Shelby Park & Smoketown

A historically Black neighborhood since the Civil War, named for the numerous smoke-producing kilns that once fired bricks in Smoketown and for the centerpiece 16-acre Shelby Park designed by Frederick Law Olmsted, the Smoketown and Shelby Park neighborhoods, located southeast of downtown, are diverse and vibrant art-filled communities.

EAT & DRINK

Restaurants like Shirley Mae’s Cafe capture the essence of the Smoketown neighborhood. Shirley Mae’s serves up soul food classics like chicken fried pork chops, smoked pork ribs, cornbread dressing, turnip greens, and an array of irresistible desserts. At Toasty’s Tavern, you can buy the staff a round for only $15 and order some of their classic bar food, from cheeseburgers to Bánh mi dogs. Head to Perso for traditional Roman-style ’za or get adventurous and order the chef’s table, a three-course family-style experience. Located out back, you’ll find Segreto, a secret garden bar. Check out Atrium Brewing for craft beer on tap and a menu by Red Top Hot Dogs. The newly established Trellis Brewing built their taproom and brewery in the midst of the towering brick ruins of the neighborhood’s former factories, making for a most dramatic and unique venue.

The late-night Canary Club bills itself as “Louisville’s natty wine bar,” the “natty” referencing “natural wines,” which you can enjoy with delightful, yet unexpected, bar bite combos like caviar and potato chips. Next door is The Breeze, a coffee shop and retail space filled with wine, gourmet food, and unique gifts. Logan Street Market is home to 25+ independently owned businesses, where you can sample a world of flavors, including sweet and savory fillings at La Maison aux Crêpes, Jewish comfort food at Cold Smoke Bagels, Venezuelan at Full Arepa KY, West African fused with French, Italian, and American cuisine at Ziba’s Bistro, and Asian favorites at Fresh Out The Box. For coffee, head to Safai, and for fresh-pressed organic juices, there’s Mint It. Just across the street, FOKO serves fresh Mexican and American-Southern fusion for breakfast and lunch with cafecitos, fresh juices, and matcha teas.

DISCOVER

Art, artists, and artisans abound in these neighborhoods, with public murals setting a colorful background for the community’s galleries and artist studios. Art Sanctuary provides affordable gallery space to many local artists and is home to the Va Va Vixens, a premier burlesque variety troupe that regularly performs on the Art Sanctuary stage. Gallerie Hertz Art Gallery has been representing and showcasing regional, national and international artists for 28 years. The Idlewild Butterfly Farm puts nature’s art on exhibit with a collection of butterflies and live exotic insects from around the globe.

SHOP

Visit the internationally renowned Anchal Project, where you’ll find one-of-a-kind textiles. Aurora Gallery & Boutique is an artist-focused gallery, offering artwork, ceramics, and jewelry. Logan Street Market also offers unique shopping. There’s Colonel Dee’s Spices, Flourish CBD, one-of-a-kind creations from local artists at The Kinder Artist, Kentucky-themed gifts at Heart & Hooves, handcrafted soap, lotion, and candles at Noir 5, and other assorted pop-up shops. Outside of Logan Street Market, you’ll want to make some time for products with practical purpose at Misc. Goods Co.

PARISTOWN

Adjacent to Smoketown, start your day in nearby Paristown with breakfast at The Café, where comforting Southern-accented options will fill you up as you dine under a mix of antique chandeliers and sip coffee in artful mugs from neighboring Stoneware & Co. A short walk on Swan Street will take you to Fleur de Flea Vintage Urban Market, a 35,000 sq. ft. warehouse with 150+ vendors. Paristown is also home to The Village Market, Louisville’s first collective food hall, where you’ll find Banditz Pizza, Bunz Burgerz, and Jeff’s Donuts.

A growing art and entertainment district, Paristown is home to Old Forester’s Paristown Hall, a live performance venue booking national and regional acts. Next door is Christy’s Garden, an urban garden that hosts community events and is one of Paristown’s many nontraditional, outdoor performance spaces.

Featured Attractions & Things to Do