Bourbon City Weekend Itinerary: Where to Stay, Eat, and Sip

Your Perfect 502 Getaway: Hotels, Dining, and Bourbon Experiences

When most people think of  Louisville, Kentucky, the Kentucky Derby and The Louisville Slugger Museum immediately come to mind. While those are definitely bucket-list worthy events and attractions, life in Louisville goes far beyond horse racing and baseball bats. When you spend a weekend in Bourbon City, you’ll quickly discover a destination with soul. From local restaurants owned by James Beard-nominated chefs, boutique hotels with historic charm, and bars with a selection that make the title of “Bourbon City” obviously well-earned, Louisville is sure to become one of your favorite weekend getaways. 

If you’ve been thinking about visiting Louisville, consider this your official nudge to book the flight. Here’s our go-to weekend itinerary ideas for where to stay, eat, and sip your way through the 502. 

Getting to Louisville, KY

First things first: Louisville is easy to get to via most major cities. The airport (SDF) is only ten minutes from downtown and is a quick Uber ride away from most hotels, restaurants, and bourbon bars. If you have a larger group that needs transportation, Mint Julep Experiences can help! With a fleet of luxury vehicles that can host groups of 55+, we can provide a vehicle and driver that keeps your crew on time and on schedule.

Direct flights connect daily to hubs like Chicago, Atlanta, Dallas, New York, and even LA. No matter what time you arrive, you can be enjoying a cocktail in Bourbon City within an hour of landing. 

Where to Eat in Bourbon City

With a mix of Southern comfort food, global favors, bourbon-inspired dishes, and local restaurants with national recognition, Louisville’s food scene is definitely having a moment. Here are some of our favorites to frequent in Bourbon City:

For a Special Occasion or a Splurge

The Fat Lamb

Located in the Highlands, The Fat Lamb serves up modern twists on comfort food. Chef and Owner Dallas McGarity was named a James Beard semifinalist (2024) and won Food Network’s Chopped in 2019.  With menus driven by seasonal ingredients and global inspiration, your experience at The Fat Lamb will never be the same twice. 

Monk’s Road Boiler House

Located in the heart of Whiskey Row in Downtown Louisville, Monk’s is a bourbon lover’s dream. With both fine dining and tasting room experiences, this luxury chophouse is a must for special occasions. 

610 Magnolia 

At 610 Magnolia, Chef Edward Lee (multiple James Beard nominations) brings a modern approach to the traditional Southern Table. Located in Old Louisville, this foodie destination is the perfect way to experience the history and diversity of the 502 through food. 

Bourbon City Supper Club

The Bourbon City Supper Club is the best way to experience multiple neighborhoods and iconic local restaurants in one evening. Each ticket includes 3 courses, 3 paired cocktails, restaurant gratuity, transportation, and an expert tour leader to help you best explore the unique culinary traditions of Bourbon City. 

For Memorable Group Dinners

MeeshMeesh

Located in the walkable neighborhood of NuLu, MeeshMeesh serves up craveable small plates. that were made for sharing. Owned by 2025 James Beard finalist and former Food Network chopped Champion, Noam Bilitzer, the menu at MeeshMeesh explores the bold, vibrant, and timeless flavors shared throughout the Middle East. 

Chik’n & Mi

Fried chicken meets ramen at this cozy, local favorite off of Frankfort Avenue. Chik’n & Mi specializes in making Asian inspired comfort foods and the flavorful menu is complemented by a well stocked bar of bourbon, sake, craft cocktails, and craft beer. Many of their plates are family style and the fried chicken is gluten free!

North of Bourbon

Not sure if you should start the night at a bourbon bar or a restaurant? At this Bourbon City favorite, you don’t have to choose! With NOLA-inspired flavors and over 300 different bourbon selections, this is a must for Louisville visitors looking for an authentic southern experience. 

Where to Stay in Bourbon City

There’s no shortage of hotels and airbnbs to choose from in Bourbon City. The rising boutique hotel scene perfectly captures Louisville’s quirky and creative spirit, while the bigger, mainstream names bring luxe amenities and prime locations. Regardless of where you choose to stay, the hotel bar is sure to have a well stocked bourbon selection. 

Hotel Bourre Bonne 

Heritage and elegance meet the bold edge of the south with just the right touch of French flair at Hotel Bourre Bonne. This perfect mix of city vibes and tucked-away charm feel both classic and unexpected–and very, very Louisville. 

Hotel Genevieve 

This interior design lover’s dream is nestled between local favorites in NuLu. If you want to be steps away from bars, restaurants, and shopping, this is the place for you.

The Omni

For something sleek and modern, The Omni is the place to stay in downtown Louisville. With multiple restaurants in the hotel, a rooftop pool, and a pickup station for our Signature Bourbon Trail Tours, The Omni is the perfect hub for those looking to get the most out of their stay in Bourbon City in a short amount of time. 

Where to Sip in Bourbon City

Since this is Bourbon City, we know you’re probably looking for a rare pour or an old fashioned you'll never forget. On this front, Louisville always delivers. 

Merle’s Whiskey Kitchen

Merle’s is one of those spots that just feels like Louisville. This lively whiskey hall has strong cocktails, a southern inspired menu, and live music that will have you staying for one more song. 

The Last Refuge 

This newer cocktail-forward spot is located in a renovated old church in NuLu. The dim-lighting and unique architecture make this bourbon bar feel undeniably intimate and is one of those spots you’ll want to revisit every time you land at SDF.

Neat

Named one of America’s top bourbon bars, Neat is a bourbon bar & bottle shop located in the heart of Bardstown Road that specializes in rare and vintage pours. This cozy bar has quickly become a favorite among Louisville locals and is a must for bourbon and history lovers alike. 

Public Bourbon Tours 

Go beyond the bar stool and get the ultimate bourbon tasting experience on the Kentucky Bourbon Trail®. With Signature Bourbon Tours by Mint Julep Experiences running every week from Thursday through Sunday, it’s the perfect way to see why bourbon is such a big deal in the Bluegrass State.

On a public bourbon tour, your ticket will include your tours and tastings, luxury transportation with a driver, and a local lunch. All you have to do is book your tickets and join us on our expertly crafted itinerary for an unforgettable day on the bourbon trail. 

If you’re looking to round out your weekend beyond food and bourbon, don’t miss Louisville’s historic landmarks, scenic parks, and cultural attractions. Check out our guide to the Top Sites to Visit in Louisville for First-Time Visitors for ideas that go beyond bars and breweries.

Make Bourbon City Your Next Weekend Trip

Louisville is a destination that’s sure to surprise you with its culinary scene, its friendly people, and of course, its bourbon. Whether you’re planning a quick weekend getaway, a group trip to celebrate a milestone birthday or anniversary, a corporate retreat with colleagues, or looking for a unique destination to host a bachelor or bachelorette party, Bourbon City will have you coming back for more. 

Start planning your Bourbon City adventure today and discover why Louisville is the perfect blend of culture, flavor, and unforgettable experiences.

Want to explore Louisville in your own way? Mint Julep Experiences offers custom tours that let you build a personalized itinerary — whether that means mixing in horse country, visiting multiple distilleries, or planning a foodie crawl across the city. With luxury transportation and expert local guides, it’s the easiest way to see Bourbon City exactly how you want.

Build your own bourbon experience

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