Nestled in the heart of Middletown at 12339 Shelbyville Road, Rumors Restaurant has been a cornerstone of Louisville’s dining scene for over 35 years. More than just a neighborhood eatery, it is a local legend — a place where generations of patrons have gathered to enjoy not only great food but also community, camaraderie, and the occasional tall tale told over a cold beer.

Owners Gus and Cheri Gustafson opened Rumors in 1985 with a simple but bold vision: to

create a place where locals could enjoy Buffalo-style wings and fresh shellfish without leaving town. In Gus's own words, “A few short years ago, while going through the change of life, and still semi-intellectual and not fully senile, I embarked on a search for a place that had Buffalo- style chicken wings and fresh shellfish... I decided to open a place in Louisville where other people of this caliber could gather and quench their thirst for the finer things in life!”

After a less-than-glamorous tour of every vacant building in town, the Gustafsons found the

perfect spot — a building no one else wanted — and turned it into a bustling hub now known as Rumors. As Gus says, the name came naturally: “Where else could you stretch the truth over a cold beer, chicken wings, and an occasional winning day at the track?”

What started as a dream fueled by a craving for wings and oysters has grown into a full-fledged seafood and American comfort food haven. Rumors is best known for:

- Wings that Pack a Punch: Crispy, tangy, and perfectly sauced, their wings have earned a cult following.

-Fresh Raw Oysters: Delivered fresh and shucked to order — a rare and welcomed treat

in Kentucky.

-Signature Fried Fish Sandwich: Widely regarded as one of the best in Louisville —

golden, flaky, and satisfying.

-Seafood Galore: From peel-and-eat shrimp to hearty po’ boys, seafood fans will not

leave disappointed.

-Pasta Favorites: Comfort food with a coastal twist, offering rich, flavorful options.

-Full Bar: A robust drink menu to accompany your meal — bourbon lovers and beer fans

alike will find plenty to enjoy.

Beyond the menu, what makes Rumors so special is its unmistakable sense of place. It is where families come after Little League games, friends reunite on weekends, and locals grab a quick bite before heading to Churchill Downs. The atmosphere is casual, friendly, and inviting — a reflection of its owners’ deep roots in the community and their commitment to hospitality. For nearly four decades, Rumors has stayed true to its founding spirit: great food, great company, and a few good stories passed around the table.

Whether you are a lifelong Louisvillian or just passing through, Rumors offers a taste of tradition with every bite. With Gus and Cheri still at the helm, Rumors continues to be a testament to how a little vision — and a big appetite — can create something truly lasting.

12339 Shelbyville Rd, Louisville, KY 40243

(502) 245-0366

Wings. Oysters. Seafood. Stories.

Come hungry — leave a believer.

Menu & Variety: ****

(Wide range of choices from Seafood, Wings, Sandwiches, & Pasta)

Food Quality: ****

(Most menu items are tasty and delivered in a timely manner.)

Plating: ***

(Average)

Value for Money: ***

(Portions are good but menu is pricey.)

Consistency: ***

(Most menu items are of good consistency but sometimes shrimp is over cooked as are the new potatoes. A little attention to details like not serving lettuce with brown spots or not overcooking some items would increase this rating.)

Service: *****

(Service has always been attentive and friendly.)

Accessibility: ***

(Bathrooms are a little tight to maneuver for handicapped people. Some lanes are tight for

patrons in wheelchairs.)

Family Friendly: *****

(Lots of smiles on patrons and service staff. Children enjoy the video games.)

Ambiance: *****

(Great friend & family atmosphere.)

Cleanliness: ***

(The bathrooms could be checked on more often and cleaned.)