"A family-run Vietnamese gastropub in St. Matthews where the short rib pho runs $12 - go for a relaxed first date."
About District 6
The short rib pho comes with a ten-inch marrow bone standing in the bowl and a broth closer to gravy than to soup, and at $12 it is one of the best deals in St. Matthews. District 6 is the Vietnamese gastropub that siblings Hanh Duong, Tram Thai and Vinh Thai named for the Saigon neighborhood their parents left, at 3930 Shelbyville Road.
The kitchen runs classic and modern side by side - summer rolls, banh mi, rice bowls and a cocktail list - and holds a 4.6-star average across more than 380 reviews. For more of the city, see the Louisville dining guide.
The Kitchen
District 6 is family cooking with a gastropub's range. Hanh Duong, Tram Thai and Vinh Thai built the menu on their parents' Vietnamese home cooking and on local, market-fresh produce, so the pho and the noodle bowls hold the line at $12 while small plates and shareables run $6 to $12. The short rib pho is the headline: a long-simmered broth, tender meat on the bone, rice noodles and a plate of herbs to add at the table.
Around it come hand-rolled summer rolls, crisp banh mi, lemongrass rice plates, sticky rice, and vegetable sides like blistered green beans and brussels sprouts that pull as much praise as the meat dishes. The bar leans into Vietnamese-inflected cocktails alongside the food. It is friendly for a solo lunch and generous enough for a group, and the kitchen handles vegetarian and tofu swaps across most of the menu.
The Room
District 6 sits in a St. Matthews storefront done in warm wood and plants, brighter and more casual than a white-tablecloth room. Sound runs lively at peak - this is a gastropub, not a hush - and settles on a weekday afternoon. Tables are close, seating mixes booths and tops, and there is bar seating for walk-ins and solo diners. Dress is come-as-you-are. Service is quick and friendly, geared to turning a midday pho as easily as a long dinner with cocktails.
Best for a First Date
District 6 works for a first date because it takes the pressure off: the room is casual, the food is shareable, the bill is gentle, and there is always something to talk about over a bowl of pho. Start with the summer rolls, split a couple of small plates, and let the cocktail list carry the table. It is an easy spot to close a casual deal over lunch as well. For more low-key rooms, the Louisville dining guide ranks every reviewed table by occasion, and Meesh Meesh is another relaxed, flavor-forward option.
Not for
Skip District 6 if you want fine-dining formality or a quiet, dressy room - this is a busy, casual gastropub built for sharing plates, not a hushed special-occasion dinner.
Frequently Asked
Is District 6 worth it?
Yes, especially for value. District 6 is a family-run Vietnamese gastropub in St. Matthews where the short rib pho runs $12 and small plates sit between $6 and $12. It holds a 4.6-star average across more than 380 reviews and is one of the better-value rooms in the area.
What is District 6 known for?
Its pho, especially the short rib pho served with a marrow bone and a rich, long-simmered broth. The menu also covers summer rolls, banh mi, rice and noodle bowls, vegetable sides and Vietnamese-inflected cocktails.
How much is the pho at District 6?
Pho and the other noodle bowls are $12, and small plates and shareables run from $6 to $12. That puts a full meal for one in the mid-teens to low twenties before drinks.
Does District 6 have vegetarian options?
Yes. The kitchen offers tofu and vegetable versions of many dishes, including a vegetarian pho, plus vegetable sides like green beans and brussels sprouts, so plant-based diners have a full menu rather than an afterthought.
Where is District 6 and what are the hours?
District 6 is at 3930 Shelbyville Road in St. Matthews. It serves Monday through Thursday 11 a.m. to 9:30 p.m., Friday 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., Saturday noon to 10 p.m., and Sunday noon to 9:30 p.m.
Reserve a Table
View District 6
District 6 is mostly walk-in; check district6gastropub.com for current hours and online ordering.
Affiliate disclosure: Restaurants for Kings may earn a commission when you book through our reservation links, at no cost to you. Our scores are editorial and never paid for.
Practical Information
Address3930 Shelbyville Rd, Louisville, KY
NeighbourhoodSt. Matthews
CuisineVietnamese gastropub
PricePho $12; plates $6–$12
Dress CodeCasual
ReservationWalk-in / online order
HoursMon–Thu 11–9:30; Fri 11–10; Sat 12–10; Sun 12–9:30
