Louisville Date Spots

It’s no secret that Gab and I love galavanting around Louisville and trying new things! There are so many possibilities around Louisville (we are possibility city, after all) whether you’re looking to stay around UofL’s campus or venture out into the neighborhoods. As a Louisville-native, I’m always excited to offer recommendations of things to experience and eat in this wonderful city! Recently I’ve been asked for suggestions on date locations. As Valentine’s Day is quickly approaching I’ve compiled and categorized some of my favorite spots around town. Let us know if you try any of these out and love them as much as I do. Have a great Galentine’s, Valentine’s, and weekend!

See y’all soon,

Molly

Nords Bakery has decorated items for all seasons, for everyone.

Coffee Shops

Bean || Germantown - Bean is my go to favorite coffee shop. It’s close enough to campus that it’s not a chore to go there but it’s far enough away that you don’t see too many people when you go there. It opened in 2016 and has only grown their menu and popularity in the time since. In addition to coffee and tea, the menu is filled with baked goods from local bakeries, including Nancy’s Bagels, Flora Vegan Treats, and Wiltshire Pantry. My usual order is a bottomless house mug and a salami and cream cheese bagel (served with tomato slices, bean sprouts, and onions) and if I’m taking it to go, I’ll get an americano - iced or hot depending on the season. The atmosphere is a wonderful place to sit and catch up or get to know someone. The space is adorned with local art, large windows, potted succulents, and vintage tables and chairs that add character.

McQuixote || Portland - McQuixote was an unexpected gem when I first visited. I was working on a service project in the area when I first stopped in. It’s located in an old art gallery and is also a book store. The menu is super reasonably priced and delicious! The drip coffee stood out so much the first time I went that I bought a pound to take home. I got my friends and family mini bags of beans from them for Christmas and received glowing reports! (Side note: I took my younger brother with me when we were christmas shopping and as someone who does not enjoy coffee shops, he was extremely complimentary of this one!) The inside is a great place to chill; there’s a section with a fish tank and board games, a reading nook, and regular tables. It’s a great place to chat and spend some time or get some work done.

Safai || Highlands - Safai has something for everyone. Primarily, it's a coffeehouse, but they also have a full bar and food menu. The shop is located in the heart of the Highlands and has lots of space to hang out, whether it be a table, a bar, or a couch. The baristas are all so kind and willing to answer any questions you may have about the menus. It’s a comfortable place to sit and hang for a while. I always get an americano, usually iced, but sometimes hot if my hands are really cold.

Quills || St. Matthews - Quills is a local chain in the Louisville area and most UofL students are familiar with it due to the fact that there’s a shop right on the edge of campus. However, my favorite location, especially for a date, is the one in St. Matthews! The building is shared with Steel City Pops, so if you want a gourmet pop that’s available too. It’s located in an old firehouse so the space is wide-open. Being an old firehouse means that there are garage doors that they open on nice days for the extra ambiance. The shop is very clean and bright and has large booths and tables. There are picnic tables right outside the garage doors, too, giving you options for every time of year.

Breakfast Spots

Burger Girl || Clifton - Burger Girl could easily compete for my favorite restaurant of all time, LOL. It’s open 24/7 and is a sit down restaurant serving burgers and breakfast foods - both all 24 hours every day. The menu is super reasonably priced (<$10) and I am always full when I leave. I usually switch my order between the veggie omelet with home fries, the three egg breakfast with home fries, bacon, and extra home fries instead of toast, or the Old Louisville burger with fries. The coffee is good diner coffee and is always topped off in a timely manner. I personally like going here if you’re looking for a late-night date spot because you can sit and chat without the concern that they’re going to close soon.

First Watch || St. Matthews - Full disclosure: First Watch is a chain restaurant, but the menu has so much variety and the buildings have so much character and personality that they feel like a local spot. There are three locations in Louisville, but my fav is the original in St. Matthews. First Watch is a little more expensive than I would normally go for breakfast, but the ingredients are all so fresh that it makes the price worth it. The service is usually speedy, but you don’t feel as though you’re being rushed out the door. My goto order is the Morning Market Veg Omelet with a side of potatoes.

Highland Morning || Highlands - Highland Morning has been a staple in my Louisville brunch scene since junior year of high school. It has the perfect balance of sweet and savory menu items. There are two charming locations - one in the Highlands and one in St. Matthews. They both have the same fantastic menu, the main difference is the atmosphere. The St. Matthews location is much newer while the Highlands location is full of vintage furniture and sits right on Bardstown road. I love the Farmer’s Omelet with home fries and have also enjoyed the huevos rancheros.

Sunergos and Nords || Germantown - This is a double recommendation that applies to both breakfast and coffee; you can go to either spot individually, but hitting both provides the full experience. First stop: Nords Bakery. They have amazing baked goods, but in this scenario you’ll want to get donuts! The red velvet cake and peanut butter and jelly long johns are my favorites. They are known for their maple bacon long johns and recently they made a batch of COFFEE BACON that was to-die-for. I also recommend their decorated cookies. All of their options are super cheap (~.85/donut and $1.25/cookie!!!). After you’ve collected your baked goods, hop on over to Sunergos next door and get a coffee. The shop is full of bright colors and fun plants and is usually pretty busy so I would recommend going fairly early if you’re planning to hang out. There are a lot of coffee options - they let you choose your flavor of espresso or drip coffee based on the flavors for the day. The baristas are passionate about coffee and providing a great service experience, making it a great stop for seasoned coffee drinker and newbies.

Outdoor Adventures

Bernheim Forest || Shepherdsville - Bernheim is my favorite place to hike around Louisville. This is a private park, meaning they run on donations and ask for donations as you enter. My family loves the forest enough that we hold a membership so we don’t pay every time we go and it’s well worth it to know that the park will be well taken care of whenever we venture out there. It’s about 25 minutes south of campus aka just far enough away to make you feel like you’re far from the city. There’s a great selection of trails and various levels of difficulty. Each year the forest hires an artist to build decor for the land. Last year, the giants were the result of this contract and have greatly increased attendance to the forest. The trail for the Giants is about two miles long and takes through easier trails in the park. If you’re looking for a more challenging course, there are plenty of other trails deeper in the forest - my favorite is the Iron Ore Hill Loop (~1.5 miles, moderate difficulty) that connects to the Canopy Tree Walk. If you’re really looking for a challenge, the Millennium Trail is rated as difficult at 14 miles long.

Yew Dell Botanical Gardens || Crestwood - This Botanical Garden offers art in an outdoor setting. There is plenty of land to traverse to experience nature while appreciating floral arrangements and tree canopies. (Note: Yew Dell is $9/person to get in to cover the costs of upkeep.)

Iroquois Park || Iroquois - Iroquois Park is a public park that has a lot to offer. There are playgrounds, trails to hike, an amphitheater for summer concerts, and most importantly, an overlook on the city of Louisville. The park is miles away from downtown, but when you hike to the top you can see the beautiful city of Louisville in the distance. Across the street from the park entrance there’s a cute (and super cheap!) coffee shop called Sister Beans that’s great for a drink after a long hike (pro tip: they have a $3 minimum on purchases with a card so it’s a good idea to carry cash if you are just getting a plain coffee or americano or you can always add an extra shot to get over the $3 mark!)

The Parklands || Middletown - The Parklands are a privately run park system in the areas surrounding Louisville. There are four different parks, each one offering something unique. I frequent the Parklands at Floyds Fork right outside of Middletown. There are miles of trails, a BOMB playground (I have no shame in enjoying a great playground), and kayak rentals to launch in the creeks. On summer Saturdays, there’s a farmers market where you can gather fresh produce, breakfast, or a great cup of coffee!

Artsy Experiences

Speed Art Museum || UofL Campus - The Speed Art Museum is a super fun place to wander. As someone who doesn’t know a ton about art, but certainly appreciates it, I can speak to the fact that there is a lot of art to look at and I’m sure that it’s well known. The top floor is always a special exhibit that’s fun to walk through. The front wall is all glass and has a beautiful staircase descending from the art on the second floor. The building is naturally well-lit and overall a great place to walk through. It’s free for all UofL students and free to everyone on Sundays.

Logan Street Market || Butchertown - I could, and have, spent an entire day at the Logan Street Market. It’s full of local food and shops and so much fun to walk around. There’s a bar that you can sit at and enjoy a drink or take the drink through the market with you. Stopping at Sugar High vegan bakery even if you’re not vegan is an absolute must! The Funfetti cake was a wonderful culinary experience. There is also a Safai coffee bar in the market (the owners of Safai also helped open up the market!)

Flea Off Market || NULU - The Flea Off Market is a staple to my spring/summer months. Located in the Fresh Start parking lot at the corner of E Market St. and Baxter Ave., it’s easily accessible. The market offers 100-200 vendors including food trucks, craft beers, vintage shops, and local artists. Pets are welcome and even if you’re not looking to buy anything, the atmosphere is so wonderful to chat and hang out. There are two weekends March-May and one weekend June-October.

21C Hotel and Art Museum || Downtown - 21C is a free art museum inside a hotel in the heart of downtown. It’s hard to miss from the outside because there’s a large gold statue of David. When you enter the building, there are 2 floors full of art accessible to non-hotel guests. Most of the art is changed fairly quickly - think once a month, depending on the show. One of the most iconic parts of the museum is a wall with a projector where you can stand and be surrounded by letters floating through the air.

Dinner Spots

The Post || Germantown - The Post is a New York style pizza spot located in an old VFW post. They have unique pizza combinations, pizza by the slice (cheese, pepperoni, and a slice of the day that’s usually posted on their insta each morning!) There is an extensive bar menu and craft beer selection.

Mussel and Burger Bar || JTown - Mussels and Burger Bar has one of the best burgers I’ve ever had the opportunity to enjoy. I dream about the B.B.B. (Bacon Breakfast Burger) served with sweet potato fries and pineapple dipping sauce. Every burger on the menu is a collection of flavors. There are two locations: downtown and Jtown. I’ve only been to the one in Jtown, but the atmosphere was wonderful. It’s located in a strip mall and looks like it could be a small interior, however there are multiple seating rooms with beautiful decor and delicate chandeliers.

Taco Luchador || St. Matthews - Taco Luchador has become an essential in the Louisville food scene. With five locations in five very different parts of town, you’re never too far from one. Each location has its own vibe, but they’re all pretty chill. The Baxter Avenue location can get a little crowded and hectic if you go right at dinner time, so keep that in mind! The St. Matthew location is built in an old house and has a large outdoor patio. Once you place your order, you can find a cozy seat in the front window, the back room, or outside while waiting for your food to be delivered to you. I'm a big fan of the asada and tinga tacos as well as the elote.

Fun fact: the owner of Taco Luchador also owns Mussel and Burger Bar!

Wild Ginger || Highlands - Wild Ginger is my favorite sushi place in Louisville. It’s right on Bardstown, so close by (although s/o to Hiko-a-mon in Westport Village) and it’s the best bang for your buck. It’s also never crowded in there and everyone is friendly. Get the Wild Ginger Salad and gyoza as starters and get a couple rolls to share! Wild Ginger is also on Postmates so you can get it delivered right to your door.

Sarino || Germantown - I love Italian food but have struggled to find places near campus! Sarino has a little bit of everything. They have an extensive drink menu and although it’s on the pricier side, everything is well worth it. Their mussels and all pasta dishes are amazing (try their vodka sauce or shrimp scampi!), and they have a variety of pizzas as well. You can even mix and match your own charcuterie board!

Takeout

Sometimes going out just seems like such a chore and it’s more comfortable and convenient to just stay in and watch a movie with a good meal that you didn’t have to cook yourself.

Chinese Chef || 3rd Street - Chinese Chef recently opened up again with new ownership and although I haven’t tried it prior to the new owners, it is a must to go to now. Honestly, I haven’t had anything except the General Tso’s Chicken, but every single day I dream about it and crave it. It’s literally SO good. You can call ahead and go through the drive-thru (which I recommend because it’s kind of sketchy) or you can pick it up inside. Don’t sleep on this close-to-campus necessity!!

Soupy’s || Hikes Point - Soupy’s is exactly what you can imagine it would be based on the name. They offer soups, salads, and sandwiches. Each sandwich is completely customizable with a long list of available topping options. There are so many soup options and ways to build a combo. The soups are all homemade and delicious! Every employee is very passionate about the quality of your experience and the soups. I highly recommend the country ham sandwich with chicken and dumplings. A note: when I have been to Soupy’s, it seemed a little on the salty side. The only seating available is a patio outside so the best option for this tasty establishment is to enjoy it in the comfort of your home.

Krispy Krunchy Chicken || St. Matthews - This recommendation might seem a little out there because it’s a chicken stand in a convenience store but hang with me! The chicken? Made fresh with love. The honey biscuits? To Die For. The family-sized box of potato wedges? Perfect. Even better? The mini mart that the stand is located in sells a large variety of beer, making this a one-stop shop for your evening at home.

Carali’s Rotisserie Chicken || JTown - To be honest, I have never stepped foot inside Carali’s, it has only been brought to my home, which is how I know it’s perfect takeout! The Jtown location even offers FREE DELIVERY!! The restaurant uses charcoal for the rotisseries, adding a smoked flavor to the chicken. The plantains are a great addition to the meal and the SAUCES!!! There are three unique sauce options and I suggest tasting all of them. My favorite is the green sauce, but they all bring something special to the table.

Ice Cream

Louisville Cream || Nulu - Innovative Ice cream? Yes Please! Louisville Cream makes small batches of ice cream in house so the flavors are unique and weird and wonderful. My favorite of all time is the bourbon smoked pecan. The best deal is the banana split (and even as a person who hates bananas I can verify it is well worth it). They also make their own marshmallow cream in house and you can add it to the top of your ice cream and have them blowtorch it like a giant s'more! Gabriella LOVES their brownies and says everyone must get one if you go to Louisville Cream. Beware: the line can get extremely long and take a while to get through, but be patient, it will be worth it!

Liege & Dairy || Holiday Manor - The Liege & Dairy claim to fame are the waffle sundaes. It’s exactly what it sounds like: an ice cream sundae on a waffle; what’s not to love? The flavor selection is massive and unique and all made in house. There are tons of spots to sit and hang out in the store to enjoy your ice cream experience.

Dairy Kastle || Germantown - Dairy Kastle is a Louisville staple and truly iconic spot. I grew up going to Dairy Kastle and cannot imagine life without it. It’s an adorable walk-up that serves soft serve ice cream in various forms (milkshakes, flurries, cups & cones) in addition to real food (chili dogs, brats, nachos). They’re open March to October (opening day is March 3, 2020; mark your calendars!). There are five picnic tables surrounding the shop to sit and enjoy your summer day. If there isn’t a table available, there is almost always room on the church steps across the street. I also recommend parking in the church lot behind Dairy Kastle so as not to be cornered into the DK lot. My goto order is a chili dog combo with one regular dog and one vegan dog and a medium orange and vanilla swirl cone with sprinkles. If I’m not getting real food, I’ll sometimes switch it up and go for a cookie dough flurrie with a hot fudge swirl. The possibilities are endless.

Widow’s Walk Ice Creamery || Clarksville, IN - Ok so this one is not technically in Louisville and I don’t love Indiana, but this place is worth sending people to the wretched state. The parlor is situated in an old house right along the Ohio river. After you get your ice cream you can choose to walk along the river, explore the Falls of the Ohio, or even rent a bike from Widow’s Walk! They open for the season at the end of March.

Bars

Tin Roof || St. Matthews - The Tin Roof has the best Moscow Mule I’ve had in Louisville. I’ve only been on a Monday night but it was super chill all night long. There was live music for a while, but not overwhelmingly loud. It’s a nice place to chill and chat.

Diamond’s || Baxter Ave - Diamond’s is so fun! They have darts and ping pong tables so you’re entertained all night long. There is a room with music and dancing, but if you’re not into that you can stay in the game room. The food menu is tasty and reasonably priced. I recommend the beer cheese and pretzels and onion ring stack.

Galaxie || Nulu - Galaxie is known for their margaritas and tacos. It’s a small venue when they don’t open up their other rooms and pricier than some of the other bars in this list, but if you love to dance and don’t mind an extremely loud DJ, go to Galaxie! They have food until midnight so this is a great place to start your night. Also, Margarita Week returns next week, Feb 18-22, so go to Galaxie from 4-6pm for half-price specialty margs.

Four Pegs || Germantown - The most important part of Four Pegs is that Monday is $1 Pabst Blue Ribbon night. Located in Germantown, there’s a large seating area outside as well as two floors inside. The food menu is better than the average bar food and is prepared pretty quickly. If you’re not into PBR, there’s a grand selection of craft beers, including a sour patch kid IPA.

Valentine’s Specific Deals

If you’re not looking for a Louisville-specific date on Valentine’s Day, check out these deals at chains around town!

White Castle - Make a reservation at White Castle for you and your lover to enjoy a truly romantic evening in a castle fit for royalty.

Graeter’s - Get a BOGO sundae at Graeter’s on February 14th!

Qdoba - Qdoba is offering a BOGO entree to anyone who kisses someone (or something) on Valentine’s Day.

Hooter’s - If you’re not celebrating this Valentine’s with someone special, you can take a picture of a former relationship to Hooter’s for them to shred and then provide you a consolation prize of ten wings. Honestly, this deal might be worth ending a relationship for ;). (PS catch me @ Hooter’s on Friday night because we all know I have nothing else going on LOL).