Louisville, December 8, 2025
Louisville’s culinary landscape is undergoing significant transformations with new restaurant openings and closures. Notable additions include Texas de Brazil, Byrdie’s, and Franny’s. Meanwhile, existing spots like Stooges Bar and Grill and Garage Bar are facing challenges due to unfortunate events and construction disruptions. With a focus on innovation and partnership, restaurants are adapting to the evolving needs of customers in this bustling city.
Exciting Changes in Louisville’s Dining Scene
Louisville, Kentucky – The city’s culinary landscape continues to evolve with several notable restaurant openings and developments in recent months.
New Restaurant Openings
Texas de Brazil, an internationally acclaimed Brazilian-American steakhouse, has opened its second Kentucky location at Mall St. Matthews. Known for its rodízio-style dining and continuous tableside service of flame-grilled meats, this addition enhances Louisville’s diverse dining options.
Byrdie’s, a new restaurant from Michelin-starred chefs Jenner Tomaska and Katrina Bravo, is set to open inside Hotel Genevieve in the NuLu district. The restaurant promises a vibrant atmosphere and French cuisine with a Southern twist.
Franny’s, a seafood restaurant specializing in fresh oysters, is scheduled to open in the Schnitzelburg neighborhood. The 2,600-square-foot establishment aims to offer a European bistro ambiance with a focus on fresh seafood and a lively atmosphere.
Restaurant Closures and Relocations
Stooges Bar and Grill, located near UPS Worldport and Muhammad Ali Airport, remains closed following a UPS plane crash that occurred nearby. The incident has left 43 employees without work, and the property is currently contaminated, preventing the restaurant from reopening.
Garage Bar in the NuLu district has temporarily closed its doors. The owners announced the closure due to ongoing construction disruptions in the area and the need for new ownership to evaluate the business and building.
Gravely Brewing Co. is relocating its taproom from Baxter Avenue in Phoenix Hill to the NuLu neighborhood. The move is expected to be completed by Fall 2025, marking a significant shift for the popular Louisville brewery.
Industry Partnerships and Innovations
DiningTek has partnered with the Kentucky Restaurant Association to create a local restaurant marketplace. This initiative aims to provide independent restaurants with an alternative to third-party delivery services, allowing them to automate online orders and improve marketing efforts.
Impact of Construction on Local Businesses
Restaurants along River Road, such as Kingfish, are experiencing a decline in business due to construction activities. The Louisville Water Company began replacing a pipeline, leading to road closures and reduced customer traffic.
Recent Restaurant Closures
Several restaurants in Louisville and Southern Indiana have closed their doors in 2025, including Cottage Inn, Dirty Bird, and others. These closures reflect the dynamic nature of the local dining scene.
New Dining Concepts
Bourré Bonne Steakhouse, an upscale steakhouse, opened on April 7, 2025, in downtown Louisville. The establishment offers a fine dining experience in a sophisticated setting.
M. Peppers, a French bistro, debuted in April 2025 inside the Bellwether Hotel in the Highlands. The bistro provides a taste of French cuisine in a charming atmosphere.
Benfinita Modern Italian is located at Fourth Street Live! in downtown Louisville and is open seven days a week. The restaurant offers a contemporary take on Italian cuisine in a vibrant setting.
Green River Distilling Co. opened a tasting room on June 16, 2025, at 714 W. Main St., featuring cocktails, bourbon tastings, and a bottle shop. This addition enhances Louisville’s reputation as a hub for bourbon enthusiasts.
Craft House Pizza has a new location in the Colonial Gardens area of South Louisville, serving up Detroit-style pizza, wings, and local craft beer in a laid-back setting.
Brunch & Soul is located on 516 South 18th Street as a cozy sit-down soul food and brunch spot that opened mid-January 2025.
Dutch Bros The first Louisville location of this popular drive-thru coffee chain is set to open in June at 9101 Taylorsville Road, offering customized coffees, energy drinks, cold brew, and tea.
Pursuit Spirits tasting room is a bourbon-centric bar opening March 2025 located on Whiskey Row at 722 W. Main St.
Mashup Food Hall + Genuine Work is a combined coworking and food hall space set to open in August 2025 on E. Jefferson St.
Elliment Restaurant & Lounge is a Jamaican-owned lounge located at Broadway & Third St.
Conclusion
Louisville’s dining scene is clearly active and vibrant, with new offerings emerging and existing establishments evolving to meet changing customer needs. With continued entrepreneurial innovation and community support, local businesses are well-positioned to thrive in a competitive market. Residents and visitors alike are encouraged to explore these fresh dining concepts to champion local talent and investment in the city.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the latest restaurant opening in Louisville?
The latest restaurant opening in Louisville is Byrdie’s, a new concept from Michelin-starred chefs Jenner Tomaska and Katrina Bravo, set to open inside Hotel Genevieve in the NuLu district.
Which Louisville restaurant is relocating its taproom?
Gravely Brewing Co. is relocating its taproom from Baxter Avenue in Phoenix Hill to the NuLu neighborhood, with the move expected to be completed by Fall 2025.
What is DiningTek’s recent partnership in Louisville?
DiningTek has partnered with the Kentucky Restaurant Association to create a local restaurant marketplace, providing independent restaurants with an alternative to third-party delivery services.
Which Louisville restaurant is temporarily closed due to construction?
Garage Bar in the NuLu district has temporarily closed its doors due to ongoing construction disruptions in the area.
What is the new dining concept opening in Louisville’s NuLu district?
Byrdie’s, a new restaurant from Michelin-starred chefs Jenner Tomaska and Katrina Bravo, is set to open inside Hotel Genevieve in the NuLu district, offering French cuisine with a Southern twist.
| Restaurant Name | Location | Type | Opening Date | Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Texas de Brazil | Louisville, KY | Brazilian-American Steakhouse | November 2025 | Opened at Mall St. Matthews, offering rodízio-style dining and continuous tableside service of flame-grilled meats. |
| Byrdie’s | Louisville, KY | French Cuisine with Southern Twist | Fall 2025 | New concept from Michelin-starred chefs Jenner Tomaska and Katrina Bravo, opening inside Hotel Genevieve in the NuLu district. |
| Franny’s | Louisville, KY | Seafood Restaurant Specializing in Oysters | Late 2024 | Located in Schnitzelburg, offering a European bistro ambiance with a focus on fresh seafood and a lively atmosphere. |
| Stooges Bar and Grill | Louisville, KY | Bar and Grill | Closed | Remains closed following a UPS plane crash nearby, leaving 43 employees without work and the property contaminated. |
| Garage Bar | Louisville, KY | Restaurant and Bar | Closed | Temporarily closed due to ongoing construction disruptions in the NuLu district; reopening under new ownership is planned. |
| Gravely Brewing Co. | Louisville, KY | Brewery | Fall 2025 | Relocating its taproom from Baxter Avenue in Phoenix Hill to the NuLu neighborhood, marking a significant shift for the popular brewery. |
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