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.
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.
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.
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).
Many locals agree that of the numerous traditional Irish pubs in Louisville, the one most worth a visit is the Irish Rover. Like every Irish pub, it's got traditional food and lots of Guinness, but here they go the extra mile. The recipes are extra traditional. The Guinness is poured just right. And thanks to all of that, locals pack the place, creating a true feeling of community on any given night. See website for menu, sister location and more.