Summer is almost over! It’s time to get out and enjoy every last bit that you can — and there's no one else to enjoy it better with than your faithful four-legged companion. Well, maybe some human friends and their pets too. Here's a list of some pet-friendly places spread across Louisville where you can grab a cold one and relax with man’s best friend:
Photo from Nachbar's Facebook page.
1. NachBar
969 Charles St, Louisville, KY 40204
Over in Germantown, NachBar is a prime place to relax with your pet and enjoy a craft beer or bourbon. If it's raining or chilly outside, your furry companion is welcome to come in. Make sure to say hello to NachBar’s resident cat, Magic. And keep an eye out for Rusty, The Beef Jerky Guy. He usually shows up late at night with a selection of delicious and often spicy homemade jerky. Grab a bag for five bucks and share it with your furry friend.
Photo from Garage Bar’s Facebook page.
2. Garage Bar
700 E Market St, Louisville, KY 40202
Close to downtown Louisville, Nulu’s Garage Bar serves as a prime place to enjoy an after-work excursion, any day of the week. For those starting a little early in the day, Garage Bar hosts a tremendous brunch on Saturday and Sunday. There's plenty of outdoor space, a few outdoor ping pong tables and there's turf-covered seating so your pooch will feel right at home. If you come on the second Saturday of each month, you can both walk down the street to The Flea Off Market and have even more fun.
Photo from Apocalypse Brew’s Facebook page.
3. Apocalypse Brew Works
1612 Mellwood Ave, Louisville, KY 40206
In Clifton, right across the border of Butchertown, Apocalypse Brew Works is an inexpensive but delicious small-batch brewery. They're only open Friday, Saturday and Sunday. But, that's okay — all you need to do is follow their motto and "try and survive till then." They often have food trucks serving delicious items for both human and canine alike.
Photo from Magnolia Bar’s Google Plus / Google Street View.
4. Magnolia Bar
1398 S. 2nd St, Louisville, KY 40208
A true dive bar with strong, cheap drinks, Mag Bar is a perfect place to drop in while strolling through Old Louisville — the third largest historical district in the country. Check their event list, as the bar often hosts live shows and film screenings. And don't forget to play your pup’s favorite song on the jukebox.
Photo from F.A.D.B.’s Website.
5. Frankfort Avenue Beer Depot and Smokehouse
3204 Frankfort Ave, Louisville, KY 40206
Out in Crescent Hill, F.A.B.D. is an off-the-beaten-path barbecue restaurant that serves up some of the best smoked-meats in town. After devouring a rack of ribs and a few cold ones, you and your pup should stick around for the complimentary mini golf, ping pong and corn hole.
Photo from Haymarket's Facebook page.
6. Haymarket Whiskey Bar
331 E Market St, Louisville, KY 40202
Right between NuLu and Downtown Louisville, Haymarket Whiskey Bar has a ridiculously large selection of bourbon, rye whiskey, moonshine and single and blended malts. In fact, The Bourbon Review named Haymarket one of the 55 best bourbon bars in America. You and your furry friend are both welcome right at the bar. Not sure what you want? Try out one of their flights. If it's Derby time, I suggest Run for the Roses.
Photo from Molly Malone’s Facebook page.
7. Molly Malone's
933 Baxter Ave, Louisville, KY 40204
At the Baxter Avenue end of Bardstown Road, Molly's has a massive outdoor area for eating, drinking and relaxation. It's a great place to bring your pet and meet friends for lunch or dinner. Just make sure to "accidentally" drop some of the grub onto the floor beneath your chair. Once you’ve finished, take a walk around the open, dog-friendly area surrounding Molly’s and grab some Grater’s Ice Cream for dessert.
Photo from the Louisville Bats MILB team website.
Bonus Special Event — Dog Days at the Park
401 E Main St, Louisville, KY 40202
The Louisville Bats and the Kentucky Humane Society host a couple Dog Days at the Park at Slugger Field each season. The 2015 season's dates are April 14 at 6:35pm and June 16 at 7:05pm. (Already missed this year? Don’t worry — it’ll be back in 2016.) All proceeds benefit the Kentucky Humane Society. Come out, grab a few brews and enjoy some peanuts and CrackerJacks — and then try to convince your pooch that it’s really a different kind of hot dog they’re eating!
Lead photo courtesy of Shuttershock / bikeriderlondon.
