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Let it be stipulated: The Bardstown Road corridor is Louisville’s Original Restaurant Row. And yet diners have witnessed notable changes in recent years, including the loss of many restaurants that once were defining features of the Row’s culinary identity — names to conjure with, like Lilly’s, Palermo Viejo, Cafe Metro, De La Torres, Asiatique, Papalinos, and more. Meanwhile the ever-evolving strip, which has sported an esoteric bohemian vibe since at least the 60s, has seen a proliferation of chains (many with drive-throughs) that pop up amongst the eclectic independents — places like Jack Fry’s, Seviche, Uptown Cafe, Joy Luck, Kashmir, Dragon King’s Daughter, Ditto’s and many more — that savvy local and visiting diners still seek out. Thanks to its density and scale, even postpandemic Bardstown Road remains a formidable dining zone, with a massive variety of dining options for pretty much any taste or budget. In that context, then, we’re excited about several recent developments along the row. Within eyesight of Haraz, two neighboring
Kiwani Ramen is in the process of opening in the former Wild Ginger space, and Down Top 1 Korean BBQ & Hotpot is taking over the spot formerly occupied by The Bard’s Town. Also (and this seems particularly newsworthy), The Bakery at Sullivan has reopened. And last but not least, we’re excited about developments in the Baxter Avenue part of
restaurants are poised to open sometime in December or January: WNB Factory (in the former La Que) and Beyond the Sun (in the old Mellow Mushroom). A mile further South on Bardstown Road, there’s a cluster of restaurants that have either opened or will by the end of the year. The Post now has a slice-only location next to Pivot Brewing, El Mundo, and Darling Cocktail Bar.
the corridor where some major things are happening (including the quite recent opening of Paseo at the new Myriad Hotel, which we’ll get to in a future issue). Recently we took note of two new establishments with Middle Eastern roots — but vastly different repertoires — that have opened about 50 yards from one another near the intersection of Baxter and Highland
30 Winter 2023 www.foodanddine.com
avenues — an area that’s anchored by the Irish triumvirate of Flanagan’s, Molly Malone’s, and O’Shea’s. Drawing on coffee’s origins some 1,500 years ago, Haraz Coffee House is serving Yemeni-style coffee in the old Chase Bank. With stove-top preparations, ornate presentations, and unique flavorings, it’s safe to say Louisville has never seen the likes of Haraz. Our story on Haraz is Food & Dining’s first-ever profile of a coffee shop. Across the street at Kebab House, the fare is a familiar but well-executed mix of meat and vegetarian dishes that compares favorably with other Middle Eastern restaurants we’ve tried in the Louisville area. We’ve especially enjoyed the personal touches observed on multiple visits. While the opening of two new establishments doesn’t necessarily represent a trend, we’re encouraged to see a couple of independent businesses join the scene and develop a strong following in their first year. Attention must be paid. For more on Haraz and Kebab House, read on — and bon appétit!