining 2 Upscale Casual 1 Desserts / Bakery 14, 15 Deli / Sandwich 9 Deli / Sandwich 9 Desserts / Bakery 14 Desserts / Bakery 2 Desserts / Bakery 16 Mexican 14 Mexican 12 Indian 8 Indian 8 Asian / Thai 14 Mexican 13 Bar & Grill / Taphouse 1 Mediterranean/Middle Eastern 3, 5 Asian / Chinese 8 Steakhouse 2, 5, 12, 13, 15 Casual Dining 1 Asian / Thai 7 Asian / Thai 13 Casual Dining 13 Bar & Grill / Taphouse 2 Desserts / Bakery 4 Entertainment Dining 2 Cafeterias / Buffet 3 Deli / Sandwich 5 Cafes 1 Cafes 3 Cafes 3 Pizza 8 Bar & Grill / Taphouse 13 Burgers / Chicken 2 Bistro / New American 2 Desserts / Bakery 1 Bar & Grill / Taphouse 5 Bistro / New American 2 Bar & Grill / Taphouse 1 Bar & Grill / Taphouse 16 Bar & Grill / Taphouse 13 Bar & Grill / Taphouse 2 Pizza 13 Cafeterias / Buffet 14 Coffee / Tea Houses 6 Cafes 9 Bar & Grill / Taphouse 1 Deli / Sandwich 1 Indian 3 Bar & Grill / Taphouse 13 Asian / Thai 2 Bar & Grill / Taphouse 3 Casual Dining 1, 14 Asian / Japanese 5 Asian / Japanese 7 Asian / Japanese 14 Pizza 14 Deli / Sandwich 1 Deli / Sandwich 3 Pizza 14 Bar & Grill / Taphouse 1 Asian / Japanese 5 Casual Dining 14 Southwest / Tex Mex [10] European / Italian 13 Casual Dining 2 Upscale Casual 7 Bistro / New American 14, 16 Upscale Casual 2 Cafes 8 Southern / Soul Food 2 Cafes 14 Mexican 4 Asian / Vietnamese 13 Bistro / New American 5 Mexican 3 Deli / Sandwich 5 Fine Dining 1, 4 Coffee / Tea Houses 2 Bar & Grill / Taphouse 1 European / Italian 2 Burgers / Chicken 3 Diner / Home Style 13 Fine Dining 2 Cafes 1 Southern / Soul Food 3 Diner / Home Style 1 Asian / Chinese 1 Deli / Sandwich 8 Burgers / Chicken 1 Pizza 2, 4, 14 Coffee / Tea Houses 2 Cafes 1, 3, 5, 15 Asian / Japanese 2, 8 Mexican 1 Desserts / Bakery 15 Bistro / New American 13 Upscale Casual 1 Cafes 2 Burgers / Chicken 4, 13 Burgers / Chicken 6, 12 Gastropub 8 Upscale Casual 1 Mediterranean/Middle Eastern 1 Asian / Chinese 2, 5 Mexican 14 Asian / Chinese 6 Asian / Chinese 6 Asian / Chinese 15 Asian / Chinese 11 Latin American 13 Bar & Grill / Taphouse 13 Pizza 2 Burgers / Chicken 5, 12, 13, 14, 16 Cafes 5, 7 Asian / Vietnamese 2 Mediterranean/Middle Eastern 1,3,8 Mediterranean/Middle Eastern 2 Deli / Sandwich 1 Fine Dining 5

www.foodanddine.com Summer 2018 47

GUIDE KEY Average Entrée Price:

$$ = under $8 $$$$ = $15-$20 $$ = $9-$14 $$$$ = $21 & up RED = Advertiser B = Breakfast Br = Brunch L = Lunch D = Dinner

h = Late Night

p = Full Bar

OPEN TILL/PAST 11 PM

f = Outdoor Dining = e Live Music

ALL RESTAURANTS ARE LOCATED IN LOUISVILLE (unless noted otherwise).

All phone numbers are local calls. When out of the area, use area code 502 for all listings except Indiana, use 812 or 930.

211 CLOVER LANE RESTAURANT 211 Clover Ln., 8969570. 211 Clover Lane has been tucked away across the railroad tracks in St. Matthews, in the corner of a little cluster of upscale shops for two decades or so. Those who know how to find it enjoy drinks in a quietly elegant lounge, and dine off seasonal menus from Chef Allen Heintzman, who, along with owner Andrew Smith, keeps 211 Clover Lane among the town’s top tables. $$$$ Br L D pf

610 MAGNOLIA 610 Magnolia Ave., 636-0783. Since taking over this Old Louisville landmark restaurant over a decade ago, Edward Lee has become a Food TV fixture, and opened new restaurants. Kevin Ashworth, newly promoted to Executive Chef at this perennial top table, continues thefesast adventurous prix-fixe menu. The Wednesday a la carte nights allow sampling the menu at a more modest price point. $$$$ D pf BUCK’S 425 W. Ormsby Ave., 637-5284. Elegant and understated, this fine dining room in the Mayflower Apartments is overseen by Chef W. Colter Hubsch, who has kept long-standing favorites like the crispy fish and spicy Cantonese noodles but has extended his menu into new areas, such as the fried oysters Rockefeller, pad Thai salad, maple-bourbon glazed pork chop and countryfried quail. Rick Bartlett continues his long tenure at the piano during dinner. $$$ L D hpfe

gradually introducing some new cooking techniques. $$$$ L D hpe LA CHASSE 1359 Bardstown Rd., 822-3963. Chef Andrew Welenken joins front-of-the-house man Isaac Fox, veterans of Buck’s and Volare respectively, in creating the ambience of a fine European country inn in the heart of the Highlands. The frequently-changing menu always includes some game dishes (rabbit, wild boar), harderto-find items like sweetbreads and octopus, and unusual salads. $$$$ D hp LILLY’S 1147 Bardstown Rd., 451-0447. A Louisville institution for more than a quarter-century under much heralded owner-chef Kathy Cary, Lilly’s continues to be as fresh as the locally-sourced foods she features on her Kentucky-accented menus. Her frequent special wine dinners are among the more affordable and creative in the area. $$$$ Br L D p

ENGLISH GRILL 335 W. Broadway (The Brown Hotel), 583-1234. Executive Chef James Adams oversees the formal dining room of one of downtown’s historic hotels.

The Hot Brown is still on the menus, but new dishes tempt visitors and old timers: lobster arancini, short rib beef bourgignon, salmon with sorghum-Bourbon glaze.

The chef’s table in the kitchen is still a great place for a special party. $$$ D p

MILKWOOD 316 W. Main St., 584-6455. Owner Edward Lee has made the downstairs space at Actors Theatre a dining destination. The menu, now under the control of Glenn Dougan, blends Asian and Southern influences (smoked chicken wings, pimento cheese with spoonbill caviar, ramen noodles with shiitake and country ham) and has received national attention. $$$ D p

JACK BINION’S STEAKHOUSE Horseshoe Casino Hotel, Elizabeth IN, 888-766-2648. When you hit it big at the Horseshoe Casino, Binion’s has everything a high roller craves. Start with oysters Rockefeller or shrimp cocktails, French onion soup or crab bisque. Then, choose Chilean sea bass, lobster tail, rack of lamb or a choice of prime steak, including Wagyu tenderloin. $$$$ D hp

THE OAKROOM 500 S. Fourth St. (Seelbach Hotel), 5853200. A Louisville landmark since 1907, has entertained guests like F. Scott Fitzgerald and Al Capone. To keep this historic room a top table, The Oakroom has closed for extensive remodeling, although it will remain open for private and corporate events for up to 150 guests and will host its "legendary Holiday Brunches" for Easter, Derby, Mother’s Day, Thanksgiving and Christmas. $$$$ Br D pe

JACK FRY’S 1007 Bardstown Rd., 452-9244. Inside its unprepossessing exterior is one of Louisville’s longestrunning top tables. Seating is tight; it is noisy; but the food is consistently excellent. Chef McClain Brown has added to classic menu items that regulars love while

RIVUE RESTAURANT & LOUNGE 140 N. Fourth St., (Galt House Hotel) 568-4239. The sleek black and white modern decor, slowly spinning to give a panorama of the city, brings to mind an old Fred Astaire movie. Chef Kendall Linhart’s upscale menu adds another top hotel dining experience to the city. $$$ Br D hp SEVICHE A LATIN RESTAURANT 1538 Bardstown Rd., 473-8560. Chef Anthony Lamas’ menu offers an eclectic range of Latin American dishes in addition to the namesake the Latino seafood dish “cooked” in tart citrus juices. Continuing to get notice throughout the Southeast for his imaginative cooking, he is setting a standard of cool for the Bardstown Road eating scene. $$$$ D hpf VINCENZO’S 150 S. Fifth St., 580-1350. Known for its suave professional service, high-end Northern Italian fare and many trademark dishes finished at tableside, Vincenzo’s continues to hold its own against growing downtown competition. $$$$ L D hpe WARD 426 426 Baxter Ave., 365-2505. In this elegant, warm fine dining space, Chef Shawn Ward’s lunch and dinner menus feature regional American fare with a Southern twist. Among the dishes winning raves: gnudi in Parmesan broth, duck confit over sweet potato hash, butter-poached short rib and an interesting range of vegetarian choices. Shrimp and grits, of course. $$$$ L D hpf Z’S OYSTER BAR & STEAKHOUSE 101 Whittington Pkwy., 429-8000. This long-standing suburban upscale steak and oyster concept offers splendid steaks, extraordinary seafood, fine service and clubby ambience. $$$$ L D hp

8UP ELEVATED DRINKERY AND KITCHEN 350 W. Chestnut St. (Hilton Garden Inn), 631-4180. This rooftop restaurant and bar above the hotel at the corner of Fourth and Chestnut has three elegant areas - an upscale casual dining room, the bar with a separate

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kitchen and menu, and an expansive outdoor patio that overlooks downtown. The bar kitchen’s two wood-fired ovens offer small plates to nibble while sipping; the main kitchen serves fine dinners. $$$ B D hpf BLACKSTONE GRILLE 9521 U.S. 42, 228-6962. Longtime restaurateur Rick Dissell’s comfortable, casual restaurant in the Prospect Center continues to please regulars and to find new fans. The menu offers sandwiches and an array of bistro entrées — pasta, seafood, beef and chicken, including fried chicken livers and “light” fried chicken. $$$ Br D pf BOURBON RAW 446 S. Fourth St. (Fourth Street Live), 568-9009. This bar and restaurant in Fourth Street Live! features a raw seafood bar, an eclectic Southern menu, special Bourbon dinners and more than 85 Bourbons.

The classy interior includes a 57-foot marble bar top, and an outdoor patio area. $$$ Br L D hp BRASSERIE PROVENCE 150 N. Hurstbourne Pkwy., 883-3135. (See listing under European/French) BRAVO! 206 Bullitt Ln. (Oxmoor Center), 326-0491.

Management describes the Ohio-based Bravo! chain as “a fun, white-tablecloth casual eatery … positioned between the fine-dining and casual chains.” A Romanruin setting houses abundant Italian-American style fare.

We particularly enjoyed appetizers and first-rate grilled meats. $$ Br L D hpf BRENDON’S CATCH 23 505 S. Fourth St. (Embassy Suites), 909-3323. This restaurant inside Embassy Suites shares a name with restaurants in Florida, but the Louisville location is an independent operation with its own menu focus, which includes a variety of options ranging from seafood to steak to Low Country cuisine. $$$ D hp BRISTOL BAR & GRILLE 1321 Bardstown Rd., 4561702, 300 N. Hurstbourne Pkwy., 426-0627, 614 W. Main St., 582-1995. A cornerstone of Louisville’s restaurant renaissance, Bristol started three decades ago on Bardstown Road. Now, with three venues around town, diners can always find dependable pub grub, eclectic entrées, and evergreen standards like the greenchile won tons and the Bristol Burger. $$ Br L D hpf CHARR’D BOURBON KITCHEN & LOUNGE 1903 Embassy Square Blvd. (Marriott Louisville East), 4911184. The J’town Marriott Hotel’s restaurant is on the Urban Bourbon Trail, which explains menu divisions such as “10 Minute White Dog” lunch choices, and “Bootlegger Burger Bar.” The bar boasts over 75 offerings of Bourbon. $$$ Br L D hp THE CHEESECAKE FACTORY 5000 Shelbyville Rd. (Mall St. Matthews), 897-3933. One of 175 outlets of the California-based chain, this popular restaurant maintains a large and diverse menu that entices and satisfies a wide range of diners. Food quality is above average for this kind of restaurant chain, though its namesake cheesecakes are baked in California and North Carolina. $$$ Br L D hpf DECCA 812 E. Market St., 749-8128. Decca’s handsomely re-done 19th-century building, its serene garden, its classy basement bar and breezy second-floor eating balcony are all fun. But Chef Anne Pettry’s inventive, locally sourced menu combined with the restaurant’s wine program make it a classy place to dine. $$$$ D

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DOC CROW’S 127 W. Main St., 587-1626. Doc Crow’s solidly anchors the dining choices on Whiskey Row. Oysters from both coasts, raw and fried, fried green tomatoes, pork rinds, shrimp and grits, all served in a handsome renovation of one of Main Street’s classic castiron front buildings. $$ L D hp EQUUS 122 Sears Ave., 897-9721. For over 30 years now (a remarkable run in the restaurant biz) chef-owner Dean Corbett’s first restaurant (he is now involved in several others) continues to please locals and out of town visitors

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with its casual atmosphere and menu focus on clever reimaginings of comfort foods. This St. Matthews spot remains an enduring and delightful dining choice. $$$ D p

seafood, fried green tomatoes and chicken livers with gravy—is served with aplomb in a quiet, comfortable dining room. $$$ D p

FOND 2520 Frankfort Ave., 727-3631. Chef Madeleine Dee only serves dinners for 12 on weekends at her quiet, calmly elegant dining room in Crescent Hill. She concocts monthly prix-fixe, multi-course menus with eclectic rotating international themes based on seasonal ingredients. It’s BYOB here, with beverage set ups and no corkage fee. $$$$ Br L

MARKETPLACE RESTAURANT 651 S. Fourth St., 6253001. Going to a show downtown? Chow down first at Marketplace. The elegant decor, whether at the circular bar, in the serene dining room, or any of the three outdoor spaces will get you in the mood, and the seasonal Italian-influenced southern cuisine will get you to the curtain well fed indeed. $$ L D hpf

FORK & BARREL 2244 Frankfort Ave., 907-3675.

Chef/owner Geoffrey Heyde serves upscale modern American cuisine in upper Clifton, with an emphasis on local ingredients, craft cocktails and southern hospitality.

Look for pork shank with roasted garlic grits, F&B dip, buttermilk-soaked and cornmeal dusted chicken livers and chocolate bourbon truffles.. $$$ D hp

MELTING POT 2045 S. Hurstbourne Pkwy., 491-3125.

After a brief closure, Louisville’s premiere fondue restaurant is under new ownership, in the same location, after a brief closing. If you have pleasant memories of fondue parties of the ’70s, The Melting Pot is for you. If you can melt it and dip things in it, it’s probably on the menu. $$$ D hp

HARVEST 624 E. Market St., 384-9090. Agricultural entrepreneur Ivor Chodkowski’s restaurant features seasonal menus using ingredients sourced within a 100mile radius. The kitchen serves up dishes such as ramp and chevre gnocchi, buttermilk fried chicken and silver carp from Lake Barkley. Chef’s Table dinners (offered monthly or by special reservation for parties of 12) are themed by producer and product, with farmers invited in to talk about what they raise. $$$ Br D hpf

MESH 3612 Brownsboro Rd., 632-4421. The lush modern building and the casual/elegant menu have all but scotched memories of the previous restaurants that once were located here. Now you can find smoked trout salad, mushroom and goat cheese strudel and confit fried chicken, all served in an atmosphere of “contemporary elegance and comfort.” Happy hour features a $2 bar menu. $$$ Br L D pf

J. ALEXANDER’S RESTAURANT 102 Oxmoor Court, 339-2206. This comfortably upscale venue, a Nashvillebased chain, features “contemporary American” fare with a broad menu that ranges from burgers and sandwiches to such upscale eats as grilled tuna or a New York strip steak. $$$ D hp J. HARROD’S 7507 Upper River Rd., 228-4555. This twodecade-old Prospect mainstay is now owned by longtime employees Charissa Humston and Jenny Neaveill.

The substantial menu—grilled steaks and chops, pasta,

NAPA RIVER GRILL 1211 Herr Ln., 423-5822. You will find an eclectic mix of California-inspired fusion dishes here at lunch, dinner or brunch served in a clean, crisp, informally classy atmosphere. Lunch offerings range from their own take on Hot Browns (Creole roasted turkey on focaccia, with Alfredo sauce) to tacos to pad thai. Dinner choices range from blackened sea bass to prime rib-eye to Vandouvan chicken. With a lovely patio for lazy summer dining. $$$ L D hpf OLD STONE INN 6905 Shelbyville Rd., Simpsonville, KY, (502) 722-8200. For many years diners have happily

driven out to Simpsonville to enjoy both the historic building and the traditional Kentucky menu of this dining institution. Those in the know order the fried chicken and country ham. $$$ Br L D pfe PROOF ON MAIN 702 W. Main St. (21c Hotel), 2176360. Executive Chef Mike Wadja has kept the bison burger and the charred octopus, favorites from Proof’s start, even as he has put his own stamp on the menu, with dishes such as a vegetarian cassoulet entrée, red wine braised beef shoulder and extensive charcuterie choices. The bar remains one of the hippest in town. $$$ Br L D hpf RIVER HOUSE RESTAURANT & RAW BAR 3015 River Rd., 897-5000. John Varanese riverfront seafoodoriented place with servis dockside and has a much expanded patio and lawn chairs to relax waterside. River House’s menu, inspired by New Orleans and Charleston, emphasizes Southern cuisine leaning toward tastes from the sea. There ‘s a raw bar, but that won’t stop him from grilling oysters topped with smoldering herbs. $$$$ Br L D hpf RYE 900 E. Market St., 749-6200. New York hip meets Kentucky farm produce and meats, resulting in a daily menu focused on what is freshest. Dishes show unpretentious flair, served in a sleek East Market Street ambiance. Lunch service turns the space into LOX, which offers house-cured salmon on a bagel, a roast beef sandwich and salads. $$ L D hpf SWAY 320 W. Jefferson St. (Hyatt Regency), 581-1234.

The handsome dining room on the entry level of the hotel has a bar that opens to Fourth Street in good weather and a menu based on the “Southern Way,” from whence comes the name Sway. The fried chicken, cooked to order, quickly became a signature dish. $$$ B L D hpf UPTOWN CAFÉ 1624 Bardstown Rd., 458-4212. The Uptown has been an excellent spot for lunch and bistrostyle dinners for so long that people seem to take it for granted. Those in the know find it an excellent value, for its Highlands location and sophisticated ambience, as well as the eclectic modern menu that includes seasonal small plate selections by long-time chef Matt Weber. $$$ L D hpf VARANESE 2106 Frankfort Ave., 899-9904. Chef John Varanese has made even old-timers forget that this stylish venue was once a gas station. With a slate-backed interior waterfall and a front wall that folds open in good weather, the dining room is as interesting as the lively, international seasonal menu. Live jazz, contemporary art and urban style complete the mood. $$$ D hpfe VOLARE 2300 Frankfort Ave., 894-4446. (See review under European/Italian.)

WILTSHIRE ON MARKET 636 E. Market St., 589-5224.

Understated elegance and creative dishes characterize this NuLu restaurant. The finely crafted small plates menu changes weekly to showcase the best seasonal ingredients. Start with the weekly charcuterie board or cheese plate, followed by a seasonal flatbread or salad, and perhaps a pasta dish. Open Thur.-Sun. only.

Reservations suggested. $$ D pf YACHING’S EAST WEST CUISINE 105 S. Fourth St., 585-4005. Yaching’s promises “an eclectic menu of contemporary Asian fusion cuisine.” It’s an attractive mix of East and West, sufficient to give just about everyone something to enjoy, regardless of which compass point attracts your taste buds. $$$ L D hp

502 BAR & BISTRO 10401 Meeting Pl., 742-4772. There are a lot of TVs, with sports on in this sleek, contemporary spot in Norton Commons, but the food is several notches above the norm of sports bars. Chef Ming Pu’s eclectic, modern American menu offers interesting 50 Summer 2018 www.foodanddine.com

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twists on standards like wings and beer cheese, but you can also find an ahi tuna appetizer and a Korean short ribs dish, an open-faced meatloaf sandwich and entrees from a vegetable stir fry to a beef filet. A full bar and signature cocktails, and brunch on Saturdays and Sundays. $$ Br D hpf ANOOSH BISTRO 4864 Brownsboro Rd., 690-6585.

Anoosh Shariat’s elegant Brownsboro Center space has an eclectic lunch and dinner menu that includes trout provençal, veal loin scallopini, coconut curry tofu, grilled romaine salad, and house-made pastas and risottos. $$ L D p BISTRO 1860 WINE BAR 1765 Mellwood Ave., 6181745. Chef Michael Crouch’s menu concept offers three sizes/price ranges — petite for tasting, appetizer and small entrée — allowing diners to explore the menu at a reasonable cost. The homey, chic old Butchertown building is both comfortable and elegant. In fair weather, dine in the shady garden, or ask to be seated in the Camel Lounge upstairs. $$$ D hpf BISTRO 301 301 W. Market St., 584-8337. Its central location across the street from the Convention Center and a short stroll from the Yum! Center makes this stylish casual bistro a good choice for food and drink before or after an event. New ownership is spiffing up the physical space but Chef Charlie Shouse is still in charge of the modern, locally-focused menu. Dine in the hospitable bar, or in the relaxed dining room off to the side. $$$ L D pf BOURBONS BISTRO 2255 Frankfort Ave., 894-8838.

Located in an historic Clifton building dating back to the late 1800s, Bourbons Bistro stocks a selection of more than 130 bourbons, including a barrel selection program. The seasonally-changing menu is bourboninspired and locally sourced. Recent menu choices have been spicy fried oysters, Marksbury Farms pork chop with bourbon sauce, and bourbon bread pudding. $$$ D

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BRIDGE & BARREL 700 W. Riverside Dr., Jeffersonville IN, 206-7170. Bridge & Barrel, offering upscale Southern comfort foods like fried green tomatoes, blackeyed pea hummus, smoked pork shoulder sandwiches fried chicken and catfish platters, now resides in this riverfront space recently vacated by The Bristol. $$ Br D

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BRIX WINE BAR 12418 La Grange Rd., 243-1120. The use of an obscure wine term (it’s pronounced “bricks” and refers to the sugar content of ripe grapes at harvest) hints that the proprietors of this wine bar know their vino. Interesting wines and a short bistro-style menu make it a welcome suburban alternative. $$ D hpe BUTCHERTOWN GROCERY 1076 E. Washington St., 742-8315. Bobby Benjamin’s restaurant offers housemade pasta and charcuterie, a chef’s table near the kitchen, and dishes such as whole rotisserie chicken and the Grocery steak, a bone-in, 55-day dry-aged ribeye served with black truffle béarnaise. An upstairs entertainment space, Lola, has intimate seating and its own kitchen for late-night noshing. $$$ Br L D hp CUVÉE WINE TABLE 3598 Springhurst Blvd., 242-5200.

Scott Harper and others from the Bristol Bar & Grille organization have made this wine bar and café in the East End a fine stop for after work. Drop in to explore Master Sommelier Harper’s adventurous wine list with tasting pours and small plates of charcuterie, cheeses, salads and snacks from the kitchen. Look for regular casual classes organized on various wine themes. $$ L D hpf DISH ON MARKET 434 W. Market St., 315-0669. Owner Anderson Grissom offers breakfast, lunch and dinner in the comfortable, brick-walled downtown space. Get your day going with eggs, omelets or bread pudding French toast. Lunch on salads, sandwiches or burgers or choose a dinner entrée (a notable Hot Brown or chicken and waffles) any time of the day or night. $ B Br L D pf

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DITTO’S GRILL 1114 Bardstown Rd., 581-9129. This informal Highlands space masks the work of classically trained owner-chefs Dominic Serratore and Frank Yang.

Don’t overlook Serratore’s “gourmet casual” menu of New England crab cakes, fanciful salads and Sunday brunch egg dishes. $$ Br L D hpf EGGS OVER FRANKFORT 2712 Frankfort Ave., 7094452. Husband and wife team Jackson and Cortney Nave have creatively refurbished this Crescent Hill space into a “very traditional” breakfast spot. Its menu includes omelets, eggs Benedict, waffles and oatmeal, as well as salads and sandwiches for lunch. $ B Br L ENCORE ON 4TH 630 S. Fourth St., 587-0526. Encore is the newest incarnation in the space that started as Cunningham’s, and then became SET. The new business offers a variety of Happy Hour specials on different days, an eclectic range of starters (risotto balls, grilled octopus), salads (roasted pumpkin, fried Brussels sprouts), seafood, pastas and entrées ranging from burgers to cabbage rolls to crispy duck breast. $$ L D p

over the Douglass Hills kitchen, and Nate Gibson has been promoted at the Highlands store. Duck fat frites, loaded baked potato tots, and shrimp and grit cakes with spicy tomato jam are standards everywhere, with each chef adding specials. $$ Br D pfe LYDIA HOUSE 1101 Lydia St., 718-6002. This Germantown cafe has slowly mutated from a breakfast spot to a lunch stop with interesting soups, sandwiches and salads, into a neighborhood bar stop and even a popular weekend brunch place. Inventive dishes include black bean dip with fried haloumi cheese balls and sweet potato flatbread, chicken nugget lettuce wraps and spicysweet nori peanuts. $$ B Br D p MERLE’S WHISKEY KITCHEN 122 W. Main St., 2908888. Tony Palombino has expanded and re-imagined his popular Whiskey Row food and music spot.

Renovations feature a larger outdoor ‘Merle’s Backyard’ patio, with a bar and fire pit. The restaurant has a larger stage, added seating and an updated menu that keeps the tacos, but emphasizes Southern fried chicken with sides

GARAGE BAR 700 E. Market St., 749-7100. Housed in a former service station in NuLu, Garage Bar serves up draft and bottled craft beers, Bourbons, seasonal cocktails and wine, pizzas from a wood-fired brick oven and Southern specialties, with an emphasis on fresh, local ingredients. The ham flight is not to be missed. $$$ D hpf

SMOKE & RYE Horseshoe Casino Hotel, (812) 969-6423.

This eatery focuses on house-ground burgers and BBQ (with buns baked fresh daily on premises) and offers, according to management, “one of the nation’s largest selections of Bourbon and Rye whiskey found under a single roof.” Sip your specialty cocktails or spiked milkshakes while listening to live music. $$ L D hpe

JACK’S LOUNGE 122 Sears Ave., 897-9026. A sophisticated, elegant bar associated with the Equus restaurant next door, Jack’s offers a short but excellent menu featuring appetizers and light bites, along with a drinks list beyond reproach. $ D pf

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P.F. CHANG’S CHINA BISTRO 9120 Shelbyville Rd., 327-7707. This Arizona-based, Chinese themed restaurant offers a loud, happy scene with Chinese-style dishes. To its credit, everything is prepared well and service is consistently fine. $$$ L D hpf

THE SILVER DOLLAR 1761 Frankfort Ave., 259-9540. In this Clifton honky tonk bar and restaurant, the music, all on vinyl, is the “Bakersfield sound” — a fusion of Mexicali and American roots music. The southern country-style menu with sophisticated nuances has happy fans crowding in most nights. Choose from more than 80 Kentucky Bourbons, ryes, tequila and mescal, but no “foreign whiskey” like Scotch. $$ Br L D hpf

HOLY GRALE 1034 Bardstown Rd., 459-9939. There are a lot of places to quaff craft beers in town, but Holy Grale’s frequently changing draft selection is among the most esoteric. Couple that with the seasonally adapted menu of Chef Joshua Lehman and the oddity of being housed in a renovated church and you have a unique dining and drinking experience. $$ L D h e

LOUVINO 1606 Bardstown Rd., 365-1921, 11400 Main St., 742-1456. These two wine bars are so popular for their clever wine flights and tasty small plates that owners Chad and Lauren Coulter are opening outlets in Cincinnati and Indianapolis. Jackson Skelton will take

OLIVE LEAF BISTRO 130 W. Riverside Dr., Jeffersonville IN, 913-1252. Walk over the Big Four bridge for a meal that draws on the rich food traditions of countries ringing the Mediterranean. Olive Leaf Bistro serves everything from tagines to chicken Forestiere, oysters Rockefeller to eggplant Napoleon, and Greek salad to paella. $$$ L D hpf

SIDEBAR AT WHISKEY ROW 129 N. Second St., 3841600. On the west side of Whiskey Row, above Troll Pub under the Bridge, Sidebar focuses on burgers, Bourbon and beer, a potentially boffo combo for those going to or coming from the Yum! Center across the street. The emphasis is on craft cocktails served alongside a short but bold selection of sandwiches, appetizers and desserts. $$ L D hpe

HARD ROCK CAFÉ 424 S. Fourth St. (Fourth Street Live), 568-2202. Louisville’s Fourth Street Live echoes with a bang amid hammering guitars and happy throngs at the local branch of this popular shrine to rock. The music scene is the draw, but you’ll have no complaints about Hard Rock’s standard American cuisine. $$ L D hpfe

LOU LOU FOOD + DRINK 106 Sears Ave, 893-7776.

Jared Matthews, who also operates Diamond Pub & Billiards, has renamed, redesigned and refocused the longtime Café Lou Lou, bringing in Jon Pauly as chef.

The new menu has an even wider Cajun focus, as well as “healthy eating” choices and gluten-free selections. $$ Br L D hp

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NOUVELLE 214 S. Clay St., 631-9428. This French-style wine bar sells 40+ wines by the glass (in 3-, 6- or 9ounce pours) and 200 to 300 wines by the bottle, focusing on affordable, interesting wines. A selection of beers, ciders, classic cocktails, bourbons and scotches also are available. A small bites menu – cheese, charcuterie, hummus, baked goods – is offered, along with desserts. $ L D hpf

RIVER CITY WINERY 321 Pearl St., New Albany IN, 9459463. All the wines here – 26 varieties in all – are produced and bottled on the premises. Wine tastings and, upon request, wine cellar tours are available. The winery is also a full-service restaurant, with brick oven pizzas a specialty. A family-friendly place that is also pet-friendly on the outdoor patio. $$ Br L D e

HAMMERHEADS 921 Swan St., 365-1112. One of the more unusual restaurant spaces in town, Hammerheads is also one of the hippest. Adam Burress and Chase Murcerino, who share owner and chef duties, fire up their BBQ smoker street-side, and fans far and wide flock to the semi-basement space on the edge of Germantown to partake of pulled pork and beef brisket, pork and lamb ribs, roasted duck sandwiches, pork belly BLTs and soft shell crab tacos. $ D h

LEVEE AT RIVER HOUSE 3015 River Rd., 897-5000.

Levee is the more casual, family oriented component to John Varanese’s River House venture. Small plates and other light eats, all priced under $15, and entertainment are on offer nightly. That live music program include an eclectic mix of jazz, blues, salsa and even “beachy music.” $$ D hpfe

mussels, pastas, flatbreads or sandwiches. $$$ B Br L D

like sweet potato casserole, long-cooked green beans and a candied bacon appetizer. 100 bourbons are currently on offer, including handpicked private barrels from Buffalo Trace, Maker’s Mark, Wild Turkey and others. $ L D hpe NEIGHBORHOOD SERVICES 400 S. Second St., (Omni Hotel), 313-6664. This casual eating option in the new Omni hotel serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner and offers relaxed indoor and outdoor dining. Enter from the hotel or street. $$$ B L D pf NOOSH NOSH 4816 Brownsboro Ctr., 205-2888. Anoosh Shariat’s second restaurant in the Brownsboro Center is a family-style eatery centered around a rustic stone oven in an open kitchen. Breakfast offers several omelet choices, tikka eggs and tofu florentine. For lunch or dinner, share smoked salmon bruschetta, Nosh nachos or Thai-style

SOMEWHERE LOUISVILLE 1135 Bardstown Rd., 5526942. Now you can dine and have some cocktails, and then slide right next door to Nowhere for late-night fun and games. The kitchen is run by Scott Darnell, formerly of Lilly’s, cooking up an eclectic Southern-inspired menu. The fare includes beer cheese and pretzels, smoked wings, buttermilk fried chicken and 3 varieties of flatbreads. $$ D hpfe THE FAT LAMB 2011 Grinstead Dr., 409-7499. Dallas McGarity, a veteran of several top restaurants, now has his own place in the heart of the Highlands, serving lunch and dinner. He focuses on small plates such as lamb meatballs with tzatziki and peperonata, ricotta brioche toast, soy-braised beef short ribs, ricotta gnocchi and lamb ragu. $$ D hpf THE HUB LOUISVILLE 2235 Frankfort Ave., 777-1505.

Clifton has taken to this sprawling modern restaurant, cocktail bar and adult rec center with gusto. The Southern-inspired small plates menu and its specials board of rotating entrees pleases multiple tastes. The bar boasts a big rum and tequila selection, with alcoholic

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floats a specialty. The lively patio is packed in good weather. $$ D hpfe URBAN BREAD CO. 1000 Auction Way, Jeffersonville IN, 913-1426, 130 W. Riverside Dr. (inside Flat 12 Bierworks), Jeffersonville IN, 590-3219. This company now has two locations selling their roti sandwiches and creative side dishes. Specializing in rotis, reminiscent of tacos, with a softer, chewier texture, come with an eclectic choice of toppings, from ancho chicken to Nutella and bacon to blackened salmon to smoked tofu. $BLDp VILLAGE ANCHOR PUB & ROOST 11507 Park Rd., 708-1850. In the heart of Anchorage is this two-level Euro-village inspired concept. On the upper level, a French bistro with an outdoor terrace. Downstairs at The Sea Hag the ambience is a British pub. The hearty upscale comfort food-style menu is served lunch and dinner with weekend brunch. A short, well-selected wine list and ambitious beer list with more than 50 craft and import choices accompany 55 Bourbons to boot. $$$ Br L D hpf WILTSHIRE AT THE SPEED 2035 S. Third St., 6342976. Susan Hershberg and her team bring “artfully inspired, creative and seasonal” breakfast and luncheon fare to the Speed Museum. Open at 10 a.m. for pastries, croissants, coffee and tea, lunch is served until 3 p.m., with soups, salads, sandwiches and entrees such as buckwheat noodle salad with seared salmon. Also a graband-go counter open until 5 p.m. $$ B Br L pf

BONEFISH GRILL 657 S. Hurstbourne Pkwy., 412-4666.

This franchise concept from the Florida-based Outback Steakhouse chain offers impressive seafood in a comfortable setting. Add Bonefish to your short list of suburban chain eateries that do the job right. $$$ D hp

CAPTAIN VILLE 2001 Seventh Street Rd., 996-7426. The menu of this Algonquin neighborhood fish house includes perch, cod, salmon and catfish, the best seller.

There are crab cakes, too, and sides of fried green tomatoes, fried okra and hush puppies. $ L D h CATFISH HAVEN PAY LAKE & RESTAURANT 7208 Whipple Rd., 937-7658. If you like to fish, or if you like to eat fish, you’ll likely enjoy Catfish Haven, a simple, down-home eatery in Southwestern Jefferson County.

Seafood is the specialty. Fishermen will enjoy their payto-fish lake. $$ L D f CLARKSVILLE SEAFOOD 916 Eastern Blvd., Clarksville IN, 283-8588. As the only surviving descendant of Louisville’s old Cape Codder chain, Clarksville Seafood upholds a long and honorable tradition. The menu is simple — fried fish and fried seafood, served on paper trays — but it is consistently excellent and affordable.

And now open until 8 p.m. most nights. $ L D CUNNINGHAM’S CREEKSIDE 6301 Upper River Rd., 228-3625. One of the longest-lived restaurants in the city, Cunningham’s has had several incarnations, and now pulls in old timers and new fans at its Harrod’s Creek location. There you can find fine fish sandwiches and pub grub, and absorb some of the nostalgia associated with this long-time favorite. $ Br L D hpf THE FISH HOUSE 1310 Winter Ave., 568-2993.

Louisville is as overflowing as a well-stocked lake with fish-sandwich houses, and The Fish House is right up there with the best. Crisp breading laced with black pepper is the signature of Green River fried fish from Western Kentucky. And on weekends the space morphs into Café Beignet, serving hearty breakfasts and New Orleans-style beignets. $ Br L D pf THE FISHERY 3624 Lexington Rd., 895-1188. This friedfish eatery has been popular in the St. Matthews neighborhood for going on two decades. The Fishery

h = Late Night p = Full Bar f = Outdoor Dining e = Live Music

remains justly popular for its quick, sizzling hot and affordable fish and seafood meals. $ L D f FISHERY STATION 5610 Outer Loop, 968-8363. $$ L D HILL STREET FISH FRY 111 E. Hill St., 636-3474. This Old Louisville tradition is small and easy to miss, but it’s worth the effort to find. Its oversized fried whitefish sandwich is the flagship dish, but a varied menu is also available. $ L D f HULL & HIGH WATER 324 E. Main St., New Albany IN, 725-1054. Eric Morris of Gospel Bird and Garrett Petters are partners in this moderately priced seafood restaurant and bar, a niche that so far has been overlooked in New Albany’s restaurant renaissance. The “approachable, affordable and fun” menu features low-country boils, raw oysters, po’ boys, fish and chips, and a catch of the day. $$ D hpf JOE’S CRAB SHACK 131 River Rd., 568-1171. The setting on the edge of Riverfront Park is bright, noisy and fun, with a wraparound deck providing a panoramic river view. $$ L D hpf KINGFISH RESTAURANT 3021 Upper River Rd., 895-0544, 1610 Kentucky Mills Dr., 240-0700, 601 W. Riverside Dr., Jeffersonville IN, 284-3474. Fried fish in a family dining setting has made this local chain a popular favorite for many years. Two of its properties — upper River Road and Riverside Drive — boast river views. $$ L D hpfe MIKE LINNIG’S 9308 Cane Run Rd., 937-9888. This popular riverside restaurant has been dishing up tasty fried fish and seafood at family prices since 1925. There’s indoor seating and a bar, but the picnic grove with its giant shade trees makes Linnig’s a special place in season.

Out of season — Nov. to Jan. — the family shutters the place and takes a nice vacation. $ L D f MITCHELL’S FISH MARKET 4031 Summit Plaza Dr., 412-1818. The decor of this upscale eatery evokes the

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feeling of a large fish market, with an open kitchen that offers views of chefs at work. Quality seafood and service have made Mitchell’s a popular destination. $$$ L D

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PASSTIME FISH HOUSE 10801 Locust Rd., 267-4633. If you are looking for an honest fish sandwich and a cold beer or two, with no frills, this Jeffersontown tavern is just the ticket. Belly up, place your order, and be sure to have cash — no credit cards accepted here. $$ L D fe RUMORS RESTAURANT & RAW BAR 12339 Shelbyville Rd., 245-0366. Visualize Hooter’s without the scantily-clad waitresses, and you’ve drawn a bead on Rumor’s, the original Louisville home of the bucket-ofoysters and impressive raw bar. $$ L D hpf SHARK’S SEAFOOD 3099 Breckenridge Ln., 450-5775.

Several types of crunchy-breaded fried fish — white fish, shrimp, catfish, salmon — to choose from, as well as wings and side dishes like fried mushrooms and fried okra. $ L D h

BOB'S STEAK & CHOP HOUSE 400 S. Second St., (Omni Hotel), 313-6664. The signature restaurant located off the lobby in the new Omni Hotel offers refined service and a decor focused on American thoroughbred racing. A steak menu offers seven prime selections, from ribeye to filet to 28-oz. porterhouse.

Seafood, too (crab cakes, scampi, lobster tails), and sumptuous desserts. $$$$ D p BRAZEIROS CHURRASCARIA 450 S. Fourth St. (Fourth Street Live) 290-8220. This Knoxville-based company’s first satellite location has been a downtown hit. A churrascaria works like this: You choose drinks, visit the salad bar and await visits from “gaucho chefs” who bring yard-long skewers of grilled meats (beef, lamb, sausage) to your table for slicing — as much as you wish — along with side dishes. $$$$ L D pf BROOKLYN & THE BUTCHER 148 E. Market St., New Albany IN. 590-2646. Ian Hall of The Exchange Pub + Kitchen opened this steakhouse in a renovated historic hotel with lots of cool touches: black and white tiles on floor and walls, an open kitchen and a vintage bar counter from an old local Woolworth’s store. The bar program emphasizes bourbon, Scotch and craft beers.

The menu includes fresh seafood, small plates and lots of beef — New York strip, bone-in ribeye, flat iron steaks — all as locally sourced as possible. $$$ D pf CAST IRON STEAKHOUSE 1207 E. Market St., Jeffersonville IN, 590-2298. Buck’s owner Curtis Rader also operates this riverside eatery where the kitchen cooks steaks and sides in cast iron pans at moderate prices. The ambience is upscale with “no peanuts on the floor, antlers on the wall or country music,” Rader promises. $$$ D hpf CATTLEMAN’S ROADHOUSE 2001 S. Hurstbourne Pkwy., 384-7623, 139 Historical Trail, 543-3574. These local outlets of the small regional chain offer mid-priced beef choices and starters such as fried pickle chips and jalapeño poppers, grilled chicken, salmon, and plenty of sandwiches. $$$ L D hp DEL FRISCO’S 4107 Oechsli Ave., 897-7077. Loyal Louisville carnivores continue to fill up this 35-year-old St. Matthews steakhouse, with its brick walls and beamed ceilings. Any red meat enthusiast would know to order the filet or Porterhouse, but only regulars know the glories of something called green phunque. $$$$ D hp EDDIE MERLOT’S PRIME AGED BEEF 455 S. Fourth St., (Fourth Street Live) 584-3266. Located on the ground floor of the Starks Building is one of the largest dining spaces in town. The Ft. Wayne-based small chain with big ambitions boasts glittering mosaic artwork, a handsome bar and luxurious seating in secluded nooks and corners. The menu encompasses high end steaks, 54 Summer 2018 www.foodanddine.com

well-prepared seafood and seasonal specials. $$$$ L D

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JEFF RUBY’S STEAKHOUSE 325 W. Main St., 584-0102.

This Cincinnati restaurateur has made an impact in Louisville with his outstanding steaks, glittery bar, urban vibe and top-notch service. The rooms have Churchill Downs themes. The steaks take the rail with seafood and sushi coming up fast on the outside. $$$$ D hpe LE MOO 2300 Lexington Rd., 458-8888. Kevin Grangier of Village Anchor & Pub in Anchorage has re-imagined the space that was for decades KT’s, creating a new interior design he calls “Paris brothel meets vintage warehouse,” a lively and amusing space with lots of steel, neon and velvet, a large bar, and an outdoor patio. Chip Lawrence, sous chef at Village Anchor, is executive chef, devising a Euro-eclectic menu with an emphasis on steaks. $$ B Br L D hpfe LOGAN’S ROADHOUSE 970 E. Lewis & Clark Pkwy., Clarksville IN, 288-9789, 1540 Alliant Ave., 266-6009.

With more than 100 properties in 17 states, this Nashville-based chain parlays peanut shells on the floor and steaks on the table into a popular formula. $$ L D

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LONGHORN STEAKHOUSE 2535 Hurstbourne Gem Ln., 671-5350, 9700 Von Allmen Ct., 326-7500, 1210 Veterans Pkwy., Clarksville IN, 284-5800, 4813 Outer Loop, 969-9790. Oversize steaks and a “big sky” western theme are the draw at this chain eatery, although most of its properties are east of the Mississippi. $$ L D hp MORTON’S 626 W. Main St., 584-0421. This belowground temple to the red meat gods is elegant and masculine, full of wood paneling, brass rails and leather booths. Louisville reveres its home-grown restaurants but has welcomed this Chicago-based chain with open mouths. $$$$ D hp OUTBACK STEAK HOUSE 4621 Shelbyville Rd., 8954329, 6520 Signature Dr., 964-8383, 9498 Brownsboro Rd., 426-4329, 8101 Bardstown Rd., 231-2399, 1420 Park Place, Clarksville IN, 283-4329. The name suggests Australia, and so does the shtick at this popular national chain, but the food is pretty much familiar American, and the fare goes beyond just steak to take in chicken, seafood and pasta. $$$ D hp PAT’S STEAK HOUSE 2437 Brownsboro Rd., 896-9234.

A local favorite for more than fifty years and as traditional as a steakhouse gets. Pat Francis, like his father before him, cuts the meats himself. Its combination of quality beef and hospitality rank it among the best steak houses in town. $$$$ D pf PONDEROSA STEAKHOUSE 11470 S. Preston Hwy., 964-6117. Family-style dining with the ranch theme kept alive with the open flame from the grills. An extensive buffet with hot and cold foods, salads and desserts is also available. $ L D RUTH’S CHRIS STEAKHOUSE 6100 Dutchman’s Ln., 479-0026. The long-standing Louisville location of this New Orleans-based international chain is perched atop the 16-floor Kaden Tower. Ruth’s Chris serves excellent steaks, chops and seafood in an atmosphere of elegance that will make you feel pampered, at a price to match. $$$$ D hpe STONEY RIVER LEGENDARY STEAK 3900 Summit Plaza Dr., 429-8944. Stoney River in the Springhurst shopping center is one of the chain’s first properties outside its Georgia home. It draws big crowds with its memorable steaks and trimmings, with extra points for friendly service and a comfortable atmosphere. $$$$ Br D hp TEXAS ROADHOUSE 757 E. Lewis & Clark Pkwy. (Green Tree Mall), Clarksville IN, 280-1103, 4406 Dixie Hwy., 448-0705, 3322 Outer Loop, 962-7600, 13321 Shelbyville Rd., 253-0085, 5055 Shelbyville Rd., 8975005. The spirit of the West sets the theme for this

popular steak house. Salads, vegetables and breads with hearty side dishes round out your meal options. This is family-style dining, with no tray sliding — service at your table. $$ L D hp

CORNER 102 W. Main St., 583-1888. Corner is the bar and restaurant attached to the chic, contemporary Aloft Hotel downtown. The emphasis here is on the bar, with a wine and cocktail menu longer and more creative than the food side. Still, there are solid bar munchies, from dips and deviled eggs to sandwiches, salads and tacos. $$ B D pf CRESCENT HILL CRAFT HOUSE 2636 Frankfort Ave., 895-9400. This beer pub serves only locally produced beers, and the menu is focused on local food sources.

You’ll find everything from charcuterie and cheese curds to salads, fun sandwiches and dinner plates of striped bass or chicken. There is live music and outdoor dining in season. $$ Br L D hpf DOWN ONE BOURBON BAR & RESTAURANT 321 W. Main St., 566-3258. Situated down one flight below street level, this cool, shaded watering hold stocks 150plus Bourbons, local craft beer and serves wines by the glass. A small but clever bar menu offers burgers, sandwiches and more. $$ L D pfe EXCHANGE PUB + KITCHEN 118 W. Main St., New Albany IN, 948-6501. Owner Ian Hall has made his gastropub in a sumptuously renovated historic building such a fun place to sit and sample the eclectic bistro-style menu that he has had to expand his dining room and patio. Wash things down with something from its substantial beer, wine and cocktails list that even includes house-made ginger ale. $$ L D hpfe FOUR PEGS BEER LOUNGE 1053 Goss Ave., 634-1447.

Twelve craft beers on tap and a 30 bottle beer list bring in the fans, who also appreciate the award-winning veggie burger and other well-priced pub grub such as a chicken and waffle sandwich and an estimable burger with fried green tomatoes and beer sauce. $ D h f GALAXIE 732 E. Market St., 690-6565. The guys behind RYE just down the street now have the Green Building space for a bar dedicated to moderately priced drinks ($7 cocktails are what they are shooting for) and a bar menu of “international-inspired street food,” which was described as “easy to take with you,” so you can nosh as you imbibe. $$ L D hpf GRALEHAUS 1001 Baxter Ave., 454-7075. In the house behind the Holy Grale’s is Gralehouse, a café and deli. Its breakfast and lunch menu includes biscuit and duck gravy, an open-face short rib sandwich, crepes, and a coffee bar, with house-made sodas, shrubs and kombucha. Also beers on tap and in the cooler. $$ B Br L f H. M. FRANK'S AN O'SHEA'S PUBLIC HOUSE 355 Spring St., Jeffersonville IN, 913-1174. Upon gutting the interior and re-building the facade of this 1880’s-era building, the original identity of H.M. Frank’s Dry Goods store was uncovered, a discovery that has given this O’Shea’s outpost its name. The bar is made from repurposed barn wood, there’s an event space upstairs, and upscale bar food is created by Chef Michael Bradley. $$ L D hpf THE MANHATTAN PROJECT 2101 Frankfort Ave., 7498925. This upscale gastropub is now expanding, moving into the whole building since Nancy’s Bagels has relocated. The menu includes short rib nachos and sliders, crab cakes and four kinds of fries. Mac ’n’ cheese has its own menu section, listing over a dozen possible adds ons—from bacon to crab to pork cheek to grilled chicken. Garage door walls open on the patio in good weather. $$ Br L D hpfe WORLD OF BEER 9850 Von Allmen Ct., 690-4280. This Florida-based chain serves a wide variety of craft beers

RED = Advertiser B = Breakfast Br = Brunch L = Lunch D = Dinner

and sports a tavern menu that is a few notches above the usual bar food: wings and sandwiches, sure, but also chimichurri meatballs, ahi tuna poke and chipotle BBQ chicken flatbread. Its giant pretzel and beer cheese is a great shared nibbler. $$ L D hpfe

80/20 @ KAELIN’S 1801 Newburg Rd., 200-8020.

Burgers are back at the birthplace of the cheeseburger.

Chef Matt Staggs's “rustic regional” menu offers 7 burgers (grilled on a bespoke cast-iron flat top) and 7 entrées at this complete renovation of the classic Kaelin’s space. There’s a malt shop serving fountain drinks and house-made ice cream on one side, and a family-friendly restaurant and bar on the other. Seating on the spacious patio/porch, and upstairs is a large private room for parties and meetings. $$ Br D h pf BACKYARD BURGER 1800 Priority Way, 240-9945. The open flame at this counter-service diner provides the next best thing to a family cookout. Sandwiches, fresh salads, fruit cobblers and old-fashioned hand-dipped milkshakes enhance the nostalgic theme. $ L D BIG FOUR BURGERS + BEER 134 Spring St., Jeffersonville IN, 913-4967, 114 E. Main St., New Albany IN, 944-9777. The name reflects its original location in the shadows of the Big Four pedestrian bridge, but a second store is in New Albany, too. Diners can choose from a selection of gourmet burgers and 21 beer taps. $$ L D

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BLUEGRASS BURGERS 3334 Frankfort Ave., 614-6567.

Falls City Hospitality Group, which runs doc Crow’s on Main St., has bought this Crescent Hill upscale burger diner. Choose your burger — grass-fed Kentucky beef or bison, tuna or veggie (or grilled chicken, cheese steak or franks) — and then head for the topping bar. $ L D f

BUFFALO WILD WINGS 6801 Dixie Hwy., 935-1997, 4600 Shelbyville Rd., 899-7732, 9134 Taylorsville Rd., 499-2356, 10206 Westport Rd., 394-9596, 12901 Shelbyville Rd., 254-9464, 1055 Bardstown Rd., 4543635, 1112 Veterans Pkwy., Clarksville IN, 283-9464, 4917 Outer Loop, 964-5803. As much a sports bar as a restaurant, this national franchise chain offers tasty snack-type fare, including the chain’s trademark Buffalo chicken wings. $$ L D hpf BUNZ RESTAURANT 969 1/2 Baxter Ave., 632-1132.

This little Highlands made-to-order gourmet hamburger shop concocts quality burgers with a range of standard and oddball toppings. $ L D h f CARALI'S ROTISSERIE CHICKEN 9148 Taylorsville Rd., 618-0699. You will find Peruvian-style rotisserie chicken here and other South American dishes: lomo (grilled marinated steak), chaufa rice and various salads and side dishes (such as stuffed avocado). Sandwiches as well as full dinners, and take away half and full roasted chickens. $ L D p THE CHICKEN HOUSE 7180 Hwy. 111, Sellersburg IN, 246-9485. The parking lot of this white frame building in rural Indiana is packed on weekend nights as families from throughout the area wait on delectable fried chicken. This is the very heart of American comfort food, including green beans, dumplings, and mashed potatoes. $$ L D

and grilled tenders, chicken sandwiches, appetizers and salads. $ L D hpf CULVER’S 4630 S. Hurstbourne Pkwy., 671-2001, 1555 Veterans Pkwy., Jeffersonville IN, 913-0810. When the trademark item is called a “ButterBurger” and frozen custard tops the dessert menu, you know you’re not in for diet fare. Quality fast food and friendly service make this chain popular. $ L D f DADDY RICH’S 617 W. Oak St., 290-9110. The kitchen incubator Chef Space gave birth to this new Old Louisville soul food spot. Owner Rodrick Martin named it after his late grandfather, who inspired him. The limited cooked to order menu includes chicken wraps, mini-waffles and ten wing flavors, with DINO’S FOOD MART 2601 W. Broadway, 774-4333.

This little grocery and convenience store also serves up some of the most popular takeout fried chicken in the West End. $ L D DIXIE CHICKEN 1785 W. Oak St., 690-2748, 3947 Dixie Hwy., 448-2102, 8118 Preston Hwy., 450-5002. A growing fried chicken spot that serves up honest fried chicken and good, standard sides at reasonable prices, Dixie Chicken now has an eat-in outlet on Preston, in addition to their take-out only spots in Old Louisville and on the edge of Shively. $$ L D h

CHICKEN KING 639 E. Broadway, 589-5464. Spicy, crunchy and sizzling hot fried chicken is the primary draw on a short, affordable menu. $ L D h

DIZZY WHIZZ DRIVE-IN 217 W. St. Catherine St., 5833828. This neighborhood eatery, an institution that goes back more than 50 years, hasn’t changed much. It opens early, stays open late and offers good value for what you’d expect. $ L D hf

CLUCKERS WINGS 4308 Charlestown Rd., New Albany IN, 944-8100, 100 W. Riverside Dr., Jeffersonville IN, 590-3662. At this growing chain, you can get your wings doused in an array of sauces, from honey barbecue to spicy garlic barbecue to sweet Thai chili to inferno — a habanero-based sauce that has a legit name. Also breaded

FAMILY TIES 1809 W. Jefferson St., 915-7069, 1030 Cecil Ave., 907-6548. This pair of restaurants has a dual personality. The Jefferson St. location is more sports bar with a menu of burgers, wings, hot dogs and brats. The Cecil Ave. location offers more of the same, but the main focus is on barbecue. $ B L D h

h = Late Night p = Full Bar f = Outdoor Dining e = Live Music

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FIVE GUYS BURGERS & FRIES 2221 State Street, New Albany IN, 944-9958, 4116 Summit Plaza Dr., 4261702, 4226 Shelbyville Rd., 891-8848, 4917 Outerloop, 822-3702, 13303 Shelbyville Rd., 244-1027. Based in Virginia, this burger chain invokes the early days of fast food with freshly-grilled burgers, big smoky kosher dogs, enough condiments to satisfy any craving, freshcut fries and a cheery rock’n’roll sensibility. $ L D GRIND BURGER KITCHEN 829 E. Market St., 8517333. Owners Liz and Jesse Huot are firmly established now in NuLu, giving them much-needed parking, as well as a full bar. In addition to their signature burgers, the Huots have a chopped chicken sandwich, an “adult” grilled cheese made with Brie and Gruyere and a couple of salad choices. $$ L D f HOME RUN BURGERS & FRIES 2060 S. Hurstbourne Pkwy., 409-7004, 4600 Shelbyville Rd., 365-3388, 12949 Shelbyville Rd., 384-8403, 303 W. Cardinal Blvd., 708-1818. Burgers, dogs and fries and drinks with a baseball theme highlight this suburban spot, and more than 20 toppings offer you a fielder’s choice of options to dress your burger. $ L D f HOOTERS 4120 Dutchmans Ln., 895-7100, 4948 Dixie Hwy., 449-4194, 7701 Preston Hwy., 968-1606, 700 W. Riverside Dr., Jeffersonville IN, 218-9485, 941 E. Lewis & Clark Pkwy., Clarksville IN, 284-9464. Hooter’s may draw crowds with its long-standing reputation as a party scene, but you’ll stay for the food, an appetizing selection of soups, salads, seafood and, of course, wings. $ L D

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INDI’S RESTAURANT 1033 W. Broadway, 589-7985, 3820 W. Market St., 778-9099, 2901 Fern Valley Rd., 969-7993, 5009 S. Third St., 363-2535, 2970 Tenth St., Jeffersonville IN, 288-3980, 4590 Dixie Hwy., 4474856, 4419 Cane Run Rd., 448-1109, 4901 Poplar Level Rd., 969-5352. Grown from a tiny West End takeout spot to a mini-chain, Indi’s vends a variety of affordable soul food and barbecue specialties to take out or eat in. $LDh JOELLA’S HOT CHICKEN 3400 Frankfort Ave., 8952235, 13401 Shelbyville Rd., 254-1111. At this Nashville-style chicken emporium, diners will find traditional Southern-fried chicken spiced medium, hot and hotter. House-made sides, of course, and local craft beers and wine, and fresh-squeezed lemonade, too. $$ L D hpf KING’S FRIED CHICKEN 1302 Dixie Hwy., 776-3013, 5603 Preston Hwy., 654-7707. $ L D h KRISPY KRUNCHY CHICKEN 1610 Dixie Hwy., 9198429. A West End quick-serve source for Cajun-style fried chicken, fried shrimp and homey side dishes like red beans and rice, jambalaya, boudin bites (Cajun rice balls) and honey butter biscuits. $$ L D KRISPY KRUNCHY CHICKEN 4544 Poplar Level Rd., 964-6336. Crispy fried chicken and fried catfish, as well as daily Asian specialties. $ L MUSSEL & BURGER BAR 9200 Taylorsville Rd., 3844834, 113 S. Seventh St., 749-6451. Fernando Martinez’s Olé Restaurant Group have hit the mark yet again with their affordable “American bistro concept” featuring mussels with six different sauces, and 12 clever twists on burgers. The original suburban location has been joined by a downtown venue, with an expanded menu and a handsome outdoor courtyard. L D hpfe OLLIE’S TROLLEY 978 S. Third St., 583-5214. A little piece of fast-food history remains on an urban street corner in Old Louisville. It’s one of the nation’s few surviving trolleys of the Louisville-based chain that spread across the nation in the ’70s. Oversize burgers with a spicy, homemade flavor are just as good as ever. $ L OSKAR'S SLIDER BAR 3799 Poplar Level Rd. Jesse and Liz Huot (Grind Burger Kitchen) expand on their burger concept with a new slider bar. Oskar’s (the name 56 Summer 2018 www.foodanddine.com

inspired by the Huot’s son, Oskar) offers over a dozen slider choices – chicken, fried fish and pork belly in addition to the expected ground beef mini-burgers. Fries and salads, too. $$ L D p RAISING CANE’S 10490 Westport Rd., 425-4040, 6811 Bardstown Rd., 654-7737, 5212 Dixie Hwy., 742-9035, 1250 Bardstown Rd., 822-1188, 12009 Shelbyville Rd., 434-7681, 1905 S. Hurstbourne Pkwy., 409-9441. A national chain with a single core product — chicken fingers. Six locations in town now, all offering simple and straightforward fried chicken finger combos and sandwiches with slaw and fries on the side. $ L D f RED TOP GOURMET HOT DOGS 1127 Logan St., 6402032. The journey from street cart to food truck to storefront is complete. Ryan Cohee's all beef, nitrate and preservative free hotdogs can be found now in Shelby Park. Bison and Waygu beef choices, as well as vegan/ vegetarian-friendly dogs. Columbus-style sauerkraut balls, too. $ L D hp RED ROBIN GOURMET BURGERS 9870 Von Allmen Ct., 339-8616, 5000 Shelbyville Rd., 899-9001, 1354 Veterans Pkwy., Clarksville IN, 948-9895. This Seattlebased chain serves up its well regarded “gourmet burgers” and trimmings in two East End locations and S. Indiana. Despite a full bar, it reportedly attracts hordes of happy youngsters. $$ L D hpf ROOSTERS 7405 Preston Hwy., 964-9464, 4420 Dixie Hwy., 384-0330, 1601 Greentree Blvd., Clarksville IN, 590-3391, 10430 Shelbyville Rd., 883-1990, 5338 Bardstown Rd., 618-1128. With a wide footprint in Ohio, this Columbus-based wings-and-brews chain is now spreading its franchise reach across Indiana, West Virginia and Kentucky. Its five local properties have gained popularity for a lively sports bar setting and oversize wings. $ L D hpf ROYALS HOT CHICKEN 736 E. Market St., 919-7068.

Ryan Rogers’ new hot chicken emporium is now frying in the Market Street space that once housed Toast on Market and then Taco Punk. Chicken is pressure-fried then, in the Nashville style, blanketed with a paste of oil and spices delivering mild to "Gonzo" levels of heat. Save room for a few house-made sides, and if you’re not in the mood for bird, salads and even Southern-fried tofu are on the menu. $$L D f SMASHBURGER 9409 Shelbyville Rd., 326-4141, 312 S. Fourth St., 583-1500, 600 Terminal Dr. (Louisville Airport) 363-2526. A growing chain located mostly in the West and the South now has three Kentucky locations serving made-to-order Angus beef burgers, and is looking to open more area locations. $ L D f STEAK N SHAKE 3232 Bardstown Rd., 456-2670, 4913 Dixie Hwy., 448-4400, 4545 Outer Loop, 966-3109, 2717 S. Hurstbourne Pkwy., 491-3397, 10721 Fischer Park Dr., 326-3625, 980 E. Lewis & Clark Pkwy., Clarksville IN., 285-1154. One of the oldest fast-food chains in the U.S., Steak N Shake traces its ancestry to an Illinois roadside stand in 1934. It now boasts 400 outlets in 19 states but still sticks to the basics: quality steak burgers and hand-dipped shakes served, if you dine in, on real china. $ B L D h STOUT BURGERS & BEER 1604 Bardstown Rd., 4598234. This California burger and brew concept serves a custom beef blend of chuck and brisket ground and grilled in-house two ways: pink and not pink, and the limited menu of chef-created sandwiches is clever and tasty. Craft beers from local, national and international breweries are poured from 30 taps and a selection of bottles, and each is paired by suggestions written on the food menu. $ L D THE EAGLE 1314 Bardstown Rd., 498-8420. The Eagle, a small Cincinnati-based chain serving fried chicken, fivecheese macaroni, collard greens, house-made biscuits and other comfort food, has established itself firmly in the Bardstown Rd. restaurant row. The three-season

patio is laid-back and amenable to larger groups. The beer list here is a good one. $ L D hpf W.W. COUSINS RESTAURANT 900 Dupont Rd., 8979684. This locally owned and operated build-your-own burger joint has packed in fans at its location near Dupont Circle for over 30 years, serving substantial burgers on magisterial home-baked buns and offering more than 40 toppings on the lengthy condiments bar. $ LDh WHISKEY DRY 412 S. Fourth St. (Fourth Street Live!)

749-7933. Ed Lee expands his local empire to Fourth Street Live! with this casual burger and whiskey bar, boasting a “chef-centric point of view” features a suggested whiskey pairing for each burger and more than 200 whiskeys from America, Ireland, Japan and elsewhere. $$ L D hpf THE WING ZONE 905 Hess Ln., 636-2445, 3038 Hunsinger Ln., 618-0106. Wing Zone, with locations scattered across the eastern U.S., excels with jumbo wings in 25 flavors, including traditional Buffalo-style wings that range from Tame to Nuclear Habanero.

Burgers, fried shrimp and sides as well. $ L D hf WINGSTOP 4812 Dixie Hwy., 409-6000, 2007 S. Hurstbourne Pkwy., 491-7171. This Texas-based chain with 500 restaurants nationally, now reaches into Louisville.

Their specialty? Wings of course, and you can get them 9 different ways. $$ L D hp ZAXBY’S (9 Locations) There are now 9 outlets in Louisville and Southern Indiana. The casual dining chain cutens its menu with a lot of “z’s”: zappetizers, zalads, platterz, wingz and fingerz — that sort of thing. $ L D h

ALLEY CAT CAFÉ 11804 Shelbyville Rd., 245-6544. This suburban Alley Cat is a cozy and bright little place, and the lunch-only menu is affordable and appealing. $ L AROMA CAFÉ Horseshoe Casino Hotel, Elizabeth IN, 888766-2648. Grab a bite before hitting the casino.

Sandwiches, salads, sides, cold beverages and coffee will fuel you for a night of entertainment. $ B L D hp ASPIRE CAFÉ & JUICE BAR 332 W. Broadway, 8044756. This African-soul food fusion restaurant, relocated in the Heyburn Building, offers vegetarian and vegan foods, including a specialty, a Nigerian stew. $ B L f ATLANTIC NO. 5 605 W. Main St., 883-3398. Owners Mary Wheatley and Rebecca Johnson offer fresh takes on breakfast and lunch in this sharp Main St. renovation.

Eat in or take away hearty biscuits, ham slider breakfast sandwiches, bagels or house-made granola. At lunch choose simple grilled cheese or specialty sandwiches like Mediterranean tuna or Cuban press. $ B Br L pfe ATRIUM CAFÉ 9940 Corporate Campus Dr. (Embassy Suites), 426-9191. An eclectic bistro atmosphere in the heart of the hotel. Specials run from their popular crab cakes and array of pasta dishes to a Reuben sandwich or fruit pie. $$ B L D hp BLUE DOG BAKERY AND CAFÉ 2868 Frankfort Ave., 899-9800. Tables are always at a premium at this popular Crescent Hill breakfast and lunch spot. And its artisanal bakery continues to produce hearty European-style breads that have set a gold standard on restaurant tables and in better grocery stores around town. $$ B L f BLUE HORSE CAFÉ 830 Phillips Ln. (Crown Plaza Hotel), 367-2251. $$$ L D hp BOOMER’S CAFÉ 722 W. Main St., 585-4356. Named after the owner’s dear, departed beagle, Boomer’s is a popular, low-key downtown deli in the heart of the museum district. Sandwiches, burger and fries, homemade chocolate cookies, and good coffee. $ L CAFÉ 157 157 E. Main St., (502) 548-9114. This little café downtown serves breakfast and lunch daily except

RED = Advertiser B = Breakfast Br = Brunch L = Lunch D = Dinner

Wednesdays, dinner on Thursday through Saturday, and Sunday brunch. The menu skews to Southern comfort foods, all fresh and scratch-made, including corned beef cured in-house. The owner ran Old Bridge Inn B&B, for many years. $$ B Br L D p

DERBY CAFÉ 704 Central Ave., (Kentucky Derby Museum) 637-1111. Lunch served year-round in the dining area adjacent to the Derby Museum with such regional favorites as meaty burgoo, and the Hot Brown. $ L pf

CAFÉ AT MAIN STREET 10317 Watterson Trl., 2675111. This bright, lively lunch place moved into the city from Bullitt County trailing loyalists and drawing new fans. A typical day of specials might include tomato cheddar or butterbean soup, asparagus and chicken quiche, warm brie spinach salad and a selection of house-made pies and cakes. $ B Br L

EARTH FRIENDS CAFÉ AND COFFEE BAR 415 Bank St., New Albany IN, 944-2577. This concept, after a peripatetic youth, has now settled into the kitchen space at New Albanian Brewing Co.’s Bank Street Brewhouse.

Vegans can indulge in Philly cheese steaks made with seitan, or a BLT+A, with tempeh and avocado, among other vegetarian choices. Meat eaters have several chicken preparations — all served alongside NABC beers, of course.$ B Br L

CAFÉ ON MEIGS 425 Meigs Ave., Jeffersonville IN, 2888515. The menu at this downtown J’ville lunch spot emphasizes fresh local ingredients and the avoidance of preservatives and processed ingredients. Although the usual suspects are there — chicken salad, roast beef sandwiches with Swiss cheese and red onion, Benedictine, grilled cheese, Cobb salad — all are done with integrity. $ L CAFFE CLASSICO 2144 Frankfort Ave., 895-0076. At first a coffee bar, but over the years the classy space at Clifton and Frankfort has matured into an elegant bistro serving an eclectic menu — salmon croquettes with wasabi aioli, empanadas, an international array of salads, panini, bocadillos and pizzas. A stylish place for lunch or supper. $$ B L D fe CHEDDAR BOX CAFÉ 12121 Shelbyville Rd., 245-2622.

An attractive — and busy — Middletown lunch spot where owner Michelle Bartholmew serves popular salads, sandwiches and soups, as well as hot entrées such as potato-chip-crusted whitefish, specialty pizzas, and lemon-tarragon chicken with orzo. Pick up some frozen appetizers for your next cocktail party. $ L D f CITY CAFÉ 505 W. Broadway, 589-1797, 500 S. Preston St., 852-5739. Chef Jim Henry, a long-time star in the city’s culinary firmament, brings his cooking skills and insistence on fresh, quality ingredients to these simple, but excellent, spots for lunch. $ L

sandwiches, pizza, salads and soups, including unusual offerings such as a ramp pesto, duck and potato pizza, and a grilled portobello wrap. $$ L HIGHLAND MORNING 1416 Bardstown Rd., 365-3900, 111 St. Matthews Ave., 883-0203. You can order breakfast anytime at both locations, with an eclectic menu that also encompasses brunch, burgers, soul food, Southern dishes and vegetarian fare as well. $ B L D h HOT BOX EATERY 438 W. Market St., 822-3995. Try their fresh soups, salads, sandwiches, wraps and daily specials. Menu choices include a Brie and salami wrap, Indonesian chicken peanut satay, pork schnitzel, a turkey club wrap and a gyro — in other words, an appealingly diverse selection. $ L

GALLERY K 1600 Story Ave., 243-7015. It’s an art gallery and a coffee shop featuring work by local artists. Red Hot Roasters and Wiltshire Pantry provide the coffee and snacks, while Copper & Kings serves up its new line of soda. $$ D e

J. GRAHAM’S CAFÉ & BAR 335 W. Broadway (The Brown Hotel), 583-1234. The home of the legendary “Hot Brown” sandwich, J. Graham’s offers a more casual bistro-style alternative to the upscale English Grill, with choice of menu service or buffet dining. $$ B L pf

GRACIOUS PLENTY 9207 US Hwy 42, 618-4755, 2900 Brownsboro Rd., 618-4755. Eat in or carry away fresh sandwiches, salads and soups, cookies and brownies at this Brownsboro Rd. deli and bakery, which also serves alcohol. Take away meals to heat up at home for dinner, too. The Prospect location is catering and carry-out only. $LDp

KAYROUZ CAFÉ 3801 Willis Ave., 896-2630. Tucked in among St. Matthews sidestreets is one of the best sandwich places in Louisville. The tuna salad, Portobello mushroom Reuben, fish, chicken and hamburger — all are innovative and all come with some of the best fries in town. $ L D f

HAWKSVIEW GALLERY AND CAFÉ 170 Carter Ave., Shepherdsville KY, (502) 955-1010. In this “American bistro with a Southern twist,” diners eat amidst a gallery of hand-crafted glass art. Daily specials are inspired by world cuisines and the “confectionary artist” creates sweets like Linzer tortes and extreme turtle cheesecake.

Watch glass being blown as you dine. $$ Br L D e HAYMARKET BISTRO 300 E. Market St., 779-6825. Atria Senior Living has moved its employee café to the first floor and opened it to the public, serving lunch to downtown workers. Haymarket Bistro's menu includes

KEVIN'S PICNIC 11505 Park Rd., 690-3310. PICNIC opened as a café, but owner Kevin Grangier has rethought his concept. This Anchorage property is now a bakery and catering business only. No more salads and sandwiches, but there are plenty of pastries, cakes, pies and other baked goods. $ B Br L pf LA PECHE GOURMET TO GO AND CAFÉ 1147 Bardstown Rd., 451-0447. Kathy Cary’s return to her roots with this popular gourmet take-out counter, in the corner of her restaurant, Lilly’s. Featuring “tried and true” dishes like grilled chicken pasta, burgers,

CORNER CAFÉ 9307 New Lagrange Rd., 426-8119. This family-owned and operated, classier-than-the-averagestrip mall place has quietly turned out delicious menus for better than 25 years. The Frederick family serves an eclectic menu (blackened tenderloin, lump crab meatencrusted sea bass, Andouille-stuffed chicken, garlicbasil chicken pizza), and dishes like Irish pork have won prizes at local charity contests. $$$ L D hp CRAVE CAFÉ & CATERING 2250 Frankfort Ave., 8961488. Experienced caterers and chefs offer casual but quality café fare in this comfortable old frame house in Clifton. $$ L D CREEKSIDE OUTPOST & CAFÉ 614 Hausfeldt Ln., New Albany IN, 948-9118. The Creekside Outpost warps customers back into the days of general stores and maintains every bit of old-fashioned charm. Serving up buffalo, elk and surprisingly good burgers. Exotic foods including Shinnecock ice fish, black bear, ostrich and kangaroo (when available) round out an excellent, traveled menu. $$ B L f CRICKET’S CAFÉ 7613 Old Hwy. 60, Sellersburg IN, 246-9339. Offering breakfasts and lunch to local Hoosiers and travelers who take exit 7 off I-65. Full breakfasts, omelets, and breakfast sandwiches. A full range of standard lunch sandwiches, with Reubens, Philly steak and cheese, and daily specials. Homemade soups and salads, too. $ B Br L f CUP OF JOY 2507 Bank St., 919-9074. This coffee shop and café, located in a former bar, is a project of Haven Ministries and run mostly by volunteers. According to founder Esther Lyon, the food is “homemade, downhome cooking … biscuits and gravy, homemade potato soup, chicken and dumplings, turnovers, pastries.”

Nothing on the menu tops $5. $ B L

h = Late Night p = Full Bar f = Outdoor Dining e = Live Music

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vegetarian sandwiches, chicken salad, “lots of great produce, affordable cuts of meat” and a dessert case that always includes strawberry pie. $$ B L D LE PETIT CAFÉ 1325 Bardstown Rd., 749-0883. The space that was Roux now houses this tiny crèperie and sandwich spot serving breakfast and lunch. There are savory and sweet crepes, as well as smoothies and French toast. $$ B L D h MELROSE CAFÉ 13206 Hwy. 42, 409-6784. Kristin Fults closed her Meridian Café in St. Matthews last year to open this breakfast and lunch spot just on the Louisville side of the border dividing Jefferson-Oldham Counties.

Her new site’s name is an homage to the late, lamented Melrose Inn. Early fans report much satisfaction with cooked-to-order breakfasts, hearty sandwiches and a convivial atmosphere. $$ B L D MORELS CAFÉ 619 Baxter Ave., 409-5916. Vegans who want “indulgent” vegan dishes like “cheese steak” and “chicken salad” can find equivalents of such crafted from soy and tempeh at this deli run by the creator of vegan jerky. $$ L D f NORTH END CAFÉ 1722 Frankfort Ave., 896-8770, 2116 Bardstown Rd., 690-4161. Both locations of this longtime favorite offer hearty and unusual breakfasts, satisfying lunches and dinners. With an eclectic menu of diverse tapas and interesting entrées, it’s an appealing, affordable place to dine. The Bardstown Rd. location has added North End Slice, a pizza room, accessible from the restaurant and the street. $$ B Br L D hpfe ORANGE CLOVER KITCHEN & MORE 590 Missouri Ave., Jeffersonville IN, 282-1005. Find quick breakfast and lunch items here, such as the Orange Clover muffin: poppy seed and blood orange flavors with a blood orange drizzle, as well as a cupcake version with cranberries. Two soup specials offered every day out of a recipe rotation of 75 possibilities won’t result in many repeats. $ B L

PLUMP PEACOCK BAKERY AND CAFÉ 11601 Main St., Middletown 681-3814. After selling her bakery items at farmers markets around town, owner Liz Wingfield has settled into Middletown. Stop in for sandwiches, high tea and a full range of bakery items. $ B L PROSPECT CAFÉ 9550 US Hwy. 42, 708-2151. Conveniently located at the intersection of River Rd. and Hwy. 42, stop in for hot sandwiches (Cuban, Reuben, grilled Italian, Bourbon BBQ) or cold deli stuff — club sandwich, egg, tuna or chicken salad, or soups like chicken and dumplings. Chess bars and banana pudding too. $ L QUEUE CAFÉ 220 W. Main St. (LG&E Building), 5830273. $ B L f RAMSI’S CAFÉ ON THE WORLD 1293 Bardstown Rd., 451-0700. The beating bohemian heart of the Highlands.

Ramsi Kamar brings a wonderfully eclectic spirit to the environment and to his menu, with Cuban, Jamaican, Greek and Middle Eastern dishes. Moderate prices, a weekend brunch and late night hours add to the draw. $$ L D hpf RED HOG 2622 Frankfort Ave., 384-0795. Kit Garrett and Bob Hancock, owners of Blue Dog Bakery, now also have this butcher shop and café offering artisan cured meats in Crescent Hill. Pasture-raised pork, beef, bison, lamb and poultry are available. The café serves small plates accompanied by a bar with 12 beer taps and three house wines. $$ L D pf RIVERSIDE CAFÉ 700 W. Riverside Dr. (Sheraton Hotel), Jeffersonville IN, 284-6711. The breakfast room and bar of the Sheraton Riverside. Breakfast served until 10:30 a.m. Unwind at the bar at night. $$ B pf SHADY LANE CAFÉ 4806 Brownsboro Center, 893-5118.

Another attractive East End storefront, Shady Lane Café, has been earning good reviews for simple breakfast and lunch fare served in friendly surroundings. $ Br L f

STARLIGHT CAFÉ 19816 Huber Road, Starlight IN, 9239813. This café in the Winery building at Huber Farm provides light lunch items such as seasonal soups, Rueben sandwiches, a turkey club, chicken salad or artisan flatbread pizza. Dine inside in the dining room or outside on the patio that overlooks the 550-acre farm.

Huber wines and cocktails made from spirits distilled on the premises available too. $$ L D pf THE STARVING ARTIST CAFÉ & DELI 8034 New Lagrange Rd., 412-1599. $ L STRICKER’S CAFÉ 2781 Jefferson Centre Way, Jeffersonville IN, 218-9882. Family style restaurant serving hearty soups, salads, sandwiches, burgers, melts and breakfast too, in suburban Jeffersonville. $ B L THE CAFÉ 712 Brent St., 637-6869. You can see the traffic on East Broadway from The Café’s serene walled patio.

Choose from an eclectic breakfast and lunch menu, including old favorites like tomato dill soup and chicken salad. Or eat inside and be amused at the yard-sale look of mismatched furniture and chandeliers and doorways to nowhere, reminiscent of its former location in an antique mall. $ B Br L f THE CHEDDAR BOX 3909 Chenoweth Sq., 893-2324.

For more than 25 years this St. Matthews tradition has delighted ladies who lunch, hungry students who munch, and just about everyone else with their sandwiches, pasta salads and tasty desserts. It caters parties with almost 50 choices of appetizers, party sandwiches, dips, cheese rings and crostini. $ L f THE CHEDDAR BOX TOO 109 Chenoweth Ln., 8961133. Cheddar Box owner Nancy Tarrant has extended her presence with a café just across the parking lot. Look for the same tasty salads, soups and desserts that have made her take-away business so popular. $ B L THE TABLE 1800 Portland Ave., 708-2505. This West End non-profit, social entrepreneurship experiment serves locally grown, fresh food and operates under a pay-what-you-can model. Pay suggested prices if you can, or if not, contribute your time. Or donate more to “pay it forward.” The menu offers soups, salads, sandwiches and sides. $ L D VERBENA CAFÉ 10639 Meeting St., 425-0020. This Norton Commons eatery is open early for breakfast and serves hearty lunches till midafternoon, but you can order breakfast or lunch at any of those hours. $$ B L f VIC’S CAFÉ 1839 E. Market St., New Albany IN, 9444338. $ L D WAYCOOL CAFÉ 120 W. Broadway, 582-2241. Wayside Christian Mission trains people here in its community reentry program in restaurant service and management.

Breakfasts for under $5; a lunch buffet is $8 for unlimited trips. A dinner menu too. It’s a do-gooder place that serves good food. $ L D WILD EGGS 3985 Dutchmans Ln., 893-8005, 1311 Herr Ln., 618-2866, 153 S. English Station Rd., 618-3449, 121 S. Floyd St., 690-5925, 1450 Veterans Pkwy., Jeffersonville IN 913-4735. Specialty omelets, the everything muffin, spicy egg salad sandwiches — these dishes and more have made Wild Eggs a wildly popular breakfast and lunch spot. Prized seats at weekend brunch can now be found at this growing mini-chain’s fifth outlet. $ B Br L p WILTSHIRE PANTRY BAKERY AND CAFÉ 901 Barret Ave., 581-8561 Caterer/restaurateur Susan Hershberg adds a bakery and café operation to her local empire.

Baker Diana Rushing makes artisanal breads, scones and croissants, sandwiches and paninis, side salads and lots more. $ B L ZEGGZ AMAZING EGGS 11615 Shelbyville Rd., 8821650, 2400 Lime Kiln Ln., 742-6292. This fast-growing, quick-service breakfast and lunch chain offers five house omelets (plus the chance to build your own), three variations on eggs Benedict, as well as biscuits and gravy,

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RED = Advertiser B = Breakfast Br = Brunch L = Lunch D = Dinner

croque madames, waffles and pancakes. Luncheon fare includes a B.A.L.T (the ‘a’ is for avocado), salads and soups. $$ B Br L pf

A NICE RESTAURANT 3129 Blackiston Mill Rd., New Albany IN, 945-4321, 2784 Meijer Dr., Jeffersonville IN, 280-9160, 404 Lafollette Station, Floyds Knobs IN, 9237770. A Nice Restaurant, billed as “New Albany’s Finer Diner,” is, well, nice enough to have branched out to four locations. All specialize in simple, down-home breakfast and lunch at affordable prices. $ B L APPLEBEE’S (5 locations) This cheery national chain features an eclectic assortment of salads, steaks, ribs, poultry and pasta as well as full bar service. It’s as consistent as a cookie cutter, but competent execution makes it a good bargain for those whose tastes run to mainstream American cuisine. $$ L D hp ASPEN CREEK RESTAURANT 8000 Bardstown Rd., 239-2200, 302 Bullitt Ln., 425-0077. A lodge-style restaurant that invokes the rustic feel of the Rockies, and offers a menu of pastas, burgers, and poultry at prices that aren’t mountain high. $$ L D hp BLIND SQUIRREL 592 N. English Station Rd., 384-6761.

This new American-style restaurant is part of the King Louis Sports complex. The 400-seat, two-story dining facility boasts outdoor seating overlooking the sand volleyball courts, 27 TVs inside, a performance venue, a cigar humidor and outdoor smoking lounge. Chef Jason Pierce will serve up his take on American family standards: burgers, sandwiches, pizza and so on. $$ L D

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BRICKHOUSE TAVERN & TAP 871 S. Hurstbourne Pkwy., 326-3182. Brickhouse, a Houston-based chain, has upgraded its image with an increased focus on food.

Serving brunch, lunch and dinner, with a half-dozen local beers on tap, and an unusual menu of beer cocktails. $$ L D hpf BROOKE & BILLY’S BITES, BOURBONS & BREWS 751 Vine St., 583-9165. The restored 135+ year-old building has a secluded patio and revamped dining room in a cool, out-of-the-way neighborhood—and, it now has a new identity. The menu refocuses on house specials like fried chicken, a breakfast Hot Brown, and an extensive selection of sandwiches and small bites. $$$ L D pf BUCKHEAD MOUNTAIN GRILL 3020 Bardstown Rd., 456-6680, 707 W. Riverside Dr., Jeffersonville IN 2842919, 10206 Westport Rd., 339-0808. The deck of the riverfront location in Jeffersonville, with its view across the river, is a great place for a lazy summer meal, when the familiarity of all-American fare like meat loaf, pot pies, steak or ribs and a couple of cold ones is all you want. The big square bars in all three locations, with multiple TV screens, make for excellent sports viewing as well. $$ L D hpf CAFÉ MAGNOLIA 140 N. Fourth St. (Galt House), 5895200. The Galt House’s quick and casual second-floor dining alternative, this spacious venue offers a range of fare for guests on the go, from bacon and eggs to a latenight burger and fries. $$$ L D hp CAPTAIN’S QUARTERS 5700 Captain’s Quarters Rd., 228-1651. One of the city’s most attractive eateries for atmosphere, Captain’s Quarters matches the beautiful setting with quality bistro-style fare that won’t disappoint. Summer or winter, it’s a delightful place to dine. $$ Br L D pfe CARDINAL HALL OF FAME CAFÉ 2745 Crittenden Dr., 635-8686. This oversize eatery at Gate 4 of the Kentucky Fair & Exposition Center celebrates U of L sports with a “walk of fame” loaded with awards, photos, game balls

h = Late Night p = Full Bar f = Outdoor Dining e = Live Music

and lots more Cardinal memorabilia. What? You want food too? Sure! Casual American dining features everything from a “Cardinal Burger” to steaks and prime rib. $ L D hp CHAMPIONS GRILL 505 Marriott Dr. (Holiday Inn), Clarksville IN, 283-4411. Known by locals for its Saturday night buffet of New York strip, ribeye and prime rib. Salads, sandwiches, soups and a kid-friendly menu round out the selection. $$ B Br L D p CHEDDAR’S CASUAL CAFÉ 10403 Westport Rd., 3395400, 3521 Outer Loop, 966-3345, 1385 Veterans Pkwy., Clarksville IN, 280-9660. This popular Dallasbased chain draws big, hungry crowds with its large bar and familiar “casual to upscale American” fare. $ L D

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CHILI’S 421 S. Hurstbourne Pkwy., 425-6800, 3623 Bardstown Rd., 301-8888, 11600 Antonia Way, 3018181, 9720 Von Allmen Ct., 301-8880, 6641 Dixie Hwy., 694-9445, 3007 Poplar Level Rd., 638-5202, 940 E. Lewis & Clark Pkwy., Clarksville IN, 670-3000. More than just a place to chow down on baby back ribs, this national chain has a wide selection including fajitas, burgers, sandwiches and veggies. $$ L D h COMMON TABLE 2234 W Market St., 873-2566. A dash of social justice adds savor to the food at this restaurant run as a culinary arts training program by Catholic Charities. The kitchen only serves lunch Tuesdays and Thursdays and uses fresh produce grown by refugees in a sister program's incubator farm. Offerings include boxed lunches and a seasonal menu with a “worldly” mix of dishes including Thai, Cuban, Pakistani and Bosnian. $ L DOUBLE DOGS 13307 Shelbyville Rd., 244-4430. Double Dogs, a Bowling Green, Ky.-based chain with four locations, has its first Louisville-area restaurant in Middletown. Double Dogs describes itself as “a family friendly restaurant with a sports atmosphere,” serving a

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variety of appetizers, sandwiches, hot dogs, burgers and pizza. $ L D hpf FIRST WATCH 201 S. Hurstbourne Pkwy., 384-6075, 960 Breckenridge Ln., 618-1955, 1205 Veterans Pkwy., Clarksville IN. This Florida-based chain offers both traditional breakfast fare (fried eggs, sausage), proprietary specials, like French toast Monte Cristo (made with ham, turkey and Swiss cheese), crepes with plenty of fillings and healthful dishes like egg white omelets and cranberry nut oatmeal. Soups, salads and a big choice of sandwiches for lunch. $ B L FREDRICK’S 1508 W. Kentucky St. (St. Stephen Family Life Center), 653-9333. Comfort food with a little culinary love worked into it is served up here by Chef Jerriel Bell. The menu encompasses the soul food spectrum but includes upscale dishes as well. The menu changes often, offering everything from seafood gumbo and chicken Alfredo to pork chops and chicken and waffles. $ L D GAME 2295 Lexington Rd., 618-1772. Are you dying for a nice burger made from ground antelope? Or maybe wild boar? How about a juicy lamb burger? The guys behind Hammerhead’s have those covered, and more. Build your own with bun choices ranging from brioche to pretzel to Kaiser roll. Toppings include smoked truffle mayo, cranberry-jalapeño jam, and pesto — you get the idea. $$ D f GANDER, AN AMERICAN GRILL 111 S. English Station Rd., 915-8484. Chris and Anne Mike, of Goose Creek Diner, have opened Gander, An American Grill, serving steaks, burgers, pasta and sandwiches — "a little bit of everything that makes America what it is," according to Mike. $$$ Br L D hpf GATSBY’S ON FOURTH 500 S. Fourth St. (Seelbach Hilton Hotel), 585-3200. The casual dining space on the first floor of the Seelbach reflects its connection of the hotel to F. Scott Fitzgerald. Dinner and lunch menus offer soups, salads, sandwiches and a few entrées, such as sautéed trout with pickled fennel, pesto-crusted chicken, and skirt steak with celery root puree. $$ B L D hp GREEN DISTRICT SALADS 126 Breckenridge Ln., 4095293, 225 S. Fifth St., 409-5293. This quick-service restaurant focusing on build-your-own chopped salads (or select from a menu). Lunch diners can opt for housemade soups and wraps, too. The former AP Grocery & Deli, across from Metro Hall, now is the area’s second location. $$ L D

replacing Red Barn Kitchen, which had replaced Joe’s.

The bar is rebuilt, several former employees are back and another stuffed moose has been found. But Olé Restaurant Group remains a partner, providing the food: smoked wings, brisket chili, cheese fritters, a mac and cheese burger and a daily lunch plate, all at prices that will appeal to Joe’s original fan base. $$ L D hpf KAREM’S 9424 Norton Commons Blvd., 327-5646.

Karem’s Grill & Pub, one of the first restaurants to open in the village-like Norton Commons, carries the look and feel of a neighborhood watering hole inside and out. The test of a restaurant, though, is the food, and Karem’s is excellent. $$ L D h MIMI’S CAFÉ 615 S. Hurstbourne Pkwy., 426-6588. This California chain, a subsidiary of Bob Evans, goes urban and upscale where Farmer Bob is folksy and country.

This East End outlet has developed a following beyond those familiar with it from other locations. $$ B Br L D

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MIRIN 2011 Frankfort Ave., 742-8911. Griffin Paulin has transferred his love for Asian street foods that he developed at the now-defunct Rumplings into this new fast-casual restaurant in Clifton. Mirin’s menu features ramen noodle dishes, Vietnamese-style banh mi sandwiches, Chinese-style steamed bao buns and Banh Khoai Mon, Vietnamese rice balls. $$ D NAÏVE 1001 E. Washington St., 749-7856. This Butchertown vegetarian restaurant has been catering for some months in preparation for its opening as a sit-down restaurant. Its dishes include savory rice bowls, burritos, frittatas and quiches, savory toasts, salads and sandwiches. $$ D pf NEW ALBANY ROADHOUSE 1702 Graybrook Rd., New Albany IN, 981-7777. $$ L D hp NOODLES & COMPANY 1225 S. Hurstbourne Pkwy., 632-0102, 4300 Summit Plaza Dr., 804-4724, 319 Cardinal Blvd., 632-2846. This Colorado-based fastcasual chain offers an eclectic noodle array: Asian style (pad Thai, Bangkok curry, ), pastas (Tuscan fresca, penne rossa) — or select from a lineup of savory sandwiches and salads.. $ L D f O’CHARLEY’S (6 locations) O’Charley’s, Inc. could serve well as the picture in the dictionary next to “American casual dining.” The Nashville-based chain operates 206 properties in 16 states in the Southeast and Midwest, serving a straightforward steak-and-seafood menu with the motto “Mainstream with an attitude.” $$ Br L D hp

GREEN LEAF NATURAL VEGETARIAN BISTRO 309 W. Cardinal Blvd., 637-5887. Green Leaf serves up vegetarian fare in the new town center of University of Louisville. The menu has a pan-Asian focus, with noodles and fried rice and stir fries, as well as smoothies and bubble tea. $ L D

OLD LOUISVILLE CHILI BOWL 501 W. Oak St., 3840745. A chili parlor returns to Old Louisville in the former Coco's Cakes space. Chili: regular, vegetarian, hot or white; burgers (including a Jersey burger); hot dogs, salads and sides — all at bargain prices. $ L D

HARROD’S CREEK TAVERN 6313 River Rd., 919-8812.

Commuters trundling home to the suburbs can mingle with Prospect residents, river rats and parched kayakers docking out back on Harrod’s Creek. Look for an expanded bar food menu, brown bag lunches to go and late-night food service. $ L D hpfe

PORTAGE HOUSE 117 E. Riverside Dr., Jeffersonville IN, 725-0435. Portage House, in a historic home along the river, has the bar on the first floor, and the second-floor dining room overlooks the Ohio. Recently Dallas McGarity, owner-chef of The Fat Lamb in the Highlands, has bought the restaurant, and will be putting his personal stamp on the kitchen. $$$ L D pf

INTERNATIONAL HOUSE OF PANCAKES 1220 Veterans Pkwy., Clarksville IN, 285-1772, 1401 S. Hurstbourne Pkwy., 618-2250. IHOP fans can choose to go out to the East End or across the river to satisfy their jones for the national chain’s inimitable food. $ B L D h INWAVE RESTAURANT & JUICE BAR 10310 Shelbyville Rd., 916-2177. Owner Dr. Kamlesh Dave, a proponent of plant-based diets, positions his vegetarian restaurant as a choice for those wanting to eat more healthfully. The menu includes power bowls (grains, rice, beans, vegetables and a sauce), salads, sandwiches, and flatbreads or pizza with gluten-free crusts. $$ L D JOE'S OLDER THAN DIRT 8131 New Lagrange Rd., 4347470. The Lyndon landmark has returned to its old spot, 60 Summer 2018 www.foodanddine.com

RAFFERTY’S OF LOUISVILLE 988 Breckenridge Ln., 897-3900. 3601 Springhurst Blvd., 412-9000. This fullservice, casual dining establishment has a hearty menu.

Specialties like Red Alfredo Pasta showcase the gourmet offerings along with some of the largest and most creative salad combinations in town. $$ L D hpf RUBY TUESDAY 11701 Bluegrass Pkwy., 267-7100. If success demonstrates quality, then Ruby Tuesday’s 600 international properties and 30,000 employees can stand up with pride. They’ve been upholding the slogan “Awesome Food. Serious Salad Bar” in Louisville for a generation. $$ L D hp SAM’S FOOD & SPIRITS 702 Highlander Point Dr., Floyds Knobs IN, 923-2323. Fans of Sam Anderson’s

steaks, chicken, pizza and pasta know it is well worth the trip up into the Knobs above New Albany to enjoy the conviviality of his restaurant, and his always satisfying take on classic American steak, sandwiches and seafood. $$ L D p SHONEY’S 6511 Signature Dr., 969-8904. For nearly 50 years, Shoney’s restaurants have been one of America’s top choices for fast roadside dining, and happily they’ve kept up with the times. $ B L D SKYLINE CHILI 1266 Bardstown Rd., 473-1234, 340 Whittington Pkwy., 429-5773, 4024 Dutchmans Ln., 721-0093, 6801 Dixie Hwy., 937-4020. Louisville’s outposts of a famous Cincinnati chili restaurant, these casual eateries offer the regional favorite (really it’s Greek spaghetti sauce, but keep it quiet) and other fast-food dishes. $ L D h SUPERCHEFS 1702 Bardstown Rd., 409-8103. The funky comic book-themed decor continues in Darnell Ferguson’s new Highlands incarnation with a twist: he will celebrate superheroes during the day, and, between 3 and 5 p.m., swap out tabletops and wall décor to change the theme to super-villains in a concept he calls DINNER. His menu will also continue to reflect his SuperChef, super-sized sensibilities: the SuperChefs Omelet, the Pancake Platter, sandwiches, burgers, fish tacos, and a seafood pizza with a petite lobster tail on top. $$ B Br L D pf TGI FRIDAY’S 416 S. Fourth St. (Fourth Street Live), 5853577. The original place to loosen the tie and congregate after the whistle blows. TGIF carries on its party atmosphere tradition with American bistro dining and libations. The bill of fare ranges from baskets of appetizers on up to contemporary entrées. $$ L D hpf THAT PLACE ON GOSS 946 Goss Ave., 409-5409.

Located inside the Antique Mall in the old textile mill, That Place serves hearty and cleverly tweaked lunch fare and Sunday brunch. They are especially fond of their Meaty Jack, a meatloaf sandwich, grilled and topped with Jack cheese and their special sauce. Art on the walls is from friends at Mellwood Art Center, where owners Amy and William Enix initially started. $ Br L TOAST ON MARKET 620 E. Market St., 569-4099, 141 E. Market St., New Albany IN, 941-8582. On both sides of the river this breakfast and lunch favorite has gained a loyal following and tremendous word-of-mouth. Be prepared to wait for tables for weekend brunches. $ B Br L pf TUCKER’S 2441 State St., New Albany IN, 944-9999.

Tucker’s gives you a little bit of everything with a downto-earth flair, offering burgers, ribs, steaks, a variety of appetizers and pastas. $ L D hp TWIG & LEAF RESTAURANT 2122 Bardstown Rd., 451-8944. A popular Highlands hangout, the “Twig” is probably at its best for breakfast — whether you’re enjoying it while venturing out on a leisurely Sunday morning or heading home very late on a Saturday night.

It’s a place to grab a quick filling bite and doesn’t pretend to be more. $ B L D h

ANGILO’S PIZZA 1725 Berry Blvd., 368-1032. The local favorite is the steak hoagie, dripping with pizza sauce, pickles and onions. Angilo’s also offers a wide selection of hot pizza pies and cold beer. $$ L D ANGIO’S RESTAURANT 3731 Old Bardstown Rd., 4515454. This small Buechel eatery attracts a friendly neighborhood crowd with hefty subs and quality pizzas, along with cold beer. $$ L D ANNIE’S PIZZA 2520 Portland Ave., 776-6400, 4771 Cane Run Rd., 449-4444. Annie’s has made-to-order pizza and a variety of stacked sandwiches such as the Big Daddy Strom with beef, Italian sausage, onions and banana peppers. $$ L D h

RED = Advertiser B = Breakfast Br = Brunch L = Lunch D = Dinner

ARNI’S PIZZA 1208 State St., New Albany IN, 945-1149, 3700 Paoli Pike, Floyds Knobs IN, 923-9805. A favorite Hoosier pizza and sandwich stop. Insist on getting the Deluxe. $$ L D h ARNO’S PIZZA 3912 Bardstown Rd., 384-8131.$$ L D BEARNO’S PIZZA (13 locations) What began as a simple, family-run pizzeria near Bowman Field has morphed into a local chain with, at last count, 13 locations. $$ L D h BLAZE FAST-FIRE’D PIZZA 4600 Shelbyville Rd., 8957800, 13317 Shelbyville Rd., 822-3677, 4055 Summit Plaza Dr., 915-8731. At this California-based pizza franchise you customize your own pie from a lineup of meat and vegetable toppings, cheeses and several sauces.

The pie bakes in just 2 minutes in a flaming hearth oven.

There are ready-to-order signature pies also for those who can’t make up their minds. $$ L D p hf BONNIE & CLYDE’S PIZZA 7611 Dixie Hwy., 935-5540.

It may look like a dive that hasn’t been renovated in ages, the service can be surly at times, and you have to pay in cash, but devoted fans of its thin-crust pizzas and hoagies keep coming back and talk it up with their friends. $$ L D h BOOMBOZZ PIZZA & TAP HOUSE 1448 Bardstown Rd., 458-8889, 1315 Herr Ln., 394-0000, 1450 Veterans Pkwy., Jeffersonville IN, 913-4171, 1890 S. Hurstbourne Pkwy., 491-4111. The Boombozz Pizza empire has expanded in concept and in locations, from Southern Indiana out to the edge of Middletown. The menu now extends into appetizers, sandwiches and pasta, and 21 craft beers on tap.$$ L D hpf BORROMEO’S PIZZA 9417 Smyrna Pkwy., 968-7743.

Serving up old-school thin-crust pizzas to chowhounds south of the Gene Snyder. $$ L D h BUTCHERTOWN PIZZA HALL 1301 Story Ave., 3848528. Restaurateur Allan Rosenberg has renovated the

building that for over 60 years housed Hall’s Cafeteria into a pizza restaurant and gaming arcade. Rosenberg returns to the robust New York-style pizza that he perfected at Papalino’s, sold as whole pies or by the slice.

His menu also includes hot and cold sub sandwiches, chicken wings and salads. An accomplished chef in other styles as well, he cures his own meats on-site. $$ L D hp CALIFORNIA PIZZA KITCHEN 7900 Shelbyville Rd. (Oxmoor Center), 425-5125. California pizza became a trend when famous chefs gave this simple Italian fare a multi-ethnic spin with non-traditional Pacific Rim toppings. CPK successfully translates this trend for the mass market. $$ L D pf CHARLESTOWN PIZZA COMPANY 850 Main St., Charlestown IN, 256-2699. This welcoming venue on Charlestown’s town square, a short trip upriver from Jeffersonville, is run by folks who learned their pizza and beer at New Albanian Brewing Company. That’s a fine pedigree, and it shows in impressive quality. $$ L D CHEF'S CUT PIZZERIA 9901 LaGrange Rd., 265-1320.

This reasonably priced Lyndon pizza place has sandwiches too, from chili dogs to turkey clubs, and pasta dishes. $ L D p CLIFTON’S PIZZA 2230 Frankfort Ave., 893-3730. One of the originators of “Louisville style” of pizza, with additional toppings placed over the cheese. The venerable Clifton’s Pizza appeals with its adult style, full of the bold flavors of herbs and spices and available with grown-up toppings like anchovies and artichoke hearts. $$ L D hpe COALS ARTISAN PIZZA 3730 Frankfort Ave., 742-8200, 11615 Shelbyville Rd., 253-0106, 600 Terminal Dr. (Louisville Airport). Middletown and airport travelers now partake in what St. Matthews diners have enjoyed for a few years–excellent pizzas made in coal-fired ovens burning at 800 degrees F, crisping the crust in 4 minutes

h = Late Night p = Full Bar f = Outdoor Dining e = Live Music

and “leoparding” it with black spots. Toppings are fresh and regionally sourced. $$ L D hpf DANNY MAC’S PASTA & PIZZA 1836 Mellwood Ave., 890-6331. $$ L D h DERBY CITY PIZZA 5603 Greenwood Rd., 933-7373, 2500 Crittenden Dr., 384-4777, 10619 Manslick Rd., 742-3090. It is always nice when a business’s name is self-explanatory. But the menu offers burgers and wings, too, along with toasted subs and pasta dishes. An ample supply of TVs make them a good spot for watching games. $$ L D hpf DIORIO’S PIZZA & PUB 310 Wallace Ave., 618-3424, 917 Baxter Ave., 614-8424, 2216 Dundee Rd., 4515667. With a third location now at the former Cafe Lou Lou, more residents can savor pizza by the slice, as well as by the mammoth 30-inch pie. Also grilled sandwiches, salads, wings, and queso sticks, and a good selection of domestic and import beers. $$ L D hpf DISTRICT 22 PIZZERIA 110 E. Main St., New Albany IN, 944-4032. Owned by Big Four Burgers’ Matt McMahan and situated contiguous to the Burger store, District 22 shares a kitchen, kitchen staff and general manager. The dining room of District 22 is tiny, but the pizzas can be ordered in Big Four Burgers, too. $ L D p FAT JIMMY’S 2712 Frankfort Ave., 891-4555, 12216 Shelbyville Rd., 244-2500. This friendly neighborhood nook offers a cold mug of beer and a hot slice of pizza, along with sub sandwiches, pasta dishes and salads. The Lyndon spot lures a friendly biker crowd. $$ L D h FIRENZA PIZZA 12406 Lagrange Rd., 999-2099. This Virginia-based chain touts pizza dough made in-house daily, and a total of 40 combinations of toppings chosen along with six sauces, seven cheeses, nine meats and 17 vegetables. Pies are made-to-order and baked in stonehearth ovens. $$ L D pf

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HOMETOWN PIZZA 11804 Shelbyville Rd., 245-4555.

Pasta dishes, hoagies, stromboli and cold beer are available, and so is the one-of-a-kind Bacon Cheeseburger pizza. $$ L D h IROQUOIS PIZZA 6614 Manslick Rd., 363-3211. $$ L D

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JET’S PIZZA 101 S. Hubbards Ln., 895-4655, 3624 S. Hurstbourne Pkwy., 491-1700, 235 Blankenbaker Pkwy., 244-4440, 6523 Bardstown Rd., 239-0000, 2500 Bardstown Rd., 458-5387, 10494 Westport Rd., 4261181. Now with a fourth Louisville outlet, this Detroitbased chain offers sit-down service and carry-out. The menu features eight crust flavors and some gourmet pizza options such as a BLT and chicken parmesan. $$ L D f JOHNNY BRUSCO’S PIZZA 10600 Meeting St., 7498400. This chain out of Atlanta, GA with its roots starting in Manlius, NY has settled in the neighborhood of Norton Commons. They offer an array of New York style pies, subs, calzones, pasta and salads. $$ L D LITTLE CAESARS PIZZA (13 Locations) This pizzeria chain lost market share in the ’90s, but business analysts say the company known for its two-for-one “pizza pizza” deal has turned things around with a renewed commitment to quality and service. $$ L D h LOUISVILLE PIZZA CO. 3910 Ruckriegel Pkwy., 2671188. Also known as Chubby Ray’s, this local pizzeria makes good, fresh pizzas and Italian-American sandwiches. $$$ L D hpf LUIGI’S 712 W. Main St., 589-0005. New York City-style pizza, a treat that you’ll find on just about every street corner there, has been making inroads in River City, but Luigi’s was one of the first to offer in its authentic form here. $$ L LUPO 1540 Frankfort Ave., 409-8440. Max Balliet, the owner of Holy Molé taco truck, now also has Lupo, a casual Italian restaurant, where he bakes up pizzas on a fire-engine-red wood-fired oven. Along with pizza, Lupo offers a variety of handmade pastas in a restored 19th century Butchertown building. $$ D h pf MA ZERELLAS 949 S. Indiana Ave., Sellersburg IN, 2469517. Pleasant family-run-for-family-fun establishments.

Pizza, pasta, salads and subs served for lunch and dinner seven days a week. $$ L D h MAC'S DOUGH HOUSE 10509 Watterson Trl., 6942322. This replacement for Johnny V's focuses on two comfort foods: pizza and macaroni and cheese. Choose from a dozen pies with clever names, or mac 'n' cheese variations like buffalo chicken, lobster and crab and a spicy version made with Sriracha and Flamin’ Hot Cheetos. Sandwiches, salads and wings, too. $$ L D hp MARCO’S PIZZA 2011 Charlestown Rd., New Albany IN, 941-1144. A rapidly growing (300+) pizza chain from Toledo, Ohio, adds to the choices of takeout pies in New Albany. Ironically, its CEO lives in Louisville and commutes to Toledo. $$ L D h MELLOW MUSHROOM 3920 Shelbyville Rd., 409-6874.

This small pizza/calzone/hoagie/salad chain touts its stoner origins, as the name, and some of its offerings such as magic mushroom soup and Maui Wowie pizza, imply. Its local outlets have been whittle down to one, in St. Matthews. $$ L D p MIMO’S NEW YORK STYLE PIZZERIA 2708 Paoli Pike, New Albany IN, 945-7711. People move to the Knobs for its bucolic setting, but locals still crave their pizza fix.

Mimo’s provides that with daily specials, such as Buffalo pizza, calzones, heroes, wraps or salads. Mangia, mangia! $$ L D p MOD PIZZA 3085 Breckenridge Ln., 915-7810. The first Louisville location of this Seattle chain makes artisanstyle pizza and salads tossed to order. Its niche is individual pizzas served quickly and with a choice of over 30 toppings, all for one price. Choices are named in 62 Summer 2018 www.foodanddine.com

typical West Coast fashion: Calexico, Caspian, Lucy Sunshine, and so forth. $ L D pf MOMMA’S PIZZA 1611 Charlestown-New Albany Pike, Jeffersonville IN, 697-3224. Create your own pizza style here or choose one of the specialty pies, such as the Jesse James, with jalapeños, spicy sausage and pepperoni and marinara fire sauce, the ranch chicken or Momma’s vegetable pizza. $$ D MOZZA PI 12102 Lagrange Rd., 494-7012. Tom Edwards began MozzaPi several years ago as a food truck, one of the first in Louisville. Plans for a permanent restaurant have been in gestation as he developed his Louismill flour milling and bread business. Naturally, he is using his flours to make a variation of the Neapolitan style pizza. His other ingredients are sourced from local farmers as much as possible. $$$ L D pf MR. GATTI’S 703 E. Lewis & Clark Pkwy., Clarksville IN, 283-5005, 10035 Dixie Hwy., 632-2504, 4200 Outer Loop, 964-0920. This Austin-based chain was one of the first national pizzerias to reach Louisville in the 1970s, and quality ingredients — plus Gattiland playgrounds for the kids — have made its crisp, thin-crust pizzas a popular draw for more than 30 years. $$ L D NEW ALBANIAN BREWING CO. 3312 Plaza Dr., New Albany IN, 944-2577. Touting “the best pizza in Southern Indiana” is quite a boast, but pizza only tells half of this tasty story. NABC combines the fine pies of Sportstime Pizza with the pub formerly known as Rich O’s. Publican Roger Baylor’s remarkable beer list, with more than 100 selections from around the world — plus locally brewed craft beers — has won international awards. $$ L D h OLD CHICAGO PASTA & PIZZA 9010 Taylorsville Rd., 301-7700, 10601 Fischer Park Dr., 657-5700. This growing chain specializes in both thick Chicago-style and thin traditional pizza, along with amusing appetizers (jalapeño cheese pretzels, Italian nachos), filling salads, sandwiches and burgers. Check out the imposing list of 110 beers from around the world. $$ L D hp OLD LOUISVILLE PIZZA AND PUB 1201 S. 1st St., 6356960. The Toonerville Deli folks are making use of the old Ermin’s bakery space contiguous along Oak St. The Deli and Pizza Pub have separate entrances but share the kitchen. A full bar, scratch-made pizzas, pastas and hoagies, too. Pool table, foosball and arcade games make this a neighborhood hangout. $$ D hp OLD SCHOOL NY PIZZA 12907 Factory Ln., 882-1776.

You want Sicilian-style pizza, just like they make in Brooklyn? You can get it in the Eastern suburbs near I265. Top it with vegetables supplied by local farmers, or tie into a calzone and finish with gelato. $$ L D ORIGINAL IMPELLIZZERI’S 1381 Bardstown Rd., 4542711, 4933 Brownsboro Rd., 425-9080, 110 W. Main St., 589-4900, 805 Blankenbaker Pkwy., 653-7243.

Impellizzeri’s massive pies, loved for a generation, are the draw but there is also a full menu of Italian-inspired meals including hoagie sandwiches and pasta dishes at all four locations. $$$$ L D hpf PAPA JOHN’S PIZZA (30 locations) “Papa” John Schnatter got into the pizza game as a Southern Indiana highschool student in 1984 and has built his business into a 3,000-restaurant international chain on the basis of a simple formula: traditional pizza, made from quality ingredients in a straightforward style. $ L D h PAPA MURPHY’S PIZZA (11 Locations) $$ L D PARLOUR 131 W. Chestnut St., Jeffersonville IN, 9147400. Parlour, another Big Four Bridge-inspired eatery, offers 40+ beers on tap, a covered outdoor bar with a fire pit, an upstairs bar in the renovated 1870s-era house and green space for games like cornhole, horseshoes and bocce. $$ L D hpf PERFETTO PIZZA 9910 Linn Station Rd., 426-4644.

Located in the old Slice of NY space off S. Hurstbourne

Parkway, Perfetto carries on the New York style tradition: pies by the slice, just like on Flatbush Ave. Hand-tossed crust, all kinds of toppings, plus Italian sausage and meatball sandwiches. $$ L D PIEOLOGY 2043 S. Hurstbourne Pkwy., 749-7072.

Another pizza chain breaks into what appears to be pretty saturated market and offers “hand-crafted, stone oven-fired” pies. All are one size (11-1/2 inches) and one price ($7.95) — unless you just want red sauce and mozzarella for a buck less. $ L D PIZZA DONISI 1396 S. Second St., 213-0488. Old Louisville hipsters have long needed a nearby pizza joint.

Now they have it and it’s owned by Danny Fitzgerald, impresario behind Mag Bar. Get it by the slice or in whole artisan pies, along with appetizers, fried ravioli and more. $$ L D h f PIZZA KING 3825 Charlestown Rd., New Albany IN, 9454405, 1701 E. 10th St., Jeffersonville IN, 282-8286. The pizza is baked in a sturdy, clay stone oven and handtossed with thinner crust where the ingredients go all the way to the edge. We heartily recommend the barbecue pizza. $$ L D PIZZA PLACE 2931 Richland Ave., 458-9700. $$ L D

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ROCKY’S PIZZA & PANINI 3022 Bardstown Rd., 6908500. Need a quick lunch, and have a hankering for the classic Italian subs and pizzas that you have enjoyed for decades at Rocky’s? Now you can get them quick and to go at this counter-service only branch in the outer edge of the Highlands. $ L D hpf SAL’S PIZZA & WINGS 812 Lyndon Ln., 365-4700.

Pizza, calzones, chicken and salads join the food choices in the Lyndon strip mall that also houses other ethnic restaurants. $$ L D hpf SICILIAN PIZZA & PASTA 629 S. Fourth St., 589-8686, 8133 Bardstown Rd., 491-3663. Ready for takeout or eat-in, both the downtown storefront and its suburban sister site offer good, standard pizza and other familiar Italian-American dishes. $$ L D hpf SIR DANO’S PIZZA PARLOR 496 N. Indiana Ave., Sellersburg IN, 246-3346. $$ L D h f SNAPPY TOMATO 10000 Brownsboro Rd., 412-6205. $$ LD SPINELLI’S PIZZERIA 614 Baxter Ave., 568-5665, 4001 Shelbyville Rd., 895-0755, 239 S. Fifth St., 749-0919.

This locally-owned pizzeria, widely known for their massive pizza by the slice, has contracted to three locations. All are open until 5 a.m. nightly Wednesday through Saturday, offering Philly-style pizza and real Philly cheese steaks. $ L D h THE CORNER 4111 Murphy Ln., 426-8340. $$ L D he THE POST 1045 Goss Ave., 635-2020. Germantown has long needed a classic New York-style pizza joint, and this spot, in a former VFW post, has provided it. Pizza is available by slice or whole pie, mostly classic tomato sauced varieties, but a few oddities, like the chicken dinner pizza with Buffalo-based sauce, chicken, cheddar, onion and ranch drizzle. Calzones, subs and salads, too.$$ D h p TONY IMPELLIZZERI’S 5170 Charlestown Rd., New Albany IN, 949-3000. The long-time Louisville pizzamaker moves across the river to fill the cravings of Hoosiers. $$$ D TOPP'T HANDCRAFTED PIZZA + CHOPPED SALADS 373 Professional Court, New Albany IN, 725-8891. This Elizabethtown-based fast-casual pizza and salad concept serves fast-fired (in an 800-degree oven), handcrafted pizzas and made-to-order chopped salads. The thin crust dough is made onsite daily in original, wheat and glutenfree versions. One price regardless of the number of toppings. $$ L D pf

RED = Advertiser B = Breakfast Br = Brunch L = Lunch D = Dinner

WICK’S PIZZA PARLOR 975 Baxter Ave., 458-1828, 12717 Shelbyville Rd., 213-9425, 225 State St., New Albany IN, 945-9425, 3348 Hikes Ln. Wick’s wins popularity with a welcoming mix of good pizza, a quality beer list and a friendly neighborhood feel at all four of its eateries. The pies are straightforward, made with ample toppings. “The Big Wick” is a favorite. $$ L D hpfe ZA’S PIZZA 1573 Bardstown Rd., 454-4544. $$ L D

502CAFÉ SMOKEHOUSE AND SPORTS BAR 1923 S. Fourth St., 996-7636. $$ L D hpf AMERICAN SMOKEHOUSE STADIUM 5580 Hwy. 62, Jeffersonville IN, 282-6700. This Southern Indiana BBQ joint does the usual stuff – brisket, pulled pork and chicken. But also look for the smoked prime rib, burnt ends, smoked lamb gyros or fried tofu. $ L D hp

formulas for brining times and uses a high-tech smoker to keep the temps low and the smoke from overwhelming the meats. $ B Br L D hpf FIREFRESH BBQ 211 S. Fifth St., 540-1171. This locally owned restaurant has developed a loyal following for is 'Bama-style ribs, smoked sandwiches, BBQ wings and a larger-than-usual selection of scratch-made sides, including four kinds of potatoes, two styles of slaw and cinnamon apples. $ L D FRANKFORT AVENUE BEER DEPOT 3204 Frankfort Ave., 895-3223. A neighborhood bar that welcomes all comers with some of the most notable ’cue in town. The burgoo and the baked beans rank as some of the best in the city and the pulled pork by the pound is value worth taking home. And where else can you play miniature golf while waiting for the smoker to finish? $ L D hpf

B3Q BBQ 1044 Copperfield Drive, Georgetown IN, 9513900. Ribs, pulled pork and beef brisket, served up as sandwiches, wraps or platters. Also, smoked baloney and chicken, smoked turkey and sirloin tips, and plenty of side choices. Dine-in, carry-out and catering available. $ LDf

GUY FIERI'S SMOKEHOUSE 434 S. Fourth St. (Fourth Street Live!), 919-7299. The latest creation of the Food TV’s bad boy chef caused some serious musing about the meaning of “celebrity” chefs to local eating. But see the hoopla for yourself, and try some of the fried chicken brined in pickle juice, brisket with pomegranate, sorghum-glazed pork chops or Triple Crown grilled cheese sandwich. $$ L D hpf

BABY MAE'S 1817 Graybrook Ln., New Albany IN, 9147040. Barbecue and soul food in the old Mom & Pop’s Cone Corner building. Baby Mae’s reasonably priced menu includes everyone’s comfort foods: ribs, pulled pork, smoked turkey, mac and cheese, home fries and the “grandaddy of chili dogs.” $ L D

HARLEY’S HARDWOODZ BAR-B-Q 1703 CharlestownNew Albany Pk., Jeffersonville IN, 284-4490. Owner Frank Harley said “I found my calling, which is barbecue.” He smokes up barbecue pork, chicken and brisket, marinated in Harley’s own barbecue sauce. A menu specialty: smoked chicken white chili. $ L D

BIG BEN’S BBQ 600 Quartermaster Center, Jeffersonville IN, 284-4453. This family run BBQ joint is now at the Quartermaster Center, smoking up a storm and impressing locals who recommend Johnnie’s Smokin Ribs, Joecille’s Backbone (brisket tips), Big Ben’s shredded pork sandwich and Alvin’s Wild-Side shredded chicken sandwich. $$ L D f

HOLY SMOKES BAR-B-QUE 7508 Preston Hwy., 9685657. The former Bootleg Bar-B-Q franchise on Preston Hwy. has become Holy Smokes Bar-B-Que. Owner Mark Weatherholt smokes his wings for three hours, his ribs and chicken for five, and his pork lingers overnight. He does brown sugar wings, too. $ L D

BOOTLEG BARBECUE COMPANY 9704 Bardstown Rd., 239-2722. Bootleg Barbecue offers a touch of rusticity and a good helping of country hospitality, as it dishes out hearty portions of well-prepared and affordable smoked meats and fixin’s. It’s one of the few places in Louisville where you can get Western Kentucky-style mutton barbecue. $ L D f CHECK'S BBQ & BLUES 14049 Shelbyville Rd., 2446868. The owners of Germantown’s Checks Café have opened this BBQ joint in Middletown, featuring live blues bands on weekends. Some Check’s Café standards (chicken livers, fried pork chops), along with ribs, pulled pork and brisket, as sandwiches and full dinners comprise the menu. $ L D hpe CITY BARBEQUE 329 Whittington Pkwy., 996-8003.

This Ohio-based BBQ chain specializes in brisket, but doesn’t neglect pulled pork (served with slaw on top) and St. Louis ribs. It also smokes turkey breast, chicken and sausage. $$ L Dpfe FAMOUS DAVE’S BAR-B-QUE 8605 Citadel Way, 4932812. This franchise chain operation may be based in the twin cities, but it looks like a Georgia gas station with its exuberant, if tongue-in-cheek faux country decor. The important thing, though, is the food, and Dave’s excels with genuine, hickory-smoked barbecue. $$ L D hpf FDKY BBQ 9606 Taylorsville Rd., 785-4273. The logo shows that “FD” stands for Fire Department — after all, those guys know all about smokin’. Eat dinner in or order a couple of pounds of pulled pork, marinated pulled chicken, brisket or smoked sausage, firehouse chili or Res Q stew and all the required side dishes to go.

Ribs on Wednesdays and Friday calls for fried fish. $$ L Df FEAST BBQ 909 E. Market St., 749-9900. Owner Ryan Rogers brings a modernist sensibility to the art of barbecue at his popular NuLu restaurant. He has

JIMBO’S BBQ 801 Kenwood Dr., 375-1888. Bouncing back from a fire a couple of years ago, Jimbo’s has begun smoking again in the South End, across from Iroquois Park. All the usual, but for a quick lunch, try the BBQstuffed baked potato. $ L D f JUCY’S SMOKEHOUSE BAR-B-QUE 7626 New Lagrange Rd., 241-5829. Jucy’s offers exceptionally good Texasstyle barbecue from a little wooden shack that looks just like a country BBQ joint should. Highly recommended. $$ L D f LOUIE’S HOT CHICKEN & BARBECUE 4222 Poplar Level Rd., 709-4274. The chicken here ranges through 4 levels of heat, the hottest using the notorious ghost pepper. BBQ choices include pulled pork and brisket and smoked wings. Outside, there are picnic tables, inside, a custom bar with Bourbon barrel lid stools. $ L D f MARK’S FEED STORE 11422 Shelbyville Rd., 244-0140, 1514 Bardstown Rd., 458-1570, 10316 Dixie Hwy., 933-7707, 3827 Charlestown Rd., New Albany IN, 2851998, 6501 Bardstown Rd., 442-0808. Mark’s routinely takes local honors for its sauces, sandwiches and its meaty baby-back ribs. And don’t miss the smoked takehome turkeys at Thanksgiving. $$ L D hpf MARK T'S SLAB HOUSE 4912 Preston Hwy., 962-1069.

That would be slabs of ribs, of course, a wonderfully direct name for a barbecue restaurant. Several drum-style smokers out front exude a savory cloud, attesting MARTIN'S BAR-B-QUE JOINT 3408 Indian Lake Dr., 242-4666, 984 Barret Ave. This Tennessee-based chain takes over the former Lynn’s Paradise space, boasting, as does its suburban location, a huge pit in the middle of the restaurant, cooking whole hogs for 24 hours. There are also wings, burgers, tacos, catfish, the expected side dishes and classic Southern desserts. $$ L D pf MISSION BBQ 4607 Shelbyville Rd., 206-3331. The National Anthem is played every day at noon at this

h = Late Night p = Full Bar f = Outdoor Dining e = Live Music

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Baltimore-based chain, which makes a point of supporting soldiers, firefighters, police officers and other first responders. Look for Texas-inspired brisket, smoked turkey, pulled chicken and pork, and even smoked salmon. There are also ribs, of course, sandwiches and scratch-made sides. $$ L D pf MOMMA’S MUSTARD PICKLES & BBQ 102 Bauer Ave., 938-6262, 119 S. Hurstbourne Pkwy., 290-7998.

The St. Matthews spot garnered so many barbecue fans that a second outlet opened in the East End for the overflow. Knot on your bib for Kansas City-style smoked pork and beef ribs (a house specialty), brisket, chicken, pulled pork and all the standard sides. Their wings are a contender for best in all the city. Momma's “2% for Louisville” program steadily donates 2% of earnings to local charities. $$ D f OLE HICKORY PIT BAR-B-QUE 6106 Shepherdsville Rd., 968-0585. Located in an attractive house not far from General Electric’s Appliance Park, this Louisville relative of a famous Western Kentucky barbecue pit is well worth the trip. $ L D f PORKLAND BBQ 2519 St. Cecilia St., 890-5988. Created by the non-profit group, Love City, Porkland BBQ’s proceeds benefit community programs for youth and aspiring entrepreneurs. Look for pulled pork and pulled chicken sandwiches, fried fish, rib tips, side items and desserts. A Portland specialty, smoked bologna sandwiches, too. $ L D RIVER ROAD BBQ 3017 River Rd., 592-7065. Right next to the Water Tower, this little take-out only place smokes brisket and pork: some days one sells out, on other days the other. Winter hours are 11-6 or until the meat runs out. Potato salad, slaw and drinks. Buy it by the sandwich or by the pound. $ L D RUBBIE’S SOUTHSIDE GRILL & BAR 6905 Southside Dr., 367-0007. This South End family knows how to do BBQ. It may be off the beaten path for some folks but here you’ll find a bounty of secret BBQ recipes. $ L D

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RUBBIN’ BUTTS BBQ 8007 Highway 311, Sellersburg IN, 748-7266. Up the road a ways you will find this “traditional” BBQ joint with some house specialties not so traditional: smoked deviled eggs, BBQ pork queso and their signature, the BBQ hog-a-chonga, a flour shell stuffed with baked beans, cheese, and pulled pork, then deep fried and smothered in queso and BBQ sauce. $ L D SHACK IN THE BACK BBQ 406 Mt. Holly Rd., 3633227. This Fairdale institution since 2004 smokes and serves slow-smoked pulled pork, brisket, ribs and a dozen sides (including Nanny’s potato salad) from an 1896 log house. Specialty is hickory-grilled steaks on Friday and Saturday nights. $ L D fe SMOKEY BONES BBQ 2525 Hurstbourne Gem Ln., 4917570. A property of Orlando’s Darden fast-food chain, which also runs Olive Garden and Red Lobster, this noisy Stony Brook-area eatery conveys more of a sportsbar than barbecue concept, but the ribs are fine. $$ L D

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owner, has brightened and modernized the space, and overhauled the menu, looking forward to decades more of lunchtime service. $ L BARRY’S CHEESESTEAKS & MORE 7502 Preston Hwy., 883-2874. Once you’ve had ‘em in Philly, you want them everywhere you go, apparently. Barry’s version has been getting raves from self-anointed cheesesteak mavens, who approve of his meat, bread and the cheese sauce choices. The “more” includes burgers, wings and fries. $ L D BLUEGRASS EXCHANGE MARKETPLACE & DELI 9428 Norton Commons Blvd., 425-7159. Brian Sur and his business partners, Chad Zanger and Cory Kleinman, who own Johnny Brusco's Pizza in Norton Commons, have now established this grocery and convenience store.

Grab your groceries and stop by the deli section for cold cuts, hot sandwiches and soups. $ L BRIAN’S DELI 531 S. Fourth St., 561-0098. Between Chestnut Street and Muhammad Ali Boulevard, Brian’s services the downtown lunch crowd with soup, salads, sandwiches and snacks. $ L f BRUEGGER’S BAGELS 119 Breckenridge Ln., 618-1158.

The bagel/deli/sandwich chain has set up shop in the middle of St. Matthews, offering another quick breakfast and lunch option. Choose from bagels and breakfast sandwiches, muffins, panini, salads and soups. $ B L f BUTCHER’S BEST 9521 US Hwy. 42., 365-4650. This fully staffed meat store in Prospect offers custom-cut beef, lamb, pork, bison, chicken and veal, plus a wellstocked deli and specialty foods, with skilled butcher Jimmy Mike at the helm. $ L D f CAT BOX DELI 500 W. Jefferson St., 561-6259. The name of this cozy downtown deli in the PNC Bank building might warrant a double-take, but its feline theme and kitty cartoons earn a smile. Open for breakfast and lunch, it offers a good selection of sandwiches, panini and wraps at budget prices. $ L CHICAGO STEAK & LEMONADE 4501 Cane Run Rd., 384-4291, 2124 W. Broadway, 450-5300, 5049 Poplar Level Rd., 966-6940. This local mini-chain serves a variety of Philly cheese steaks, gyros, lemon-pepper fish dinners and wings. The lemonade comes in a passel of different flavor combos. $ L D h DANISH EXPRESS PASTRIES 102-1/2 Cannons Ln., 895-2863. Just a few tables turn this takeout nook into a sit-in breakfast and lunch spot for a handful of diners at a time. Full breakfasts and light lunches are available, but as the name implies, Danish pastries are the specialty, and they’re fine. $ B L DEVINO’S 104 W. Main St., 569-3939. This stylish deli offers another lunch and dinner option downtown.

Sandwiches are made from quality Boar’s Head meats and cheeses cut on the premises, with dining inside and on the patio; package beer and wine is also available. $ L D f FIREHOUSE SUBS 215 S. Hurstbourne Pkwy., 365-3473, 4905 Outer Loop, 749-4257, 13301 Shelbyville Rd., 883-4168. This national chain touts that they steam their meat and cheese sandwiches. Specialty subs carry out the Firehouse theme and the kids meals include a little fire helmet. $ L D

321 DELI 321 W. Main St., 566-3258. The dining and drinks complex on the corner of Third and Main offers something for everyone. This is the deli component (the others are an ice cream shop and a Bourbon bar), which strives to blend the look and feel of a New York deli with the charm of the South. Lunch on nicely done sandwiches constructed from meats roasted in house, gourmet salads and sides to go. $ L D f

FRANK'S MEAT & PRODUCE 3342 Preston Hwy., 3633989. Frank’s has been around a long time, treating those in the know to piled-high deli sandwiches for prices so reasonable it might seem you stepped into a time warp.

There are steaks and chops and produce and other groceries, but it is best known for lunchtime service, where the long lines move fast, and the constant turnover ensures freshness of sandwiches and soups. $ L D

ANOTHER PLACE SANDWICH SHOP 119 S. Seventh St., 589-4115. This venerable lunch spot has been recharging the energies of downtown workers for over four decades. Brian Goodwin, son of the late founder and

HONEYBAKED CAFÉ 4600 Shelbyville Rd., 895-6001, 6423 Bardstown Rd., 239-9292, 3602 Northgate Crt., New Albany IN, 941-9426. Before holidays, you go in and carry out huge spiral-sliced hams or turkey breasts

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or beef roasts for your own parties. In the off season, you sit down in the café and order generous, filling sandwiches made from those same meats, served on rolls or croissants, cold or with a hot cheese melt. Soup and salads too. And cookies. $ L D f JASON’S DELI 410 N. Hurstbourne Pkwy., 412-4101, 4600 Shelbyville Rd., 896-0150, 1975 S. Hurstbourne Pkwy., 493-4130. Don’t look for a New York kosherstyle deli at this Texas-based chain, but suburbanites are lining up at its multiple locations for oversize sandwiches, salads, wraps and more. $ L D f JERSEY MIKE’S SUBS AND SALADS 10266 Shelbyville Rd., 244-1991, 10519 Fischer Park Dr., 425-1025. East Coast-style sub shop with local faves that include cheese, ham, prosciuttini, capicola, salami, pepperoni and fixings. $ L D JIMMY JOHN’S SUB SHOP (11 Locations) This national sandwich-shop chain offers a wide selection of over stuffed subs that benefit from fresh quality ingredients.

But what sets them apart from the rest is their value — and they deliver. $ L D f LADY TRON’S 147 E. Market St., New Albany, IN 7259510. You won’t recognize the former Little Chef building, which is where new owner Summer Seig has created an eclectic, sci-fi theme for her soup and sandwich diner. Outside is Lady Tron, a smiling robot with red hair and a yellow apron; inside, you can find seasonal soups and sandwiches and a kids’ menu. $ B L D LENNY’S SUB SHOP 3942 Taylorsville Rd., 454-7831.

Another semi-national chain, covering mostly the South and Midwest, brings a selection of familiar subs, sandwiches and salads to Louisville diners eager for more standardized semi-fast food. $ L D f LONNIE’S BEST TASTE OF CHICAGO 121 St. Matthews Ave., 895-2380. This appetizing operation offers genuine Chicago style hot dogs and a taste of Chicago atmosphere for a fare price. $ L D f LOTSA PASTA 3717 Lexington Rd., 896-6361. This family-owned pioneer in gourmet cheeses, oils, dips, hummus and, of course, pasta has been in operation for 32 years now. They are mainly an eclectic specialty-food store but fans stand three-deep at the sandwich counter every afternoon. And next door is a comfy café, to eat that deli sandwich, or get coffee and dessert. $ L D f MAIN EATERY 643 W. Main St., 589-2700. Smack dab in the middle of the Main Street historic district, this fashionable deli lures the savvy business midday crowd. $ L MANHATTAN GRILL 429 W. Muhammad Ali Blvd., 5610024. $ B L MCALISTER’S DELI (9 Locations) Emphasizing quality customer service, this delicatessen ladles up such soups as gumbo and chicken tortilla along with cutting board favorites. They have a special way with a tumbler of sweet iced tea. $ L D MORRIS DELI & CATERING 2228 Taylorsville Rd., 4581668, 110 W. Chewtnut St. (U fo L Med Center) 2132409. Many locals still know this small, popular Highlands deli as Karem Deeb’s after its longtime previous owner. Mostly for takeout — it packs in a few crowded tables — it’s known for high-quality, handmade deli fare at both the Highlands and downtown locations. $ L NANCY’S BAGEL BOX 651 S. Fourth St., 589-4004. An outpost of Nancy’s Bagel Grounds in Clifton, this little outlet, inside Theater Square Marketplace, offers a similar mix of light fare and Nancy’s unique take on the bagel. $ B L NANCY’S BAGEL GROUNDS 225 S. Spring St., 8958323. After a long and successful tenure in Upper Clifton, this popular coffee and pastry shop is moving and

RED = Advertiser B = Breakfast Br = Brunch L = Lunch D = Dinner

expanding in size and scope. The move, which will take place later this summer, will allow Nancy’s Bagels to add breakfast sandwiches and a new selection of specialty sandwiches, salads and all-day bakery items. $ B L f PANERA BREAD CO. (9 Locations) Warm breads finishbaked on the premises make a tasty base for a variety of sandwiches. Soups, salads, coffee drinks and a free WiFi hotspot make Panera’s outlets popular gathering places. $BLDf PAUL’S FRUIT MARKET 3922 Chenoweth Sq., 8968918, 4946 Brownsboro Rd., 426-5070, 12119 Shelbyville Rd., 253-0072, 3704 Taylorsville Rd., 456-4750.

One of Louisville’s popular sources for produce, cheeses, deli items, and the like. Deli sandwiches and salads are available (takeout only). $ L D PENN STATION (17 Locations). Billed as the East Coast Sub Headquarters, this sandwich kitchen does a brisk business here in the Louisville area. $ L D POTBELLY SANDWICH SHOP 302 S. Fourth St., 5401100, 4023 Summit Plaza Dr., 420-9616, 9018 Taylorsville Rd., 290-4820. This local outpost of the Chicago chain offers substantial sandwiches, salads and even breakfast sandwiches and oatmeal both to the downtown lunch crowd along Fourth St., and out at the Summit in the eastern suburbs. $ L D PRIMO’S DELICATESSEN 153 E. Main St., New Albany IN, 913-0491. It’s just what New Albany needed, a little New York style to give East Coast pizzazz to the downtown dining choices. Serving breakfast and lunch, so look for bagels and a schmear, and meaty sandwiches piled high. $ Br L QUIZNO’S SUBS 223 S. Fifth St., 589-5520, 11803 Shelbyville Rd., 253-5833, 4212 Charlestown Rd., New Albany IN, 981-7849, 220 S. Indiana Ave., Sellersburg IN, 246-1419. Toasted breads, a sandwich selection of meats, veggies and fish are built to fight hunger. Fresh soups are available daily, from chili to chowder; so are salads and desserts. $ L f

the store buzzing. An array of sandwiches, salad sides and desserts fill out an appetizing menu. $ L D

soups and sides including sauerkraut, potato salad and pasta salad. $ B L D

SWEET PEACHES 1800 W. Muhammad Ali Blvd., 3560232. Breakfast, sandwiches and soups are what you will find at this West End spot. And don’t overlook fresh baked goodies like brownies and cookies or the chance to wash them down with peach-flavored sweet tea. This also is the location of the monthly Sweet Peaches Poetry Slam. $ B L D

TOP ROUND ROAST BEEF 4214 Shelbyville Rd. Billy Rapaport, a freelance TV and film producer known best for his coverage of the Kentucky Derby and Breeders’ Cup for NBC, is the first franchisee of Top Round Roast Beef, a Los Angeles fast-casual restaurant that he loves.

The menu includes seven beef sandwiches, with the meat slow-roasted for 12 hours in CVap ovens. Other choices are hot dogs, chicken sandwiches, salads and sides, shakes and frozen custard.

SWEET PEACHES 2 ROLL 2900 W. Broadway (Nia Center). Pam Haines, owner of the popular West Louisville restaurant Sweet Peaches, has opened a quickservice version inside the Nia Center — a meeting place for the neighborhood and a city-organized workforce development center. Patrons and neighbors can meet in the lobby and enjoy coffee, sandwiches, salads and fresh pastries. $ B L THELMA’S DELI 140 N. Fourth St. (Galt House), 5895200. Located in the glassed-in walkway (conservatory) between the two hotel towers, Thelma’s provides breakfast items, coffee, sandwiches and snacks 24/7 for Galt House guests and anyone else who needs, say, a pizza at 3 a.m. $$ B L D h THE BLOCK GOURMET DELI 14041 Shelbyville Rd., 785-4689. A husband and wife team with considerable experience in restaurants runs this Middletown deli.

Fans report excellent thick sandwiches, fresh salads and homemade soups. Box lunches and catering also available. $$ L D TOONERVILLE DELI 1201 S. First St., 635-6960. Scott Lukemire and Dan Borsch, co-owners of The Old Louisville Tavern Bar & Grill and Burger Boy diner, have taken over the space long maintained by Ermin’s Bakery & Café. The chess bar cookie and tomato and basil soup remain, but the menu strongly emphasizes classic deli sandwiches such as the Reuben, along with house-made,

VINAIGRETTE SALAD KITCHEN 203 N. Hurstbourne Pkwy., 205-9933. This Lexington-based modestly upscale salad restaurant offers locally sourced soups and salads and fresh lemonade. The menu includes the Bluegrass Blackberry salad; shrimp, chicken taco and maki shrimp salads; and soups such as creamy tomato and sausage, kale and potato. Be sure to try one of three fresh lemonades on offer daily. $$ L D WHICH WICH? 9850 Von Allmen Ct., 290-3721. The concept here is “create your own sandwich” and draws on 50 toppings choices including sauerkraut, candied walnuts, crispy onion strings and Cheese Whiz. Savor a selection from the house's choices like Thank You Turkey, Sriracha Tuna and the inevitable Elvis Wich, with peanut butter, bacon and bananas. $$ B L D ZOUP! 318 S. Fourth St., 963-0777. Another chain outlet downtown gives all the lawyers and government workers another choice for soups, sandwiches and salads, plenty of low-fat, dairy-free and vegetarian choices that will rotate daily. $ L D

ANGIE'S HOME COOKING FAMILY RESTAURANT 2622 W. Broadway, 450-6200. Chef/owner Angie Bishop cooks the kind of familiar family meals that haunt

ROADRUNNER KITCHEN 145 E. Main St., New Albany IN. Stacie Bale, who operated Earth Friends Café, has opened this healthful, grab-and-go lunch spot that offers garden and spinach salads, wraps, falafel, power smoothies, espressos and fresh juices. $ L SCHLOTZSKY’S DELI 10531 Fischer Park Dr., 425-8447.

The original Schlotzsky’s offered just one kind of sandwich — “The Original” — when it opened its first eatery in Austin, Texas, in 1971. Now this national chain vends a full selection of deli-style fare, with one significant improvement on the traditional deli: the servers are invariably polite. $ B L D f SEEDS AND GREENS NATURAL MARKET & DELI 207 W. First St., New Albany IN, 944-3800. Browse among the organic vegetables and health foods, and stop by the deli for soups and salads, hot and cold sandwiches, vegan, vegetarian and omnivore preparations. $ L D SOUPY’S 3027 Hunsinger Ln., 451-5325. Back in 1987, Danny Bowling’s mother-in-law, Bette, started making pots of soup in a corner of Bowling's Meats & Deli, a family courtesy that led in 1995 to Soupy’s. Now it’s about 2 million cups of soup later, by Soupy’s estimate, all using Bette’s recipes, cooked up in small batches daily. Salads, sandwiches (including veggie burgers) and sweets as well. $ L D STEVENS & STEVENS 1114 Bardstown Rd., 584-3354.

This authentic New York-style deli occupies the rear third of the Ditto’s space in the heart of the Highlands.

Take out or eat in one of the booths, you’ll get piled-high pastrami, brisket and corned beef and you’ll love lox and a schmear on your bagel — even if you don’t know what a schmear is. $ L SUB STATION II 3101 Fern Valley Rd., 964-1075. The hardy No. 19, a six-meat-and-cheese super sub, keeps

h = Late Night p = Full Bar f = Outdoor Dining e = Live Music

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your childhood — things like smothered pork chops, candied yams and corn pudding. Daily specials offer a choice of meat and two sides for under $10. Banana pudding is always a dessert choice. $ B L D BELLA’S DINER 4106 Taylor Blvd., 749-1771. $ L D BURGER BOY 1450 S. Brook, 635-7410. For a real slice of Louisville life, this weathered greasy spoon at the corner of Brook and Burnett is the real thing. Neighborhood denizens drink coffee and chow down on burgers and breakfast until the wee hours (the joint is open 24 hours). If Louisville is home to a budding Charles Bukowski, there’s a good chance he’s sitting at their counter right now, recovering from last night’s excesses. $BLDh CHECK’S CAFÉ 1101 E. Burnett Ave., 637-9515. You can whiff a scent of Louisville history coming off the old walls of this quintessential Germantown saloon. The bar food here is about as good as bar food gets, and that’s not bad. The open-faced roast beef sandwich, with mashed potatoes and brussels sprouts, is a F&D favorite. $ L D

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COTTAGE CAFÉ 11609 Main St., Middletown, 244-9497.

This nostalgic old house in the countryside offers a taste of Kentucky-style cookery in an array of lunch specials that range from homemade soups and sandwiches to the traditional Hot Brown. $ L

continue to be diner standards, like what was served when it first opened 50+ years ago. $ B L D DAVE & PEG’S COPPER KETTLE 276 Main Cross St., Charlestown IN, 256-4257. $ B L D EXECUTIVE BISTRO 1930 Bishop Ln. (Watterson Towers) 365-2848. This bright little spot provides grilled sandwiches, soups, salads and snacks to office workers in Watterson Towers. $ B L FOUR KINGS CAFÉ 4642 Jennings Ln., 968-2930.

Steam-table service featuring spaghetti and meatballs, lasagna and chicken attract a hungry lunch crowd at this casual spot, and brunch specialties are just as popular. $ LDp FRONTIER DINER 7299 Dixie Hwy., 883-1462. The name “diner” says it all, and this friendly neighborhood spot on Dixie Highway delivers just what you’d expect in down-home comfort fare. The word on the street, though, is simple: Go for the pancakes. They’re worth a special trip. $ L D GOOD OLE’ JESSIE’S DIXIE DINER 9609 Dixie Hwy., 937-6332. The core of this resurrected Dixie Highway institution is a ’20s-era Sears, Roebuck & Co. pre-fab building. The owners have revived the down-homey neighborhood feel that people remember from when Miss Jessie presided in the 1970s, but the food and accouterments are up to date, a blend of “country” and “cool.” $$ L D

COTTAGE INN 570 Eastern Pkwy., 637-4325. Longtime neighborhood fixture Cottage Inn has a bright new look, and continues happily doling out the kind of excellent down-home food it has served for more than 70 years. $ LD

GOOSE CREEK DINER 2923 Goose Creek Rd., 3398070. Goose Creek Diner offers old-fashioned comfort food, as the name “diner” suggests, but transcendently adds a gourmet taste to the down-home eats. $ B Br L D

D. NALLEY’S 970 S. Third St., 588-2003. The nostalgia here is too strong for this iconic spot to fade away. For the second time in nine months, D. Nalley’s has been rescued from oblivion. The interior has been upgraded, but changed as little as possible. The food offerings

HIGHWAY 31 DINER AND DIVE 8610 Dixie Hwy., 6145300. The theme of this replacement for a one-time Spinelli’s pizza spot is lowriders and customized cars that co-owner "Gorilla" Bob Raymer says have a rich history on the far south side. The restaurant is open all week,

with dinner served late for shift workers. Look for burgers and comfort foods like country fried steak, chorizo fries and meatloaf. $$ B L D hp HOSANNA'S KITCHEN 139 S. 44th St., 778-0085. This far West End soul food place has emblematic southern comfort food: fried or baked chicken, fried fish, salmon croquettes, pork chops in gravy, long-cooked green beans, pinto beans, cabbage and baked apples. $ L D METRO DINER 4901 Outer Loop, 357-0767. The first local outlet of this Florida-based chain features "classic comfort food with flair.” Harking back to the glory days of diners, Metro Diner will offer breakfast, lunch, and dinner menus all day long. Signature dish is fried chicken and waffles, with burgers, seafood and salads also available. $$ B L D O’DOLLYS 7800 Third St. Rd., 375-1690. Homestyle steam-table favorites, available from breakfast to dinner, not to mention full bar service that makes O’Dollys a Southwest Louisville destination. $ B L D hp SANDI'S KITCHEN 5300 Cane Run Rd., 384-4823. Good ol' southern hospitality and home-made food are the draws at this modest place in the far southwest of the city. The menu includes chicken-fried steak, meatloaf, and liver and onions. $ B L D WAGNER’S PHARMACY 3113 S. Fourth St., 375-3800. A track-side institution that has as much history as the nearby Twin Spires of Churchill Downs. Soups, sandwiches, shakes, cherry Cokes and an early bird “trainer’s” breakfast can be enjoyed all year round. Racing history on the walls and servers who’ll call you “hon.” $ B L WEBB’S MARKET 944 E. Muhammad Ali Blvd., 5830318. An old-line neighborhood corner grocery store houses a delicious secret: At the back you’ll find a steam table loaded with exceptional comfort food. Fried chicken is excellent, and don’t miss the chili. $ B L

BIG MOMMA’S SOUL KITCHEN 4532 W. Broadway, 772-9580. Big Momma’s may be the most hospitable place in the West End to get genuine soul food. A different main course is featured daily, all home-cooked food, including such goodies as baked chicken, smothered pork chops, meat loaf, catfish … and fried chicken every day. $ L D BOOK & BOURBON SOUTHERN KITCHEN 600 Terminal Dr. (Louisville Airport). This library-themed concept at this upscale, airport dining venue offers more than 100 bourbons, along with a classic craft cocktail list.

The food menu tweaks Southern comfort food with items such as fried green tomato Benedict and short rib hush puppies. $$ B L D hp DAISY MAE’S 223 W. Fifth St., New Albany IN, 944-8101.

Daisy Mae’s offers southern food and hospitality. The menu includes fried chicken and cod, meatloaf, mashed potatoes, collards and pinto bean soup every day. Look for daily specials that include a regularly rotating fruit cobbler and red velvet cake. $ L D f DASHA BARBOUR’S SOUTHERN BISTRO 2217 Steier Ln., 882-2081. This Buechel place certainly gives the “bistro” concept a down-home Southern twist. Fried chicken and fish, a vegetable plate with three sides choices, burgers, pork chop sandwich, and chicken wings. Sides include sweet potato casserole studded with pecans, fried corn on the cob and collard greens. $$ L D FLO'S HOUSE OF SOUL 3400 W. Muhammad Ali Blvd., 966-2213. You order at the window and eat on the patio, which has heaters for cooler weather and TVs for watching big games. Owner Jason Hatcher tries to do good for his community, offering food rewards to kids with good report cards. Choices include burgers, chili dogs, Philly cheese steaks, whiting and catfish sandwiches, nachos and ice cream confections. $$ Br D hpf 66 Summer 2018 www.foodanddine.com

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FORTY ACRES AND A MULE RESTAURANT 1800 Dixie Hwy., 776-5600. $ L D FRANCO’S RESTAURANT & CATERING 3300 Dixie Hwy., 448-8044. Long-time fans of Jay’s Cafeteria (including politicians and national entertainers) are no longer bereft. Jay’s former owners serve up Southern Soul food in Shively at family-friendly prices. Look for smothered pork chops, collard greens, fried chicken, fried catfish and fruit cobbler. $ L D GOSPEL BIRD 207 E. Main St., New Albany IN, 7251054. Eric Morris and Ethan Ray, major contributors to the New Albany restaurant revival, call their restaurant in a grand old building a “flashy pub with Southern influences.” In addition to killer fried chicken, offerings include innovative takes on items like blackened catfish, jalapeno pork tenderloin and fried green tomatoes with pimento cheese. $$ Br D hpf MISS ADA’S 510 E. Chestnut St., 561-3762. $ L SCENE 501 W. Main St. Scene is the latest dining venture in the space at the Kentucky Center for the Arts that has seen a lot of things come and go. Open before shows for drinks and small plate dining served in the fast-casual style.

Flatbreads, burgers, pasta dishes, crab cakes; a small but good wine and beer selection and a full bar. $$ D hp SHINE'S DINER 3400 W. Market St., 510-9310. This West End independent restaurant, selling soul food, seafood, burgers and wings and Philly cheesesteak fries (topped with steak, green onions, green peppers, mozzarella and cheddar cheese), pays tribute to the late brother of owner Mary Jenefor, who said that it was always her brother’s dream to open a restaurant. Jenefor plans to occasionally give free meals to those in need in the community. $ L D SHIRLEY MAE’S CAFÉ 802 Clay St., 589-5295. This Smoketown institution draws hungry locals as well as celebrities in town hungry for the soul food of their

youth. BBQ ribs, and hot-water cornbread cooked in a cast iron skillets. Pig’s feet and chicken wings and collards, all seasoned with Shirley Mae Beard’s spice rack — salt and pepper. $ L D SOUTHERN EXPRESS 418 W. Oak St., 963-1719. This well-known West End carryout spot has moved into a sit-down location in Old Louisville. There, classic soul food is served for eat-in or takeout and at rock-bottom prices. Diners build their own meal at $1 per item.

Choices vary daily, but look for fried chicken, cooked cabbage, fried whiting, pork roast, fried or smothered pork chops, mac and cheese and rib tips. $ L D f SOUTHERN HOSPITALITY 3402 W. Broadway, 8221474. A family sports bar that satisfies all ages with its homey atmosphere and its well-crafted familiar food like double cheeseburgers, fried chicken with hot water cornbread, catfish, wings and ribs. $ L D hp SUE'S TOUCH OF COUNTRY 2605 Rockford Ln., 4505059. Sue’s reopened last fall, providing Shively with the kind of “stick to your ribs” food you go to a country/family style restaurant for. Daily Specials, homemade desserts and breakfast served all day. $ B L D V-GRITS 1025 Barret Ave. Vegan food truck V-Grits is settling down in the former Monkey Wrench corner and will be cooperating there with False Idol Brewers. V-Grits co-owner Kristina Addington defines her menu as “southern comfort food, stick to your ribs, healthy junk food.” $$ L D hpf WAYLON'S FEED AND FIREWATER 3939 Shelbyville Rd., 873-5580. Tony Palombino has converted his St. Matthews BoomBozz pizzeria into a honky-tonk that features live music at least three times per week, Southern food and a full bar with lots of Bourbon choices. The menu borrows from Palombino’s downtown honky-tonk, Merle’s Whiskey Kitchen,

h = Late Night p = Full Bar f = Outdoor Dining e = Live Music

including its tacos. The bar carries over 100 Bourbons and local craft beers. $$ Br L Dhpfe

ANN’S BY THE RIVER 149 Spring St., Jeffersonville IN, 2842667. This is cafeteria-style dining done very well. They serve up the standard steam table meat-and-three menu items as good as any. With the Ohio River a block away, it’s aptly named. $ L D CRAVINGS A LA CARTE 101 S. Fifth St. (National City Tower), 589-4230. This thrifty deli offers a variety of build-your-own sandwiches, a soup-and-salad bar, and specialty bars featuring baked potatoes, and a monthly ethnic creation. $ L GOLDEN CORRAL 4032 Taylorsville Rd., 485-0004, 8013 Preston Hwy., 966-4970, 5362 Dixie Hwy., 447-6660, 1402 Cedar St., Clarksville IN. 258-2540. Buffet style family dining — one price, all you can eat. Steaks are served beginning at 4 p.m. $ B L D THE BISTRO 3701 Frankfort Ave., 714-5586. A gem hidden away in The Olmsted, on the Masonic Home grounds in St. Matthews. This spot has earned terrific word-of-mouth buzz. Soups, sandwiches, salads, pastas are the mainstay of the menu, with a four-item lunch buffet that changes weekly. $ B Br L D f THE SPREAD BUFFET Horseshoe Casino Hotel, Elizabeth IN, 888-766-2648. Paula Deen’s name has been excised from the entrance, but the concept remains the same: a sumptuous spread of all the things you like and more offered in an all-you-can-eat format. $$$ L D

B.J.’S RESTAURANT & BREWHOUSE 7900 Shelbyville Rd.(Oxmoor Center), 326-3850. This Southern Cali-

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fornia chain arrived east of the Mississippi, including a large and imposing brewhouse at Oxmoor Center. A full range of made-in-Nevada craft beers is dispensed, along with upscale-casual pub grub. $$ L D hp BARRELHOUSE ON MARKET 1005 W. Market St., Jeffersonville IN, 590-6373. Andrew and Michelle Collins renovated down-to-the-heels dive bar into a spiffy lively drinking establishment and music venue with a small, tasty menu: a slider assortment, buffalo and BBQ wings, pretzels and queso. $$ D hpfe BAXTER’S 942 BAR & GRILL 942 Baxter Ave., 4099422. Lively music offerings and excellent barbecue have made this Lower Highlands bar and grill a satisfying place to dine. In addition to expected things like chicken tenders and nachos, try the smoked sausage sampler or cheese curds as starters. The BBQ comes as pulled chicken, pork and brisket in sandwiches or full dinners. $ L D hpfe BEEF O’BRADY’S 241 Blankenbaker Pkwy., 254-2322, 5628 Bardstown Rd., 239-2226, 3101 S. Second St., 637-3737, 11324 Preston Hwy., 969-5559, 105 LaFollette Ct., Floyds Knobs IN, 923-1316. If you think your basic sports pub is only suitable for guys guzzling beer, take another look: Beef O’Brady’s puts the “family” in “family sports pub,” offering a wholesome environment. $ L D h f BIG AL’S BEERITAVILLE 1715 Mellwood Ave., 8934487. Good people, good food, cold beer: The sign out front says it all, and we might add “cool atmosphere” in praise of this small but friendly Butchertown oasis. $ L D

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BROWNIE’S THE SHED GRILLE & BAR 237 Whittington Pkwy., 326-9830, 826 W. Main St., New Albany IN, 920-0030. Restaurant owner and namesake Keith Brown used to host neighborhood gatherings in a shed at his home. Now he brings the same sociable concept to his two sports pubs, the area’s official homes for Cincinnati Bengals fans. $ L D hpfe BUBBA'S 33 4631 Medical Plaza Way, Clarksville IN, 2845933. The 12th location of the growing chain from the guys at Texas Roadhouse, Bubba’s is a family friendly sports bar with TVs galore and corn hole boards on the patio. The menu offers chicken with two types of bacon, chili-rubbed salmon, smoked chipotle wings, a spicy habanero burger and pizzas. $$ D p BUD’S TAVERN GOOD FOOD & BARBECUE 4014 Dixie Hwy., 384-9131. This spiffed up Shively outpost offers honest bar food that’s receiving high praise. Check out the “gently fried” grouper, burgers (including a Reuben burger), burritos and barbecue. $ L D hpfe BUNGALOW JOE’S BAR & GRILL 7813 Beulah Church Rd., 931-5637. A “family friendly sports bar and grill” in the Fern Creek area boasts 23 HDTVs including a 5- by 7-foot HD projector for 3D football viewing, a game room for kids, and plenty of wings, shrimp, burgers and beer. $$ L D hpfe THE BUTCHERTOWN SOCIAL 1601 Story Ave., 890-3892.

Entrepreneur Isaiah Hoagland, who now owns the site that used to be Louis’s The Ton, has renovated it minimally, added a small kitchen, and now serves tacos, sandwiches and a few sides. These additions make the neighborhood bar ambiance even more appealing. $ D hpf DIAMOND PUB & BILLIARDS 3814 Frankfort Ave., 895-7513, 630 Barret Ave., 690-7040. $ L D hpfe DRAKE’S 3939 Shelbyville Rd., 614-7327, 3921 Summit Plaza Dr., 384-3921. Lexington-based Bluegrass Hospitality Group has two local outlets that offer twenty-four craft beers on tap to wash down the traditional pub grub of tacos, ribs and — these days — sushi. Family-friendly by day and a hoppin’ spot at night, with music videos and a DJ. $$ L D hpf DUNDEE TAVERN 2224 Dundee Rd., 458-6637. After a few flips and changes, Dundee Tavern has found its soul 68 Summer 2018 www.foodanddine.com

again as a neighborhood bar. A lot of beer choices on draft and in bottles, and a comfort food menu that includes wings and fingers, fried pickles, chili, burgers and sandwiches and Tavern Specialties like grilled flat iron stead and southern-fried cod. $$ L D hp FLANAGAN’S ALE HOUSE 934 Baxter Ave., 585-3700.

Gourmet pizzas, hoagies, and an enormous beer selection draw Highlands folks to this cozy neighborhood pub. For a late night pizza (the kitchen’s open until 2 a.m.), it’s one of the best options in the city. $$ L D hpf GERSTLE’S PLACE 3801 Frankfort Ave., 742-8616. A popular St. Matthews neighborhood tavern since 1924.

Although dining is secondary to booze and sports here, the food goes well beyond mere pub grub. $ L D hpfe GRANVILLE INN 1601 S. Third St., 637-9128. A longtime gathering place for U of L students, faculty and fans, this sturdy redbrick tavern just north of the university campus offers a good variety of bar munchies, sandwiches and simple grilled fare plus pizza. It’s perhaps best known, though, for the signature Granville Burger, widely reputed as one of the best burgers in town. $ L D hp GREAT AMERICAN GRILL 2735 Crittenden Dr. (Hilton Garden Inn), 637-2424. Salads, burgers, pastas and sandwiches are available for the casual diner; main entrées include New York strip, filet of salmon and more. $ Br D pf GYPSY’S SPORTS GRILLE 7207 Fegenbush Ln., 9090922. “Gypsy” is the name of the owner’s rescued Boston terrier. The husband-wife team who own this Fern Creek hangout offer all that a sports fan could want: wings and ribs, nachos, potato skins, fried pickles, sandwiches, pork chops and steaks. $$ L D hpfe HELL OR HIGH WATER 112 W. Washington St., 5873057. The entrance is through Hello Curio, an ostensible arts and crafts gallery. Downstairs is the main bar in a two-story library with a mezzanine floor, looking out onto a small live entertainment area. Craft cocktails are bourbon-focused but not exclusively. There is a small bites menu, but drinks are the center of the “speakeasy” experience. $$ D hpe HIGHLANDS TAPROOM GRILL 1058 Bardstown Rd., 584-5222. Another nice choice for beer and bar food along the B’town Rd. corridor, but owner Tommy Clemons’ menu includes, but extends beyond, the usual beer cheese, chili and burgers. Look for the crabby patty or the French toast sausage. The pulled pork spring rolls are on their way to becoming legendary. $$ L D hpfe HILLTOP TAVERN 1800 Frankfort Ave., 742-2908. The Skelton brothers (John is an alum of Seviche) have settled in at this prime Clifton location. Their tavern fare is focused on barbecue, with pulled pork and beer-butt chicken specialties, along with hefty sandwiches (their meatloaf is a standout). $ D hp HITCHING POST INN 7314 Fegenbush Ln., 239-4724.

In addition to its full bar and beer garden, and lively conversation, the Hitching Post Inn offers an array of pub grub, including burgers, chicken tenders, and sandwiches. $ L D hpf HOOPS GRILL AND SPORTS BAR 6733 Strawberry Ln., 375-4667. The name says it all: sports, casual dining and good things to drink all find their natural meeting place at this friendly neighborhood spot where hot HOPCAT 1064 Bardstown Rd., 890-8676. This Highlands attraction seats up to 300 in the dining room, three private party rooms and a covered second floor patio.

HopCat touts its 132 craft beers on tap, at least 30 of which are locally made, as the largest selection in Kentucky. Lunch and dinner offers homemade pub grub: burgers, mac & cheese, Detroit-style square pizza with cheesy crust, and signature “crack fries.” Saturday and Sunday brunch as well. $$ Br L D hpf

JB’S PUB 307 Central Ave., 618-1843. Two veterans of the Troll Pub Under the Bridge, Ben Barker and Johnny Morgan, have taken over the space near Churchill Downs recently vacated by OverTime Sports Bar & Grill. Some considerable renovating has been done, and the menu offers “pub fare with flair.” Look for several artisan burgers, 30 beers on tap and many styles of pizza — Sicilian, Chicago-style, New York and Detroit-style, and even their own Louisville-style pie. $$ L D hpf JERSEY’S CAFÉ 1515 Lynch Ln., Clarksville IN, 2882100. Quality, affordable fare that goes well beyond pub grub to include an awesome smokehouse burger and barbecued ribs so tender, they say, that you can just tap the end of the bone on your plate, and the meat falls off. $ L D hpf JOHN O’BRYAN’S TAVERN 4123 Flintlock Dr., 4494940. $ B L D KERN’S KORNER 2600 Bardstown Rd., 456-9726. This family-owned tavern, a popular neighborhood pit stop since 1978, offers freshly made ham, chicken salad sandwiches and soups. The hamburgers, though, might be the best unpretentious burgers in town: freshly ground daily, always cooked perfectly, and served on a toasted bun. $ L D pf KHALIL’S 10966 Dixie Hwy., 632-2227. A family sports bar in Valley Station boasts plenty of TVs, including some tabletop TVs in booths. Menu presents the usual bar food suspects — salads, wings, burgers — but the burgers are on pretzel buns. $ L D hp MIKE’S TAVERN 3521 Paoli Pike, Floyds Knobs IN, 9458915. A friendly tavern up in the Knobs above New Albany. $ L D p NEIL & PATTY’S FIRESIDE BAR & GRILL 7611 IN 311, Sellersburg IN, 246-5456. A family owned and operated outpost up the road a piece, long known for their warm and welcoming, down-home atmosphere, has expanded their craft beer selection. The local cognoscenti know they can also find excellent pastas, steaks, seafood, and salads. Homemade soups are created daily. Breakfast served until 2 p.m. $$ Br L D p NEW DIRECTION BAR & GRILL 2630 Chamberlain Ln., 243-8429. $ L D hpfe NIRVANA 1047 Bardstown Rd., 712-0813. The owners of Kashmir Indian restaurant have totally renovated what once was Tewligan’s, a historic local music venue (later Cahoots), into Nirvana and have returned the site to its storied musical roots with live shows five nights a week.

The food is an eclectic mix of upscale bar fare and Indian-American fusion dishes (masala chicken wings, skewers over basmati rice and masala fries) along with traditional Indian dishes. $$ L D hpe OLD HICKORY INN 1038 Lydia St., 634-3011. The Schnitzelburg building has been around forever, has suffered indignities, like a fire that gutted it, but has always bounced back. Now it has expanded its presence with a new kitchen, outdoor deck and a food menu aimed to be competitive with other Germantown hangouts. $ L D hp OLD LOUISVILLE TAVERN 1532 S. Fourth St., 6374200. It’s risen from the ashes, the interior gutted and redone, a new kitchen installed, but the menu is the same as before: top-flight bar grub made from scratch.

An expanded beer program with 16 new taps includes a selection of local and craft beers. $$ L D hpf O-LINE SPORTS GRILL 2813 N Hurstbourne Pkwy., 384-6171. You can watch every game, every sport all year long, they claim. While you do, you can chow down a variety of bar food, such as the juicy Lucy cheese burger or nacho burger. The kids might like the minifootballs, franks encased in pastry dough, fried and served with dipping sauces. $ L D hp PEARL STREET TAPHOUSE 407 Pearl Street, Jeffersonville IN, 285-0890. In an historic home that was

RED = Advertiser B = Breakfast Br = Brunch L = Lunch D = Dinner

saved through a preservation grant, this pub has 24 taps with a heavy focus on local breweries, with regional and national choices as well. Food choices are limited to bites like oysters on the half-shell, wings and sliders, but everything is fresh and nothing is deep-fried. $ L D p f PEPPERS BAR & GRILL 320 W. Jefferson St. (Hyatt Regency), 587-3434. This casual-dining facility in the Hyatt Regency offers a full dinner menu for hotel guests and outside visitors as well. $$ D h p PINTS & UNION 114 E. Market St., New Albany IN. Beer maven (and F&D contributor) Roger Baylor and partner Joe Phillips have renovated an old neighborhood bar in New Albany into as authentic an Irish Pub as they can manage on this side of the pond. Comfort beers such as Guinness, Fuller’s London Pride and Pilsner Urquell will be on tap. The full bar is stocked with Irish whiskey and Scotch, and the small kitchen offers pub-inspired small plates. $ L D hp PORCH KITCHEN & BAR 280 W. Jefferson St. (Marriott), 671-4246. As part of the recent renovation of the Marriott, this all-day restaurant replaces Champions Sports Grill. The name reflects the intention of the new restaurant to be a homey, welcoming downtown spot.

Look for American-style comfort foods and a friendly bar. B Br L D hpfe RECBAR 10301 Taylorsville Rd., 509-3033. Family fun is the object here, with games galore: pool and ping-pong, skeeball, arcade games (for Nintendo, Sega Genesis, Super NES) and card and board games. A full bar and pub-style food, too. $$ L D hp RED HERRING COCKTAIL LOUNGE AND KITCHEN 1757 Frankfort Ave., 907-3800. Brett Davis has hired up-and-coming Chef Jacob Coronado and Bar Manager Clay Livingston to help him with the food and drink development at this stylish makeover of a classic neighborhood movie theater in Clifton. The result is a hip drink spot in a very classy modern interior set off with restored architectural highlights, a huge cocktail list — numbering more than 100 — and an interesting, but far-from-ordinary, bar food menu. $$ D hpf

Angus burgers, steaks, shrimp and salmon. $$$ L D

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THE SPORTS & SOCIAL CLUB 427 S. Fourth St. (Fourth Street Live), 568-1400. This Cordish-owned spot has four bars — including one that opens out onto the street — plenty of TVs to catch every game, and even a “stadium style sports media room.” Chow down with the usual burgers, sandwiches and wings. $$ L D hpf SPRING STREET BAR & GRILL 300 S. Spring St., 5846630. A classic American bar and grill, open late on weekends, dispensing cold beer, burgers, sandwiches and good cheer in a friendly atmosphere. The decor includes a collection of old bicycles hanging from the ceiling, and amenities include several video games and pool tables. $$ L D hp STADIUM JOES SPORTS CAFÉ 9700 Bluegrass Pkwy., 749-9605. This sports café has just what you want in such a place: plenty of TVs, and American food and drink standards. $$ B L D hpfe SULLIVAN’S TAP HOUSE 3929 Shelbyville Rd., 2102388. John Sullivan, Matt Taylor and Breno Giacomino, previously involved in the now-closed Sully's Saloon at 4th Street Live, have taken over the former Bluegrass Brewing Co. space in St. Matthews. Sullivan's offers a gastropub-style menu created by Chef Steven Dunn.

You’ll find reasonably priced cheeseburgers, hot brown sliders and fried catfish served alongside 20-plus craft beers and signature cocktails within sight of lots of TVs. $$ L D hpfe TAVERN ON FOURTH 427 S. Fourth St. (Fourth Street Live), 588-8888. This spacious sports bar adds to the festivities at Fourth Street Live. You will find plenty of games, filling upscale bar food and lots of drink choices at the bar. $$ D hpfe THE BACK DOOR 1250 Bardstown Rd. (Mid City Mall), 451-0659. You need a bit of perseverance to track down this saloon on the back side of Mid-City Mall. When you do, you will find one of the city’s friendliest pubs, with a reputation for the best pour of drinks around. Limited bar fare, but don’t miss the chicken wings. $ D hpf

RIVER CITY DRAFTHOUSE 1574-1/2 Bardstown Rd., 690-5111. Another beer joint along the Bardstown Road corridor boasts more than 20 taps focused on independent, American, craft beer (in sample, half-pint and pint sizes) and several bottled options. Its limited (for now) bar menu has garnered early praise for its wings. $$ L D hf

THE CURE LOUNGE 1481 S. Shelby St., 365-3369. The big old building at the corner of Burnett and Shelby Streets. has a long history, and The Cure Lounge is adding its chapter. Renovated and restyled by long-time Monkey Wrench bartender Alison Freels as a “super sexy lounge” with a small plates menu, this outpost brings a club vibe to Germantown.$ D hpfe

ROOTIE’S SPORTS BAR & GRILLE 12205 Westport Rd., 365-4681. The first entry of the Buffalo-based chain to open in the area. Rootie’s angle is charcoal-grilled wings with a thick, hickory-smoked spicy sauce. $ L D

THE GOAT 700 Landis Ridge Dr., 437-3000. Ohio-based LC Lifestyle Communities operates this small chain of unusually named upscale-casual restaurants. Enjoy Italian pizza rolls, stuffed potatoes, salads, “doublegrind” burgers, wings, pizza, wraps and craft beer on the expansive deck or around the community pool, or join one of the competitive leagues in euchre, corn hole or volleyball. $$ L D hpfe

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SAINT’S 131 Breckinridge Ln., 891-8883. Almost like two restaurants in one, Saints features both a small, intimate, candle-lighted room and a larger, happily boisterous main room with the look and feel of a sports bar. $$ L D

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SERGIO’S WORLD BEERS 1605 Story Ave., 618-2337.

Despite minimal signage, Sergio’s Butchertown digs pull in his fans, who dig the quirky website, and the whole aura of haughty mystery. What you really need when you locate the place is a desire to explore Sergio’s world beer inventory, nearing 1000 different brews. $$ D h SOUTH END ZONE 13016 Dixie Hwy., 398-5139. South of Valley Station, this new eatery is a sports-bar-meetsdiner that serves breakfast, lunch and dinner in an area underserved by restaurants. The menu includes specialty waffles and pancakes, omelettes, burgers, wings, and Navajo tacos. $ B L D hpf THE SPORTING NEWS GRILL 6551 Paramount Park Dr. (Holiday Inn), 966-0000. Just what you want in a sports bar: seven 52-inch screens, subscriptions to all the pro and college sports networks, and hearty appetizers,

THE LIBRARY 400 S. Second St., (Omni Hotel), 3136664. By day, the Library serves coffee, lattes and tea along with freshly baked pastries. By late afternoon, it morphs into a bourbon bar with locally inspired cocktails. $ B L hp THE LIGHTHOUSE 202 Main St., Jeffersonville IN, 9130169. This lighthouse has been a beacon of casual, home cooking and tavern environment for years. Daily specials, appetizers, chicken and fish baskets, salads and desserts round out the menu. $ L D pe THE PEARL 1151 Goss Ave., 996-7552. The Pearl aims to be a classic neighborhood pub (not unlike Pauly’s, which it replaces). It also aims to be a spirits-focused hangout, with a bar menu limited to snacks like pickled eggs, country ham and cheese sandwiches and free popcorn or roasted nuts. In the works is a permanent food truck to be parked in the rear to expand food offerings. $$ L D

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h = Late Night p = Full Bar f = Outdoor Dining e = Live Music

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THE PLANET BAR 2232 Bardstown Rd.,888-7464. This sassy and stylish bar has moved down B’town Rd. a bit from its original location, continuing its reputation for friendly bartenders, good live music and stellar karaoke. $$ D hp fe THE WATER COMPANY 400 S. Second St., (Omni Hotel), 313-6664. There is a 3rd-floor rooftop pool at the new Omni Hotel, and this is the bar that goes with it, also offering seasonally-inspired light bites. $$ L D p f TIM TAM TAVERN 1022 Clarks Ln., 883-0101. Named for the 1958 Kentucky Derby winner, the Schnitzelburg/ Audubon neighborhood bar has a new look and a kitchen that serves bar staples like burgers, fried pickles and cheese curds plus pizza from Danny Mac’s Pizza. (Dan McMahon, owner of Danny Mac’s Pizza, is a partner.) $ L D p fe TIN ROOF 3921 Shelbyville Rd., 895-1940. This Nashville-based chain in the heart of St. Matthews has a split personality: a family-friendly vibe during the lunch hours; and a rockin’ juke joint at night with live music until 3 a.m. Its menu encompasses everything you expect from bar grub: deep-fried hot dogs, hot wings, quesadillas and salads for the ladies. $ L D hpfe TROLL PUB UNDER THE BRIDGE 150 W. Washington St., 618-4829. On the downslope alongside the Clark Memorial Bridge, a large troll beckons the adventurous into a space excavated out of the lost space in the old whiskey warehouse. The renovation boasts lots of dark, brick-walled spaces, as well as a funky outdoor dining area in the lightwell. The menu offers stacked sandwiches, bison burgers and sweet potato tots, and ribeye steaks. $$ L D hpf VIS A VIS BAR & GRILL 1164 S. Third St., 654-7057.

Replacing Barasti Bat & Grill, Vis a Vis, offers a Mediterranean and American menu. New owner Mike Al Muhtaseb and his wife Dima Radwan, who is the chef, serve up hummus, falafel, fried halloumi cheese, burgers, shawarma, kebabs and salads. $$ L D pfe ZANZABAR 2100 S. Preston St., 635-9227. An icon of the ’70s bar scene. The stylish tile front has been recreated anew, the arcade is stocked with vintage pinball and electronic games, and the Beer Can Collection is as long as your arm. The chow is high-quality bar grub — things like wings, fried egg rolls, pizzas, sandwiches, salads, and the Death Star cookie, baked in a skillet and topped with ice cream. And top-flight live music late into the night. $ L D hpfe

AGAINST THE GRAIN BREWERY 401 E. Main St., 5150174. Slugger Field once again has a beer-pub. The owners, veterans of the local brewing revival, have worked out an ambitious rotating beer selection and a smokehouse theme for the kitchen, with an emphasis on seasonal dishes. $$ L D pf APOCALYPSE BREW WORKS 1612 Mellwood Ave., 589-4843. Veteran home brewers Leah Dienes, Paul Grignon and Bill Krauth run this brewery in Butchertown, dedicated to fresh craft beer in a space that heats with solar, recycles and reuses materials and grains.

Their taproom, dubbed The Fallout Shelter, serves up to 10 of their concoctions. $ h

brewing, and upstairs boasts a Bourbon lounge. At both locations, the food is as good as the beer, and that says a lot. $$ L D hpfe

Dinner, Louisville’s long-running entry in the dinnertheater sweepstakes. The expansive seasonal buffet offerings have fans returning show after show. $$$ L D pe

CUMBERLAND BREWS 1576 Bardstown Rd., 458-8727.

Giving new meaning to the term “microbrewery,” Cumberland Brews may be one of the smallest eateries in town. It’s usually packed, earning its crowds the oldfashioned way by providing very good food, friendly service, and high-quality hand-crafted artisan beers. $ L D hf

HOWL AT THE MOON 434 S. Fourth St. (Fourth Street Live), 562-9400. What’ll they think of next? How about a nightclub featuring a “dueling” piano bar with two pianos and a sing-along concept? You’ll find this 4,000square-foot club at Fourth Street Live on the ground level. $ D hpfe

DONUM DEI BREWERY 3211 Grant Line Rd., New Albany IN, 541-2950. Brewer/owner Rick Otey’s dictum is “Beer is a living thing, and we wait until it’s ready.”Ready so far has been an Enkel (single) Belgian Gold, a saison, brown porter, and India pale ale, with a malty Wee Heavy Scottish ale waiting for its time. The interior is starkly Scandinavian modern, with no WiFi to distract serious beer drinkers and talkers. The limited menu offers hummus and a cheese plate, soup and several paninis. $ L D h FLAT 12 BIERWERKS 130 W. Riverside Dr., Jeffersonville IN, 590-3219. Flat 12 has the fermenters, barrels and other technical accouterments right out front, producing five house beers, four seasonal brews and some select beers for special events. You can see it all getting kegged or bottled, too, as you sample. An outlet of Urban Bread Co. operates the kitchen and supplies the food. $ Br L D fe FLOYD COUNTY BREWING CO. 129 W. Main St., New Albany IN, (470) 588-2337. Walk in this new brewpub and you will find what looks like a medieval banquet hall, but scaled down to a Yorkshire public house.

Brewer Jeff Coe’s repertoire includes Braun Jovi (Brown Ale), Hefe’ns Gate Hefeweizen and Vlad’s India Pale Ale, which complement perfectly menu items like fish and chips and oversized turkey legs. $ L D h GORDON BIERSCH BREWERY RESTAURANT 400 S. Fourth St., 589-8935. The growing national brewery and restaurant chain has become an anchor at the corner location at 4th and Liberty, brewing their characteristic German-style bottom-fermented lagers, Hefeweizen, bocks, pilsners and Schwarzbiers. The large menu offers the usual pub-grub, but touted as fresh, seasonal and made on the premises. $$$ Br L D hpf GRAVELY BREWING CO. 514 Baxter Ave., 822-3202.

Gravely offers 14 draft choices, all brewed and served on site. The brewery partners with Mayan Street Food, run

by The Mayan Café. Walk up to the truck and order snacks like guacamole fried plantains, Mexican corn, salbutes or tacos. Brunch on Sunday is provided by Commonwealth Cure with items like pork hash, Scotch eggs, or pork sliders. Plus, a full brunch drink selection. $ Br L D hpfe MONNIK BEER CO. 1036 E. Burnett Ave., 742-6564. The gastropub style menu includes a range of Euro-inspired pub food like three kinds of double-fried fries, fried smelts, a ploughman’s plate, pork and black currant pie, sauerbraten, and burgers. The beer menu adds changing guest brews to the house menu of Mild George and King George (British style brown ales), His Dark materials (a stout) and Hauck’s American pilsner. $$ L D hpfe

BANK STREET BREWHOUSE 415 Bank St., New Albany IN, 725-9585. F&D columnist Roger Baylor’s New Albanian brewing empire still brews and serves fine craft beer here, but now Earth Friends Café runs the kitchen, serving breakfast and lunches with a vegan and vegetarian emphasis — and some chicken dishes for those who must. $$ L D pf

RED YETI BREWING CO. 256 Spring St., Jeffersonville IN. 288-5788. This craft brewery has an ambitious kitchen touting food so fresh in concept, they have no freezer. The brisket sandwich comes with house-made chips, the pork ribs are braised in wheat ale, and desserts include funnel cake with chocolate dipping fondue and a beer float:-vanilla ice cream in your choice of porter or stout. $$ L D hp

BLUEGRASS BREWING COMPANY 300 W. Main St., 562-0007, 660 S. Fourth St., 899-7070. BBC has reopened its Theater Square outlet, right in front of the Kindred expansion, which displaced the former restaurant/beer pub. The Main St. location does the

DERBY DINNER PLAYHOUSE 525 Marriott Dr., Clarksville IN, 288-8281. The play’s the thing at Derby

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JOE HUBER FAMILY FARM & RESTAURANT 2421 Scottsville Rd., Starlight IN, 923-5255. A pleasant 20minute drive from downtown Louisville, Huber’s has built a solid reputation for simple farm fare that’s wellmade, fresh and good. Some of the produce is grown on the premises in season. $$$ L D pf MAIN EVENT BAR & GRILL 12500 Sycamore Station Pl., 240-5555. This Dallas-based chain offers plenty of fun: bowling, laser tag, a high ropes course, billiards, video games — along with pizzas, sandwiches, full dinners and a full bar. $$ L D hp MESA 216 Pearl St., New Albany IN, 725-7691. Mesa calls itself a “collaborative kitchen-classroom,” in which local established and aspiring chefs offer cooking demonstrations and food prep advice for a small audience, who will then eat what the chefs prepare before them. There is also a boutique selling high-end cookware and food products. $$ D p MY OLD KENTUCKY DINNER TRAIN 602 N. Third St., Bardstown KY, (502) 348-7300. Talk about a nostalgia trip: My Old Kentucky Dinner Train offers a four-course meal during a two-hour voyage along scenic Kentucky railroad tracks near Bardstown in vintage 1940s-era dining cars. Reservations are strongly recommended. $$$$ L D p PIN + PROOF 400 S. Second St., (Omni Hotel), 313-6664.

The Omni’s bar has a cool angle. There are four bowling lanes, as well as hors d’oeuvres to enjoy in the “the opulent and mysterious atmosphere." $ D hp THE BARD’S TOWN 1801 Bardstown Rd., 749-5275. The second floor theater continues to be a top local venue for all sorts of theater, improv and silly/hilarious roasts of toys (Barbie), computer game characters (Mario) and years (2017). Downstairs, the menu offers Shakespearethemed items such as Iambic Pork-tameter, Sir Francis BBQ Bacon Burger and The Steakspeare. $$ D hpfe

ABYSSINIA 554 S. Fifth St., 384-8347. This downtown Ethiopian restaurant has gained many fans with its variety of hearty stews, known as “wots,” and interesting vegetarian choices, with large portions and reasonable prices. $ L D ADDIS GRILL 109 S. Fourth St., 581-1011. The signage of this downtown ethnic eatery promises “Mediterranean & Ethiopian Cuisine,” but the menu offers mostly Mediterranean standbys — kabobs, hummus, baba ghannouj, dolmades, tabbouleh. $ L D h BARAKA RESTAURANT 519 W. Oak St., 822-3046. This all-halal restaurant serves African, Asian and Indian dishes. At the counter you pick a meat and choose an accompaniment of rice, bread or noodles. The fish curry with chapati and chicken saqaar with rice are good examples. Goat is often available for those who want to try something different. $ L D FUNMI’S AFRICAN RESTAURANT 3028 Bardstown Rd., 454-5009. Funmi’s offers a range of dishes from North and Central African cultures. Sample goat in a soup or a thick stew. Try soya, a West African shish kebab with a spicy peanut rub or moin-moin, a savory bean cake or lablabi, a Tunisian chickpea soup. $$ L D IMANKA RESTAURANT 737 S. Eighth St., (International Mall) 210-7503. Somali immigrant entrepreneur

RED = Advertiser B = Breakfast Br = Brunch L = Lunch D = Dinner

Mohamed Abbi Abdalla and his family serve their native cuisine at the International Mall. Suggested dishes include chicken suqaar (a chicken stew-like dish) or goat seasoned with onions and green peppers. $$ L D MAA SHA ALLAH 4113 Bardstown Rd., 491-3152. The name is an Arabic blessing or expression of joy, meaning “Whatever Allah wants to give.” This little Buechel storefront is another example of the entrepreneurial spirit of recent immigrants, in this case from Senegal and Sierra Leone. The menu is African, the ambiance modest, the food spicy and tasty. $$ L D QUEEN OF SHEBA ETHIOPIAN 2804 Taylorsville Rd., 459-6301. This authentic Ethiopian restaurant offers a wide selection of intriguing Ethiopian dishes, including a variety of vegetarian selections as well as the traditional beef and chicken specialties. Ethiopian fare is made for sharing and eating with the fingers, but they’ll gladly make forks available for the finicky. $ L D

888 GREAT WALL 9464 Brownsboro Rd., 425-2811.

Strip mall Chinese food is an accurate description of what to expect here. Locals from the neighborhood have said good things about the garlic chicken and their crab Rangoon. $ L D A TASTE OF CHINA 1167 S. Fourth St., 585-5582, 8105 Lagrange Rd., 327-6863. $ L D ASIAN BUFFET 3813 Charlestown Rd., New Albany IN, 945-1888. Competent cookery and careful management that ensures buffet offerings stay fresh and hot makes this buffet a good choice among the many of all-you-can-eat Asian spots. $ L D ASIAN WOK 2235 Frankfort Ave., 822-3285. This panAsian spot offers a very large selection of Chinese & Japanese dishes in the stir-fried, hibachi-grilled and sushi categories. A lot of familiar things — Kung Pao chicken, pepper steak with onion, veggie fried rice, rainbow roll, hibachi steak, and so on. $$ L D AUGUST MOON 2269 Lexington Rd., 456-6569. August Moon’s secret ingredient is the culinary oversight of Chef Peng Looi, long known for his passion for fusing Asian culinary traditions. Housed in a soaring, open space with a Zen master’s style. Consistent commitment in the kitchen and from the staff makes it a top spot for Asian fare. A lovely patio at the rear affords a pleasant alfresco dining experience. $$$ L D hpf CHEER KING STAR 231 S. Fifth St., 587-8686. Just what downtown needed — a Chinese buffet for quick lunches.

Mostly the familiar, a mix of Cantonese, Szechuan and Hunan choices for those who need a little spice to fire them up to get back to work. $ L D CHINA 1 123 Breckinridge Ln., 897-6511. $ L D CHINA 1 8105 Lagrange Rd., 327-6863. $ L D CHINA BISTRO 234 W. Broadway, 583-8988. $ L D h CHINA BUFFET 706 E. Lewis & Clark Pkwy., Clarksville IN, 288-8989. Chinese buffets are ubiquitous, but this one is squarely in the upper range. Regularly refreshed steam tables, attentively fried rice, and properly spicy General Tso’s Chicken raise it above the other places typical of the genre. $ L D

CHINA GARDEN 7309 Preston Hwy., 968-4672. A busy restaurant with the double pleasure of Chinese and American menu items. $ L D CHINA INN 1925 S. Fourth St., 636-2020. It’s not the posh, private Faculty Club, but this little Asian spot may be one of the most popular eateries around the University of Louisville’s Belknap Campus. $ L D CHINA KING 3830 Ruckriegel Pkwy., 240-0500, 3000 Hikes Ln., 452-2646. $ L D CHINA TASTE 135 Quartermaster Ct., Jeffersonville IN, 284-5580. $ L D CHINA STAR 291 N. Hubbards Ln., 896-1818. $ L D CHINESE EXPRESS 3228 Crums Ln., 448-1360. $ L D CHONG GARDEN 10341 Dixie Hwy., 935-1628. $ L D h CHOPSTICKS 416 E. Broadway, 589-9145. $ L D CHOPSTICKS HOUSE 2112 W. Broadway, 772-3231.

Fans of this somewhat funky Chinese place post positive notices about the quality of its food. No strange Asian dishes here, just familiar Chinese hot table fare that Americans recognize. $ L D CHUNG KING PALACE 110 E. Market St., 584-8880. $ L D DOUBLE DRAGON 1255 Goss Ave., 635-5656, 2600 W. Broadway, 778-2573. Every neighborhood seems to need a Chinese steam table outlet serving up Asian dishes familiar to Americans. Double Dragon does that job for its neighborhoods. $ L D DOUBLE DRAGON II 12480 LaGrange Rd., 241-7766, 6832 Bardstown Rd., 231-3973, 3135 S. Second St., 367-6668, 5222 Dixie Hwy., 448-1988. $ L D DOUBLE DRAGON 9 9501 Taylorsville Rd., 2675353.$LD DRAGON CAFÉ 13206 W. U.S. Hwy. 42, 228-1885. This Prospect-area Chinese restaurants offers many familiar dishes. East End fans say the service is quick and the food above-average tasty. $ L D EAST STAR BUFFET 161 Outer Loop, 368-2868. $$ L D EGGROLL MACHINE 1543 Bardstown Rd., 459-1259.

The Chinese side of the menu at Café Mimosa is presented as The Egg Roll Machine, as opposed to the Vietnamese dishes on the fine dining Mimosa menu. All the expected Chinese favorites are here, including combination platters. $ L D hp FIRST WOK 3967 Seventh Street Rd., 448-0588, 6413 Greenwood Rd., 935-6611. $ L D h GOLDEN BUDDHA 8000 Preston Hwy., 968-7700. $LD h GOLDEN STAR CHINESE RESTAURANT 3458 Taylor Blvd., 368-1833. $ L D h THE GOLDEN WALL 3201 Fern Valley Rd., 968-9717. $ LD GREAT WALL 1977 Brownsboro Rd., 891-8881. This Clifton restaurant ranks high up in the fast-food Chinese pack. Offering steaming-hot, competently prepared and flavorful dishes. $ L D h

CHINA CAFÉ 8625 Preston Hwy., 969-9222, 9246 Westport Rd., 425-1818. $ L D

GREAT WOK 2502 Preston Hwy., 634-1918. Just about every shopping center in town has a fast-food Chinese spot, but this one stands out, generating a buzz of wordof-mouth publicity about its well-crafted Chinese dishes at a bargain-basement price. $ L D

CHINA CASTLE 7420 Third Street Rd., 367-4272. $ L D

HAPPY CHINA 9106 Taylorsville Rd., 493-1001. $ L D

CHINA CHEF 7813 Beulah Church Rd., 384-5322. Pretty standard Chinese choices can be found at this new store in the South End. Eat in or carry out. $ L D CHINA COAST 4952 Manslick Rd., 363-4259. $ L D

HAPPY DRAGON 12613 Taylorsville Rd., 297-8788. You guessed it: a good, go-to standard pan-China family-style restaurant in Jeffersontown that’s always there when you’re tired of cooking dinner for the clan. $ L D

CHINA DRAGON 8507 Terry Rd., 995-9897. The far southwest corner of the city can get its Chinese table hot food fix here. $ L D h

HIBACHI BUFFET 5372 Dixie Hwy., 449-8688. This far South Louisville Asian buffet gets strong positives from locals who appreciate its cleanliness, its range of choices

h = Late Night p = Full Bar f = Outdoor Dining e = Live Music

(including hibachi grilled meats to order and sushi) and a buffet bar that is kept freshly loaded. $ L D p HIBACHI SUSHI BUFFET 5316 Bardstown Rd., 4918228, 5729 Preston Hwy., 969-3788. Capitalizing on two seemingly persistent trends in American dining, this hot table place offers standard Chinese buffet dishes, and standard sushi choices. Cashew chicken, shrimp with garlic sauce, Dancing Dragon roll, spring and summer maki — it is all here. $$ L D HONG KONG FAST FOOD 5312 S. Third St., 367-8828.

One of the many international eateries in Iroquois Manor, this fast-food Chinese spot offers Cantonese standards hot and fast and inexpensively. Check out the daily specials for an occasional intriguing item. $ L D h JADE PALACE 1109 Herr Ln., 425-9878. Jade Palace offers familiar Chinese food choices, as well as a long list of Chef’s Specials, with names in Chinese characters as well as English (a sure sign you are in for authentic Chinese fare). Dim sum is offered daily, but on weekends it is served from a traditional rolling cart. $$ Br L D hp JASMINE 13823 English Villa Dr., 244-8896. Like many Chinese restaurants, Jasmine is in a strip mall, but this is not just another hot table stir fry joint. There is an American menu, but those in the know will ask for the 14-page Szechuan menu, featuring such interesting things as pig ear in sesame oil, hot and spicy intestines, spicy diced rabbit foot, frog legs, beef maw and tendon Szechuan style — one of the most popular choices, the manager said. $ L D p THE JOY LUCK 1285 Bardstown Rd., 238-3070, 9850 Von Allmen Ct., 618-1601. This fine Asian restaurant across from Mid-City Mall has opened a suburhan site too. Both serve familiar Chinese dishes very well done, as well as authentic Taiwanese offerings. Duck dishes are cooked in three different styles — Cantonese, Taiwanese and Beijing. $$ L D hpf JUMBO BUFFET 2731 S. Hurstbourne Pkwy., 495-0028.

Housed in a good-looking dining room, high on Chinatown-style glitz and glitter, Jumbo offers a standard all-you-can-eat Chinese buffet, with a largerthan-average selection of American dishes for those who want something less exotic. $$ L D h L & J ASIAN CUISINE 6017 Timber Ridge Dr., 2288399. This Pan-Asian spot in the Kroger-anchored strip center at Hwy. 42 near River Rd. offers a large familiar Chinese selection that also includes Vietnamese, Thai and Japanese dishes, and a good vegetarian selection. $$ LDf LING LING 10476 Shelbyville Rd., 245-2100. Modern and efficient in its East End shopping center location, Ling Ling is a cut above fast-food Chinese; better yet, it adds a few Vietnamese dishes to the bill of fare. $$ L D LIU’S GARDEN 11517 Shelbyville Rd., 244-9898. Small but charming, with white tablecloths and soft Chinese music, family-run Liu’s gains our approval with fresh, competent cookery and courteous, friendly service that makes you feel like you’re visiting a Chinese family at their home. $$ L D NEW CHINA 231 Blankenbaker Pkwy., 254-9299. $ L D ONION RESTAURANT TEA HOUSE 4211 Charlestown Rd., New Albany IN, 981-0188. Masterful Chinese and Japanese cuisine (including magnificent hotpots, donburi dishes, and wooden-bucket steamed rice) set this airy restaurant apart from the horde of other Asian spots. $ L D f ORIENTAL CAFÉ 3360 Hikes Ln., 451-0077. $ L D ORIENTAL HOUSE 4302 Shelbyville Rd., 897-1017. New owners continue the tradition at this long-standing St. Matthews restaurant, featuring both traditional ChineseAmerican and now, authentic Cantonese, menus. $ L D p ORIENTAL STAR 4212 Bishop Ln., 452-9898. A longtime area favorite in this heavy traffic lunch area. This www.foodanddine.com Summer 2018 71

establishment is quite good with Lo Mein Noodles, and Sweet and Sour Chicken. $ L D PANDA CHINA 9543 U.S. 42., 228-6400. $ L D PANDA EXPRESS 1075 Veterans Pkwy., Clarksville IN 288-0774, 1232 S. Hurstbourne Pkwy., 326-8430, 13311 Shelbyville Rd., 489-3980, 10600 Westport Rd., 425-1678. The Pentagon even has one of the 1500+ outlets of the nation’s largest Chinese fast food chains, and now we have four. Moderately priced chow such as orange chicken, Beijing beef, SweetFire chicken breast and honey walnut shrimp fill the menu. $ L D PEKING CITY BISTRO 12410 Shelbyville Rd., 253-6777.

With a recent ownership change, Peking City Bistro is following a small, but pleasant, trend among Chinese restaurants. They offer the standard Chinese-American dishes alongside choices from a truly authentic Chinese menu, making them a solid choice above the typical Chinese “hot table” spots. $ L D PEKING CITY EXPRESS 4000 Dutchmans Ln., 8910388. A lot of familiar items on the menu here, but those in the know ask for a Chinese menu, and order the dumplings or the xiao long bao (steam bun with meat filling). Dishes are handsomely presented, and servings are large. $$ L D QUICK WOK 801 W. Broadway, 584-6519. $ L D RED SUN CHINESE RESTAURANT 3437 Breckinridge Ln., 499-7788. $ L D RICE BOX 6810 Southside Dr., 380-2209. This typical Chinese hot table provides South End residents with the kind of Chinese food you would expect at budget prices. $LD SICHUAN GARDEN 9850 Linn Station Rd., 426-6767.

Another Asian restaurant that has stood the test of time, Sichuan Garden offers high-end Chinatown style and well-made dishes, plus a few Thai specialties to spice up the bill of fare. $ L D TEA STATION CHINESE BISTRO 9422 Norton Commons Blvd., 423-1202. This comfortable, sit-down Chinese restaurant has a large and eclectic menu, with lots of spicy dishes and daily double shot specials at the inviting bar. Now offering delivery to Norton Commons and adjacent suburbia. $$ L D hp WEI WEI CHINESE EXPRESS 526 S. Fifth St., 889-0827. $LD YANG KEE NOODLE 7900 Shelbyville Rd. (Oxmoor Center), 426-0800, 13301 Shelbyville Rd., 245-9264, 1004 Bardstown Rd., 791-9600. This locally owned and operated colorful and stylish fast-casual restaurant now has three locations spread across the county. The menus offer an intriguing array of appealing noodle and rice dishes from all over Asia with fast-food efficiency and prices happily matched by sit-down restaurant quality and style. $ L D f YEN CHING 1850 S. Hurstbourne Pkwy., 491-3581. $ L D YOKI BUFFET 1700 Alliant Ave., 267-2277. A Chinese food-oriented buffet, with sushi as well, offers more options near the Jeffersontown Industrial Park along the Blankenbaker Rd. corridor. $$ L D YOU-CARRYOUT-A 827 Eastern Blvd., Clarksville IN, 282-8881, 621 S. Indiana Ave., Sellersburg IN, 2461788. $ L D

ASAHI JAPANESE 3701 Lexington Rd., 895-1130. This small room in St. Matthews houses this neighborhood sushi spot where award-winning Chef Yong Bong Tak, formerly of Osaka, works his magic at the sushi bar. $ LD CHOI’S ASIAN FOOD MARKET 607 Lyndon Ln., 4264441. This suburban Asian grocery now serves hot table fare to enjoy while shopping. $ L D DRAGON KING’S DAUGHTER 1126 Bardstown Rd., 632-2444, 202 East Elm St., New Albany IN, 725-8600.

Owner Toki Masubuchi’s eclectic and somewhat funky menu builds on traditional Japanese ingredients with unexpected twists: pizza topped with sashimi, and tacos filled with avocado tempura. $ L D hpf FUJI ASIAN BISTRO 6801 Dixie Hwy., 937-0488. $$LD p FUJI JAPANESE STEAKHOUSE 3576 Springhurst Blvd., 339-1978. Part of the fun of sitting at the sushi bar is that you get to watch the chef at work. Put in your order, then sit back and sip your tea while the artist creates edible delights. This suburban sushi bar does the job well. $$ L D hp GINZA ASIAN BISTRO 9420 Shelbyville Rd., 749-8878.

A one-stop Asian restaurant. Choose to eat from the Chinese, Japanese or Thai kitchen, or sidle up to the sushi bar for all manner of vegetarian or fish-focused rolls, or sushi combos that include miso soup and salad.

A la carte sushi entrées too. $$ L D hp HEART & SOY 1216 Bardstown Rd., 452-6678. To the left is Roots, a sit-down restaurant. To the right is Heart & Soy, serving vegetarian “street food,” and entertaining passers-by with a glass-walled tofu-making room. Stateof-the-art equipment from Taiwan transforms organic soy beans from Ohio into soy milk and then coagulates and presses it into tofu as you watch. $ L D HIKO A MON SUSHI BAR 1115 Herr Ln., 365-1651, 416 W. Muhammad Ali Blvd., 625-3090. Japanese-trained chef Norihiko Nakanashi brings his skills to this sushi bar and Japanese grill in Westport Village. In addition to fine dining at the bar or in traditional Japanese dining rooms, Hiko A Mon offers sushi-grade fish from a small fish market. A second location takes over the downtown space from the former Caviar. $$$ L D hp IKEBANA 2901 Brownsboro Rd., 897-0509. This Crescent Hill space, site of the original Shariat’s and later Red Pepper Chinese, has been vacant for a while, but is now serving a range of Japanese fare, from hibachi grilled items to yakitori to a wide range of sushi rolls, including vegetarian options and sweet dessert rolls. $$ L D p KAILANA SUSHI 6435 Bardstown Rd., 614-7244. Fern Creek gets its own sushi bar, with generous rolls priced competitively — nothing over $12. Four levels of 13piece, mix and match lunch specials, as well as rice, noodles and salads. $$ L D h KANSAI JAPANESE STEAKHOUSE 1370 Veterans Pkwy., Clarksville IN, 218-9538, 1850 S. Hurstbourne Pkwy., 618-1870. Traditional Japanese dishes and sushi are available here, but like most Japanese Steakhouses, choose the grill tables with their slice-and-dice Japanese chef show for maximum entertainment. $$$ L D hp

YUMMY CHINA 6445 Bardstown Rd., 231-0393. $ L D h

KOBE STEAKHOUSE 301 S. Indiana Ave., Jeffersonville IN, 280-8500. Southern Indiana’s first serious Japanese restaurant has been drawing crowds with its exceptional sushi bar, with skilled and friendly chefs who can be relied on to fashion fresh and tasty bites that are just about certain to please. $$$ L D p

ARATA SUSHI 9207 U.S. 42, 409-4880. Arata is a dedicated sushi place, with only a few items that fall outside of the maki, nigri and sashimi offerings. The elegant modern interior, and the commitment to the freshest ingredients have been drawing in fans from beyond the East End. $$ L D p

MASA JAPANESE 12336 Shelbyville Rd., 409-5040.

Middletown, too, joins in the sushi expansion. Open for lunch and dinner, the standard menu is bolstered by daily chef’s specials. Lunch specials include the Japadawg, a hot dog with Japanese toppings, a range of teriyaki choices and ramen noodles, Japanese style. $$ L D h

72 Summer 2018 www.foodanddine.com

MT. FUJI 309 Cardinal Blvd., 637-5887. The quick-eating strip on the north side of U of L’s campus needed a Japanese place to satisfy students’ sushi cravings. The menu also has tempura and Japanese noodles. $ L D p OISHII SUSHI 2810 Taylorsville Rd., 365-3474. This small, attractive and popular sushi spot serves all the popular maki and nigri near Bowman Field. $$ L D h OSAKA SUSHI BAR 2039 Frankfort Ave., 894-9501, 426 W. Market St., 588-8899. This long-standing Clifton favorite also has a second location downtown, serving up sushi and other Japanese dishes in a bright and cheery environment to a loyal clientele. $$ L D POKEHANA 436 W. Market St., 996-7994. Poke, an increasingly popular Hawaiian raw fish salad, is given a fast-casual Asian fusion twist here in the space that had been Chop Chop Salads. Choose your combination of protein and vegetables and toppings such as ginger, jalapeno and seaweed salad. Also fried rice, bibimbab and noodle-bab, made with sweet potato noodles.$$ L RAMEN INOCHI 2009 Highland Ave., 785-4199. Coowners Jonathan Chiu and Jonathan Ham have extensive restaurant backgrounds — Chui’s parents own the historic Oriental House — and the confidence to make a go of a location that has seen lots of turnover. The short menu offers ramen bowls and appetizers such as gyoza, edamame and pork belly buns. $$ D hpf ROOTS 1216 Bardstown Rd., 452-6688. Veteran restaurateur Coco Tran looks to seduce the vegan/ vegetarian world of the Highlands with this crisp, elegant room. Eat at tables in the front, enjoy smoothies and tea at the bar, or snuggle down in a Japanese pit table in the back. Choose from an international selection of small plates. $ L D SAKE BLUE JAPANESE BISTRO 9326 Cedar Center Way, 708-1500. This Fern Creek restaurant brings the “full-service” Japanese restaurant experience to the southeast part of Louisville Metro. Look for hibachi grill tables and a sushi bar, along with a traditional dining room and cocktail bar. $$ L D hp SAKURA BLUE 4600 Shelbyville Rd., 897-3600. Located in elegant, upscale quarters in a St. Matthews shopping center, Sakura Blue ranks among the city’s top sushi bars. $$ L D h SAMURAI 12905 Shelbyville Rd., 253-0036. Middletown gets some artistic sushi, as well as hibachi-grilled steak and seafood. Teppan-style (food cooked on an iron griddle) lunch and dinner entrees are a specialty. $$ L D

p

SAPPORO JAPANESE GRILL & SUSHI 1706 Bardstown Rd., 479-5550. The remodeled Highlands location has an expanded kitchen, new sushi bar and new fixtures, giving trendy, glitzy Sapporo new bona fides as one of the city’s top spots for sushi and Japanese fare. $$$ L D

hp

SHOGUN JAPANESE STEAK HOUSE 9026 Taylorsville Rd., 499-5700, 4110 Hampton Lake Way, 394-0123.

Shogun’s decor is attractive, and quality food and service make it a pleasant dining destination. It’s unthreatening enough to appeal to those who find exotic cuisine “challenging,” but good enough to satisfy just about anyone who craves a Japanese dinner or a bite of sushi. $$$ L D hp STAR SUSHI 2781 Jefferson Centre Way, Jeffersonville IN, 725-8444. Jeffersonville joins the sushi craze with its own source of yellowtail rolls, sashimi and nigiri, which is drawing fans for the freshness and flavor of its offerings, and its very fair price point. $$ L D TOGO SUSHI 700 Lyndon Ln., 883-0666. ToGo offers primarily drive-thru sushi-to-go, but it does have a fiveseat bar and three two-top tables inside. Owner Chet Gurun also owns Samurai Sushi & Hibachi in Middletown and is also part owner of Oishii Sushi near

RED = Advertiser B = Breakfast Br = Brunch L = Lunch D = Dinner

Bowman Field. If sushi isn’t your thing, there are items like fried oysters, fried calamari and shrimp tempura, as well as some vegetarian options. $$ L D TOKYO JAPANESE RESTAURANT 2415 Lime Kiln Ln., 339-7171. It’s appealing, pleasant in atmosphere and friendly in service, and most important, this East End sushi bar serves excellent Japanese treats, prepared with care and flair from high-quality, impeccably fresh ingredients. $$ L D TOMO JAPANESE RESTAURANT 4317 Charlestown Rd., New Albany IN, 941-0200. This Japanese hibachi steak house offers a good show of knife skills and tableside grilling, as well as sushi. Patrons seem to admire the oversize sushi rolls, the salads with ginger dressing, and the grilled chicken and scallops. $$ L D p TSUBAKI SUSHI & BAR 13823 English Villa Dr., 2448896. A new addition to Jasmine, many people’s favorite Chinese restaurant in town. Look for both raw and cooked two-piece nigiri and three-piece Sashimi, a variety of vegetable rolls and deep fried rolls, and special rolls almost beyond counting. $$ L D p WILD GINGER SUSHI & FUSION 1700 Bardstown Rd., 384-9252, 9415 Norton Commons Blvd., 890-5157.

This Highlands sushi and Asian fusion spot has a sushi bar up front, and a pan-Asian menu in the back dining room. A second suburban location also serves standard Japanese entrées along with specials from Korea (bibim bop) China (Sichuan-style crispy tofu) and Thailand (pad thai and curries). $$ L D hp

CHARIM KOREAN RESTAURANT 4123 Oechsli Ave., 290-8900. “Charim” can be rendered as “the table is set.”

In this case with home-style Korean food, including nokdu jeon, a pancake with mung beans and kim chee — house-made kim chee at that. This modest St. Matthews place quickly became a hit, especially for the banchan, the assortment of sides that come with each entrée. $ L D KIM & BAB 3012 Charlestown Crossing Way, New Albany IN, 725-9844. This little Korean restaurant is getting rave notices from locals who love the mandu (dumplings), japchae (a noodle dish), galbi (short ribs) and dak-kangjung (fried marinated boneless chicken in a spicy sweet and sour sauce). More familiar things like bulgogi and fried rice too. $$ L D KOREANA II 5009 Preston Hwy., 968-9686. One of the city’s few restaurants devoted entirely to authentic Korean fare, Koreana is worth a special trip for this ethnic cuisine that offers a hearty, spicy alternative to the more familiar Chinese. $$ L D LEE’S KOREAN RESTAURANT 1941 Bishop Ln., 4569714. This little spot has been a secret since the ’70s, and it just keeps on going. Walk into what looks like a diner in an office building, but push past the counter to the back room, where you’ll find generous heaps of really authentic Korean food for next to nothing. $$ L D h RICE BOWL 3114 Grant Line Rd., New Albany IN, 5906786. Rice Bowl is another addition to the restaurant row area near the IUS campus. It serves Korean and Asian dishes. You will find clay pot bibimbap, chicken curry rice, several varieties of ramen. $$ L D SARANG 1908 Eastern Pkwy., 216-2351. The store on the Eastern Parkway side of the Schuster Building most recently was a Ce Fiori yogurt shop, but it now serves Korean food such as bibimbap, mandoo, ramen and dakkangjung. Bubble tea is back, too. $ L D

MAI’S THAI RESTAURANT 1411 E. Tenth St., Jeffersonville IN, 282-0198. With a broad range of well-prepared

and authentic Thai dishes, Mai’s is the eatery to beat among the metro area’s Thai restaurants. For both authenticity and quality, it’s right up there with the top Thai places in New York, San Francisco and Seattle. $ L D SALA THAI 8125 Bardstown Rd., 231-1992, 10403 Glenmary Farm Dr., 493-3944. This entry on the growing list of Thai restaurants is gaining fans, partly because it is vegetarian- and vegan-friendly. $$ L D SIMPLY THAI 323 Wallace Ave., 899-9670, 12003 Shelbyville Rd, 690-8344. Owner Mahn Saing and his wife, a classically trained Thai chef, are pleasing diners in St. Matthews and Middletown. Their menu of traditional Thai dishes, well-made sushi and a few upscale Thaistyle “fusion” dinner items use many ingredients from their small home garden. $$ L D f TAN THAI RESTAURANT 4510 Charlestown Rd., New Albany IN, 948-2012. It’s in a strip mall, but the folks who run Tan Thai create a distinctive atmosphere by hanging sheer white scrims that divvy the room up into serene little chambers. The menu of Thai specialties is small — just a dozen or so entrées — but nicely executed and beautifully presented. $ L D THAI CAFÉ 2226 Holiday Manor Center, 425-4815. You’ll find this small café tucked into a corner of the “Holiday Manor Walk.” Owner Chavantee Snow and her family offer a small but well-prepared selection of authentic Thai dishes at very reasonable prices. $ L D f THAI NOODLES 5800 Preston Hwy., 961-9018. The menu covers Thai standards like pad Thai and curries, with some interesting variations, including several duck items, such as Bangkok duck and pineapple curry duck.

Noodle dishes range from flat and thin egg noodle to bean thread and rice noodle. $ L D TIME 4 THAI 2206 Frankfort Ave., 996-7899. This Clifton location has not been propitious for former businesses, but the new owner is veteran restaurateur Pavana Tasanibriboon who has had restaurants in Thailand, Florida and New Jersey. The elegantly redone interior is matched by some unusually elegant dishes, such as the volcano Cornish hen, a whole bird, marinated with Thai herbs and spicy chili sauce, which is flambéed at the table. All dishes are cooked to order, so choose your spice level. Gluten-free and vegetarian choices available. $$ L D p

Á-CHÂU RESTAURANT 5103 S. Third St., 364-4262. This Beechmont arrival (pronounced “Ah Chow”), proclaims “Vietnamese Street Food” in a banner over the front door of what long was Thornberry’s Deli. The menu includes noodles and soups, Vietnamese egg rolls, bánh mi, curry dishes, fresh coconut or sugar cane juice, sweet Thai iced tea and hot or cold Vietnamese coffee. $$ L D ANNIE CAFE 308 W. Woodlawn Ave., 363-4847. Annie Cafe ranks not just as one of the better Vietnamese restaurants, but one the city’s best of any variety, particularly when value and price are taken into account.

Authentic Vietnamese food is made with care and served with pride. $ L D CAFÉ MIMOSA 1543 Bardstown Rd., 459-1259. Owner Phat Le, serving his Vietnamese, Chinese and pan-Asian dishes to happy regulars, might finally wean Louisvillians from referring to his building as the former Lentini’s. $ L D hp CAFÉ THUY VAN 5600 National Turnpike, 366-6959. A bit off the beaten track, this South End spot is true, authentic Vietnamese. Friendly service overcomes any language barrier, and prices are hard to beat. Don’t miss the banh mi, traditional Vietnamese sandwiches. $ L D CHIK'N & MI 2319 Brownsboro Rd., 890-5731. Fried chicken meets Asian noodles in the lower Brownsboro space that has seen lots of other ethnic choices. The

h = Late Night p = Full Bar f = Outdoor Dining e = Live Music

menu starts with fried chicken tossed in sauces such as sweet soy, hot, extra hot, and peppercorn ranch. Starters include assorted pickles, salads, fried calamari, and pork belly steam buns. Also pho and ramen dishes and shareable sides: fries, bok choy and kimchi mac and cheese. $$ Br D p LA QUE 1019 Bardstown Rd., 238-3981. La Que provides the lower Highlands with a dependable, economical Vietnamese menu that includes some dishes from other Asian cuisines. $$ L D hf LEMONGRASS RESTAURANT 11606 Shelbyville Rd., 244-7110. Lemongrass Café offers an appealing blend of Vietnamese, Thai and Chinese fare in a simple setting that transcends an obviously low budget with style and grace. $ L D h NAMNAM CAFÉ 318 Wallace Ave., 891-8859. This small St. Matthews Vietnamese restaurant has gained many enthusiastic fans who flock there for the pho, the banh mi and other authentic Vietnamese dishes. $ L D f NGON APPÉTIT 1991 Brownsboro Rd., 822-3377.

"Ngon" means delicious in Vietnamese, and the name reflects the French-Vietnamese culinary scope of this new enterprise from the owners of the now-defunct Four Sisters restaurant. Look for authentic Pho Bac (Northern style Vietnamese pho), crepes and bánh mi sandwiches. $LD PHO BA LUU 1019 E. Main St., 384-6822. This Butchertown restaurant focuses on Vietnamese street food such as pho, the classic noodle soup, and banh mi sandwiches. The very cool repurposed space was once a welding shop; its large open spaces and high ceilings make for an elegant place to sip sweet iced coffee or munch on an Imperial roll or tuck into a rice or noodle bowl. Fast casual service at lunch; after happy hour the full bar and large patio have full service. $$ L D pf PHO CAFÉ 1704 Barstown Rd., 916-2129. Local restaurant veteran Tuan Phan, who worked at Asiatique for 18 years along with a stint at Dish on Market, is serving Vietnamese-style home cooking. There will be pho, of course, the signature noodle soup, as well as other noodle and rice dishes, banh mi sandwiches and a small selection of stir-fries. $$ L D hf VIETNAM KITCHEN 5339 Mitscher Ave., 363-5154. This little South End storefront is well worth seeking out. The chef goes beyond the ordinary, preparing authentic Vietnamese dishes of unusual subtlety and flavor. We have yet to be disappointed with the quality of the food or service. $ L D h ZEN GARDEN 2240 Frankfort Ave., 895-9114. One of the longest-running vegetarian/vegan restaurants in town, Zen Garden’s spartan but calm ambience is matched by the high quality and flavor of its eclectic Asian offerings: egg rolls and pot stickers, Vietnamese crepes, sushi rolls and noodle dishes with Vietnamese, Thai, Chinese and Malaysian influences.. $ L D h

COUVILLION 1318 McHenry St., 365-1813. Paul Skulas, who opened Portage House in Jeffersonville last year, has sold it to take over the former Finn’s Southern Kitchen space in Germantown. The name refers to the rich Cajun-style tomato based roux broth that will be the basis of their signature catfish dish. The menu will feature traditional Southern flavors and cooking styles of Mississippi and Louisiana. $$$ L D pf FLAVOUR 1767 Bardstown Rd., 409-6968. This Highlands space that was Asiatique has been quickly appropriated for Flavour, which features Caribbean, Creole and Southern cuisine. The menu ranges from conch fritters and Caribbean-spiced chicken pattie to fried catfish and ribs to crawfish etouffée, jerk chicken and Trinidadian oxtail stew.

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J. GUMBO’S 8603 Citadel Way, 493-4720, 103 Quartermaster Crt., Jeffersonville IN, 282-7823, 1616 Grinstead Dr., 873-5006, 2109 Frankfort Ave., 8964046. Former jockey Billy Fox has come full circle with his chain of popular quick-service Cajun restaurants — his most recent outlet is in the little house near Bardstown Rd., where it all began. Among the hearty, affordable dishes that have made J. Gumbo’s a go-to spot is the drunken chicken, still a favorite. $ B L D f SEAFOOD LADY 103 W. Oak St., 210-9381. It began as a food truck, then owner Nichelle Thurston opened a small take-out-mostly spot in Old Louisville. Now Seafood Lady has moved into larger digs. The lure here is fresh fish, shrimp and crab legs brought up from the Gulf Coast, prepared with Cajun spices, and served simply and relatively cheaply. $$ L D f SELENA’S AT WILLOW LAKE TAVERN 10609 LaGrange Rd., 245-9004. This Cajun/Creole place in a renovated Anchorage roadhouse continues to find fans.

Shrimp or fish with Manale sauce is a tribute to Pascal Manale’s in New Orleans. $$ Br L D hpf

CARIBBEAN CAFÉ 317 W. Woodlawn Ave., 434-7711.

The diverse Woodlawn neighborhood welcomes the area’s first Haitian restaurant. The boldly-painted exterior is decorated with cool Haitian folk art; the menu offers generous portions of jerk chicken, fried red snapper, goat, and hearty sides of rice, beans and plantains. $ L D h EL SABOR DE CUBA 7200 Preston Hwy., 618-2181. The flavors of Cuba can be found here on an ambitious menu of appetizers (tamales, croquetas and tostones), pizzas (including those topped with tuna or shrimp), Cubano (and other) sandwiches, and chicken, beef, HABANA BLUES TAPAS RESTAURANT 320 Pearl St., New Albany IN, 944-9760. Owner Leo Lopez has rebooted his restaurant concept in a former bank (the safe is still there, behind the bar) and installed in the front of the restaurant is a recreation of the raft he built to emigrate from Castro’s Cuba when he was 18. Cubanstyle tapas on the menu, also a half-dozen bocaditos (sandwiches) and a few dinner dishes such as paella Valenciana and arroz con pollo. Live music most nights — tango, flamenco and salsa. $$ L D pfe HAVANA BAKERY CAFÉ 5510 Fern Valley Rd., 5093410. This Cuban spot offers sweets and savories: tres leches cake, coquitos (coconut-caramel rolls) and flan; sandwiches or meat and fish combos (ropa vieja, albondigas, pechuga de pollo). $$ L D HAVANA RUMBA 4115 Oechsli Ave., 897-1959, 12003 Shelbyville Rd., 244-5375. A true taste of Old Havana can be found at both locations of this consistently busy Cuban restaurant. Bountiful servings of Cuban fare as good as any in Key West or Miami, not to mention a hopping mojito bar, have earned Havana Rumba a place on our short list of local favorites. $$ L D p f HAVANA RUMBA & TAPAS BAR 2210 Bardstown Rd., 749-4600. The Havana Rumba family brings Cuban food to the Douglass Loop, and adds a large selection of Spanish tapas as well. Fans have also spoken reverently of the mojitos and other cocktails in the stylish bar. $ L D hpfe MI SUEÑO 3425 Bardstown Rd., 709-4526, 4214 Bishop Ln., 458-1050. This honest little bodega and hot table restaurant serving Latin groceries and a variety of Cubancentric Latin dishes was, as the name translates, the owner’s dream. It was a successful dream, in that there are now two locations, both offering solid ethnic fare at affordable big-city ethnic eatery prices. $ B L D NAILA’S CARIBBEAN 1370 Veterans Pkwy., Jeffersonville, IN 725-0399. This little place is behind the Famous

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Dave’s BBQ restaurant; look for the tiki awning. Inside, look for island fare like jerk wings with plantain chips, as well as Indian-inspired items like curries, and when available Trini fried whole fish. $$ L D

corridor. Diners of all ages like its burgers, flat breads, sandwiches and fish and chips. When music fills the rooms, it’s great to be Irish, even if you’re not. $$ L D

ROOF TOP GRILL 708 Louis Coleman Jr. Dr., 785-4069, 414 W. Oak St., 618-2287. This West End Jamaican restaurant serves the native cuisine of owner Courtney Johnson. Look for jerk chicken, curry with chicken, turkey, goat and rib tips, along with Kentucky favorites like fried catfish, barbecue and beef patties. The newlyopened second location in Old Louisville has a full bar that serves Jamaican beer and white rum among the drinks. $ L D

PATRICK O’SHEA’S 123 W. Main St., 708-2488. This downtown Irish bar was one of the first to open in the Whiskey Row complex. Crowds have been elbowing in for upscale Irish-inflected bar food and plenty of sports talk. $$ L D hpfe

BISTRO LE RELAIS 2817 Taylorsville Rd. (Bowman Field), 451-9020. This art deco spot makes stylish use of an historic 1920s airport building to present elegant modern French cuisine. Owner Anthony Dike’s refocus of the restaurant around a bistro menu continues its popularity. $$$$ D pfe BRASSERIE PROVENCE 150 N. Hurstbourne Pkwy., 883-3153. This Provençal-style brasserie serves classical and Southern French specialties, the comfort food enjoyed by owner Guy Genoud in his childhood home of Cannes, France. Dine like the French do on fish and seafood, a variety of meat and fowl, a daily "plat du jour", French cheese and charcuterie, specialty cocktails, draft beer and a large selection of French wine. $$$ L D pf

EIDERDOWN 983 Goss Ave., 290-2390. The popular Germantown restaurant has re-defined itself as a neighborhood meeting place with an imaginative menu of freshly-made German and American dishes. The menu includes a variety of house-made sausages, schnitzel, rouladen, spätzle and the most extensive German beer selection in town. $$ L D h GASTHAUS 4812 Brownsboro Center, 899-7177. Michael and Annemarie Greipel came here with their five kids in 1993, straight from North Rhine-Westphalia to St. Matthews. Tiny lights twinkle from strands of fake red geraniums. But the hearty German fare — schnitzels, sauerbraten and rouladen with red cabbage and dumplings — is the real thing. $$$ D

IRISH ROVER 2319 Frankfort Ave., 899-3544. Owner Michael Reidy is the Irish rover, having come to the U.S. from County Clare in 1984. His saloons are as smooth as Guinness, as warm as fish and chips, as genuine as Scotch eggs. The Frankfort Avenue building dates from 1859. $ Br L D pf MOLLY MALONE’S 933 Baxter Ave., 473-1222, 3900 Shelbyville Rd., 882-2222. A carefully constructed replica of a modern urban Irish pub, Molly Malone’s, a worthy addition to the city’s eating and drinking scene, has added a second, suburban location. Both are as authentically Irish as the Wearin’ o’ the Green. $$ L D

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MORE SHENANIGAN’S 4521 Bardstown Rd., 493-3585. $ L D hpfe O'CONNELL'S IRISH PUB 5520 Fern Valley Rd., 9640040. If you are in the mood for an Irish Car Bomb, this is the place. Guinness, too, karaoke nights and a satisfying selection of bar food. $ L D hpe O’SHEA’S TRADITIONAL IRISH PUB 956 Baxter Ave., 589-7373. The O’Shea family has been operating an Irish pub since the early 1900s. Today they have one of the most popular pubs on the entire Bardstown-Baxter

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SHENANIGAN’S IRISH GRILL 1611 Norris Pl., 4543919. Not just a neighborhood tavern (although it’s a fine neighborhood tavern), Irish-accented Shenanigan’s goes an extra step with an estimable selection of memorable burgers. $ L D hpfe

ADRIENNE’S ITALIAN RESTAURANT 129 W. Court Ave., Jeffersonville IN, 282-2665. A part of the dining renaissance on the sunny side of Louisville, Adrienne’s has been pleasing Indiana diners with home-style Italian dishes. The owners also operate Adrienne’s Bakery in Jeffersonville. $$ L D AMICI´ 316 W. Ormsby Ave., 637-3167. Satisfying traditional Tuscan dishes are served in this interesting — and supposedly haunted — Old Louisville building.

Dine inside or on the romantic (and pet-friendly) patio on a lovely summer evening. There’s no extra charge if the ghosts want to share your penne alla Lorenzo or Valpolicella. Later in the spring, a coffee shop is to be added. $$ L D pf ANSELMO’S ITALIAN BISTRO 1511 Bardstown Rd., 749-0444. Highland residents hankering for simple, traditional, filling Italian dishes can find just that in this Italian bistro. The menu offers what one would expect: pizza, pastas, lasagna — at reasonable prices. $$ L D hp AT THE ITALIAN TABLE 2359 Frankfort Ave., 8830211. Chef Gina Stipo has a real osteria in her Crescent Hill house, serving dinners Wednesday through Saturday at two communal dining tables, imported from her former digs in Italy. Book now for later in the spring – both her dinners and Tuesday night hands-on cooking classes fill up fast. $$$ D BAR VETTI 800 S. Fourth St., 883-3331. Ryan Rogers (Feast BBQ, Royals Hot Chicken) and Executive Chef Andrew McCabe have opened bar Vetti in the renovated 800 Building (now 800 City Club Apartments). Look for classic Italian cooking using local seasonally available produce (no caprese salads without local tomatoes) and simple preparations. The full bar will include at least six wines on draft, drawn from a keg. $$ B L D hpf BELLA ROMA AUTHENTIC ITALIAN RESTAURANT 134 E. Market St., New Albany IN, 725-9495. Bella Roma adds classic Italian-American choices in a pleasant environment in the midst of New Albany’s growing restaurant row. $$$ L D f BIRRACIBO 445 S. Fourth St., 915-8113. (Fourth Street Live!) Junior Bridgman’s restaurant group joins the fun at Fourth Street Live! with this Italian restaurant.

Specialties are artisanal pizzas and a charcuterie station behind the bar, served alongside wine and craft beer.

After all, “birra" is Italian for beer, and “cibo” means meal. $$$ L D pf BISTRO 42 6021 Timber Ridge Dr., 632-2552. Another entry in the dining choices at Prospect Village shopping center. This little family-run place, serving pasta, sandwiches and Italian and American dishes is proud of its 5-cheese 3-meat Bistro lasagna and their 3-hour honey-baked ham, offered at an attractive price. $$ L D

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BUCA DI BEPPO 2051 S. Hurstbourne Pkwy., 493-2426.

Buca di Beppo’s recipe has all the necessary ingredients: huge portions of excellent food served with flair and the

RED = Advertiser B = Breakfast Br = Brunch L = Lunch D = Dinner

Buca scene is fun, a conscious parody of the exuberant decor of family Italian-American restaurants of the 1950s. $$ L D hp CARRABBA’S ITALIAN GRILL 617 S. Hurstbourne Pkwy., 412-2218. Not your ordinary suburban shopping-center franchise eatery. This place dramatically exceeds expectations. From warmed bread dishes with quality olive oil to first-rate Italian-American fare at reasonable prices. $$$ L D hpf CIAO 1201 Payne St., 690-3532. Bridgette Pizzonia and Chef Helen Impellezeri have collaborated to transform the old Baxter Station into a crisp modern dining space, where they serve a blend of familiar Italian-American family cuisine and Northern Italian dishes. Creative takes on Italian regional tradition include lamb bolognese over polenta, salmon saltimbocca and roast chicken with smoked mushroom risotto. $$ L D hpf COME BACK INN 909 Swan St., 627-1777, 415 Spring St., Jeffersonville IN, 285-1777. With both locations being in urban neighborhoods, Come Back Inn looks pretty much like any other neighborhood saloon. But unlike other neighborhood saloons, these house a family Italian spot that wouldn’t be out of place in Chicago or Brooklyn. $$ L D p DIFABIO’S CASAPELA ITALIAN RESTAURANT 2311 Frankfort Ave., 891-0411. Reminiscent of a menu that harks back to the red-checked tablecloth and Chianti bottle era of Italian restaurants. Look for baked stuffed mushrooms and toasted ravioli, veal parmesan and chicken piccata, and your choice of pastas with your choice of sauce. $$ D f MARTINI ITALIAN BISTRO 4021 Summit Plaza Dr. 3949797. Now locally owned, Martini’s continues to serve hearty, well-fashioned Italian entrées, pastas and pizzas, a comfortable approximation of a Tuscan trattoria. An

open kitchen with wood-fired oven gives a peek at the culinary goings-on. $$$ Br L D hpf MERCATO ITALIANO 10640 Meeting St., 690-3200.

This Italian market and casual sit-down restaurant in Norton Commons is part of Fernando Martinez’s Olé Restaurant Group. James Swihart is in charge of the kitchen, which offers lunch (sandwiches, flatbreads, pasta dishes and salads) and more substantial choices at dinner, but at a moderate price point. In the market section customers can buy cheeses, bread, charcuterie, packaged pastas and sauces, tiramisu and cannoli. $$$ D

platters of lasagna, zesty salads, red wine and iced tea.

On Saturdays, the kitchen switches over to a special Persian menu. $$ L D PORCINI 2730 Frankfort Ave., 894-8686. This anchor trattoria of the Crescent Hill dining scene has been serving up risotto, ossobuco and bistecca since 1992.

Crowds wait at the popular bar for one of the tables — or just wait at the bar. $$$ L D hpfe

MILANTONI ITALIAN RESTAURANT 1600 S. Hurstbourne Pkwy., 742-8210. This East End restaurant serves up all you would want in a casual Italian eatery: mozzarella sticks and calamari; subs and Philly cheesesteaks; pizzas and calzones; and a dozen or so different pastas. $$ L D p

ROC RESTAURANT 1327 Bardstown Rd., 459-7878.

New York City chef/restaurateur Rocco Cadolini, drawn to his in-laws’ hometown, has transformed the house that was Emma Lou’s Cafe (and before that, Butterfly Garden Café). In the new kitchen in the back, Cadolini and his chefs will prepare the cuisine of his native Sorrento. The front garden will include a pergola to be planted with grapevines. The first floor has a large bar and casual dining, and upstairs sees a more formal white tablecloth space. $$$ Br L D hpf

OLD SPAGHETTI FACTORY 235 W. Market St., 5811070. One of the original ventures of this national firm.

Bright and noisy, it offers well-made if basic Italian family fare and dishes it out for surprisingly low prices. $$ L D hp

ROMANO’S MACARONI GRILL 401 S. Hurstbourne Pkwy., 423-9220. The Italian-style menu at this casual, Dallas-based family chain includes appetizers, salads, pastas, veal and desserts. Chefs entertain while creating wood-fired pizzas. $$ L D hp

THE OLIVE GARDEN 1320 Hurstbourne Pkwy., 3397190, 9730 Von Allmen Ct., 425-3607, 4805 Outer Loop, 968-2978, 1230 Veterans Pkwy., Clarksville IN, 218-8304. The top property of the Darden chain, Olive Garden now operates more than 500 properties and bills itself as the leading Italian restaurant in the casual dining industry. Hearty pastas of all shapes and sauces, appetizers and combo platters all carry the Italian theme. $$ L D hp

SARINO 1030 Goss Ave., 822-3777. Owners and brothers, Carmelo and Michael Gabriele, the next generation of the noted Gabriele family (owners of the highly revered Vincenzo’s), have taken over the short-lived Goss Ave. Pub space for their casual, authentic Italian restaurant that emphasizes fresh pasta and Neapolitan pizza, something Germantown had been lacking. The menu also features Sicilian street fare, Italian cheeses paired with charcuterie, and traditional entrees. $$ D hp

PESTO’S ITALIAN RESTAURANT 566 S. Fifth St., 5840567. Offices for blocks around empty into this busting Italian eatery for weekday lunches featuring hearty

SILVIO’S ITALIAN RESTAURANT 104 Fairfax Ave., 883-6369. Owned by one of the Melillo family, fondly remembered for their NuLu retaurant before NuLu

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h = Late Night p = Full Bar f = Outdoor Dining e = Live Music

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became popular, this St. Matthews spot evokes the classic New Jersey style Italian restaurants of the “Big Night” era: baked pasta dishes, cheese-stuffed rice balls, pasta fagiole, and eggplant Parmesan. $$ L D hp SPAGHETTI SHOP 4510 Charlestown Rd., New Albany IN, 944-5400. Baked pasta dishes, subs, salads and appetizers are prepared while you wait. $ L D TUSCANY ITALIAN RESTAURANT 165 Outer Loop, 363-0308. Adding an appetizing option to a stretch of the South End that hasn’t been over-served by restaurants, this good-sized storefront near New Cut Road boasts a Mexican chef who demonstrates an expert’s hand with hearty, red-sauced Italian-American fare at a price that’s right. $$ L D hp VOLARE 2300 Frankfort Ave., 894-4446. After 13 years serving stylish Italian dishes, Volare has undergone an upgrade of premises both at the front and back of the house. Chef and co-owner Josh Moore has revised his menu after an inspirational tour of Italy, and brings in fantastic whole fish for seafood specials. His new pasta extruder allows him to do things like squid ink fettuccine. Volare continues to be a top spot for suave Italian dining. $$ B Br L D hpf

ARTESANO TAPAS VINO Y MAS 1321 Herr Ln., 7082196. Part of Fernando Martinez’s Olé Restaurant Group, Artesano firmly holds down a corner of Westport Village with casual and authentic Spanish tapas, ceviches, empanadas, and entrées from across the cuisines of Latin America. Look for beautifully done familiar dishes such as arroz con pollo and chimichurri steak, and less familiar items like Peruvian chaufa rice or lomo saltado (Angus filet tips sautéed in Peruvian marinade). $$$ D hpfe MOJITO TAPAS RESTAURANT 2231 Holiday Manor Center, 425-0949. An offshoot of the popular St. Matthews Cuban restaurant Havana Rumba, Mojito quickly established its own identity as the East End spot for Spanish-inspired small plates with a global taste profile. Always crowded on weekends; no reservations, but call ahead to get high on the waiting list. $$ L D

tandooris, saag, vindaloos and curries, and many wellspiced vegetarian dishes. $$ L D phf KASHMIR INDIAN RESTAURANT 1277 Bardstown Rd., 473-8765. One of the city’s most popular Indian restaurants, Kashmir is casual, neither posh nor expensive, and it produces an extensive menu of seemingly authentic Indian fare. $$ L D hf KATHMANDU KITCHEN AND BAR 3825 Bardstown Rd., 276-1527. Named for the capital city of Nepal, this crisp, modern place in Buechel serves Nepalese food (a sort-of fusion of Chinese and Indian cuisines). Expect dishes such as pakoras, biruanis and even chow mein, but also Nepali items such as pork sakuwo (spiced pork chunks cooked on skewers), fried mo-mo (a kind of dumpling with dipping sauce) and khasikomaasu ra bhata, an aromatic stew with curried accents. $$ L D hp SHALIMAR INDIAN RESTAURANT 1850 S. Hurstbourne Pkwy., 493-8899. Modern and sleek in appearance, modest in price, this restaurant has become the patriarch of local Indian restaurants. With a substantial lunch buffet and a full range of dinner items, it has built a loyal clientele. $$ L D TAJ PALACE 2929 Goose Creek Rd., 423-9692. Focused on Northern Indian cuisine, the menu offers a wide range of chicken, lamb, seafood and vegetarian dishes.

Spiciness can be decided by the customer. Lunch buffet and dinner menu. $$ L D f TANDOORI FUSION 4600 Chamberlain Ln., 255-7368.

The former Zeggz's location has been quickly taken over by entrepreneur Purna Veer, who uses Indian vegetables grown on his Oldham County farm. Veer promises that his dishes will not be “watered down,” so be ready for uncommon spice levels. $$ B L D pf TIKKA HOUSE 3930 Chenoweth Sq., 749-4535. Tikka House, in the space that once was Majid’s, has garnered positive notice for both its lunch buffet and a la carte dinner service. Diners have praised dishes such as lamb masala with roasted coconut, Tandoori wings, fish pakora, paneer chili, several daal preparations and saag paneer. $$ L D pf

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BOMBAY GRILL 216 N. Hurstbourne Pkwy., 425-8892.

With its broad array of Indian regional specialties including the requisite lunch buffet, this spot in The Forum on Hurstbourne is winning praise for its aromatic flavors and bountiful portions. $$ L D CHAMLING KITCHEN & BAR 2249 Hikes Ln., 4512100. Another entrepreneurial immigrant family has opened Louisvillians’ taste buds to more ethnic possibilities. In the former Empress of China space, the Rai family serves standard Chinese hot table dishes, but also adds Nepalese and Indian fare. $ L D p CLAY OVEN INDIAN RESTAURANT 12567 Shelbyville Rd., 254-4363. Northern Indian cuisine with a focus on the clay oven specialties of the region, including some Nepalese dishes, like goat curry and chicken mo-mo (a kind of chicken and dumplings dish). Also selections of lamb dishes and, of course, a large vegetarian menu. $$ L D DAKSHIN INDIAN RESTAURANT 4742 Bardstown Rd., 491-7412. This Indian restaurant has won many fans with its aromatic and spicy Southern Indian fare to the Buechel-Fern Creek neighborhood in the Eastland Shopping Center. $$ B L D p HIMALAYAN RESTAURANT 1578 Bardstown Rd., 7081477. Owner Teknath Niraula is Nepalese, but the menu is largely focused on northern Indian cuisine. There are samosas and pakoras, but also momo dumplings, various

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AL WATAN 3713 Klondike Ln., 454-4406. Classic Arabic dishes home-cooked by friendly people in a cozy environment. That’s the recipe that makes Al Watan a destination for lovers of fine Middle Eastern fare. $ L D ALADDIN’S MEDITERRANEAN 37 Bank St., New Albany IN, 489-7969. After bringing a higher level of Middle Eastern cuisine to the still-growing dining scene in New Albany, Aladdin’s has moved to the cool new Underground Station complex. You will still find wellcrafted gyros, chicken shawarma, tabbouleh and hummus in their sleek new environs. Finish your meal with thick Turkish coffee. $ L D h CAFÉ 360 1582 Bardstown Rd., 473-8694. Highlands diners enjoy an eclectic and international menu at the friendly corner place, with Southern fried catfish and Indian lamb biryani in immediate juxtaposition. You can get it all, diner-style, just about 24/7. $ B L D hpf CASPIAN GRILL PERSIAN BISTRO 2716 Frankfort Ave., 290-6050. Middle Eastern food of an aboveaverage quality. Kabobs and hummus, of course, but also shirazi salad with tomatoes, cucumbers and onions in a lemony dressing, and chicken stew with pomegranate and walnuts. $ L D EAT A PITA 2286 Bardstown Rd., 473-7482. Enjoy Mediterranean-Middle Eastern favorites, as well as the addition of a few “American” sandwiches — on fresh pita, of course. $ L D THE FALAFEL HOUSE 1001 Bardstown Rd., 454-4407.

This small Highlands spot is strategically situated to offer

quick and affordable sustenance along the BardstownBaxter entertainment strip. Look for the usual Middle Eastern fare in a casual, quick-service setting. $$ L D

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GRAPE LEAF 2217 Frankfort Ave., 897-1774. Relatively recent renovations and an expanded menu have elevated the Grape Leaf to destination status, placing it well above the generic Middle Eastern eatery niche. Prices remain affordable, while the food and mood now justify a special trip. $$ L D f JERUSALEM KITCHEN 4413 Saint Rita Dr., 614-6465.

Little Jerusalem Café has moved from the Iroquois Manor area and moderately rebranded itself. You can still find a range of Mediterranean dishes here, schwarma and fattoush, gyros and hummus and so on. $ L D LITTLE GREEK FRESH GRILL 4600 Shelbyville Rd., 690-8348. This Arkansas-based chain is now serving dolmades and spanikopita, pita sandwiches and wraps, a variety of skewers and mousaka and pastitsio. $$ L D p MAIRA MEDITERRANEAN GRILL 1907 S. Fourth St., 963-5999. Owners of the popular Safier restaurant in Theater Square have opened this U of L location, serving Middle Eastern food such as shawarma, kebab, falafel, hummus, lentil soup and baklava. $ L D f MASALA GRILL 528 S. Fifth St., 562-0202. $ L MIRAGE MEDITERRANEAN RESTAURANT 4100 Preston Hwy., 363-7788. Preston Highway’s international restaurant row is enriched by this Middle Eastern eatery, run by the owners of the now-defunct Little Jerusalem. Gyros, hummus, falafel — what one would expect, but done with attention to details and a flair for flavor. $$ L D f PASHA'S MEDITERRANEAN 3904 Bardstown Rd., 4094532. You can find the usual Mediterranean fare here – falafel, baba ghanouj – but with influences of Jordanian recipes such as Kalaya, ground lamb cooked in tomatoes, and char-grilled lamb liver. Fans cite the value-sized portions. $$ L D hfe PITA PIT 434 W. Jefferson St., 450-6077. Pita Pit, an international sandwich chain, offers the expected falafel and gyros, but customers can also choose club sandwiches, chicken Caesars and Philly cheesesteak pitas, salads and breakfast pitas. It’s located in the longempty former J. Gumbo’s spot, at the corner of S. Fifth and Jefferson Streets. $ L D PRINCE HOOKAH LOUNGE 1489 S. Fourth St., 6184201. With the Highlands just about packed as full as possible with hookah bars, now Old Louisville residents can drop in for a puff at the corner building that has seen many owners and incarnations over the years, and have a burger, or a turkey sandwich, some falafel or hummus or wings.$ L D h SAFFRON’S 131 W. Market St., 584-7800. An unassuming location downtown, but a most pleasant space inside, with food and service that continues to please regulars and delight visitors. The popular menu items continue to be rack of lamb, roasted duck fesenjoon, salmon and kebabs. $$$ L D pf SAFIER MEDITERRANEAN DELI 641 S. Fourth St., 585-1125. You can get standard American fare at this welcoming downtown quick-eats spot, but who’d do that when you can enjoy such appetizing Arabian delights as hummus, mutabal, falafels and the gyros-like (only better) shawarma beef-on-pita sandwich? $ L D f SAM’S GYRO 3123 S. Second St., 709-4292. This hummus and kebab joint, with its tasty food and friendly service, has moved out to the South End. The menu features everything you would expect from a typical Eastern Mediterranean menu: falafel, tabouli, gyros, baklava and spanakopita. $ L D h SHIRAZ MEDITERRANEAN GRILL 2226 Holiday Manor Center, 426-9954, 201 N. Hurstbourne Pkwy.,

RED = Advertiser B = Breakfast Br = Brunch L = Lunch D = Dinner

426-3440, 3521 Poplar Level Rd., 632-2232, 237 S. Fifth St., 742-1058, 4614 Chamberlain Ln., 919-9014, 1565 Bardstown Rd., 749-0385. From a tiny neighborhood storefront, Shiraz quickly grew out of its original location and expanded into a local mini-chain.

In all its locations, Shiraz shines with authentic Persian (Iranian) cooking, such as char-grilled kebabs, fine pitas and lavash. $ L D f TAZIKI’S MEDITERRANEAN CAFÉ 13317 Shelbyville Rd., 244-6222, 106 Fairfax Ave., 212-5373. At these Alabama-based chain outlets the food is made fresh daily with vegan and gluten-free choices. The menu includes grilled chicken roll-ups, a grilled tilapia sandwich with dill-caper sauce, gyros, a grilled vegetable and rice plate, roasted potatoes and baklava, along with beer and wine. $$ L D pf YAFA CAFÉ 612 S. Fifth St., 561-0222. This well-respected Middle Eastern lunch spot had gained a fanbase for its hummus, among other dishes, before it succumbed to the expansion of the Kindred development. Now it has re-opened in a prime downtown restaurant lunch space that has seen a number of prior occupants. $$ L D hf ZOE’S KITCHEN 500 W. Jefferson St., 585-0000, 4126 Summit Plaza Dr., 329-8963, 3723 Lexington Rd., 4098963. This chain has been growing throughout the South and Southwest, and now has three Louisville locations.

An eclectic menu offers kabobs, hummus, quesadillas, roll-ups, pita sandwiches and chicken, tuna and shrimp salads. $ L D ZOOM ZOOM YUM 974 Barret Ave., 550-7143. Another food truck settles down in the Original Highlands, this one focusing on Turkish street foods, such as kebobs, gyros and wraps. The Adana kebab has seasoned ground beef, grilled on a skewer and served as a wrap in a grilled tortilla. Beef or chicken gyros are also available, served as a wrap or over rice. $ D f

LA GUANAQUITA 4231 Taylor Blvd., 822-1343. This South End spot serves the dishes of Guatemala and Honduras: pupusas and baledas and pescado frito (fried fish), served whole, head and tail on, garnished with lime wedges and avocado slices. $$ L D h SABOR LATINO 1273 S. Brook St., 276-4954. A welcome addition to Old Louisville is this tiny restaurant serving a “Latin Culinary Mix,” as a sign advertises. The menu offers Cuban sandwiches, patatas bravas, burritos, quesadillas, carne asada, ropa vieja and pollo de vacaciones – a chicken stew. $$ L D YUMMY POLLO 4222 Bishop Ln., 618-1400. You can get Peruvian-style charcoal roasted chicken here by the piece, half or whole bird. American-style side dishes include fried or mashed potatoes, rice, steamed vegetables, slaw and pasta salad. $ L

BANDIDO TAQUERIA MEXICANA 423 University Blvd., 996-7788. This little Mexican place in a strip mall near U of L serves California-style tacos, quesadillas, burritos, nachos and burrito bowls, with a choice of four salsas at the condiment bar. $$ L D BAZO’S FRESH MEXICAN GRILL 4014 Dutchmans Ln., 899-9600, 1250 Bardstown Rd., 694-0040. Two locations of this pleasant local chain offer fine fish tacos and simple fast-food Mexican fare in an inexpensive, casual atmosphere. $ L D f CAFÉ AROMA 2020 Brownsboro Rd., 618-3434. This little shop along the lower Brownsboro food corridor touts “a world of flavor with a Mexican flair.” It’s mostly Mexican and really mostly good, according to our friends in the neighborhood. Affordable, casual and filling. $ L D

CANCÚN 808 Lyndon Ln., 885-2318. Another Mexican restaurant has taken over the Lyndon-area space that recently was Hay Chi Wa Waa. The extensive menu offers familiar dishes, combination platers, and steak and seafood specialties like carne bandito and tostados de ceviche. $$ L D p CASA FIESTA 10000 Brownsboro Rd., 423-4604. This Mexican restaurant in the Summit area has impressed diners with its clean, modern ambience and its generous portions for reasonable prices. $ L D pf CHIPOTLE MEXICAN GRILL 315 S. Fourth St., 5848606, 10333 Westport Rd., 526-5170, 1075 Bardstown Rd., 452-8990, 13303 Shelbyville Rd., 244-7173, 420 S. Hurstbourne Ln., 425-3017. Now with five Louisville locations, this increasingly popular Tex-Mex chain, with an emphasis on cooking with humanely-raised meat products, seems to have struck a chord with consumers. $ L Df CITIZEN 7 10715 Meeting St., 690-6390. South American street food joins the dining choices at Norton Commons with this Latin-themed place with a margarita menu at the bar. The dining menu offers small plates such as short rib empanada, mojo pork belly and salads, with entrees such as churrasco and Peruvian-style roast chicken. $$ L D pfe COCONUT BEACH TACOS & CERVEZA 2787 S. Floyd St., 634-2843. The menu here is anchored by bargainpriced tacos created to lure in U of L students from nearby (the place is across from Papa John’s Cardinal Stadium), as well as burritos, empanadas and tortas.

Come the weekend, the huge space is converted into a bar and dance club. $ L D hpf CON HUEVOS 2339 Frankfort Ave., 384-3027, 4938 US42, 384-3744. This popular Mexican breakfast and lunch spot now has a suburban location, too. Expect huevos rancheros, chilaquiles, breakfast-style enchiladas (with eggs, of course), frijoladas, churros, and molletes. Tortas and tacos at lunch as well. $ B Br L EL BARRIO TEQUILA AND WHISKEY BAR 129 W. Main St., 583-5505. A new enterprise from Ernesto Rivera, who previously owned Ernesto's restaurant around town. Taking over the space that had been Me Gusta Latin Kitchen, El Barrio offers Mexican dishes such as tacos and chicken and pork entrees paired with mole sauces and Cuban sandwiches. A full bar features a margarita made with bourbon. $$ L D hpf EL CAPORAL 2209 Meadow Dr., 473-7840, 1909 Blankenbaker Pkwy., 266-9605. Louisville’s growing Mexican-American community has fostered a happy trend: excellent, authentic Mexican food. El Caporal bridges the gap between the Latino and Anglo communities. $ L D p EL MARIACHI 9901 La Grange Rd., 413-5770. Fans of this Mexican restaurant, situated between a bakery and an ethnic grocery, find much to rave about: tacos and burritos made with the bakery’s fresh tortillas, funky authentic fillings, and quick, friendly service. $ B L D p EL MOLCAJETE 8106 Preston Hwy., 742-3485, 2932 S. Fourth St., 638-0300. You can get gringo-style tacos (with shredded lettuce, cheese & sour cream) at this south-end Mexican joint. But if you come here, why not eat like a native? Lash your pork, beef and chicken tacos with fresh-squeezed lime juice and a heap of sliced radishes. Want to get truly authentic? Step up to beef tongue (lengua), intestine (tripas) or brain (sesos). $$ L D hp EL MUNDO 2345 Frankfort Ave., 899-9930. This crowded, noisy little Crescent Hill storefront offers creative renditions of Mexican regional specialties that make most diners want to yell “Olé!” The setting may lack the trendy flair of Rick Bayless’ Frontera Grill in Chicago, but the fare mines a similar vein and does so nearly as well. $ L D pf

h = Late Night p = Full Bar f = Outdoor Dining e = Live Music

EL NOPAL (21 Locations) These locally owned restaurants have become a growing mini-chain that now numbers twenty, winning popularity on the basis of delicious and inexpensive Mexican fare in comfortable surroundings. $ L D pf EL RIO GRANDE 10001 Forest Green Blvd., 632-2403. A Mexican restaurant has taken over the expansive space that once was Limestone. Patrons report good experiences, with both the food and the service. $$ L D

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EL SOMBRERO 2784 Meijer Dr., Jeffersonville IN, 2850109. An Indianapolis restaurant group has taken over the old Bearno’s near Meijer in J’ville, and opened this “Americanized Mexican” restaurant. $ B L D p EL TACO LOCO 5622 Preston Hwy., 225-7229. This unpretentious Mexican restaurant tries to be as authentic as it can, and has persuaded many fans with its efforts.

Inexpensive, freshly made tacos, quesadillas and other familiar Mexican dishes, served in value sizes. $ L D h EL TACO LUCHADOR 938 Baxter Ave, 583-0440; 112 Meridian Ave., 709-5154. Fernando Martinez’s Olé Restaurant Group seems to have the Midas touch with a number of very popular concepts in Louisville. Their two taquerias — on Baxter Ave. and in the long-time Meridian Café building — have dinners lined up out the door. Familiar taco names — carnitas, carne asada — get clever riffs in the kitchen. Call it elevated Mexican street food. And do try the amazing tortas. $ L D h f EL TARASCO 5425 New Cut Rd., 368-5628, 110 Fairfax Ave., 895-8010, 9901 LaGrange Rd., 326-9373. El Tarasco’s take on Mexican food appeals both to the area’s growing Latino population and Anglos who want to enjoy a South-of-the-Border culinary adventure without compromise. $ L D p EL TORAZO 1850 S. Hurstbourne Pkwy., 491-7272. A family-oriented Mexican restaurant offers the expected menu items, as well as some more sophisticated dishes, such as 7 mares sopa, a soup with shrimp, scallops and octopus; banderillas, a colorful beef brochette; and chuleta sabrosa, a Durango-style grilled steak. $$ L D

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EL TORO CANTINA & GRILL 10602 Shelbyville Rd., 489-3839. One of the top Mexican restaurants in the metro, El Toro earns our recommendation for food, service and environment. Tex-Mex dishes are fine, but save room for the authentic Mexican seafood specialties. $ L D pf FIESTA MEXICANA 4507 Bardstown Rd., 491-2922 $ L D

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FIESTA TIME AMIGOS 8133 Bardstown Rd., 231-2444, 135 S. English Station Rd., 254-7755. These traditional Mexican restaurant’s locations serve the expected things, like fajitas and burritos. But there is also an extensive grill menu, with items such as steak tampiqueño (rib-eye steak with ranchero sauce), Chile Colorado and Los Amigos cheese steak. $ L D pf FIESTA TIME MEXICAN GRILL 11320 Maple Brook Dr., 425-9144. $ L D p GUACA MOLE 9921 Ormsby Station Rd., 365-4823.

When Fernando Martinez returned to Louisville, he started his remarkable new restaurant blitz with this East End “creative Mexican” restaurant. As the name emphasizes, the menu explores different moles, and the creativity comes with modern twists on classic Mexican dishes. Fans quickly warmed to the food and the up-tothe-minute cocktail program designed by Martinez’s wife Christina. $$ Br L D pe GUSTAVO’S 6402 Westwind Way, Crestwood, 243-6950; 1226 Market St., La Grange, 222-4050, 6051 Timber Ridge Dr., 434-7266. Three East End outlets offer “bold Mexican flavors.” Everything you would expect — fajitas, burritos, tacos — but also vegetarian options, house

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specialties like enchiladas verdes, chimichangas, shrimp tacos and pollo feliz (grilled chicken with chorizo and pineapple). $$ L D pf ISRAEL’S DELICIAS DE MEXICO GOURMET 1515 E. Market St., New Albany IN, 725-9139. Israel Landon introduced Kentuckiana to his Mexican home-style cooking at La Rosita a few years ago. Now he is back at his original location serving street tacos and Mayan quesadillas. Weekly specials highlight cuisine from various regions of Mexico, including seafood dishes and new desserts. $ L D f KENTUCKY TACO COMPANY 502 Warnock St., 3653345. Once just a food truck, KTC now has a stable base — just a takeout window but with plenty of fans of their Kentucky style tacos: tortillas topped with fried chicken and beer cheese, sloppy joe, braised pork and a vegan style using cauliflower in BBQ sauce. Chimichangas and empanadas, too. $$ L D hf LA BAMBA 1237 Bardstown Rd., 451-1418. La Bamba boasts of its “burritos as big as your head.” It may be Louisville’s most startling case of an eatery that is more than it appears to be, and that goes for both quality and quantity. Franchised and fast-foodish, it pleasantly surprises with genuine Mexican fare and Latino flair. $ L Dh LA CHAPINLANDIA 1209 McCawley Rd., 384-7075. If those tiny hole-in-the-wall places are the best for real Mexican food, this little South End place will satisfy Okolona’s need for tacos and burritos. $ L D p LA HACIENDA GUADALAJARA 4132 Outer Loop, 3846427. $$ B L D LA LUPITA 827 Eastern Blvd., Clarksville IN, 285-0083.

Tucked away on the back side of a strip mall, this is a new spot for authentic Mexican food. The usual stuff but also panbazos, tlcoyos, tlayudas and aguachile, all explained and illustrated on the menu. $$ L D hpf LA POPULAR 2521 Seventh St Rd., 636-3688.$LD p LA RIVIERA MAYA 8104 National Turnpike, 361-3566.

This South End Mexican restaurant is popular with local Latinos, which is always a good sign. Look for gorditas and carne asada, as well as familiar fare like enchiladas.

Word is that the horchata is rich and spiced just right. $ LDp LA ROSITA TAQUERIA 8730 Westport Rd., 618-4588, 5059 Preston Hwy., 618-2883. For those who crave genuine Mexican tacos, you want them convenient when the urge to scarf one down strikes. These little places will certainly satisfy those cravings. $ L D LA SIERRA RESTAURANT AND TAQUERIA 6501 Shepherdsville Rd., 969-7938. $ LA TORTA LOCA 5213 Preston Hwy., 966-3254. This simple, strip mall eatery has been around long enough to gain dedicated fans of their well-seasoned and fairly spicy versions of familiar Mexican dishes. Some of those fans recommend the agua de Jamaica (hibiscus).

LA TROPICANA 5215 Preston Hwy., 964-5957. This Latino grocery store has been selling a full range of fruits, vegetables, meats and grocery items for a while. Now there is a steam-table buffet with a wide range of lunch choices. It’s mostly take-away, but there’s also limited outdoor and indoor seating. $$ B L D f LAS GORDITAS 4756 Bardstown Rd., 492-0112. As Louisville’s small, thriving Latino community grows, it’s now possible to enjoy an authentic Mexico City-style dining experience at this taco and gordita wagon that rolls up in the Eastland Shopping Center. Family owners and chefs Pat and Esperanza Costas and Ofelia Ortiz now also have a sit-down storefront just down the street. $ D

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LONGBOARD'S TACO & TIKI 302 Pearl St., New Albany IN, 590-2646. Ian Hall’s newest restaurant joins

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his Exchange Pub + Kitchen and Brooklyn and the Butcher in the continuing restaurant efflorescence across the river. A fast-casual concept, Longboard’s serves “chef-inspired” tacos and “tiki-influenced” cocktails in as cool a California beach vibe as can be conjured up in New Albany. Choose from 10 styles of tacos, poke bowls with rice, seafood ceviches, salads, salsas and guacamoles. $ D pf LOS AZTECAS 530 W. Main St., 561-8535, 1107 Herr Ln., 426-3994, 9207 U.S. Hwy. 42, 228-2450. Genuine Mexican cuisine has become a viable option in Louisville, thanks to a growing immigrant community. With fresh bar and blender offerings, creative appetizers and comfortable seating, Los Aztecas is one of the best, with tasty Mexican dishes good enough to lure us back again and again. $ L D pf

food, and a welcoming atmosphere. The customize-yourguacamole bar is a popular feature. $$ L D p PIÑA FIESTA REAL MEXICAN GRILL 7895 Dixie Hwy., 995-6775. Fans of Mexican food have another place to try, out along the wide, wide highway. You won’t find anything new here, but they say it will be real. $ L D p PUERTO VALLARTA 4214 Charlestown Rd., New Albany IN, 945-3588, 125 Quartermaster Ct., Jeffersonville IN, 288-2022, 7814 Beulah Church Rd., 239-4646. $$ L D

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QDOBA MEXICAN GRILL (17 locations). This chain operation extends from Louisville to Frankfort and Lexington. Fast-foodish in style, Qdoba edges out its competitors on variety and interesting salsas, plus sizable portions at a price you can afford. $ L D f

LUNA'S MEXICAN ROTISSERIE 5213 Preston Hwy., 962-8898. The owners came from Puebla, Mexico, but made a stop in Los Angeles before moving to Louisville and starting Luna’s Rotisserie. Their specialty is slowcooked rotisserie chicken from the coast of Veracruz.

There’s plenty more on the board, such as tamales, quesadillas and menudo. On Saturdays & Sundays, pozole and cabo de camaron are added. $$ L D h

RAMIRO’S CANTINA 2350 Frankfort Ave., 895-3333.

Ramiro Gandara’s Mexican restaurant in the heart of Crescent Hill’s restaurant row has his mom, Tina Ruton Escajeda, in control in the kitchen. Together they deliver some unique menu items, such as enchiladas verdes, lobster quesadilla, guacamole burger, and shrimp fajitas.

And don’t forget Tina’s specialty: scratch-made tamales.

Vegetarian choices too, and a full bar. $ L D hpf

MANGO’S BAR & GRILL 4632 Hendrik Dr., 671-5291, 6201 Dutchmans Ln., 749-6651. The 3 local outlets of this chain of Mexican-American restaurants serve a Latin lunch buffet seven days a week as well as a full dinner menu. You will find burritos, tacos and tamales, but also several steak dishes and Mexican-style desserts. $$ L D

RAMIRO’S CANTINA EXPRESS 253 Spring St., Jeffersonville IN, 924-7770. Long-time restaurateur Ramiro Gandara’s second restaurant, a quick-casual version of his Frankfort Ave. spot, is now serving in Jeffersonville. Order at the counter, grab and go, or sit down and enjoy. Ramiro features his favorites: burritos, chicken bowls, nachos, tortas and tacos. A full bar, too. $ L D pf

MAYAN CAFÉ 813 E. Market St., 566-0651. Chef Bruce Ucán arguably kicked off the restaurant renaissance along East Market Street, in the area now known as Nulu. His stylish bistro serves distinctive cuisine from Ucán’s native Yucatan Peninsula. $$ L D MEXA TACOS 3701 Lexington Rd., 290-1334. This fastcasual restaurant features a list of signature steak tacos customizable with house-made salsas, guacamole, peppers and other toppings, such as the special house queso made with poblano peppers. Owner Lorena CasasOstos is a steak taco purist, but she offers fish, shrimp and pork pastor too. $$ L D p MI COCINA ON FOURTH 520 S. Fourth St., 315-0666, 2060 S. Hurstbourne Pkwy., 890-3315. Enthusiastic fans of the downtown location, just south of the Seelbach, find that the lunch service is quick and efficient, the dishes executed with skill. The margaritas at Happy Hour are notable as well. Now there is an East End location (replacing an El Nopal) with added Sunday hours. $$ L D hpf MI TIERRA MEXICAN RESTAURANT 2420 Lime Kiln Ln., 742-9142. A clean, well-lighted place in the East End serves up familiar Mexican food – fajitas, tacos, carne asada – in a friendly, efficient atmosphere that is drawing raves from its local fans. $ L D hp MIGO 2222 Dundee Rd., 882-3279. 2222 Dundee Rd., 882-3279. Tacos, imaginatively conceived by Adam Burress and Chase Mucerino are the focus of this popular Highlands restaurant. The ambiance is laid-back casual, and the flavor influences come from Brazil, Argentina and even Korea. Co-owner and bar manager Gerald Dickerson has worked up a notable bar and cocktail program as well. $$ D hpfe

SANTA FE GRILL 3000 S. Third St., 634-3722. This tiny eatery in a century-old South End storefront near Churchill Downs never fails to satisfy with genuine Mexican tacos and other simple fare at prices that will leave you plenty of change for an exacta bet at the races. $LD SEÑOR IGUANA’S (8 locations) This expanding local chain is going upscale, with re-designed crisp modern decor, well-prepared Mexican food, and plenty of it, in a casual, comfortable modern atmosphere. $ L D hpfe SOL AZTECAS 2427 Bardstown Rd., 459-7776. Founded

by Saul Garcia down on Main St.’s museum row, his restaurant has an extensive menu that satisfies those who want standard fare like tacos, fajitas and burritos, and also offers more sophisticated fare like salmon and shrimp, steak and several Mexican chicken preparations. $ L D hpf TACO STEVE 414 Bank St., New Albany IN. 944-2577.

Steve Powell started out with a mobile cart he set up around downtown New Albany, but has now found shelter in the back of Destination Booksellers, where he has expanded his menu with burritos, quesadillas, guacamole, chicken wings and chorizo nachos as well. $ LDe TACO TICO 5925 Terry Rd., 449-9888. Founded in Wichita in 1962, the same year Taco Bell was born in Southern California, the Taco Tico chain had been gone locally for more than a decade. Its happy return has been drawing remarkable crowds. $ L D TAQUERIA LA MEXICANA 6201 Preston Hwy., 9694449. The tacos are fine at this tiny storefront. This is seriously ethnic stuff, but Anglos are thoroughly welcome, the staff is bilingual, and they will happily provide a menu with all the English translations written in. $ L D

NEW WAVE BURRITOS 3311 Preston Hwy., 963-2727.

The late-night burrito delivery service that has been operating out of borrowed kitchen spaces since late 2014 has moved into its own space at the former Grind Burger location. In addition to their five signature burritos new items include tacos, tortas and chicharrones. $$ D h

VICTORIA MEXICAN RESTAURANT 2918 Hikes Ln., 709-5178. $ L D

OLE FRIJOLE 5612 Bardstown Rd., 822-3388. After a bit of a hike out Bardstown Rd., you will find oversized margaritas, well-priced, nicely made familiar Mexican

VILLE TAQUERIA 3922 Westport Rd., 721-8226. Owner Fabian Garcia builds tacos upon scratch-made tortillas, tortas, and burritos — the way he tasted them when he

RED = Advertiser B = Breakfast Br = Brunch L = Lunch D = Dinner

visited Mexico as a kid. The bar serves margaritas, “bourbonritas” and micheladas (the beer, tomato juice and hot sauce concoction commonly found in better Mexican restaurants). $ L D hp

WILD RITA’S 445 E. Market St., 584-7482. Downtown needed this new concept from the owners of Wild Eggs: Modern Mexican food and a hundred choices of tequila at the bar. Owners J.D. Rothberg and Shane Hall, along with Chef Tony Efstratiadis have put together an entertaining and tasty menu, with things like tangy-spicy ceviches, mussels con chorizo, tamarind-glazed cod, a bunch of different tacos and an upscale tamale. $$ L D

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YELLOW CACTUS 3620 Paoli Pk., Floyds Knobs IN, 9030313. A yellow neon cactus draws diners to this Indiana restaurant that offers standard Mexican cantina fare, as well as steak and chicken in both American and Mexican styles, and a few seafood dishes. $ L D hp

CHUY’S 104 Oxmoor Ct., 327-3033, 1440 Veterans Pkwy., Clarksville IN, 288-2489. The Austin, Texas “unchain,” has two area locations, offering a complimentary happy hour nacho “car bar” set in the back end of a 50s era auto, plenty of Elvis memorabilia, and a wall of chihuahua photos. Oh, and Tex-Mex food at reasonable prices. $$ L D hpf MOE’S SOUTHWEST GRILL 2001 S. Hurstbourne Pkwy., 491-1800, 1001 Breckinridge Ln., 893-6637, 4652 Chamberlain Ln., 425-3330, 1020 Veterans Pkwy., Clarksville IN, 288-6637, 9310 Cedar Center Way, 6147722. The food may be more fast-food MexicanAmerican than authentic South-of-the-Border fare, but it is freshly made from quality ingredients and comes in oversize portions, and that’s not a bad thing. $ L D

SALSARITA’S FRESH CANTINA 285 N. Hubbards Ln., 897-5323, 12915 Shelbyville Rd., 365-1424. Another entry in the hot “Fresh Mexican” niche that features gigantic burritos made to order. Now with two locations, in St. Matthews and Middletown. $ L D f TUMBLEWEED TEX MEX GRILL & MARGARITA BAR (14 locations). Starting as a humble Mexican restaurant in New Albany, Tumbleweed grew to become an area favorite serving bold, southwest-inspired food such as burritos, spicy chile con queso, mesquite-grilled steaks, fish and chicken. The Margarita Bar offers two dozen tequila varieties and dozens of sweet and tangy margarita combinations. $ L D hp

410 BAKERY 140 E. Main St., New Albany, IN 9469410. Owner and baker Emily Butts attended the Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park, N.Y., and at her artisan bakery in downtown New Albany, she creates breads (with special items on Saturdays), high-end pastries (which change daily), coffee and espresso drinks, sandwiches for lunch and macarons. $BL ADRIENNE & CO. BAKERY CAFÉ 129 W. Court Ave., Jeffersonville IN, 282-2665, 133 E. Market St., New Albany IN, 949-2334. If you need something for your sweet tooth and won’t be denied, count yourself lucky if the craving strikes when you’re in the vicinity of one of these cozy Southern Indiana spots, with its good selection of homemade cakes and treats. $ f ANNIE MAY’S SWEETS CAFÉ 3110 Frankfort Ave., 3842667. The only gluten and nut-free bakery in the state caters to customers with dietary issues such as celiac disease and allergies. Cookies, brownies, cakes, pies, wedding cakes all made without wheat, dairy, eggs, soy

h = Late Night p = Full Bar f = Outdoor Dining e = Live Music

or tree nuts. Arrive early, before the vegan and allergenfree oatmeal cream pie cookies sell out. $ THE ARCTIC SCOOP 841 S. Hurstbourne Pkwy., 4096602. Flash-freezing by liquid nitrogen produces super smooth and creamy ice cream, the owners of this family run shop assert. Choose your flavor combinations, and watch it all come together in front of your eyes. $ h BOUDREAUX’S NEW ORLEANS STYLE SNO-BALLS 11816 Shelbyville Rd., This little family run shop offers the garishly colored shaved ice treat with all sorts of syrup flavors and toppings. $ f BREADWORKS 3628 Brownsboro Rd., 893-3200, 2204 Dundee Rd., 452-1510, 11800 Shelbyville Rd., 2542885. $ B CELLAR DOOR CHOCOLATES 1201 Story Ave., 5612940, 601 S. Fourth St., 294-3496. Erika ChavezGraziano still makes her chocolate confections at her artsy shop in the Butchertown Market building on Story Ave., but now has a large, elegant downtown space in the Hilton Garden Inn building. $ CLIFTON DONUTS 2317 Brownsboro Rd., 749-6896. A family from Thailand produces very fresh donuts of all sorts daily to an appreciative crowd from the Clifton corridor. Fans favorably compare the offerings here to those at the chains, lauding freshness of product and friendliness of service. $ B COCOBERRY POPS 323 W. Woodlawn Ave., 416-7677, 1813 Frankfort Ave., 785-4458. Owner Bipin Kachhadiya has opened a second outlet in Crescent Hill.

Both serve frozen fruit and cream-based popsicles made in-house from fresh ingredients. Inspired by the Mexican frozen fruit treat paletas, the pops come in flavors like strawberry-lemonade, watermelon, honeydew, coconut, orange cream, caramel, and avocado. $ L D f

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THE COMFY COW 1301 Herr Ln., 425-4979, 2223 Frankfort Ave., 409-4616, 339 W. Cardinal Blvd., 4095090, 1449 Bardstown Rd., 365-2853, 1450 Veteran’s Pkwy., Jeffersonville IN, 725-7358, 13301 Shelbyville Rd., 883-4131, 600 Terminal Dr. (Louisville Airport).

Now fans of this “new-fashioned” ice-cream parlor can find their favorite flavors popping up all over town. And, you can now find Comfy Cow products in Krogers ice cream section. $ f DALAT’S GATEAUX & BAKERY 6915 Southside Dr., 368-9280. It’s a French bakery, run by a Vietnamese family, which makes perfect sense. Order French pastry, cakes and cookies as well as Vietnamese specialties.

Savory choices, such as pork pate wrapped in choux pastry are also available. $ DESSERTS BY HELEN 3500 Frankfort Ave., 451-7151.

Helen Friedman has earned a loyal clientele since the 1970s with her elegant cakes, tempting pies and tortes and designer cookies. $$ DINO’S BAKERY 4162 Bardstown Rd., 493-2396.

Dino Ghazawi, whose family owned a bakery in his native Jordan, has renovated space in the Buechel Plaza Shopping Center, installed three ovens for baking pita, French and Italian bread and pies. Many of those are sold wholesale, but retail shoppers can get locally made fresh pita and other Middle Eastern groceries. $ B DIVINE TREATS 1404 Eastern Blvd., Clarksville IN. 5901470. This Southern Indiana bakery and café provides cakes cookies and other treats. $ B L FLORA KITCHENETTE 1004 Barret Ave., 742-3843. This Germantown bakery offers vegan and non-allergenic pastries and baked goods. Selections include cake donuts, toaster tarts, cupcakes, cookies, brownies, granola and macarons. $ B Br L f GELATO GILBERTO 9434 Norton Commons Blvd., 4237751. Justin and Kristin Gilbert so loved the gelato they ate as students in Italy that they returned there after graduating to study gelato making. Their popular store draws fans out to Norton Commons, though owners can often be found scooping cones and cups at special events. Their store menu includes pies and crepes as well. $ h GIGI’S CUPCAKES 1977 S. Hurstbourne Pkwy., 4994998, 10538 Fischer Park Dr., 426-2113. This Tennessee-based chain now has two shops in Louisville, offering a changing selection of high-end cupcakes in designer flavors — Bailey’s Irish cream, apple spice, coconut snowball, and so on. $ HALF PEACH CAFÉ 4121 Oechsli Ave., 742-7839. This vegan café joins the dining options behind the old Sears building in St. Matthews. Menu choices include mushroom drumsticks, pan-fried dumplings, veggie burgers, wraps and falafel, salads and soups, gluten-free baked goods and smoothies. $$ L HEITZMAN TRADITIONAL BAKERY & DELI 9426 Shelbyville Rd., 426-7736. The Heitzman family has been baking in the Louisville area since your great-aunt was a girl ordering dinner rolls. Made fresh daily, the pies, cakes, cookies and specialty pastries provide tasty nostalgia for all who visit. $ HI-FIVE DOUGHNUTS 1011 E. Main St., 409-5584.

Owners Annie Harlow and Leslie Wilson started with a food truck, and now are among the pioneer businesses in the Butcher Block on E. Main St. Customers can create their own with a choice of glazes and toppings or choose house favorites like Kentucky Fried Buttermilk Chicken Doughnut, Bourbon Caramel with Bacon, or Sugah Doughnut. $ B L HOMEMADE ICE CREAM & PIE KITCHEN 2525 Bardstown Rd., 459-8184, 3737 Lexington Rd., 8933303, 3521 Springhurst Commons Dr., 326-8990,

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12531 Shelbyville Rd., 245-7031, 5606 Bardstown Rd., 239-3880, 3113 Blackiston Mill Rd., New Albany IN, 590-3580, 9561 Hwy. 42, 614-8202, 4810 Dixie Hwy., 409-6100. $ L D hf HONEY CREME DONUT SHOP 514 Vincennes St., New Albany IN, 945-2150. Off the beaten track, this downhomey bakery in a plain white building offers a wide selection of doughnuts, fritters and Danish that keeps the shop’s fans coming back again and again. $ B JASMIN BAKERY 2201 Steier Ln., 458-0013. This “European-style” bakery offers an eclectic menu of Eastern Mediterranean fare, such as gyros and baklava, as well as breads. $ B L D f KING DONUTS 608 Lyndon Ln., 890-5293. Donuts, yes, but you can also choose muffins, breakfast sandwiches and sandwiches for lunch. Healthy juices as well as coffee. $ B L D LIÈGE & DAIRY ICE CREAM + WAFFLES 2212 Holiday Manor Ctr., 791-7991. This East End shop boasts locally roasted coffee and in-house crafted ice cream made with local honey, sorghum molasses, fruits, and non-GMO cream, using a process that creates a denser ice cream. $ L D h LOUISVILLE CREAM 632 E. Market St., 882-1516. After three years as an off-the-radar caterer and pop-up seller of premium ice creams, Louisville Cream has settled down in NuLu. Co-founder Darryl Goodner offers eight standard flavors (including Camp Marshmallow, Brown Sugar Brie and Hot Fuzz, roasted peaches with charred jalapenos) and four flavors in rotation, as well as apple pies, bourbon chocolate pies and a third ever-changing pie. $ L D LUEBERRY ACAI & SUPERFOODS 808 E. Market St., 742-0640. This café serves açai bowls topped with things like goji berries, banana, chia, strawberries and coconut.

Smoothies and other healthful options also available. $$ BLD LULU'S FROZEN YOGURT 1501 Bardstown Rd., 4582322. Lulu’s has been holding down the fort at the corner of Eastern Pkwy., for a while now, offering loaded frozen yogurt with a fully stocked toppings bar–jimmies, nuts and sauces–as well as flash-frozen nitro ice cream. $ LD MY FAVORITE MUFFIN 9800 Shelbyville Rd., 426-9645.

All the muffins are made right in the store, including such popular choices as the Cinnamon Crumb and the Turtle Muffin. $ B NO BAKED COOKIE DOUGH 805 Blankenbaker Pkwy., 708-2656. The eggless cookie dough is scooped into cones or cups, and toppings can be added. Like an ice cream shop — only….with cookie dough. $ L D h NORD’S BAKERY 2118 S. Preston St., 634-0931. This old-school, family-owned bakery on the edge of Germantown has a devoted following, drawn by divine Danish, donuts, and great coffee from the nearby Sunergos micro-roastery — and if you’re a sucker for over-the-top excess, try the caramel donut topped with — yes, it’s true — bacon. $ B NORTH LIME DONUTS 1228 S. Seventh St., 398-5739.

This Lexington-based bakery has renovated a 19thcentury factory building into a warm and inviting space to eat their made-on-premises donuts on the western edge of Old Louisville. Some of their unusual flavors: blueberry cheesecake, French toast and pumpkin cream cheese. $ B Lf PANCHITOS ICE CREAM 8112 Preston Hwy, 2245 Bardstown Rd., 749-2375. Lexington-based Panchito’s now has two outlets in Louisville, offering Mexican ice cream, popsicles (paletas), tacos, quesadillas and other Mexican snacks. The new Highlands outpost is in the former Bánh Mi Hero building. $ L D

PEARL STREET TREATS 301 Pearl St., Jeffersonville IN. 288-8850. An invigorating walk across the Big Four Bridge will bring you down very close to this family-run frozen yogurt shop that also serves soup, chili, cookies, popcorn, and frozen dog treats. Novelty soda flavors in the cooler, but they will refill your water bottle for free. $LD PLEHN’S BAKERY 3940 Shelbyville Rd., 896-4438. A neighborhood institution, this bakery is as busy as it is nostalgic. Enjoy the hometown soda fountain with ice cream while you wait for your hand-decorated birthday cake, breakfast rolls or colorful cookies to be boxed. $ B RAWNAISSANCE DESSERTS 1759 Bardstown Rd., 4243638. Owner Barbora Shneydman offers “guilt-free” dessert concoctions, a variety of chocolate and fruit truffles, and cakes made with raw vegan ingredients.

Everything is free of sugar, grains, soy, dairy and eggs. $ LD SCARLET'S BAKERY 741 E. Oak St., 290-7112. Scarlet’s is a pleasant example of the new energy happening in the Smoketown/Shelby Park neighborhood. On the menu: cinnamon rolls, donut bites, muffins and apple turnovers, along with cakes, brownies and cookies. Also lunch items like stromboli and grilled sandwiches. $ B L

h

SNOWHAT 3801 Poplar Level Rd., 742-6080. After a hot day at the zoo, stop by this New Orleans-style snoball shop for a cooling cone. Blueberry and strawberry flavors, and for the more adventurous: lavender lemonade, watermelon basil and jalapeño margarita. $ L D STATE DONUTS 12907 Factory Ln., 409-8825. $ STEEL CITY POPS 1021 Bardstown Rd., 324-1008, 117 St. Matthews Ave., 473-5350. This Alabama-based chain bills itself as a “gourmet healthy popsicle business,” with its cooling treats made from certified organic ingredients with no artificial flavors or colors. $ L D h SUGAR AND SPICE DONUT SHOP 5613 Bardstown Rd., 231-1411. This Fern Creek bakery has loads of loyal fans, who often buy out their favorite donut by midmorning. Coffee to go too, of course, and even little halfpints of chocolate milk. $ B SWEET FROG 1401 Veterans Parkway Ct., Clarksville IN, 725-7765, 302 Pearl St., New Albany IN, 914-7414. The hook here is a wall of live-culture self-serve yogurt dispensers. A toppings bar includes sprinkles, chocolate and butterscotch sauces, graham crackers — and on and on. $ B SWEET STUFF BAKERY 323 E. Spring St., New Albany IN, 948-2507. This long-time southern Indiana homestyle bakery is noted for baked goods just like your grandmother made. Its specialty: painted sugar cookies, with designs in white chocolate that change with the seasons and holidays. Also custom cookie and cake designs. $ B SWEET SURRENDER 1804 Frankfort Ave., 899-2008.

Sweet Surrender, with Jessica Haskell at the helm, has returned to its original Clifton neighborhood to provide elegant desserts. $$ h f SWEETS BY MORGAN 533 Spring St., Jeffersonville IN. 644-4276. Owner Morgan Coomer is dedicated to scratch baking and using real butter in her icings. Expect the usual sweet bakery items like cookies and cupcakes, along with clever specialties. $ B L D THE BAKERY 3100 Bardstown Rd., 452-1210. Not just a fine bakery but a place where bakers learn their business, this excellent establishment is part of the culinary program at Sullivan University. It’s hard to beat the quality breads and pastries offered here to eat in or carry out. $

RED = Advertiser B = Breakfast Br = Brunch L = Lunch D = Dinner

THE FUDGERY 416 S Fourth St.(Fourth Street Live), 4097484.$ WILLIAM’S BAKERY 1051 N. Clark Blvd., Clarksville IN, 284-2867. $ B

ARGO SONS COFFEE 3640 S. Hurstbourne Pkwy., 3654554. This roastery is mostly a wholesale business, but there is a classic espresso bar, so you can run in, buy a few pounds of beans and have a nice cuppa. No crullers or Danish, though. $ BEAN STREET COFFEE CO. 101 Lafollette Station, Floyds Knobs IN, 923-1404. Bean Street introduced the Sunny Side to the joys of serious espresso. Like all good coffee shops, they’re not just an eatery, but a cultural hangout. $ BEAN 1138 Goss Ave., 785-4079. $ B L BORSALINO COFFEE AND EUROPEAN PASTRYDELI 3825 Bardstown Rd., 807-5325. This Buechel store is somewhere between a coffee shop, a fancy bakery and a deli. You can stop in for your morning coffee and sweet bun to go, buy a cake for dessert or take away a stuffed pita for lunch. $ COFFEE CROSSING 4212 Charlestown Rd., New Albany IN, 981-2633. $ f THE COFFEE ZONE 1301 Herr Ln. (Westport Village), 785-4676. North Carolinian transplant Craig Bishop has established a beachhead in Louisville. In his Westport Village store he features bakery items, such as pastries, and assorted sandwiches along with good java. $ f DAY’S ESPRESSO AND COFFEE BAR 1420 Bardstown Rd., 456-1170. Dark and cozy, with an old-fashioned feeling, Day’s has everything you would expect in a college-neighborhood coffee shop except a college near by. $ h f

MCQUIXOTE BOOKS & COFFEE 1512 Portland Ave., 530-9658. Located in the sprawling Tim Faulkner Gallery, itself a hipster arts hub, this bookstore also has a coffee shop-café that serves higher-end coffee and teas, a selection of sandwiches, pastries and house-made vegan ice cream. $ B L D MRS. POTTER’S COFFEE 718 W. Main St., 581-1867. $f PLEASE & THANK YOU 800 E. Market St., 553-0113, 2341 Frankfort Ave., 432-8614, 252 E. Market St., 9386423. The quick success of their NuLu coffee house that serves breakfast, lunch, and an eclectic selection of vinyl records, led to expansion into Crescent Hill and most recently another store on Market Street closer to downtown. $ B L f

SISTER BEAN’S 5225 New Cut Rd., 364-0082. $ f STARBUCKS COFFEE (40+ locations) $ f STARLIGHT COFFEE CO. 3131 Grant Line Rd., New Albany IN, 542-1522. This sister outlet to Bean Street Coffee also produces high quality joe to those on the upper fringes of New Albany. In both you can find all the popular varieties of coffee and chai, as well as baked goods from Adrienne’s in Jeffersonville. $ f SUNERGOS COFFEE 2122 S. Preston St., 634-1243, 306 W. Woodlawn Ave., 368-2820, 231 S. Fifth St., 5893222. Matthew Huested and Brian Miller used to roast their own coffee beans as a hobby. Their friends said they did it so well, they should turn pro — the result is Sunergos Coffee. $

QUILL’S COFFEE SHOP 930 Baxter Ave., 742-6129, 327 W. Cardinal Blvd., 690-5553, 137 E. Market St., New Albany IN, 590-3426, 802 E. Main St., 473-5379, 117 St. Matthews Ave. Fans of this local purveyor of excellent coffee and provider of amenable working spaces can find their caffeine fix and wi-fi hotspot at any of the four locations. $ pf

THE SWORD & THE SCONE TEA PARLOR & BOUTIQUE 1915 Blankenbaker Pkwy., 907-0018. This tea room in J’town serves a wide variety of teas, tisanes and blooming teas, pastries, sandwiches and salads. Stop by for an afternoon tea, or go all the way with a high tea, just like the Dowager Lady Violet. Available for parties and showers too. $ L D

RED HOT ROASTERS 1399 Lexington Rd., 569-0000, 1007 E. Main St. The original drive-through joint moved across Lexington Rd. to larger quarters, and now an actual sit-and-sip coffeehouse has opened in the Butcher Block development on Main St. Owner Sondra Powell houses the business’s roasting operations there and has expanded food offerings along with indoor and outdoor café seating. $

VINT COFFEE 2309 Frankfort Ave., 894-8060, Owned by Heine Bros. this Crescent Hill location is the only one that keeps the name that reflects the concept that all their beverages — coffee, tea, ale and wine — will “have a vintage, an annual release cycle.” $ f

SAFAI COFFEE 1707 Bardstown Rd., 384-3555. This casual spot boasts the ambience of a friendly oldfashioned book shop, with comfortable seating, housemade crepes, and roasted-on-site coffee. $ B L f

WILD DOG ROSE TEA BOUTIQUE 1570 Bardstown Rd., 996-7440. You can find all things New Age at this tea and book shop. In addition to dozens of teas, Wild Dog Rose stocks crystals, essential oils, books and baked goods such as scones, tea-infused truffles and muffins.

Tea sold by the cup, or in bulk, and can be customblended to suit a customer’s preferences. $ B

FANTE'S COFFEE 2501 Grinstead Dr., 454-0543. Owner Leo Fante has been in the coffee business most of his life, and has finally opened his own shop across the road from Cherokee Park. Fante imports his beans from small suppliers around the world, and roasts on premise.

There is also a limited menu of sandwiches, soups and salads, and breakfast pastries. $ B L D pf HEINE BROTHERS COFFEE (14 locations) Heine Bros. continues their dominance in the local brewing scene.

The stores are always friendly and affordable, with good coffee roasted on the premises and a short list of pastries, desserts and panini sandwiches. $ h fe HIGHLAND COFFEE CO. 1140 Bardstown Rd., 4514545. Offering two ways to get wired, this cozy neighborhood coffee shop also functions as one of Louisville’s top Internet cafés, where you can enjoy a hot cappuccino while you surf the ’net in a WiFi hot spot.

Funky Seattle-style ambience is a plus. $ h f HIGHVIEW ICE CREAM & COFFEE 7525 Outer Loop, 618-3809. This suburban oasis offers coffee and specialty coffee drinks made from Sunergos beans and serves locally-made Bernoulli Small Batch Ice Cream. $ B LDh HOBKNOBB COFFEE CO. 3700 Paoli Pike, Floyds Knobs IN, 728-8239, 420 Spring St., Jeffersonville IN, 9444555. HobKnobb offers fresh hot coffee, espresso drinks and fresh baked pastries, cakes and cookies. $ f KOLKIN COFFEE 2736 Charlestown Rd., New Albany IN, 920-0593. This family run caffeine dispensary on the north side of New Albany serves coffee from Sunergos roastery in a cheerful, inviting environment. $ LOUISVILLE TEA COMPANY 9305 New LaGrange Rd., 365-2516. Teas of all sorts, pastries and cookies make for a perfect morning snack the English call “elevenses.” $ B L

h = Late Night p = Full Bar f = Outdoor Dining e = Live Music

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MAP INDEX

MAP # DIRECTION DOWNTOWN 1 downtown louisville NEAR EAST 2 highlands – crescent hill NEAR EAST 3 st. matthews SOUTH EAST 4 hikes point – buechel

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84 85 86 87

MAP # DIRECTION EAST 5 hurstbourne – anchorage EAST 6 hurstbourne s. – jeffersontown NORTH EAST 7 indian hills – westport FAR NORTH EAST 8 westport rd. – gene snyder

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88 89 90 90

MAP # DIRECTION WEST 9 west louisville NORTH EAST 10 prospect SOUTH EAST 11 fern creek SOUTH WEST 12 shively – pleasure ridge

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91

91 91 92

MAP INDEX

MAP # DIRECTION SOUTH 13 old louisville – airport INDIANA 14 new albany – floyds knobs INDIANA 15 clarksville INDIANA 16 jeffersonville

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93 94 95 95

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MAP • 1 DOWNTOWN 84 Summer 2018 www.foodanddine.com

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(NEAR EAST) HIGHLANDS – CRESCENT HILL – CLIFTON

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MAP • 3 (NEAR EAST) ST. MATTHEWS 86 Summer 2018 www.foodanddine.com

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(SOUTH EAST) HIKES POINT – BUECHEL

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(EAST) LYNDON – HURSTBOURNE – ANCHORAGE – MIDDLETOWN

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(EAST) HURSTBOURNE SOUTH – FOREST HILLS – JEFFERSONTOWN

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(FAR NORTH EAST) WESTPORT RD – GENE SNYDER (NORTH EAST) INDIAN HILLS – WESTPORT

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MAP • 11

(SOUTH EAST) FERN CREEK

(NORTH EAST) PROSPECT

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(WEST) WEST LOUISVILLE

MAP • 9

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(SOUTH WEST) SHIVELY – PLEASURE RIDGE

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(SOUTH) OLD LOUISVILLE – AIRPORT

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(INDIANA) NEW ALBANY – FLOYDS KNOBS

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(INDIANA) JEFFERSONVILLE

(INDIANA) CLARKSVILLE

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