Diners' Choice: Lively restaurants in Central Kentucky

OpenTable

Updated September 05, 2024

Looking for restaurants that have the most vibrant bar scenes in Central Kentucky? 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!

BRU Burger Bar - Lexington

4.9

4.9 (444)

$30 and under

Burgers

Lexington

About the restaurant

The hamburger is over 100 years old. It’s a classic, purely American, and an icon. The hamburger is the people’s sandwich, everyman’s food. BRU is an ode to our love….the Burger. Paired with a beer, we can’t imagine what could be much better. Join us at BRU Burger Bar. We look forward to serving you! BRU Burger Bar is proudly operated by Cunningham Restaurant Group.

Welcome to BRU Burger Bar.

Top review

Carolynvip

Dined on Sep 6, 2024

Good food but service a bit slow on this night. Several bigger parties near us so maybe that was the problem. Still, a good experience and will keep going back!

La Bodeguita De Mima

4.9

4.9 (3753)

$30 and under

Cuban

East Market St - NuLu

About the restaurant

Hailing From Cuba, Fernando and Yaniel Martinez have brought their passion and love to the plate, showcasing generations of love passed on by their mothers. Are you ready to experience some of the best Cuban food this side of the equator?

From plantains to the classic Cuban sandwich, we have all of the classic Cuban specialties covered with our twist, of course! Come visit us to see what Louisville has been missing.

At Mima's, we believe in creating an inviting and invigorating atmosphere. That's why you can find different choices to choose from. Whether you're enjoying a delicious dinner in our dining room, a tasty Mojito at our bar, or even a fine hand-rolled cigar on our patio, there's something for everyone to enjoy.

Top review

Thomasvip

Dined 4 days ago

Had great food and service. Loved the authentic atmosphere and food especially hearing about the history of the beef in the can

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4.8

4.8 (499)

$31 to $50

Creole / Cajun / Southern

Germantown

About the restaurant

The Bourbon experience
Blending Bourbon, Louisville, and New Orleans into a unique Southern experience.

Top review

OpenTable Diner

Dined on Sep 10, 2024

Amazing meal and amazing atmosphere ! Small place but the food (and cocktails) are a HUGE satisfaction. Best meal I’ve had in quite some time….. Every bite (and we did not leave ANY bites behind) was delicious- each item on the menu is so well thought out and you can actually taste the passion in every ingredient preparation. I would travel back to Louisville, just for this restaurant.

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4.8

4.8 (36)

$31 to $50

American

East Louisville

About the restaurant

Watch Hill Proper Bourbon Bar & Kitchen is a unique restaurant experience located in the heart of bourbon country. Open to the public, we offer the largest selection of American whiskey in the country along with a world class cocktail program made entirely with American whiskey. Chef Michael Crouch is a master of blending flavor to pair with our whiskey, cocktails, and wine offerings.

Top review

Jack

Dined 6 days ago

We absolutely loved this place!! The food was fabulous and service the best in Louisville in a very long time. Jackson was the manager on duty when we were there and he was the most outstanding young man I have seen in the workplace since Covid. He is professional, thoughtful, and just exactly who anyone that owns a restaurant would want on their team. We look forward to going back soon.

Senora Arepa - St Matthews

4.7

4.7 (241)

$30 and under

Venezuelan

St Matthews

About the restaurant

Senora Arepa is about flavor. We strive to say something important to the world through our food and drinks. We don't just feed the palate, we feed the imagination & the soul. At Senora the heart is the arepa, along with a superb menu inspired by Venezuelan culinary roots, ingredients, and flavors.

We're all about family. Come be a part of ours and enjoy some delicious Venezuelan cuisine!

Top review

William

Dined 6 days ago

This was our first time here, but we will definitely be back. Server explained menu very well with recommendations. Highly recommended.

Infinity: A Skybar & Café

4.6

4.6 (149)

$30 and under

American

Lexington

About the restaurant

Infinity: A Rooftop Restaurant and Bar is a rooftop restaurant and lounge serving handcrafted cocktails, developed by our very own Bartenders, that pair perfectly with the modern American cuisine. Enjoy the open air when weather permits!

*Party must arrive within 15 minutes of scheduled reservation time, or reservation will be canceled.

Top review

OpenTable Diner

Dined on Sep 1, 2024

They serve brunch till 3 PM which we were disappointed to find out. We really wanted there regular burger for lunch @1 but they said they serve brunch till 3pm

Doc Crow's Southern Smokehouse & Raw Bar

4.5

4.5 (1476)

$30 and under

Southern

Downtown Louisville

About the restaurant

Doc Crow's showcases the culinary heritage of the South with a menu of traditional favorites and fresh seafood. The world-class beverage program focuses on America's native spirit, bourbon, and features excellent wines.

Top review

joef

Dined 4 days ago

Excellent. Always a great experience. Baby Back ribs are awesome.

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Popular dish

Fried Oysters

Hop Atomica

4.5

4.5 (18)

$30 and under

Pub

West Louisville

About the restaurant

Wood-Fired Eatery | Brewery | Distillery

Top review

Scott

Dined on Sep 7, 2024

The food was excellent and all personnel we interacted with were pleasant and helpful. They quickly accomodated us when we requested a different table than the one they had set aside for our reservation. The primary issue with our dining experience was the food & drink ordering system. While they provide hard menus at the table, they request you place your order through a link. The on-line ordering was cumbersome to navigate and the items listed don't always align with the hard menu provided.

Lost Palm

4.4

4.4 (107)

$31 to $50

Cocktail Bar

Lexington

About the restaurant

Seven stories up and an oasis above Lexington, a rooftop nod to sultry South Florida. Embrace an experience filled with small bites, big hats, and inspired tropical drinks. Lost Palm welcomes you!

Reservations are highly encouraged, however we accept walk-ins on a first-come, first-served basis. Find us at The Manchester Hotel in the Distillery District, with valet services at your convenience. Street and paid parking options are available. All visitors must be 21 or older, with ID verification upon entry. For those with underage guests, please contact our restaurant Granddam.

Reservations are available indoors or outdoors. We'll try our best to accommodate, but we cannot guarantee swapping indoor/outdoor reservations. For groups over 6, please call (859)-785-3906. Our kitchen welcomes you from 4-10PM daily. For cabana rentals, email twetzel@themanchesterky.com.

Enjoy an unforgettable visit to Lost Palm, where leisure and luxury blend seamlessly.

Top review

Lisa

Dined on Sep 10, 2024

Nice spot. Food didn’t measure up to the location.

Nic & Normans - Louisville

4.2

4.2 (233)

$30 and under

American

West Louisville

About the restaurant

As artists, we are passionate about creating special moments. Beyond the screen, we recognize that this often happens while enjoying a great meal in the company of family and friends.

When the opportunity came to open a restaurant in Senoia, we knew it was a natural extension of our passion. We hope you capture a few of those special moments here.

Thanks for joining us on this journey we call Nic & Norman’s.

Top review

Rod

Dined 3 days ago

Daniel, our server, was fantastic. Very personable and funny. Food was as advertised and very good.

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Explore Diners' Choice best of Central Kentucky