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Where To Eat Along The Ohio In Louisville

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A main reason for Louisville's existence (and, especially in 1937, for much of its destruction) is the Ohio River. But while the city and its suburbs are shaped by the river, there aren't too many restaurants where one can get a good meal and a sense of the Mighty Ohio. As the weather grows pleasant and offers more opportunities for outdoor dining, Eater put together a map of places on both sides of the river where one might enjoy a bit of water with a meal. Any additions, attitudes or errors will be graciously accepted in the comments section.



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Mike Linnigs

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Since 1925 this family-run fish palace has been heaping generous portions of fried fish, shrimp, frog legs, pan-fried oysters, turtle soup, chicken and onion rings right along the banks of the Ohio River (though the river can be seen only by climbing the protective flood wall). Sit at a picnic table or in a screened "cabana" and enjoy some true Louisville fried seafood action. [Photo: Facebook]

RIVUE Restaurant & Lounge

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One of the best views of the river can be had from this rotating restaurant atop the garish Galt House hotel. While the rotation will take away the view some of the time, diners can follow the Ohio as it bends around the city for a good chunk of any cycle. That's possibly why "RIVUE ranks in the Top 5 Revolving Restaurants in the U.S.," according to the restaurant's website. [Photo: Facebook]

Joe's Crab Shack

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This Houston-based chain has an incredible deck overlooking Waterfront Park and the Ohio river, and along with seafood and American fare sells t-shirts with possibly the worst pick-up line ever: "Got Crabs?"

Rocky's Italian Grill

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Excellent views of Louisville's bridges and skyline can be enjoyed along with Italian-American fare at this venerable Jeffersonville joint. [Photo: Facebook]

Buckhead Mountain Grill

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This "family friendly" Jeffersonville spot combines "a comfortable and relaxed mountain lodge atmosphere" with beer, food such as "our famous Cheese Boulders" and an expansive outdoor deck overlooking the river. [Photo: Yelp]

Cluckers

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This chicken-centric establishment features chicken wings, chicken wraps, chicken burgers and more. It also has cocktails (etymologically related to chickens) and access to Ohio River breezes. [Photo: Yelp]

Bristol Bar & Grille

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The Jeffersonville Sheraton Hotel version of this Louisville mini-chain offers brunches, Bristol burgers and a nice way to enjoy the river. [Photo: Urbanspoon]

Tumbleweed Tex Mex Grill

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This River Road "Tex-Mex grill and margarita bar" has a great view of the Ohio, and possibly a few Elton John CDs around. (The chain's name was "borrowed" from the artist's 1975 "Tumbleweed Connection" album.) [Photo: Yelp]

KingFish

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Boom Boom Shrimp, fried seafood platters, craft beer and more can be taken right down to the edge of the Ohio—or you can just sit on a picnic table. [Photo: Kingfish]

Cunningham's Creekside

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While not quite on the Ohio, this seafood and burger shack sits over a broad, flat part of Harrods Creek that might as well be the river. [Photo: Facebook]

Captain's Quarters Riverside Grille

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What began as a tavern for Falls of the Ohio-wary flatboat crews has evolved into a yacht-serving, spacious seafood-and-steak place on Harrods Creek right before it joins the Ohio. [Photo: Facebook]

Mike Linnigs

Since 1925 this family-run fish palace has been heaping generous portions of fried fish, shrimp, frog legs, pan-fried oysters, turtle soup, chicken and onion rings right along the banks of the Ohio River (though the river can be seen only by climbing the protective flood wall). Sit at a picnic table or in a screened "cabana" and enjoy some true Louisville fried seafood action. [Photo: Facebook]

RIVUE Restaurant & Lounge

One of the best views of the river can be had from this rotating restaurant atop the garish Galt House hotel. While the rotation will take away the view some of the time, diners can follow the Ohio as it bends around the city for a good chunk of any cycle. That's possibly why "RIVUE ranks in the Top 5 Revolving Restaurants in the U.S.," according to the restaurant's website. [Photo: Facebook]

Joe's Crab Shack

This Houston-based chain has an incredible deck overlooking Waterfront Park and the Ohio river, and along with seafood and American fare sells t-shirts with possibly the worst pick-up line ever: "Got Crabs?"

Rocky's Italian Grill

Excellent views of Louisville's bridges and skyline can be enjoyed along with Italian-American fare at this venerable Jeffersonville joint. [Photo: Facebook]

Buckhead Mountain Grill

This "family friendly" Jeffersonville spot combines "a comfortable and relaxed mountain lodge atmosphere" with beer, food such as "our famous Cheese Boulders" and an expansive outdoor deck overlooking the river. [Photo: Yelp]

Cluckers

This chicken-centric establishment features chicken wings, chicken wraps, chicken burgers and more. It also has cocktails (etymologically related to chickens) and access to Ohio River breezes. [Photo: Yelp]

Bristol Bar & Grille

The Jeffersonville Sheraton Hotel version of this Louisville mini-chain offers brunches, Bristol burgers and a nice way to enjoy the river. [Photo: Urbanspoon]

Tumbleweed Tex Mex Grill

This River Road "Tex-Mex grill and margarita bar" has a great view of the Ohio, and possibly a few Elton John CDs around. (The chain's name was "borrowed" from the artist's 1975 "Tumbleweed Connection" album.) [Photo: Yelp]

KingFish

Boom Boom Shrimp, fried seafood platters, craft beer and more can be taken right down to the edge of the Ohio—or you can just sit on a picnic table. [Photo: Kingfish]

Cunningham's Creekside

While not quite on the Ohio, this seafood and burger shack sits over a broad, flat part of Harrods Creek that might as well be the river. [Photo: Facebook]

Captain's Quarters Riverside Grille

What began as a tavern for Falls of the Ohio-wary flatboat crews has evolved into a yacht-serving, spacious seafood-and-steak place on Harrods Creek right before it joins the Ohio. [Photo: Facebook]