Some Of The Best Black Owned Restaurants In Louisville, Kentucky

Louisville, Kentucky home of the Kentucky Derby, boxing legend Muhummad Ali, gorgeous parks, Belle of Louisville riverboat tours, and Main Street, where art and architecture lie. Safe to say there is a lot to Louisville, and that’s not even counting the amazing restaurants the biggest city in Kentucky has to offer. Today we are highlighting some of the black owned restaurants in Louisville, KY. There are so many great choices out there and it’s always important to shine a spotlight on these fantastic restaurants!

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Four Pegs

Smoked foods and inventive dishes, ready to please all who stop on by!

Image courtesy of the Four Pegs Instagram page.

1053 Goss Ave | Louisville | fourpegs.net

A building that’s been home to many different establishments, and since 2018 it has been transformed by the owner Chris Williams. He has made it into one of Louisville premiere gastropubs, creating a wide variety of foods for anyone who enters through Four Pegs’ doors. They also support numerous charities and are a member of BuyBlackLou!

From smoked wings, chili cheese fries, smoked baby back ribs, pulled pork sandwiches, even a build your own burger, and so much more! Truly a place to come, hang out, eat some phenomenal food, and bring your own pets, as their patio is pet friendly! 

“This is my second visit here! The food did not disappoint! I got the brisket sandwich with the dip or fries. These dipper fries they have are amazing. Make sure that you try them out! I also got the chorizo and cream cheese dip for an appetizer. I highly suggest you use the dip your fries for the dip! The dip comes with chips.” -Yelp Review

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The Seafood Lady

“The Best Seafood in the Midwest” is ready for your big appetite!

Image courtesy of The Seafood Lady Instagram page.

3201 Fern Valley Rd | One Louisville Location | seafoodlady502.com

According to The Seafood Lady, their restaurant is wrapped up in 3 simple words: food, family, and faith. Nichelle Thurston, the owner, wanted to bring that Florida-style seafood charm to the bellies of Kentucky. Through social media, their food spread like wildfire, and they were able to buy a food truck. Then at the start of 2018 they were able to open up a restaurant and now even have a second location!

Jumbo shrimp, crispy garlic cheddar biscuits, fried chicken & cajun fries, chicken wings, seafood tacos, and more, The Seafood Lady has all of your seafood cravings down to tee. So if you’re in the mood for some good sea-food, The Seafood Lady has it in spades!

“This Lady knows Seafood.  I'm from the brackish water country by the ocean.  We crabbed, shucked oysters and ate in the sweet salt air.  The Seafood Lady took me back there.  The full crab boil was wonderful.  It came with 2 seasoned eggs, which is a nice touch and a first for me.  Their new digs in Nulu were great for seafood.” -Yelp Review

Kizito Cookies

Craving some sweets? We got cookies, brownies, muffins, and more!

Image courtesy of the Kizito Cookies Facebook page.

1398 Bardstown Rd | Louisville | kizito.com

Elizabeth Kizito, is the woman behind the legendary bakery Kizito Cookies. Born under a banana tree in her home village of Nansana, Uganda East Africa, Kizito has personally said her parents are a huge part of who she is and how her business came to be. Through her entrepreneurial spirit, Elizabeth created Kizito Cookies and oh wow is it wonderful!

Most of her ingredients are not labeled on her packages, as it is a combination of her dreams and chocolate chips, butter, and nuts. Her bakery has a wide selection of things like: regular good old chocolate chip cookies, ginger snaps, sugar cookies, double chocolate chip brownies, blondies, muffins, biscotti, granola, and more! Your sweet tooth will never go hungry at Kizito Cookies!

“If you haven't had these cookies you must! Best cookie ever! To many favorites to choose from- the the pumpkin chocolate chip is great for fall and super soft. Snickerdoodles are a great classic. You can't go wrong with a chocolate chip or a white chocolate chip. Tried the coconut macaroon for the first time this year and it is amazing!

Even better when you see Elizabeth out at local events such as the soccer games!” -Yelp Review

Daddy Rich’s

Self promoted as “Louisville’s best chicken wings!”, so you know they must be amazing.

Image courtesy of the Daddy Rich’s Facebook page. 

617 W Oak St | Louisville | daddyrichs.com

In the historic neighborhood of Old Louisville, Daddy Rich’s is known for its “fair” prices soul food menu items! They have a promise too, providing each and every customer a professional and personable service. Including quality food that stays hot and is ready for you within 12-15 minutes of ordering…now that’s a promise!

Wings that have so many flavor options, waffles, cornbread, chicken sandwiches, wraps, and others, Daddy Rich’s has comfort food ready to go for you! They also offer catering options where you can share all of their delicious food for your planned party. Daddy Rich’s is here to bring something different to Louisville and are on track to success!

“Y'all, get these wings in your life! I have zero complaints!! Only compliments!! Try their lemonade or sweet tea whatever is your favorite! Just do yourself a favor & go here!! You can ask for well done if you like them extra crispy but I think they're perfect as is! Pretty sure I'll be back in a few days!!” -Yelp Review

Funmi’s Cafe

International cuisine at its best, served right in Louisville!

3028 Bardstown Rd | Louisville | funmiscafe.com

In 2009, Yomi and Funmi Aderinokun founded Funmi’s Cafe, a place where you can get authentic African food and relax in a comfortable atmosphere. Using spices, herbs, along with various types of oils like palm, vegetable, and peanut, Funmi’s Cafe brings the flavor with its sauce and delectable food. 

Their menu is overflowing with options, naming just a few like, moin-moin, peri-peri chicken, tilapia fish, and steamed rice. They also have a vegan and vegetarian menu, which allows people with all types of palates to come and enjoy Funmi’s Cafe!

“The food is made with layered flavors and intense love. The time it takes to get to your table is worth every minute as the dishes are savory and booming with succulent profiles. She also has an entire vegan menu. I retype, an entire vegan menu! This cute little gem in the Highlands warrants my family to now budget this spot in our monthly must-go-to dining experiences.” -Yelp Review

Lonnie’s Best Taste of Chicago

Bringing the taste of Chicago to all Kentuckians!

121 St Matthews Ave | Louisville | lonniesbesttasteofchicago.com

Since 2001, Lonnie’s Best Taste of Chicago has been bringing “Chicago classics” to the people of Louisville. Whether you’re originally from Chicago and missing that taste of home, or a native Louisville resident and would like to try something different, Lonnie’s Best Taste of Chicago has their menu options catered to that appetite!

With their different styles of hotdogs like Clark St. Hot Dog w/fries, Wabash Chili Dog, State St. Dog, or in need of some Polish sausages, there are several choices. Plus Italian beef, specialty items, and even desserts, there’s no going hungry at Lonnie’s!

“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

Barry’s Cheese Steaks & More

Cooking cheesesteaks and other delicious foods just for you!

Image courtesy of the Barry’s Cheese Steaks & More Facebook page. 

1161 S 2nd St | Louisville | barryscheesesteaks.com

Barry Washington, the owner and proprietor of Barry’s Cheese Steaks & More, has had a momentous life. Through drug addiction, homelessness, and continuous hardships, Barry’s story is one to be read. Though Barry has been through a lot, he created his restaurant that people from Louisville all know. Creating real cheesesteak for the community.

The goal is to bring that authentic Philadelphia cheesesteak to Louisville. With their Philly Cheesesteak, Chicken Cheesesteak, Veggie Cheesesteak, and more, Barry’s has your appetite for cheesesteak covered!

“The food was fantastic and the service was also excellent.  I ordered online and picked up by the tables outside the door.  We ordered cheese steaks, chicken cheese steaks, and the fries and they were amazing.  We will definitely be ordering from here again!!!” -Yelp Review

Louisville Cream

Did you hear the scoop? It’s small batch gourmet ice cream!

Image courtesy of the Louisville Cream Instagram page.

632 E Market St #101 | Louisville | louisvillecream.com

Just from the picture alone, Louisville Cream is here to bring rotating inventive flavors to this sweet cold treat. Their goal is to make ice cream that they want to eat, with local dairy from JD Country Milk, in house made sauces/jams, and fresh baked goods from local bakeries! Their Banana Pudding ice cream was named best in Kentucky in 2021 by the Food Network, and has won various awards in years past!

So it’s safe to say that this ice cream shop is truly one of a kind there in Kentucky. They have a range of flavors including but not limited to: Bourbon Smoked Pecan, French Vanilla, Maple Caramel, Vegan Raspberry, Peanut Butter Feelings, and Keylime. Louisville Cream has flavors for all different kinds of cravings and is constantly trying out new things!

“Simply the best ice cream in town. I've tried quite a few flavors and they are ALL amazing, but my go to is Banana Pudding. There is no skimping with Louisville Cream, you'll find the nilla wafers and whipped cream throughout the entire pint.” -Yelp Review

Even as this list comes to a close, there are still many black owned restaurants in Louisville, KY. You can do more research and find other black owned restaurants in Louisville to support! However, you won’t go wrong with the places listed above, as they offer a variety of menu options for all different cravings!