Fans from Ohio, Indiana, Virginia, Alabama, as well as Virginia, Texas, Iowa and California, will descend upon Louisville today in hopes of shattering the home state university’s perfect record. My prediction is they’ll be unsuccessful, but as a consolation prize, let’s welcome our visitors with open arms and show them what true Louisville hospitality is about.
Basketball fans love to watch more basketball in between games, but hopefully you’ll take time and venture away from the YUM! Center to experience more of what local Louisville has to offer. These are just a few, so what are your favorites that our weekend guests should check out?
WHERE TO EAT
St. Charles Exchange
113 S. 7th Street (Downtown)
Just four blocks from the YUM! Center, St. Charles Exchange offers a seasonal contemporary menu that includes deviled eggs and charcuterie, as well as market fish and bone-in rib-eye for entrees. The well-educated bartenders will take care of all your bourbon questions and needs. Yes – there are TVs.
Feast BBQ
909 E. Market Street (NULU)
www.feastbbq.com [7]
Located in NULU, Feast BBQ offers up bourbon, beer and BBQ – and in March - basketball. This quick service spot serves up "low and slow" fare, including mac & cheese, collard greens, and traditional barbecue meats, as well as smoked tofu, plus a selection of over 75 bourbons and a rotating selection of regional draft beers and bourbon slushies. It’s the only spot in NULU with TVs.
The Post
1045 Goss Avenue (Germantown)
Locals want to keep this place a secret, so the wait does not get any longer, but if you’re craving a slice of New York-style pizza and a cold craft beer – this is your spot. The Post serves food till 2am and happy hour beer prices from 4pm-6pm and midnight – 2am, so before or after the games you’ll be well taken care of. And don’t worry, two large projector televisions are available.
Nearby: Nachbar, Eiderdown [11]
WHERE TO DRINK
Please & Thank You
800 E. Market Street (NULU)
Need a break from the basketball watching? Stop by this NULU favorite for a caffeine boost and a sweet treat. My favorite afternoon pick me up? An iced tea with a sprig of mint and a chocolate chip cookie. Visit Mr. Friendly Records in the back and while there is no TV, there is a constant rotation of vinyl on the record player.
The Irish Triangle
900 Block of Baxter Avenue (Highlands)
St. Patrick’s Day may be over, but that doesn’t mean Molly Malone’s Irish Pub, Flanagan’s Ale House or O’ Shea’s Irish Pub have quit celebrating. This is the best spot in the city to enjoy an outdoor patio and a cold beer with the locals. They are open till 4am, so this is your spot to celebrate a victory or drown your sorrows after the game. Way too many TVs to count.
8UP Elevated Drinkery & Kitchen
350 W. Chestnut Street (Downtown)
Want to feel like you’ve transported to the “big city”? 8UP is your spot. Eight stories above Louisville, 8UP offers a Louisville rooftop experience unlike any other. Enjoy local DJs on Thursday - Saturday, while lounging on the couches sipping bourbon cocktails. The bar is open till 2am and yes,the TVs are above the bar.
WHAT TO DO
Copper & Kings American Brandy
1111 E. Washington Street (Butchertown)
Kentucky is known for its bourbon, but brandy is making a big splash this year in Louisville. If you don’t have time to take a tour on the bourbon trail, I suggest in-town brandy distillery Copper & Kings. Tours are Friday (10am-9pm), Saturday (10am-4pm) and Sunday (10am-4pm) and include brandy tastings.
Kentucky Derby Museum
704 Central Avenue (South Louisville)
You may not have the opportunity to visit Louisville during the first weekend in May, but the Kentucky Derby Museum can transport you there for 10 minutes during “The Greatest Race”, a short film that never fails to give you goosebumps. Learn the history of the most exciting two minutes in sports and maybe pick up a tip on this year’s race.
Louisville Slugger Museum
800 W. Main Street (Downtown)
A trip to Louisville is not complete without a photo in front of the world’s biggest bat. Whether you’re a baseball fan or not, the Slugger Museum is a must do in Louisville. In addition to showcasing the history of the Louisville Slugger brand of baseball bats, you will walk through the factory where all Louisville Slugger bats are made. If you flew to Louisville, remember to pack your souvenir bat in your luggage, it won’t be allowed as a carryon.