In recent years, Louisville has gone from having the reputation as a “hidden gem” on the dining and entertainment scene to being duly recognized as one of the best cities in the U.S. for unique restaurants and bars. And of course, the spotlight shines brightest on Kentucky’s biggest (some would say only) city during Kentucky Derby Presented by Woodford Reserve week.

Currently, Kentucky still has many COVID-19 restrictions in place for restaurants and bars limiting their capacity and the hours they can serve patrons, and masks are required. Any Louisville eatery that is able to offer patio dining has already planned for it this spring, and if the weather lucks out Derby week, the entire city should be abuzz with outdoor activity — socially distanced, of course. (As of April 23, the long-term weather forecast for Derby week in Louisville calls for a 70 percent chance of rain on “Thurby,” April 29, but drier and pleasant conditions on both Longines Kentucky Oaks day and Derby day.)

Here are some restaurant and bar options to consider during the week leading up to Derby 2021. It is recommended to contact all of the places below beforehand to get their hours of operation and COVID-19 guidelines.

Courtesy of The Post

The Post

This pizza joint in the hip Germantown neighborhood was named “best slice in Kentucky” by the Food Network in 2018. It serves New York-style slices and entire pies with a variety of clever and delicious variations, plus calzones and subs. It also offers craft and bottled beers and cocktails. Currently, The Post is carryout only.

Courtesy of Con Huevos

Con Huevos

This breakfast and brunch spot has a devoted following and is currently operating at two locations, one on the restaurant row of Frankfort Avenue and the other just off the Watterson Expressway in the East End. It offers a scrumptious menu of from-scratch Mexican dishes, from pancakes and waffles to street tacos and, of course, as the name suggests, many varieties of egg plates. Try the chipotle poached huevos.

Courtesy of The Eagle

The Eagle

This restaurant and bar is part of a chain that has opened up several establishments in the Midwest and South (and Louisville is a little of both). Its Louisville business is located on a prime stretch of Bardstown Road in the Highlands, the city’s cultural hub. It has a large patio and retractable front-end windows for its indoor area if the weather permits. The fried chicken is highly recommended.

During Derby week, The Eagle in Louisville will mainly be operating as reservation-only, with limited walk-ins. Click here for more info.

Courtesy of Seviche

Seviche

On the higher end, this Bardstown Road restaurant is one of Louisville’s finest and has been since chef Anthony Lamas opened it in 2005. Lamas specializes in creating ingenious variations on the food from his Latin heritage that often incorporate local ingredients, offering a variety of tantalizing specials in addition to the regular menu (such as the ahi tuna flatbread appetizer pictured). This is a reservations-recommended establishment, and it does have outdoor dining.