Frankfort-based grocery store and pizza restaurant Locals opened its first Louisville location this year. | Photo by LOUtoday
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
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.
Mike Birbiglia | 7 p.m. | The Brown Theatre | $45+ | See the award-winning comedian perform his solo show “Please Stop the Ride.”
Tuesday, Dec. 10
Celebrating the Hubbuch Holly Collection | 1-2 p.m. | Bernheim Arboretum and Research Forest, Clermont | $10+ | Explore Bernheim’s American Holly tree collection, which includes over 160 cultivars.
“Nutcracker!” | 7 p.m. | Louisville Palace | $35+ | Watch the sugar plum fairies dance with this national tour of the classic ballet.
Wednesday, Dec. 11
Big Band Christmas Benefit Concert | 6-10 p.m. | Fourth Presbyterian Church | $10 | Hear big-band holiday tunes + raise money for a community mutual aid fund.
Thursday, Dec. 12
Harmonize the Holidays | 6:30-7:30 p.m. | PORTAL + ARTPORTAL | $20 | Enter an immersive soundscape from a local “sound alchemist” — bring a padded yoga mat or a blanket.
Merry SWIFTmas | 5-8 p.m. | Logan Street Market | $5+ | Join other Swifties for a night of crafts, drink specials, games, and photo ops with The Kinder Artist.
⚽️ The gift every soccer fan wants to see under their tree
Presented by Louisville City FC
Get excited about the upcoming 2025 season. | Photos courtesy of Louisville City FC
Score the perfect holiday gift for the soccer fan in your life.
The Holiday Flex Pack includes six ticket vouchers for the 2025 pro soccer season and a co-branded ornament (while supplies last). Starting at $108, these vouchers can be redeemed for one game, multiple games, or a mix of Louisville City FC and Racing Louisville FC matchups — you decide how to use them.
Bonus: Those who purchase a Holiday Flex Pack before Wednesday, Jan. 1, 2025, can snag an exclusive one-time 20% discount for the LouCity and Racing online team store. From tickets to team gear, this pack is the ultimate way to spread soccer cheer this season.
Whether you’re gifting it or keeping it for yourself, the Holiday Flex Pack is your ticket to unforgettable soccer moments in 2025.
Hope you have your cart quarter ready, Middletown. A new Aldi is opening in Juneau Square, at the corner of Junueau Drive and Shelbyville Road, this Thursday, Dec. 12. It’s the seventh location for the grocery chain in Louisville. (Louisville Business First)
Drink
Just because it’s cold + wet out there doesn’t mean you have to give up your bar patio life. ShopBar has wrapped its pergola for the season, so you can enjoy outdoor bingo and trivia without freezing solid. Bonus: Read up on LOU’s patios while you dream of warmer weather.
Art
“It’s art, Michael, how much could it cost? $20?” The $20 Art Show is returning this year, now at the Kentucky Science Center. Over 30 regional and local artists will exhibit art pieces for sale for ~$20 from 6 to 9 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 13.
Outdoors
Fore! Golf passes for 2025 are now available from Louisville Parks and Recreation. Passes start at $350, with five and seven-day passes available. Check out our guide to LOU’s golf courses to plan next year’s days at the links.
Sports
Miller Moss’ potential transfer to the Louisville Cardinals could be a game-changer for both the player and the program. Get game coverage, analysis, insights, interviews and more from local experts of the Cardinals with Locked On’s daily podcasts.
Health
After undergoing a rigorous cancer treatment plan, Debbie Humphrey was told she had exhausted her options. However, she wasn’t done fighting. With a second opinion from UofL Health – Brown Cancer Center, she was given more options and now lives a fulfilling cancer-free life. Explore more world-class care at UofL Health.*
Home
Did you know new windows could lead to lower energy bills? Read: Modern windows have better insulation. Renewal by Andersen is offering $400 off per window and $850 per door, so you can start the new year by saving on style upgrades for your home. Get your free quote.*
Shop
Did someone say exclusive deals? From Thursday, Dec. 12 to Monday, Dec. 23, 502 Hemp is launching its 12 Days of Holideals — featuring a brand-new deal on your favorite hemp products each day. Follow along on Instagram or sign up for their newsletter to get the details.*†
†Please note: Legalities in your state may vary. 502 Hemp advises consumers to read the company’s terms and conditions, consult a physician before trying products, start only with small amounts, and to not consume products before driving or before a drug test. The information about providers and services contained in this newsletter does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation by LOUtoday.
Category
Community
📚 LFPL’s Wrap
You can checkout e-books and audiobooks anytime anywhere. | Photo by LOUtoday
Like everyone else it seems, theLouisville Free Public Library has shared its end-of-the-year Wrap. But rather than telling the story of a Brat summer, LFPL’s Wrap shows an incredible number of books borrowed.
Here’s a look at LFPL patrons’ 2024 borrowing habits by the numbers:
But LFPL wasn’t just lending out books this year — it was also investing in major renovation projects on several of its branches. A $1.5 million grant by the James Graham Brown Foundation this year helped fund the ongoing restoration of the Parkland and Portland libraries, along with overhauls to the award-winning main branch.
The Buy
The Buy
Slippers that are warm, cozy, and able to be worn indoors and outdoors (so you can run errands in your slippers — score). Try these faux fur-lined houseshoes on Amazon or go for the UGG Tasman slipper that started the trend.