New Orleans-inspired restaurant moving into former Decca space in Louisville, KY

Expect a bourbon bar, live jazz music, private dining, classic NOLA-style cocktails + more.

Bright colored mural of a trumpet player sets behind a row of dining room tables.

Lou Lou Food & Drink will bring the same New Orleans flair to the new eatery on Market Street.

Image provided by Simply PR

New Lou Lou in Nulu — say that five times fast.

September 23, 2022 was the last day of business for Decca, an original NuLu district restaurant. After 10 years, the upscale, Mediterranean-inspired eatery, complete with a basement bar and picturesque patio, called it quits at 812 E. Market St. Now, almost exactly one month later, another Louisville restaurant is swooping in to take over the high foot traffic space.

Three men stand in a triangle formation with owner Jared Fox Matthews standing at the front in a fleece vest.

From left to right — Chef Cristain Garay, owner Jared Fox Matthews, and general manager Miles North

Image provided by Simply PR

Jared Fox Matthews, owner of St. Matthews’ Lou Lou Food & Drink, announced last Friday that he will be opening a second restaurant, Lou Lou on Market, that will carry on its New Orleans flair in both the space and in a new menu created by Chef Cristian Garay — see Lou Lou Food & Drink’s current menu to get an idea.

Lou Lou on Market will also have a separate basement bar called The Stave, which will focus on, you guessed it, bourbon. The new eatery + bar is expected to be open this December or early January 2023. ⁠

A colorful mural on the side of brick building reading "Lou Lou on Market."

A rendering of a Lou Lou on Market mural on the side of the building at 812 E. Market St.

Image provided by Simply PR

Here’s what else to look forward to:⁠

  • The Lagniappe Room, a private venue that can be booked for dinners and special events
  • Live jazz music
  • NOLA-inspired cocktails — including classics like the Sazerac, the Hurricane + a “voodoo punch”

“I want to give Louisville the whole New Orleans experience while incorporating the unique flavor of Lou Lou which combines Mediterranean and classic Cajun. Live music, creole flavors, classic New Orleans cocktails with a unique twist, hidden rooms, and an overall fun, but elevated dining experience. NuLu is the perfect place to make this vision come alive,” said Jared.

Bonus: Explore NuLu’s dining scene before Lou Lou on Market opens to get a taste of the neighborhood. Don’t skip trying the Tok-Sel lima beans from Mayan Cafe.

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