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 city during Kentucky Derby Presented by Woodford Reserve week.

The Louisville area and truthfully the entire commonwealth of Kentucky has taken a hit this spring due to extreme weather and flooding, but the Ohio River has subsided, cleanup has accelerated, and tens of thousands of visitors are already making their way to “da Ville” for a week of merriment.

Here are some restaurant and bar options to consider during the week leading up to Derby 151, focusing on walk-in places since most, if not all, of the higher-end establishments are already fully booked.

La Bodeguita De Mima/Facebook

La Bodeguita De Mima

Good reviews keep pouring in for this Cuban restaurant and rum bar located in Louisville’s poppin’ NuLu district. Run by the Olé Restaurant Group known for Taco Luchador (touted in a past blog), nearby Guacamole, and other spots, it sports a varied menu (try the Cubano) plus expertly crafted Mojitos. And there are many other cool restaurants, bars, and hotel rooftop scenes just a few steps away.

Dragon King's Daughter/Facebook

Dragon King’s Daughter

This popular Asian fusion joint is on Bardstown Road, Louisville’s local-restaurant main drag (there’s another location across the river in New Albany, Ind.). Choose from fantastic sushi, shareable plates, bibimbap bowls, and also Asian-infused tacos and quesadillas. And what’s more, sushi and other treats from here are available at the Kaiju Bar on East Oak Street in the hip Germantown neighborhood.

Holy Grale/Facebook

Gralehaus/Holy Grale

Gralehaus is a café and bed/breakfast that’s been featured on the Food Network, while Holy Grale is a craft biergarten and restaurant serving amazing burgers in its upstairs dining hall known as “Heaven.” The two establishments share a backyard and have a devoted following – Gralehaus by day, Holy Grale in the evening.

TEN20/Facebook

TEN20 Brewery

Louisville is a brewery-crazed city (so is Lexington) and TEN20 is one of the best, receiving the ABR seal of approval from video director Greg Charkoudian. Located in the Butchertown neighborhood east of downtown, TEN20 offers a diverse roster of lagers, pale ales, and more plus ample space to congregate after the races. The Churchill Downs Light will be a popular selection Derby week and all throughout the spring/early summer. (Two more taprooms are in east Louisville’s Anchorage neighborhood and across the Ohio River in Clarksville, In.)