Eat And Drink Like Locals During Kentucky Derby Week At These Popular Cocktail Bars And Neighborhood Dives

Drink like the locals: hit up classic (and legendary) dive bars like the Mag Bar or one of the new cocktail spots in town. ” itemprop=”image” />

Darling’s Bar

1765 Bardstown Rd.

This cute cocktail bar gives nods to a simpler life and simpler times. The cocktails are anything but.

Photo via Darling’s Bar
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Trouble Bar

1149 S. Shelby St.

The people make this bar special. Good bartenders, a great crowd, and always good conversations to be had.

Photo via Trouble Bar
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Taj

807 E. Market St.

Taj is a good bar along the Market St. corridor to pop in for a drink and maybe catch a game if you’re into that. It’s a good mix of classy and relaxed neighborhood bar.
Photo via Taj
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The Hub

2235 Frankfort Ave.

Food, Drinks and Fun are the order at The Hub. Come for the drink, stay for the dancing.
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Shop Bar

950 Barret Ave.

It’s a bar. It’s a shop. Get some libations and souvenirs.
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Pretty Decent

2235 Frankfort Ave.

It’s pretty decent and pretty popular. This new addition to the Hub Louisville is a local hotspot.
Photo via Pretty Decent
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Proof Bar

702 W. Main St.

Classy, Creative in the 21C Art Museum Hotel, Proof Bar serves good bites and drinks. Locals love it and of course, it’s always a visitor favorite.
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Pin and Proof Speakeasy

400 S. Second St.

Speakeasy with bowling inside the Omni Hotel.
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Nouvelle Bar and Bottle

214 So. Clay St.

The prettiest patio and a lovely bar for wines, chocolate and other small bites. If you’re lucky, catch a local performance on the patio. Always a treat.
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Library Bar

400 S. Second St.

Library bar inside the Omni Hotel. Not sure if you can read the books, we’re usually too tipsy to try.
Photo via Library Bar
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Nostalgic

1306 Bardstown Rd.

Thinking back to the life they enjoyed as kids, Nostalgic wants to create those types of lasting memories for the grownups. This isn’t a kid bar, at all. But it does highlight how good we had it.
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Never Say Die

3900 Shelbyville Rd.

A little bit punk, a lot of art and an all-around creative and cool vibe.
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NachBar

969 Charles St.

NachBar is a neighborhood spot. Perfect for stumbling home on foot after all the Derby Partying. Don’t live or aren’t staying nearby? Plenty of rideshares and cab services to take you home after.
Photo via NachBar
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The Merryweather

1101 Lydia St..

Neighborhood dive, local vibe. Fun shenanigans.
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Mag Bar

1398 S. Second St..

Local Dive for the punk, rock, hardcore set. Good jukebox and strong ass drinks
Photo via Mag Bar
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The Palm Room aka Joe’s Palm Room

1821 W. Jefferson St.

This historic spot is where you go to hear good soul music and dance to the latest r&b, soul, and jazz. It’s a grown and sexy spot.
Photo via Joe’s Palm Room
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Hell or Highwater Bar

112 W. Washington St.

Continuing the tradition of hard-to-find speakeasies, Hell or Highwater is a popular date spot and probably a good spot to make a reservation.
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Epiphany Bar

1525 Highland Ave.

Spirits to serve a greater purpose? Yep, that’s Epiphany’s mission with farm-to-table ingredients for the beverage world.
Photo via Ephiphany Bar
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The Champagnery

1764 Frankfort Ave.

Bubbly in a warm and pretty interior. And a piano.
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Copper & Kings

1121 E. Washington St.

”Brandy, you’re a fine girl…” Not the song but the beverage. Copper & Kings also has a food menu that changes seasonally and pairs well with American Brandy.
Photo via Copper & Kings
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Jack’s Black Rabbit

120 Sears Ave.

Louisville loves a speakeasy and Black Rabbit is Jack’s version of this cultural classic
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The Bar at Fort Nelson (Michter’s Distillery)

801 W. Main St.

Classic cocktails ‘curated’ by a drink historian. Get in on some classic, revolutionary sips.
Photo via The Bar at Fort Nelson (Michter’s Distillery)
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The Corridor Bar

712 E. Market

A little bit yacht rock, a little bit Cuban cigar lounge, and obvs. corridors make this a perfect nighttime spot with creative seasonal sips.
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Canary Club

1247 S. Shelby St.

One of the newer spots in the city pairing some classic eats with nice organic wines. 100% Women-owned.
Photo via Canary Club

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It’s Kentucky Derby week, y’all, and LEO knows the drill. This week is a lot of partying and not a lot of work. We want to make sure you know where to get the best cocktails (and snacks). As a bonus, this list is all recommendations by locals so we know that you’ll get the best the city has to offer.

Do locals actually go to these places? Yep, absolutely.

If you want to meet Louisville as it really is, visit one of these recommended cocktail and dive bars. Louisville’s charm extends far past the Twin Spires, we promise.

Since this is a big party week, we are also suggesting you be a good steward of our city and refrain from drinking and driving. Here’s how to get around Louisville safely from our friends at Louisville Tourism: Getting Around.