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The Joy Luck

3.9 (437 reviews)

The Joy Luck Photos

THE JOY LUCK ATMOSPHERE

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Quiet
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Happy hour specials

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Jason H.

I came to The Joy Luck to give it another chance. I've probably been 2 or 3 times in the past ten years and never cared for it. This time I brought my partner. She has wanted to try it for a while. Upon arrival we were quickly greeted, seated, and provided QR codes for the menu. Unfortunately, jokes on us since there was limited to no cell phone service or wifi available. We requested a physical menu and we're told that it is not accurate. I could rant about this practice but will save it for another time. Like my previous experiences, the food doesn't stack up against competitors. They are pricier and bland. Maybe I'm not ordering properly because a lot of people give a lot of praise but The Joy Luck has not been lucky for me. Will pass in the future and recommend you do too.

Pork Buns
Shelley S.

Stopped in here for my birthday lunch. Even though I couldn't eat the pork buns, it was still a great visit. My sons and husband ordered the chicken general tso. I ordered beef and broccoli. Service was good. Seating was somewhat compact.

Pork Soup Dumplings
Paul J.

I saw that The Joy Luck had some Taiwanese food on their menu so I went to try it. It was my fault for having my expectations so high. The food was alright, and it didn't taste very authentic. I got the pork soup dumplings and braised pork belly stew over rice (substituted the rice with lo mein). The food was okay. I didn't expect much because this isn't a dim sum place but the soup dumplings were okay. The braised pork belly stew was okay too. The lo mein noodles through it off, which I expected, but they didn't have other noodles you could substitute it with. Everything in general tasted like it wasn't authentic and it felt like a collaboration of flavors more than a mixture. The environment was fine. It was pretty empty when I went and had a nice dim atmosphere. The server was friendly and helpful. All in all, The Joy Luck was okay but I don't think I'll come back here. The food isn't bad, but it just doesn't taste very authentic.

Entrance
Joseph G.

The joy luck is highlands neighborhood of Louisville Chinese restaurant off the popular strip or bardstown road. Me and majority of the family came in here for dinner after my oldest daughter conducted a search on places in louisvilel that serves pork dumpling soup. After she mentioned joy luck I immediately said let's go because I've heard good things. So we made the trip. Like most highlands establishments it is street parking only. The inside and outside is very elegant but on the smaller side. Has a nice vibe and a fun atmosphere. On the back wall where are family sat they had a chalk wall for kiddos to draw on. So my 7 and one year olds had a blast with that. Food wise they didn't have pork dumpling soup but did have pork dumplings. So my daughter was still happy with that. She said it was amazing and can't wait to try it again. My youngest two Daughters shared a chicken lo mein and both liked it a lot. My wife and I both got the orange chicken. She got the side of rice and I did the lo mein. The orange chicken had very good flavor and was a decent portion size. Lo mein had good flavor too. But I'd say the orange chicken was by far the better food. Service here was hit and miss. Our waitress was very nice and awesome with the kiddos. Food came out fast and was hot. Our waitress was bad on getting refills though. Almost went through our whole meal without getting one and it was not crowded at all in there. Overall we had a great time here. Kids loved the chalk wall art. Oldest daughter has a new top dish and the wife and I enjoyed the orange chicken. Pricing wasn't terrible either. Sometimes I the highlands places will price gouge because of the popularity of the area but this establishment seems to be on the fairer side. Nice place and worth checking Out. We will return for sure.

Outdoor seating
Binio L.

Excellent place! From.the moment you walk in the place feels peaceful. Great modern ambiance and plenty of natural light. Great service! The host was also my server and he did a flawless job. Asked enough times of everything was good, took my order and brought the food in a quick and timely manner. The food was excellent as well, amazing flavor good portion and high value lunch. It has indoor and outdoor choice of seating, I went for indoors to enjoy a cool experience. Parking is on the street, but it allows for a great short walk to get to the restaurant. The place is very clean and fresh. I will return to try some other entrées.

Thai Curry Lunch Special
Jessica H.

The Joy Luck is one of my favorite spots for Asian food in the Highlands. Maybe most notable, they have some of the only soup dumplings I've found in Louisville. Some of my other favorites are the Szechuan chicken (lightly fried chicken with fresh garlic, jalapeño and spicy Szechuan oil) and the braised pork belly stew over rice. I really enjoy their lunch specials because they are served with a spring roll, rice, and choice of soup. I feel like it's a bargain for elevated quality they offer and appreciate the variety that can't be found elsewhere. They have other locations, but I have only been to Highland's location and have always received exceptional service. Pictured below is a the five flavor lunch (ginger, garlic, onion & five spice & lemon zest with mixed vegetables) with wonton soup and a spring roll and the Thai curry lunch (red & green peppers, onion, carrots, potatos, coconut cream), with egg drop soup and spring roll.

Delivery bag
Herman P.

My wife ordered from restaurant via door dash due to Covid 19 restrictions. For 2 entrees and 2 appetizers for total price of $67 is was NOT worth it! It's not that the cost was only factor BUT minuscule portions relevant to cost and mediocre flavor! The Crab Rangoon was only thing that tasted as expected. Everything else was flavorless that even my kids didn't like the Chicken Fried Rice (which they normally love) as it's their typical order. We paid it and learned a lesson! My photo is review posted to Google. I had just arrived from out of town(now have to stay indoors) and normally when we ordered from our usual, there's plenty of food but outrageous the portion, price and mediocre flavor

Pork Mu Shu
Holly A.

When we walked in to the Bardstown Road location, we had to wait for a bit to be noticed. However, we quickly learned that they were having issues with staff calling off for the evening. Being a former server and bartender, I understand these things. There was only one or two people on the kitchen and one person handling service. That didn't stop them from making sure that their customers were cared for and tended to. The cook in the kitchen helped serve the food and made the food taste splendid. Starting off with some signature cocktails and flights, I will say try the smoked cocktail. Cannot for the life of me remember what it was called, but very delicious. We spilt a round of starters, fried pork dumplings, crispy duck wings and egg rolls. They did not disappoint. The duck soup is more than enough for three people to split or a nice leftover for the next day. Pork pad Thai, chicken mushu and cumin beef. All very good.

Bourbon chicken
Nancy P.

wanted to try something new so opted for The Joy Luck restaurant on Bardstown road. Parking is tricky as it is a busy area and parking is on street. But we parked in the PNC lot less than a block away. Signs say no parking but it was after banking hours and the lot was full and we did not get towed or ticketed. So that was good. We got there early on a Sunday evening (5:30) and hardly anyone there. No folks inside and only a couple outside, but by the time we left it was full capacity. They have a nice outdoor patio that overlooks Bardstown Road, but it was really windy and a bit chilly so we opted for inside dining. Our waitress was very friendly and had great suggestions. Also, the cook came out and was talking to us and answering questions as it was a first visit for all of us. We split the green beans tempura as an appetizer. They were excellent. Lightly fried with a great ginger dipping sauce. We each had a different dish, and everyone tasted everything. We were all very pleased with every dish. The sizzling chicken was so tender and piping hot (sizzling) with excellent flavors. The veggie wraps were light and delicious, the bourbon chicken might have been my favorite, so light and tender with a sweet bourbon coating served with a lettuce salad. I had the cashew chicken that was also light, with a wonderful sauce, lots a fresh veggies that were crisp and super fresh. We had a family size bowl of white rice and I had an individual side of fried rice. The meal was excellent. A little more expensive that most Chinese food restaurants and portions not a big (no leftovers for any of us) but well worth the quality of the food. Only issue was when they rang us our bill (one check) they rang up 2 lettuce wraps and the 20% tip we left was added to that. Not a big deal but we wanted to make it right. We were told it couldn't be credited to the credit card until the next business day. When that didn't happen we had to call but eventually the manager, Cody took care of the problem. All in all a great dining experience.

Little sumo sake
Rhonda P.

Service was very good. Wait staff was great about answering questions. Yes, the lucky dog sake is in a juice box. But it was cold and tasty. Loved the spicy wonton and crab Rangoon. I was very glad to have a brown rice as an option. You can have white rice or lo mein.

Beef noodle

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2 years ago

Sat on the patio for the St. Patrick's parade. Service was OUTSTANDING! Food was fun and delicious!

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The Joy Luck Reviews in Other Languages

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I cannot wait to go back to Retta's! We stopped in a weird time of the day so they were just…read moreserving ice cream. They had the most interesting and delicious flavors that you could possibly think up. The guy behind the counter was amazing, gave us the run down and let us sample pretty much everything. He even offered to let us pick a record out of their collection for them to play while we were there. I can't wait to go back and have their full dessert experience!

Looking for mint chocolate chip? Retta's won't be for you. But if you're into unique flavors of…read moreice cream, you've found nirvana. Everything is made in house with organic ingredients. There's even a few non-dairy options for the lactose intolerant. But if a "regular" flavor speaks to you, they offer free enzyme supplements. But Retta's is more than an ice cream counter. They specialize in custom, house made desserts. Evidently, the neighborhood hosts a "progressive" dinner and the last stop, dessert, of course, is at Retta's. Desserts are featured after 4pm, so we didn't get to sample. But, we did watch the owner, Ben, handcraft the evenings' dessert. While his sous chef was busy in the back making other sweet specialties. Make no mistake, the menu is diverse, expensive, and made with care. The vibe is coffee house, with a huge record collection to provide the right ambiance. Oh, hours later and my wife is still raving about her Matcha, Black Sesame, chocolate ice cream!

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I have since returned here a couple times after my first visit, and these return trips changed my…read moreopinion a bit towards something a bit more positive. We had better initial upon walking in and getting seated service, which was my biggest complaint after my first visit. The food and drink remain great. Share-ables are interesting and tasty and getting a few things to try and share among friends or a small group has been great. And the drink options remain varied, intriguing, and delicious. Most recently, I got a couple different spritzes that were light and refreshing, which was wonderful in the hot hot heat of a Kentucky summer. At the end of our visit, a large party had come in for their reservation and it was difficult to get a server's attention to close out/get our check so we could pay and leave. So there are still some service things that could be improved. But overall, my return visit had me wanting to add a star to my initial review. I would be happy to return again, maybe even at my own suggestion rather than just if a friend suggested it.

I've been here twice now within the last few weeks. First on a Sunday right at open for a quick…read moredrink before heading over to the Liquor Lab and the second on a Saturday night for after dinner cocktails and both visits were a great time! The bartenders greeted us as soon as we walked in, were friendly, explained the menu in detail and were very knowledgeable. On my first visit I opted for the seasonal Espresso Martini (Summer Martini Menu) however I wasn't a huge fan, if your an Espresso Martini connoisseur then you know everyone has a different preference in how they are made. The type of Vodka, whether they use espresso or cold brew and the type of coffee liquor. This one was made with deep Eddie vodka, espresso and Broghetti Espresso Liquor. Now with that being said, I am very much looking forward to going back to try their new Worlds Best Espresso Martini that they have collaborated with Heine Brothers coffee to create as it is a different recipe. On the second visit it was busy and the place was buzzing. They have a very unique cocktail menu and they also have extremely rare, old and almost one of a kind liquors you can get a pour of; one bottle dates back to the 30's I believe. When you walk in and are facing the bar, they are all displayed on the right hand side. My Husband tried the Smoked and Soured Four You (Michter's Bourbon | Lemon | Sugar | Smoke) which is a drink with a show! I tried a clarified cocktail ... the Espresso Spice & Everything Nice (Espresso Infused Vodka Clarified | Gingerbread Spice | Latte Foam) which was different but really good!!

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Are we talking "On Heavens Gate!"…read more Yes, Bob Dylan, that inspirational author, songwriter, wordsmith, and artist has a Bourbon. Now they were looking for where to build his so called place to breathe life into it. That "it," place. It's not in Nashville, it's here in small little Louisville. What better place than an old church? Bourbon and Church! Amen! All are welcome! Now they don't make it here this is where they come to pour it and enjoy the flavors of it. Is life about the ride? How about dinner and some Heavens Bourbon made and inspired by Bob Dylan in a church. It's a must! Now this is a small venue and off the beaten track of life. What drew me? A large image of Bob Dylan on a building, mural style seemed out of place. Come to find out explore more and salut to a better version of heaven in this world of art, music, and words that have never been better than now. This is not just a church but the grounds house an art deco museum to his work. It's true dedication to the man of Bob Dylan. A Tennessee whiskey, distilled in Pleasureville, Ky. This the final stop here at the Last Refuge to celebrate his legacy and better aged bourbon among us.

This place came highly recommended for a restaurant to visit when in Louisville so it was our first…read morestop! Turning an old church into a bar/restaurant always makes for a unique environment. I loved walking through the rooms and seeing all the vintage details and stained glass. The Whiskey room has quite the shock factor with floor to ceiling bottles lining the walls. No complaints to be made about the service! It felt quick and smooth! The signature cocktails we ordered were very good (not pictured)! My only disappointment was the limited menu. The menu seemed to be mostly appetizers and pizza with some additional options for entrees. We ordered the Holy Fire Dip for a starter and it was delicious! It was warm and had great flavor. The waitress did need to bring more bread, the dipping options felt sparse. My husband and I split The Burnt Offering Pizza and Sanctuary Sliders, they were both solid. We both favored the pizza but would have liked more variety. I can see why this place comes highly recommended for the experience. I would definitely come back but hope they expand the menu by then!

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