Louisville Nightlife

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Louisville has a diverse nightlife, especially when it is compared to other similarly-sized cities. This is because the city puts a premium on good times and celebrations. The Kentucky Derby is a prime example of this. Celebrations go on for nearly two weeks before the race, even though the event itself is over in a matter of minutes. That attitude carries over into regular nightlife. There is plenty to do when the sun goes down in Derby town.

Here are the best nightspots:

Budget

On the first Friday of every month, the First Friday Trolley Hop takes place. This popular event offers a glimpse into the art world of Louisville. Galleries open their doors to the public between 5 and 11 p.m. Trolleys circle the city, stopping at each stop at 15 minute intervals to pick up gallery-goers and take them to the next hotspot. It’s free (unless you make a purchase) and a good time.

Heine Bros Coffee & Java Brewing Company is a local chain of coffee shops. Coffee culture is alive and well in Louisville. Cafés offer a cheaper alternative to pubs. With deserts and some evening events, many of these are a good nighttime venue.

Louisville also has a fine collection of dive bars, most located around the Downtown and Germantown areas. If you are on a budget, or if you prefer the “feet-stick-to-the-floor” kind of venues, these are worth checking out.

Value

Local Louisville microbreweries make their own beers and sell them directly to the consumer. Cumberland Brews (1576 Bardstown Road) makes their own selection of suds, as does Bluegrass Brewing Company, which owns and operates a few pubs around Louisville.

Places like Cahoots (1047 Bardstown Road) draw a more youthful crowd with their atmosphere and music. As with many pubs in Louisville, the food is nearly as good, if not better, than the drink selection.

The Rudyard Kipling (422 West Oak Street) is a unique place. It serves home-style bluegrass dishes to accompany live musical performances or theater.

Splurge

Maker's Mark Bourbon House & Lounge is the place to find bourbon from each of Kentucky’s best distilleries. It is a decidedly upscale bar, but if you are looking for some of the best locally produced liquors, this is the place. It is especially worth the price if you are a bourbon aficionado.

Nachbar (969 Charles St) features a strong beer list with German and Belgian brews. There are live performances, mostly jazz, on the weekends. Film screenings take place during the week.