Louisville Entertainment

A great way to pass an evening at Louisville is to enjoy a gourmet meal and then a drink or two at one of the numerous bars that have live bands featuring western and country, jazz and other types of music. You could also opt to take in a theatre production or party all night long.

Eating out

Louisville is a gourmets delight, as food from almost every corner of the globe can be found here including French, Mexican, Spanish, Cajun, Chinese, Vietnamese, European, Japanese, Indian, Italian and much more. Restaurants are found all over the city and not limited to one particular area. You should make a reservation if you plan to dine out during the Kentucky Derby as most restaurants will be filled to capacity after the races.

For casual American dining, try Club Grotto American Bristo on Bardstone Road. Its a favourite with the locals and offers a lovely ambience and a good menu and wine list. The servings are large and the desserts are delicious, but it isnt a cheap place to dine. Del Friscos on Oechsli Avenue is an upscale restaurant that serves tasty steaks and seafood dishes. There is a full selection of alcoholic beverages and the restaurant has a seated bar area.

Downtown restaurants can be found at Market Street, Fourth Street, West Jefferson Street, Frankfurt Avenue and Main Street. In the East End, restaurants can be found at Bardstown Road, Blairwood Road and Hurstbourne Parkway. With over 2,500 restaurants located in Louisville, it is guaranteed that you will find a place to suit your tastes.

Local cuisine

Ribs and steak; thats the basis of American cuisine, combined with French fries, potatoes in their jackets and salads. Being cattle country, beef is a very popular choice with many locals. However, there are some favourite dishes in Louisville: beer cheese is a cheese dip made with beer, cheddar cheese and spices; Derby Pie is a chocolate and pecan tart in a pie shell made with a pastry dough crust; and the famous Henry Bain sauce, which is a strong flavoured sauce made with vinegar, tomato and fruits, and used to baste meat for barbeques or roasting.

Theatre and music

Louisville has a varied arts community that boasts its own ballet, orchestra, regional repertory theatre, children's theatre, opera, dinner theatre and Shakespeare festival. There are many shows of all genres to be enjoyed on the vibrant theatre scene in Louisville, from musicals to dramas. Music can be enjoyed at many places including places that specialise in country and western, classical and other types of music.

Shopping

The shopping possibilities in Louisville are limitless. Shopping enthusiasts will enjoy the numerous shopping outlets including Dillard's, Chico's, William Sonoma, Old Navy and Gap. Antique lovers will not be disappointed, as there a several quaint shops selling antiques including jewellery, furniture, collectibles and many other items. Bardstown Road and Frankfort Avenue have several antique shops, art galleries and unique boutiques.