This is a chronological list of restaurants permanently closed in Louisville, Kentucky—a nostalgic look back and a helpful resource for those seeking available restaurant spaces. These are the places that we miss. This is our restaurant history, a forgotten piece of our heritage. No matter how long each of these eateries were open, they daily paid someone’s rent, provided sustenance for a hungry traveler, or were simply part of the community. So please join us and do not forget this part of our town.
Louisville, Kentucky, with its population of around 620,000, is a vibrant city nestled in the Ohio Valley region, renowned for its rich culinary heritage and unique food traditions. The city is famous for its iconic dish, the Hot Brown, a decadent open-faced turkey sandwich topped with Mornay sauce and bacon, originating from the Brown Hotel in the 1920s. Louisville is also celebrated for its thriving bourbon culture, with distilleries dotting the landscape due to the area’s limestone-rich water. A must-visit is the historic Jack Fry’s, where guests can savor Southern classics in an intimate setting adorned with rich history. The city’s location along the Ohio River has helped shape its diverse cuisine, blending influences from various cultures that have settled here over the years.
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Disclaimer: The information on this website is provided as a resource, but it may not always be 100% accurate. While we strive to research and verify details, errors can occur, and businesses frequently change names, locations, or reopen after closing. Addresses, operating status, and other details may be outdated or incorrect. Use this information at your own risk. If you spot an error, please contact us here, and we will do our best to update it promptly.
Closed Down Restaurants in Louisville, Kentucky
A farewell tour of the restaurants that once fed the Derby City.
Louisville’s food scene has always embraced change — from Southern staples to global cuisine. But every now and then, a place shuts its doors that meant more than just a meal. Whether it was your family’s Friday night spot or a go-to before a show downtown, these restaurants live on in memory.
Here’s a curated list of Louisville restaurants that have closed over the decades, organized by decade — newest at the top, oldest at the bottom.
2020s
The Back Door
Closed: 2024
A late-night legend. Known for cheap drinks and an eclectic, come-as-you-are vibe.
Rosette’s (Hotel Genevieve)
Closed: 2024
A chic, French-inspired restaurant that closed to make room for Byrdie’s — a Michelin-starred concept.
Harvey’s (Frankfort Ave.)
Closed: 2024
An Australian café and brunch hotspot that had developed a loyal following since 2019.
Nostalgic Restaurant & Cocktail House
Closed: 2024
With playful childhood-themed dishes and cocktails, this Bardstown Road concept was a fun experiment — and a short-lived one.
Joy Luck (East End location)
Closed: Early 2025
This Asian fusion spot served up dumplings, noodles, and bao for nearly a decade before closing its Von Allmen Court location.
Wendy’s (Multiple Locations)
Closed: 2024
Five Wendy’s across Louisville permanently shut down, including Dixie Hwy, Outer Loop, and Preston Hwy.
Old Chicago (9010 Taylorsville Rd)
Opened: 1998
Closed: 2022
Known for deep-dish pizza and a huge beer list, this Stonybrook-area location finally closed after a long run.
2000s
Chi-Chi’s (3664 Bardstown Rd)
Closed: 2000s
A favorite for Mexican-American cuisine, with chimichangas, sizzling fajitas, and frosty margaritas.
Chi-Chi’s (4466 Dixie Hwy, Shively)
Closed: 2000s
Another long-time staple of the west end. The chain’s U.S. locations eventually closed following national bankruptcy.
1990s
Chi-Chi’s (10430 Shelbyville Rd)
Opened: 1979
Closed: 1996
Buckhead Mountain Grill moved into the space in 1999, and it’s now a chicken wings restaurant.
3rd Avenue Café (Old Louisville)
Closed: Early 1990s
A cozy spot known for vegan-friendly fare — long gone but still missed by regulars.
1980s and Earlier
Blue Boar Cafeteria
Closed: 2003
A Southern classic, known for cafeteria-style dining. A staple for decades in the South and Midwest.
Casa Grisanti
Closed: 1990s
Once Louisville’s pinnacle of fine Italian dining. White tablecloths, tuxedoed waiters, and serious wine lists.
Hasenour’s
Closed: Late 20th century
A beloved German-American restaurant with comfort food and charm.
The Ground Round (233 Southland Dr)
Opened: 1974
Closed: Unknown
Now a fireplace store. Known for its popcorn appetizers and peanut-shell-covered floors.
Howard Johnson’s — Louisville Locations
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100 E Jefferson St – Now a Fairfield Inn
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4621 Shelbyville Rd – Now a bank
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Unspecified address – Passed through various businesses post-closure
These classic orange-roofed spots were once icons of roadside Americana, often serving both travelers and locals alike.
Other Closures
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Hooters (4948 Dixie Hwy) – Now permanently closed
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LaRosa’s Pizzeria (Outer Loop) – Opened briefly and shut down in 2024
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Frisch’s Big Boy (Multiple locations) – Slowly phased out across Louisville in recent years
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Lynn’s Paradise Café – Closed in 2013 after 22 years of quirky décor and hearty breakfast plates
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The Dame – A music venue and bar closed in 2008 to make way for redevelopment
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Red Coach Grill (Now Stanton Way Quality Inn) – A fine-dining destination in the mid-century era
Final Thoughts
From Chi-Chi’s to The Back Door, these were more than restaurants — they were hangouts, traditions, and tastebud time machines. Whether you went for Taco Tuesday, late-night wings, or Sunday brunch, these places helped shape Louisville’s food identity.
Got a memory or photo of one of these places?
Post it to ClosedDownRestaurants.com and help us remember the meals and memories that made Derby City delicious.
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