LouLife [1]

by Holly Freeland
holly@louisville.com [4]

If you're not headed to the Barnstable Brown Party, and you left your fancy dress at home for the Mint Jubilee Gala, rest assured, we've listed some of the best places to check out instead.  If Derby is the biggest day of the year for Louisville, Derby Eve runs a close second!

If you’re looking for a bunch of hot spots and bars within walking distance of each other, we’ve got two places for you:

Bardstown Road @ Baxter Avenue:  Within a few blocks, you have access to anything you could imagine.  Grab a pizza at Wick’s, try some authentic bangers and mash at Molly Malone’s or Nio’s at 917 for a little something jazzier.  Afterwards, find a good time with the lizard in the floor at Wet Willys, try one of the many beers on tap at O Shea’s, or hang out in the dance room area at Flanagan’s.  Or, act like a true Louisvillian and stop and get a drink at each place along the way.   This area has more of a “hometown” atmosphere, and is like your neighborhood block of pubs.

Fourth Street Live:  An entertainment complex with more of a commercial feel.  You can bowl at Lucky Strike, shoot some pool at Felt or get your groove on with the dueling piano players located inside Howl At The Moon.  If you’re just looking for a great drink, try Saddle Ridge (country-themed), Tengo Sed Cantina, Maker’s Mark Bourbon House, or Angel’s Rock Bar.  If you’re looking for some good grub at 4^th street, check out Hard Rock Louisville, The Pub (British-themed), TGI Friday’s,  Sully’s Restaurant Saloon, J Gumbo’s, or Red Star Tavern.  In this semi-enclosed entertainment venue, you can find almost anything to keep you busy before the races the next day!

Located at 4^th Street between Liberty Ave & Muhammad Ali Blvd.

www.4thstlive.com [5]

If you’re looking to travel to one place with many bars and different crowds, here are some suggestions:

Jim Porters:  For the 30 and over dance crowd, this 18,000 square foot entertainment complex has 7 unique rooms: The Ballroom, The Good Time Room, The Melody Bar, The Balcony Bar, The Billiard Parlour, Memory Lane, TheCubbyhole, and The Courtyard at Jim Porters.

2345 Lexington Rd.
502-452-9531

www.jimporters.com

Phoenix Hill: Winner of multiple “Best Of Louisville” Awards, this complex with

with 3 stages of great live music,  new Living Room, and an Outdoor Dance Party and Deck Bar.  They’ve got a little something for everyone with the different areas and dance floors!
644 Baxter Ave.
502. 589.4957

www.phoenixhill.com

City Block: Another downtown destination, this newly renovated club includes six bars.  Check out bars List, Loser’s, Fox Den, Rock-It Club, Vinnie’s and Coyote’s for music from the 50’s to country to hip hop.

133 W. Liberty Street

(502) 589 FUNN

www.cityblocklouisville.com

Maybe your Derby Eve plans are to take it easy the night before the big race, or maybe you’ve had too much fun at Oaks and need a more of a mellow hangout.  Here are some suggestions for the non all-nighters:

Artemisia: Don’t be surprised to see jazz bands and one-of-a-kind art surrounding you at this restaurant and bar.  Their outdoor seating is one of a kind and a can’t miss for your visit!

620 E. Market St.

(502) 583-4177

Jenicca’s Cafe and Wine Bar: A feeling of home as soon as you walk in the door, Jenicca’s defines what Louisville is all about.  Local artists and music with a lounge atmosphere make this place one that will keep you coming back!

636 E Market Street

(502) 457-1487

http://www.jeniccas.com

L&N Wine Bar: Get some great food with the region’s most diverse wine list.  Voted Best of Louisville for wine list in 2005, order a glass of your favorite kind or try a sample from their list of 100 wines. 

1765 Mellwood Ave.
Ph. 502.897.0070

www.landnwinebarandbistro.com

Bourbon’s Bistro:  Celebrating bourbon’s rich heritage here in Kentucky, you’ll find over 130 different types along with a menu that’s worth bragging about.  Named Best New Restaurant in 2005, it’s a taste of Kentucky you won’t forget.

2255 Frankfort Ave.
(502) 894-8838

http://www.bourbonsbistro.com

Sure Bets:

Chow Wagon: A Derby Festival favorite- hear some great music, get some carnival food and beer, all on the waterfront.  Buy your Pegasus pin and enjoy the Chow Wagon! 

Festival Plaza, Waterfront Park, (502) 584-6383

Stevie Ray’s: Good drinks and even better blues music

230 East Main Street
(502)582-9945

http://www.stevieraysbluesbar.com

Brownings: Located in Slugger Field, with a 3-story brewing facility, it’s a great place to get a different kind of brew with a sports atmosphere.  Be sure to walk the halls of the facility and find out all about the Louisville Bats, our AAA Cincinnati Reds-affiliated baseball team!

401 E Main St

(502) 515-0174

Louisville has hundreds of bars and restaurants and we’ve only mentioned a few.  But, if you check out any of the above, win or lose at the track on Derby day, you’ll know you’ve had a great weekend!