Visual Traveler: The NuLu Neighborhood, Louisville, Kentucky

                                      Above photo is by Lisa Waterman Gray. ©
                       At La Bodeguita de Mima Cuban Restaurant and Rum Bar
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What's in This Post
1) NuLu History
2) NuLu's National Reputation
3) Eat, Drink, Shop & Explore in NuLu
4) Touring NuLu Slideshow
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I arrived in NuLu (New Louisville) around 4 p.m. on a March afternoon, as bright sunshine and surprisingly warm temperatures bathed this Kentucky neighborhood. Although it was a weekday afternoon, NuLu teemed with visitors amid an almost festive vibe. 

NuLu History

The first neighborhood market was built here during 1804, and Market Street was a business hub  for Louisville well into the 1900s. However, following a significant period of neglect, what is now the thriving NuLu neighborhood underwent gradual transformation beginning in the 1990s.

But after new, more gentrified housing displaced many Black families and longstanding residents, local protesters initiated more change in 2020. They demanded a policy shift that would better support the city’s Black community. And a new committee within the NuLu Business Association set out to correct a lack of Black-owned businesses in the neighborhood.

NuLu's National Reputation

In recent years NuLu's more positive local profile has also reached a national audience, as an entertainment hotspot. In fact AFAR named this one of the best dining neighborhoods across the nation, in 2024. And vibrant NuLu ranked at No. 7 in the USA Today/10Best Readers' Choice Awards for (10) Best Arts District during 2026 - moving up from its 2025 ranking of No. 8. 

Eat, Drink, Shop & Explore in NuLu

Several distilleries and breweries operate in the mural-rich neighborhood, while interesting retail businesses include:

- W.O.W. Woman Owned Wallet: A feminist gift shop
- Red Tree NuLu: A unique home decor store
- Revelry Boutique + Gallery: For T-shirts to tea towels and beautiful wall art
- Peace of the Earth: Handmade/Fair Trade, eco-friendly bath and body products
- Clayton & Crume: Locally hand-crafted leather coasters, belts, shoes, and more

Ready for a snack or meal? Here are a few popular neighborhood eateries: 

- Guacamole: See my delicious meal and gorgeous decor in the slideshow, below
- Feast BBQ: All the meat, with sides including fabulous macaroni and cheese
- La Bodeguita de Mima: 1950s vibes and authentic Cuban cuisine
- Biscuit Belly: For breakfast, lunch or somewhere in-between
- bar Vetti: Offering homemade modern Italian fare 
- The Mayan Cafe: 20+ years serving Mayan cuisine

Bars abound too, from relaxed and cozy to bright and busy. NuLu is a 'must-do' destination when you're visiting Louisville, where great food and drink meets beautiful art and plenty of historic buildings.

                                      All above photos are by Lisa Waterman Gray. ©
Disclaimer: As a travel writer I may receive complementary stays, admissions, meals, transportation, and, occasionally, products I am asked to review. However, this was a self-financed trip.

​Please note some of these photos are older. While they reflected the character of this neighborhood during my visit, specific details may have changed.