The Best Things In Louisville, According To The LEO Weekly Staff

Best Southern Indiana Barber Pryor’s Place Barber Shop 430 E 5th St, New Albany “You used to find a Bug in a box with fade Now he boogies up your stage, plaits, twist, or braids” The best neighborhood barbershop in New Albany, hands down. Keishaun Pryor and “Pappas” will keep the whole family looking good. And if you have a nervous or difficult child, you will find patient hands at Pryor’s Place. Enjoy a broadcast of Family Feud, lively conversation with New Albany locals, and the type of camaraderie you can only find in a barbershop. Call and make your appointment because walk-ins might be a long wait or not being able to get your cut at all. Barber shops are important connections to communities and Pryor’s keeps the Southern Indiana community lined-up, and faded.—Erica Rucker Pryor's Place Facebook

Best Bathroom Instagram Account @selfies_at_haucks Admit it. A bathroom that has its own Instagram account is nothing short of iconic. Covered in mismatched ornate gold mirrors, the Hauck’s bathroom is not one to sleep on. It might even make our list of most Instagrammable places in Louisville. Featuring exposed brick, exposed butts, and even a pup, give this account a scroll and count how many featured locals you went to high school with. —Sydney Catinna Hauck's Instagram

Best Local Cocktail Improved Yokohama Cocktail Tartan House, 1027 E. Main St. With a blend of Suntory Toki, benedictine, absinthe, and angostura bitters this is a complex drink that also delivers a sneaky strong punch. It’s a drink that requires you to enjoy the sip but as you imbibe, it’s also a good idea to think more about the combination of ingredients. The atmosphere of Tartan House with its cozy nooks and comfortable bar seating, offers the perfect atmosphere for a drink as sophisticated as the Yokohama. As Bill Murray says in Lost in Translation, “For relaxing times, make it Suntory time.” Combined with absinthe, and other flavors, it’s a dynamite sip. —Erica Rucker Erica Rucker

Most Irresponsible Champagne List Nouvelle 214 S. Clay St. When it comes to Champagne, Nouvelle doesn’t play by the rules. That’s exactly why their “Completely Irresponsible Champagne List” is one for the books. Kentucky’s only Master of Champagne, John Grisanti, has put together a selection that’s as fun as it is sophisticated. From rare Grower Champagnes to playful bubbles perfect for any occasion, Nouvelle’s list encourages you to pop bottles for all the right (or wrong) reasons. Hey, no judgment here. Whether you’re celebrating or commiserating, once the cork is out, the only responsible thing to do is share. Santé! —Sydney Catinna Nouvelle Instagram

Best Asian Market Viet Hoa 7100 Preston Hwy. If you’re interested in learning more about Asian cuisine, have a curious palate and time to spend, Viet Hoa is Louisville’s most complete Asian grocery experience. With an extensive selection of live and frozen seafood and other meats, vegetables, snacks, seasonings, and packaged delicacies, the experience of Viet Hoa is a delight. A visit to Viet Hoa feels like walking through markets in Asia, and it isn’t just the food. There are ceremonial goods, and cookware for any preparation you might need. The staff is friendly and knowledgeable. It’s the perfect place to step out of your comfort zone and try Asian foods you might be unfamiliar with.—Erica Rucker Viet Hoa

Best Local Event That Should Happen More Often Asian Night Market Fourth Street Live!, 411 S. 4th St. Asian Night Market is the yearly celebration of Asian culture and food that Asia Institute Crane House has put on for the last three years. The cultures of Asia span from India, to Japan, Korea, China and, south to countries like the Philippines, Laos, Vietnam, Indonesia and many more. Asian Night Market offers live performances from different Asian cultural groups, including Cultura Philippines, UofL’s Cardinal Bhangra, and the River Lotus Lion Dance, and many food trucks from local eateries like Bamba Eggroll Co., and Mochi Dog. For Louisville to have a thriving and vibrant multicultural city is a bonus. Immigrant communities make the places they grow better, more flavorful, more colorful, and safer. It is to the benefit of America that we continue to welcome and celebrate with the communities who choose this nation to begin building their dreams. The Asian Night Market is a reminder of how wonderful it is to share this land with so many different people. —Erica Rucker Asia Institute Crane House

Best Local Meme Instagram RiverCityRules Search Instagram Louisville has plenty to laugh about. From the weird shit you see at local music festivals like Bourbon & Beyond, Louder than Life, and the now possibly-defunct Forecastle Festival to the really fun time driving on Louisville roads, this city has much to meme. Sometimes the memes hit a little close to home, and tender hearts might feel a bit salty but RiverCityRules keeps it 100% with memes that reflect the life and times of living in the real River City. The memes range from the absurd to light commentary on local celebrities, current events, politics, and just things that could only possibly happen in Louisville, ahem “porch pooper.” —Erica Rucker Flurb

Best Local Cat Rescuer @cam.luvscats Now, listen, I know there are a lot of cat lovers doing a lot of good in Louisville, but I’ve got to give credit where credit is due. Camrin is an animal lover who I met briefly when adopting from the Humane Society. I ended up following her on Instagram and I’m so glad I did. On her account, she shares inspiring stories of her rescued kitties, lets you get to know her adoptable fosters and partners with TNR (trap, neuter, release) groups like Alley Cat Advocates. Keep up the good work, Cam! —Sydney Catinna @camluvscats

Grosseteria Will Offer World Food (Urp) Delights Imagine, if you will, the next dining trend likely to show up in the most with-it neighborhood in our town. I’m talking about Grosseteria, offering an array of real world-food dishes that qualify as comfort food to those who grow up in places that treasure them. None of us would want to try them, right? Yet some people would surely run to be the first to Instagram a meal from there. We’re not talking about simple stuff like strong, runny cheese, fried crickets or grasshoppers, or even Scottish black blood pudding. Nope. This is challenging fare that will put all but the strongest – or craziest – gourmands right off their feed. Let’s imagine just a few barely imaginable delicacies for Grosseteria’s unimaginable bill of fare, with a trigger warning for those easily, well, grossed out: Proceed with care. Casu Marzu. Literally translated as “maggot cheese,” Sardinian Casu Marzu starts with simple, not-too-stinky Pecorino, but in the hands of Sardinia’s cheese makers it adds a level of grossness that’s hard to think about: Flies are invited into a waiting block of cheese, where they do their fly thing and quickly leave behind a flotilla of maggots that nibble their way through the cheese, turning it into a pungent, soupy goo that drives aficionados mad. Buon’ appetito! Balut. This popular street-food item in the Philippines looks like a boiled egg, but it’s no ordinary egg. It’s a chicken or duck egg that’s not far short of hatching, simmered to cook the embryo in the shell. Filipino friends have told me that the crunchy beak and feet are the best parts, but they may have been pranking me. Hungry yet? Hákarl, Move over, lutefisk: That beloved Norwegian delicacy pales in contrast with Hákarl, an Icelandic delicacy made by fermenting a decomposed shark carcass until it tastes like strong cheese and smells like urine. The ancient Vikings evolved the process out of necessity to fend off winter starvation. What got the Vikings through a Greenland winter is now a delicacy for their descendants. For the rest of us? Not so much.—Robin Garr Wiki

Best Phoenix (Rising From The Ashes) Renshoku Ramen 1161 S. 2nd St. Once upon a time, I grew up on the 1200 block of Second Street. Once upon a different time, ramen was my favorite food. Nothing gold can stay, and tastes change, but nevertheless, when Renshoku Ramen opened at the corner of Second and Oak, in that little strip of stores that sometimes seems cursed because of how hard it is to keep businesses open there, I was very curious. So I went to Renshoku opening weekend. It was nice, but they were clearly still working out the kinks. I made a note to check it out again down the road, and when I finally did I was immediately in love—the same way I was in 2013 when I first ate a steaming bowl of noodles at Daikaya, a shop in DC’s Chinatown neighborhood. I started eating Renshoku twice a week, and pined for it when they were closed. Then tragedy struck. Or maybe it was the curse—a car crashed into the corner, hitting a tree and a parked car, starting a fire that spread to Renshoku. Suddenly my new favorite was gone. Of course, the owners said they were going to fix it up and re-open… but I had doubts. I’ve seen it all before on that cursed corner. But—work began on fixing the place up, and while the shop was closed, Renshoku ran a string of pop-ups to help their staff keep up with their personal bills while they waited for the shop to reopen. The shop opened back up in early September. And though it has a slightly reduced menu for now, the ramen is still fire. So, for being a thing of beauty that literally burst into flames and then was reborn; I present Renshoku Ramen the award for Best Phoenix.—Ali Fireel Ali Fireel

Best Gender-Inclusive Bathroom Signs The Henry Clay Theater 604 S. 3rd St. A sad but true fact about the world: “Clever” things often aren’t. Tee-shirts, bumper stickers, little signs on people’s desks. I find a lot of these “clever” little things irksome, but unless it’s hate speech, I shrug and meh. Another sad but true fact, bathrooms are a battleground for trans and non-binary people’s rights. It can get actually physically dangerous for trans people in bathrooms. And sometimes the actual sign outside the public restroom saying it’s gender inclusive is your only indication you’re in friendly territory…. Unfortunately, lots of gender inclusive restrooms have “clever” signs. Cue my cognitive dissonance. But—when a bathroom sign is gender inclusive AND actually clever, it gives me life. And the signs at the Henry Clay Theatre on Third St., courtesy the region’s longest running Queer theater company Pandora Productions, give me life, designating their bathrooms as “general seating” and “standing room.” For me this is often the best kind of clever, a wink and a tip of the hat rather than a loud, would-be, stand-up comic’s punchline. It’s an excellent on-topic allusion using theater-themed language. Even better, it’s simple and informative. Some bathrooms’ signs are so convoluted that they aren’t even clear about what facilities they contain. And like many of the best puns, it’s so obvious in hindsight. According to Artistic Director Gil Reyes it’s a brainchild of frequent Pandora contributor Kate Holland Ballowe. So for intelligence, clarity, and originality, I present Kate Holland Ballowe, Pandora Productions, and the Henry Clay Theatre this award for Best Gender-inclusive Bathroom Signs.—Ali Fireel Ali Fireel

Best Local Happening in the Past Year Latino/Hispanic Heritage Night on Preston Highway Supermercado Guanajuato #2, 6102 Preston Hwy. When you see a lot of big trucks with flags, it’s easy to think it’s going to be a parade of Trump flags, and angry white dudes shouting about the second amendment. It was so refreshing to see that on the recent Heritage Night, sponsored by Supermercado Guanajuato #2, the scores of cars, trucks and people were decked out in the flags of their nations celebrating something that is positive – culture, and not manufactured culture based on colonization and crime against other communities. It was fun trying to identify where each flag was from and seeing how car culture still thrives in Hispanic and Latino communities. I hope this is a yearly event.—Erica Rucker Erica Rucker

Craziest Fourth Street Live! Moment Of The Last Decade Happened More Recently Than You Think Former Mayor Greg Fischer Punch When former Louisville mayor Greg Fischer was punched at Fourth Street Live!, it sparked reactions that ranged from disbelief to shock, but I was taken aback so badly that I couldn’t help but laugh. Fischer, who served as mayor for over a decade, was at a public event when some random guy walked up and unexpectedly hit him in the face. If you remember, Antwon Brown was found incompetent to stand trial months later. The sheer randomness of the attack in a public place against the mayor of all people on a casual Saturday made it feel surreal. It’s not every day that a politician, especially a mayor, gets physically attacked in such a brazen manner while out in the open. What made the situation somewhat hilarious, albeit in a dark way, was the absurdity of the moment. Fischer is not what I’d consider a controversial figure to the extent that would typically provoke such a reaction, and seeing a mayor getting sucker-punched in a public setting seemed like something out of a slapstick comedy rather than real life. Mind you, this was years before Trump’s assassination attempts, so the humor comes more from the sheer “did that really just happen?” nature of the event, rather than the violence itself, which thankfully didn’t result in serious harm. —Caleb Stultz Louisville Tourism

Best Food Tour That Even Locals Will Love Phantoms of the Prohibition As a wanderlust-fueled travel junkie, one of my favorite ways to learn about a new city is on a food tour. So why not learn about my own city in the same way? I might be a born-and-raised Louisvillian, but that doesn’t mean I didn’t learn a thing or two (or more!) on Louisville Food Tours’ Phantoms of the Prohibition tour. Filled with cocktails, ghost stories, food, and good company, this is the perfect tour for spooky season, with or without your out-of-town friends! —Sydney Catinna Sydney Cantinna

Best New Basketball Coach Pat Kelsey Pat Kelsey has been a great pickup for Louisville basketball because of his proven success in building competitive teams and his awesome coaching style at Winthrop and later at Charleston. Kelsey demonstrated an ability to turn both programs around quickly. Considering how well he’s known for his strong player development, Kelsey will consistently produce well-rounded athletes who excel on both ends of the floor for Louisville. His infectious enthusiasm and motivational leadership really rubbed off on me when we first met him at that press conference. I think Kelsey is going to inject much-needed energy into a Louisville program that has underperformed in recent years. —Caleb Stultz UofL Men's Basketball

Best Video Game Based In Louisville Project Zomboid “Project Zomboid” stands out as one of the best games set in Louisville due to its deep survival mechanics, expansive world-building, and realistic depiction of a post-apocalyptic setting. As an open-world survival game, it immerses players in a relentless struggle against the zombie apocalypse, set against the backdrop of Louisville. The game captures the essence of survival, where players must scavenge for food, secure shelter, and fend off increasingly dangerous threats. One of its unique strengths is its attention to realism. The developers have carefully recreated Louisville, incorporating landmarks and geographical features, which adds an authentic feel for players familiar with the area. Additionally, its complex mechanics like crafting, skills development and managing mental and physical health add layers of depth that keep players engaged. —Caleb Stultz Project Zomboid Game Still

The Best Football Scoop-And-Score Of The Past Decade Happened Recently In Louisville Louisville vs. Georgia Tech Louisville’s scoop-and-score during their 31-19 win over Georgia Tech was crucial for both the team and my own sanity as a Louisville fan. Tayon Holloway’s blocked field goal, which he returned quickly for 45 yards for a touchdown, came at a pivotal moment when Georgia Tech had cut Louisville’s lead to five points and was gaining momentum. By sealing the game and igniting the crowd of over 50,000 fans, Louisville has jumped out to a perfect start to the season. For the city, this win reinforced the football team’s rising success under its head coach and Louisville local Jeff Brohm. —Caleb Stultz Louisville Football

Most Egregiously Underrated Park Shawnickasaw… or is it Chickanee? Southwestern Pkwy Okay this is actually two Olmsted parks, but Shawnee and Chickasaw Park are separated by a quick eight block stroll Olmsted’s picturesque and historic Southwestern Parkway, so it feels like they are two halves of one whole green space. While not quite as big as Cherokee, the sprawling Shawnee Park combines multiple areas, with unique flavors. The buzz of ball courts and playgrounds, give way to an expansive and stately great lawn, with small strands of trees just far enough apart that you feel their majesty. It fills me with awe when I open myself to the experience, as do the paths and trails tucked away behind Shawnee, where the absence of a Spaghetti Junction offers an intimate connection to the Ohio River. The more compact Chickasaw Park, after it closed to the public for a few years, is finally undergoing a renaissance: A pond renovated, a new nature based play area, and a fantastic overlook for gazing through the trees to see the Ohio. But from the 1920’s to the late 1950’s, the eight blocks separating these two parks held a harsh dividing line; Chickasaw -beautiful and beloved by its community- was the sole park open to the Black community. Shawnee was one of many white green spaces. Today’s segretory line is further East, the Ninth Street Divide. The seemingly self-evident reason is that large numbers of Louisvillians can’t point to these parks on a map. Whether it’s Olmsteads designs, the parks history, or the sheer palpability of the mighty Ohio, these two parks are often the place that I go to consider my place in the world, my debt to the city that raised me and the people who built it, and our shared responsibility for making a greener and more just future. —Ali Fireel Ali Fireel

Best City To Get An NBA Expansion Team It’s so strange that in the year of our Lord 2024 we do not have a professional basketball team from the National Basketball Association (NBA) here in Louisville, or any in Kentucky for that matter. We could have been if not for the Indiana Pacers being picked over the Kentucky Colonels, which were based right here in Derby City. With ravenous basketball fans in a city dying for a pro team to root for, we’ve kept to the sidelines, watching sold-out games of our favorite college teams for decades now. Even if the city’s median age is a little older, 37.9 years old, it doesn’t mean they aren’t willing to pack the KFC Yum! Center for a professional basketball game. Considering how we’ve packed the stands for a sorry Cardinals team over the past half decade, I’m sure with the right pieces in place, we could bring the Colonels back or introduce a new team to this city that desperately needs one. —Caleb Stultz Kentucky Colonels

Best Third Space (For Community & Music!) Monarch 1318 Bardstown Rd. The Monarch is more than just a music venue. It’s a creative hub and social space where artists and musicians can find their tribe and share good vibes. Founded by Mark Roberts, this nonprofit, member-supported space has become a home for Louisville’s creatives. With over 600 local and regional artists and nearly 300 touring musicians gracing its stage, The Monarch fosters collaboration and community like no other. Whether you’re catching a donation-based show or admiring the art on display, it’s a place to connect, create, and belong. —Sydney Catinna Monarch Instagram

Our Dining Critic’s Top Carnivorous Dish Of The Year Perso’s Three-Course Prix Fixe 741 E. Oak St. Please, Mr. Food Critic, tell us the very best thing you had to eat this year! Oh, all right! This year that standout meal – in the carnivorous division, anyway – features three, three, three winners in one! I’m talking about the three-course prix fixe dinner at Perso, Chef-owner Emil David’s creative Italian-accented eatery in Shelby Park. This culinary treat remains an affordable $29. Here’s the tale of the treats: First, hearty pasta e fagioli married plump cranberry beans and fresh campanelle pasta in a thick tomato sauce topped with grated pecorino toscano cheese and snipped basil. Next up, a luxurious osso buco was built on a braised grass-fed beef shank, a dark, intensely flavorful chunk of beef gently bathed in an intense stock reduction that blanketed the meat and pooled on the plate. Thick al dente asparagus spears and a pea tendril garnish completed this simple gift of a flawless dish. Dessert, a decadent finish, was a fresh-baked “candy scone” filled with bits of Reese Cups, Twix, and other candies, finished with sweet mascarpone cheese and a caramel drizzle. A portion of all Prix Fixe sales is given to Blessings in a Backpack, a worthy organization that helps feed local school children who suffer from food insecurity. —Robin Garr Robin Garr

Our Dining Critic’s Top Plant-Based Dish Of The Year Enso’s Vegan Yakisoba 1758 Frankfort Ave. Recognizing the truth that plant-based dining is increasingly popular these days, whether it’s in the context of meatless Mondays or full-time veganism, I try to offer both a toothsome meatless dish and a memorable meaty entree in every review. That can get a little complicated at an old-school steakhouse or barbecue joint. But surprisingly, more and more restaurateurs are recognizing that it’s not just possible but a doable challenge to build an impressive plant-based dish that’s as creative and interesting as one fashioned from animal flesh. This was a tough decision too, but I give the nod to Chef Lawrence Weeks’ Enso in Clifton. This popular new Japanese-Southern fusion dining room offers a roughly even split between meatful and meatless dishes. Consider yakisoba, a traditional and beloved Japanese street-food noodle dish that’s traditionally made with stir-fried pork, beef, or seafood with noodles. That’s a simple-sounding combination, but Enso’s plant-based and seemingly vegan yakisoba (now $28) shines in its balanced complexity. House-made white wheat noodles resembling pleasantly chewy linguine, were tender and soft. They were dressed with a mix of summer veggies – julienne zucchini, yellow squash, carrots, shiitake mushrooms and cut-up cabbage. I’m pretty sure I even saw some avocado slices in there. A thin but savory, umami-loaded brown sauce made the dish almost too good to resist. —Robin Garr Robin Garr

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Caleb Stultz

May 8 – May 21, 2026