Louisville... [Moved from Midwest]

We're making a trip to Louisville in April and am desperately trying to find a new restaurant. The only time I am ever in Lousville is for the KY Derby every year for one night and we always go to John E's (sp?) because it's tradition. But I think the food has slipped dramatically. Any other suggestions? I'll be there with my dad so nothing too exotic. He's not a big Italian fan either so better to stick to steak/etc. Oh and we're going to Caeser's Indiana too so anywhere near there would be great.

[The Review Lady]

None of these are near Caeser's (which is a bit more of a drive than I expected), but our favorites during a recent Louisville trip included:

1. Jack Fry's
2. The Mayan Cafe
3. Cafe LuLu
(Napa River Grille, mentioned previously, had good food too, but the server ruined the experience for us.)

[clevername]

I'll second the Mayan Cafe recommendation. My wife and I were visiting Louisville a few months ago, and the food at The Mayan Cafe was unforgettable. We went twice in 24 hours.

The seasoning of the lima beans was like nothing I've tasted before--some kind of bitter herbs? Actually, now that I think about it, it reminds me of a delicious Burmese dish I once had that included fermented tea leaves.

Going in I expected Mexican food, but it's a completely different cuisine. Whether that's due to the chef's innovations or a fundamental difference between Mayan and Mexican food, I have no idea. But I can't stop thinking about it!

[Lightsuprooms]

a great steak place is on Bardstown Road, Palermo Viejo.. it's an South American place... has some Italian influences but more South American then anything.. lots of BEEF

[fresh]

I live in Louisville and know the food. It's a surprisingly
sophisticated city when it comes to food. Many mid-price chef-owned restaurants. Here are my pics:

Solid, really good food, not too expensive (dinner entrees
$15-36)

Napa River Grill (great value; nice outdoor patio)
Azaleas (another good patio outside)
Asiatique (exceptional Pacific Rim; polished service)
211 Clover Lane (another great outside dining area)
~~~~~~~~~~~~~
More expensive but good deals for my money:

Equus (don't be put off by the horse stuff; polished service, great
food). Incidentally, Jack's (the bar next to it) has superb
upscale bar food.
the Oakroom at the Hilton Seelbach (4 stars; great Sunday
brunch which is a value for about $22; theatre specials)
Winston's at Sullivan's University (cooking school): open only
on Friday and Sat. night; great value
Lily's (maybe the best; the chef has performed at the Beart
house several times).
Jack Fry's (really solid food in an historic bldg.)

I'M AN IMPORT FROM THE EAST COAST, AND I THINK LOUISVILLE IS
A COOL CITY.

[fresh]

Updates on my own pics:
1) Asiatique is not as good as it used to be. The kitchen is off and they aren't responsive to the problems. Also, Azaleas is closed. Napa River Grill is moving in the near future but to another East-end location.
2) Everything else is still quite good.
3) Great new additions: Mojitos (Brownsboro, East-End area), excellent tapas and Spanish/Cuban food; Proof (downtown: cool, great art, still great price range).

[ljero]

Is Mojitos better than Seviche?

[fresh]

Not better--just different. Incidentally, Seviche has a new restaurant on Goose Creek Rd. Both are outstanding. We love tapas so we go to Mojitos more.

[fresh]

Just ate at the renovated Winston's, the restaurant at Sullivan Cooking School on Bardstown Rd. Very, very good, but only open Friday noon, Fri. night,
Sat. night, and brunch on Sat. and Sunday.

You will get more responses on the South board than the Midwest. My 2 favorites in Louisville are Lynn's Paradise Cafe on Barrett and Lily's on Bardstown Rd.

There are a ton of reasonably priced, home-grown restaurants on Frankfort Ave. These include:
• North End Cafe
• Maido -- excellent Japanese
• Cafe Lou Lou — southern/cajun
• Gumbo A go-Go — cajun, very inexpensive
• And new on the block -- Sweet Peas (southern) and Danielles