Settled by German immigrants in the 1800s, the Germantown Louisville neighborhood is about .6 square miles with a population of around 4,000 people. Whether you’re in search of tasty cuisine, a quiet space to relax, or a thrifty shopping experience, this area has you covered.
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EAT + DRINK
From breakfast spots and neighborhood bars to a restaurant run by a James Beard semifinalist, there’s a Germantown stop for every meal of the day. Here’s how to eat and drink your way through the neighborhood!
- 21st in Germantown: Located in Derby City’s second-oldest building, this restaurant and live music venue offers beer, burgers, bourbon, and karaoke.
- Barret Bar & Grill: Regulars at this neighborhood bar often stop in for a game of pool, a beer, and bar food. There’s also patio seating, perfect for enjoying a drink or two on a sunny spring day.
- Bean: In addition to a variety of espresso drinks, this corner coffee shop offers sandwiches, bagels, and other breakfast fare.
- Big Bad Breakfast: This Southern breakfast chain’s first Louisville location serves everything from house-cured Tabasco brown sugar bacon and crispy Southern fried chicken to Weisenberger grits and locally made Sunergos coffee.
- Breakfast AF & Pizza AF: A breakfast spot by day and a pizza joint by night, this Goss Avenue restaurant serves unique twists on popular takes, like Paneer Bhuri Avocado Toast. The Indian-inspired avocado toast features roasted garlic and chili naan, smashed avocado, local paneer cheese, curry sauce, pickled red onions, cilantro, a poached egg, and a bit of “Everything” sprinkle.
- Check’s Cafe: For more than 60 years, this neighborhood bar and grill has been serving up favorites like chili, fried fish, and German potato salad.
- Four Pegs Smokehouse and Bar: Specializing in smoked meats, this Goss Avenue spot offers ribs, wraps, sandwiches, and more.
- Full Stop Station: As the name suggests, this is a one-stop shop for food and coffee, including a wide variety of vegan eats. Customers can get it to go or fuel up for the day at a picnic table outside.
- Hammerheads: A Louisville staple, this restaurant is known for pub grub-like burgers, duck fat fries, and smoked chicken wings.
- Hauck’s Corner: The former spot of Hauck’s Handy Store holds true to its historic roots, as the space was carefully preserved during its 2022 renovation. Guests can enjoy everything from fried pickles and burgers to beer and unique cocktails in this one-of-a-kind, iconic space.
- Nachbar: Featuring a dog-friendly outdoor area, this laid-back spot offers imported beer and whiskey and allows guests to bring their own grub.
- North of Bourbon: Executive Chef and James Beard Award Semifinalist Lawrence Weeks serves a plethora of Southern-inspired dishes to accompany a wide selection of bourbon. Try the Shrimp Yakamein, made with shrimp sausage, Louisiana chili crisp, shrimp broth, fried shallot, scallions, benne seed, and a soft-boiled egg.
- Sarino: This Italian eatery offers pizza and pasta, plus a brunch menu with offerings like cannoli waffles and Italian donuts.
- ShopBar: Bring your own food — or have it delivered — while enjoying a craft cocktail in the space formerly occupied by an auto shop and filling station. Be sure to check out the boutique while you sip!
- The Pearl of Germantown: This funky neighborhood tavern offers drinks, bar games, and old-school music. Feel free to bring your own food!
- The Post: A variety of New York-style pizzas are served daily until midnight, with specials like tikka masala pizza, which is offered monthly.
PLAY + EXPLORE
After you’ve filled up on fare from one-of-a-kind eateries, check out these fun ways to explore the area. Get a massage, take the little ones to an indoor playground, or attend a unique annual contest.
- Blissful Relaxation: Find your bliss with a float, massage, halotherapy, or some time in the infrared sauna.
- German-Paristown Park: This small park features a playground surrounded by trees.
- Glow Worm Play Cafe: Glow Worm’s full-service cafe and bakery is open to the public, while the other side of this business boasts a play space for little ones ages six and younger.
- Oktoberfest: It wouldn’t really be Germantown without an Oktoberfest celebration! Follow the Greater Germantown Business Association for updates on this annual event.
- World Championship Dainty Contest: If you’re in the area during the last week of July, be sure to check out this annual event where contestants go head-to-head in a German street game.
SHOP
Don’t expect to find any major malls or large department stores here. Germantown’s niche shopping scene is truly eclectic and filled with options for every thrifter.
- Artist & Craftsman Supply Louisville: Inspiring artists since 1985, this supply store offers everything one might need to unleash one’s creativity.
- Barret Babes: Explore a selection of vintage clothing, art, plants, jewelry, and glassware, as well as an apothecary with CBD goods. There are also tarot readings offered every week.
- Butcher Cabin Books: Read the latest in horror and thrillers or shop the collection of special editions and rare books.
- Derby City Market: From clothing and art to records and furniture, Derby City Market offers unique finds for every thrifter.
- Fat Rabbit Thrift & Vintage: Browse gently used clothing, accessories, records, books, movies, home goods, knick-knacks, and more.
- GOLDHEART: Stones and Such: Find a curated collection of gems, minerals, fossils, and jewelry in this Barret Avenue shop.
- The Nitty Gritty: This costume rental and vintage clothing shop boasts two floors of vintage treasures to explore.
- Ultra Pop: Discover a plethora of collectible toys, art and design books, and locally produced art pieces.
- Unorthodox: Home of oddities, antiques, and art, Unorthodox offers unique finds, including bones and other body parts.
- What the LOU: This one-of-a-kind consignment shop sells nostalgic knickknacks, pop culture memorabilia, gently used clothing, and more.
Happy exploring!
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About the Author
Lennie Omalza