Named after the 19th-century German immigrants who butchered there, Louisville’s Butchertown is still home to pork processing plant JBS Swift & Co. But today, the neighborhood has so much more to offer. With new shops, restaurants, and the opening of the largest soccer-specific stadium in the region, it’s no surprise that Butchertown is known as an up-and-coming area. “The great thing about Butchertown,” says Louisville developer Andy Blieden, “is everything is mom-and-pop — locally owned. We like that personality, and we want to keep that quirkiness of our neighborhood.”

Here’s our guide to a few new stops to make during your next visit to this unique Louisville neighborhood.

EAT & DRINK

Butchertown Grocery Bakery

More info: facebook.com

The neighborhood’s first European bakery boasts bread — including baguettes, biscuits, buns, muffins, focaccia, bialy, and more — made fresh daily and available with various breakfast and lunch sandwiches. Butchertown Grocery Bakery also provides handcrafted pastries, tarts, cookies, and other desserts, as well as a full menu of espresso drinks and custom-blended coffee. It also offers select bourbons and a curated assortment of local and regional craft beers.

croissant with frosting on checkered waxpaper
The Cookie Monster croissant at Butchertown Grocery Bakery is made with chocolate chip cookie dough inside and an Oreo glaze on top. Image: Amanda Johnson

Copper & Kings

More info: copperandkings.com

The sole Louisville distillery with a restaurant, Copper & Kings is also the only distillery in the area focusing on brandy, absinthe, and gin. Guests can book a tour and tasting or make a reservation for the rooftop restaurant, which serves cuisine focused on deep, earthy flavors specially crafted for brandy pairings. The distillery also hosts events in its outdoor courtyard, including a summer concert series that features live music, yard games, bites from the restaurant, and a selection of cocktails.

pimento cheese dip with chips and a brandy-based cocktail
The pimento cheese small plate at Copper & Kings is made with Tillamook cheddar and black garlic and served with potato chips. Image: Copper & Kings

Cultured Cheese & Charcuterie Bar

More info: culturedcheeseshop.com

Cultured owner Jessica Mattingly specializes in local and unique farmstead cheeses, highlighting ​Kenny’s Farmhouse Cheese in Austin, KY, which her father owns.​ Cheeses and charcuterie are chosen weekly and offered in a variety of options, from a single serving with three kinds of cheese and a choice of one charcuterie to an “overboard,” which serves up to eight people and includes five cheeses and three charcuterie choices. Cultured also boasts an extensive list of cocktails, wine, beer, and other beverages.

Charcuterie boards on wood table
culturedcheeseshop.com will satisfy any charcuterie craving you may have. Image: Facebook

Chik’n & Mi

More info: chiknandmi.com

After closing their eatery Hearth on Mellwood, the owners moved their first restaurant, Chik’n & Mi, to its current Butchertown location. Specializing in Asian-inspired comfort foods, Chik’n & Mi serves everything from fried chicken steam buns and kimchi mac & cheese to tofu lettuce wraps and chicken noodle soup ramen. The bar offers an extensive selection of sake and craft beer, as well as cocktails that feature local ingredients and house infusions.

three fried chicken steam buns on a white square plate
The fried chicken steam buns at Chik’n & Mi are filled with fried chicken, marinated cucumber, hoisin, hot mustard, and pickled red onion. Image: Lennie Omalza

Decade

More info: decaderestaurant.com

Butchertown’s newest dinner destination focuses on New American cuisine with Italian and French influences. The menu’s farm-to-table concept features dishes made with locally sourced produce, including porchetta with charred fennel, honey, and watercress; and sugar snap peas with Caesar aioli, crispy ham, and cured egg yolk. The spot’s second-floor bar and event space, dubbed B-Side, is open on weekends only.

top-down view of three veggie-based dishes on round white plates
Decade’s menu focuses heavily on seasonality and which ingredients are available locally. Image: Tim Furnish

Naïve Kitchen + Bar

More info: eatnaive.com

Catherine Mac Dowall’s modern eatery features unique, veggie-centric offerings made from fresh ingredients, with a focus on keeping everything as local and organic as possible. Though most dishes are vegetarian, there are also many options to accommodate vegans, carnivores, and everyone in between. Try the black bean burger, made with avocado, gochujang aioli, romaine, and shaved red onion, or General Tso’s Cauliflower served with green beans, lime, kale, sesame, and togarashi. Don’t forget to grab a CBD brownie for dessert.

two veggie-based dishes in round white bowls
Contrary to popular belief, Naïve is not a vegan restaurant — its menu offers all types of protein. Image: Naïve

Pho Ba Luu

More info: phobaluu.com

This Vietnamese restaurant offers a variety of authentic dishes commonly found in Saigon, including banh mi sandwiches, noodle bowls, spring rolls, and more — though the menu’s primary focus is pho. The traditional Vietnamese soup is available with beef, chicken, or tofu. The beef pho is made with beef bones and brisket, which cooks in a large kettle for three days. We also like the honey sriracha wings, prepared with house-made bourbon sweet, sour, and spicy sauce, and the strong-yet-tasty Vietnamese iced coffee.

two Vietnamese dishes in round white bowls next to a fork and chopsticks
The owner of Pho Ba Luu named the restaurant after her mother. It means “Mrs. Luu’s noodle soup” in Vietnamese. Image: Pho Ba Luu

Pizza Lupo

More info: pizzalupo.com

This pizza parlor is known for having the best pizza in town, with some guests comparing its pies to those found in Italy. Its menu changes seasonally based on available produce, but every pizza is Neapolitan-style and wood-fired, boasting puffy crusts and fresh toppings. The Sting Like a Bee — named for Derby City’s own Muhammad Ali — boasts Detroit-style pepperoni cups, milled organic San Marzano tomatoes, house hot honey, fresh or aged mozzarella, fresh basil, extra virgin olive oil, and Parmigiano Reggiano.

pizza getting pushed into a wood-fired oven
The Pizza Lupo crew serves wood-fired Neapolitan sourdough pizza seven days a week. Image: Pizza Lupo

TEN20 Craft Brewery

More info: ten20brewery.com

This historic, 12,000-square-foot facility is more than just a brewery. Built to serve as a venue for both public and private events, TEN20 Craft Brewery can accommodate groups of up to 300 people. There are also three eateries that will have permanent, rolling spaces within the location: Happy Belly Bistro (with its fusion cuisine), Black Rock Grille (known for its burgers and fries), and MozzaPi (a bakery that turns out bread, pastries, and Neapolitan pizzas).

glass of beer and pizza on a wooden outdoor table
Enjoy some pizza on the patio while sipping brews from Ten20. Image: Lennie Omalza

SHOP, PLAY, & MORE

Butchertown House of Beauty & Booze

More info: bblock1015.com

Whether you’re looking for a beard trim or have your hair cut, colored, or styled, Butchertown House of Beauty & Booze’s team has you covered. “We have stylists and barbers, and we sell premade drinks,” explains owner Travis Lay. There are also single-serving wine, beer, and cocktail options available for purchase so customers can enjoy a boozy drink during their appointment, which can be made by calling the shop directly or via the Booksy mobile app.

Hard Times Collective

More info: hardtimescollective.com

Two vintage resellers joined forces to open this brick-and-mortar store on East Washington Street, but the shop’s offerings boast wares from more than 30 vendors. Each vendor curates their own selection of wares for the Hard Times Collective owners to put on display. Customers can expect to find a plethora of vintage clothing, accessories, furnishings, and home goods. There is also a selection of new and handmade artwork and small gifts.

three pink wooden shelves filled with artwork, candles, glasses, and more
There’s always something unique to discover at Hard Times Collective. Image: Hard Times Collective

Vernon Lanes

More info: vernonlanes.com

Built in 1876, Vernon Lanes was a go-to spot for local bowlers for years. After closing in 2015, the space remained vacant for several years. Its new owners have restored the bowling alley while adding a bar, dining space, and additional restrooms to the first floor. The basement houses a stage, kitchen, and a second bar.

Work the Metal

More info: workthemetal.com

This is a one-stop women’s boutique shop for jewelry, apparel, hats, scarves, and unique gifts. Their large but curated selection includes everything from bath and body products to handcrafted home decor. Pick up everything from one-of-a-kind sweet treats from Confections to handmade candles, soaps, and lotions from Moss Hill. The space also hosts a variety of art and cooking workshops.

"Louisville Love" chocolates from Confections
Confections shows some hometown pride with these tasty treats! Image: Facebook

Lynn Family Stadium

More info: loucity.com

With a total capacity of 15,304, Lynn Family Stadium is the biggest soccer-specific stadium in the region. Opened in 2020, it is home to Louisville City FC of the United Soccer League Championship and the National Women’s Soccer League’s Racing Louisville FC. The stadium also features 18 luxury suites, premium seating amenities, and a large safe-standing supporter section.

Lynn Family Stadium
Lynn Family Stadium is the biggest soccer-specific stadium in the region. Image: Facebook

Porktoberfest

If you happen to be in Butchertown in October, check social media for details on the annual Porktoberfest event. The culinary competition, which benefits the Butchertown Neighborhood Association, pits local restaurants and chefs against one another. The best barbecue and pork-inspired dishes vie for titles such as Most Creative, Best Vegetarian, People’s Choice, and Best Overall Pork. Attendees are encouraged to sample the various creations and help the judges vote.

Enjoy all the fun of Butchertown!

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Check out more guides to all the amazing neighborhoods in Louisville HERE!

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About the Author
Lennie Omalza

Lennie is a Southern-based freelance writer. Originally from Hawaii, she is a yoga-loving foodie who travels as often as she can.