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.
While much of Old Louisville can be exactly that, meaning old, Mag Bar takes a step (albeit a baby step) in the direction of the new. That means in a neighborhood full of bed and breakfasts trafficking in chamber music and merlot, this place offers a loud jukebox and Miller High Life. The bar's facade is made up of big plate-glass windows, so the sun shines in warmly right up to the bitter end of happy hour.
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.