Gumbo A Go-Go, 2109 Frankfort Ave., 896-4046, www.gumboagogo.com. This home-style Cajun eatery in Clifton has become a neighborhood mainstay and is slowly building its hearty, good and affordable fare. The new Voodoo Chicken — an offshoot of the popular Drunken Chicken — significantly ramps up the fiery Cajun spice. (Reviewed: 1/31; Rating: 85)
Schuler’s Family Restaurant, 407 College St., Henryville, Ind., (812) 294-4777. This family-owned Southern Indiana gem has been in continuous operation since 1967. Breakfast is served all day, along with hearty comfort food and delicious desserts. (Reviewed: 2/7; Rating: N/A)
Joe’s OK Bayou, 4308 Charlestown Rd., New Albany, Ind., (812) 948-2080, www.joesokbayou.com. This newest location turns a bland shopping-center space into a replica of a Cajun-country saloon. The large menu includes a variety of appetizers (including fried gator tail and fresh flown-in Gulf oysters), salads, sandwiches and a bewildering variety of main dishes. (Reviewed: 2/14; Rating: 88)
Brix Wine Bar, The Shops of Forest Springs, 12418 Lagrange Rd., 243-1120. This new spot is an attractive, worthy addition to the suburbs with a sizable list of well over 200 wines. The food is good, but the menu is not really designed for exciting wine-and-food matching with its focus on bar appetizers and sandwiches. (Reviewed 3/28; Rating: 79)
Diamante Bar & Grille, 2280 Bardstown Rd., 456-1705. One of the best options in town for late-night dining, this spot used to house the Diamond Service Station. Among its fare is tarragon chicken and shrimp and an amazing buffalo chicken sandwich. (Reviewed 3/28; Rating: 89)
Ballyhoo’s Baja Grill, 1702 Bardstown Rd., 452-2559. The newest spot in the Highlands to offer “fresh” Mexican fare, including amazing, must-try fish tacos. Smiling grill cooks fashion your taco or burrito to order, using your choice of flour or corn tortilla and a cafeteria choice of toppings. (Reviewed 4/11; Rating: 86)
Just Fresh Bakery and Café, 1255 Bardstown Rd., 451-2324, www.justfresh.com. The focus here is on light, healthy fare that “never sees a fryer,” a concept that seems a good fit with the crunchy-granola Highlands. Generous portions are served throughout breakfast, lunch and dinner. (Reviewed 4/11; Rating: N/A)
This article appears in April 17, 2007.