Louisville’s own Noche Mexican BBQ has received top honors in this year’s Six in the City: A Southern BBQ Experience in Chicago, earning the overall grand prize in a heated culinary fight among six Southern cities.
“This reminds us why it’s important to follow your passions,” said owner Aaron Diaz, who accepted the prize alongside Executive Chef Chad Hand, Pastry Chef Jason Hand, Bar Manager Sammy Olivas, and team member Megan Preston.
Held May 20–21 at the Theatre on the Lake, the invitation-only event challenged BBQ standouts from Louisville, Birmingham, Memphis, Columbia, Raleigh, and Richmond to produce a three-course meal highlighting their city’s taste and flair.
Noche’s delicious assortment—BBQ Pulled Pork Nachos, Smoked Brisket Tacos, and a showstopping Chocolate Bourbon Ball Cake—garnered high accolades for inventiveness, presentation, and strong local roots.
The achievement marks a huge milestone for the Highlands restaurant, which launched in 2019 inside a renovated church and rapidly became known for its creative approach to BBQ—merging West Texas tradition, Mexican street food, and Kentucky classics. The Chocolate Bourbon Ball Cake, recreated by Jason Hand, was notably lauded for its blend of nostalgia and expertise.
“Everyone told me not to open a restaurant,” said Diaz. “But this reminds us why it’s important to
follow your passions. I’m so, so proud of my team.”
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This article appears in Jun 20 – Jul 3, 2025.