• The decor may be a throwback to Elvis and the 1970s, but the menu is a modern mix loaded with vegetarian and vegan offerings. Try the black bean burger or the 'vegan meatloaf' with lentils, bulgur wheat, vegetables, herbs and spices served with a tomato sauce.
    585-CAFE
    thirdavecafe.com
  • Lite beer drinkers need not apply. However, beer geeks (and we mean that in the nicest possible way) flock here for the house-made brews as well as the extensive selection of microbrews from all over the world. If beer sampling makes you hungry, they offer pizza, pasta, and sandwiches.
    944-2577
    newalbanian.com
  • Including “martini bar” in the name of this place was no exaggeration. The martini menu includes colorfully named vodka, bourbon, rum, and dessert creations. Purists, don’t worry — we bet they’d make a classic vodka (or gin) and vermouth martini if you ask nicely. Soak up your drinks with 60 West’s upscale American bistro fare.
    719-9717
    60westbistro.com
  • The Seelbach’s more casual restaurant offers a breakfast buffet every day as well as a la carte options and lunch with local ingredients. Try the Kentucky Benedict — a regional twist on the traditional egg dish.
    585-3200 x279
    seelbachhilton.com
  • A sleek locale and new interpretations of classic Italian are highlights of this chain. It also boasts an extensive martini menu of candy-colored drinks with names like All That Razz and Jolly Rancher.
    394-9797
    martini-italian-bistro.com
  • The kitchen at Sichuan Garden nails almost every dish on its lengthy menu that features authentic Chinese food and some Thai specialties.
    426-6767
  • The first Korean restaurant in town, Lee’s is still much loved. Signature dishes include the stone bee bim bob — rice, vegetables, beef and egg served in traditional Korean hot sauce in a hot stone bowl.
    456-9714
  • The beer selection across the pond is building up. This New Albany spot has eight craft brews on rotation, including specialty house beers. The food is inspired by another across-the-pond institution — the upscale bar food of the British gastropub, that is. Try the bourbon beer cheese with your pint.
    948-6501
    thenewalbanyexchange.com
  • Chinese classics like stir-fries and spring rolls share space with signature dishes including beef or chicken in a spicy Grand Marnier reduction and lamb in ginger-black bean sauce. The drink list includes house martinis like the pineapple cosmo and infused Finlandia vodka martinis.
    456-6569
    augustmoonbistro.com
  • A recently opened restaurant, lounge and live theater in the Highlands. The menu is eclectic with Shakespearean-named items like the Filet-dy MacBeth, Taming of the Stew and the Duke of Bourbon Brisket. The theater features poetry readings, live music, and plays.
    749-5275
    thebardstown.com