NuLu: A new and happening Louisville

For much of last century, Louisville’s East Market Street was a desolate commercial strip, said Steven Jermanok in The Washington Post. Nowadays, it’s a main artery of the flourishing district known as NuLu, or New Louisville. Gallery owners were the pioneers, bringing fresh street life to the area a decade ago. In 2012, “it’s not uncommon” on summer nights “to find the neighborhood’s sidewalks overflowing with people,” many drawn to the area by food and beverage purveyors such as the three below.

Harvest The roster of 40 bourbons tells you you’re in Louisville, and the menu at this James Beard Award–winning restaurant uses Kentucky’s favorite liquor for everything from a dipping sauce for fried chicken livers to caramelized carrots paired with a crispy pork confit. 624 E. Market St., (502) 384-9090

Louisville Beer Store Locals flock here for 500 beers from the far corners of the globe and rotating regional specialties, such as an Indiana wheat beer with a hint of amaretto. Grab a pint and head to the back patio. 746 E. Market St., (502) 569-2337

Subscribe to The Week

Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.

SUBSCRIBE & SAVE

Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters

From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.

From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.

Sign up

Toast on Market At this popular brunch spot, you owe it to yourself to order the signature “toast & eggs”—eggs over toasted brioche with spicy harissa sauce. Have a friend order the lemon soufflé pancake, drizzled with lemon custard, so you can sneak a bite. 620 E. Market St., (502) 569-4099