Looking Back at My Childhood in Kentucky: How Pizza Night Became an Unforgettable Experience

Pizza night is a beloved part of my childhood in Louisville, Kentucky. My parents worked tirelessly during the week, and I approached my school work and defensive position on the volleyball team with the seriousness of a heart surgeon. Pizza night was a break from all of these responsibilities. We'd share stories around the table and laugh together while diving into piping hot pizza. More often than not, our pizza night would take place at Bearno's Pizza across from Bowman Field, and lucky for us, the restaurant is still serving incredible pizza and more all these years later.

Bearno's opened in Louisville in 1977 and has expanded to several locations around the city, including Shively, Dixie Highway, Middletown, Hurstbourne, and Jeffersontown. It serves many appetizers and salads, including Garlic Cheese Stix, Bread Stix, Onion Rings, Pickle Chips, Deluxe Salad, and House Salad. My family's go-to order to start is Bread Stix and a Family Salad. The Bread Stix have a unique and delicious topping made from garlic, oregano, basil, poppy seeds, sesame seeds, and Romano parmesan cheese. They're served with both marinara and butter for dipping, and I highly recommend mixing the two. The Family Salad is absolutely humungous, with plenty to go around.

Its menu features several specialty pizzas like BBQ Chicken Pizza, the Super Veggie, the Veggie Special, the All Meat Special, and the Mama Bearno's Special. I especially love the Veggie Special with mushrooms, black and green olives, onions, and green peppers. You can also build your own pizza using more than a dozen delicious toppings, from meatballs to banana peppers and anchovies.

Bearno's menu also has pasta dishes and sandwiches. I often enjoyed the Cheese Ravioli as a little girl. Its Stromboli Steak and Meatball Sub sandwiches, served piping hot on Italian bread, are also fantastic.

Bearno's Pizza at Bowman Field has a homey, family-friendly interior. There are tables that seat four or eight people, and diners can push them together to accommodate even larger groups. There are also plenty of booths along the restaurant's walls. When you visit, check out the horse racing memorabilia throughout the restaurant. It pays homage to Churchill Downs, the Kentucky Derby, and some of the sport's most famous horses.

For more information, visit Bearno's Pizza's website and Facebook page.

After enjoying amazing pizza, don't even think about skipping dessert. Bearno's serves Derby Pie, a Pizza Cookie, and a Brownie. You can also visit one of Louisville's renowned ice cream shops, Louisville Cream, the Homemade Ice Cream and Pie Kitchen, Erhler's, and Dairy Kastle.

Louisville makes a fantastic weekend getaway. Consider staying at the Tempo by Hilton Louisville Downtown Nulu, an excellent hotel with private parking, breakfast, and a fitness center. Nulu is one of the most exciting parts of the city, with superb restaurants, distilleries, and shops. Both Lou Lou on Market and Whiskey Thief Distilling Co. are definitely worth a visit!