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.

After 2020, when the Derby was postponed until September and held without fans, and then 2021 with on-track attendance restrictions in place due to the pandemic, Derby 148 promises to be a full-bore return to normal with all COVID restrictions lifted, and Louisville is prepared for seven days of excitement.

Here are some restaurant and bar options to consider during the week leading up to Derby 2022.

Courtesy of Biscuit Belly

Biscuit Belly

Since opening in the trendy Nulu district during summer 2019, this breakfast/brunch/lunch spot has expanded to two more locations in Louisville, including one on New Cut Road not far from Churchill Downs, plus one in Lexington for Keeneland Race Course fans. Stacked homemade biscuits, many of them with fried chicken, anchor the decadent menu, which also features breakfast tots, fried green tomatoes,  pancakes, and more.

Courtesy of Square Cut Pizza

Square Cut Pizza

Louisville has quite a few good local pizza joints, and The Post in Germantown (mentioned last year) remains a personal favorite. Square Cut Pizza, which opened last November, is in the same hip neighborhood and is getting rave reviews. Its specialty is Roman-style pizza and it also offers a charcuterie board and a small entrée list. 

Courtesy of I ❤ Tacos

Taco Mania Continues

The Derby City has been in the throes of a Mexican food fever over the past several years, and even during hard pandemic times more restaurants came online. In particular, taco stands are all the rage in Louisville. The popular local chain El Taco Luchador was mentioned in a Derby week shout-out a few years ago, and there are hubs for Mexican food surrounding Churchill Downs and all down nearby Preston Highway as well. Two spots that are booming in popularity right now, I ❤ Tacos (three locations) and Taco City (two locations), offer a great variety of delicious tacos – including the crazily popular birria taco at I ❤ Tacos – as well tortas and burritos and, of course, margaritas. Patio dining is also available at Bardstown Rd. locations for both joints.

Courtesy of Against the Grain

Against the Grain Brewery and Public House

Against the Grain spearheaded the local brewery movement in Louisville when it launched in 2011, and 11 years later its beers are available in many places around the city (including its original brewery and smokehouse next to Slugger Field downtown) as well as in most states and internationally. Against the Grain’s Public House in the Highlands neighborhood is a great spot for hanging out, eating good bar grub, and enjoying one (or more) of Against the Grain’s drafts. It’s smack dab in the middle of the bustling Bardstown Rd. corridor, which means you can drop by en route to any number of shops or even another restaurant, sit down on a sidewalk table, and take a brief break the craziness before revving back up for Derby week.