Enjoy a day exploring one of Louisville’s most iconic neighborhoods, the Highlands. Built around the Bardstown Road corridor, it is known for its food scene, walkable streets, shopping, and more! Here’s how to make the most of your day in this welcoming neighborhood.
Breakfast & Coffee
Start your morning off right with a visit to one of the neighborhood’s cozy cafes or breakfast spots. Whether you are looking for a fresh brew or hot plate to set the tone for the day, the Highlands has something for every early riser.
Highland Morning has a delicious assortment of omelets, but you can also find other classic breakfast options at Gralehaus and Big Bad Breakfast. Wiltshire Bakery and Café provides both savory and sweet options with artisan breads, pastries, and desserts.
Louisville has its fair share of local coffee shops, so grab a cup at one of our favorite spots: Sunergos Coffee, Safai Coffee Shop, Quills Coffee, or Henie Bros Coffee.
Shop Around
This neighborhood offers a vibrant mix of places to browse, discover, and treat yourself. It is easy to find a unique gift or even an everyday essential in just a stroll down the street.
Continue your day by discovering your next one-of-a-kind piece at vintage stores like the Fat Rabbit Thrift, Acorn Apparel, or Vintage Banana. Shop boutique-looks at places like Pitaya or Surprise Lily.
Head over to Clay & Cotton for more eclectic clothing, accessories, and home goods. Finally, end at The Leatherhead, which offers cool, hand-made leather pieces.
Lunch
In between activities, grab a casual bite at one of the Highland’s laid-back lunch spots. There is no shortage of flavor to fuel your afternoon.
Head to I Love Tacos for a variety of budget-friendly options. Other than their tacos (of course), their appetizers and margaritas are crowd-pleasers. You could grab a quick, but large, slice of pizza at Spinelli’s Pizzeria. If you don’t want pizza for lunch, how about for a late-night snack? Head back before it closes at 5 am! For one of Louisville’s best burgers, stop by 80/20 @ Kaelin’s, a hot spot during burger week.
Discover More
The day continues after your lunch pit-stop. There are many more activities to enjoy and places to see.
Take a stroll, rent a bike, or simply relax in Cherokee Park or Tyler Park. If the days are cold, these parks offer the best hills for sledding.
Take a peek inside Louisville’s favorite Bookstore, Carmichael’s! It has been around for 45 years and is surrounded by other unique places to shop and eat. Roundoff the afternoon with a visit to Edenside Art Gallery. The gallery offers a diverse selection of art whether you want to take a new piece home or just admire the collection.
Dinner
As the sun sets over the Highlands, and you are winding down or gearing up for a night out, there’s a table waiting to match your mood and appetite.
Located in a historic Cathedral on Bardstown Road, Noche Mexican BBQ offers a twist of authentic Mexican cuisine and backyard BBQ. Want to discover a “classier” NY pizza? Head to Wheated for another great atmosphere and delicious food. For an upscale option, try out the Mediterranean dishes from The Fat Lamb, their seasonal and locally sourced ingredients make a big difference!
Night Life
As the day ends, the night is young is still young because the Highlands neighborhood comes alive with vibrant nightlife options. From an assortment of bars and pubs to sweet dessert spots, there’s no shortage of ways to end your evening on a high note.
The neighborhood is filled with the most unique bars in Louisville. Stop by Neat Bourbon Bar & Bottle Shop for a cozy Kentucky atmosphere. Molly Malone’s and Oshea’s offer fun Irish pub experiences. Akiko’s offers karaoke every night and The Hideaway Saloon has an assortment of video games, ping pong, and pool!
Make sure to look into The Caravan Comedy Club to see if they have any exciting comedians, musicians, or contests.
If you are looking for a more chill evening, but a cherry on the day with a treat from Homemade Ice Cream and Pie Kitchen or Graeter’s Ice Cream.