The Absolute Best Bars in Louisville, KY
Grabbing a cocktail or trying the latest craft beer is a top tier way to relax and catch up with friends. There are tons of bars scattered around Louisville to choose from. However, both atmosphere and drink selection is of the utmost importance when choosing where to go! As such, we’ve come up with this list of some of our fave bars in Louisville, and it won’t disappoint.
ShopBar
950 Barret Ave, Louisville, KY 40204
(502) 709-4696
ShopBar is consistently rated as one of the top bars in Louisville. It’s a chance to shop in the carefully curated boutique while also taking advantage of a full bar. There’s a rustic interior as well as an open-air patio. Various food trucks will pull up throughout the week so that you can grab some grub. The drinks are classy and well-garnished, even if some of them are served in a mason jar. It’s definitely the kind of place that becomes a regular hangout.
Trouble Bar
1149 S Shelby St, Louisville, KY 40203
(502) 384-2101
You know you’re going to have a good time when you go to a place with “trouble” in the name. The interior offers a hip vibe with brick walls and lots of furniture to lounge on. You can sit right up at the bar or within the lounge with plush couches and chairs. A patio with picnic tables is also ideal when the weather is nice. The full bar allows you to explore any kind of drink you fancy. And if you want to taste a few whiskeys, a flight is definitely the way to go.
Hell or High Water
112 W Washington St, Louisville, KY 40202
(502) 587-3057
Hell or High Water is a speakeasy-style place that is dimly lit. The warm vibe is palpable from the moment you walk inside. Red velvet couches add a swanky touch, and there’s also a cool library that you can sit in while you sip your cocktails. The cocktails can be chosen from the “Hell” or “Highwater” menus. No matter what you choose, it will be creative, innovative, and flavorful.
Stevie Ray’s Blue’s Bar
230 E Main St, Louisville, KY 40202
(502) 582-9945
A full bar and blues mean that you hit the jackpot in Louisville. Stevie Ray’s does not disappoint with its live music offered six nights a week. You’ll hear a bit of blues and jazz, and the lineup is always listed on their social media. There’s seating inside and out based on where you want to be. A beer menu consists of domestics, imports, crafts, and ciders. The bartenders are also well-versed in the art of mixology, so order whatever you want and they’ll take care of you.
Michter’s Fort Nelson Distillery
801 W Main St, Louisville, KY 40202
(502) 389-4290
Why go to just any bar when you can get an experience, too? Michter’s Fort Nelson Distillery is just down from the Louisville Slugger Museum & Factory. You can take a tour of the distillery to see how the bourbon is made in-house. Plus, they have a cocktail bar so that you can try out the bourbon. Flights and more are readily available, making it easy to explore bourbon in a variety of ways. You’ll leave feeling like an expert.
Never Say Die Bar
3900 Shelbyville Rd Suite 11, Louisville, KY 40207
Besides the cool name, we fell in love with the Never Say Die Bar because of the friendly service. It offers a laidback vibe with a lot of psychedelic feels. Colorful tables and twinkling lights fill the interior. You’ll find a few carefully curated drinks that are known as “Fam Favs.” It’s when you can explore a bit of the unusual with such things as orange bitters and even an absinthe rinse. Although the bar clearly specializes in its out-of-this-world cocktails, they also have a beer and wine menu.
Copper & Kings Rooftop Bar
1121 E Washington St 3rd floor, Louisville, KY 40206
(502) 561-0269
Copper & Kings is an American brandy company with an industrial-chic vibe. You can pop in to explore brandy, gin, and absinthe. There’s a tasting room downstairs, though the real fun is on the rooftop bar. The full cocktail bar highlights brandy, though you’ll be able to delve into many aspects of the modern cocktail culture. There’s also food available within the restaurant, all of which highlight Kentucky. Expect the cocktails and entrees to change based on seasonal availability.
Nachbar
969 Charles St, Louisville, KY 40204
(502) 637-4377
Nachbar is a neighborhood hangout where you can walk in knowing no one and leave with a ton of drinking buddies. The watering hole is laidback with a cozy interior. You’ll find plenty of beers on draft and bourbons to pour. There’s also a dog-friendly patio where you can enjoy a few cocktails. It’s a good idea to check out their Facebook page, too, as they often have live music that they post about in advance. It’s definitely a place to check out.
For more restaurant recommendations in Louisville, check out our Louisville city page!
Featured Blog Posts
9 Black-Owned Soul Food Spots in Louisville, KY
When we are craving a delicious plate of soul food in Louisville, KY, we love to visit one of these Black-owned soul food spots. From greens and fried chicken to tasty cornbread, these 10 dining destinations are our go-to spots for amazing soul food.
10 Absolutely Delicious Italian Restaurants in Louisville
When only red sauce, carbs, and the feeling of being part of the Familia will do, visiting a local Italian restaurant is definitely what you should do. So to help you out, we have found the best Italian restaurants in beautiful Louisville, KY to try the next time you are craving the old-world flavors and atmosphere that Italian restaurants are famous for.
Where to Eat Along the Bourbon Trail in Louisville, KY
A visit to the famed Bourbon Trail in Louisville, Kentucky is on every whiskey drinker’s bucket list. But between tastings and distillery tours, knowing the best spots to sample a fantastic meal is the best way to enjoy every minute on the Trail. When we take a trip to the Bourbon Trail area of Louisville, KY, we always plan a visit to a few of our favorite spots for a fantastic meal.
8 Unbelievably Cool Rooftop Restaurants in Louisville, KY
There’s nothing quite like dining with skyline views in Derby City! Louisville’s rooftop dining scene proves that there’s no topping Kentucky when it comes to enjoying a hearty meal with a side of bourbon. Whether you’re visiting or you’re a local who enjoys the finer things, don’t miss these eight amazing rooftop restaurants in Louisville, KY.