• Inspired by the honky tonk culture that arose in Bakersfield, Caif.. in the 1950s, this upscale diner, located in a renovated fire station, offers a taste of classic American and Tex-Mex cuisines. Chicken-fried steak and catfish share menu space with empanadas and several varieties of chili.
    259-9540
    whiskeybythedrink.com
  • Porcini, named for the flavorful mushroom featured in many of its dishes, serves upscale Northern-Italian inspired dishes. Menu standouts include the strip steak with Gorgonzola butter and rack of lamb with bourbon and rosemary jus.
    894-8686
    porcinilouisville.com
  • Residing in Anchorage’s old Willow Lake Tavern building, Selena’s serves up a fusion of Creole and Sicilian cuisine. If the food doesn’t lure you in, the atmosphere will, with a spacious wraparound patio for al fresco dining during warm months and a cozy indoor dining room with a charming fireplace.
    245-9004
    selenasrestaurant.com
  • If a day at the mall makes you hungry (or leaves you needing a drink) BJ’s has you covered. This eatery, located in Oxmoor Mall, offers a broad menu of signature deep-dish pizzas, pastas and sandwiches, along with a selection of its own handcrafted beer and root beer.
    326-3850
    bjsbrewhouse.com
  • This Prospect mainstay has a cozy fireplace and a varied but traditional menu that includes classics like country ham and fried chicken along with a variety of beef and seafood options.
    228-4555
    jharrodsrestaurant.com
  • Features several popular Puck dishes in a casual setting at the downtown convention center. Choose from such classics as the trademarked Chinois chicken salad or the ginger salmon.
    562-0983
    wolfgangpuck.com/express
  • This eatery offers all the tastes of Germany, from schnitzel to sauerkraut. Try the gulasch — tender cubes of beef in a flavorful paprika sauce.
    499-8822
  • Features at this Southern Indiana eatery include inventive treats and a full sushi bar. Try the Playboy Roll filled with shrimp tempura and avocado topped with tuna.
    280-8500
    kobesteakhouse.net
  • California atmosphere and cuisine transported to Louisville. Fans of alfresco dining will enjoy the patio, which features a fire pit at each table for chilly evenings. The menu includes creative twists on steak and seafood, and the wine list — as would be expected from a place with Napa in its name — is a standout.
    423-5822
    napariverlouisville.com
  • Family owned and operated, this eatery offers authentic German cuisine and a warm atmosphere. Its menu includes schnitzel, sauerbraten and rouladen. It also offers German beers and wines. Save room for dessert — offerings include homemade apfelstrudel and a fallen chocolate souffle.
    899-7177
    gasthausdining.com