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Best Southern American Restaurants in Highlands - Bardstown Rd / Taylorsville Rd

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84 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Le Moo restaurant
1. Le Moo
4.6
Exceptional(5699)
Price: Expensive
• Southern american • Highlands - Bardstown Rd / Taylorsville Rd
Booked 40 times today
Le Moo in Louisville’s trendy Highlands neighborhood is a standout gem among Contemporary American eateries. Celebrated on Food Network’s list as one of the top 25 steakhouses in America, Le Moo offers a distinctive dining experience with its unique Vintage Louis Vuitton booth and an impressive array of steaks, including a Tomahawk Ribeye that's a must-try. Reviewers rave about the quality of the food and service, with one guest proclaiming, "Le Moo never disappoints... If you are in the mood for the best steak you've ever had... Le Moo is the place to go." Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or enjoying a luxurious brunch, Le Moo promises an extraordinary culinary journey with dishes that are "akin to a religious experience."
A photo of River House Restaurant & Raw Bar restaurant
2. River House Restaurant & Raw Bar
4.7
Exceptional(7355)
Price: Moderate
• Southern american • Downtown Louisville
Booked 26 times today
River House Restaurant & Raw Bar in downtown Louisville is a beacon for those seeking top-notch Contemporary American cuisine with a Southern twist. Nestled along the scenic Ohio River, this establishment stands out for its fresh seafood and regional dishes, masterfully crafted by the visionary Chef John Varanese. Diners rave about the "outstanding" food, such as the Maker’s Mark Bourbon Barrel Smoked Salmon and Grilled Oysters on the Half Shell, which showcase the restaurant’s commitment to quality and authenticity. With its "charming home-like atmosphere" and a raw bar that boasts "the best seafood in Louisville," River House provides a dining experience that is both delightful and memorable. Guests consistently praise the attentive service and the "beautiful views," making it a must-visit destination for anyone craving a true taste of Contemporary American excellence.
A photo of Varanese restaurant
3. Varanese
4.7
Exceptional(4609)
Price: Moderate
• Southern american • Frankfort Ave - Crescent Hill
Booked 13 times today
Varanese, nestled on Frankfort Ave in Louisville's vibrant Crescent Hill, is celebrated for its exceptional Steak cuisine. This gem offers an eclectic menu that shines with its signature steak dishes, expertly crafted to satisfy the most discerning palates. Diners consistently rave about the quality and flavor of the steak, describing it as "always good" and highlighting it as a standout. One glowing review shares that "the flat iron steak was excellent," underscoring the culinary prowess that Varanese brings to its steak offerings. With its commitment to fresh ingredients and creative flair, Varanese not only promises but delivers an extraordinary dining experience where the steak is not just a meal but a memorable event. The inviting atmosphere, complete with live music and a modern American ambiance, makes each visit uniquely delightful.
A photo of Noche Mexican BBQ restaurant
4. Noche Mexican BBQ
4.4
Awesome(18)
Price: Expensive
• Southern american • Highlands - Bardstown Rd / Taylorsville Rd
Booked 25 times today
To bring the celebration together, Noche will offer Mexican inspired hand crafted cocktails. Every guest will experience a fiesta and be treated like familia by the gracious and friendly staff. The fun atmosphere will be elevated with music, great food, art and a remembrance of those who we love but have passed.Noche is an authentic tribute to Mexican BBQ featuring popular smoked meats and sides cooked for family and friends during celebration. Aaron Diaz, founder and operator is bringing the classic Mexican BBQ flair to Louisville KY keeping true to Mexico's classic tingas, antojitos and unique salsas. Aaron was born in Texas and grew up with a unique Mexican twist on the classic backyard BBQ, surrounded by familia, memories and flavorful food. In Mexico a BBQ is more than just a gathering, it is a gesture of love when one cooks for all, creating a moment in time when a memory is tangible for eternity. We have the Best Margaritas in Louiville and the Best Birra Tacos in Kentucky.
A photo of The Café Southern Kitchen & Cocktails restaurant
5. The Café Southern Kitchen & Cocktails
4.4
Awesome(88)
Price: Moderate
• Southern american • Downtown Louisville
Booked 24 times today
The Café in Downtown Louisville is a beacon of authentic American cuisine with a delightful Southern twist. Celebrated as the LEO Weekly Readers' Choice #1 Lunch Spot, this gem offers a rich menu from breakfast to dinner, including comfort food classics and scratch-made entrées. Diners rave about the "always delicious" food and "phenomenal" service, highlighting dishes like the "amazing" Huevos Rancheros and the best BLT ever tasted. The Café's ambiance, enhanced by live piano music, creates a perfect backdrop for enjoying their extensive bourbon and wine list. A visit here promises generous portions, a warm atmosphere, and an unforgettable dining experience, making it a must-visit in Louisville.
A photo of Swizzle restaurant
6. Swizzle
4.5
Awesome(2111)
Price: Expensive
• Southern american • Downtown Louisville
Booked 31 times today
Swizzle, nestled in the vibrant heart of Downtown Louisville, is a premier destination for cocktail enthusiasts. Celebrated for its "sexy, swanky" ambiance and panoramic river views, Swizzle elevates the cocktail bar experience. Guests rave about the "retro tone" of the drink menu, which features meticulously crafted classic cocktails and seasonal specialties. The Swizzle Big Bar area is a social hotspot, offering enticing happy hour specials and delightful bar bites. Reviewers consistently praise the quality of the drinks, like the "spot on" smoky Old Fashioned and the refreshing Sting Like a Bee. With such endorsements and its superb setting, Swizzle is a must-visit for an authentic and memorable cocktail experience in Louisville.
A photo of Beyond the Sun Restaurant restaurant
7. Beyond the Sun Restaurant
4.1
Excellent(140)
Price: Moderate
• Southern american • Highlands - Bardstown Rd / Taylorsville Rd
Booked 14 times today
Discover the culinary delights of Beyond the Sun Restaurant, nestled in the vibrant Highlands area of Louisville. This dining gem offers a captivating menu that truly embodies the essence of Global, International cuisine. From succulent steaks and creamy fettuccine to fresh seafood and delightful bar food upstairs, every dish is crafted to perfection. Guests rave about the restaurant’s "amazing service" and the "delicious" food, highlighting the fusion of flavors that cater to every palate. Whether it's the live jazz atmosphere or the extensive selection of bourbon and tequila, Beyond the Sun promises a dining experience that is both "exceptional" and "totally worth visiting." Indulge in a world-class meal where the "food choices were plenty" and each visit feels like a special occasion.
A photo of The Fat Lamb restaurant
8. The Fat Lamb
4.6
Exceptional(1238)
Price: Expensive
• Southern american • Highlands - Bardstown Rd / Taylorsville Rd
Booked 9 times today
Nestled in the vibrant Highlands of Louisville, The Fat Lamb stands as a beacon of Contemporary American cuisine with a delightful Mediterranean twist. Lauded for its use of fresh, locally-sourced ingredients, this restaurant, under the stewardship of Chef Dallas McGarity, presents a menu that sings with creativity and flavor. Diners rave about dishes like the "mouth melting" short rib and the "succulent" scallops, emphasizing the skillful fusion of Southern charm with Mediterranean zest. The atmosphere is described as "cozy and welcoming," perfect for any dining occasion. With glowing reviews like "one of the best meals since moving from Dallas to Knoxville," and accolades such as being a 2024 semifinalist for a James Beard Award, The Fat Lamb is a must-visit for anyone seeking an exceptional dining experience in Louisville.
A photo of The Eagle - Highlands restaurant
9. The Eagle - Highlands
4.7
Exceptional(1161)
Price: Expensive
• Southern american • Highlands - Bardstown Rd / Taylorsville Rd
Booked 11 times today
The Eagle - Highlands in Louisville is a haven for Comfort Food enthusiasts, particularly celebrated for its exceptional fried chicken. Each piece is a marvel of flavor, brined and cooked to perfection in Amish tradition. It's no wonder diners rave about the "succulent and crispy" chicken, enhanced by house-made hot honey that adds a delightful kick. Reviews consistently highlight not only the food’s outstanding quality but also the inviting atmosphere and stellar service, with special mentions of the accommodating staff. Whether it's the creamy, spicy grits, fluffy biscuits, or the perfectly seasoned Mac and cheese, each dish is crafted to comfort and satisfy. The Eagle is a must-visit for an authentic and memorable Comfort Food experience.
A photo of Proof on Main restaurant
10. Proof on Main
4.5
Awesome(3738)
Price: Expensive
• Southern american • Downtown Louisville
Booked 24 times today
The ingredients in our menus reflect the region’s sustainable farmers and producers with a soulful and honest approach showcasing the bounty of the Ohio River Valley. Housed in five historic buildings in downtown Louisville, Proof on Main is part of 21c Museum Hotels, the award-winning boutique hotel and restaurant group. The dining room is one of the most striking public spaces in the city, with rotating, contemporary art exhibitions by local and internationally-acclaimed artists alike.
‘About the restaurant’ descriptions have been generated using an artificial intelligence model comprised of OpenTable proprietary data that has not been independently verified by OpenTable. The content is presented as-is, for informational purposes only.

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