Of the numerous Irish Pubs along a certain block on Louisville's Baxter Avenue, O'Shea's is the godfather. It was the first to set up shop and remains among the liveliest. Revelers from all over town gather here on many a night for an atmosphere that includes live music and dancing, and a bar and kitchen serving up hot food and cold drinks. See website for live music schedule, menu, beer list and more.

For a taste of Philadelphia in Louisville, Spinelli's is the place. They make big glorious pizza pies, they make big glorious hoagies, they're open late, and they deliver. And if you choose to eat there, they've got a Burt Reynolds mural on the wall. That's reason enough to visit right there, so it only helps that the atmosphere is warm, the food is hot, and the beer is cold. See website for complete menu and ordering details.

The ambiance inside Za's is more New England than Old South, with it's dark, rich wood and cold stone floor. This makes it less suited to daytime dining (unless you sit outside) than happy hour beer and pizza, the former of which is dirt cheap with several varieties offered. Za's offers the usual Italian fare-pizza, calzone, subs, and salads-and also offers a great selection of toppings. There is live music here sometimes, and on those nights, the bar stays open later.

This all night diner is appropriately popular among late night crowds, including those getting off the third shift and those leaving after last call. It is noted more for its ambiance (Indian decor, hookahs) than for its food (a mix of classic American and Indian cuisine) but there are several tasty dishes to be had, especially the samosas. The decor walks a fine line between kitschy and decrepit and the servers walk a fine line between aloof and rude. But any way you slice it, there is something here for everyone.

This classic Sicilian pizzeria brings you all your Italian favorites, from pizza to lasagna, with some interesting new dishes to try like BBQ chicken pizza. Bearno's also serves a variety of salads, sandwiches, and appetizers for kids and adults alike, such as their "cheese stix." They often post coupons on their website, so be sure to look for them before you make a trip to one of their Louisville locations.

La Bamba is renowned in Louisville for serving "burritos bigger than your head" and while they don't literally reach these proportions, they come awfully close. One burrito could feed two or three people. The exterior of La Bamba resembles a revamped fast food joint, but diners say that even though the food is served fast, it doesn't taste like fast food. The food is authentically Mexican and La Bamba is open late, so it's a popular place for bar hoppers to check out after last call.

Wick's is an independently-operated Louisville establishment serving appetizers, salads, pasta, sandwiches, desserts, and of course award-winning pizzas. Listen to a variety of live music gigs at Wick's, or watch the big game and take advantage of game-day discounts. Don't forget to check out their list of over 60 beers and 75 blended drinks for something to wash down that slice of cheesy goodness.

Though Sapporo is known for its sushi, the menu varies between many types of authentic Japanese cuisine. Appetizers, soups, tempura, tataki, noodles, salads, desserts, fried rice, and teriyaki dishes, along with the entertainment of their Hibachi grill, represent the variety of a meal at Sapporo. They also offer monthly sushi classes and Make-Your-Own-Sushi on Monday and Tuesday nights.

For over 20 years, Mark's Feed Store has been serving Kentucky style barbecue, slathered with its famous secret sauces. These sauces represent many hours of honing the mixture to perfection, and the management is so serious about guarding its secrecy that the recipe is kept in a locked vault. Nevertheless, this winner of the American Royal International Sauce Contest is sold in retail bottles and even served on Papa John's pizzas worldwide. Genuine hospitality and real Southern cooking (with menu items like sweet fried corn and homemade buttermilk pie) keep customers coming back to this Louisville favorite.

Avalon's fresh and contemporary menu features items like their shrimp bisque, pan-seared Chilean sea bass, and brioche bread pudding for dessert. Don't forget to check out their Sunday tapas and sangria, as well as a reverse happy hour featuring discounted drinks and appetizers the last hour before closing each evening. The option of outdoor seating affords guests a pleasant patio atmosphere to enjoy their meal.