Downtown Restaurant Recommendations

I'm planning a trip for Louisville and am staying downtown for a few days. I am hoping to get some good restaurant recommendations- not necessarily expensive options but just good food! Cheaper is better but will eat in all price ranges

I am staying at the Marriott and working a few blocks away, and would prefer something within walking distance or a short cab ride.

I live in Miami and have my own food blog- http://www.andtheeggs.net.

Any advice is appreciated.
Thank you

Cheers,
Jennifer

I've always heard good things about Bentoya Sushi on 5th street, and if you're downtown and want some breakfast then you should check out Toast on Market.

In Kentucky, we're also fairly well known for our bison, and Proof on Main purportedly has one of the best bison burgers in town (although I've personally never tried it). Note though that , with the exception of a few entrees, it typically doesn't fall into the inexpensive category. However Proof is a nationally renowned restaurant with a modern art gallery, so it is worth checking out even if you're not in the mood for bison.

Out of curiosity though, when are you coming to town? We're having an offline at Seviche on Monday, and you're more than welcome to attend.

I almost forgot about Safier on 4th street. Its a great little Mediterranean deli, and is definitely inexpensive.

You simply must go to the Mayan Cafe!

Jennifer,
Welcome to Louisville! We visit Miami yearly and love it! I hope you will enjoy our city as well!

I agree with Paul's suggestion of Proof, you should definitely go there; and although I have not been to Mayan Cafe, I agree with Leah that it would also be a good place to hit. Here are my recommendations for close by restaurants:

Saffron's on Market St., only about 2 blocks northeast of the Marriott. http://www.saffronsrestaurant.com/

Artemesia, also on Market. It's not really within walking distance, however it would be a very short cab ride. http://www.artemisiarestaurant.com/

732 Social, again on Market. It just opened on Monday and there is a thread here (viewtopic.php?f=1&t=5903) about the soft opening last weekend. Heres' their site: http://www.732social.com/

Sorry. Links aren't working, but you should be able to Google these places up or find the reviews on the main page.

Oakroom
Saffrons
Mayan Cafe
Blue Grass Brewing Co. (4th Street @ Theater Square)
The Brown Hotel ( Get the signature Hot Brown)
Artemesia
BLU (Marriott)
Marker's Mark Lounge (4th Street Live)
The Pub (4th Street Live)
Ri Ra Irish Pub (4th Street Live)
Stevie Ray's Blues Bar
732 Social
Rivue (The Galt House)
Jeff Ruby's
Bistro 301
Z's Fusion

Proof would definitely be on the top of my list, I'll also include the Oakroom and the English Grille (both in historic hotels). And Z's Fusion is also among my recommendations. 732 Social club, just opened this week so I don't know much about it but it sounds exciting. I'd personally stay away from 4th Street Live other than Maker's Mark Lounge I find the atmosphere too inmature for my liking.

Louisville has a huge group of fine dining establishments so I would definitely stay away from any chain restaurants while visiting.

Let us know where you eat and what you thought of them after your trip, it's always nice to see other people's opinions of our restaurants.

I feel extremely remiss having not mentioned Saffron's. They have Persian fare that isn't necessarily cheap, but the portions are quite generous. It is definitely one of my favorite restaurants in town.

Thank you very much for your responses. I will sit and make a master list, and definitely visit as many as I can!