Where to Eat in Louisville - a Local Perspective

Submitted by “Guest Blogger” and ITEA Past President, Andy Stephenson, DTE. Andy is a local Kentuckian.

All visitors to Downtown Louisville will want to visit 4^th Street Live, which is only two blocks from the ITEA hotels. This is where the action is. Dining includes some traditional stops like TGI Friday’s and Hard Rock Café. However, there are also choices with more local flair such as the Makers Mark Bourbon House & Lounge, where bourbon is an ingredient in many dishes and most nights there is live Jazz. (This is one of my personal favorites, though it can be a bit pricey). Additionally, the Red Star Tavern boasts steaks, pasta and seafood and some unique drinks and microbrews. If you are looking for some fun and light food, there is always the Lucky Strike Bowling Alley with, in additional to typical bowling alley food, an extensive list of unique flavored items such as Tuna Lolllipops and Turkey Brie wraps. Sully’s Restaurant & Saloon is a local favorite for good food and fun. A great place to relax and enjoy the evening. There’s even a food court with fast food like Wendy’s and Subway for the budget-conscious.

You can walk two blocks north to the river and enjoy a fun meal at Joe’s Crab Shack. The Bristol on West Main Street is a short walk from the hotel and is a Louisville original featuring local flavor including the infamous Kentucky Hot Brown and an extensive wine selection. Great Food and moderately priced. If you try the Bristol, I personally recommend the Artichoke Fritters/w remoulade or the Green Chili Won Tons for appetizers.

Of course if you would like to experience Southern Hospitality at its finest there is always the Oak Room at the Seelbach Hotel—a short walk from the convention area. The Old Seelback Bar is a treasure just to see, not to mention the finest bourbon and wine selections in town. But the warm Bourbon Chocolate Pecan Pie is the ultimate in Kentucky desserts!

If you would like a breathtaking view of the city, there is the Rivue, a revolving rooftop restaurant with fine local cuisine located at the top of the Galt House Hotel on the river just a five-minute walk from the Convention Center. This is extremely beautiful after dark.

Finally, we hope that on Thursday evening, everyone will join us for the special private ITEA dinner event at the Kentucky Derby Museum. The Museum is located on the front steps of historic Churchill Downs and is one of Kentucky’s premiere cultural attractions. To participate, you’ll need to purchase a ticket from the ITEA Registration Area at the Kentucky International Convention Center prior to Thursday at noon.

Enjoy your stay in Louisville!