Cute little cafe perfect for a yummy lunch! We were in the area looking for something different for so we checked yelp of course and stumbled across Shady Lane. I had a delicious club the first time we went with potato salad. Second time I got a turkey sandwich and fruit! The turkey was yummy, way better than average lunch meat. They have a ton of options, all sound delicious. Oh and they have a ton of hot sauces, mayos and other sauces to dress up your meal if you so choose. They have a lot of dessert options as well, haven't got to try them yet but they look so good. Everyone there is so nice and they have outdoor seating! read more

The place was packed on a Saturday afternoon so I had high hopes. I like the vibes and menu variety, but I did not care for the food itself. You order at the counter and they make it right there for you. You get a beeper and can sit wherever. They have more seating upstairs as well as outdoor seating. It took 20+ minutes to get our food, and, by that time, the place had emptied out. We had a decent amount of food so the waitress helped bring it out to our table since one couldn't hold it all. We tried a variety of sandwiches: cubano, meatloaf, and a burger. We also tried the onion rings and fries. With the tip it was $55. None of the dishes stood out to us. Nothing was bad, but nothing was good enough for me to want to come back. There is an overall lack of flavor. I love the concept and small, hole in the wall location, but they could improve the food. read more

Dined in here with coworkers for lunch on a Tuesday. The staff was friendly, explaining the ordering process and making recommendations when asked. You place your order at the counter and they'll give you a buzzer to let you know when your order is ready to be picked up. Our wait time wasn't too long, which was nice because business at the cafe appeared to stay steady. We were able to sit at one of the tables set up outside. The shady lane club was good, it was stacked with meat and vegetables, and the fries were perfectly cooked. The portion size was great, I was able to split the food between two meals. read more

Shady Lane Cafe - Shady Lane Club - Delis Near Me - Louisville, Kentucky

This little gem of a place is like finding gold. Service great, food is great, and it is going on my heavy rotation. Clean, organized, and two people run the service counter. One person takes your order and gives you a buzz when the food is ready device. The second person hands you your food. All my food was outstanding unbelievable good. My Shady Lane Club is a keeper with all the flavors balance together to make mighty music. The onion rings were amazingly craving stars by themselves. So glad I found this place in December because this place is one to remember! read more

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Welcoming staff and tasty sandwiches. We had the shady lane club and oven roasted turkey . Cute outdoor seating and a quiet area upstairs to enjoy lunch. I wish the tables were cleaned more frequently though!!! It was hard to find a clean spot to eat read more

Another excellent experience at shady lane!! This spot is consistently delivering delicious food at a good price, all with a smile! The atmosphere here is so welcoming, even among the patrons. The ordering area can be a little crowded so this is nice. The food is good classic food. Sandwiches have the extra pizzazz you can't get at home and cake is made with care. read more

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Good food, good price, nice diner. Post needs 85 characters. Post needs at least 85 characters

Cute little spit and great food!! The space is small, but I LOVE to see my food being cooked. Everyone was welcoming. Premade desserts are available and delicious. I had the burger with blue cheese and bacon and onion rings. The hubby had a Cubano Sandwich and side salad. There is a full wall of windows and more Seaton up the stairs. We will be back!! read more

Shady Lane Cafe - Side salad - Delis Near Me - Louisville, Kentucky

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Fabulous all around. We stopped in after getting an excellent haircut at the Barbor shop a few doors down and was treated to a delicious surprise. I had the Salmon Burger (4 of 5 stars) & fries (generous & perfectly salted) while my son had the BLT & fries (which he devoured). What were we disappointed in? Ourselves! We didn't ask what she would've recommended, because it seems that we may have missed out on some truly incredible burgers. . . which everyone around us had & we were left a little ogling and envious. Service was so very friendly & hometown feeling. We will definitely be back. read more

A friend told me about the best sandwich restaurant in Louisville. Today was my first visit with him and his dad. I asked the woman taking orders what she would recommend for first timers. She said they are known for their burgers so that's what I ordered with crispy fries. The burger was juicy and beautifully dressed. The fries were perfect. My friend ordered a Cubana with chips and cream of mushroom soup. His dad had a meatloaf sandwich with french fries. We all had a brownie for dessert. Everything was excellent. I would dine here again. read more

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We were in the neighborhood, so we decided to stop by. Me and my wife both opted for burgers, I got sweet potato fries and she got none. Kids were with and we ordered chicken tenders and grilled cheese (duh. Right?). 4 drinks, and fifty dollars later we sat down. The place is small, the hours are weird, but it's a solid choice for lunch. Deli items, burgers, salads, you get the gist. Food came out rather quickly. Burger was good, but nothing amazing--still looking for a burger that is. Sweet potato fries were a bit overcooked but nicely salted but were ok how they were. The families been a few times so it's good enough to go back to, just be warned that their hours are 11 AM to 3 PM. read more

Oh my goodness, I am obsessed with this place. Awesome service, fantastic food, great atmosphere. It is always busy here, but for good reason. They still get you your food in a timely manner. I am a huge fan of the Hot Italian sub. You have to try it! read more

Shady Lane Cafe - Hot Italian Sub Sandwich - Delis Near Me - Louisville, Kentucky

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Very nice options! It's a "deli plus" one might say. Food was really good! Service was great (Ms. Carol is a sweetheart!)! We will return!

The Shady Lane Veggie Growing up, I didn't have the opportunity to eat out often (unless grandma(s) was paying or a weekend club soccer tournament). Because of that, I was stuck at home consuming inedible Boca and Morning Star soy proteins - wondering if being plant based would ever become easier - little did I know!?!? All those soy proteins later then left me with a 27 year struggle of gut/organ health and autoimmune discomfort. Now that... is another story . I gladly took the opportunity to visit new ownership at SLC. The veg is still chock full of veggies. Brava - same Shady! Shout-out to Rach and her family who owned and ran SLC for all those years! Shady always believed in making their menu accessible for all dietary needs... not just when it became trendy. There really is something to say about the Louisville restaurants that began offering veg options - some 30 to 40 + years ago. Don't get me wrong, bring on a funky new restaurant (as long as it has soul). But the classic Lou staples offering veg options will always have my heart read more

Shady Lane Cafe - Delis Near Me - Louisville, Kentucky

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We stopped here traveling through the area because of the great reviews. It's worthy! I had the Brownsboro burgerwith lettuce, onion, pickle. The menu says it's Louisville's best, they are correct! That's one burger of face happiness! It was served with tortilla chips. My SO had the Brie and onion burger, also a great burger. Also served with tortilla chips, it was light on the Brie. We added on the smoked bacon potato salad. The smoky bacon flavors this just right! Yum! read more

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We had lunch there today, the food was really good. We had 4 different sandwiches and all were very tasty and I really liked the blue cheese cole slaw. The service was very good, the food came out in a timely manner. Nice atmosphere read more

Shady Lane Cafe has been one of the most consistently delicious lunch spots in Louisville for nearly two decades. The Cafe is eclectic, colorful, and bustling with customers. If you go during lunch, there is often a line out the door. People are willing to wait for a reason. It's worth it. This mom and pop restaurant serves some of the best burgers in town. They offer soups, desserts, and a variety of sandwiches. If you have a hankering for fried bologna, Benedictine and bacon, or a homemade meatloaf sandwich, Shady Lane has you covered. All of their food comes with service that is welcoming and warm. I'm out of commission while recovering from surgery and limited to third party delivery services for awhile. I was thrilled to find Shady Lane on DoorDash. I ordered the following- Brownsboro Burger- Medium Pimento Cheese Tomato Pickles Onion Henry Baines on the side Pickle spear Crinkle cut fries Shady Lane is charming. Their employees are polite, helpful, and kind. It's the type of place that gives you the feel of true southern hospitality. Shady Lane exemplifies the comfortable and intimate ambiance that one would expect when thinking of a cafe. If you're looking for an east end lunch spot, Shady Lane is unrivaled. read more

Shady Lane Cafe - Delis Near Me - Louisville, Kentucky

Shady Lane is a great local dinner. They have the best hamburgers in town but really everything is really good. I eat here once a week. Service is good - no complaints but you may have a short wait because it's real food. Laid back and casual dining with outdoor and indoor seating. read more

This is one of the best burgers I've had in my life. Your review needs to be at least 85 characters.

We rolled in here in search of a louisville specialty ; Benedictine sandwiches. Served with bacon and lettuce, they are simply delicious here. Sweet potato fries on the side were piping hot and crispy. Even the iced tea was perfect. Very fast service. Homey atmosphere. I wish I could eat lunch here every day. read more

I had been eying this place for years now but have never had the chance to stop in since it's only open during the day. I came close to 2pm with my sister on a Tuesday, so the lunch crowd had already died down. There were a few people dining in. They've got inside and outside seating. It's got a hole-in-the-wall vibe. And it feels like one of those Louisville staples that you only hear about by word-of-mouth. When you enter in, you order at the counter. Then you take a seat and they'll either call your name or bring the food out to you if it's not too busy. I ordered the NY Reuben. I also added a side of fried green tomatoes and sweet tea. Yum! Everything was so good! While the South isn't known for their Reubens, we do a pretty good job even though it doesn't compare to what I've had up North. The fried green tomatoes were crispy! While the sweet tea was less than stellar, it satisfied. I like mine a little sweeter. My sister got the Brownsboro burger with the homemade chips! Yum! She was stuffed! The burger was juicy! I like that it's a sandwich type shop that doesn't forget its Southern roots. Staff was friendly and made our food pretty quickly! We sat outside and they brought the food out to us too! They clean up after you as well! Parking isn't hard to find since they've got parking on the side of the building. They also share the lot with other businesses, but it's not a problem. I'd love to return! read more

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Oh my heaven, the burger!!! Seriously the best burger I've had in I can't remember when. And those onion rings!! Chef's kiss. read more

I absolutely loved my chicken salad sandwich. My mom got one as well. Great flavor, fresh bread. It was perfect. My sister loved her cheeseburger. It looked delicious. My mom and I also got the bean soup but it had sausage in it. We've never had that before. I'm not sure if we were just surprised about that but we weren't really fans of the soup. It felt more like a sausage soup than a bean soup. Other than that, we have zero complaints. Definitely bringing some family members back. read more

Shady Lane Cafe - Parking spot near Shady Lane Cafe - Delis Near Me - Louisville, Kentucky

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Being Burger week here in the Lou my husband decided to skip all the "official burger week hoopla hot spots" & head to Shady Lane Cafe for the BEST burgers (or maybe tied for best with Cottage Cafe). We arrived right after they opened and were first to get our orders in. I'd originally planned on getting the 1/2 sandwich & soup because their soups are amazing...& just sweet talk a couple of burger bites from hubby. But as soon as I was reminded that the Brie and caramelized onions burger was available that made my mind right up. Oh my goodness the melted Brie caramelized onion goodness of this perfectly grilled burger on a delicious bun...perfection! I added a side off smoked potato salad wondering if it'd have smoked paprika as the 'smoked'. My taste buds were wowed by the culinary genius that is this flavorful, perfectly creamy, delightful potato salad. I am potato salad picky so rarely ever order it anywhere but I'll be back for this! Hubby ordered the Highland burger with cheese, & fries on the side. He said it was one of the better burgers he'd had in awhile. We were too full for a slice of either homemade cake they had available but will definitely try a slice on a future visit. read more

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I work nearby and frequent Shady Lane or we have it ordered in for meetings. I've probably had 10-12 different menu items and they were all excellent, minus the salmon sandwich which was just average. But truly, everything else is great. Their sandwiches, salads and soups -- I commend every one of them. Carol and her team are quick, kind and friendly. It's a great little atmosphere for a lunch with a friend or even a casual business lunch. I love this little lunch spot and hope you'll give it a try! read more

Food is really good. Owner very friendly and service is great. Neighborhood gem. Eat there regularly. Also great for takeout.

Food and service was fantastic. My sister had the tuna melt and my Oma and I had the cheeseburger and fries was delicious!

The food is excellent. Been going there about 8 years and love everything I've eaten. Have experienced two owners both of which are great! Place is clean and food is great! read more

We stopped by for lunch, I was really excited to try the Benedictine/bacon sandwich (had good reviews). I was not so crazy about it. Very little bacon (see pics) maybe should call it Benedictine/bacon bit sandwich. However, the cheese burger my husband got was delicious & my sons Italian sub was really good. The homemade potato chips were also very tasty. Overall, I would definitely try this place again, but definitely not the same sandwich. It's very small for indoor seating, so wouldn't recommend for groups. read more

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Quaint little sandwich shop. Great food, super nice people. Had sandwiches and fries. read more

Shady Lane Cafe - Ham sammy. I got it with no tomato - Delis Near Me - Louisville, Kentucky

We are regulars at Shady Lane! We live walking distance from this spot, and what good luck that is for us! It's a cute little corner shop, the owner is always friendly and helpful, and all of the employees are nice and attentive. My favorite is, hands down, the benedictine and bacon sandwich. Sweet potato fries are the bomb. My husband LOVES the burger. And our toddler is a big fan of the chicken tenders (and so are we, ha!). They have a cute little outdoor eating area, and fun murals inside. They always have a little selection of local canned/bottled beers as well. Highly recommend! read more

What can I say, Shady Lane Cafe is always spot on. We actually went out to tonight for dinner and were able to eat outside at one of the tables. Their food is just the perfect thing when you're looking for some really good burgers, sandwiches and fries. I wanted to try something new and got the Cubano sandwich. It was quite good. The service was excellent as well. They were pleasant and attentive without being overbearing. It was nice getting out and knowing one of our favorites is still operating in a post pandemic world. Next time you are looking for a burger or a classic diner sandwich you gotta try Shady Lane. read more

Shady Lane Cafe - Cubano Sandwich - Delis Near Me - Louisville, Kentucky

Hmm.... reading these other reviews, I wonder if I went on an "off day." The food was just "okay." Worse - the lady taking the orders. She was not friendly. Not necessarily rude. Just no customer service skills. Very disappointing. read more

A frequent flier at SLC. Daily soup and lunch specials. One of the best grill top guilty pleasure burgers in town. Stopped in today for lunch and enjoyed the reuben, outstanding. My wife and daughter both got a cup of chili (todays special) and split a club sandwhich. So much food, I think the french fries got them, that someone got half a club to bring home. Too many great choices with brownies, cookies and cake selections for desert. Friendly prompt service. Extensive parking in surrounding lots. Cons: small footprint closed on Mondays It's like Chick filet you always think of it on Sundays Highly Recommended Slainte read more

We tried Shady Lane on the recommendation of a lady working at Locust Grove. You order at the counter and they give you a buzzer. The lady taking orders isn't particularly friendly but she did keep the line moving. We got there a little after noon and there was a large line the entire time. My wife got chicken salad sandwich. She said it was good but wasn't super flavorful even though it had grapes and pecans in it. The onion rings were thin and crispy and not at all greasy. I had fried bologna. When this place says thick cut they mean it. It had to be at least a half inch thick. It was cooked well and came with fried onions and cheese. It was really too much to eat. I couldn't finish it, even though I did want to. The hamburger is their specialty. There are several other sandwiches that looked tempting. It's a small place inside with a seating area in the front and in the back, bit there are several tables outside. I'd say it deserves its popularity. read more

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Always amazing food! Burgers are my favorite. Fried bologna is really good too! Perfect lunch spot!

So, if you are like me, you have driven by this place a thousand times and didn't even know it was there! After running some errands, I'm on my way to Fresh Market ready to load up on healthy, yet good food. As I am sitting at the light on Rudy waiting to cross Brownsboro Road, I feel that rumble in my tummy that tells me I'm a little late to grocery party. I knew the traffic wasn't horrible, but I was feeling uneasy about it, which told me I had all the symptoms of "hangry!" I had to eat! As I pulled into the parking lot, my map said I was 150 feet from some "cafe" I had never even heard of. "Shady Lane Cafe?" Sounded good as anything close by. I was willing to munch on a stale sandwich to stave off this feeling. I've now been there three out of the last four days. Yes, the best Pimento Cheese in town is now my favorite! But, I have strayed into other sandwiches and they are just as delicious. No, I haven't tried everything. But she said at the, counter, "everything is delicious." I wasn't certain after my first visit. But when I stop by today or tomorrow, I feel confident they will show me they are, indeed, just plain awesome! Of course, they have been there for years. I live less than a mile away. I never even noticed. read more

Shady Lane Cafe has become our go to "neighborhood" spot for breakfast or lunch on free weekends with my family. It's no joke that the burger is one of the best you'll find. A simple burger cooked to perfection, with perfectly crispy crinkle cut fries on the side and your choice of cheese and toppings. Today we stopped in for breakfast, and the blueberry pancakes might be the best I've ever had. The thickness lends to the perfect amount of fluff, yet they have the most wonderful crisp to the outside edges. Get them with a side of bacon, because the bacon is done just as perfectly. Aside from the craving inducing food, the owners are the nicest people and always happy to help with any questions about the menu or to lend a suggestion. We are still working our way through the menu with so many delicious options! read more

Shady Lane Cafe - The blueberry pancakes with a side of bacon. These were perfectly fluffy with a crispy edge, and full of blueberries. DELICIOUS! - Delis Near Me - Louisville, Kentucky

Shady Lane Cafe is my absolute favorite place to eat in Louisville. The folks who run this place are fun, fast and effective... and the food is filling.... wow is it filling. I almost always get the cheeseburger with house-made chips. The burger is hand formed and huge. You will stand in line... you will possibly wait for a table after you wait in line... you will be very happy you did once your food is delivered and you dig in. If you try real hard you might finish it... I try real hard and rarely do. Get in line... read more

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Tight space but good food. I have been here a few times and the food is alway good. It is a true dinner where all is cooked in the open. You order at the counter and they bring you your food. I sat a small table and enjoyed my rubin while reading a book. They do have outside seating but it was a little rainy. The place is bigger than it looks, so you might have to walk around to find an open seat. People working were all very friendly and went above and beyond to help on elderly couple make sure they were comfortable and taken care of. Eating there seems to slow my day down in a good way. It was fast and effective but I never felt rushed and the staff never acted rused. Sometime I need that during the week on a rainy Wednesday afternoon. Slow down and enjoy a good book and some hit the spot food. read more

Shady Lane Cafe - The Ruben - Delis Near Me - Louisville, Kentucky