Rudyard Kipling

Louisville, United States

4.4

21 reviews

Accepts Credit Cards
Free Wi-Fi

Contacts

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Telephone:
+1 502-636-1311
Website:
www.therudyardkipling.com
Address:
422 W Oak St, Louisville, KY, 40203
Old Louisville
Nearby public transportation stops & stations:
1.2 miLouisville Union Depot
1.4 miMegabus Stop Louisville
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Bussiness info

Takes Reservations
Yes
Delivery
Yes
Take-out
Yes
Accepts Credit Cards
Yes
Accepts Bitcoin
Yes
Good For
Brunch
Parking
Street
Bike Parking
Yes
Wheelchair Accessible
Yes
Good for Kids
Yes
Good for Groups
Yes
Attire
Casual
Ambience
Hipster
Noise Level
Average
Music
Live
Good For Dancing
Yes
Alcohol
Full Bar
Happy Hour
Yes
Best Nights
Fri, Sat
Coat Check
No
Smoking
Outdoor Area/ Patio Only
Outdoor Seating
Yes
Wi-Fi
Free
Has TV
Yes
Waiter Service
Yes
Caters
Yes

Today

Today –
Local time (Louisville) 09:09 Monday, 30 June 2025

Business hours

Monday –
Tuesday –
Wednesday –
Thursday –
Friday –
Saturday –
Sunday –

Description

Specialties

One of Louisville’s oldest and most intimate live music venues. The former Germantown staple, That Place On Goss, has landed at The Rudyard Kipling in historic Old Louisville. Offering live music, dinner, a full bar, catering and Sunday brunch.

History

Established in 1980.

AKA The Motherlodge, from a poem by that name by Rudyard Kipling, celebrating a pub in colonial India where soldiers and every variety of men chatted and smiled, viewing each other with warmth and respect.

Offering food, drink and live music…

Located in an historic old home on Oak Street where Temple Bodley cherished letters of the George Rogers Clark family, where from the second floor the Stites family watched boats ply Oak Street in 1937, «The Rud» preserves old brick, art glass, woodwork, and traditional Kentucky recipes blended with new music, theatre, warmth and welcome.

We want to be your «great good place» offering a variety of music, food and drink in an place that you will be comforted and refreshed in body and spirit.

Former owners of «That Place» On Goss in Germantown, Amy and William Enix offer an affordable, made from scratch menu for dinner and Sunday brunch.

Meet the Business Owner

William Amy E.

Business Owner

After out growing their space at Mellwood Café & Catering, Amy & William took on a new name at their new larger location in Germantown as That Place On Goss. After a successful two year run, their building was being repurposed and they were on the look once again for a new location. The Rudyard Kipling is were they landed ! Continuing to operate The Rud as founders Ken and Sheila Pyle had always as «your great good place for food and live music», William and Amy are here to continue the tradition. Updating the menu with their own creations as well as inheriting Ken and Sheila’s burgoo and whole wheat pizzas, they have added their own flavor and spirit to the traditional Rudyard Kipling that Louisville has always embraced.

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Nearby

Near this location:
40
ft
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418 W Oak St
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The Rudyard Kipling 422 W. Oak Street
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431 W Oak St
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21 reviews of Rudyard Kipling

No registration required
Place rating: 4
Louisville, KY
The Rud has been as much an art gallery as a bar and restaurant for years. I remember watching some «experimental» music bands in the late 1990s, something that not many venues would put up with. But that’s pretty much standard fare here, and the place is better for it.
I was recently introduced to the Sunday brunch buffet — I’d normally treated the venue as a bar and music scene, which I thoroughly enjoyed — but the brunch is excellent. I don’t know if the hot-​brown shows up every time, and I expect the almond honey brie doesn’t show up every time but if those are a good representation of the average Sunday brunch then I’m going to be going back frequently.
Keep an eye out for a good local band, or just stop by for the painting of a gorilla holding a popsicle there’s always something fun and exciting going on here!
Place rating: 4
Frankfort, KY
Delicious brunch, made to order omelettes, fritatta, hot brown casserole, fresh salads, tasty waffles, Nord’s Bakery donuts, fried chicken, lots more stuff. Great quality and a great deal for the price (I think $ 14.95?)
We will be back!
Place rating: 5
Louisville, KY
*Read to the tune of «I Want To Be Like You» from Disney’s The Jungle Book*
Now, I was really hungry, whoa…
My belly was screaming.
I looked on Unilocal to get some help,
To see where I might get some eats.
«I want to be filled, Unilocal app,
With some delicious food.»
And Unilocal app said, «I’ve got you man.
Just head down to the Rud.»
Ooh-​be-​doo!
I loved this foo-​oo-​ood!
I loved the pastry foods, and savory foods too!
You see it’s true!
A man like me-​ee-​ee…
Can get his fill
From the Ru-​uu-​ud!
*Trumpet solo from one of the live musicians they have at the Rud*
Now, I won’t try to kid you, Unilocaler…
I’ll share some info with you.
If you desire a Sunday Brunch to admire…
The Rud will make your dream come true.
They have a great selection, my friend,
Of bacon, sausage, and ham…
Hot Brown casserole, and if you didn’t know…
A specialized omelet stand.
Yoo-​hoo-​hoo!
They have Nord’s desserts too-​hoo-​hoo
And a working bar,
If alcohol you choose!
You see it’s true-​ue-​ue…
Someone like me-​ee-​ee
Can get their fill
At somewhere like the Rud!
Take me to the Rud, Daddy!
Can eat a great brunch at someplace like the Rud!
One more time…
Yeah! Get yourself over to the Rud this Sunday!
Place rating: 4
Sellersburg, IN
Only been here for the Sunday brunch but man I have not shut up about it since. They have an omelette chef, pastries from Nord’s Bakery and hot food including hot brown casserole (UNF!) biscuits and gravy, grits, waffles, sausage ham AND bacon (the trifecta) and a vegetarian egg casserole. Plus some fresh fruit! Add a Bloody Mary and you have the perfect hangover cure.
Place rating: 4
Monterey, CA
This place is great for brunch. Their Southern food options are eclectic and yummy! Their coffee isn’t super so I would recommend a mimosa or Bloody Mary instead.
Place rating: 5
Louisville, KY
With new ownership comes new energy… if you have not been, put it on your ‘to do’ list. The sunday brunch is outstanding, especially the hot brown casserole! But even during the week you can grab a tasty dinner, I recommend «the billy» beer cheese sandwich. And try the pickles… just try them…2 words, home made.
Place rating: 4
Manhattan, NY
Finally had the chance to try the Sunday brunch. Came early around 10:30 and got right in. We were a party of 4 plus a baby. We asked to be sat near the music down in the bar area. We enjoyed the buffet which included the famous hot brown casserole, cheesy grits, chocolate chip as well as the bacon waffles, fried chicken, blue cheese slaw, bread pudding, quiche, bacon/​sausage links/​ham, biscuits and gravy, chili, baked brie, asparagus, pasta salad, chicken salad, fresh fruit, omelet station and a huge dessert table that inlcuded many items from the local Nord’s Bakery. We had a spicy Bloody Mary and coffees. Our service was great and all the staff that helped us were very friendly. The owners father came over to our table to check on us too, he was so nice and thankful we were there. He said the last 8 weeks there had been a long wait with the after church crowd so get here early for a great brunch for a great price, $ 12.99 for adults, 8.99 for kids.
Place rating: 4
Louisville, KY
Had our first opportunity since this revered gathering spot changed ownership. Long known for its support of local music and the arts, the food has now improved since earlier years. We had a buffet dinner during a concert featuring Celtic music. On the menu– herb roasted chicken (very good), shepherd’s pie (bland), salad (fresh), and a very nice bread pudding with a lemony bourbon sauce. All were in steam trays which kept all hot.
Place rating: 5
Louisville, KY
The most relaxing and peaceful place to sit and have an amazing Sunday brunch. So good.
Place rating: 4
Louisville, KY
Our first experience here for brunch. Wide variety of foods to choose from to include an omelet station, Nords bakery pastries (big deal for locals– excellent sweets) hot brown casserole, waffles, biscuits and gravy and a wide variety of different salads and fruits. It was 13 per person which was very reasonable. Bloody Mary was 5 and pretty delicious. Lots of people. Service was great. There was music however instead of adding to our experience it removed from as it was very loud and sometimes prevented conversation which was very disappointing. Should return in the future. At least once.
Place rating: 5
Louisville, KY
Best Brunch in town, and only $ 13!!! plus, $ 2 mimosas! We have followed these folks since they were in Mellwood arts center, and their food is always amazing. The owners always greet the tables with a smile. Can’t wait to see what else they have up their sleeve for the Rud. Great place for them to call home!
Place rating: 5
Louisville, KY
The Rud is a solid place to hangout any day of the week, but today was special…
I think I died and went to brunch heaven.
But really. Although the food and service was excellent, it was the atmosphere of this place that won me over. The whole experience encompassed that «easy like Sunday morning» feel. The room was accented by lots of natural light, interesting artsy décor, and a chill vibe that made me want to stay for a while.
My favorite dish off of the brunch buffet was definitely the hot brown casserole. It’s a must try! The line featured traditional items like biscuits & gravy, sausage, bacon, fried chicken, fruits, and an omelet bar. Some of the more interesting dishes included a crustless quiche, bacon & chocolate chip waffles, curry chick pea salad, and a fabulous honey almond brie cheese spread.
The dessert table is pure bliss, fully equipped with a butter kuchen, apple fritters, and donuts from Nord’s. I also tried the banana pudding and a slice of German chocolate cake. All of it was delicious.
If you want to experience brunch heaven, check out the Rudyard Kipling some Sunday.
Place rating: 4
Jeffersonville, IN
Intimate, cool place to check out some local
Bands. The beer cheese is awesome! Want to go back to check out more of the menu sometime! Smells a little weird in there, but oh well.
Place rating: 4
Louisville, KY
Good deal at $ 12.95. Hot brown and quiche are good. They just added chicken which is nice. Though the chicken isn’t anything to write home about. Bacon and sausage are always great for night before cure. The Nord’s Bakery goodies and omelette bar are what makes it for me. Overall it is good variety that is fairly tasty for a decent price. I never leave hungry.
Place rating: 4
Louisville, KY
Under new ownership the rud has really turned things around. I went for brunch this morning with a group of four. Two dollar mimosas and excellent five dollar bloody matts. A full omelet bar with all the fixins, fresh pastries from Nords bakery and a massive spread of delicious traditional brunch items and original items like hot brown casserole.
Very reasonably priced also at 12.99
Place rating: 5
Louisville, KY
The Rud has long been acclaimed for its status as a neighborhood music and theater venue, but for those of us who follow our stomachs, it has moved up in the world, and is now my favorite Sunday brunch spot in town. They’ve moved the whole staff from That Place On Goss over here, and the marriage is a stroke of mad genius.
The brunch is a buffet, always with standard breakfast options, an omelet station, soup and salad options, fruit, and plenty of desserts. Mimosas if that’s your thing. Nord’s kuchen and hot brown casserole if you have out-​of-​towners who need a proper baptism. Sweet patio seating. And the requisite live music. All absurdly affordable.
Place rating: 4
Louisville, KY
I don’t know why I haven’t reviewed this place yet! If you’re in the mood for a different and off the beaten path spot for local entertainment, the Rud’s the place for that story to take shape.
I’ve been here to see several local and regional bands and while one might have been a little blah for my taste, even that experience still stands out as a memorable one just because of how enchanting this venue is. It borders on romantic because of how intimate it feels. It’s the kind of place where you feel totally comfortable leaning over and chatting with the people at the table next to yours or at the bar because everyone seems really genuine and approachable. Even the bands that play are up for hanging around and chatting after their shows.
The main room is a really versatile space and there can be a fair amount of movement as one show transitions over or a dinner party transitions to a show. In my mind, this just increases the home-​y feeling of the place though.
All the other reviews do a great job characterizing the intimacy of the Rud but my main reason for writing this review is to add onto that — what a great date spot! It’s charming, unique and a little under the radar in comparison to trendier spots in NuLu, downtown or the Highlands. I was taken on many a date here when I first moved to town so I speak from the kind of experience that a month into living here I wondered whether there was anywhere else besides the Rud people thought was a cool music venue… Seriously though, guys take a lady out here for after dinner drinks and a show. It’s pretty darn cheap and you’ll score points for choosing a more creative option.
This is the kind of place you wanna know what’s going on that night before just popping over there. The crowd will be the audience. Check their events calendars for music and plays to see what’s up and to make sure they’re open if it’s a weeknight.
Place rating: 5
Las Vegas, NV
What can I say… it’s The RUD!
WOW the shows that I have seen in this place!!!
I had years of good times here in the 90’s early 2000’s!
Just a tiny few awesome shows I have seen at The Rud:
My Morning Jacket, The Frogs, the Glasspack, Melt Banana, Gaza Strippers, Starman Jones… I could go on forever…
Not to mention Ken is awesome: D he even knows my grandma: D
Place rating: 4
Louisville, KY
This was my second late-​night visit to the Rud, which has long been considered one of the most unique spaces in the city. The atmosphere is intimate, and if you go more than once, you’ll become a «regular,» a member of the family. Wednesday’s Jazz Jam Sessions are the perfect mid-​week escape, and the Rud also hosts performances of all types year-​round.
The menu is not expansive, but what I’ve had (the pizza and the burgoo) were both very good and very affordable.
Place rating: 5
Saint Louis, MO
We went there on a very slow night, the waitress and owner came out and took great care of us. GREAT beer on tap. We’ve never had pizza as great as we had there. Every thing on the menu was delicious!
I will come back here every time I’m in Louisville. Thank you Rudyard for a great dining experience!
Place rating: 5
Cincinnati, OH
Want to see something never before seen? Then going to the Rudyard Kipling any night is a must.
Besides an artisian beer selection, a vegan and tasty menu, affordable prices, amazing staff, support of the arts, unique dining and venue space… yes BESIDES all of those things I have seen a Burlesque Show, a docu-​drama, folk grass comedy, 10 minute original works, comedians, and small bands perform.
This space has a dive feel but huge dreams and ambitions that make them a local favorite. Stay close to the pulse of innovative and awesome by drinking in this restaurant/​gateway to wonderland.