Whatsa wacataka? Galaxie, a watering hole in Louisville’s hip, artsy NuLu neighborhood (it stands for “New Louisville”), has made wacatakas the centerpiece of the menu, swapping the tortilla for a more substantial flatbread in a range of globally inspired taco riffs. The flavor-forward fillings include options like spinach saag with crispy potato, amped up with green curry, ginger and feta, or the hoisin BBQ with arugula, za’atar and pickled red onion.

While known for their margaritas, the bartender informed us that the refreshing and on-trend ranch water cocktail, made the classic way with tequila, lime juice and Topo Chico, has been a hit with customers.

 
You may think you know Louisville: lots of bourbon and pimento cheese, plenty of mint juleps, and the home of Colonel Sanders, right? But a visit to this thriving all-American city reveals a food scene that has evolved and modernized, with chefs like Edward Lee and Sara Bradley combining the city and region’s storied heritage with new, often globally inspired flavors.