Louisville

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

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

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

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

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

It can be argued that chef Bruce Ucán's restaurant started the whole "NuLu" phenomenon on East Market Street. — Tasting Table

This historic storefront once housed the Sunny Side Saloon, which opened in 1882. — Gayot

Downtown Louisville’s ambassador to a friendly and delicious Mid-Eastern food experience, Safier offers a variety of Persian and Lebanese dishes that are perfect for a healthy, tasty lunch. — On the Grid