Colonial Gardens is a restaurant complex and local landmark located in the Kenwood Hill neighborhood of Louisville, Kentucky, across New Cut Road from Iroquois Park.

Initially it did not have a zoo, but instead focused on dancing and dining; picnics and political rallies were common at the facility.

Animals present in the zoo included alligators, bears, deer, exotic birds, leopards, lions, monkeys, ostriches (for riding), and tigers.

However, it had its own difficulties as well; it lost its right to sell rationed foods in 1944, and was found to have an illegal gambling device on the premises on January 13, 1948.

One rationale for the petition, among several other historical distinctions, was the fact that the building was the last of the beer gardens that once dominated the South end of Louisville.

[11] In June 2013, in a 16–3 vote, the Metro Council approved an ordinance allowing the city to purchase the Colonial Gardens property.

Watson opened its doors in the original corner building completing the project and carrying on the rich traditions of the South End and the historic property.