Sergio's is a haven for hard-core beer lovers and the beer-curious alike. Although humble in size and stature, with its vast and varied selection of beers from around the globe, this simple bar has garnered a reputation as local legend. The walls are lined with flags of every kind, and coolers displaying a seemingly endless array of bottled beers, including several rare and hard to find varieties. Once you have made your selection, just amble over to the counter and you can choose to either stay and enjoy your brew at the bar, or take it home to quaff later. Apart from the bottled varieties, Sergio's also boasts an impressive rotating selection on tap, with the seasonal specialties being the most popular. Paired with a food menu that features everything from pretzels, wings, mozzarella sticks and hummus platters to burritos, fajitas, burgers, pizzas and other pub grub, at Sergio's you are sure to find something that suits your beer.
Zanzabar is a local institution. Since its opening in 1938 it has changed templates many times, but it has always remained a local watering hole. The recent incarnation has it all, from old-school arcade games and pinball tournament nights to local farm-to-table food and live music, things have surely changed since those prewar days. The food and drinks are outstanding, but a lot of people come just to revert back to their childhood with games like Paperboy, Asteroids, Frogger and Donkey Kong. When you add the live music, this version of Zanzabar appears as if it is the best one in the last 80 years.
Four Pegs bills itself as a "Beer Lounge and Social Eatery." It aptly fits the bill because the friendly and knowledgeable staff treat guests to a smorgasbord of great beer and hearty grub that sticks to the ribs. The beer selection is carefully curated and has choices from some of the best regions in the world, Belgium, Germany, Czech Republic, and much more. Almost every night, there is some kind of special, wings on Tuesdays, pints on Wednesdays and Trivia Sundays are always a blast.
This local bar in the Louisville exurb of St. Matthews is a place to watch Cardinals basketball, build your own pizza and dance the night away to salsa music. The downstairs part of the establishment functions as Saints, where guests can watch a game and order some pub style American grub. The upstairs area is Sky Bar, a lounge for dancing and drinks. The music isn't entirely Latin either, on certain nights live bands and DJs make their appearance as well. On Sundays, be forewarned if you're a Chicago Bears fan during NFL season, because the Saints pub (despite its name) is known as a place where Packers fans congregate.
Holy Grale is a beer-lover's paradise housed in a former Unitarian church, however now the gospel is according to King Gambrinus (an old European beer hero) as opposed to those out of the Good Book. Here, the beer flows happily through ever-changing taps and bottles. The food menu features small bites on their pickle, charcuterie and cheese plates, yet some larger, more filling options are on there as well. On tap there are more than 20 distinct brews that keep the seasonally-drawn menu good company, in fact, the staff will recommend the perfect beer-pairing with your meal(s).
A venture by renowned chef Anthony Lamas of Food Network fame, Seviche is the place to go for not only its namesake dish, but for plenty of Latin flavors. Making use of local ingredients, the chefs at this restaurant serve mouthwatering Ceviche like the signature Old Fashioned which is tuna cooked from the acidity in a bluegrass soy, Kentucky bourbon, orange and pineapple brine. Some of the other dishes include plates from around the world as well, with skirt steak and Chimichurri from Argentina, the traditional Paella dish influenced from Spain and veggie chimichangas that hail from the Mexican kitchen. As the menus constantly change, guests can rest assured that they will eat something novel and innovative.
Cultured - Cheese and Charcuterie Bar is known to offer delightful farmstead cheese varieties that will only keep you wanting for more. Kenny’s Farmhouse Cheese is offered here and some of the perennial favorites include Kenny's Cheese, Wells Made Nuts and Nut Butters, Red Hog Charcuterie and Capriole Goat Cheese. To make the most of your experience, pair your cheese with fine wine. Cultured – Cheese also offers an event space and is a great place for groups.
Vines & Canines shares the owner's two loves - fine wine and friendly canines - with fellow enthusiasts. The bar's interiors are warm and inviting and framed dog-themed artwork lines the walls. Not just for your four-legged friends, this neighborhood spot has a good selection of wine from moderately-priced to more high-end varieties to share over bar eats. Your pet won't be left out either; there are doggie treats and water bowls so they stay refreshed. You can browse the store for a bottle for your next dinner party or simply take a break and enjoy it with fellow wine lovers in a dog-friendly setting.
Hell or High Water is definitely one of Louisville's best-kept secrets. Hidden right in Downtown, the bar is a different world in itself. An exquisite experience when it comes to lounging, this speakeasy bar boasts of an old school decor that goes back to the 1920s. Dimly lit with elegant crystal chandeliers, exposed brick walls, and cozy leather and velvet sofas give the bar an appearance which is straight out of a Fitzgerald novel. You can sip on a variety of craft cocktails and drinks which are categorized into hell and high water. A charcuterie board is ideal to enjoy with your drinks near the spectacular library or even the small upstairs section of the bar. A must-visit and reservation recommended, Hell or High Water is bound to surprise you with its charm.