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.
Headliners is a Louisville institution that has hosted top local and national performers over the years. A mid-sized venue, the hall hosts an eclectic line up of performers of various genres from hip-hop to metal, bluegrass, and rock. Past performances include Disclosure, Kings of Leon, Dr. Dog, and Girl Talk. Housed in an early 20th-century building, the acoustics are excellent and the ambiance is lively. The elevated back bar allows you to wait in line with a view of the show. Schedules are available via the website or social media. Tickets can be booked online and prices vary according to the artists.
Located across Bardstown Road, the Bard's Town is a local restaurant that is popular amongst one and all. What sets it apart from the rest is the fact that it serves artisan food and even the names of the dishes are symbolic, savor the Julius Ceasar Salad or simply order Mushroom of Venice. Right from the dishes to the events held here, everything is in sync with the theater theme of the restaurant. Happy hours, live music concerts and similar events are a regular feature at the Bard's Town. That’s not it, there is another surprise awaiting you on the second floor, the Bard's Town Theatre of the restaurant. This theater showcases works of new play-writers and stages innovative plays. Truly, Bard's Town offers a great mix of entertainment and tasty food.
Enjoy a cup of freshly roasted and brewed coffee at this flagship coffeehouse of a small, independent chain in Louisville. Initiated by the enthusiastic coffee-lovers Nathan and Amy Quillo, the focus, here, is on serving fresh, handcrafted coffee sourced from farmers that practice healthy farming. Sip on your favorite latte or cappuccino while you relax in a casual atmosphere of the bar. Live music events are also scheduled occasionally to liven up the atmosphere of the cafe. Visit their website for more information.
Equus & Jack's Lounge is located east of downtown in the neighborhood of St. Matthews and it serves an amalgam of upscale pub-grub. Where else will you find tater-tots made with a truffle aioli alongside Maple Leaf Farms duck breast? The menu is customized for casual dining and it features food as diverse as fried calamari and osso bucco to pot roast and diver scallops. It also changes often as they only use fresh, seasonal produce in the kitchen.
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.