Robin Garr’s Piece about Forgotten Restaurants is a great trip down memory lane about some local places that we dearly loved and miss. However, Louisville still has many classic restaurants that are local staples and have survived well past the 20-year mark. From Ditto’s Thai wings to Bristol’s Green Chili Wontons to Fried Chicken and Burgers at The Chicken House, there is no shortage of local restaurants that have stood the test of time.
As a foodie city, it is easy to get caught up in the latest dining spot but a revisit to some of our favorite classic dining spots is a good practice so we don’t speak about them as places we “remember.”
Remember them now! Get out and visit one of these classic Louisville restaurants and tell ’em LEO sent ya!
Twig And Leaf
2122 Bardstown Road
If youve driven Bardstown Road, chances are youve passed Twig and Leaf. The diner-style restaurant has been a staple of Louisville and has reliably served The Highlands flapjacks and scrambled eggs for many years.
Featured in the photo is an over-easy egg on toast with tater tots.Bucks
425 West Ormsby
Bucks Restaurant and Bar is another great fine dining hit and located right in the heart of Old Louisville. Photo via BucksCome Back Inn
909 Swan St
Come Back Inn is an Italian-American pub thats been serving Louisville for over 21 years, and theyve won a few readers choice awards for LEO. Photo via Come Back InnCaptains Quarters Riverside Grille
5700 Captains Quarters Rd, Prospect
Captains Quarters Riverside Grille offers a variety of seafood, salads, sandwiches and desserts, all served with a frontrow view of the Ohio River. Photo via Captains Quarters Riverside GrilleChecks
1101 East Burnett Ave
Comfort food galore! Checks has fried catfish, pork chops, burgers and even has a bar. Photo via ChecksLe Relais
2817 Taylorsville Rd
Le Relais is a French fine-dining restaurant in the airport terminal of Bowman Field. They say the interior will remind you of Casablanca with its 1940s decor. Photo via Open TableBristol Bar & Grille
1321 Bardstown Rd (Multiple locations)
Bristol Bar & Grille has locations in the Highlands, Downtown and the East End. They offer both lunch and dinner with lots of food choices and an extensive alcohol menu. Photo via Bristol Bar & GrilleArnis
1208 State St, New Albany (multiple locations)
This Indiana restaurant has been around for over 50 years, serving up pizza, stromboli and sandwiches. Photo via ArnisJoes Older Than Dirt
8131 New La Grange Rd
Joes Older Than Dirt is a sports bar and restaurant with live music, great food and an even better atmosphere. Photo via Joes Older Than DirtChicken House
7180 County Rd 111, Sellersburg, IN
Another great place for homemade southern meals, Chicken House in Indiana says their food will have you remembering grandmas. Photo via Chicken House80/20 at Kaelins
1801 Newburg Rd
According to a Louisville urban legend, 80/20 at Kaelins is the home of the original cheeseburger. Whether it is or not, its a great place to go grab a bite to eat. Photo via 80/20 at Kaelins610 Magnolia
610 Magnolia Ave
This reservation-required restaurant has a rotating menu of delectable meals and beverage pairings. Photo via 610 MagnoliaJack Frys
1007 Bardstown Rd
An American bistro with live jazz music, Jack Frys is a Louisville institution and guarantees the best night in town. Photo via Jack FrysOld Spaghetti Factory
235 West Market St
While not a local institution, the Old Spaghetti Factory has become a dining staple in Downtown Louisville. Photo via https://www.osf.com/Cottage Inn
570 Eastern Pkwy
Cottage Inn has been keeping the Southern comfort food tradition alive in Louisville, KY since 1929. Photo via Cottage InnOriental House
4302 Shelbyville Rd
Oriental Houses menu is extensive and it can be delivered right to you. Photo via Oriental HouseMr. Gs Lounge
10432 Shelbyville Rd
Mr. Gs Lounge is a great place for a night of fun. Between karaoke, DJ nights, and happy hour, its always a good time.
Photo via Mr. Gs LoungeLees Korean
1941 Bishop Ln, Suite 107
Lees Korean has plenty of Korean cuisine options, with lots of appetizers, platters, soup, stir fry and casserole. Photo via Emily S. taken from YelpDizzy Whizz
217 West Saint Catherine St
Dizzy Whizz, home to the Whizzburger, has been in Louisville for more than 70 years. With both indoor and curbside seating, the diner has breakfast, burgers, sandwiches, and event a dairy bar with plenty of sweets to pick. Photo via JT C. from YelpMike Linnigs
9308 Cane Run Rd
Mike Linnigs has everything it needs to fulfill all of your seafood cravings. Photo via Mike LinnigsJoe Hubers
2421 Engle Rd, Starlight, IN
An absolute classic, Joe Hubers has lots of homestyle southern food like their famous fried biscuits and apple butter, country fried chicken and chicken and dumplings. Worth the drive! Photo via Joe HubersShirley Maes Cafe
802 South Clay St
Shirley Maes Cafe and Bar has amazing slow soul food and a great history. Photo via Shirley Maes CafeThe Granville Pub
1601 South 3rd St
The Granville Pub has all of the pub classics: burgers, pretzels with beer cheese and wings. Photo via The Granville PubDittos
1114 Bardstown Rd
Dittos Grill has lots of specialty dishes, like the Kentucky Pork Burger, Thai Wings, and the Citrus Atlantic Cod. Photo via DittosThe English Grill at Brown Hotel
335 West Broadway
Home of the world famous Hot Brown, this fine dining classic is a cant miss in Louisville. Photo via Open TableStevens Deli
1114 Bardstown Rd
This classic family-owned deli and sandwich shop offers lots of signature sandwiches, soups, and salads. Photo via Stevens DeliWagners
3113 South 4th St
With lots of food options, a gift shop and plenty of Derby paraphernalia, Wagners is perfect for Derby lovers and Louisvillians. Photo via WagnersD. Nalleys
970 South 3rd St
D. Nalleys Diner has been around in Old Louisville for more than 50 years and its still a classic.Photo via D. NalleysNapa River Grill
1211 Herr Lane
Napa River Grill is very well known for their wine selection and they bring a taste of Northern California cuisine to Louisville. Photo via OpenTableTwig and Leaf
2122 Bardstown Rd
A classic diner in the heart of the Highlands, Twig and Leaf says that their homemade American favorites are sure to please. Photo via Twig and LeafVincenzos
150 South Fifth St
Vincenzos describes themselves perfectly: gourmet, fine-dining, authentic and elegant. Make sure to check their dress code and make a reservation. Photo via VincenzosRamsis
1293 Bardstown Rd
Ramsis has a large menu full of global comfort food. They have vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free options along with mocktails, cocktails and plenty of dessert. Photo via RamsisOverlook Restaurant
1153 West State Rd 62, Leavenworth, IN
This Ohio River overlook has a restaurant and a pub both with indoor and deck seating. Photo via Overlook RestaurantPorcini
2730 Frankfort Ave
Located on Frankfort Avenue, Porcini offers Italian cuisine in a fine-dining setting. Photo via PorciniPats Steak House
2437 Brownsboro Rd
This classic Louisville Irish steakhouse has a wide menu, with steak, seafood, pork and chicken. Photo via Pats Steak HouseOllies Trolley
978 South 3rd St
Ollies Trolley is an Old Louisville classic, but make sure to bring cash since this renowned burger and hot dog joint doesnt take credit cards. Photo via Ollies Trolley
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