13 of the Most Fun Restaurants in Louisville!

Louisville, Kentucky is definitely a great city to visit if you’re looking for a good time, and all of the restaurants on this list are also perfect for just that! 

Whether it’s for the drinks at the bar, the overall atmosphere, or the food itself, every restaurant on this list is sure to be a lot of fun to dine at! And, additionally, they’re all supported by GiftYa.

GiftYa is a virtual gift card company that allows you to send someone you know money for a participating location via an app. That balance will be automatically charged from their debit or credit card so that they don’t have to remember to bring anything extra!

So, in addition to visiting yourself, consider treating a friend or family member to a meal at one of these fun restaurants in Louisville.

1. Hammerheads

A restaurant with both indoor and outdoor dining at two locations in Louisville.

You would think that a giant hammerhead shark would be the opposite of inviting, but that’s not the case at this restaurant! Image courtesy of Instagram.

921 Swan St | Louisville | louisvillehammerheads.com 

Hammerheads has two different locations in two great areas of Louisville— one in the Highlands, and one in Germantown. The latter, pictured above, has a giant shark hanging over the door in addition to a sign outside, so it’s a bit hard to miss! 

The shark seems to watch over the outdoor dining area, but this restaurant is also open indoor dining and takeout with its delicious burgers, sandwiches, tacos, fries, sides, and starters. And, of course, there are both vegetarian and seafood options!

Hammerheads is open from 5 p.m. until 9 p.m. Mondays through Saturdays, and is closed on Sundays.

“Delicious! We got a mixed variety of food, and loved everything! I got the burger with brie and it was amazing. I wish there were more of a beer selection but other than that, will be back for more!” - Yelp Review

Buy a GiftYa for Hammerheads

2. Proof on Main

Great food on a main street in Louisville!

Proof on Main has been open for over 15 years now, and has been bringing great food and drink to Louisville ever since! Image courtesy of Instagram.

702 W Main Street | Louisville | proofonmain.com 

The proof is in the pudding at this restaurant— there’s no pudding on the menu, but there are plenty of other delicious foods for you to try! Proof on Main puts a modern spin on comfort food made of ingredients sourced locally, and their drinks are nothing to sneeze at, either.

Proof on Main serves specialty cocktails, beers, and a variety of wines— not just your typical red and white, but also pink, orange and sparkling. And even if you’re sticking to food, you’re still going to have a great time at this restaurant!

Dinner hours on Sundays and Mondays are from 5 p.m. until 9 p.m., while they change to 5 p.m. until 10 p.m. Thursday through Saturday as the restaurant is closed Tuesdays and Wednesdays. Brunch hours are from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays.

“My wife and [I] sat at the bar and had a great time. The staff was friendly and engaging. The décor is unique. There were plenty of options for drinks and cocktails and the food was great. Convenient location near downtown.” - Yelp Review

Buy a GiftYa for Proof on Main

3. Mojito Tapas Restaurant

Several Louisville locations, all with the same good food and good vibes!

There’s not only mojitos and tapas on the menu at this restaurant! Image courtesy of Instagram.

2231 Holiday Manor Center | Louisville | havanarumbaonline.com 

There are four different locations all with different names in this restaurant chain, but they all serve the same delicious food across Louisville— Havana Rumba in the Highlands and in Middletown, and Mojito in St. Matthews and Lyndon! Havana Rumba first opened in 2004, and Mojito Tapas Restaurant followed suit soon after in 2007.

This restaurant serves a variety of foods for dinner— salads, soups, quesos, embutidos, cocas, tapas fries, tapas calientes, mariscos, tacos, vegetarian dishes, paellas, sandwiches, all you could possibly want! And if all that still isn’t enough, there’s also lunch and dessert.

Hours are from 5 p.m. until 9:30 p.m. on Mondays through Thursdays, from noon until 9 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays, and from noon until 8:30 p.m. on Sundays.

“I'm always looking for a bargain and good food-- this place really fits the bill. I must also mention the service, the staff is very friendly and on top of things. Stellar hospitality.” - Yelp Review

Buy a GiftYa for Mojito Tapas Restaurant

4. Troll Pub Under the Bridge

An underground pub and restaurant that can be surprisingly hard to find, even with the massive troll outside!

The troll that sits outside of the Troll Pub’s Louisville location is appropriately named Louis! Image courtesy of Instagram.

150 W Washington St | Louisville | trollpub.com 

If the troll gesturing toward the door weren’t enough to clue you in, this restaurant is a little different from most! The stairs will take you to a unique underground dining experience, with both a bar and space to sit down for a meal. 

There’s one other location in Dayton, Ohio, guarded by a troll of its own, but this one in Louisville has been open since October of 2011. In addition to their impressive selection of drinks, the Troll Pub is serving up all your favorite comfort food to either snack on while you drink or to sit down and eat!

Hours on weekdays are from 11 a.m. until 2 a.m. the following day, and on Saturdays and Sundays hours begin at noon and end at 2 a.m.

“Bartender was very friendly and provided some good tips on beer selections. And what's not to love about a place below street level with a giant troll hanging off the side at street level? Very cool.” - Yelp Review

Buy a GiftYa for Troll Pub

5. Jack Fry’s

A restaurant with a rich history that’s been in Louisville since 1933!

There’s lots of different kinds of food on the menu at Jack Fry’s, and more than one thing definitely worth a try! Image courtesy of Instagram.

1007 Bardstown Rd | Louisville | jackfrys.com 

Jack Fry’s was first established in 1933 by the man himself, then closed its doors in 1972 only to be reopened in 1982 in the same location after the spot was briefly a Mexican restaurant called Por Que No. 

After Jack Fry’s passing it has since changed ownership several times, but it has kept all of the great food and the atmosphere that made it such a popular Louisville restaurant. There’s both dinner and lunch on the table at Jack Fry’s, and lots of vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options!

Dinner hours are from 5:30 p.m. to 10 p.m. on Sundays through Thursdays and from 5:30 p.m. to 11 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays. On weekdays, there are also lunch hours here from 11 a.m. until 2:30 p.m. 

“Fantastic experience! And I really do want to emphasize the word experience. Their staff and service was incredible. It's a very nice restaurant, so expect for courses to arrive with ample time for you to chat, imbibe & enjoy in between.” - Yelp Review

Buy a GiftYa for Jack Fry’s

6. Mussel & Burger Bar

Classic bar food with a gourmet twist at two locations in Louisville!

Mussel & Burger Bar is, of course, known for its burgers— and mussels —but there’s something for everyone to enjoy eating here. Image courtesy of Instagram.

113 S 7th St | Louisville | mussel-burger-bar.com 

With two Louisville locations, Mussel & Burger Bar’s goal is to make the food taste just as good as the drinks, even if the restaurant doubles as a bar! The atmosphere is not only fun, but family-friendly.

All the delicious food served at this restaurant— mussels, burgers, and everything in between —is made from fresh ingredients in-house. Mussel & Burger Bar puts a twist on classic bar food to make it top-quality.

Hours are from 11:30 a.m. until 9 p.m. on Wednesdays and Thursdays, from 11:20 a.m. until 10 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays, and from 11:30 a.m. until 8 p.m. on Sundays, as the restaurant is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays.

“This turned out to be a very pleasant surprise, good enough that we will try to figure a return visit into our schedule. Shout out to our server Amelia, she made our experience all the better.” - Yelp Review

Buy a GiftYa for Mussel Burger & Bar

7. Doc Crow’s

Classic Southern cuisine and plenty of drinks on the menu, too!

Come to Doc Crow’s for the gorgeous bar, stay for the delicious flavors of the food! Image courtesy of Instagram.

127 W Main St | Louisville | doccrows.com 

Doc Crow’s brings not just Southern-inspired cuisine to the table, but also an extensive selection of beverages— bourbons, cocktails, and more! Even with a menu that’s limited due to COVID-19 precautions, there’s still countless options to choose from.

Starters, sandwiches, burgers, fresh seafood, sides, salads, soups, entrees, and desserts— Doc Crow’s really has everything that you could want to eat while you drink a delicious beverage, or even just on its own!

On Sundays through Thursdays, Doc Crow’s is open from 11 a.m. until 9 p.m. The restaurant is open from 11 a.m. until 11 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays.

“The server was super nice, very attentive, and helpful with the menu! She was great at grabbing refills and extra napkins. The drinks and food came super quick! The kids loved their meals.” - Yelp Review

Buy a GiftYa for Doc Crow’s

8. The Eagle

Delicious food served in six cities, including Louisville!

Fried chicken is the food that The Eagle is most known for, despite it being named after an entirely different bird! Image courtesy of Instagram.

1314 Bardstown Rd | Louisville | eaglerestaurant.com 

The Eagle has locations in six cities across the United States, all of which serve cage-free chicken cooked in custom-made fryers. Pair that with house-made hot honey, and you’ve never had chicken like this before.

In addition to the star of the show, the fried chicken, there are plenty of classic southern sides, and more than 100 craft beers and cocktails for you to wash down your meal. The atmosphere at The Eagle matches up with the food, too— they play blues music!

Hours are from 4 p.m. until 11 p.m. on Mondays through Thursdays, 11 a.m. until midnight on Fridays and Saturdays, and from 11 a.m. until 10 p.m. on Sundays.

“This was our first time eating at The Eagle and it was wonderful... We were there are a weeknight and it was packed. Despite the crowd, we had quick, courteous service from our waitress. Highly recommend!” - Yelp Review

Buy a GiftYa for The Eagle

If you happen to be visiting Kentucky in the near future, chances are you’re going to have a good time. But, to help ensure that you do, consider checking out one of these many fun restaurants in Louisville!

Whether you’ll be drinking, dining, or both, any one of these restaurants is guaranteed to show you a good time, so you should definitely think about going to one— or more! 

And while you’re deliberating, don’t forget that each and every restaurant on this list is also supported by GiftYa, so you could also treat someone you know and love to a good time in Louisville at one of these places. You could even go together!

So, don’t pass up on the chance to have a great meal at one of these restaurants, and don’t pass up on the chance for the great deals offered by GiftYa, either.

9. La Bodeguita de Mima

Cuban restaurant with strong cultural ties. 

725 E Market St | Louisville | labodeguitademima.com

La Bodeguita de Mima is a family owned Cuban restaurant affectionately named after the family’s matriarch. The owners developed a love of Cuban cuisine from early on and it translates in the foods they create. At this restaurant, you will experience the love and passion that fuels this restaurant each day. You can feel it from their atmosphere and their delicious food. 

“I came here to celebrate a birthday and the experience was simply amazing, in no small part to the wonderful staff, especially Carlos, our waiter.  The food recommendations were some of the best in the city with mojitos that stand out on their own. Highly recommend for anyone wanting a classy meal in downtown Louisville.”–Yelp Review

10. Jeff Ruby’s Steakhouse 

Widely celebrated restaurant with fresh seafood and juicy steaks.

325 W Main St | Louisville | jeffruby.com/louisville

Jeff Ruby’s Steakhouse has become a legend in Louisville. It is a fine dining steakhouse that pays homage to Louisville while featuring Kentucky inspired menu items. This restaurant has been recognized for its excellence by USAToday, OpenTable, FoodNetwork, and more. With its prime steaks, fresh seafood selection, and raw sushi bar, once you visit you will likely become a fan of this place too! 

“Amazing experience. Atmosphere was lively and fun. The server was knowledgeable and knew how to ensure your steak was cooked to my satisfaction. The steak was aged and cooked to perfection.”–Yelp Review

11. Varanese Restaurant

New American restaurant that serves culturally diverse foods. 

2106 Frankfort Ave | Louisville | varanese.com

Varanese Restaurant is known for its culinary creativity and dedication to getting fresh food from local farmers. They serve an array of eclectic and culturally diverse new American foods. On the menu, you’ll find caramelized orange bourbon salmon, bourbon barrel smoked pork chops, and fried green tomato salad. The owner not only showcases great foods in his restaurant, but also has his own TV show called, “Big World of Food!”

“We had our anniversary dinner here and it was wonderful. The Brie appetizer was delightful. The bartender made me a key lime martini and it was perfection!. We would definitely eat here again.”–Yelp Review

12. Naive Kitchen & Bar 

Vegetable centric restaurant that goes from casual to party spot at night. 

Address | Louisville | eatnaive.com

Naive Kitchen & Bar is a restaurant that serves fresh, local, and inspired food. They have a laid back atmosphere where customers can relax and enjoy innovative food and drinks. During the day, they’re a fun and vibrant restaurant, and at night they turn into a bar! And if you don’t eat meat, this place is perfect for you. They do have some meat dishes, but prioritize serving vegetable centric foods. 

“I have had so many great visits to Naive, but today stands out because it's the first time in a while that I've had a carryout so well executed. The food came out on time and was delicious. The staff was friendly and very helpful when I picked them up. I will definitely be back- thanks Naive!”–Yelp Review

13. Bravo! Italian Kitchen

Award 

Address | Louisville | feastbbq.com

Feast BBQ is a restaurant with a passion for BBQ. They aim to produce consistent smoked meats and sides that are made from scratch. It takes them a long time to cook delicious barbeque foods, and you are likely to taste this restaurant’s patience and dedication. They have been voted Louiville’s best Barbeque Restaurant by the readers of Leo Weekly consistently since 2015!

“Stopped on a trip through Louisville. Neat little area of town. Lots of colorful restaurants around.  The BBQ smoked wings were some of the best, great glaze!  My tacos were extremely tasty and pretty big too. I ordered a side of potato salad and it was flavorful. I would definitely visit again.

It also had a great beer list and a brewery next door. Cute warehouse decor too.”–Yelp Review

If you happen to be visiting Kentucky in the near future, chances are you’re going to have a good time. But, to help ensure that you do, consider checking out one of these many fun restaurants in Louisville!

Whether you’ll be drinking, dining, or both, any one of these restaurants is guaranteed to show you a good time, so you should definitely think about going to one— or more! And while you’re deliberating, don’t forget that each and every restaurant on this list is also supported by GiftYa, so you could also treat someone you know and love to a good time in Louisville at one of these places. You could even go together! So, don’t pass up on the chance to have a great meal at one of these restaurants, and don’t pass up on the chance for the great deals offered by GiftYa, either.