• TK’s Pub
    The Fern Creek neighborhood’s best dining spot, the pub boasts an eclectic menu. Favorites include the Kentucky Hot Brown, frog legs, Icelandic cod and jumbo shrimp, along with soup du jour and gumbo. Beer garden in back for private parties.
    499-5673
    $$ | Buechel/Fern Creek | Bar-and-Grills
  • Zanzabar
    This hip hangout is known for its live music lineup, but just as much care has been taken with the menu. Standouts include House Friez and Totz, (crisp fries and tater tots with several dipping sauce choices) the Z Burger and the Track and Field Wrap with hummus, falafel and tzatziki sauce.
    635-1227
    zanzabarlouisville.com
    $$ | Preston Highway | Bar-and-Grills
  • Buckhead Mountain Grill
    Homegrown, but with its heart in the Rockies, this expanding chain features hearty food — steaks, ribs, meatloaf and some killer blue-cheese coleslaw — as well as a full bar with a large selection of domestic and import beers, wine and spirits.
    456-6680
    eatatbuckheads.com
    $$$ | Highlands | Bar-and-Grills
  • Hard Rock Cafe
    Part of Fourth Street Live!, the Hard Rock Cafe celebrates rock ’n’ roll and classic American food. The walls are decorated with memorabilia and the menu is anchored by the popular Hard Rock cheeseburger.
    568-2202
    hardrock.com
    $$$ | Downtown | Bar-and-Grills
  • Red Star Tavern
    Part of Fourth Street Live!, this contemporary American tavern showcases seafood, steaks, pasta and a multi-faceted drink list.
    568-5656
    redstartavern.net
    $$$ | Downtown | Bar-and-Grills
  • Karem’s Grill & Pub
    This Cheers-like bar and grill in Norton Commons is known for its meat offerings, particularly the triangle steak. Live music on Friday nights. Breakfast fans should come hungry on weekend mornings.
    327-5646
    karem.com
    $$ | Prospect/Upper River Road | Springhurst/Summit | Bar-and-Grills
  • Cunningham’s Creekside
    An outpost of the downtown Cunningham’s restaurant, Cunningham’s Creekside overlooks Harrods Creek. Enjoy the ambience of riverside dining and the famous fried fish sandwich.
    228-3625
    $$ | Prospect/Upper River Road | Bar-and-Grills