• Third Avenue Cafe
    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
    $$ | Old Louisville | Cafes
  • New Albanian Brewing Company
    Lite beer drinkers need not apply. However, beer geeks (and we mean that in the nicest possible way) flock here for the house-made brews as well as the extensive selection of microbrews from all over the world. If beer sampling makes you hungry, they offer pizza, pasta, and sandwiches.
    944-2577
    newalbanian.com
    $$ | Southern Indiana | Brewpubs
  • 60 West Bistro & Martini Bar
    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
    $$ | $$$ | St. Matthews | Bistros
  • Otto’s Cafe
    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
    $$ | Downtown | Cafes
  • Martini Italian Bistro
    A sleek locale and new interpretations of classic Italian are highlights of this chain. It also boasts an extensive martini menu of candy-colored drinks with names like All That Razz and Jolly Rancher.
    394-9797
    martini-italian-bistro.com
    $$ | Springhurst/Summit | Italian
  • Sichuan Garden
    The kitchen at Sichuan Garden nails almost every dish on its lengthy menu that features authentic Chinese food and some Thai specialties.
    426-6767
    $$ | Jeffersontown | Chinese
  • Lee's
    The first Korean restaurant in town, Lee’s is still much loved. Signature dishes include the stone bee bim bob — rice, vegetables, beef and egg served in traditional Korean hot sauce in a hot stone bowl.
    456-9714
    $$ | Buechel/Fern Creek | Korean
  • The New Albany Exchange
    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
    $$ | Southern Indiana | Brewpubs
  • August Moon
    Chinese classics like stir-fries and spring rolls share space with signature dishes including beef or chicken in a spicy Grand Marnier reduction and lamb in ginger-black bean sauce. The drink list includes house martinis like the pineapple cosmo and infused Finlandia vodka martinis.
    456-6569
    augustmoonbistro.com
    $$ | Lexington Road/Grinstead | Asian
  • The Bard’s Town
    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
    $$ | Highlands | Bistros