There’s a lot to do in Old Louisville. A renaissance revival of sorts is shaking this area to the core, allowing mom and pop shops to crop up through the rubble of previously abandoned shop fronts. The Phoenix-like rebirth of this notable area breathes life back into the shrouded beauty of oak-lined streets and timeless architectural milieu, leading straight to the heart of Louisville, Churchill Downs.
Should you find a free afternoon, walk our city’s famous Victorian neighborhood and bring a friend- odds are good you’ll come across an experience worth sharing. Besides being the nation’s largest purely Victorian neighborhood, Old Louisville boasts the largest collection of residential stained glass, the number one art show in the nation (as voted by Sunshine Artist magazine) and countless other ‘best of’ titles. I tend to judge an area by the products and services coming out- what are folks making/baking/creating that merits my writing time and your reading time? Just as the Dunkin’ Donuts of the world are infiltrating our local scene (cough, Mid City Mall, cough) there remains a beacon of hope for distinctiveness in Old Louisville.
Operation: Caffeine
Corner of First and Burnett
Smokey’s Bean, an upbeat addition to Old Louisville, pays homage to the chow-lab mix belonging to store owner Erinn Lee. Smokey, also the business mascot, meanders around the shop greeting guests and building a genuinely homey feel. Located a hop, skip, and jump from UofL, Smokey’s Bean brews locally roasted Argo Sons coffee. If you enjoy hookah, they’re available at Smokey’s on Friday and Saturday nights from 7pm until 12am. Old-fashioned pulled pork and slaw rounds out the lunch menu. Free wifi and comfortable outdoor seating define this new hangout. I enjoyed my Americano and met the entire staff (including Smokey) in this friendly, low-key atmosphere.
Operation Caffeine complete. Damage incurred – $2.
Operation: Lunch
Corner of Third and Oak
Everything at Third Avenue Café is made on premises and guarded by a life size Elvis. Vegan, vegetarian, and non-veg options are available, but rest assured that vegan items are cooked in a separate fryer catering to the various clientele of this neighborhood gem. The eclectic interior can seat up to 150 people and features a large mural of Old Louisville’s Victorian homes behind the stage. Challenge your guest with Trivial Pursuit cards and take in the unique scenery until the entrée arrives. My lunch staple will always be the Jerk Pork Sandwich- perfectly spicy and savory. Third Avenue Café takes pride in their food and serves hormone, antibiotic and preservative-free beef from Green River Cattle company of Greensburg, Kentucky. What makes this restaurant great is conscientious cooking- I’m sure Third Avenue Café could charge less and use lesser meats, but it’s about the quality and not sacrificing for “efficiency”. I applaud this quaint corner café.
Operation Lunch complete. Damage incurred – $10.
Operation: Low/No Carbon Footprint Groceries
Corner of Third and Hill
Yes, the author of the Farm Report couldn’t resist a free-standing, retail produce store that sells local, farm raised goods- so local that all the products sold are grown within 150 miles of Louisville. The Root Cellar, born out of the idea that environmentally positive food chains can exist, provides a retail store for the underserved area of Old Louisville as well as surrounding neighborhoods such as California, Park Hill, Algonquin, Smoketown, Limerick, and Shelby Park. The core principle that guides The Root Cellar is simple… focus on the food. There is no over the top marketing, no wasteful flyers- just a passionate owner and his dazzling gift to the neighborhood. As soon as you walk in, you are greeted by the vivacious Ron Smith, itching to tell you about his new produce and unique meats (pork belly, neck bones, you name it- he has it or will get it). Ron is quite possibly the most jazzed up foodie I have ever met; his energy is infectious and his love for local goods cannot be matched. Even in December the amount of farm-fresh items you can still purchase is overwhelming. Fifteen dollars landed a dozen local eggs, broccoli, 6 varieties of apples, baby bok choy, and enough fingerling sweet potatoes for 3 people. You can even purchase a holiday turkey with your dose of greens. Remember when I told you to bring a friend; this is where their carrying power comes in handy….
Operation Groceries complete. Commence operation turkey trot.
Operation: Booze
Corner of Third and Gaulbert
If you were ever a student at UofL or knew someone who was, odds are you frequented The Granville Inn. Established in 1939, The Granville sits unassumingly on the corner, drab and faded, distinguishable only by a few neon signs. The bar keeps nine beers on tap, cooks up the traditional pub grub (including one heck of a burger), and supplies a lively crowd, more prominent after the Cards pull a win. It’s a great place to grab a beer at the conclusion of your walking tour. And buy your turkey toting buddy a brew for heaven’s sake.
Operation Booze complete. Damage incurred- double vision, loss of memory.
–Lane Hibbard
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