How Louisville’s Troll Pub Went From Flooded Ruins to a Must-Visit Restaurant

Several years ago, my family made the trek to Nashville to visit the newly opened Opry Mills and have dinner at the Rainforest Cafe. While it was an enjoyable experience, I felt the food, while tasty, did not live up to the atmosphere. The menu just wasn't that exciting. (By the way, I haven't been back, and things have had time to change.)

Troll Pub Under the Bridge

Atmosphere and ambiance are great. Excellent fare is greater. In Louisville, you usually get both, as it has become one of my favorite "foodie" cities and very seldom disappoints, no matter where I stop.

One location, which has roots that date back to the early 1800s, is the Troll Pub Under the Bridge. Sure enough, you are greeted by a troll as you enter, and it's underground.

The History of Troll Pub Under the Bridge

In 1834, there was no Troll Pub. But there was Louisville's iconic Galt House--the ORIGINAL Galt House. Thirty-one years later, in 1865, a fire destroyed the building. The location soon became the headquarters for the Louisville and Nashville Railroad.

In 1937, long after L&N had moved on, the historic flood of '37 filled the place with water. By 2010, after a long and varied history--the space was actually used as an artist's colony--a local investor saw the potential magic and transformed all the unique little rooms into an underground dining experience, which opened in October of 2011. And Louisville's isn't the only one. There's also a Troll Pub in Dayton, Ohio.

Once again, atmosphere is a huge asset, but you want what I want...a look at some menu items.

It all looks amazing. From the menu to the vibe, Troll Pub Under the Bridge seems like the perfect hangout. And don't forget your photo op with Louie the Troll.