Looking for the next new restaurant hitting Derby City’s food scene? Check out these buzzy places to eat and drink in Louisville — plus, some spots coming soon. Keep tabs on this list to stay ahead of the cuisine curve. And don’t forget to bookmark it.
June
Haifry, 1126 Bardstown Rd. | A new Japanese restaurant from the owner of Dragon King’s Daughter with a range of non-sushi Japanese food, including noodles, skewers, and savory pancakes.
Good Morning Breakfast & Brunch, 1971 Brownsboro Rd. | The owner of Chilakiles, a Mexican restaurant which closed during the pandemic, opened a new place on Brownsboro Road. Good Morning has some of the same menu items as Chilakiles, including golden tres leches pancakes.
Pizza Jones, 126 Breckenridge Lane | Delivery-only pizza
This delivery-only store also function as a ghost kitchen for a wings restaurant, a potato restaurant, and a hot dog restaurant.
YachtSea, 111 N. Wenzel St. | Oysters + hot dogs
From the minds behind The Merryweather comes this new nautical-themed Butchertown bar. YachtSea features nautical-themed drinks, an oyster bar, and hot dogs — along with pinball.
May
Sake A Go Go, 620 E. Market St. | This new Japanese restaurant is in the former Toast on Market space, and comes from the restaurateur behind Village Anchor, Le Moo, and Steakhouse Bourré Bonne, among others.
Elliment Restaurant and Lounge, 707 S. 3rd St. | This Jamaican restaurant is now open in the Weissinger Gaulbert building. Expect jerk chicken plates, sides like rice + peas, apple slaw, and fries, and entres like oxtail and curry goat.
Retta’s, 2011 Frankfort Ave Unit 101 | A new ice cream spot in Clifton is serving up unique flavors like toasted hay sorghum chip and coconut lemongrass. It started as a bike cart, but now has a permanent home in the former Harvey’s space
April
SmashD, 2109 Frankfort Ave. | Casual smash burgers
A new smash burger place is now open in the former J Gumbo’s space on Frankfort Avenue. SmashD is open seven days a week with dine-in and take-out — we have our eyes on the onion rings with citrus mustard sauce.
Mi Ranchito Grill, 505 W. Broadway | Mexican
The second location of this Owensboro-based restaurant is now open in the former Brew & Sip Coffee Bar space downtown. The family-owned and operated restaurant features tacos, burritos, nachos, and other specials.
2024
Dirty Bird, 1022 Clarks Ln. | Fried chicken | Projected opening: TBD
Over the summer, the owners behind Hauck’s Corner announced they’d be opening a chicken restaurant inside the former Tim Tam Tavern location on Clarks Lane. There have been no updates since.
Wheated, 1553 Bardstown Rd. | New York and New Haven-style pizza | Reservations: No
This Brooklyn, NY-based pizzeria opened its second-ever location right here in Derby City in the summer of 2024. The Louisville location serves classic pies and rotating specials, along with seasonal cocktails + salads.
Jin Doshirak Korean Food Box & Sushi, 211 S. 5th St. | Korean + Japanese takeout | Reservations: No
Deriving its name from a transliteration of the Korean word for “lunch box,” Jin Doshirak brings a South Korean takeout style to downtown Louisville. Build your own food box by pairing a main with a side, and soup or salad.
Monk’s Road Boiler House, 131 W. Main St. | Luxury-style chophouse | Reservations: Yes
Located on Whiskey Row, this new restaurant from Log Still Distillery serves a range of seafood, plus classics like porkchops, pasta, and steak. Take a peek at the interior.
Segreto, 741 East Oak St. | Pizza + Italian light bites | Reservations: No
Located behind Perso in Shelby Park, this garden bar has a more casual, laid-back atmosphere than its partner. Sip beer, wine, or a cocktail while you try a sausage, salumi, bratwurst, or clam pizza.
Takashi, 6316 Bardstown Rd. | Japanese | Reservations: Yes
There’s something for everyone at this Fern Creek restaurant. Choose from sushi, hibachi, poke bowls, ramen, or bento boxes, and dine-in or take away.
Boone’s Deli, 10414 Watterson Trail | Sandwiches | Reservations: No
You can get your sandos hot or cold at this shop on Jeffersontown’s Gaslight Square — but that’s not all. Pair it with loaded mac and cheese, the soup of the day, or pretzel nuggets.
High Stakes, 710 E. Jefferson St. | Classic American | Reservations: Yes
With rooftop views of Louisville, High Stakes features a sports theme, an outdoor + indoor bar, and a private dining room available for parties. Bonus: You can start the day at the Moonsong Cafe coffee shop in the first floor of Tempo, then finish it at High Stakes.
Locals, 822 E. Broadway | Pizza | Reservations: No
The second location of this Frankfort-based opened in Derby City in fall 2024. Build your own wood-fire pizzas or calzones, and shop at the attached grocery store to prep your own meals at home.
Coming soon
Gaucho Urbano, 2103 S. Hurstbourne Pkwy | A new Brazillian steakhouse is coming to Louisville’s East End. Gaucho Urbano, which first opened in Tennessee, will open a second location on South Hurstbourne Parkway this fall.
Murray’s Creole Pub, 1576 Bardstown Rd. | Lawrence Weeks’ new restaurant will feature casual pub dining on the first floor, with dinner service and a cocktail program on the upper level.
Mashup Food Hall, 750 E. Jefferson St. | Food hall
Wiltshire Pantry will be one of the first food vendors to open in the food hall, which will be paired with a coworking space.
Franny’s Seafood, 998 Goss Ave | Seafood | Projected opening: TBD
Located across the street from Hauck’s Corner, this seafood restaurant is still under construction. It is planned to feature 80 seats inside, along with an outdoor patio, and a menu focused on fresh oysters.
Cook Out, 2412 Preston Highway | Fast food BBQ | Projected opening: TBD
This national chain has 22 locations in Kentucky, but none in Louisville — for now. Documents filed with the Louisville Metro in summer 2024 indicate the chain is interested in constructing a drive-thru and restaurant on Preston Highway.
Yummy Bowl, 2060 Hurstbourne Pkwy | Sushi, ramen, and stir-fry | Projected opening: TBD
This national chain has a location opening in Hurstborne acres — eventually. The company is planning a second area location in Clarksville as well.
Yonutz, 12939 Shelbyville Road | Donuts | Projected opening: TBD
This viral donut shop is on a mission to open multiple local franchise locations, with the first coming to Middletown.
