— Best Art Festival
- St. James Court Art Show
The Basics
Founded: 1957
Neighborhood: Old Louisville
Self-description: “A juried fine arts and contemporary crafts show featuring more than 600 artists from around the U.S., held among the country’s largest collection of Victorian homes.”
Website: stjamescourtartshow.comBest of Louisville Stats
Total nominations: 10
Total wins: 5
First nomination: 1986, the inaugural Best of Louisville, Best Local Festival
First win: 1987, Best Neighborhood FestivalThe Voting Academy Says
“My absolute favorite thing to do in the fall.”
— Best Art Gallery
- E&S Gallery
The Basics
Opened: 1989 (when it was in the East End)
Neighborhood: Just west of downtown (eastern edge of Portland)
Self-description: “Fine art by African American artists.”
Website: eandsgallery.comBest of Louisville Stats
Total nominations: 1
Total wins: 1A Nice Internet Review!
“Pretty much my favorite place in the city. Not only is it a perfectly curated, Black, family-owned gallery, but they did an OUTSTANDING job framing my original Leroy Campbell piece.”
— Best Art Museum
- Speed Art Museum
The Basics
Opened: 1927
Neighborhood: U of L’s campus
Self-description: “We invite everyone to celebrate art, forever.”
Website: speedmuseum.orgBest of Louisville Stats
Total nominations: 11
Total wins: 5
First nomination: 1986, the inaugural Best of Louisville, Best Tourist Attraction
First win: 1993, Best Art Gallery
Also won: 2016, Best Gift to the City for free-admission Owsley SundaysThe Voting Academy Says
“The biggest fish of art destinations in the state.”
— Best Bakery
- Blue Dog Bakery and Cafe
The Basics
Opened: 1998
Neighborhood: Crescent Hill
Self-description: “Every loaf and pastry is crafted by hand using traditional European methods.”
Website: bluedogbakeryandcafe.comBest of Louisville Stats
Total nominations: 12
Total wins: 4
First nomination: 1999, Best Bakery
First win: 2002, Best Chocolate Chip Cookie
Also won: 2008, Best Fresh-Baked Bread, Best Healthy Snack (for their granola)The Voting Academy Says
“I crave their baguette.”
— Best Barbecue
- Momma’s Mustard, Pickles & BBQ
The Basics
Opened: 2012
Neighborhood: St. Matthews and Hurstbourne locations
Self-description: “Kansas City-style barbecue. Homemade mustard and pickles using Momma’s recipe.”
Website: mommasbbq.comBest of Louisville Stats
Total nominations: 4
Total wins: 1
First nomination: 2016, Best BarbecueThe Voting Academy Says
“Go-to order: beef ribs, wings and a mix of sliders.”
— Best Booze Shop
- Old Town Wine & Spirits
The Basics
Opened: 1990s
Neighborhood: Bonnycastle
Self-description: “In the heart of the Highlands. Focusing on the perfect pairings.”Best of Louisville Stats
Total nominations: 8
Total wins: 4
First nomination: 1992, Best Place to Buy Wine
First win: 2001, Best Wine ShopThe Voting Academy Says
“Basically an institution.”
— Best Bourbon Tour
— Best Breakfast/Brunch
- Con Huevos
The Basics
Opened: 2015
Neighborhood: Several locations, including Norton Commons and the original in Clifton
Self-description: “Bring the rich flavors, freshness and level of service found in Mexican culinary culture to America.”
Website: conhuevos.comBest of Louisville Stats
Total nominations: 2
Total wins: 2
Also won: 2018, Best New Chef, Paco GarciaThe Voting Academy Says
“One of the best breakfasts I’ve ever had, and I tell everyone who visits. The atmosphere is bright and welcoming.”
— Best Brewery
- TEN20
The Basics
Opened:
Neighborhood:
Self-description: “.”
Website:Best of Louisville Stats
Total nominations:
Total wins:
First nomination:
First win:
Also won:The Voting Academy Says
“.”
— Best Burger
- Mussel & Burger Bar
The Basics
Opened: 2013
Neighborhood: J-town and downtown locations
Self-description: “Inventive burgers along with gourmet twists on classic bar-and-grill fare. And don’t forget the mussels.”
Website: mussel-burger-bar.comBest of Louisville Stats
Total nominations: 5
Total wins: 4
First nomination and win: 2014, Best Restaurant Worth the Wait
Also won: 2018, Best BurgerThe Voting Academy Says
“Love how the Taylorsville Road location is a little off the beaten path.”
— Best Butcher Shop
- Kingsley Meats and Catering
The Basics
Opened: 1971
Neighborhood: Seneca Gardens-Kingsley border
Self-description: “An old-fashioned butcher shop, serving some of the finest cuts of meat for more than 50 years.”
Website: kingsleymeatsandcatering.comBest of Louisville Stats
Total nominations: 2
Total wins: 1The Voting Academy Says
“When my husband convinced me that a move to Louisville was right for our family, I considered Kingsley’s one factor in the deal. It reminds me of my youth: a spot where everything is always just right, and everyone greets you as if they’ve known you all your life.”
— Best Coffee Chain
— Best Food Hall
- Logan Street Market
The Basics
Opened: 2019
Neighborhood: Shelby Park
Self-description: “Two floors of 30-plus independently owned and operated businesses.”
Food and drink options: Pizza Bomb, Full Arepa, Ziba’s Bistro, La Maison aux Crêpes, Wild Hops Brewery…
Website: loganstmarket.comBest of Louisville Stats
Total nominations: 1
Total wins: 1The Voting Academy Says
“I’ve found that, often when visiting a city, one place that exemplifies the local culture, food and art is within the city’s public market. Locally, Logan Street Market has started to curate all the things we love about Louisville, and hosts events with community partners like the Louisville Orchestra and the Ali Center.”
— Best Food Shop
- Paul’s Fruit Market
The Basics
Opened: 1945
Neighborhood: Multiple locations, including St. Matthews and Middletown
Self-description: “Paul’s Markets have roots in the Louisville area that extend back to the early farm-to-market days of the 1890s.”
Website: paulsfruit.comBest of Louisville Stats
Total nominations: 5
Total wins: 4
First win: 1991, Best Produce Market
Also won: 2017, Best Place to Buy Fresh FruitThe Voting Academy Says
“Their deli is wonderful, and I’m pretty certain my children would starve without their banana bread.”
— Best Food Truck
- Celtic Pig
The Basics
Opened: 2015
Self-description: “Our barbecue serves up a Kentucky twist on Celtic favorites.”
Website: celticpig.comBest of Louisville Stats
Total nominations: 1
A Nice Internet Review!
“Seem to definitely know their way around a barbecue pit.”
— Best Fried Chicken
— Best Hardware Store
- Brownsboro Hardware
The Basics
Opened: 1960
Neighborhood: Windy Hills-Indian Hills-Northfield
Self-description: “We pride ourselves on providing each and every customer with excellent service and value every minute they visit us here.”
Website: brownsborohardware.comBest of Louisville Stats
Total nominations: 3
Total wins: 2
First nomination: 2005, Best Hardware Store
First win: 2012, Best Hardware StoreThe Voting Academy Says
“They have amazing staff and anything you need, including a tucked-away post office.”
— Best Hotel
- 21c Museum Hotel
The Basics
Opened: 2006
Neighborhood: Downtown
Self-description: “The world’s first museum hotel.”
Website: 21cBest of Louisville Stats
Total nominations: 32 (including wins for its restaurant Proof on Main)
Total wins: 13
First nomination: 2006, Best Building Architecture
First win: 2006, Best Restaurant Decor
Also won: 2009, Best Hotel; 2014, Best Tourist AttractionThe Voting Academy Says
“Gotta take visitors to see the art.”
— Best Hotel Restaurant
- Proof on Main
The Basics
Opened: 2006
Neighborhood: Downtown (21c Museum Hotel)
Self-description: “Farm-to-table freshness, robust collection of Kentucky’s best bourbons. Mirroring the vibrant and eclectic interior, the menus showcase Southern- and Appalachian-inspired cuisine.”
Website: proofonmain.comBest of Louisville Stats
Total nominations: 25
Total wins: 9
First win: 2006, Best Restaurant Decor
Also won: 2008, 2012, Best Swanky BarThe Voting Academy Says
“Crazy to think that Proof has almost been around for 20 years. Still as good as when it opened.”
— Best Ice Cream
- Louisville Cream
The Basics
Opened: 2014
Neighborhood: NuLu
Self-description: “Small batch gourmet ice cream company, with a mix of classic and rotating seasonal flavors. Made with local dairy from JD Country Milk, house-made jams and sauces, fresh baked goods like cake and pie mixed in, and other mix-ins from local favorites like Blue Dog, Georgia’s Sweet Potato Pie Co., Monnik Beer Co. and more.”
Website: louisvillecream.comBest of Louisville Stats
Total nominations: 1
Total wins: 1The Voting Academy Says
“I’d give my firstborn for that frosted animal cracker flavor to come back.”
— Best Landmark
- The Twin Spires
The Basics
Designed: 1895 (Churchill Downs opened in 1875)
Neighborhood: Churchill Downs
Self-description: “The iconic Twin Spires, designed by 24‑year‑old draftsman Joseph Dominic Baldez, remain a beloved symbol of the track.”
Website: churchilldowns.comBest of Louisville Stats
Total nominations: 1 (first nomination for the Twin Spires specifically; Churchill Downs has been nominated for 14 Best of Louisville awards and has won 7)
Total wins: 1The Voting Academy Says
“The iconic Twin Spires have always felt like — well, welcome home. I live in the South End, but it is much more than that. The events leading up to Derby and the parties in backyards are the feeling of family and home. Derby is when I feel most connected to Louisville. And we can’t have Derby without those Twin Spires.”
— Best LGBTQ-Friendly Bar
— Best Museum (Sports)
- Muhammad Ali Center
The Basics
Opened: 2005
Neighborhood: Downtown
Self-description: “Continue Ali’s legacy and inspire greatness.”
Website: alicenter.orgBest of Louisville Stats
Total nominations: 3
Total wins: 1
First nomination: 1999, Best Anticipated Local Attraction
Also nominated for: 2006, Best Building Architecture
Total wins for Ali himself: 4, including 1998 for Best Athlete and 2010 for Best Celebrity You’d Most Like to MeetThe Voting Academy Says
“A calming, quiet vibe transports you back to a time that reminds you it’s OK to grow, learn and change. The beautiful photos, paintings and the space itself remind us all to talk to each other. And remind us that we can reach our goals while simultaneously trying to change the world.”
— Best Music Festival
- Bourbon & Beyond
The Basics
Founded: 2017
Neighborhood: Highland Festival Grounds, Kentucky Exposition Center
Self-description: “The world’s largest bourbon, food and music festival.”
Website: bourbonandbeyond.comBest of Louisville Stats
Total nominations: 1
Total wins: 1The Voting Academy Says
“As an Audubon Park resident, it is fun to walk over and enjoy the music.”
— Best Music Venue
- Louisville Palace
The Basics
Opened: 1928
Neighborhood: Downtown
Self-Description: “The star of South Fourth Street.”
Website: louisvillepalace.comBest of Louisville Stats
Total Nominations: 10
Total Wins: 5
First win: 2014, Best Music Venue
Also won: 2008, Best Architectural Terra Cotta
— Best New Bookstore
- Nook and Nowhere
The Basics
Opened: 2025
Neighborhood: Shelby Park
Self-description: “Louisville’s first bookstore/bar/cafe.”
Website: nookandnowhere.comBest of Louisville Stats
Total nominations: 1
Total wins: 1The Voting Academy Says
“So cozy.”
— Best Pizza
- The Post
The Basics
Opened: 2015
Neighborhood: Germantown; Deer Park
Self-description: “Killer New York-style pizzas and massive slices put us on the map.”
Website: thepostlouisville.comBest of Louisville Stats
Total nominations: 4
Total wins: 2
First win: 2017, Best PizzaThe Voting Academy Says
“The Post is within walking distance of my house, but I’d drive 45 minutes to eat their pie.”
— Best Record Store
- Better Days Records
The Basics
Opened: 1979 (2020 for current location; had a West End location in Lyles Mall for 30-plus years)
Neighborhood: Barrett Avenue on Highlands-Germantown-Smoketown-Paristown border
Self-description: “Serving the Highlands and all of Kentuckiana.”Best of Louisville Stats
Total nominations: 1
Total wins: 1The Voting Academy Says
“Better Days was a safe haven for me as a teenager. Ben Jones, the owner, and his staff have become family and my go-to whenever I need a music-related question answered. I can’t see Louisville without this establishment.”
— Best Sports Venue
- Lynn Family Stadium
The Basics
Opened: 2020
Neighborhood: Butchertown
Self-description: “Louisville’s destination for pro soccer. Home of LouCity FC and Racing FC soccer.”
Website: lynnfamilystadium.comBest of Louisville Stats
Total nominations: 1
Total wins: 1The Voting Academy Says
“Didn’t start out as a rabid soccer fan, but LouCity FC made me into one. Doesn’t hurt that we win. A lot.”
— Best Sushi
- Anko
The Basics
Opened: 2024
Neighborhood: Beechmont (inside the StrEatery)
Self-description: “One man’s sushi bar, doing what he loves.”Best of Louisville Stats
Total nominations: 1
Total wins: 1The Voting Academy Says
“The best sushi in town is now made at Anko, in a corner of the family-friendly StrEatery dining hall.”
— Best Tacos
- Taco Luchador
The Basics
Opened: 2013 (original location in the Highlands)
Neighborhood: St. Matthews
Self-description: “C’mon, who doesn’t love tacos?”
Website: el-taco-luchador.comBest of Louisville Stats
Total nominations: 3
Total wins: 1
First nomination: 2014, Best New RestaurantThe Voting Academy Says
“Just love the vibe of the place. There are tons of taco places around, but I feel like it is something different.”
— Best Vintage Clothing
- Nitty Gritty
The Basics
Opened: 2000
Neighborhood: Highlands-Germantown border
Self-description: “A treasure trove of vintage clothing, 1980s and earlier. Because they just don’t make ’em like they used to.”
Website: nittygrittyvintage.comBest of Louisville Stats
Total nominations: 6
Total wins: 2
First win: 2012, Best Vintage ClothingThe Voting Academy Says
“Amazing owner and staff, always wonderful treasures to be found.”