People still "pop collars"??? That might be THE lamest fad ever! Can you say d-bag...

If I remember correctly, no sleeveless shirts, no jerseys, etc. It is their way to keep out the "less desireable crowd".

 

It's much more "strict" than this. I've been turned away because they said my jeans were to baggy, I've had issues with several shirts that I've worn down there, they told me my shorts were too long one night. I'm sorry that my waist line and my height don't match 4th Streets dress code. I don't "sag," I never have. But I wear a 40 in pants/jeans, and I'm only about 5'9", so most of my shorts are going to be long and my jeans baggy.

 

The biggest problem I have is the inconsistency, and failure to post their "code" any where. Depending on which entrance you use, you may or may not get harassed about what you're wearing. If you go in the "main" entrance, which would be the North side, you will almost always get hassled. I usually park in the attached garage on 5th Street and rarely have a problem there. I don't mind abiding by a dress code, but it needs to be detailed, and posted somewhere. Too many "Rent-A-Cops" down there taking their security job way too seriously.

Spent 3 dreadful hours at Sully's at 4th Street after the Chili Peppers last month. My fault for getting myself stuck with the crowd I was stuck with.

 

Sully's is really the only place I ever go there, but I agree. It's almost always too crowded, and the crowd usually sucks.

I've also learned that most out-of-towners love 4th Street... Probably because they don't deal with it on a regular basis.

I've also learned that most out-of-towners love 4th Street... Probably because they don't deal with it on a regular basis.

 

Went down for a Bachelor Party about a month ago and our group loved PBR (old Saddle Ridge). I'm sure if I lived in Louisville my adult beverage dollars would be spent on Bardstown Road. I only head to 4th Street maybe 2-3 times a year since I live in NKY. But I would agree, everyone up here loves taking a random trip to 4th Street.

 

I will say that 4th Street in Louisville makes me miss Beale Street in Memphis. Such good memories...and after being on Beale Street with no dress code, well it makes 4th Street Live seem a lot nicer/cleaner.

So genuine question...as a person who's never lived in Louisville but has spent a LOT of time there visiting friends (and partying there in my college days)...what are the solid bars to hang out in these days?

So genuine question...as a person who's never lived in Louisville but has spent a LOT of time there visiting friends (and partying there in my college days)...what are the solid bars to hang out in these days?

 

And I'll add a caveat...college bars and non-college bars should be on completely separate lists.

So genuine question...as a person who's never lived in Louisville but has spent a LOT of time there visiting friends (and partying there in my college days)...what are the solid bars to hang out in these days?

 

Depends on what you're into. These are some of the places I tend to hang out.

 

If you're into great beer, then there are several great spots: Sergio's World Beers (Butchertown), Against the Grain (Downtown), the Holy Grale (Highlands), Four Pegs (Germantown). Just to name a few.

 

If you're into smaller bars with reasonably priced drinks that the neighborhood folks hang out in: The Outlook Inn (Highlands), Pauly's Schnitzelburg Pub (Germantown/Schnitzelburg), Patrick's (St. Matthews/Crescent Hill).

 

If you're looking to class up the evening -- and pay for it -- hit up some of the best bourbon bars anywhere: Bourbons Bistro (Crescent Hill), Jockey Silks Bourbon Bar (Galt House Hotel Downtown), Old Seelbach Bar (Seelbach Hotel Downtown), Proof on Main (21c Museum Hotel Downtown).

 

There are two places I enjoy that I can't really fit into a category but they're among my favorite places in town:

 

The Back Door. It's at Mid-City Mall in the Highlands. It's definitely a neighborhood bar, but it's not small. They know how to pour a nice, stiff drink and there are pool tables, darts and other entertainment. It might be the best place in town to just hang out with a small group of friends for the night.

 

The Rudyard Kipling, Old Louisville at -- I think -- 4th and Oak. How do I even begin to describe this place? It has a couple performance spaces that are often used for good live music performances. They also use the space to stage plays from time to time. Great space for artists and performers and serves decent food and cheap drinks. Seen some great shows there in my time.

 

Anything in the Highlands puts you within walking distance of 15 other places to hang out if you don't like it, so that's a great spot. Downtown is the same way. If you end up at 4th Street Live, you can bust out of there and you're just a few blocks from the much better places on Main Street.

I shouldn't have typed all that. Now instead of doing work, I'm planning my weekend.

Depends on what you're into. These are some of the places I tend to hang out.

 

If you're into great beer, then there are several great spots: Sergio's World Beers (Butchertown), Against the Grain (Downtown), the Holy Grale (Highlands), Four Pegs (Germantown). Just to name a few.

 

If you're into smaller bars with reasonably priced drinks that the neighborhood folks hang out in: The Outlook Inn (Highlands), Pauly's Schnitzelburg Pub (Germantown/Schnitzelburg), Patrick's (St. Matthews/Crescent Hill).

 

If you're looking to class up the evening -- and pay for it -- hit up some of the best bourbon bars anywhere: Bourbons Bistro (Crescent Hill), Jockey Silks Bourbon Bar (Galt House Hotel Downtown), Old Seelbach Bar (Seelbach Hotel Downtown), Proof on Main (21c Museum Hotel Downtown).

 

There are two places I enjoy that I can't really fit into a category but they're among my favorite places in town:

 

The Back Door. It's at Mid-City Mall in the Highlands. It's definitely a neighborhood bar, but it's not small. They know how to pour a nice, stiff drink and there are pool tables, darts and other entertainment. It might be the best place in town to just hang out with a small group of friends for the night.

 

The Rudyard Kipling, Old Louisville at -- I think -- 4th and Oak. How do I even begin to describe this place? It has a couple performance spaces that are often used for good live music performances. They also use the space to stage plays from time to time. Great space for artists and performers and serves decent food and cheap drinks. Seen some great shows there in my time.

 

Anything in the Highlands puts you within walking distance of 15 other places to hang out if you don't like it, so that's a great spot. Downtown is the same way. If you end up at 4th Street Live, you can bust out of there and you're just a few blocks from the much better places on Main Street.

 

Nice list. I think I may be looking into some of these. I've been to the Holy Grale and I'm a big fan - their beer selection is pretty awesome. We've talked about going to Four Pegs a couple times when I've visited with friends in the past few years (I'm very good friends with a couple that lives in Germantown), but we always end up at Nachbar instead. I'm actually pretty fond of Nachbar.

 

I've been to the Seelbach Bar...you're right...swanky AND expensive. But it was worth the visit.

 

The Rud is a favorite of mine as well. I've been there probably a dozen times over the years - actually got to see My Morning Jacket play a show there probably 6 years back. It's awesome.

 

The BBC brewpub downtown is a pretty cool place when the weather is right to open the walls to the outside. I've been down to see shows for Ben Harper and for John Prine where we got down there early for a good burger and a couple great beers. It hit the spot both times.

 

I think I'm gonna have to check out some of your other suggestions though :thumb:

 

Depends on what you're into. These are some of the places I tend to hang out.

 

If you're into great beer, then there are several great spots: Sergio's World Beers (Butchertown), Against the Grain (Downtown), the Holy Grale (Highlands), Four Pegs (Germantown). Just to name a few.

 

If you're into smaller bars with reasonably priced drinks that the neighborhood folks hang out in: The Outlook Inn (Highlands), Pauly's Schnitzelburg Pub (Germantown/Schnitzelburg), Patrick's (St. Matthews/Crescent Hill).

 

If you're looking to class up the evening -- and pay for it -- hit up some of the best bourbon bars anywhere: Bourbons Bistro (Crescent Hill), Jockey Silks Bourbon Bar (Galt House Hotel Downtown), Old Seelbach Bar (Seelbach Hotel Downtown), Proof on Main (21c Museum Hotel Downtown).

 

There are two places I enjoy that I can't really fit into a category but they're among my favorite places in town:

 

The Back Door. It's at Mid-City Mall in the Highlands. It's definitely a neighborhood bar, but it's not small. They know how to pour a nice, stiff drink and there are pool tables, darts and other entertainment. It might be the best place in town to just hang out with a small group of friends for the night.

 

The Rudyard Kipling, Old Louisville at -- I think -- 4th and Oak. How do I even begin to describe this place? It has a couple performance spaces that are often used for good live music performances. They also use the space to stage plays from time to time. Great space for artists and performers and serves decent food and cheap drinks. Seen some great shows there in my time.

 

Anything in the Highlands puts you within walking distance of 15 other places to hang out if you don't like it, so that's a great spot. Downtown is the same way. If you end up at 4th Street Live, you can bust out of there and you're just a few blocks from the much better places on Main Street.

 

As I was reading this I was already drafting a rebuttal in my head that basically said, "how in the hell could ANYONE leave off The Back Door"? Then you saved the whole post.

 

Still my favorite bar in Louisville, easily.

A few others I like that I didn't see in Getslow's post are Nachbar, Seidenfadens, and The Monkey Wrench (all are kind of hipster-centric).

A few others I like that I didn't see in Getslow's post are Nachbar, Seidenfadens, and The Monkey Wrench (all are kind of hipster-centric).

 

I can't speak to the others, but I'm most definitely agreed on Nachbar. I wouldn't consider myself a hipster for any intents and purposes, but my Louisville friends CERTAINLY are...thus the house in Germantown, and the fact that they're on a first-name basis with the staff at Nachbar.

A few others I like that I didn't see in Getslow's post are Nachbar, Seidenfadens, and The Monkey Wrench (all are kind of hipster-centric).

 

I've only been to the Monkey Wrench twice and enjoyed it both times. I have friends that don't like it which is why I tend not to go there. But the recently re-opened Barrett Bar across the street is a spot I've come to enjoy.

 

Still never been to Siedenfaden's despite driving past it a number of times. What's the place like?

I've only been to the Monkey Wrench twice and enjoyed it both times. I have friends that don't like it which is why I tend not to go there. But the recently re-opened Barrett Bar across the street is a spot I've come to enjoy.

 

Still never been to Siedenfaden's despite driving past it a number of times. What's the place like?

I was going to include Barrett Bar but couldn't remember the name of it. Been three times and enjoyed it each time.

 

Complete hall-in-the-wall. Has a lot more older locals than the other bars in that area. If you can see a Johnny Berry concert there it's the best! But judging from your other likes I think you'd enjoy it.