Louisville, Kentucky, is a city steeped in culture and history. Its contribution to the spirits industry alone—hello, bourbon aficionados—should be studied. Beyond the popular liquor that has given the city its appeal, this Southern destination is home to an array of Black-owned businesses, finger-licking cuisine, unique history and so much more.
Whether you’re passing through to check off all the stops of the state’s bourbon trail or seeking a new spot for your next PTO escape, EBONY has put together this expertly curated guide. Here’s where you should eat, play and stay the next time you visit Louisville.
Where to Stay
The historic Seelbach Hilton Louisville is considered a landmark in the city. Once the place of rest for dignitaries, celebrities and other notable figures when they visited, it is now also the choice for those who enjoy a more classic feel to their hotel. On the modern end, The Grady Hotel in the heart of downtown is a stunning boutique property that offers rooms with a panoramic view of the Louisville skyline.
Of course, if you’re like our girl Issa Rae and “rooting for everybody Black,” the Residence Inn Louisville Downtown has been confirmed as a Black-owned hotel.
Where to Eat
You’re in the South, so you likely won’t encounter a bad meal during your trip. For brunch, consider Morning Fork or an early afternoon meal at Dasha Barbours. You can also pop into Naive for unlimited mimosas. When it’s time for lunch or dinner, the Seafood Lady should top your list. This Black woman-owned business has been on the Food Network, among other notable media outlets. Other Black-owned spots include, but are not limited to, Abyssinia for authentic Ethiopian cuisine, The Black Italian and Mack Brothers BBQ. Also make time to visit the Logan Street Market to sample a range of local eats under one roof.
For dessert, Louisville Cream is the perfect spot to grab a pineapple upside-down cheesecake sundae or a cinnamon roll milkshake. After all, it was named the best ice cream in Kentucky by USA Today. If you’re a pie person, Georgia’s Sweet Potato Pie Company bakes up an assortment of sweet potato-inspired sweet treats, including, of course, pie.
Where to Play
If you haven’t already gotten your bourbon stops mapped out, don’t worry, it can be overwhelming. The Kentucky Bourbon Trail is a great place to start, as all the leg work is practically done. For individual distillery suggestions, consider big-name spots like Old Forrester or Angel’s Envy. Black-owned brand Brough Brothers Bourbon also has a distillery in Louisville.
For your history and culture fill, the Muhammad Ali Center is a state-of-the-art experience that chronicles the boxer’s life from his childhood in Louisville and beyond. You can also catch amazing rotating exhibitions and events here, too. The Roots 101 African American Museum features thought-provoking exhibits and installations that share the not-so-pretty parts of our history, but also our resilience and triumphs as a people and a culture.
A few other must-do things include The Louisville Slugger Museum & Factory, which often features a Black history installation; check out 4th Street Live!, a pedestrian-only block with bars, live music, and late-night eats, and the mural of Tom Bullock, the Black man and bartender credited for the Old Fashioned cocktail. The piece is located outside of Sway, which is connected to the Hyatt Regency Louisville.
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