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.
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.
Established in 2011, Against The Grain Brewery & Smokehouse is an ideal place to quaff microbrews and delicious food. Managed by a group of friends (Jerry, Adam, Sam and Andrew), this is the first traditional brewpub in the city. Against The Grain takes pride in brewing a vast variety of beers, from classic ales to flavor infusions alongside the hops are available here. Their menu features a delightful range of burgers, sandwiches, ribs and chicken that will complement your beer. Located on the grounds of Louisville Slugger Field, you can enjoy a drink and meal here before or after a game.
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.
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.
Varenese is a chic and modern restaurant and is known for their New American and Mediterranean cuisines. The restaurant is passionate about the concept of farms to table and you will find only the freshest local ingredients used in the food. Their four seasons patio is a beautiful extension of the building and has a breathtaking 20-foot slate water wall. It is enclosed by winding glass doors which can be retracted to give you a great outdoor dining experience. You will just relish their signature dishes like stuffed crab avocado, curried lamb and lentil soup, a flat-iron steak with mushroom and Parmesan risotto, and the bourbon barrel-smoked pork chop. Chef’s specials are really amazing, and there three or four each evening. Their yummylicious Tres leches cake and the toffee-marshmallow bread pudding with salted caramel ice cream makes choosing a tussle. Veranese has a good list of wine and special cocktail lists to go with the menu. You will surely be pampered by their great customer service, food, live entertainment, and making it into an amazing dining experience.
Village Anchor Pub & Roost is a bistro pub offering traditional local food with a twist. Settled in the remarkable town of Anchorage, KY, this enchanting restaurant with its lovely patios, one with a dainty garden touch with plants and wrought iron table and chairs, a covered terrace and a cozy dual sided stone fireplace has been delighting the locals for some time now. The farm to table approach in the menu gives a lovely flavor to its satisfying food such as the Blackened Fish Tacos, Cobb Rollers, Spicy Beef or Chicken Kabobs, Sweet Potato Fries with Marshmallow Creme, fried Bologna sandwich, cast iron scallops, banana pudding and much more deliciousness. Their bar known as the Sea Hag is a treasure house of 62 craft beer, boutique wine and 55 various bourbon selections. Though the prices are a bit high, it is well worth it for its fab food, drinks and beautiful ambience. Truly a local gem.
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).