Louisville Magazine is Louisville's city magazine, covering Louisville people, lifestyles, politics, sports, restaurants, entertainment and homes. Includes a monthly calendar of events.
Issue link: https://loumag.epubxp.com/i/131459
restaurants Annie's Cafe (2002) 308 W. Woodlawn Ave. // 363-4847 anniecafe.com Proprietor Annie Tran serves up some of the best pho — and other Vietnamese dishes — in town, at very reasonable prices. Behar (2003) 5600 National Turnpike // 368-5065 beharrestaurant.com With long wood-veneer-topped tables and padded metal chairs, this Bosnian restaurant feels a little like a banquet hall. Cafe Thuy Van (2002) 5600 National Turnpike // 366-6959 A reasonably priced Vietnamese restaurant that is located off the beaten path, even by South End ethnic-food standards. Includes: Taylor-Berry | Oakdale | Beechmont | Hazelwood | Cloverleaf | Kenwood Hill | Wilder Park | Southside Hong Kong (2003) 5312 S. Third St. // 367-8828 Most of the usual Chinese dishes can be found here at reasonable prices. The Singapore mei fun (white rice and thin noodle chow mein) is popular. Iroquois Pizza (1996) HISTORY 5·FACTS Where else in Louisville can one fnd a Reggaeton club, halal goat meat and authentic Vietnamese fare all within .9 miles of each other? This area of south Louisville has grown into the city's most ethnically diverse pocket, with Iraqi, Cuban and Somali immigrants just to name a few. Both the Americana Community Center and the Iroquois branch of the Louisville Free Public Library serve as social and educational hubs for these populations. Southern Parkway cuts an elegant, lush line through the Iroquois area that includes Beechmont, Highland Park, Churchill Downs and Kenwood Hill neighborhoods. In the 1890s, Kenwood Hill fourished as summer homes began dotting the landscape. After World War II, a swell of residents moved into Iroquois with the desire of wanting to live year-around outside the urban core. The Iroquois Amphitheater seats 3,500 and stands as a product of the Works Progress Administration. In 1888, Mayor Charles D. Jacob arranged for the city to purchase Iroquois Park, even writing a personal check for one-third of the $9,800 price tag to speed up the deal. Lou Tate, a weaver who housed looms and offered weaving classes, originally owned the cabins now known as the Little Loomhouse. Highland Park was a city in 1890, built to accommodate workers from the nearby Louisville & Nashville Railroad yard. The Americana Community Center serves individuals and families from 92 different countries. 6614 Manslick Road // 363-3211 This lively neighborhood pizza joint also offers a popular calzone and three favors of ice cream sundae cakes. Jimbo's Bar-B-Que & Catering (2004) 801 W. Kenwood Drive // 375-1888 jimbosbarbque.com Western Kentucky-style barbecue, fried green tomatoes, fried pickles and banana pudding are some of its more-popular offerings. Kalisimbi Bar and Grill Club 5600 S. Third St. // 364-1910 kalisimbisportbargrill.com Restaurant by day, nightclub by night. Kalsimbi specializes in African food. Little Jerusalem 5312 S. Third St. // 614-6465 This restaurant's moved around a bit over the last few years. Now located just across from the Iroquois ValuMarket, Little Jerusalem offers Mediterranean fare for lunch and dinner seven days a week. Pho Binh Minh (2005) 6709 Strawberry Lane // 375-9249 Vietnamese subs are popular here, as is the pho and tieu bo kho (lemongrass beef stew with noodles). Rubbie's Southside Grill & Bar (1989) 6905 Southside Drive // 367-0007 rubbies.net A quintessential neighborhood bar with adjoining restaurant that attracts a regular and vociferous crowd of locals. Good jukebox with an eclectic selection, from Buck Owens to My Morning Jacket. Diner is known for its steaks. Pronounce it rubbeze (with a short "u"). Santa Fe Grill (1999) 3000 S. Third St. // 634-3722 Many say it's the most authentic Mexican food in the city. Don't be put off by the pink-and-purple exterior or the funkiness of the tiny dining area. It's good and it's cheap — but bring cash, because they don't take credit cards. GREATEST HIT 74 LOUISVILLE MAGAZINE Senor Iguanas Iroquois Park, hands down. This Frederick Law Olmsted-designed gem offers an unparalleled, hilltop view of downtown as well as one of the city's most unique concert venues — the 75-year-old Iroquois Amphitheater. 6.13 3105 S. Second St. // 368-0876 This Mexican restaurant near the University of Louisville always packs in the eclectic crowd of coeds and South End locals. The margaritas pack a tart, sweet punch and service is great. Stooges Bar and Grill (1983) 7123 Grade Lane // 363-9803 stoogeslouisville.com Local Hooter's.