• Ernesto’s
    Authentic-tasting, generously portioned combination platters are sure bets. The tomatillo sauce is much-praised.
    244-8889
    $ | Middletown/Eastwood | Mexican/Southwestern
  • Bluegrass Brewing Co.
    Sample popular brews like American Pale Ale and Dark Star Porter while watching the brewmaster work his magic at this restaurant and microbrewery with several area locations. Many items on the menu of casual pub fare are made with BBC beers. Popular creations include the pretzel and BBC beer mustard appetizer, as well as the Brewhouse Chili.
    899-7070
    bbcbrew.com
    $$ | St. Matthews | Brewpubs
  • Blind Pig

    This stylish Butchertown spot boasts a handsome bar, exposed brick and stools and tables crafted from reclaimed bourbon barrels and old lumber.

    618-0600
    theblindpiglouisville.com
    $$$ | Butchertown | Upscale Casual
  • El Nopal
    El Nopal serves enchiladas, burritos, and fajitas at 19 Louisville-area locations. Chiles Colorado with hot red chiles and beef tips is all you could ask for and more.
    327-6551
    elnopalmex.com
    $ | Springhurst/Summit | Mexican/Southwestern
  • Queenie’s Soul Food
    Queenie, from Bishopsville, South Carolina, was the oldest girl of 14 siblings and began cooking at a young age. Now, she is serving up some good old time favorites like fried chicken and mac-n-cheese, plus much more.
    303-5502
    queeniesoul.com
    $ | DuPont/Hikes Point | Homestyle
  • Roots
    Chef and restaurateur Huong “CoCo” Tran’s newly opened Roots continues her passion for serving inventive and flavorful vegetarian food. The menu consists of Asian and a few Mediterranean influenced small plates. Try the crispy potato nest filled with bok choy, green peas, yellow squash, carrots and broccoli.
    452-6688
    $ | $$ | Highlands | Natural/Vegetarian
  • Cliftons Pizza Co.
    The pizza here has many fans, but Clifton’s is also known for huge, build-your-own calzones and great breadsticks. Live music nightly.
    893-3730
    cliftonspizza.com
    $ | Clifton/Crescent Hill | Pizza
  • Jade Palace
    Chef specialties like Peking and Cantonese roast duck dot a menu of favorites like lo mein and shrimp royal cashew. It also has a lengthy dim sum menu.
    425-9878
    jadepalacelouisville.com
    $ | Lyndon/Anchorage | Chinese
  • Luigi's
    This cafeteria-style eatery offers a wide variety of freshly made pasta specialties, Italian antipasto, big strombolis and pizza by the slice.
    589-0005
    luigispizzeria.com
    $ | Downtown | Italian
  • Salsarita’s Fresh Cantina
    At this fast casual restaurant, all meals are made in front of you while you pick fresh ingredients for items such as tacos, burritos, salads or quesadillas.
    897-5323
    salsaritas.com
    $ | St. Matthews | Mexican/Southwestern