5 Louisville restaurants you need to try today

Louisville is filled with tons of solid small places to get a unforgettable meal. From BBQ to breakfast, there is something for everyone.

There is a specific kind of magic that exists within the Louisville restaurant and food scene. You can find a chain restaurant on just about every corner, but if you really want a taste into the soul of the city, Louisville’s ‘hole-in-the-wall’ restaurant scene is the spot for you.

We’ve all been there. It’s the smell of a flat-top grill at 3 a.m. The warmth of a family-run kitchen that’s been open for decades, and the local community that keeps the seats filled every single night. It’s the basements in Germantown, the corner bars in Butchertown, to the busy streets of Downtown Louisville.

Louisville’s food scene is world-class, but these super-local spots are its heartbeat.

From Downtown to the South End, here is my definitive list of the best local food spots in the 502.

1 – Hammerheads

Where do I even begin? Hammerheads is my favorite hole in the wall.

Nested in a basement in Germantown, at 921 Swan Street you’ll find items such as smoked wings, soft shell crab tacos, duck sliders, grippo fries, and my favorite the elk burger.

Hammerheads is the definition of a hole in the wall.

They have been established since 2010 and stay packed each night.

A meal from there always makes my day better.

2 – Vietnam Kitchen

Vietnam Kitchen is a classic in the South End of Louisville located at Iroquois Shopping Center.

A wide variety of Vietnamese soups. fried rice. curry’s and of course several different types of Pho. It is a Louisville staple that I always enjoy when I am in the South End.

Vietnam Kitchen has been opened for over 20 years and continues to dish up the best Vietnamese fare in town.

3 – Burger Boy

Do we even need words for this one? Burger Boy is the staple for diners in Louisville.

Open 24 hours a day and serving up breakfast specials such as Biscuits and Gravy along with options such as chicken tenders and of course burgers and fries.

Everyone in Louisville needs to eat at Burger Boy at least once in their lifetime.

Also read: Louisville basketball short-handed and searching

4 – Safier Mediterranean Deli

Located on 4th street, Safier is the place to go for all things Mediterranean. During my time as a student at Spalding University, Safier was my go to place for lunch. Safier is known for their chicken and beef shawarmas along with their creamy and delicious hummus made in house. Generous portions for a fair price. Safier is the best option for lunch in downtown Louisville. My favorite meal from there is the falafels and hummus.

5 – Four Pegs

Located on Goss Ave, Four Pegs has some of the best BBQ in Louisville.

More recently, they have started a free food pantry for those in need. It is a food and community hub. It is a staple in Germantown that is worth checking out for quality brisket and smoked wings.

I recommend the smoked wings and fries.

Watch Four Pegs founder Chris Williams on State of Louisville’s “It’s 5:02 Somewhere”

Article continues below.

Now it’s time to eat!

Be sure to let me know your thoughts about the food scene in Louisville! Follow me on X @cmattingly97 to see where I am eating at around town!