Nulu: The Revitalized East Market District

Nulu, one of Louisville’s oldest, yet newly reawakening neighborhoods – and my personal favorite brunch locale.

Also known as the East Market District, Nulu is situated between downtown and the Highlands right along Market St. The East Market District earned its name in the 19th century as it became the center for retail and services in Louisville. Imagine hundreds of cows and pigs in route to the stock yard being corralled down Market street while you sort through apples at the local grocer or have your suit fit at the tailor. That was the scene in the 1800s and early 1900s.

Growth of commercial suburbs in the 1960s and 70s lead to economic and cultural decline on Market. The once bustling district became rundown and vacant, soon occupied by the homeless. It was federally classified as a “distressed area.”

Changes came in the early 2000s as local business owners saw the area’s potential to be revived and began pressuring the city to make changes. In 2007 Gill and Augusta Holland built The Green Building, Louisville’s first LEED-Platinum building, which served as a catalyst for further development of the area.

Now Nulu is home to art galleries, shops, and upscale (read down-right-good!) restaurants. And the once abandoned area is becoming a hotspot for young, upcoming professionals and families.
Stevie recently moved to back Louisville from Nashville and now calls Nulu home. The Nulu’s local BBQ restaurant, Feast, and bars like Garage Bar could give Nashville nightlife vibes a run for their money. Stevie and his dog, Maya, also enjoy the neighborhood’s charm and calm atmosphere during the day as they make their regular walk to Please & Thank You.
Please & Thank You claims to have “Louisville’s Best Chocolate Chip Cookie” and let me tell you, they aren’t lying! Next time you’re in Nulu it’s worth stopping in for a cookie and a cup of coffee, you won’t regret it.

And what would a post about Nulu be without a mention of Toast?

Don’t let the name deceive you, it’s not just crispy bread and bagels. From mediterranean omelets to lemon soufflé pancakes Toast has anything to suit your breakfast fancy. And they have a hash brown casserole to die for.  I haven’t tried a thing on the menu that I don’t like. Toast may just be my favorite restaurant in Louisville, and that’s saying something with all the great choices we have here.

Nulu, is the perfect mixture of downtown life and neighborhood charm. The recent surge of development in Nulu shows no signs of slowing down. As more of the historic buildings get restored into apartments, offices, restaurants, and shops the neighborhood will only continue to attract young professionals and families. Pretty soon it will be giving the Highlands a run for its money. You can play a part in this revitalization by visiting all of Nulu’s unique restaurants, quaint shops, and art galleries.

Want to further immerse yourself in Nulu? The neighborhood is hosting its 7th annual Nulu Festival on September 26th. They shut down the street and fill it with local food, craft beer, vendors, and live music for one big ‘ole block party. Don’t miss this opportunity to get to know Nulu a little better!