Year of no chains

After reading this forum it's painfully obvious I'm not supporting local restaurants and depriving myself of some great food. While I don't eat out a lot I can see I gravitate to the chains due to familiarity and not having to think too much. I love trying new things yet seem to always order the same items off the menu.

I live in the Springhurst area and work off N Hurstbourne. Shoot some must try places, any type of cuisine is fair game. Haven't met a food I wouldn't eat - at least once.

Gregg

Mamas BBQ on Hurstbourne near Shelbyville RD. Smoked wings and great Burnt ends and brisket

Welcome to the forum, Gregg. You've got quite a bit to choose from in the general area where you work and live. I'll start the ball rolling and I'm sure many others will chime in. Starting on the Shelbyville Road side of North Hurstbourne:

1. Brasserie Provence - French
2. Bombay Grill - North & South Indian. Great Dosa
3. Bristol Bar & Grill - American classic
4. Guaca Mole - Upscale Mexican & Latin flavors
5. Selena's at Willow Lake Tavern - American with a Cajun twist

Westport Rd & N Hurstbourne Area

1. Goose Creek Diner - Americana. Meat Loaf and Fried Green Tomato
2. Wick's Pizza
3. Taj Palace - Mainly N Indian. Very good.

Highway 22 (Brownsboro) & N Hurstbourne Area

1. Martini Italian Bistro
2. Corbett's

The whole corridor is sprinkled with independent Mexican places that all have their strengths and weaknesses.

Hope you'll explore the independents and report back. I'm sure others will pop in with the more!

[Robin Garr]

I was going to jump in and start with a list, but I see Ed has already done it! So I'll just say welcome to the forum, Gregg. I look forward to watching your year of discovery.

Thanks all (and more suggestions welcome)

I've eaten at these this year already:
Bristol Bar & Grill - just yesterday. Love their grilled fish tacos!
Wick's Pizza

Need to go back to these:
Mamas BBQ - haven't tried their burnt ends.
Guaca Mole - never know what to order when I go
Selena's at Willow Lake Tavern - I've only been once and got their New Orleans Medley
Goose Creek Diner - Sat at the counter last time. It was fun watching the kitchen work
Martini Italian Bistro - Haven't been in years and it's a favorite of my wife's.

Have not yet tried the others mentioned.

Mama's wings are legit. I usually don't go for dry rub wings but they do it right. Coupled with their spicy bbq sauce for dipping seals the deal. Guaca Mole is pretty much the best.

The wings are good, but don't miss Momma's beef ribs.

I usually get the brisket sandwich @ Mamma's but have also gotten their sampler platter. Looks like I need to read the whole menu next time LOL

Forgot - Shady Lane Cafe on Brownsboro at Rudy Lane.. talk to Suzi!

El Mariachi off LaGrange Rd not far from where Hurstbourne Lane passes over 146 (La Grange Rd.) Sits in a corner located small strip center. (Don't go to the other Mexican restaurant also found in the same center.) Little English spoken at El Mariachi so be prepared. Also check out the Mexican grocery and bakery next door.

Cool, thanks guys/gals. Hit up Selena's tonight. Great service and the jambalaya was nice and spicey with generous peices of proteins.

Greg - here's a thought...
Go down to 2319 Frankfort Ave to The Irish Rover, have a great meal there and ask for a (free) Louisville Originals membership. Then see how many of those restaurants you can try out by year's end!
http://www.theirishroverky.com/
http://www.louisvilleoriginals.com/

Greg - here's a thought...
Go down to 2319 Frankfort Ave to The Irish Rover, have a great meal there and ask for a (free) Louisville Originals membership. Then see how many of those restaurants you can try out by year's end!
http://www.theirishroverky.com/
http://www.louisvilleoriginals.com/

What a great idea! And you'll love the Irish Rover!

Greg - here's a thought...
Go down to 2319 Frankfort Ave to The Irish Rover, have a great meal there and ask for a (free) Louisville Originals membership. Then see how many of those restaurants you can try out by year's end!
http://www.theirishroverky.com/
http://www.louisvilleoriginals.com/

What a great idea! And you'll love the Irish Rover!

What an awesome idea Carla, thanks. The last time I was there was the day after 9/11. Another visit is long overdue and the Louisville Originals sounds like the ticket. I used to work with a guy that ran the FOH many years ago.

Wish I could take credit for it but it was Mr. Myers' idea. I wholeheartedly agree agree however.