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.
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.
Housed in a former garage, The Garage Bar is one of the most popular eateries and bars in the NuLu neighborhood or East Market District of Louisville. The place is always thumping with excitement and the two crashed cars at the entrance is a cool, gimmick that belies what the bar is all about. Their wood-fired oven pizzas are phenomenal and every single one of them uses local, farm fresh ingredients. Just check the menu, it has the local farmers and purveyors listed behind the products in your dish.
Beer nerds take note: The Nachbar is the place to be for beer selection in Louisville. There's a hefty menu of Belgians, Germans, other imports, and the best of the American microbreweries. There are lots of bottles and plenty of cascading hops out of the taps too. The walls are made of exposed brick, there's billiards and a backyard and a full bar in case beer isn't your first choice. A popular summer venue, the patio is a great place to mingle over drinks in fine weather. Open till late, this hidden gem is a Germantown favorite for those in the know.
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.
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.
Located on South Clay Street just a few blocks away from downtown Louisville, Shirley Mae's Cafe is one of the few restaurants in the city that serves authentic slow cooked soul food and southern cuisine since 1988. Housed in a historic three story building, guests are provided with delicious made-to-order meals prepared in their open kitchen. Everything on the menu is prepped and cooked using fresh ingredients, from their popular fried chicken to their desserts. Bring cash, no credit.
The Exchange Pub + Kitchen is a beautifully decorated gastropub in New Albany, with plush leather booths, exposed brick walls, and wooden shelves illuminated by dim yellow lighting. Open for brunch, lunch and dinner, this pub serves up delicately crafted pub food, from a rotating seasonal menu. The open kitchen gives patrons a chance to see the executive chef at work with fresh local ingredients. The bar has a selection of, local beers available on tap and by the bottle, specialty cocktails, boutique wines and non-alcoholic beverages. Try yummy pub-grub like fish and chips, and their pretzel loaf and beer cheese.
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.
Unwind yourself from the hectic schedule as you spend a relaxing evening sipping on to some good drinks at Hilltop Tavern. This dive bar is known for its long beverage list, especially its refreshing cocktails. In case you get hungry, it serves a delectable American menu which is a treat to your taste buds. Hilltop Tavern features a number of board games along with foosball and ping pong for free. Their casual ambiance and friendly service make it ideal to catch up for a drink with your friends.