_Vogue’_s Derby Travel Guide: Where to Stay, Eat, and Drink in Louisville Inline
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Photo: Courtesy of @ingridelizabeth2/1221c Museum Hotel
Jack Daniels heiress Laura Lee Brown and her husband, Steve Wilson, launched this boutique hotel turned contemporary art museum in 2006. Located on Museum Row, the space is made up of five renovated nineteenth-century tobacco and bourbon warehouse buildings and is steps from the Muhammad Ali Center, the Louisville Slugger Museum and Factory, and the Frazier History Museum. Featuring works by Kara Walker and Chuck Close, the exhibitions and installations are free of charge and are open 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Visit the in-house restaurant, Proof on Main, for a locally focused menu and more than 75 types of bourbon.
Photo: Courtesy of Liz Kelly Nelson / @lizkelnel3/12The Brown Hotel
If historic hotels are more your speed, the Brown Hotel is a must. Follow in the steps of the Duke of Windsor, Harry Truman, Elizabeth Taylor, and Joan Crawford to the birthplace of the legendary (albeit artery-clogging) Kentucky Hot Brown sandwich. While the hotel first opened its doors in 1923, a recent $12 million renovation has restored the hotel to its former grandeur. Be sure to have a drink at the lobby bar, easily the most opulent setting in town for a mint julep.
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Photo: Courtesy of @hyslop5/12610 Magnolia
The Brooklyn-born son of Korean immigrants serves up innovative Southern fare at this farm-to-table spot. Located in an elegant farmhouse in historic Louisville, the 50-guest space offers a four- and six-course prix-fixe menu for dinner Wednesday through Saturday. While the menu changes daily, one staple is the foie gras B.L.T. (for good reason). Be sure to order the wine pairing, the restaurant features its own experimental wine studio, for the full experience.
Photo: Courtesy of Van / @thatgirlvan6/12The Silver Dollar
While visiting a restaurant inspired by the original juke joints home to Bakersfield Sound—which, for those not in the know, is the music created by the Okies who migrated to California during the Dust Bowl—might seem out of place on a Derby itinerary, we insist. Their Gold Rush cocktail (Old Fitzgerald bourbon, honey syrup, and lemon) is perfect for Sunday brunch, but you’ll have to visit for dinner for their famous chicken and waffle.
Photo: Courtesy of Matthew Beck / @originalgangsta7/12Decca
The chef at this New American eatery left San Francisco to cook here without even visiting Louisville. Located on happening East Market Street in the lively NuLu district, this restaurant features live music and local artists. Weather permitting, sit outside on the courtyard patio and then head downstairs to the cellar lounge for an after-dinner drink—or one of their delicious, fruit-filled mocktails.
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Photo: Courtesy of Yelp Louisville / @yelplouisville9/12Garage Bar
Brick-oven pizzas, basil gimlets with house-made tonic, and ping-pong tables. What more do you need? This one-time auto service garage has been converted into an airy bar with picnic tables and outdoor space, craft beers, Kentucky bourbons, and Southern chow.
Photo: Courtesy of Sean Bailey / @dseanbailey10/12Holy Grale
This former church is now home to a pub restaurant with a beer garden out back, 26 endlessly rotating taps, and Klaus’s pretzel bread with beer cheese. Step up to the counter to place an order for its legendary sliders.
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Photo: Courtesy of Jeremy Limones / @mr_suave12/12Gift Horse
With two locations in Louisville, these boutiques feature hand-selected, often local home goods, clothing, and accessories—including Clayton & Crume belts and Handmade by Peake bowties.
