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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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).
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.
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.
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.
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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