Magazine

We asked 12 people from Louisville's food and music scene where they go for a romantic meal. Here are their answers. 

 

“The city’s best cheese plate is a palate and conversation gold mine. The ever-changing dessert options are always legendary; I start and finish the meal with a different one.”

 

 

“The cozy atmosphere, excellent service and delicious food, combined with live jazz, create an experience perfect to share with the one you love. I always start with the warm Brie salad and finish up with the mocha dacquoise. It’s nice to have someone else make dessert!”

 

 

“This hot meat house has a long and storied legacy. In the late 17th century, while at cards with some friends, the Duke of Arby asked for his meat and Cheddar to be brought out on a damp Kaiser roll. That recipe survives to this day. The Arby’s-style beef sandwich is soft and can be eaten in less than a minute. The service is universally poor, but if your date goes well, ring the bell!”

 

 

“My wife and I always find that our most memorable and romantic moments in Louisville seem to be in a booth at Spinelli’s at 3 a.m., laughing about the night while enjoying a fantastic pie.”

 

“Valet the car, request a table, grab a drink and then check out the rotating art exhibit. Obviously the rooms at 21c are an easy transition if the romance is turned up to 11!”

 

 

“Because I can actually afford to pay for the other person.”

 

 

“A few years ago I went with a bunch of other single friends to White Castle. They had tablecloths with centerpieces and served you at the table. Afterward, we went to the theater to watch that Benicio Del Toro werewolf movie. Pretty much everything we did was spectacular…yet awful garbage. A perfect tribute to the holiday.”

 

 

“My husband and I love the communal, friendly vibe of the beer garden in the warm months and the intimate, low-lit, wood-covered interior in the winter. Add in the beautifully curated European beer list and progressive menu and it has become our favorite spot.”

 

 

“Timeless and classic. Kathy Cary is a true innovator who set the culinary bar high a long time ago and still lives up to it every day.”

 

 

“They have some really good fried chicken and the sides are to die for. I go for the mashed potatoes and green beans. It has been a yearly tradition with my friend David. We go on man dates whenever I’m home.”

 

 

“Dinner and live theater is the move. Given that Actors is downtown, if it’s nice weather after the show, a stroll to the Belvedere can be clutch. I may not suggest this serious of an evening for a first date, but it’s certainly in the stack if I’m trying to show someone a really elegant night.”

 

 

“Formerly known as Juanita’s Burger Boy, this place is my pick because I’ve never met anyone who feels romantic before 4 a.m.”