Below is a list of the top and leading Bars in Louisville. To help you find the best Bars located near you in Louisville, we put together our own list based on this rating points list.
Louisville’s Best Bars:
The top rated Bars in Louisville, KY are:
- Gertie’s Whiskey Bar – provides rare and unusual wines, unique cocktails
- The Mellwood Tavern – is the longest continuously functioned tavern in Louisville
- Kaiju – features a rotational option of cocktails, draft craft beer, sake
- Zanzabar – a perfect place for a first-class menu
- Chill Bar Highlands – enjoy their large complete-service patio bar
Gertie’s Whiskey Bar
Gertie’s Whiskey Bar provides rare and unusual wines, unique cocktails, and has one of the largest whiskey selections in the south, earning a spot on Travel + Leisure‘s list of the greatest whiskey bars in America and a nod at the best whiskey bar in Tennessee from Thrillist. Named for Gertrude Cleo Lythgoe, known as ‘Queen of the Bootleggers,’ Gertie’s Whiskey Bar celebrates free thinking and individualism, at the bar and in the glass. Gertie’s was named the Best Whiskey Bar in Tennessee by Thrillist and provides more than six hundred bottles of rare and hard-to-find whiskeys.
Products/Services:
Menus, Private Events
LOCATION:
Address: 821 E Market St Suite 101, Louisville, KY 40206
Phone: (502) 785-6800
Website: www.gertieswhiskeybar.com
REVIEWS:
“Randomly ran across this place and had such a great time we visited both nights we were staying in NuLu. Something for everyone. Great selection of bottles and very unique mixed drinks. Amazing location and can’t say enough about how great Stephanie was. Super personable, knows her stuff and went out of her way to make us feel welcome and valued customers.” – Dvir F.
The Mellwood Tavern
The Mellwood Tavern is the longest continuously functioned tavern in Louisville, as it dates back to 1885 and even served as a speakeasy during Prohibition. It was initially known as The Rendezvous Inn, and later The Mellwood Inn, and then became The Rush Inn until finally becoming The Mellwood Tavern in 2016. They have live music throughout the week and marquis groups on the weekend. With the nice weather, they even play outside in their Serenity Garden. They serve mix of great cocktails, premium micro-brews, and have a nice simple menu including their locally famous fried chicken.
Products/Services:
Live Music, Food & Drink
LOCATION:
Address: 1801 Brownsboro Rd, Louisville, KY 40206
Phone: (502) 290-3377
Website: www.themellwoodtavern.com
REVIEWS:
“I’m always amazed by the musical talents they find and showcase. I have discovered some great bands hangout out at Mellwood tavern. I’m really fortunate I live close by. Friendly fast bartenders, affordable food and drink prices. some of the best if not the best-fried chicken in town. Outdoor secluded patio with stage. Great environment and friendly neighborhood spot. A must checkout!” – Michael H.
Kaiju
Kaiju features a rotational option of cocktails, draft craft beer, sake, and wine along with a variety of bottled beers available for purchase to go. Japanese treats and sushi from Dragon King’s Daughter are always available at their snack bar. They strive to rotate their draft selection as often as possible. Refer to their digital draft list behind the bar or ask your bartender about their current selection.
Products/Services:
Drinks, Food, Event
LOCATION:
Address: 1004 E Oak St, Louisville, KY 40204
Phone: (502) 409-6979
Website: www.kaijubar.com
REVIEWS:
“This is an awesome place. Anime is always playing on the TV’s, plenty of areas to bring a large family gathering to eat or celebrate anything of your choice. The drinks are strong and the staff is very friendly. No, seriously they will become your friends. Great people, great place and great food.” – Jonathon M.
Zanzabar
Zanzabar has established a domestic reputation as one of Louisville’s earliest neighborhood gems and latest casual cuisine and live entertainment destinations. It offers up only classic arcade and hosts weekly pinball tournaments in Louisville. It is excitedly entertaining during Sunday trivia nights, and Zbar also serves as an award-winning, intimate live-music venue for both local and popular national and international touring acts, which grace the stage many nights every single week.
They are a perfect place for a first-class menu, a large heated patio, and Wi-Fi inside and out. There is a reason that only great things survive, and they are the living proof of how it’s done.
Products/Services:
Drinks, Dinner, Arcade, Events
LOCATION:
Address: 2100 S Preston St, Louisville, KY 40217
Phone: (502) 635-9227
Website: www.zanzabarlouisville.com
REVIEWS:
“Cool bar with great food. We all enjoyed what we ordered. I got the loaded tots and it was the best-loaded tots I’ve had. Very garlicky and a good portion. The death star cookie we got to top it off is a must-try!” – Caitlin W.
Chill Bar Highlands
Chill Bar Highlands was born out of its love of good friends, good drinks, and good times, Chill Bar Highlands is a favorite gay bar and nightspot known as the place where the fun occurs. Visit and enjoy their large complete-service patio bar or chill in the environment of a historic building in the Highland neighborhood. At Chill Bar Highlands, every hour is joyful with daily drink specials. Come and unwind, listen to great music, relish a couple of drinks with your friends or colleagues. and experience Chill Bar Highlands for yourself.
Products/Services:
Drinks, Music, Event
LOCATION:
Address: 1117 Bardstown Rd, Louisville, KY 40204
Phone: (859) 913-8679
Website: www.chillbarlouisville.com
REVIEWS:
“We were in from out of town so I called ahead to check the vibe before heading over. David was so helpful and welcoming. He and his husband both made the effort to come to our table once we arrived to welcome us and recommend some other Louisville hot spots while we were in town. Great drinks and a fun time in the open-air patio bar.” – Chad C.
Shera Elliott graduated from the New Mexico State University with a major in biology and a minor in Biological Basis of Behavior & Health Care Management. Shera grew up in Los Angeles, but moved to Las Cruces for college. Shera has written for several major publications including the Albuquerque Journal and NPR. Shera is a community reporter and also covers stories important important to all Americans.