Earlier this month, we asked: Which Louisville restaurant do you miss the most? Which restaurant or meal do you wish were still around?
Piece of cake, right? LOUtoday readers sent us food for thought — let’s stroll down memory lane, because we love a moment of local nostalgia.
Lynn’s Paradise Cafe
IYKYK. Yes, reader Marbara S., we know.
This Barret Avenue spot was a staple for over two decades before it closed in 2014. While the eats here were good enough to be featured on the Food Network in 2006, LOUtoday readers remember it almost as much for its iconic style.
Reader Marlene S. said, “Great food, eclectic decor, fantastic service! Best buckwheat pancakes I ever had. Biscuits and gravy were phenomenal.”
Eclectic? Reader Mindy H. had another word in mind: “The food was great, the atmosphere was kitschy.”
Butchertown Grocery
This beloved spot shut down in 2021, and reader Tyler H. reminisced that it was: “Simply the best. From the ambiance to the cocktail menu to the seemingly simple yet refined haute cuisine, Butchertown Grocery had it all.”
Decca
This NuLu spot “had delicious food,” according to reader Janet F., who also remembered, “There was lots of outdoor seating with heaters for cooler weather.” Sounds like it would’ve been a shoe-in for our outdoor dining guide.
Decca lives on today in Butchertown at Decade.
Gasthaus
A beloved East End establishment, reader Leslie A. said it was, “The best authentic German restaurant in the city.”
It closed in 2022 after 29 years in business. We’ll say ‘Próst’ to that.
Casa Grisanti
From 1959 to 1991, Casa Grisanti brought European continental fine dining to Louisville, and it also spawned a slew of other Louisville restaurants.
Reader Diane K. remembered, “A range of choices from elegant to casual but always wonderful food.” Meanwhile, reader J. Scott-Berger was craving the bread with marinara sauce at spin-off spot Mamma Grisanti — and same.
Cumberland Brewery
In September, we told you about the history of this memorable Highlands hangout, and the mead that used to flow there got some of our followers reminiscing on Instagram.
Reader Sara S. remembered Cumberland for another reason: “Best jerk chicken wings ever.”
Allo Spiedo
Reader Leah C. had fond recollections of, “Delicious Italian (food) in a nice, quaint spot on Frankfort Ave.” It closed in 2004, and is now home to a Heine Brothers Coffee.
North End Cafe
What did reader Jenny remember most about this Highlands brunch spot, which closed in 2020? “The loaded potatoes, of course.”
If a restaurant was worthy of the Bri Bowers treatment, you know it was loved.
Provided by Bri Bowers
Eiderdown
Reader Anna BG. gave this Germantown spot the double yum for the chicken schnitzel + the spaetzel. It closed in 2020.
Y’all understood the assignment.
