When the glossy hubbub of Fourth Street Live becomes overwhelming, head for Third Street Dive. It's dark and gritty, the drinks are inexpensive, and the frills are decidedly few. There's a pool table in the back, a juke box full of heavy rock'n'roll, and live music on select evenings. The regulars are full of colorful stories, and the barkeeps have their share as well. If your one-drink Happy Hour plan turns into an beer-fueled, punk-rock all nighter, you're more than welcome to order out for pizza or bring in a bag of White Castles from around the corner. See MySpace page for concert schedule and more.
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.
Of the numerous Irish Pubs along a certain block on Louisville's Baxter Avenue, O'Shea's is the godfather. It was the first to set up shop and remains among the liveliest. Revelers from all over town gather here on many a night for an atmosphere that includes live music and dancing, and a bar and kitchen serving up hot food and cold drinks. See website for live music schedule, menu, beer list and more.
The Back Door is a simple, unpretentious watering-hole located on Bardstown Road and a great place to shoot pool, drink domestic beer and carouse in general with the locals. In addition to domestic drafts, the bartenders here pour strong drinks and there are a couple of dart boards as well. The kitchen serves pub grub like wings, nachos, and quesadillas, and there's plenty of parking too.
Manny & Merle's fuses a touch of the Old West in the kitchen (with tacos, guacamole and flat-iron steak as quintessential examples) alongside strong select bourbons you could only find in a Kentucky bar. This honky-tonk spot has everything, from amazing Southwestern-inspired food to live bands and even a nice selection of tequilas. Throughout the week, the bar/restaurant hosts live music and though many of the bands are local, on occasion a national or international star will make his/her appearance.