ORDER’S UP! CAFÉ & DELI, 1981 Nelson Miller Parkway, 245-5991. Lovable and cozy new lunch spot in an East End office park is a spin on the fast casual model, with fresh sandwiches all priced at $5 or less, plus soups, salads and sides. (Reviewed 8/2; Rating: N/R)
SEAFOOD CONNECTION, 3922 Chenoweth Sq., 899-5655. Cozy lunch stop with many a delicious fish dish, including fish tacos and sandwiches, shrimp po’boy and crab cakes, four-star quality, all under $10. (Reviewed 8/9; Rating: 91)
TOAST ON MARKET, 736 E. Market St., 569-4099. Adds a tongue-in-cheek bistro spin to traditional breakfast and lunch diner fare. Located in the old Shel-Mar theater, offering plenty of seating. (Reviewed 8/16; Rating: N/R)
BENEDICT’S GARDEN CAFÉ, 1519 Baxter Ave., 479-7777. Tasty new café that specializes in vegan and vegetarian cuisine with an extensive menu that satisfies both vegetarians and meat-eaters alike. Complete with a juice bar! (Reviewed 8/23; Rating: N/A)
AMICI, 316 W. Ormsby Ave., 637-3167. This new Italian eatery aims to break the jinx associated with the Old Louisville property. The fairly extensive menu features a mix of some red-sauced Italian-American dishes with their roots in Southern Italy and a few classic “Northern Italian” dishes (like veal piccata). (Reviewed 8/30; Rating: 82)
WINDY CITY PIZZERIA, 2622 S. Fourth St., 636-3708, www.mywindycitypizzeria.com. Formerly Queenie’s, this pizza joint serves up some of the best thick-crust, Chicago-style pies. The menu also features Stromboli, spaghetti and other pasta dishes, but the draw is definitely the thin- and thick-crusted pizzas. (Reviewed 8/30; Rating: 88)
BLUEGRASS BISTRO, Derby City Antique Mall, 3819 Bardstown Road, 458-6111. Recently opened in the lower level of the Derby City Antique Mall in Buechel, this lunch spot features fresh and appealing dishes with international touches. Remember to save room for the “famous Possum Pie.” (Reviewed 9/13; Rating: 84)
HIPPO WINGS, 502 E. Warnock St., 634-4477, www.hippowings.com. Locally owned and operated, this carryout operation is located on the west side of the U of L campus. You can get their wings in more than a dozen flavors, and the menu offers a full array of sandwiches and appetizers as well. (Reviewed 9/13; Rating: N/A)
THE WING ZONE, 905 Hess Lane, 636-2445, www.wingzone.com. Although they boast a full menu of sandwiches and the like, the jumbo wings are the prize here, with more than 25 flavors to choose from, including the sophisticated Cajun Teriyaki and the mouth-watering Lemon Pepper Garlic. (Reviewed 9/13; Rating: N/A)
This article appears in September 19, 2006.