Some people make to-do lists — we make to-dine lists. Many hot new Louisville restaurants have opened over the past several months, from familiar names making new concepts to intriguing new kids on the block.
To satisfy those who are really hungry for fresh dining options, we’ve got details on several more River City restaurants coming soon, too. Grab your forks as we dig right in.
Newly open
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.
OddBird Bakery, 1021 Bardstown Rd. | Baked goods + desserts | Reservations: No
A new bakery + cafe from Quills, Oddbird opened in late autumn. In addition to serving Quills coffee, Oddbird serves fresh-baked tarts, croissants, breads, cookies, and cakes.
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
YachtSea, 111 N. Wenzel St. | Oysters + hot dogs | Projected opening: TBD
From the minds behind The Merryweather comes this new nautical-themed Butchertown bar. YachtSea will feature nautical-themed drinks, an oyster bar, and hot dogs — along with pinball. YachtSea is currently operating as a pop-up at The Merryweather every Wednesday.
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.
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.
Pints and Union, 1527 Bardstown Rd | Indian food + pub fare | Projected opening: December 2024
Ok, this one’s not new, just new to LOU. Pints and Union is closing its New Albany location and moving onto Bardstown Road to take over the former Against the Grain Public House space.
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.
