Best Places to Drink Beer in Louisville, Kentucky
Everyone knows Louisville is a great drinking town but there’s so much more to the booze scene in Louisville than bourbon and mint juleps. It is one of the best places to drink beer in the South as well. There are about 14 different breweries in the Louisville area, plenty of beer bars, and even a brew bus if you want someone else to do the driving. Whether you want to plan your own craft beer bar crawl or visit a few different breweries, these are some of the best places in Louisville to drink beer.
Discover the 10 Best Breweries & Beer Bars in Louisville
Highlands
Holy Grale
1034 Bardstown Rd
House in a historic 1905 church, Holy Grale is literally the church of beer in Louisville and should be on any beer lovers list when visiting. It’s got a very European pub feel with a small bar, a few cafe tables and beer garden out back. Choose from over 27 beers on tap and one of the best specialty bottle lists in the South. They have a small selection of cider and wine as well. If you get hungry, my go to order is the mussels & frites but their food menu does change often so check it out online before you go.
Photo credit: Danielle Lucas
Germantown
Four Pegs
1053 Goss Ave
Some Bloomington friends of ours shared this little bar with us because of their beer selection and chicken and waffle sandwich. This laid-back bar is located in Germantown and has a big craft beer menu. We sat at the bar and ordered up chicken and waffles and one fish and chips. Deep fried goodness. The beer list rotates so check out their current selection online.
Schnitzelburg
Monnik Beer Co
1036 E Burnett Ave
This corner brewpub is truly a neighborhood staple. Locals are hanging out here all week long sampling the best new beers from the team. The beer list spans from funky sours to American IPAs but they succeed in making complex and flavorful beers that go well with their food. Monnik is more than a brewery, they have a classic pub menu with a dishes like Kentucky beer cheese, fried smelts, shepherd’s pie, and burgers.
Downtown
Against the Grain
401 E Main St
This is not your typical brewpub. Known for their hop-forward beers, Against the Grain is a must when in Louisville. The pub is located inside Louisville Slugger Field so you can catch a minor league game before or after trying some of their delicious beers. I’d recommend soaking up some rays on their massive patio alongside some samplers and BBQ from their smokehouse.
Butchertown
Sergio's World of Beers
1605 Story Ave
Our server at Against the Grain recommended Sergio's World of Beers and I'm so glad he did. I have no idea how anyone would find this place if you weren't explicitly directed there. When we pulled up to a building with no sign, blinds drawn, I thought we were in the wrong place. But after checking the address again, we tried the door anyway and a huge bar with 40 taps awaited. Sergio’s is part package store too so be sure to walk around and check out the different walk in coolers with beer from different regions around the world. No surprise there’s an entire cooler for beers from Belgium.
Apocalypse Brew Works
1612 Mellwood Ave
This brewery was the furthest away from downtown but our friend Toby swears that there's nothing better than their Watermelon Crack beer on a hot day. He was right. It was light and fruity but not too sweet. Perfect for patio hangs.
NuLu
Feast BBQ
909 E Market St #100,
I don’t know about you but beer and BBQ is a magical combination. This casual counter service spot is an awesome place to kick off a beer filled weekend. Choose from pulled pork topped tater tots (just do it), brisket, smoked tofu, and crispy mac & cheese balls. The beer list is stacked with local Louisville beer and regional favorites like Upland Brewing (Bloomington IN), Rhinegeist (Cincinnati OH), and Three Floyds (Munster IN). I Might as well give the bourbon slushees a whirl while you’re here. They are too good!
Photo credit: Danielle Lucas
Louisville Beer Store
746 E Market St
My photog and friend Danielle and I noticed the sidewalk sign outside this shop immediately while walking to lunch at Royals Hot Chicken on our recent weekend trip. Y’all should know by now I like to bring home beer souvenirs so I added it to my shopping list for Sunday before we left town. The Beer Store specializes in unique beers from around the world and craft beers in Kentucky. They also have 8 rotating taps so you can enjoy a pint or flight while you shop. This spot is also a great place for a quick drink after dinner.
Garage Bar
700 E Market St
If I lived in Louisville this place would be my hang out. An old garage turned artisanal pizza joint with huge patio? It reminded me so much of Ted's Most Best in Athens, Georgia (one of our favorite grad school hangouts), I felt right at home. Located in the heart of the NuLu neighborhood, the space inside is reserved for dinner service, cozy and casual with big booths and long farm tables. The whole bar menu was top notch with a variety of local beers, cocktails, bourbons, and wine. The patio is HUGE and full of people on a Saturday night; a perfect place to meet up with a big group and take advantage of hot summer nights or chilly fall evenings with a good beer in hand and delicious pizza. If you’re just drinkin’ then hit the outside bar. You won’t wait nearly as long and they still have a few craft beers and cocktails available. If you need a break from beer, try the honey lavender lemonade. It wasn’t too sweet and really refreshing.
Goodwood
636 E Main St
One of the longest running breweries in Louisville, Goodwood creates distinctive beers that encompass Kentucky heritage, starting with limestone water and finishing each beer on wood. Stouts and bourbon barrels are a classic pair and Goodwood’s Bourbon Barrel Stout is no exception. Rich roasted coffee and chocolate notes finished with bourbon of course, it makes an excellent sipper for fall and winter months. Don’t miss the Louisville Lager either; it is made entirely from locally sourced grains in Kentucky.
Do you have a favorite beer bar or brewery in Louisville?
Like this post? Pin The Best Places to Drink Beer in Louisville, Kentucky for later.
