
Top Local Dishes & Where to Try Them in Louisville, United States
1. Kentucky Hot Brown
Open-faced sandwich with turkey, bacon, and Mornay sauce, popularized at the Brown Hotel in Louisville.
- Local Tradition: A classic dish with roots deeply ingrained in Louisville's culinary history.
- Unique Combo: The combination of turkey, bacon, and Mornay sauce sets it apart from other sandwiches.
- Celebrated Dish: Listed on the Library of Congress' National Registry of Historic Places.
2. Larue Cafe's Benedictine Spread
A creamy cucumber and herb spread, a Louisville staple since the 1920s.
- Historical Significance: One of the oldest recipes in Louisville with roots tracing back to the 1920s.
- Unique Ingredients: Cucumber and herbs blend that is not commonly found in other dishes.
- Regional Specialty: A symbol of Louisville's unique culinary identity.
3. Garage Bar's Burgoo
Slow-cooked stew featuring meat, vegetables, and corn bread, originally from frontier Kentucky.
- Cultural Heritage: A dish steeped in Kentucky's frontier heritage with roots dating back to the 1800s.
- Slow-cooked Delight: The slow-cooking process infuses flavors, making it a hearty and comforting dish.
- Adaptable Recipe: Recipes vary based on ingredients available, reflecting the adaptability of frontier cooking.
4. Louisville Slugger Museum's Baseball-shaped Pizza
Pizza shaped like a baseball bat in Louisville's iconic Louisville Slugger Museum.
- Iconic Landmark: A unique pizza experience that complements the famous Louisville Slugger Museum.
- Creative Presentation: Pizza shaped like a baseball bat, offering a fun and memorable dining experience.
- Culinary Souvenir: A delicious souvenir to bring home or enjoy on-site after exploring the museum.
5. Four Roses Bourbon Tasting at the Distillery
Experience the rich flavors of Four Roses Bourbon with a guided tasting at their Louisville distillery.
- Bourbon Education: Learn about the bourbon-making process and Four Roses' unique distilling techniques.
- Taste of Kentucky: Savor the smooth, complex flavors of Four Roses Bourbon, a Kentucky staple.
- Authentic Experience: Visit the distillery where Four Roses Bourbon is made for an authentic Kentucky bourbon experience.
6. Louisville Palace Theatre Tour
Explore the historic Louisville Palace Theatre with a guided tour, featuring ornate architecture and rich history.
- Architectural Marvel: Admire the stunning Moorish Revival and Beaux-Arts architectural styles.
- Entertainment History: Learn about the theatre's history of hosting prominent performers and events.
- Behind-the-Scenes Access: Access areas usually off-limits to the public, such as the backstage and projection room.
7. Wiltshire's Chicken Under a Brick
Tender fried chicken served under a brick to keep it crispy, a popular dish at Wiltshire on Market.
- Cooking Technique: The unique cooking method of placing the chicken under a hot brick keeps it exceptionally crispy.
- Fresh and Tasty: Made with fresh ingredients, resulting in an irresistible flavor combination.
- Diner Atmosphere: Enjoy the dish in a charming diner setting that evokes nostalgia and warmth.
8. The Brown Hotel's Julep Cocktail
A classic mint julep served at the historic Brown Hotel, a tradition since the Kentucky Derby.
- Derby Tradition: Imbibe in this iconic cocktail during the Kentucky Derby or any time of year.
- Minty Refreshment: The refreshing combination of mint, bourbon, and simple syrup creates a unique flavor profile.
- Quality Ingredients: Hand-muddled fresh mint leaves create an unparalleled aroma and taste.
9. Stevie's Café's Goo Goo Cluster
A creamy, chocolate-covered peanut and marshmallow confection, originally from Nashville but perfected at Stevie's.
- Southern Delicacy: Enjoy a taste of the South with this famous candy bar.
- Perfected Recipe: Stevie's has refined the recipe to create the perfect balance of flavors and textures.
- Sweet Treat: The irresistible combination of peanuts, marshmallows, and chocolate makes it a favorite dessert.
10. RiverPark Center's River City Drum Corps Show
Experience world-class drumming at the RiverPark Center with the River City Drum Corps, a Louisville staple.
- Skill and Precision: Witness the incredible skill, precision, and coordination of the drum corps.
- Energetic Performance: The high-energy show is sure to get your heart racing.
- Local Pride: Support the local talent that represents Louisville on a national level.
11. Dish On Market's Shrimp and Grits
A classic Southern dish featuring shrimp cooked in spicy tomato sauce served over creamy grits.
- Southern Comfort Food: Indulge in a hearty and flavorful Southern favorite.
- Spicy Kick: The spicy tomato sauce adds a kick that complements the rich, creamy grits.
- Fresh Ingredients: Made with fresh shrimp and locally sourced grits for an exceptional flavor.
12. Marketplace Mall's Bourbon Barrel Foods Tasting
Sample a variety of artisanal Kentucky products like bourbon-aged sauces and jellies at the Bourbon Barrel Foods store in the Marketplace Mall.
- Taste of Kentucky: Discover the flavors that define Kentucky, from bourbon to sorghum.
- Artisanal Quality: Enjoy high-quality, small-batch products made with care and attention.
- Unique Gifts: Find unique gifts to bring back home or for friends who love Kentucky flavors.
13. The Silver Dollar's Corned Beef Hash
A hearty breakfast dish featuring corned beef and potatoes served with eggs and toast.
- Comforting Breakfast: Start your day with a filling and satisfying meal.
- Flavorful Hash: The combination of corned beef, potatoes, and eggs creates a rich flavor profile.
- Diner Ambiance: Enjoy the dish in a classic diner setting with friendly service and a welcoming atmosphere.
14. Jefferson's Bourbon Barrel Aged Beer Tasting
Sample bourbon barrel-aged beers at the Kentucky Artisan Distillery, a unique twist on traditional bourbon tasting.
- Innovative Spin: Experience the marriage of bourbon and beer in this creative offering.
- Flavorful Beers: The barrel-aging process imparts unique flavors into each beer.
- Kentucky Craft Breweries: Support local craft breweries by tasting their innovative bourbon barrel-aged beers.
15. The Brown Hotel's High Tea Service
Indulge in a classic English tradition with high tea service at the elegant Brown Hotel.
- Historical Setting: Enjoy afternoon tea in a historic hotel that is steeped in Kentucky history.
- Delicate Pastries: Savor finger sandwiches, scones, and petite desserts alongside your choice of tea.
- Luxurious Experience: Relax and unwind in a luxurious setting that offers an unforgettable experience.