It's getting warmer (fingers crossed it stays that way!) and we, as good Louisvillians, want to do only one thing: drink outside. Here are ten spots to do just that, in no particular order.
1. Nach Bar
This is the home bar for many Louisvillians, especially when it gets warmer and the picnic tables out back fill up with laughing people. It's the epitome of a good neighborhood bar: you can bring your dog, get a craft beer from their large selection, and cut loose.
2. Holy Grale/Gralehaus
The secluded garden behind Holy Grale and Gralehaus is incredibly beautiful, strung with lights and verdent with greenery. It's a great place to meet friends for a beer from HG or a green tea from GH.
3. Down One Bourbon Bar
Down One Bourbon Bar was featured in National Geographic Magazine’s “Best in the World: Must-See Places for 2014” and offers an awesome bourbon selection. Down one is in a great location right off Main Street, where you can enjoy the hustle and bustle of downtown Louisville, but the patio is sunk below street level so it's at least partially protected from the elements.
4. Garage Bar
Known locally for their wood-fired pizzas, light-up ping-pong tables, and the artfully smashing cars out front, Garage Bar has a huge patio great for outdoor dining and drinking. A full list of their service hours is here. Pro tip: the guys/gals who bring their dogs get all the attention, and this place is really the place to see and be seen in the summer in Louisville.
5. The Sea Hag at The Village Anchor
The Village Anchor has extended hours for their downstairs Sea Hag Bar. The bar is open until 11 p.m. Monday-Thursday and until 2 a.m. Friday and Saturday. Check out the beer, bourbon, and wine list and make sure you order a Daisy Buchanan cocktail. The Anchor often hosts live music at the Sea Hag as well.
6. El Camino
Two words: fire. pits. Also, it's the most legit tiki bar in all of Kentuckiana, and warmer weather means margaritas.
7. 8UP
The newest, hottest outdoor drinking spot in town. The view of Louisville from 8UP's rooftop is stunning and so is their list of craft cocktails.
8. RYE
RYE hosts live music at their Back Porch Sessions, but even when those aren't going on their porch is worth a visit.
9. Chill Bar
A fun gay bar with a lively crowd and a hopping patio.
10. Captain's Quarters
Get wild by the river. Captain's Quarters' outdoor space is the place to be for Sunday Funday.
Images linked in headings. Cover image courtesy of Holy Grale via Jessica Fey Photography
