There’s lots to love about Louisville’s Clifton neighborhood. With its urban-suburban feel, the area boasts numerous restaurants, bars, parks, and shops. This updated guide gives you all the deets on one part of Clifton: lower Frankfort Avenue, from State Street down to Mellwood Avenue. This cozy, walkable section features several one-of-a-kind stops to eat, drink, shop, and more.
WHERE TO EAT AND DRINK
The Champagnery
1764 Frankfort Ave, Louisville, KY 40206 • (502) 896-8050
Hours: Wednesday and Thursday, 4 p.m. to 10 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, 4 p.m. to 11 p.m.; closed Sunday through Tuesday
The Champagne Bureau, USA, named The Champagnery one of the top 10 champagne bars in the country. Though it’s dedicated to bubbly, the unique Clifton spot also offers a wine list, a full bar, small bites, charcuterie and cheese plates, and a selection of desserts. The menu includes cocktails, a small beer selection, and a handful of non-alcoholic beverages. Six different flights, including everything from dessert wines and rosés to cellar selections and French picks, allow guests to sample three drinks at once. For those who know exactly what they want, there are more than 25 champagnes and sparkling wines by the glass, plus more than 150 champagnes and sparkling wines by the bottle.
The Champagnery boasts an impressive selection of champagne, prosecco, wine, beer, cocktails, small bites, and more. Image: The Champagnery
Morning Fork and Fork & Barrel
1722 Frankfort Ave, Louisville, KY 40206 • (502) 830-9500
Morning Fork hours: Wednesday through Sunday, 7 a.m. to 3 p.m.; closed Monday and Tuesday
Fork & Barrel hours: Tuesday through Saturday, 3 to 9 p.m.
In 2022, Geoffrey and Emily Heyde combined their two restaurant concepts — Morning Fork and Fork & Barrel — into one space. Guests can now enjoy some of Louisville’s best brunch options and upscale American dinner dishes under one roof. Be sure to check their website for the current schedule of themed brunches. Diners have experienced everything from brunch with Santa and Mrs. Claus to a 90s brunch featuring Dunkaroo pancakes and Pop Rocks cocktails. On the regular menu, the short rib Benedict with a hash brown base and béarnaise sauce is especially popular.
The French toast at Morning Fork is made with house-made banana bread, blackberry mascarpone, fresh berries, and syrup. Image: Facebook
The Silver Dollar
1761 Frankfort Ave, Louisville, KY 40206 • (502) 259-9540
Hours: Monday and Friday, 5 p.m. to midnight; Tuesday through Thursday, 5 to 10 p.m.; Saturday, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. and 5 p.m. to midnight; Sunday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
With nods to a 1950s Bakersfield, California honky tonk, The Silver Dollar offers a modern take on traditional, working-class dishes that might have been served in Bakersfield decades ago. Try the fried dill pickle chips, served with Arbol ranch; the smash burger, made with two crispy burger patties, American cheese, and caramelized onions; and the chocolate chip pecan pie, which is served with a house-made bourbon sauce. The restaurant also offers a special menu for Saturday and Sunday brunch and a variety of vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options. And don’t forget about the full bar, with its roster of whiskey, wine, beer, and cocktail choices.
The Silver Dollar building was built in 1890. Initially constructed for Louisville’s Hook and Ladder Co. No. 3, the name at the front of the structure is a tribute to Albert. A. Stoll, a lawyer and former Louisville alderman. Image: Facebook
Hilltop Tavern
1800 Frankfort Ave, Louisville, KY 40206 • (502) 742-2908
Hours: Tuesday through Thursday, 5 p.m. to 2 a.m.; Friday and Saturday, 5 p.m. to 4 a.m.; closed Sunday and Monday
On the corner of Frankfort Avenue and Pope Street, Hilltop Tavern is the epitome of a neighborhood bar — and it’s open late! Boasting a ping-pong table, board games, and foosball, the bar also has local art along its walls, with prices listed on each item in case you want to take a piece home after dinner, drinks, or a late-night bite. Hilltop Tavern’s menu is comforting and unpretentious, featuring eats like jalapeño poppers, made with fried jalapeños and cream cheese, then served with sweet chili sauce, and a grilled cheese sandwich crafted with American, provolone, and muenster cheese on Texas toast. Don’t miss the house-made slushies, which can be served nonalcoholic or with a shot of booze.
Hilltop Tavern offers a variety of comfort foods and a selection of local beers. Image: Facebook
WHERE TO SHOP & MORE
Lackadazee
1731 Frankfort Ave, Louisville, KY 40206 • (502) 242-7414
Hours: Wednesday through Friday, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Saturday, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.; closed Sunday through Tuesday
Woman-owned and operated jewelry business Lackadazee specializes in ethical and sustainable fine jewelry. Every piece is handmade with sterling silver or 14-karat gold and conflict-free gemstones that have either been reclaimed or ethically sourced. The company ships earrings, necklaces, rings, body jewelry, and bracelets anywhere in the U.S. They also offer permanent jewelry appointments at their sole location and at various out-of-town pop-up events. Do you have old jewelry you no longer wear? Lakadazee also has a jewelry recycling program, which offers store credit for solid gold, sterling silver, or authentic gemstone pieces.
Lackadazee was founded in 2015 to unify ethical and sustainable values with the art of fine handcrafted jewelry. Image: Facebook
Guestroom Records
1806 Frankfort Ave, Louisville, KY 40206 • (502) 883-0478
Hours: Monday through Saturday, noon to 8 p.m.; Sunday, noon to 4 p.m.
Guestroom Records is a one-stop shop for new and used L.P.s, CDs, cassettes, and turntables. Since the pandemic’s start, the Guestroom team has been working on expanding their online inventory, which means lots of goodies are ready to purchase directly from their website. Music lovers can also place preorders for upcoming L.P.s online and save the date for special events posted on the store’s Facebook page. If you have records to get rid of, you can call the team to set up a purchasing appointment.
Jack Harlow meets with fans at Guestroom Records. Image: Facebook
Props Barber Shop
1805 Frankfort Ave, Louisville, KY 40206 • (502) 649-9453
Hours: Tuesday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.; Saturday, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.; closed Sunday and Monday
Established in 2010, Props Barber Shop specializes in reasonably priced, solid haircuts in an old-school barbershop atmosphere. Regulars describe the cash-only establishment as a step back in time, with its furniture and decor boasting vintage vibes. Call to make an appointment, or walk right in for a beard trim, starting at $6, or haircut, starting at $14.
Props Barber Shop is an old-school barbershop with vintage vibes. Image: Facebook
Enjoy your adventures on Frankfort Avenue!
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