Louisville

Only open three evenings a week, this sleek Scandinavia-meets-Kentucky bistro is Louisville's hottest-ticket restaurant. — Lonely Planet

Boomers, as well as their retro offspring, delight in the tunes from eponymous Decca recordings on the restaurant'™s sound system. — Gayot

As for the cocktails, they may take inspiration from the season or the current exhibition, so expect something avant-garde. — Tasting Table

More than 130 bourbons and American whiskies pair with the Southern-accented menu enjoyed in the dining room. — Gayot

Destination pub suffused with the aroma of duck-fat popcorn, cabbage, bacon, and spaetzle – a melange of root vegetables and sausage dripping with sage butter. — Lonely Planet

Live jazz Thursday through Saturday adds to ambiance for older crowd and special-occasion diners. Deep selection of well-priced wines by the glass lets you enjoy the setting on the cheap. — BlackBook

In an 1880s-era distillery trendily rehabbed with exposed brick and reclaimed wood, Louisville hipsters sip bourbon, slurp oysters and munch on house-smoked BBQ ribs. — Lonely Planet

Garage Bar, in the NuLu neighborhood, serves brick oven pizzas and southern food in the casual setting of an old garage turned restaurant. — Afar Magazine

Though it's also a very good restaurant, beverage manager Doug Petry and bar manager Bradley Hammond make RYE's drinks menu just as much of a reason to show up. — Tasting Table

Louisville’s wildly successful new MilkWood pairs Southern inspiration with Asian flavors—and with stellar cocktails that celebrate the region’s bourbon heritage. — Condé Nast Traveler

Dining on deck allows romantics to watch rich folks' private jets, banner-towing planes, and aviation students land (or attempt to anyway). — BlackBook

Inside the former Falls City Boat Works building, this sprawling riverfront restaurant from chef John Varanese focuses on regional Southern food. — Tasting Table

Even with no cigarettes allowed, the low-ceilinged, often-crowded space creates the atmosphere of a smoky dive bar by banging out burgers, barbecue, tacos and fries in the small kitchen. — Tasting Table

The Frankfort Avenue Beer Depot (known affectionately as the F.A.B.D.) is indeed a liquor store. But it is also a friendly draft beer bar and a first-rate savory barbecue spot. — Gayot

On a rooftop high above Chestnut Street, 8UP's patio offers what may be the best view of the city, especially on warm nights. — Tasting Table

Enjoy chef Anoosh Shariat’s eclectic menu in an understated, elegant setting. — Gayot

Farm-to-table gastropub featuring two dozen taps of Kentucky and Indiana craft beers and a fine bourbon list. — Gayot

A contemporary menu is matched by a sleek glass, wood and stone décor. — Gayot

Urban chic dining rooms and covered patios set the stage for New American fare. — Gayot

Quintessential “locals” restaurant, open only four nights a week, among the galleries and boutiques of NuLu. — Gayot