Eat Local at These Locally Owned, Local-Favorite Restaurants in Louisville, KY

If you are looking for a local restaurant in Louisville then you’ll want to be sure to check out one of Louisville’s local restaurants and eating establishments. With many different styles and cultures of cuisines, and a myriad of upscale atmospheres, the restaurants in Louisville have much to offer. 

Although there are many options to choose from, in this article today we have compiled a list of some of the top rated local restaurants in the whole Louisville area. The list includes the restaurant's location, a Yelp review, a summary of the restaurant's style, and even a convenient link to the restaurant's website in case you want to order takeout or just want to preview the menu before you go in person. We’ve even included links where you can get a GiftYa E-Gift Card for each and every one of the participating restaurants.

What exactly is a GiftYa, you ask?

As a reminder a GiftYa digital gift card is pretty much exactly what it sounds like. A gift card that functions just like every other gift card. It lets you make purchases at a participating bar, restaurant, or store up to the face value of the gift card. However, unlike traditional gift cards. GiftYa digital gift cards come with a few additional benefits. 

For instance, unlike a traditional gift card, a GiftYa can be sent straight to your phone in seconds. That way you don’t need to deliver a GiftYa in person if you want to give it as a gift. You don’t even have to go to a store in person if you want one for yourself. You can just visit the GiftYa website and pick one up today.

Since GiftYa cards are sent directly to your phone you never have to worry about misplacing them or forgetting to take them with you. In most instances you are going to have your phone with you so in most instances you will have your GiftYa cards right in your pocket. In addition to that, your GiftYa also keeps track of the balance for you. 

Which is so much nicer than having to try to remember how much was left over on those antiquated plastic gift cards. I mean you can’t write it on them very easily so idk what you’re supposed to do if you don’t use the total value the first time? Just guess the next time you are in town?

You don’t need to worry about having that particular gift card for that particular establishment on that particular day, as long as you have your phone, GiftYa cards are with you. Check out the list of top local restaurants in Louisville, Kentucky below, including several that accept GiftYa! 

Hammerheads

Locals Can’t Get Enough on this Southern Take on the Gastropub

921 Swan St | Germantown | louisvillehammerheads.com

Tucked away right on Swan Street in Germantown, you might not notice local legend Hammerheads at first… unless of course you happen to look up and see the giant shark! Locals love Hammerheads’ elevated take on traditional southern comfort food, and how could they not? 

It’s hard to go wrong with favorites like burgers, tacos, and sandwiches. But you don’t have to worry about getting bored with the menu options – Hammerhead offers a variety of unique meats from pork belly to pulled duck to crab meat to elk to chorizo, so no matter what you’re in the mood for, you’re sure to find something that satisfies.

Locals love the casual vibe and can’t stop talking about Hammerheads’ amazing truffle fries. It’s a small restaurant and is very popular among Louisville locals, so you can expect it to get busy and a bit loud during peak meal times. 

Is it worth it? Absolutely. But you don’t have to take our word for it, stop in and see for yourself!

“Hands down the best restaurant in Louisville and the list it's up against is second to none. If you don't know how great the food scene is in Louisville you don't know Louisville! In my opinion the best in the country. Fight me.” - Yelp Review 

Hammerheads is one of the thousands of restaurants that accepts digital GiftYa gift cards but it is also among one of the highest rated local restaurants in Louisville in Louisville!

The Eagle

What Could Be Better Than Comfort Food, Craft Beer, and the Blues?

1314 Bardstown Rd | Tyler Park | eaglerestaurant.com

As the name of the restaurant might suggest, The Eagle is a local Louisville restaurant that’s all about good ‘ol fashioned American cuisine. Even the birds they serve up are free – cage, free, free roaming, and all natural, that is. According to The Eagle’s website, they start with high quality meat, brine it, dredge it, throw it into a custom fryer, and serve it up with their special hot honey. If that doesn’t make your mouth water just thinking about it, well… you must not be from Louisville!

Wash your chicken dinner down with an ice cold craft brew and enjoy the blues-heavy soundtrack The Eagle plays all evening for a true taste of southern comfort. Bon appetit!

“Yum!!! If you don't like chicken, this might not be the place for you. If you DO like chicken, you're going to love this place. Lots of fun drinks and sides to share. The staff is nice and the chicken is awesome.” - Yelp Review

Get a GiftYa digital gift card for yourself or a loved one to The Eagle and enjoy one of the best local restaurants in Louisville in Louisville by following the link!

The Charcoal Restaurant

Falafel and Shawarma and Charcoal Chicken, oh my! Chow Down on Some of Louisville’s Best Authentic Mediterranean Food

2805 N Hurstbourne | Westport | thecharcoalrestaurant.com

Although the first two restaurants on our list specialize in classic American cuisine, not every local Louisville restaurant serves up southern comfort food. Take The Charcoal Restaurant, for example – staying true to their roots in Jerusalem, The Charcoal Restaurant is dedicated to bringing a taste of the Mediterranean to the good people of Louisville. That means Mediterranean charcoal chicken, crispy falafel, tabouli salad, juicy shawarma, and a variety of traditional sides and drinks.

Louisville locals love The Charcoal Restaurant’s friendly staff and affordable prices. And it doesn’t hurt that the food tastes amazing, either! If you’re looking for something different from your usual fare, give The Charcoal Restaurant a try today.

“A must try!! All the food is absolutely delicious. I have Palestinian and Lebanese family so I know good authentic Mediterranean and this place is IT! The owner is a really nice man who cares about his customers!” - Yelp Review 

The Charcoal Restaurants doesn’t offer GiftYa digital gift cards just yet, but check back soon because we are always adding local restaurants in Louisville and attractions in Louisville!

CASK Southern Kitchen & Bar

A Fresh Take on Southern Comfort Food, Sunday Brunch, and Classic Cocktails

9980 Linn Station Rd | Louisville | cask-louisville.com

There are some foods that everyone can appreciate – a juicy burger, perfectly cooked shrimp and grits, deviled eggs, fresh greens, fried tomatoes, chicken and waffles… and all of those mouthwatering southern favorites can be found on the menu at The CASK Southern Kitchen & Bar. Your plate won’t be quite the way mom used to make – The CASK does pride itself on putting a modern twist on its offerings – but it’s sure to hit the spot just the same.

Just keep in mind that good food is meant to be shared. Bring a friend along, or catch a game with a group of pals on the large televisions all around the bar.

“Highly recommend! I visited CASK today for lunch, it was my first visit and I'll definitely be back! The food was delicious. I had the meatloaf sandwich, my friends had the fired chicken sandwich and we shared the fried pickles. Everything was outstanding! I'll be craving that meatloaf sandwich again soon. The service was great. Our waitress was super sweet and happy and our food came quickly. ” - Yelp Review 

You can’t get a digital GiftYa gift card to CASK Southern Kitchen & Bar at the moment but be sure to check back soon as new local restaurants in Louisville and locations in Louisville are added all the time!

Fork & Barrel

Locally-Owned American Restaurant Where You Can Expect Fresh, Locally-Sourced Ingredients and Lots of Southern Hospitality

2244 Frankfort Ave | Clifton | bethefork.com

When you think of local restaurants, you’re probably picturing quaint, cozy, mom and pop type joints. And yes, Louisville’s food scene has plenty of restaurants overflowing with that classic small-town charm, but Fork & Barrel turns that picture on its head. At Fork & Barrel you’ll find a refined take on American cuisine cooked up using only the freshest local ingredients. 

Originally from New England, executive chef Geoffrey Heyde has become a huge fan of good old fashioned southern cooking since moving to Louisville in 2009. Dedicated to learning as much as possible about Kentucky’s rich culinary history and keeping up with emerging trends in the restaurant world, his goal is to bring Louisville food that feels homey and familiar… but taken up a notch.

Locals love their short rib benedict, crab cakes, pork shank, charred octopus, and brussels sprouts salad. You can also check out Fork & Barrel’s signature offerings, fan favorites like roasted half chicken, deviled eggs, salmon, and for dessert, an ooey gooey triple chocolate brownie you’ll be daydreaming about long after you leave.

“Ever had one of those meals that's so delicious you can't quite form full sentences to describe it? That's how I felt while enjoying the rabbit entree special for my first time at Fork & Barrel. 

I will absolutely be back and will remember to take advantage of their parking lot next time!” - Yelp Review 

Fork & Barrel is one of the best local restaurants in Louisville in Louisville and they accept GiftYa digital gift cards and you can grab one for you or someone on your list by following the link!

There you have it! All the best rated local restaurants in Louisville. Louisville is a major hub of business and commerce so it isn’t easy to narrow down the list of great local restaurants in Louisville to only what can fit in this post. But just from what we gathered for you here today you’ll be sure to find a location that's convenient for you with plenty of excellent options. 
And remember, if you or someone you love is out in Louisville, we marked off which local restaurants in Louisville accept convenient GiftYa digital gift cards. And you can use them at any of the locations we indicated on this list today. But even if you choose a local restaurant in Louisville that doesn’t accept GiftYa, you’ll be sure to find authentic local Louisville food. Louisville and GiftYa definitely have something to offer.