Louisville’s little neighborhood known as Irish Hill earned its moniker thanks to its history and location. It’s set on a ridge above the Ohio River flood plain, and it was settled by Irish Catholics in the 1800s. Today, this area east of Downtown Louisville, NuLu, and Butchertown boasts several unique spots to eat, play, and shop. Here are the spots to know in this walkable, urban-suburban area.
EAT + DRINK
From breakfast spots to a restaurant with award-winning Chinese cuisine, there’s an Irish Hill stop for every meal of the day. Here’s how to eat and drink your way through the neighborhood!
- August Moon Chinese Bistro: This award-winning eatery serves modern Chinese cuisine prepared with Southeast Asian influences.
- Ciao Ristorante: With an owner whose family is from Calabria, Italy, this neighborhood restaurant serves authentic Italian and Mediterranean-style cuisine.
- Cosmic Bird: This vegan restaurant serves a variety of fake poultry, or “fauxltry,” dishes. The menu also features Impossible meat sausages, phish sandwiches, and mushroom burgers.
- Fante’s Coffee: Created with a focus on importing the best coffee in the world to the US, this cozy coffee shop offers a comprehensive menu of coffee and pastries, including unique seasonal drinks.
- Game: Adventurous eaters will appreciate the exotic options at this rustic restaurant. The menu features everything from kangaroo and rabbit to elk and antelope.
- Le Moo: More than just a steakhouse, Le Moo also offers lamb, chicken, seafood, and pasta dishes. And on the weekends, the drag brunch buffet is not to be missed.
- Payne Street Bakehouse: Start your day with coffee, made-from-scratch bagels, breakfast sandwiches, and pastries. Send a text for curbside and pickup orders.
- Red Hot Roasters: Conveniently located on the corner of Lexington Road and Payne Street, this locally owned coffee shop offers drive-thru and walk-up window service.
PLAY + EXPLORE
After you’ve filled up on fare from one-of-a-kind eateries, there are numerous fun ways to explore the area. Attend a concert, play volleyball, or pop in to a free yoga class.
- Baxter Jack’s: This sand volleyball complex boasts three courts and is the home of multiple leagues and national volleyball events. Whether you’re looking to join a league, rent a court, or grab a drink while watching others play, there’s a bit of volleyball fun for all.
- Beargrass Creek Greenway: Beginning at the intersection of Lexington Road and Grinstead Drive, this paved path along the Middle Fork at Beargrass Creek offers a scenic route for hiking and biking.
- Breslin Park: At just under 10 acres, this public park features a jungle gym, swing set, splash pad, small skating area, and public restrooms. There’s also a short walking path perfect for quick morning strolls.
- Commonwealth Theatre Center: Serving 50,000+ youth and adults annually, this comprehensive theater training and arts education organization offers classes for all ages and puts on numerous plays annually.
- Headliners Music Hall: There’s almost always something going on at Louisville’s premier live music, concert, and events venue. Catch everything from a rock concert to emo night or the latest installment of The Moth.
- The Inner Warrior: The community completely funds this donation-based yoga studio and boutique. Guests can pop in for a yoga class, sound bath, and more anytime — no reservation or membership required.
- Pure Barre: Get a low-impact, full-body workout with a fusion of pilates, yoga, and ballet.
- Weightless Float Center: Experience different modalities of healing relaxation with float therapy, an infrared sauna session, or cryo-therapy. CBD products, as well as other local food and drinks, are also available.
SHOP
You won’t find any big malls or department stores here. Irish Hill’s niche shopping scene is truly eclectic and one of a kind.
- The Antique Market at Distillery Commons: Set in Lexington Road’s historic, 19th-century rickhouse, this shop features one-of-a-kind finds from 30+ independent merchants spread throughout a 10,000-square-foot space. Vendors include antiquarians, designers, art merchants, and more.
- On Your Left Cycles: This bicycle shop specializes in custom bikes and accessories for all riders. Rentals are also available.
- The Umbrella Stand: Offering “retail therapy for a cause,” visitors can find more than new and vintage items at this little shop on Baxter Avenue. A plethora of services are also available, including everything from personal shopping assistance and gender-neutral style consultations to personal makeup/skincare shopping and full wardrobe renovation assistance.
Happy exploring!
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About the Author
Lennie Omalza