Statue of a horse and a jockey in front of Churchill Downs
City Guides,  Louisville,  Louisville,  The places we've been

The Very Best of Derby City

November 3, 2022 /

Sometimes the gods just smile on you. That’s how we feel about the opportunities we’ve had this year to visit the biggest, small town in the USA – Louisville. We’ve been there twice so far to help out a friend with pet and house sitting. (You should know, they have THE CUTEST animals – so be sure to check out our Adventures in Pet Sitting post to see their furry faces.) Maybe you’re thinking about heading down to Louisville for the Marathon this November or maybe you’d like to don a fancy hat and watch the races. Whatever the reason, we have some great recommendations for the Very Best of Derby City!

First, let’s talk food…Where to Eat?

We had to pick two places because these are both outstanding but VERY different from each other.

For Breakfast…

Big Bad Breakfast

The Very Best of Derby City...breakfast edition. Image of a restaurant with a long pointed metal roof. The front and left side are glass panels and there is an outdoor seating area on the left with large yellow and red umbrellas. There is a metal rooster by the front entrance
Woman in a blue sun dress standing new to a large metal rooster
Door greeter
Image of a white plate containing toast covered in fancy lettuce and diced tomatoes on a wooden table. A white coffee mug is off to the left.
Avocado toast with all the veggies
Breakfast meal showing a white plate with wheat toast and a cast iron skillet with eggs and cheddar cheese on a wooden table. There is a white coffee mug off to the right
Skillet scramble

Big Bad Breakfast, is a solid choice for a fantastic meal. The prices are reasonable. They have some decent options for vegetarians and the coffee is OOOT-standing. We like to sit in the outdoor area but with all the windows, sitting inside is also great option with tons of natural light.

For Dinner…

Ramsi’s Cafe On the World

Fountain in the outdoor eating area
Image of a white plate with brown noodle and shredded carrots on a white square plate. There is a smaller bowl with a light orange sauce in it.
Peanut Ginger Thai Noodles
The Best of Derby City - dinner at Ramsi's Cafe on the World. Image of white bowl with pasta and topped with brown lentils and an orange sauce. There is a smaller bowl with dark red liquid on the rightl
The Egyptian Kitchen

Ramsi’s Cafe serves what they call “global comfort food” and boy was it fun to eat there! Their outdoor patio feels like a fancy haven away from the rest of the world. They have a solid wine menu, including Stephen’s favorite, Kim Crawford’s Sauvignon Blanc. Not only are their prices reasonable, their portions are GENEROUS. We could have easily shared one meal instead of having 2 pounds of take out.

Next up…Where to Drink?

The best of Derby City - have a drink a Holy Grale. Image of the exterior of a rectangular red brick building with pillars and a round sign.
Drinks at Holy Grale
Wall with multiple religious icons on a pink wall. There is a marble shelf with brass taps in front of it.
The Icons and Taps
Man in a white long sleeved shirt with a black vest and a gray cap with a tulip glass in front of him, full of beer
Afternoon Repose
Stained glass window with a clover patter at the top and brown, blue and green panels beneath. There is a white marble bar beneath is a a shelf with wine glasses hanging.
Behind the bar
Image of a white marble bar. The bartender is a man with gray hair and a gray shirt and an apron. There is a patron ordering who is wearing an orange cap and a blue tee shirt. In front of him is a small tasting glass of beer and a purple water glass. At the end of the bar, there is a pink wall with two matching marble displays. There is a cherub at the top of each and a marble banner that reads "Alleluia". Beneath are signs listing the names of the beer on draft.
The Daily Offerings

There are a LOT of great bars and breweries in Louisville. But where else can you get a fantastic craft beer while peering at religious icons or reviewing the drafts on a hymn board? Seriously, do you know another place because I want to check it out. Not only is the vibe both fun and chill, the beverage selection is outstanding! Their bottle selections include some rare brews made in monasteries, which seems really on-brand!

What to do?

Go to the Louisville Zoo!

The Very Best of Derby City - go to the Louisville zoo. Image of a green python hangs coiled up in a branch in front of a green wall.

We have been to zoos all over the US and this one of our favorites. It’s small, shaded and thoughtfully constructed. The animals are in natural looking habitats that still allow you to get very close. It was hot the day we visited, so many of them were having a snooze. Oh, and it’s only $12 for an adult ticket!

A white alligator floating in a pool
The albino alligator!
Image of a chameleon on a branch in front of a bright green wall. He has an orange face and the top of his head and his body are teal and blue with black stripes.
Chameleon on a stick
Image of a tiger walking on grass in front of a pool
Strolling tiger
Silverback gorilla sleeping on a stone in front of a window. Behind him is a baby ape.
Nap time

Want to Have Fun on the Cheap?

Take your pick! Louisville has SO many activities that are free or very inexpensive.

Best of Derby City - catch a game at Louisville Slugger field! Image of a baseball field
Catch a game at Louisville Slugger Field!
Image of an iron bridge with three large trestles spanning a river
Walk to Indiana over the Big Four Bridge
Statue of a horse and jockey racing in front of the entrance to Churchill Downs
Wear a fancy hat at the Derby Museum
Woman standing with a red statue of a yeti in front of a bar
Hug a yeti in Indiana
Image of a marble facade with a bust Col. Sanders in the middle of it. Beneath it is the headstone for Col. Sanders
Visit the Colonel
Black granite tombstone of Muhammad Ali
Pay your respects to the greatest
Front of a house with no house, just the facade
Walk through the Heigold House
Golden statue of David in front of a brick building with arched windows
Gaze at David
Two story Louisville Slugger bat in front of a brick building
See where the magic happens

And we STILL haven’t tried the bourbon! So. Many. Activities. I’m glad we’re going back next year.

If you venture to Derby City, why don’t you tell us what you liked the best and we’ll be sure to visit! And if you like reading about our adventures or getting inside tips on what to do and where to go, consider subscribing for free today!

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