This tucked-away spot in the Irish Hill neighborhood serves American comfort food with creative touches. Stop by for dinner in the indoor dining area, which is reminiscent of a train’s dining car, or on the four-seasons patio. Baxter Station is also on the Urban Bourbon Trail.

Chef and restaurateur Huong “CoCo” Tran’s newly opened Roots continues her passion for serving inventive and flavorful vegetarian food. The menu consists of Asian and a few Mediterranean influenced small plates. Try the crispy potato nest filled with bok choy, green peas, yellow squash, carrots and broccoli.

A second venue opened by Maido’s Toki Masabuchi puts the emphasis on playful. This Bardstown Road location offers some sushi rolls and other Japanese staples, but fills out the menu with creative takes on tacos and other non-Asian standards.

This all-hours hangout with its well-worn booths and low-key atmosphere serves an eclectic menu offering everything from breakfast (garden green omelet) to dinner (fried chicken) to desserts and drinks from all over the world. Herbal smoke hookahs are available inside as well as tobacco hookahs outside.