The Louisville, Kentucky Experience: The Highlands, Butchertown, Germantown

Hey, y’all!

I am so excited to bring the third installment of my guides to the Commonwealth of Kentucky to you today!

It was an immense privilege to partner with Go To Louisville (Louisville Tourism) on this post; I am so proud to call this city home and it is an honor to show off all that we have to offer!

Louisville is chock-full of amazing restaurants; thus, we are going to be breaking up this series into neighborhood installments. The first feature is on the Highlands, Butchertown, and Germantown.

About the Highlands: 

To quote Louisville Tourism, “Bardstown Road, Louisville’s original “Restaurant Row,” is situated in the city’s Highlands neighborhood. In addition to being a dining Mecca, it’s also known for its eccentric collection of shops and is one of the most popular neighborhoods for local nightlife.”

Where To Dine:

La Pêche Gourmet / Lilly’s Bistro

1147 Bardstown Rd, Louisville, KY 

Lilly’s is one of Louisville’s original farm-to-table restaurants — classic, elegant, and southern excellence are words that come to mind. La Peche, which is attached, is a dine-in or carry-out gourmet delicatessen. You can order made-to-order sandwiches, choose from the case, or from weekly specials.

La Peche is my favorite spot in the city – it’s my go-to, my diamond, my ride-or-die. The Burger’s Fried Chicken Sandwich is, hands down, my favorite fried chicken sandwich in the state (remember: I’m a Kentuckian, y’all). Order it with extra caesar dressing on the side.

Jack Fry’s

1007 Bardstown Rd, Louisville, KY 40204

A historic Louisville eatery that is not to be missed; with a history that dates back to 1933, the restaurant is a huge part of Louisville culture. Now a fine dining institution, often acclaimed as one of the best restaurants in both Kentucky and the United States, the menus – both lunch and dinner – aim to surpass all expectations. Walking in is like walking back in time – expect a hybrid of a speak-easy with a white tablecloth eatery. Fabulous.

La Chasse

1359 Bardstown Rd, Louisville, KY 40204

Another fabulous eatery off of Bardstown Rd, La Chasse offers an “intricately-woven Southern French and Spanish fusion menu that is prepared with classic French technique and exuberant innovativeness.”

The flavors offered at La Chasse are, to say the least, iconic. Elevated, well-executed, and simple – yet, immensely profound. Also expect to indulge in the amazing wine list and artisan cocktails.

Bonus:

Be sure to visit Seviche, the child of Chef Anthony Lamas. It’s mouthwatering!

About Butchertown:

To echo, “These days, though one large meatpacker anchors the area, Butchertown is in the middle of a renaissance and is being spruced up with chic boutiques, the city’s first brandy distillery, and more options for shopping, dining and having fun.”

Where To Dine:

Butchertown Grocery

1076 E Washington St, Louisville, KY 40206

According to their website, “On the outside, Butchertown Grocery seems like a decidedly simple, 19th-century brick building. But on the inside, you’ll discover a sleek restaurant with cozy banquettes, marble tables, mosaic tile on the floor, and weathered exposed wood on the ceiling.”

As I’ve said before, elevated simplicity is my philosophy on food. I very much relate to their perspective, which is largely why Butchertown Grocery is one of my favorite restaurants in the city.

From oysters, to escargot, to the chicken and waffles, to the amazing baked goods — you will leave planning your next visit.

Hi-Five Doughnuts

1011 E Main St, Louisville, KY 40206

Known for their inventive flavor combinations, large portion sizes, and delicious, yeasty doughnuts – Hi-Five makes some of my favorite sweets in the city.

I recently had a sweet doughnut topped with a sugar cookie. That was a new one, even for me — and, to understate, it was delicious!

Naive

1001 E Washington St, Louisville, KY 40206

Naive is new to the Butchertown scene – and it has been welcomed with open arms. They focus on sustainability, locality, freshness, and lightness. The meals have healthy spins, yet are delicious and filling.

Also, side note: it is one of the most aesthetically pleasing restaurant in Louisville. The interior is so gorgeous!

Red Hot Roasters

1399 Lexington Rd, Louisville, KY 40206

A retro-inspired bakery + coffee shop, Red Hot Roasters serves up some of the most delicious small-batch coffee in the city. Inspired by the owner’s eclectic (and fabulous!) style, the new shop has quickly turned into one of my favorites.

The only thing that makes it better? A cactus cookie!

About Germantown:

To recite, “Germantown, one of Louisville’s oldest neighborhoods, was named after the influx of German immigrants who first settled there in the mid 1800s. The area is dotted by the largest collection of shotgun and camelback houses in the city. A popular local saying is that there’s a dive bar on every corner. Recently, the neighborhood has become a mix of old and new, maintaining its history, while welcoming hip eateries and bars.”

Where To Dine:

Sarino

1030 Goss Ave, Louisville, KY 40217

Sarino focuses on fresh, homemade pasta and Neapolitan pizza. Trust me when I say that they deliver. It’s a large menu, one that is worth exploring; I’m already looking forward to my next visit!

Couvillion

1318 McHenry St, Louisville, KY 40217

Per the restaurant, “Couvillion (‘COO-vee-ohn): A thick, rich fish stew most often prepared with catfish thickened with roux. Or, in our case, a genuine, southern restaurant in the heart of Louisville’s Germantown neighborhood.”

Located behind the Germantown Mill Lofts, Couvillion serves up some major flavor! The food is heavy, comforting, and downright divine.

The Post

1045 Goss Ave, Louisville, KY 40217

Can there be a food guide without pizza? In my world, absolutely not. The Post is Germantown’s go-to for New York Style Pizzas (by the slice or served whole), craft beers, and cocktails. The flavors range from classic to experimental, such as stir fry pizza (yes, you read that correctly).

I cannot adequately thank Louisville Tourism (Go To Louisville) for working with me on this post. My city is fabulous – if you aren’t currently planning your trip here, what’s stopping you?

Come hungry!

As always, Happy Eating, Happy Traveling, Happy Living!

Y’all come back now, ya hear?

My best,

JC

FTC: This is a commissioned post; all opinions, however, are my own.