5 Louisville Stops on the Derby-Pie® Trail

At more than 25 restaurant locations across the Bluegrass State, diners can pick up a spoon and dig in for a bite of Kern’s Kitchen’s Derby-Pie® chocolate nut pie. The beloved confection is Kentucky’s most treasured dessert and, as the name might suggest, is the official pie of the Kentucky Derby Festival – a partnership that has been going strong since 1990.

Kentucky is one of the most scenic, culturally rich states in the United States…though we might be a little biased. One of the state’s top destinations for tourism, especially food and bourbon tourism, is Kern’s very own hometown of Louisville, KY. The River City is burgeoning with new concepts and exciting cuisines that offer locals and travelers endless options, but for us, there are five restaurants – especially their dessert menus – that we hold nearer and dearer to our hearts. Can you guess why?

Bristol Bar & Grille

Now, we might have cheated a little with the Bristol. We’re counting this as one spot on our list, but this legendary Highlands mainstay known for their classic American fare – and green chili wontons – has three locations across the city and that each proudly serve up slices of Derby-Pie®. We recommend ordering your slice a la mode with Bernoulli Tahitian Vanilla ice cream!

Blue Horse Restaurant & Bar at the Crowne Plaza

Coming to town for a quick business trip and need a great meal near the airport? The Blue Horse at the Crowne Plaza is your best bet. This comfortable, friendly hotel restaurant serves a variety of items from burgers and pastas, to craft cocktails or biscuits and gravy. Most important item on the menu? Derby-Pie®, of course.

The Brown Hotel

This historic Brown Hotel in downtown Louisville has hosted American presidents, foreign heads of state and celebrities from Elizabeth Taylor to Muhammad Ali. They’re most famous for creating another Kentucky food staple – the Hot Brown. Grab one for lunch at the Brown’s casual and airy J. Graham’s Café but be sure to save room at the end for a slice of Derby-Pie®.

Doc Crow’s

This southern-inspired smokehouse and raw bar nestled in the heart of downtown Louisville on historic Main Street is the perfect spot to grab a pre- or post-theater snack, or to enjoy a po’ boy and local beer after an event at the KFC Yum! Center. Our recommendation? Stop in to Doc Crow’s for a date over a platter of oysters on the half shell and a slice of Derby-Pie® with two spoons.

The Village Anchor

This atmospheric, rustic bistro-meets-pub in Louisville’s Middletown neighborhood is a local favorite for boozy brunches or romantic dinners with a menu that serves up southern-inspired, elevated comfort food. As always, the best way to end any meal at the Village Anchor is with a dessert for the table, or yourself – especially if it’s a piece of Derby-Pie®.

Are you craving a Derby-Pie® but not a Louisville local? Visit our online store – we’ll ship any of our desserts! If you are local to Kentucky, use our location tool to find a restaurant or retail store near you.