• Tumbleweed
    This Louisville-based Tex-Mex chain specializes in mesquite-grilled steaks, chicken and chops, but locals love the burritos and bargain-priced margaritas.
    585-4107
    tumbleweedrestaurants.com
    $$ | On the River | Mexican/Southwestern
  • Gary’s on Spring
    This beautifully renovated new restaurant offers classic, upscale bistro fare. Favorites so far include potato-encrusted grouper, blackened Bourbon Street scallops, and a bison rib-eye steak. Our reviewer highly recommends the Caesar salad.
    584-5533
    garysonspring.com
    $$$$ | Butchertown | Upscale Casual
  • August Moon
    Chinese classics like stir-fries and spring rolls share space with signature dishes including beef or chicken in a spicy Grand Marnier reduction and lamb in ginger-black bean sauce. The drink list includes house martinis like the pineapple cosmo and infused Finlandia vodka martinis.
    456-6569
    augustmoonbistro.com
    $$ | Lexington Road/Grinstead | Asian
  • Stevens & Stevens
    This deli brings a Manhattan feel to the Bluegrass. Try the hearty pasta salads with whimsical names like Isabella Tortellini or a New York classic like matzo ball soup or pastrami on rye. Also, see how many celebrities you recognize in the fun paintings on the walls.
    584-3354
    stevensandstevensdeli.com
    $ | Highlands | Delis
  • 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
    $$ | Preston Highway | Bar-and-Grills
  • Sari Sari
    This small restaurant offers Filipino cuisine that borrows flavors from Spanish and Asian cultures. The menu includes rice and noodle dishes, curries and tacos. Lunch and dinner specials vary weekly, and a buffet is served on Friday nights.
    894-0585
    gosarisari.com
    $$ | Clifton/Crescent Hill | Asian
  • Nancy's Bagel Grounds
    Tucked alongside quaint shops and galleries, this deli offers homemade soups, bagels, muffins, espressos and lattes. Pumpernickel and spinach feta bagels are tasty, as are the unique cream cheese flavors. The smaller downtown location is ideal for a quick weekday breakfast or lunch.
    895-8323
    nancysbagels.com
    $ | Clifton/Crescent Hill | Delis
  • Michele's on Goss
    Chef Michele Brinke offers a selection of soups, salads and sandwiches to the lunch crowd at the Goss Avenue Antique Mall. On weekends the brunch menu includes four different kinds of eggs Benedict, pancakes that sound like dessert (S'mores and Peanut Butter Cup), and crepes with sweet or savory fillings.
    409-5909
    michelesongoss.com
    $$ | Germantown | Cafes
  • O’Shea’s Irish Pub
    A noteworthy burger and Reuben sandwich are offered alongside more traditional fare and a lengthy beer list. The pub is open until 4 a.m. every day of the week.
    589-7373
    osheaslouisville.com
    Highlands | Irish
  • Smoketown USA
    The beef and pork ribs, all-vegetarian sides and a funky interior make Smoketown a go-to barbecue spot. A large selection of beers is also available.
    409-9180
    smoketownusa.com
    $ | Smoketown/Shelby Park | Barbecue