Diners' Choice: Lively restaurants in Louisville

OpenTable

Updated May 05, 2025

Looking for restaurants that have the most vibrant bar scenes in Louisville? You’re in the right place. Each month, OpenTable analyzes nearly 2 million global diner reviews from the past four months. We sort the results by location and category to help you discover new favorite restaurants. It's a great partnership: you reserve, eat, and review. We listen...and deliver the results for all to benefit. Enjoy!

Enso

4.8

4.8 (300)

$50 and over

Southern

Frankfort Ave - Crescent Hill

About the restaurant

A Southern restaurant using Japanese technique and style to connect the parallels in culture between Japan and the American South. All service is a la carte and come out as they are prepared to insure they are served at their peak. Share the table with family and friends. We are honored to welcome all guests.

Top review

David

Dined 3 days ago

Tremendous service and all of our server’s recommendations were fantastic. Both the food and cocktails were complex in flavor and well executed.

Monk's Road Boiler House

4.7

4.7 (194)

$50 and over

Steakhouse

Downtown Louisville

About the restaurant

At Monk's Road Boiler House, our mission is to provide an exceptional dining experience that seamlessly blends the rich heritage of bourbon with the finest culinary artistry. We are dedicated to offering exquisite prime steaks, fresh seafood, and homemade pastas, all crafted with the highest quality ingredients and innovative techniques. Through our unwavering commitment to excellence, authenticity, and hospitality, we aim to create memorable moments for our guests, celebrate the culture of bourbon, and positively impact our community.

Top review

Christopher

Dined on May 3, 2025

This is the best steakhouse in Louisville. Beautiful ambiance, great wine selection and outstanding food! Service is top notch. Can’t wait to go back!

Hop Atomica

4.6

4.6 (49)

$30 and under

Pizzeria

Germantown

About the restaurant

Welcome to Hop Atomica, Louisville's only brewery, distillery, & restaurant. Our hand-tossed, wood-fired, made to order pizzas, are simply incredible. Most similar to a Neapolitan Style, we proudly provide the best pizza around. Oh yea, the smoked wings are mind-blowing, too. Our 20+ craft beers, made on site, are high quality and poured ice-cold. Prefer spirits? Hop Atomica has an amazing craft cocktail program featuring over two dozen classics, a handful of seasonal libations, 30+ bourbons & whiskey's, house-made gins, rums, vodka, and 100% Blue Agave Spirit. Is wine more your speed? Hop Atomica carefully curated a highly intentional wine program with over 40 wines from around the world. Hop Atomica is nestled perfectly at the intersection of the historic Schnitzelburg, Germantown & Paristown, Meriwether-Fort Hill, and Shelby Park neighborhoods, just off Goss Avenue, only a five-minute drive from downtown Louisville. We can't wait to see you!

Top review

MariaVIP

Dined on May 1, 2025

Super cute venue. The drinks are unique and crafted perfectly. The food was awesome. Delicious pizzas and salad. The staff are friendly and welcoming. We had a great experience

The Silver Dollar

4.5

4.5 (667)

$31 to $50

American

Butchertown

About the restaurant

Step back in time to the 1950s at The Silver Dollar, a Louisville gem that captures the essence of Southern California honky-tonks. Immerse yourself in the sounds of classic vinyl as you savor Chef Tyler Powell's innovative Southern-meets-Southern-California cuisine. Indulge in craft cocktails and soak up the vibrant atmosphere, whether you're enjoying a lively dinner or a leisurely weekend brunch on the spacious patio. The Silver Dollar, housed in a beautifully restored 1890s firehouse, offers a unique dining experience that blends history, music, and culinary delights. Come discover the charm and flavors that await you at The Silver Dollar.

Top review

LouiseaVIP

Dined 7 days ago

Great local hangout with good food! Sweet potato fries are delicious and so is the burger

Emmy Squared Pizza - Louisville

4.4

4.4 (312)

$31 to $50

Pizzeria

Downtown Louisville

About the restaurant

Serving Detroit-style pizzas and an award-winning burger. Full service bar, local drafts & wine selection.

**Join us for brunch Saturday and Sunday mornings!**

Top review

Robin

Dined on Apr 5, 2025

Best pizza I’ve ever had. Gluten free crust, deep dish style. Amazing. Ricotta cheese, basil, pesto sauce. Yuuuuuuummmmmm. And fabulous pear lime cocktail. 10/10

Upland Brewing Co - Jeffersonville

4.3

4.3 (142)

$30 and under

American

Jeffersonville

About the restaurant

Upland Jeffersonville is located right on the Ohio River with a tri-level patio overlooking the Louisville skyline. 20 taps feature Upland classics, seasonals, sour ales, & small-batch innovations. Pair your favorite beverage with a well crafted menu featuring spirited pub classics & creative options for vegetarians.
Soak in the beautiful view from the patio with an accompanying outdoor bar. Well-behaved dogs are welcome outside.

Top review

DonVIP

Dined on Apr 13, 2025

Our server Drew, was excellently as was the food. We went for brunch and we both had the breakfast pizza. It was perfectly prepare with a fluffy crust and an excellent combination of ingredients, none of which overpower the other. The blend of textures was also spot on with a thin helping over gravy which did not make the crust soggy, good blend of potatoes, eggs and bacon. Will definitely go back again as well as tell friends to visit Upland Brewing. There was also an excellent view of the Ohio River whether sitting inside or out.

Sol Aztecas Mexican Restaurant

4.1

4.1 (55)

$30 and under

Mexican

Highlands - Bardstown Rd / Taylorsville Rd

About the restaurant

Experience the best of Mexican, Latin, Cuban modern cuisine at our enchanting restaurant located in the heart of Bardstown Road, Louisville, Kentucky. With live music, an impressive selection of amazing drinks, and a menu featuring fresh, authentic flavors, we've been delighting guests for over 15 years. Discover a unique dining experience that blends contemporary sophistication with traditional Mexican, Latin & Cuban charm.

Top review

SherryVIP

Dined on May 1, 2025

Server was excellent. She was helpful with explanation of menu items, accurate orders and friendly service. Food was very authentic

Neighborhood Services - Louisville

4.0

4 (310)

$30 and under

American

Downtown Louisville

About the restaurant

Nestled adjacent to the lobby, you will naturally fall in love with Neighborhood Services by renowned chef Nick Badovinus. The restaurant features his signature self-described fare, “honest food & drink in the American tradition.” Enjoy breakfast, lunch and dinner in this warm and welcoming space, known for its perpetually relaxed vibe. With both indoor and outdoor dining that is accessible from the hotel or street, Neighborhood Services entices guests of all tastes. Please call direct for reservations on Holidays as well as for parties of more than 7.

Top review

PaulVIP

Dined on Apr 26, 2025

We highly recommend the hot brown tots and triple crown for sharing plates, along with the solid beer selection.

High Stakes Rooftop Grill

4.0

4 (136)

$31 to $50

American

West Louisville

About the restaurant

High Stakes is a modern take on the classic American grill showcasing culinary traditions and flavorsome grilling techniques with a dedication to high-quality ingredients. Paying homage to the come-from-behind winners in life, sports, history, and the arts – celebrating all the unimaginable photo finishes, strivers, and unlikely underdog winners that have made this great country what it is today. Here’s to the winners, the higher the stakes, the more you own that moment in time.

Top review

BrookVIP

Dined on May 1, 2025

Fabulous dinner .... fish, steak, wedge salad, dessert. All wonderful!

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Experience

Social Hour

8Up Elevated Drinkery + Kitchen

3.5

3.5 (21)

$31 to $50

American

West Louisville

About the restaurant

Set in the lively entertainment district, our rooftop restaurant in downtown Louisville offers eclectic dining and drinking experiences. 8up Elevated Drinkery & Kitchen offers three distinctive atmospheres - the open-kitchen restaurant, swanky lounge, and rooftop bar and event space. Our restaurant offers a menu of creative American food with a local twist, hand-crafted cocktails, and unparalleled city views. Whether you're throwing a party, meeting friends for dinner, or chilling with a drink after work, enjoy an elevated ambiance the celebrates the spirit of Louisville.

Top review

Liz

Dined 4 days ago

Amazing my new favorite spot me and my best friend plan to come back

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