The New Albany Experience


On the corner of Market and Bank Street in downtown New Albany, you will find the old historic New Windsor Hotel, now known as Brooklyn and The Butcher, but that is now let us go back to then. In 1871, the building would officially open to the public as the New Windsor Hotel. After going through a change in management, the building would change names twice but still operate as a hotel. It was not until 1993 that the building stopped serving as a hotel. After that, it would serve as a wide variety of other spaces before being purchased by Brand Hospitality in 2015. Since its opening, Brooklyn and The Butcher have served as the premiere high-end culinary experience of a classic steakhouse, with the modern touches of an independent restaurant. For those looking for an unforgettable night out for an anniversary or birthday celebration, this is the place to be. With a menu that provides guests with not only a variety of dishes, but a variety of cultures and flavors as well. Executive chef Ming Pu has been with the restaurant since 2020 and has only helped the restaurant reach new culinary heights. Chef Ming Pu has not only introduced Brooklyn and The Butcher to different flavors and cultures, but he has done the same for the rest of downtown New Albany, and the surrounding area. Through his ever-evolving seasonal menus, Chef Ming Pu has tantalized the taste buds of any guest who walks through the door. With a new spring menu just recently being released at the restaurant, now is your time to make your reservation at Brooklyn and The Butcher, at OpenTable or call the restaurant at 812-590-2646. Words from


As you drive down Mainstreet, you will be able to find the staple of the New Albany dining scene, The Exchange. The building was first built in 1875 and was known as Shrader's Stable and Livery back then. After completing a remodel it reopened its doors in 2011, The Exchange has been the premiere place to go and grab a bite in downtown New Albany. The Exchange is a gastropub that specializes in contemporary southern cuisine and offers a wide variety of beers and craft cocktails to choose from and pair with your dinner. Owner Ian Hall has put more than his fair share of work into this location, and this restaurant as well, and his efforts have most certainly paid off. Open for both lunch and dinner, all week, the dining room never sits empty. The Exchange is known for getting guests in and out, all while providing them with a high-quality meal made with only the freshest of ingredients. With all kinds of outdoor seating, The Exchange is a perfect place to visit if you want a breath of fresh air, alongside a plate of fresh food! The Exchange offers both a lunch and a dinner menu with many iconic dishes like the Goat Cheese Fritters and The Tavern Burger, there is something for everyone, with gluten-free and vegan options noted on the menu as well. With a new spring menu just being released, now is your time to book a reservation at The Exchange, on OpenTable, or by calling the restaurant at 812-948-6501.


Located on Market Street, in downtown New Albany, Toast is one of if not the places to get brunch in downtown New Albany. Open Wednesdays through Sundays 8 a.m. to 2 p.m., serving brunch food the entire service. Toast is one of New Albany’s most famous restaurants and has been serving quality food and beverages for many years. After a brief shutdown due to COVID-19, Toast has reopened and is doing better than ever! With a menu that includes all kinds of delicious dishes and drinks. The origins of Toast can be traced back to Amy Wepf & George Morris who opened the concept of the restaurant in 2006 in the NULU section of Louisville, from there, the restaurant has only gained more popularity. It was not until 2014 however, that Toast moved across the river to its current location on Market Street, where it has continued to serve as one of New Albany’s best spots to grab breakfast or lunch. As for some of the popular items featured on its menu, starting off with the breakfast menu, the Homemade Cinnamon Rolls are huge and delicious; next, their take on the Monte Cristo sandwich is amazing, topped with a delicious orange rosemary syrup. Rounding out the breakfast menu with the Banana Foster’s French Toast, coming with two pieces of brioche french toast topped with bananas, banana Foster sauce, and almonds. Moving onto the lunch menu, the Cobb Salad is very fresh and delicious topped with bacon, avocado, and a house-made cobb vinaigrette. Finally, the classic Club Sandwich delivers a fresh yet flavorful experience. Stop at Toast on Market at 141 East Market Street or call in at (812) 941-8582. Words from



Opening its doors on February 3rd 2020 Recbar 812 quickly took over the show of the most vintage and retro restaurant to sweep the southern Indiana area. Having more than one hundred arcade machines and seventy pin ball machines it holds the motto it was given from the grand opening of its original store recbar 502 in Jeffersontown, Kentucky; Games, grains and Grub. A motto well held so far from this retro themed restaurant one that can introduce you to the wide world of dated games from all generations. Whether you were born in the 1960’s or the 2000’s maybe somewhere in between, anybody can have a great time gaming and eating.
Many of its games hold a dated symbolism to them that can not be forgotten throughout the years because of their rich history. Not only those holding a great hit within the establishment, now incomes the newer games that as well make an impact on the whole morale that has been founded at the right time for Recbar. Racing games, zombie games, claw games, you name it this place has it and more. From an upstairs arcade to a basement arcade this place has it all. Once you are done enjoying those amazing retro games you can head over to the ping ball table and run a few games and have a great time holding your own against the competition. Table top shuffleboard as reached the top amongst popular games and it is shown at recbar for a fun time competing against your friends and showing them who can shuffle the board the best! From eating to drinking, and playing arcade games this is the place for all, RECBAR 812.


New Albanian Brewing Company
Making its first showing in the New Albany area in 1935 as the first commercial brewing company to settle in the southern Indiana area has a rich history in the region. Having two locations across the river from each other it is a very well-known area for brewing fans within. Business dates throughout the history of the brewing company known first as Sportstime Pizza in 1987 it became one of the most well-known and popular venues for beer and pizza around the area. In 1992, opening a public house of brewing along with the original brewing formally known as Rich O’s Public House was in plan for the company to incorporate its world-class brewing more into the business ahead of its popular venue usage. After it was all said and done in 1994 the now known New Albanian Brewing Company commenced with its outstanding service and well enhanced services towards the brewing needs fitting the lives of many people calling New Albany home.
New Albanian Brewing Company was quickly recognized as the most fond place for all of the patrons in the area with its amazing food and world class brew. Serving a variety of options from Pizza, Lasagna, and even sandwiches. Having all the needs of anyone wanting to sit down and enjoy a cold one while also having a great meal, New Albanian has it all for you.


Dragon Kings Daughter
Naming itself in honor of the first women to reach enlightenment Dragon Kings Daughter makes the whole dining experience an amazing one with its food, environment and brew. An original cuisine of the culture Japanese delicacy. Dragons Kings Daughter offers many different options of food for everyone. First their original and most popular dish, Sushi, one that they call the most perfected dish they serve from the far east that gives the whole environment a next level feel. Tacos filling the air of what might be a delicious intention to get everyone to walk through the gates into the never ending smell of amazing food that can not be topped. Many different styles of food for all ensuring that everyone can get the experience offering, vegetarian, vegan, gluten free, and then the meat or fish loving. A huge list of items that do not go unwanted with them saying, “items you will want again and again.”
