Louisville: NuLu Food Tour & Butchertown History Walk

Summary

Taste Kentucky classics walk historic NuLu meet local makers

You’ll walk through Louisville’s NuLu and Butchertown neighborhoods tasting fried chicken, bourbon balls, biscuits & more—plus barrel-aged craft beer and a slushy with Ale8 soda. A local guide shares stories behind quirky alleys and historic homes as you sample Kentucky’s culinary heritage. Come hungry; leave with new favorites (and maybe a little BBQ sauce on your shirt).

What’s the experience like?

Ever wondered what a real Hot Brown gravy tastes like? I didn’t, honestly, until we found ourselves in Louisville’s NuLu district, following our guide (her name was Jess — she waved at every third person on the street) past brick buildings splashed with murals. The air smelled like warm bread and something sweet I couldn’t place at first. We started with biscuits and gravy that Jess said had roots in Appalachia. I tried not to eat too fast, but it was gone before I realized. There was a couple from Ohio at our table who kept asking about bourbon, and Jess just grinned and said, “Don’t worry, you’ll get your fill.”

We wandered into Butchertown where the sidewalks still feel a bit uneven under your shoes. At one stop, someone handed me a slushy made with Ale8 soda — it was cold and sharp, kind of citrusy but not too sweet. I spilled some on my shirt (of course), but nobody cared. The candy shop was my favorite part; the woman behind the counter told us this one confection was named after a Victorian actress who apparently had a thing for drama — both on stage and off. The bourbon balls tasted like Christmas in Kentucky, if that makes sense.

I didn’t expect to care about Thomas Edison’s old house or those alleys with ridiculous nicknames (I won’t spoil it), but somehow hearing those stories while eating fried chicken outside just made it all stick. It rained for five minutes — just enough to make everything smell fresh again. By the end, my feet were tired but I wanted another round of that sorghum BBQ sauce. Still think about that view down Market Street as the sun came out again.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore NuLu food and Louisville history

• Visit NuLu District and see murals
• Explore art galleries and local shops
• Taste Kentucky classics and local brews
• Learn about Thomas Edison in Louisville
• Discover Southern Exposition's city impact
• Hear origin stories of local alleys
• Sample Kentucky confections at candy shop

Top questions

How long is the Louisville NuLu food tour?

The tour lasts approximately 3 hours and covers about 1.5 miles of walking.

What foods are included on this Louisville food tour?

You’ll try biscuits & gravy, Kentucky-style fried chicken, Louisville BBQ dish with sorghum sauce, bourbon balls, Hot Brown gravy, two Kentucky confections, barrel-aged craft beer, and an Ale8 slushy.

Is lunch included in the NuLu food tour?

Yes, the tastings across six eateries add up to a full lunch.

Are vegetarian options available?

Vegetarian options can be provided if you notify the tour operator at least 24 hours in advance.

Does this Louisville food tour include alcohol?

Yes—there are tastings of barrel-aged craft beer and an alcoholic slushy featuring Ale8 soda; mocktails are also available.

Is this walking tour suitable for kids?

Yes—the tour is family-friendly and children under 2 can join free without a ticket.

Is the route wheelchair accessible?

The entire tour route is wheelchair accessible including transportation options nearby.

What happens if it rains during the food tour?

The tour runs rain or shine unless weather becomes severe or dangerous.

What’s included

Your day includes all food tastings—enough for a full lunch—plus samples of Kentucky-style fried chicken, biscuits & gravy rooted in Appalachia tradition, sorghum BBQ sauce dishes, bourbon balls and other confections at multiple stops. You’ll also get barrel-aged craft beer tastings and two alcoholic slushies (or mocktails). A small group size means more time with your fun local guide as you explore historic streets together before wrapping up back in NuLu.