Ever Heard of “The Urban Bourbon Trail®”? Get Your Tastebuds Ready!
- Carey Fieldhouse
- Jul 11
- 9 min read
Explore Louisville's Top Bourbon Bars and Award-Winning Culinary Scene
Experience Louisville’s Urban Bourbon Trail® as part of your Kentucky Bourbon Country visit! This curated list of bars and restaurants features knowledgeable staff, extensive bourbon selections, and bourbon-inspired dishes. Use the trail to explore top bourbon spots, and if you check in at six or more locations, you’ll earn an Urban Bourbon Trailblazer t-shirt—redeemable at the Louisville Visitor Center or by mail within two weeks.
Trail stops range from historic hotels once frequented by Al Capone and F. Scott Fitzgerald to stylish modern establishments serving classic cocktails like the Sidecar and Manhattan. Each location offers bourbon flights, specialty cocktails, and at least 60 bourbon varieties, with staff ready to guide you through tasting notes from Jim Beam Black to Elmer T. Lee.
The Urban Bourbon Trail Highlights
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Let’s jump on the trail....
Neat Bourbon Bar & Bottle Shop
Sip "History By The Pour" and see why National Geographic Traveller listed Neat as the #1 recommended bourbon bar in the world to sample American whiskey. They're about 5 minutes from downtown in Louisville's Highlands neighborhood. Neat specializes in vintage bourbons and features a full bar with award-winning cocktails, beer, and wine. And they don't just pour vintage bourbon, THEY SELL IT! Check out their amazing selection in their bottle shop next door.
Book & Bourbon Southern Kitchen
Book and Bourbon Southern Kitchen is a toast to Kentucky's deep and rich bourbon heritage. It is a highly visible platform for showcasing the state's renowned bourbon distilling heritage. Created specifically for Louisville International Airport to celebrate Kentucky and its bourbon. It is the first and last stop on the Urban Bourbon Trail.
Trophy Bar Bourbon & Cigars
Step into history at Trophy Bar, where bourbon, cigars, and horse racing legacy come together. Home to a collection of trophies from legendary races, this one-of-a-kind lounge invites you to sip, smoke, and celebrate the sport of kings. Explore a curated selection of hundreds of bourbons and American whiskeys, savor a specialty cocktail, and enjoy a premium cigar—all while immersing yourself in the stories of racing’s greatest champions. Located in Derby City Gaming Downtown.
Wild Swann Restaurant
Step into The Wild Swann, a vibrant cocktail lounge where history and Southern charm converge. Nestled in the Grady Hotel, we honor Kentucky’s bourbon heritage with handcrafted cocktails and a full dinner menu featuring bold, regional flavors. From the sophisticated atmosphere to the perfect bourbon pairing, every detail invites you to savor the moment. Whether enjoying a classic Old Fashioned or exploring creative libations, The Wild Swann promises an unforgettable dining experience in downtown Louisville.
Oliver's Chop House & Bourbon Bar
Celebrating Mint Julep Month!Oliver's Chop House & Bourbon Bar is a premier dining destination for the bourbon aficionado and foodie alike. Featuring over 200 bourbons and whiskeys, gourmet cuisine, and indulgent service, let Oliver's curate a dining experience that fits your wishes. Located in the heart of Derby City Gaming & Hotel, enhance your visit with over 1300 Historical Horse Racing Machines, unique hotel accommodations, and live music on the weekends.
Barrel Bar and Grill
Barrel Bar and Grill joined Whiskey Row in Downtown Louisville in the winter of 2021. With over 60 bourbons/whiskeys to choose from, a dozen beers on tap, and their soon to be famous four patty BBQ bacon burger, Barrel Bar and Grill is the place to be. They also serve brunch 7 days a week!We are connected to Louisville Comedy Club, the only A-List comedy club in the blue grass state. Louisville Comedy Club has national headliners every weekend, and local showcases and open-mics during the week. Pop in for great food, better drinks, and a laugh out loud good time.
Special Offer:
25% Off Food Purchase
Watch Hill Proper
Watch Hill Proper Bourbon Bar & Kitchen is a unique restaurant experience located in the heart of bourbon country. Open to the public, we offer the largest selection of American whiskey in the world along with a world class cocktail program made entirely with American whiskey. Chef Michael Crouch is a master of blending flavor to pair with our whiskey, cocktails, and wine offerings.
Chill BAR Highlands
Born out of love for good drinks, good friends and good times, Chill BAR comes to Highlands Neighborhood welcoming all who are looking to have FUN. It is with great pride that they have been named by YELP! as one of the Top 50 Best Gay Bars in America. They share the spotlight with 9 others in the Top 10 Best Patio Bars in Louisville. With a bourbon focus, and an extensive bourbon list they are extremely proud to be the first LGBTQ+ Bourbon Bar to be named on the Urban Bourbon Trail! Be sure to ask for Michael, their Certified Bourbon Steward as he will walk you through your own private bourbon tasting.
Four Pegs Smokehouse & Bar
Serving award winning BBQ with top notch craft beer selection, with 12 constantly rotating drafts, 60+ bourbons, and 40 cans and bottles. Featured on the Food Network and the Cooking Channel. Laid back environment with excellent service and food!
Down One Bourbon Bar
An iconic downtown Louisville restaurant and whiskey bar. Conveniently located on Main Street next to KFC YUM Center! What tacos can’t cure, whiskey will. They offer a modern and fast menu that is great for lunch or pregame. Their extensive cocktail menu features local favorites and over 150 bourbons that you will be sure to love.
Pin + Proof
Hidden Speakeasy inside the luxury hotel, Omni Louisville. As you turn left off of the lobby, look for the discreet mural symbolizing "shhh" to discover our speakeasy and travel to a bygone era when alcohol and jazz flowed freely during Prohibition. Share cocktails with friends and compete on our four professional bowling lanes as you indulge in the opulent and mysterious atmosphere that alluring havens enticed patrons with decades ago. All the while, enjoy a light bite menu reminiscent of the earlier days.
Patrick O'Shea's
In 2010 Patrick O’Shea’s opened in downtown Louisville. The O'Shea's family reclaimed a four-story historic building in the Iron Quarter, adding O’Shea’s style, charm and legendary welcome to the downtown renaissance.
Special Offer:
10% Off Of Food & Retail
Charr'd Bourbon Kitchen & Lounge
From the food to the decor, Charr'd is truly bourbon-inspired. The restaurant features local and regional ingredients harvested in Bourbon Country, and serves it in a beautifully curated space inspired by bourbon barrels and limestone.
Volare
Volare Italian Ristorante is a fine dining restaurant serving modern Italian cuisine with southern hospitality.
Hell or High Water
A discreet seated cocktail lounge below whiskey row focusing on Louisville's rich cocktail history. Designed to cultivate intimate conversation amidst elegant surroundings. Hell or High Water is the perfect place to enjoy a bourbon and let the tired troubles of the day melt away. Reservations strongly encouraged.
Bristol Bar & Grille Downtown.
In addition to listing bourbons by distillery, the extensive Bourbon list selected by the Bristol’s Executive Bourbon Stewards show known mash bills, age statements and proofs. This, paired with the passion and knowledge of the staff, makes for the perfect Kentucky Bourbon experience. Winner of more “ Best of Louisville” awards than any other local restaurant, the Bristol features an assortment of dishes highlighting local farmers, including aged choice steaks, the gourmet Bristol burger, pasta, fresh seafood, salads, sandwiches and appetizers, including and signature Green Chili Wontons served with guacamole. The Bristol also features an award-winning wine list and extensive beer selection showcasing local breweries.
Brendon's Catch 23
Described as a “Seafood Paradise,” Brendon’s Catch 23 has established itself as a Chef-driven premier restaurant destination for the best the ocean has to offer. The seafood at Brendon’s Catch 23 is flown in daily and cut by Brendon’s chefs. In addition to responsibly fished wild-caught seafood and shellfish, the diverse menu includes classic and unique inspired side dishes and appetizers such as Alaskan King Crab, Jumbo Lobsters, freshly-shucked Oysters available on ice, Mac & Cheese, Asparagus, Fries, and their much-desired Seafood towers, all of which will satisfy any personal craving.
Porch Kitchen & Bar
Their name comes from the cultural significance that the iconic American porch holds — acting as the neighborhood's living room, a place that connects individuals to the community. Serving comfort food and a soulful experience that is down-to-earth, Porch Kitchen & Bar in downtown Louisville gives off a spirited energy that is truly magnetic, drawing people in. Swing on by, come for the comfort but stay for the conversation. Restaurant: Sunday-Saturday 5:00pm-10:00pm Bar: Sunday-Wednesday 4:00pm-11:00pm and Thursday-Saturday 4:00pm-12:00am.
Troll Pub Under The Bridge
An underground pub that is a one-of-a-kind experience in Louisville, KY. If you are looking for cold local beers, delicious libations, or the best pub-grub in the ’Ville with a historic and unique ambiance, find Louie the Troll! He is proudly standing at the corner of 2nd and Washington streets, pointing you in the right direction.
The Pub is open for lunch, dinner and late dining seven days a week. Stop by for lunch, happy hour, dinner or plan a night out on the town. The Troll Pub is a hidden treasure to share with friends, family and coworkers.
Special Offer:
20% Off Appetizer
8UP Elevated Drinkery & Kitchen
A downtown Louisville restaurant and rooftop set in the lively entertainment district in downtown Louisville offers eclectic dining and drinking experiences. 8up Elevated Drinkery & Kitchen offers three distinctive atmospheres - the open-kitchen restaurant, swanky lounge, and rooftop bar and event space. Their restaurant offers a menu of creative American food with a local twist, hand-crafted cocktails, and unparalleled city views. Whether you're throwing a party, meeting friends for dinner, or chilling with a drink after work, enjoy an elevated ambiance that celebrates the spirit of Louisville.
Special Offer:
50% Off An Appetizer
Derby Café and Bourbon Bar at the Kentucky Derby Museum
Visit the place where bourbon and horse racing come together! Head Bartender Johnny “Bourbon” Arnett loves to serve Derby Museum customers with the charm and hospitality you’d expect from a southern-inspired, bourbon-centric establishment. Guests enjoy rare bourbons by the glass, bourbon flights and specialty cocktails including Johnny’s own special twist on an Old-Fashioned. Over 200 bourbons on the menu. Chef John serves up Kentucky-themed signature dishes including a Hot Brown Panini, Burgoo and Bourbon Bread Pudding.
Special Offer:
10% Off Food
Corner Flavors of Kentucky
At Corner you'll find modern Southern fare and local twists on classic recipes - all in a vibrant location on the corner of 1st and Main St. on historic Whiskey Row. Whether you're looking for an after-work happy hour, local flavors of Kentucky or a place to gather with friends before the next big game, Corner is your go-to spot in downtown Louisville.
Merle's Whiskey Kitchen
Award-Winning American Whiskey Hall, Southern inspired menu, lots of Kentucky bourbon, cold beer & live music.
Special Offer:
10% Off Food Purchase
Lobby Bar & Grill At The Brown Hotel
Contemporary classic meets old world opulence at The Brown Hotel’s spectacularly beautiful and surprisingly unstuffy Lobby Bar. A popular spot for the next generation of Louisville merrymakers, this glamorous, gilded space balances its history with modern touches and sophisticated tastes. Indulge in classic comfort food and kick back with a hand-crafted cocktail. Their Signature Hot Brown and Derby Pie pair perfectly with their hand selected bourbon flight.
Jockey Silks Bourbon Bar
Jockey Silks Bourbon Bar first opened its doors on the second floor of The Galt House Hotel in 1972 and is one of the first bourbon bars in Louisville. The newly renovated Jockey Silks Bourbon Bar re-opened in November 2019 as an upscale bourbon lounge for the modern bourbon lover and traveler. Jockey Silks pours 100 different bourbons in an upscale lounge with hand-carved wood elements.
Harrods Creek Tavern
They have waterfront dining and cocktails with outdoor seating and great views of Harrods Creek and plenty of room on their boat docks to come by water. They offer a very nice casual atmosphere with great food and drinks.
Special Offer:
20% Off Appetizer
Doc Crow's Southern Smokehouse & Raw Bar
Doc Crow’s is located in a building from 1869, and most famously housed the Bonnie Bros. Distillers warehouse. The distillery itself was located in the Portland neighborhood of Louisville, KY. Under the Bonnie Bros. house, 5 distilled spirits were sold. Doc Crow’s building once housed barrels and barrels of Joel B. Frazier, Nelson Club, Bonnie Bourbon, Bonnie Rye, and Bonnie Malt. When prohibition ended in December of 1933, Bonnie Bros. built a new larger distillery, but by the 1950’s it was purchased by Schenley Distillers. At that point in time, the building was repurposed as a warehouse for the Burwinkle-Hendershot paper goods company until being renovated into Doc Crow’s Southern Smokehouse and Raw Bar located in Louisville KY, now known as Whiskey Row.
Special Offer:
20% Off Food Purchase
Conclusion
Louisville is a vibrant and ever-expanding city. Check back often to learn of more listings, specials, and more!
The Urban Bourbon Trail
Mobile exclusive
Instantly delivered via text and email
No apps to download
Save on the best of Louisville
Get Your Pass here.
Note: This blog is for informational purposes only and does not represent any endorsement by Pegasus.
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