10 Affordable Restaurants in Louisville, KY That’ll Give You the Biggest Bite for Your Buck

Whether you live in the Louisville area or you’re simply passing through, it’s important to know where you can grab a bite to eat on a budget. There are always restaurants around to stop by for some good food, but the price you pay can sometimes catch you off guard. To ensure you don’t end up with a bill that takes you by surprise, we’re here to talk all about the affordable restaurants in the Louisville area. 

Luckily, Louisville has one of the most happening food scenes in all of Kentucky. There are plenty of incredibly affordable restaurants to choose from, which means you don’t have to sacrifice quality (because if the food isn’t tasty, what’s the point of buying it in the first place?) to chow down on all your favorite meals for an easy to afford price tag.

This is a list of the best affordable restaurants in Louisville and where you can find them. We also include links anytime one of these restaurants accept our super convenient virtual gift cards!

Real quick, here’s the low-down on GiftYa digital gift cards

Virtual GiftYa Cards make the perfect gift for loved ones and for anybody who likes to explore Louisville or travel. These virtual gift cards can be sent and received within seconds. Usually with a special message inside with well wishes towards a loved one or special friend. The virtual gift cards are as easy to send as an email or a text message and can be purchased for nearly ten thousand different merchants and businesses. 

You can personalize the gift message, and send it directly to your recipient’s phone, all within seconds. GiftYa’ digital format provides not only a speedy delivery but also a convenient way to store and maintain different gift card balances. 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 best affordable restaurants in Louisville, Kentucky below, including several that accept GiftYa! 

1. The Eagle

Chow Down on a Big Pile of Southern Comfort Food Without Breaking the Bank

Buy a gift card for The Eagle

📍 1314 Bardstown Rd | Tyler Park | eaglerestaurant.com

You shouldn’t have to dig into your life savings to enjoy some good ol’ fashioned down home southern American cuisine, now should you? It’s the home of the free, after all! Okay, so the food at The Eagle isn’t quite free, but it is an affordable restaurant that gets great ratings from Louisville locals and out of town visitors alike. 

Why? First and most importantly, the food at The Eagle is known around town for being delicious, every single time. Many restaurant regulars report that they’ve never stopped in when the kitchen was having an off night, which is pretty impressive considering The Eagle has been serving up southern favorites in Louisville for nearly a decade.

Be sure to try the blackened shrimp or the fried chicken sandwich – hundreds of reviewers on Yelp loved them, so we reckon you will too!

“This place was amazing! On a girls trip to Louisville we were in need of southern comfort food. The Eagle took it to the next level. Everything was fresh and hot! I highly recommend the grilled cheese but add the chicken and the spoon bread. Everything we ate was spectacular. Alex our server was great! They were new but extremely honest and positive during our whole experience!” – Yelp

Grab a GiftYa digital gift card to The Eagle by following the link right HERE and enjoy some of the best affordable restaurants in Louisville you can find!

2. Biscuit Belly

A mixture of Southern comfort food and really good flavors

Get a Biscuit Belly gift card

📍 900 E Main St | NuLu | biscuitbelly.com

If you’re from anywhere in the southern United States, chances are you have some pretty strong opinions about biscuits and what makes a good one. And you certainly aren’t alone – in 2013 Georgia native Chad Coulter decided he just wasn’t satisfied with the biscuits that Louisville had to offer, so he teamed up with chef Travis Rockwell and the idea for Biscuit Belly was born!

Biscuit Belly opened its doors in 2019, promising guests “genuine good times and damn good biscuits,” and boy have they delivered! The Biscuit Belly menu is stacked with southern treats – biscuit donut holes, biscuit sandwiches, biscuits and gravy, plus other southern favorites like fried green tomatoes and thick cut bacon. Wash it all down with a breakfast cocktail or delicious ice cream float, and you’re sure to leave with a happy biscuit belly indeed.

Pro tip: Make your meal even more affordable and be sure to sign up for Biscuit Belly’s loyalty program by downloading their app. You can earn Belly Bucks on your purchases, which can add up to big savings over time.

“Absolutely delicious! Warning: if you want the biscuits and gravy plan to share it. You get two giant biscuits and the gravy is exceptionally rich. The loaded tots are really good too! Do it.” – Yelp

Biscuit Belly is one of the best affordable restaurants in Louisville and they accept GiftYa digital gift cards–you can grab one for you or someone on your list by following the link!

3. Louie’s Hot Chicken and Barbecue

A chicken joint that breaks the mold but not your bank account

📍 4222 Poplar Level Rd | Poplar Level | louieshotchickenandbbq.com

They say that some like it hot, and if that applies to you, Louie’s is the place to be. 

Now that being said, you don’t have to go overboard on the heat, but you certainly can. Louie’s Hot Chicken and Barbeque offers a number of options – sandwiches ranging from smokey pulled pork to tender, juicy brisket as well as hot chicken, smoked wings, and plenty of sides. And if you do decide to go for the hot chicken, you can choose your spice level – no heat, medium, hot, or extra hot – which means there’s something to meet everyone’s preference.

“Absolutely perfect and delicious. I LOVED the homemade sides too! This is definitely my go to when visiting the zoo for sure since it's right by! Everyone was friendly and they do sell out of items so make sure to get in early if you want something specific!” – Yelp

GiftYa does not currently host gift cards for Louie’s Hot Chicken and Barbecue, but we still recommend checking them out if you need an affordable place to eat!

4. District 6

Traditional Vietnamese flavors with affordable menu prices

📍 3930 Shelbyville Rd | Louisville | eatdistrict6.wixsite.com

Searching for affordable restaurants in Louisville doesn’t have to limit the type of cuisine you can order. Sure, you could hit up a drive through for a fast food burger, but you could also chow down on some delicious and nutritious Vietnamese food, too. District 6 is a Vietnamese gastropub that offers a variety of traditional and modern dishes for a reasonable price. 

Whether you’re looking for summer rolls, banh mi, veggie dumplings, fresh hot pho, sticky rice, noodles, or something else, you’re sure to find something on District 6’s menu that satisfies your craving.

“Everything about this place tonight makes me wish I had tried it sooner. I have read reviews for months, mustering up the courage to jump off the Pho wagon. I am forever changed.” – Yelp

District 6 doesn’t offer GiftYa digital gift cards just yet, but check back soon because we are always adding the best affordable restaurants and attractions in Louisville!

5. Lonnie’s Best Taste of Chicago

Bringing classic Chicago dishes to the people of Louisville since 2001

📍 121 St. Matthews Ave | Louisville | lonniesbesttasteofchicago.com

Craving something a little outside your usual Louisville fare? Lonnie’s Best Taste of Chicago has got you covered. Founded by native Chicagoans in 2001, the folks at Lonnie’s know a thing or two about northern cooking. We’re talking beef gyros, lamb gyros, traditional Chicago hot dogs (with or without chili and cheese), Polish beef sausage, Italian sausage, and big juicy burgers. 

The best part is, like every restaurant on this list, you don’t have to take out a second mortgage on your house to eat your fill. Lonnie’s Best Taste of Chicago is all about good food, not a fancy price tag. Locals love the casual atmosphere, and those in the know say the food tastes just like it would in The Windy City. 

“It's easy to miss this place if you drive by, but it is definitely worth it. The people who work there are super kind and friendly. They said they the food is just like how it would be in Chicago and they were right. I got the beef chili dog and it was fantastic. Highly recommend it!” – Yelp Review

Unfortunately, gift cards for Lonnie’s Best Taste of Chicago are not available on GiftYa at this time. Still, they are super affordable and worth checking out!

6. World of Beer 

Get great deals on global beers and tavern food right here

Buy a World of Beer gift card

📍 9850 Von Allmen Ct #108 | East Louisville | worldofbeer.com

If a refreshing glass of ice-cold beer is the only thing on your mind while checking out all that Louisville has to offer, then you will be pleased as pie to discover local favorite, World of Beer. While not exclusive to Louisville, World of Beer has built a solid reputation amongst visitors and locals alike due to their vast selection of draft beers and delicious tavern-style food.

Whether you wish to stop by during happy hour for great deals on tasty beers or you’re just around for the food, World of Beer is guaranteed to make your day better. Experience over five hundred global beers that you won’t find in your typical dive bar while you munch of pub fare that is designed to enhance the flavors of the brews. At World of Beer, you can eat and drink your fill all for an affordable price. 

“Only had a couple beers tonight. Stopped by to check the place out and the bartenders and staff were great. Did not have anything to eat but the folks at the bar I spoke to talked about how good the food was and they loved the place.” – Yelp

You can pick up a gift card for World of Beer using the link to GiftYa!

7. Bubba’s 33

Really good bar bites that are priced and portioned reasonably 

Purchase a Bubba’s 33 gift card

📍 4631 Medical Plaza Way | Clarksville | bubbas33.com

Looking for a local sports bar setting where you can indulge in delicious pub fare while watching your favorite teams on large-screen TVs? Luckily for you, there’s a couple of Bubba's 33 locations in the greater Louisville area, meaning you’re never too far of a drive from getting a drink and something good to eat. 

If your stomach is craving some first class bar-style type food and refreshingly cold beverages, then Bubba’s 33 has exactly what you are looking for. Burgers, pizza, sandwiches, and so much more await at Bubba’s 33, including a fine selection of draft beers so you can sip and munch while watching TV. With all of their food made fresh in house everyday, you know that you are always getting a piece of quality for a reasonable price when ordering from Bubba’s 33. 

“Been to this location several times, food and service is always very good. My only complaint would be that it can be quite loud during busy times, but still worth it.” – Yelp

Grab a gift card for Bubba’s 33 from GiftYa and get ready to eat some really good food!

8. Resch’s Tavern

Serving up tasty bar food at refreshing price points

Purchase a Resch’s Tavern gift card

📍 523 Eastern Blvd | Clarksville | reschstavern.e-tab.com

There isn’t anything that quite rivals settling down in a neighborhood tavern and snacking on some really good eats. If that is what you are craving while seeing all there is to see in Louisville, then a quick jaunt over the Kentucky-Indiana border will land you at Resch’s Tavern, where a casual atmosphere and bar bites reign supreme. 

Resch’s Tavern may be small, but once you step through the doors you are certain to feel right at home. A cozy setting is amplified by sports on TV and even karaoke nights, so you can have some fun while you dine. As far as the food is concerned, Resch’s Tavern serves all manner of bar food, from burgers and sandwiches to house-made sides and chili. Plus, they have plenty of beer to go around to help wash it all down. 

“Great little bar. Friendly, great drink prices, food looks good and very reasonably priced. Will definitely visit again when I'm in Louisville!” – Yelp

Does this sound like your kind of joint? Pick up a gift card for Resch’s Tavern when you follow the link!

9. Mi Sueño Cuban Express

Big portions of authentic Cuban food without a huge price tag

Buy a Mi Sueño gift card

📍 3425 Bardstown Rd | Bon Air | misuenorestaurantky.com

While you may not be in the deep south, Louisville still has its connections to Southern cuisine of all types, and that includes good Cuban food. Mi Sueño Cuban Express is the place you want to be if you find yourself craving build-your-own combo plates of delicious Cuban-style fare without breaking your food budget. 

Mi Sueño is a very casual counter-service restaurant that is big with their portions while remaining affordable to the everyday person. Enjoy traditional Cuban dishes in an easygoing, relaxed setting so that you can focus more on the moment than worrying about the price tag. They have many protein options for their dishes, including brisket, beef steaks with onions, fried pork chunks, and lamb shanks. For sides, customers can pick from sauteed vegetables, black beans, potato salad, macaroni salad, and more. 

“Holy smokes-a-mole. When our first choice for Cuban food was unavailable, we stopped by Mi Sueño Cuban Express as a consolation prize. We soon discovered the error of our thinking - Mi Sueño Cuban Express should have been our first choice, and will be henceforth.” – Yelp

Head on over to GiftYa to pick up a Mi Sueño Cuban Express gift card!

10. Abyssinia 

Traditional Ethiopian cuisine on large platters for sharing

Get an Abyssinia gift card

📍 554 S 5th St | Downtown | abyssinialouisville.com

Who doesn’t love going to a restaurant that serves platters large enough to satisfy whole parties? As long as the food is tasty, then you know you will end up saving a good chunk of change, plus you get to look forward to leftovers for tomorrow! That’s why we went ahead and included Abyssinia as a part of this list. 

Serving up traditional Ethiopian cuisine, Abyssinia is a family-owned restaurant where diners get to immerse themselves in the culture and dining customs of Ethiopia. With a menu filled with rich and bold flavors, Abyssinia prides itself on sourcing its food with fresh, local ingredients. More than a simple meal, Abyssinia is a whole experience that invites customers into a journey to the heart of Ethiopian culture. 

“The ambiance is relaxed and unpretentious, and the staff is lovely, attentive and helpful. This is such a unique and delicious eating experience that warrants several trips back. Would highly recommend!” – Yelp

Pick up an Abyssinia gift card from GiftYa with the link!

See, you don’t have to spend big to eat well in Louisville!

There you go, you finally have it – a list of the best affordable restaurants you can find in Louisville. You will be sure to find something that fits your appetite and your wallet somewhere on that list I’m sure of it. And don’t worry the list is composed of some of the best reviewed best affordable restaurants in Louisville on the internet so you can be sure everything on the list has been well vetted.

But even if you didn’t find what you’re looking for here, GiftYa has something to offer for everybody when they are in Louisville looking for the best affordable restaurants. And remember you can grab a GiftYa digital gift card to the participating restaurants for you or a loved one and send them instantly and keep track of everything digitally.

If you pick a restaurant that doesn’t accept GiftYa you are sure to get a delicious meal in Louisville. There is a real diversity of cuisine offered just on this list alone. With everything from affordable pho from a Vietnamese gastropub to delicious southern comfort food like biscuits and gravy, you are sure to find an affordable restaurant that meets your needs somewhere in Louisville. And if you don't, GiftYas are available in countless other cities all across America!