Welcome to this extensive 3-city food allergy guide covering Louisville, KY, Lexington, KY, and Cincinnati, OH! As an adult with a life-threatening peanut allergy, here I share my personal experiences and insights and where I typically trust eating out, in hopes this will help anyone in the area or traveling to the area with dietary restrictions and/or food allergies.

Living in Louisville, KY, I have discovered a number of trusted spots where I can safely dine out despite my anaphylactic peanut allergy and multiple food intolerances. Additionally, my frequent visits to Cincinnati, OH for social outings and events have led me to uncover a number of food allergy-friendly establishments & fun spots in the Cincinnati-Northern Kentucky area. It’s the same with Lexington, KY, which is the same distance from Louisville and Cincinnati, about 1 hour and 20 minutes from both.

I hope that with this list of restaurants and bakeries, you may be able to enjoy eating out while in one of these three fun & vibrant cities, conveniently located within a 1 hour and 30-minute distance from each other. As always, please contact each place before you go, and ask the necessary questions you have regarding your food allergy. I say this because everyone’s allergies are different and things change often at places like restaurants. I do the same thing by emailing each place, or looking at their website FAQs before I eat there.

If you need suggestions of other things to do while in Louisville, Lexington and/or Cincinnati, I’ve got you covered below for those details, too. Enjoy!! I truly love these cities! They’re all beautiful in their own ways.

Louisville, KY

I’ve lived in Louisville most of my life, and have really grown to love it here as an adult. I feel lucky to have a variety of spots I feel comfortable eating out. Still, of course, it’s never a guarantee that there’s zero risk of an allergic reaction or anaphylaxis, there IS a risk when eating out at places that aren’t certified allergy-free. I combat this by speaking to the staff and/or chef each time via email before I eat out, and then I assess the risk level and decide whether I’m comfortable eating there. I always, always, have my epinephrine and Benadryl on hand, too.

Annie Mays Sweet Cafe

Website: https://www.anniemayssweetcafe.com/

UPDATE: Annie May operates as a home bakery in Louisville, but no longer will be a Top 14 free dedicated facility. You can find what she’s up to here on her Instagram, and what her new allergy accommodations are.

The food allergy community here is so lucky to have Annie Mays. Find her Farmers Market schedule on her website and visit her, you won’t regret it.

Osaka

Address: 2039 Frankfort Ave, Louisville, KY 40206

Website: https://www.facebook.com/OsakaJapaneseLouisville/

A great spot for a bite of sushi! I love the ambiance in here, it has a more casual vibe compared to Sapporo below, but just as great quality. This area is wonderful for shopping and strolling, too.

Sapporo

Address: 1706 Bardstown Rd, Louisville, KY 40205

Website: https://www.sapporolouisville.com/

Sapporo Bar & Grill has delicious sushi, can be a fancy or casual atmosphere, and it’s in a great area of town for walking & window shopping before or after your meal. I’ve been going here since the 2000s with a friend of mine with a shellfish allergy, and when I speak to the kitchen over the phone, they haven’t used peanut ingredients and are knowledgeable, and take allergies seriously. The main downside is I can’t ever reach them in writing, which is typically my main contact preference to discuss my allergy.

Sarino

Address: 1030 Goss Ave, Louisville, KY 40217

Website: https://sarinolouisville.com/

Sarino has been my go-to spot for years now! The chef is super transparent and easy to get in touch with via email. Their gluten-free pizza is great & same with their salads!

Blaze Pizza

Address: 4848 Shelbyville Road, Louisville, KY 40207

Website: https://www.blazepizza.com/location/blaze-pizza-louisville/menu

Blaze Pizza is a chain around the US, owned by different franchise owners. I have been so impressed by the allergen info on their website. Not to mention, their pizza and salads are delicious! I’ve not tried their desserts, as those come from a facility with my allergens, but don’t contain my allergens directly.

The Eagle

Address: 1314 Bardstown Rd Louisville, KY 40204 

Website:https://www.eaglerestaurant.com/

A food and beer hall that is responsive via email and Instagram regarding their kitchen allergens. Last I checked, no peanut ingredients in use at all in their kitchen. Check all their locations out, they have a couple in Louisville and about 6 total across the US.

Elderberry Provisions

Address: 3909 Chenoweth Square, Louisville, KY 40207

Website: https://www.elderberryprovisions.com/

When I reached out to Elderberry Provisions on their Instagram, I was surprised to find a sandwich shop and bakery that doesn’t use tree nuts or peanuts. I have another friend with a tree nut allergy who eats here regularly and told me about it! Reach out before going to find out more, but I highly suggest this cute spot known for its sandwiches and sweet and savory bakery items. They’re open for both lunch and dinner.

Muscle & Burger Bar

Address: 113 S 7th St, Louisville, KY 40202

Website: https://www.mussel-burger-bar.com/

Muscle & Burger Bar may seem like a funny suggestion from someone that is vegetarian, but they have a great selection of meat/fish but also many vegetarian options! I’ve been going here safely for over a decade! There are two locations in Louisville, and I’ve eaten comfortably at both! The downtown location is more of a date-night spot, in my opinion, and the J-town location is more of a casual vibe! If you’re at the Downtown location, be sure to pop into the 21c Museum & Hotel for their art exhibits.

Ten20 & MozzaPi

Address: 1020 E. Washington St. Louisville, KY 40206

Website: https://www.ten20brewery.com/,https://www.mozzapi.com/

A great venue for large parties! MozzaPi I’ll email with every so often, and they do not use peanut ingredients, but of course, check for yourself (like all of these restaurants!) I love their pizza and the beers and drinks at Ten20 are 10/10 if you can have them!

Ciao

Address: 1201 Payne St, Louisville, KY 40204

Website: https://www.ciaolouisville.com/

Always yummy! It’s a great spot to consider, I always email them in advance about their allergens in the kitchen.

Parlour

Address: 2636 Frankfort Ave, Louisville, KY 40206

Website: https://www.eatparlourpizza.com/

There are 5 locations in the Louisville area, which is amazing! Parlour is known for their pizza & pints, but I have been thoroughly impressed by their food every time I’ve had it, and my non-allergic husband and friends say the same! I email them before going, but they always have kept a consistent menu between their locations as far as they’ve let me know when I’m writing this. My friend had her wedding reception dinner at this Frankfort Ave location, and it was lovely! I highly recommend checking out any of their spots around town. Their gluten-free pizza is incredibly flaky and delicious, unlike any other pizza dough I’ve had!

The Post

Address: 1045 Goss Ave, Louisville, KY 40217 & 1759 Bardstown Rd, Louisville, KY 40205

Website: http://www.thepostlouisville.com/

The Post is a well-known NY-style pizza and drinks spot in Louisville’s Germantown neighborhood. This is the area I live in, and I love coming here and getting their $3 slice! While they do sell Louisville Creamery Ice Cream in small pints for customers to take home, I’ve never seen anyone eating one there (or even buying it) and it seems like a very rare occasion. They do not use peanut ingredients in the kitchen, but I always check before going as they have rotating monthly specials.

Volare

Address: 2300 Frankfort Ave, Louisville, KY 40206

Website: https://volare-restaurant.com/

Volare is an upscale spot in Louisville in a hip and trendy area, and this is where I safely had my wedding reception dinner in 2016! I will say, they didn’t use peanut ingredients for many years, and now they suddenly do and added it to their dessert menu. I don’t go there now, but depending on your allergens and needs, they’re a great place to email and to talk to the chef!

Drake’s Sports Bar

Address: 3939 Shelbyville Rd #101, Louisville, KY 40207

Website: https://drakescomeplay.com/locations/drakes-st-matthews/

Drake’s Sports Bar is a great spot for trivia nights, drinks with friends, and bar food. I actually had my 10-year High School reunion here at their Shelbyville Rd location, and they’re very transparent via email about the allergens they use. They have another location in the East end of town in a large outdoor shopping promenade, I haven’t been, but I imagine it’s a great location as well!

Darlings

Address: 1765 Bardstown Rd, Louisville, KY 40205

Website: https://www.darlingsbar.com/

Darling’s Bar is an intimate Art Nouveau-styled cocktail bar with a variety of spirits and drinks on the menu. They do not serve food but are next door to the smaller location of The Post (another spot mentioned here!) I really love the vibe in here and have never gotten a wine or drink off the menu I didn’t like. If Darling’s is too busy, hop over 2 buildings down to Pivor Brewing (also on the list!) for a drink!

Biscuit Belly

Address: 900 E Main St #101, Louisville, KY 40206

Website: https://biscuitbelly.com/

There are 3 locations of Biscuit Belly in Louisville, and this is the main brunch spot I’d suggest to someone with allergies! Brunch spots are hard to come by! I will email them about all 3 locations before going, in the past they’ve been very transparent with me about allergens used in the kitchens.

Gralehaus

Address: 1001 Baxter Avenue. Louisville, KY 40204

Website: https://www.thegrales.com/gralehaus

Gralehaus is a hip vibe in the Highlands of Louisville, and a fun brunch location to check out if you can! I’ve stayed in their Bed & Breakfast before, but you do need to email in advance to check what’s on their menu because it can change quite often. The brewery attached, Holy Grale used to not use peanuts, but over the past few years they have consistently had peanut ingredients in a sauce on the menu, so I’ve avoided going recently. Gralehaus is more of a brunch setting, whereas Holy Grale is mainly for dinner and has an extensive beer selection.

Havana Rumba & Mohitos Tapas

Address: 2210 Bardstown Rd, Louisville, KY 40205

Website: https://www.havanarumbaonline.com/

Havana Rumba has four locations around Louisville, but I most consistently go to their Bardstown Rd location. I’ve emailed them about all of their restaurants, which include Havana Rumba, Mojito Tapas, and Mojito in Havana. They get back to me about not using peanut oil or peanut ingredients, but there is a bit of a language barrier so keep that in mind and of course, only eat if you feel safe doing so.

Sharetea

Address: 3333 Bardstown Rd Suite 5, Louisville, KY 40218 & 13210 Shelbyville Rd, Louisville, KY 40223

Website: https://www.facebook.com/sharetealouisville/

Sharetea has franchise locations all across the country, and I’ve been to the Louisville locations, as well as the D.C. locations! I absolutely love boba tea, but it’s hard to find without toppings including nuts and peanuts, and that’s where I’m so thankful for Sharetea! Even with my cane sugar intolerance, I can get honey as a sweetener. I always speak to them when I go in person, but they have never used peanut ingredients in-house whenever I’ve asked. The Bardstown Rd location is walk-in only for the most part, but the Shelbyville Rd location is spacious and has more of a sit-down vibe!

West Sixth Brewing

Address: 817 E. Market St Louisville, KY, 40206

Website: https://www.westsixth.com/#visit-section

This brewery is in a little hidden gem part of NuLu! They do not have food, but people may bring it, however, it’s a mostly outdoor area! I feel comfortable, but I do usually wipe my seats down (as I do in many places!) I check if they use any peanut ingredients before going, but they never have when I’ve inquired!

Phillys Best Frozen Desserts

Address: 307 Wallace Ave Louisville, KY, 40207

Website: https://phillydesserts.com/

Sold in stores around Louisville & with a permanent location and traveling truck, this is dairy-free, nut-free, soy-free, and vegan-friendly ice cream and Italian water ice! It’s delicious and you can email or Instagram them to learn about allergens.

South Seas

Address: 1301 Story Ave, Louisville, Kentucky, 40206

Website: https://www.facebook.com/SouthSeasTiki/

I’m so happy I found this super fun spot in Louisville! It can be a tiki bar with an epic putt-putt minigolf place if that’s your vibe, or just a nice sit-down restaurant for the family. I highly suggest coming here and giving their food a try.

The Grape Leaf

Address: 2217 Frankfort Avenue Louisville, Kentucky 40206

Website: https://www.grapeleafonline.com/

If you like Mediterranean Cuisine, check out The Grape Leaf, it’s been a staple in Louisville for as long as I can remember! I recently contacted them to make sure no peanut ingredients were in-use, and to find out about anything gluten-free on the menu, and they were super clear and helpful. They have brunch, lunch, and dinner.

Noble Funk Brewery

Address: 922 S 2nd St. Louisville, KY 40203 

Website: https://noblefunk.com/

Noble Funk is a super cool, HUGE space in Louisville that can accommodate anyone, from big parties to smaller gatherings. You can also go in and feel comfortable sitting at the bar, outside, or at a small table indoors, or go with a large group and still feel comfortable. I recently hosted a family gathering here, which Noble Funk catered, and it went super smoothly with my allergy accommodations. I do regularly check in with them on both their kitchen menu and catering menu, but so far so good in terms of no peanut ingredients being used.

Bar Vetti

Address: 727 E Market St, Louisville, KY 40202

Website: https://barvetti.com/

I recently asked my coworkers, friends, and family what their favorite spots to eat in Louisville were, to try to expand my “safe” restaurant list and to contact places to see about the peanut situation. I only include spots on any of my food allergy guides that I like, and I won’t include restaurants or bars where I haven’t enjoyed the experience or food. If I do have a good or bad experience, I do try to always notate it in the Spokin app to help others. Overwhelmingly everyone I knew said I needed to contact Bar Vetti! It’s an upscale Italian dining experience that’s a must try if you can eat here. Enjoy!

Pizza Lupo

Address: 1540 Frankfort Ave, Louisville Kentucky 40404

Website: https://www.pizzalupo.com/

Speaking of incredible Italian food, Pizza Lupo is the other spot that came up repeatedly when I asked friends and family about their top dining spots in Louisville. I’ve always wanted to go here, my husband dines here often without me with friends or coworkers, and I emailed them and learned they do not currently use anything in their kitchen with peanut ingredients at all and they were super friendly and transparent about it. I will continue emailing, as I do with every place, but am thrilled to be able to list them on my blog for now! Shoot Lupo an email or Instagram DM to see if their menu may work for you.

MeeshMeesh Mediterranean

Address: 636 E Market St, Louisville, KY 40202

Website: https://meeshmeesh.com/

Some of the best food I’ve ever had! Which makes sense, as this is a 2025 James Beard Nominated restaurant. You can go in and see if they have availability, but I make it a habit to check their reservations often! I email with them regularly around peanuts and they have not used any whenever I’ve asked. However, they do use tree nuts. They do ask if anyone has allergens (unprompted, which is so nice!) when you go in and save it to your “profile” and are extremely allergen-transparent. Chef Noam Bilitzer is caring and talented, celebrating his Levantine roots in his food.

Mayan Cafe

Address: 813 E Market St, Louisville, KY 40206

Website: https://themayancafe.com/

It’s always a treat eating here! They have used peanuts in the past when I asked, but not in many years now. I love coming in for a meal, and knowing that they do a lot of catering around town for events, weddings, etc. Email with them about any allergen questions or concerns you have, and I’m sure they will get back to you transparently. You won’t be disappointed by this authentic Mayan cuisine.

Cincinnati, OH

Cherbourg Cyprus

Address: 1804 Race St, Cincinnati, OH 45202

Website: https://www.besweetcherbourg.com/cincinnati

Located across from the historic Findlay Market, Cherbourg Cyprus is a dedicated gluten-free and nut-free bakery. Read their “About” section to learn more about their story, business name, and bakers! In addition to the Cincinnati location, they have a Bexley, Ohio location. They’re very allergy-aware, so if you have questions, they can answer them!

The Whole Bowl

Address: 364 Ludlow Ave, Cincinnati, OH 45220

Website: https://thewholebowl.com/

Funnily enough, I found out about The Whole Bowl while on vacation in Portland, Oregon! A family member of mine in Oregon loves their food, and when I reached out, I saw they had a Cincinnati location in addition to their 2 Oregon locations. There is no indoor space, it’s mostly pick-up or an outdoor table or two, but their small selection of food is delicious!

Incline Public House

Address: 2601 W 8th St, Cincinnati, OH 45204

Website: https://inclinepublichouse.com/

If you’re into history, river views, or both, this is the place for you! Not to mention, their food is delicious! I used to eat here regularly, and no longer do, as they told me many of their ingredients are in facilities with peanuts. I know that’s likely the case with eating out, but I’ve avoided it since. However, it is such a dreamy spot that I had to add it to the list in case their menu may work for you! They’re easy to email and transparent about the kitchen.

Moerlein Lager House Restaraunt & Brewery

Address: 115 Joe Nuxhall Way Cincinnati, OH 45202

Website: https://www.moerleinlagerhouse.com/

Moerlein Lager House is an excellent location in Cincinnati, right near the Smale Riverfront Park, music venues, and sports games. They are easy to email about allergens and their kitchen is transparent. Fun fact: you can see the John A. Roebling suspension bridge from here, which served as the engineering prototype for the Brooklyn Bridge- so it’s a smaller version! Good drinks, a stunning location, and yummy bar food!

Jungle Jim’s International Market

Address: 4450 Eastgate S Dr, Cincinnati, OH 45245

Website: https://junglejims.com/

This isn’t a place I’ve ever eaten at in-store, but that I’ve shopped at many times! They have an extensive international food selection, and based on the better food labeling laws in the EU I’ve talked about, as well as more comprehensive laws in Canada and Australia, I love to check out the different products that may be safe for me and made in a facility without my allergen. Give Jungle Jim’s a try if you’re in the area!

Maple Street Biscuit Company

Address: 6785 Houston Rd #400, Florence, KY 41042

Website: https://www.maplestreetbiscuits.com/

Less than 20 minutes from Downtown Cincinnati is a location of Maple Street Biscuit Company worth checking out if it’s safe for you! I try to find these when I travel because they’re always a favorite brunch spot of mine!

Lexington, KY

Blaze Pizza

Address: 4049 Finn Way, Lexington KY 40517

Website: https://locations.blazepizza.com/kentucky/lexington

Blaze Pizza is a chain around the US, owned by different franchise owners. I have been so impressed by the allergen info on their website. Not to mention, their pizza and salads are delicious! I’ve not tried their desserts, as those come from a facility with my allergens, but don’t contain my allergens directly. This Lexington location has been a staple for me whenever I’m in town!

Pearl’s Pizza

Address: 133 N Limestone, Lexington, KY 40507

Website: https://www.pearlspizzapie.com/

This spot is in the heart of Downtown so if you’re seeing a show, such as the theater, a comedy, sports game, music venue, etc. this may be nearby! While they do specialize in bagels and pizza, they have many options and an extensive drink list. The vibe in here is so fun! It’s near 21C which is always a fun spot to stop in, too- especially the Lexington location, it’s gorgeous!

Maple Street Biscuit Company

Address: 2270 Nicholasville Rd Suite 120, Lexington, KY 40503

Website: https://www.maplestreetbiscuits.com/

In addition to the location in Florence, KY, there’s a prime location of Maple Street Biscuit Company in Lexington! Their vegetarian biscuits and gravy are great, and I also like their skillet hash potatoes and iced cinnamon buns!

Happy Eating & Safe Travels!

I hope this guide is helpful if you’re in the area! I wanted to quickly mention Chipotle & Taco Bell as possible options as well, as they both post their allergen menus online with nutritional information and cross-contact information.

One place I haven’t been to personally, because they use peanut ingredients, is the Sleepy Bee Cafe in Cincinnati. However, I’ve heard they’re very allergy-conscious, knowledgable, inclusive, and treat their employees very well, so they may be a spot to look into as well!

Looking For Things To Do?

Here’s a list of non-food suggestions if you’re in the Louisville, Lexington, or Cincinnati area!

Favorite Places in Louisville

• Explore Cherokee Park
• 21C Museum
• KMAC Museum
• Explore Victorian Old Louisville & Central Park
• Speed Art Museum & Theater
• Walk, Hike, or Bike The Parklands
• The Big Four Bridge
• Louisville Nature Center Programming & Exploring
• Yew Dell Botanical Gardens
• Drag Performance @ Play Louisville
• Bernheim Forest Programming & Exploring
• Cave Hill Cemetary

Favorite Places in Cincinnati

• Cincinnati Art Museum & Eden Park
• See A Performance @ Seasongood Pavilion in Eden Park
• Krohn Conservatory
• Taft Museum of Art
• Smale Riverfront Park
• National Underground Railroad Freedom Center
• Rookwood Pottery Tour
• Shopping Near Findlay Market
• ArtWorks Mural Tour
• Walk the Purple People Bridge 

Favorite Places in Lexington

• The Void Sake Brewery & Bar
  •  Check if they have your allergens before going, they do occasionally have a food truck with peanuts, unfortunately! However, it’s an incredible sake brewery if you enjoy sake, and they do not make food inside.
• Keeneland
• 21C Lexington Hotel & Art Gallery
• The Lexington Cemetary (Check if the cherry blossoms are in bloom!)
• Rupp Arena Events
• Raven Run Nature Sanctuary
• Shaker Village of Pleasant Hill

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