Shady Lane Cafe — Restaurant in Windy Hills

Looking through the previous reviews for the Shady Lane Café, it's hard to say something that hasn't been said in nearly every other review, but this place truly is amazing.

This gem of an eatery is found in the corner of a strip mall that also boasts a hardware store, a barber shop, and a German restaurant, among other things. There are no blinking lights and no flashing neon, there's just this little unassuming restaurant with a few outdoor tables that you wouldn't pay much attention to as you were driving by. The next time you drive by, though, slow down, make that turn into the parking lot, and try this amazing restaurant.

The interior is kind of throw-back to a country kitchen/legacy eatery. The walls are dotted with nostalgia pieces (They have Mr. Bill doll. Oh, NOOOO!!!!) and, if you look closely, more than one outstanding review of the Shady Lane Café....in fact, several.

There are, maybe a dozen tables in the restaurant, most are two-tops. If you think you don't have a table to sit in, walk toward the back of the establishment and there is additional seating upstairs.

From the moment you walk in the door Susi (one of the owners) is actually more of a tour guide than she is anything. When we told her we'd never eaten there before and asked what she'd recommend she proceeded to tell us about the quiche, raved about her burger being "The best in the entire state!", and about a delicious looking salmon burger.

After we decided on our entrees (my wife the quiche, me the best burger in the entire state) came the questions. What kind of cheese did I want? (pepper jack ALWAYS wins). What toppings did I want? What side did I want? I just did not study for this test, but I think I passed, because it wasn't long before our food arrived.

When Susi said the best burger in the entire state, she was not kidding. It was Amazeballs! Absolutely fantastic. And the smoked bacon potato salad was unique, delicious, and outright awesome. My wife, who can't stand potato salad, said "that is delicious!". She said the quiche was equally amazing, and one of the best she's ever had.

Not satisfied with just feeding us well, Susi came to the table ask how everything was (AMAZING), engaged us in even more conversation. We told her that we'd recently moved to to Louisville and were always looking for new restaurants and things to do. She proceeded to tell us about a couple places to try in Indiana on the other side of the Big Four bridge.

You see, it's that kind of personal service and amazing food that makes you want to go back to a restaurant. Not only was this one of the absolute best meals I've had since we moved to Louisville, but also one of the most memorable. Come to think of it, when I previously said that Susi was more of a tour guide I think it's more accurate to say that she's more of an Ambassador for Louisville, and this restaurant is a testament her love of the area....and to making the best burger in the...

Very small space and very crowded which is usually a good sign. We ordered the burger which my friend enjoyed and I got the veggie burger at the person taking orders suggestion since I don't eat beef or pork. The burgers were at our table within minutes. The veggie burger wasn't holding together every time I tried to take a bite it was running out of the bun. I typically don't like to complain when my food isn't right but employee who was bringing out the orders suggested getting something else since I didn't eat my veggie burger so I asked for the pimento cheese grilled cheese which was good but the grill cook came to our table asking why I didn't like the veggie burger and I tried to explain that it was to soft and didn't have a lot of flavor and he was very rude and said no one has ever complained before. It was very embarrassing and myself having worked in the food industry and I have family and friends that are currently working in the food industry and I was always told that the customer is always right or at least try to make them happy and don't chastise them for not caring for the food. Needless to say I will not be going back to Shady Lane Cafe and will not suggest it to...

You know it’s gonna be good when you see ladies who lunch sitting elbow length w construction workers and business suits. Homey atmosphere very crowded during lunch rush. Only one person, Owner? Takes orders at cash register so line prone to snake out door. Worth the wait for freshly prepared great tasting food. I had the daily soup special, cream of mushroom. It was probably made primarily with canned mushrooms BUT the cook coaxed amazing flavor and who cares! A dash of sherry or sprinkle of chives for acid or contrast would have been the only thing I would change. It was deliciously comforting on a cool day. I also had the shady lane club. It was a well prepared take on the classic using high quality meats. A smear of garlic aioli put it at baby bear soup. I had to request a to go box after that cup of soup! Eaves dropping on the ladies who lunch seated next to me, I braved that line again for a to go box AND a slice of in house made banana cake. Had that for dinner w my left overs. It was divine. Not too sweet and the banana flavor was perfect. Well worth that line a second time! Can’t wait until my next time...