The smell of pigskin is in the air. That’s right ladies and gentlemen, football season is among us. The NFL Preseason has already begun and the regular season kicks off on Thursday, September 10, at 8:30 p.m. at Foxborough with the Patriots vs. Steelers. College football starts a week earlier on Thursday, September 3 at 7:30 p.m. Louisville’s first game will be at Auburn on Saturday, September 5 at 3:30 p.m. Not to mention, Fantasy Draft Day is, no doubt, on the horizon for many of you, too.
Whether you root for the U of L Cardinals and the Indianapolis Colts, like myself, or a combination of different teams, your blood must be churning with the desire to chant their names once more.
For those of you who like to watch the occasional game with fellow die-hard fans, as well as those who are looking for somewhere to spend the entire season, these sports bars and restaurants would love to have your company:
Against The Grain Brewery & Smokehouse [4]
Their locally brewed craft beer will not disappoint. Against The Grain is even nestled in Louisville Slugger Field to add that extra bit of sports atmosphere.
401 E. Main St, Louisville, KY 40202
The Back Door [5]
Mid City Mall, 1250 Bardstown Rd, Louisville, KY 40204
Boombozz [6]
No matter where you live, there’s sure to be a Boombozz near you. Grab some pizza and beer cheese, a local brew and sit back and enjoy the game.
1450 Veterans Pkwy, Jeffersonville, IN
1448 Bardstown Rd, Louisville, KY 40204
3939 Shelbyville Rd, Louisville, KY 40207
Westport Village, 1315 Herr Ln, Louisville, KY 40222
1890 S Hurstbourne Pkwy, Louisville, KY 40220
Brick House Tavern & Tap [7]
871 S. Hurstbourne Parkway, Louisville, KY 40222
Brownie’s The Shed Grille and Bar [8]
1578 Bardstown Rd, Louisville, KY 40205
237 Whittington Pkwy, Louisville, KY 40222
Check’s Café: A Neighborhood Tradition Since 1944 [9]
1101 E. Burnett Ave, Louisville, KY 40217
The Dundee [10] [10]Gastropub [10]
Formerly known as The Dundee Tavern, this Bardstown staple has changed owners and upgraded their menu. Don’t worry though, Dundee Dip is still on the menu.
2224 Dundee Rd, Louisville, KY 40205
Hoops Grill and Sports Bar [11]
6733 Strawberry Ln, Louisville, KY 40214
Khalil’s [12]
If you like pretzels and football, Khalil’s is where you need to be. Every burger comes with a fresh pretzel bun, and every pizza can be pretzlefied — meaning that the toppings will be fire-baked between two halves of a giant salted pretzel!
10966 Dixie Hwy, Valley Station, KY 40272
The Lone Wolf Family Sports Pub [13]
5501 Valley Station Rd, Louisville, KY 40272
The Monkey Wrench [14]
Come have a beer on their patio and enjoy the nice fall weather all while watching the game.
1025 Barret Ave, Louisville, KY 40204
O-Line Sports Grill [15]
2813 N. Hurstbourne Pkwy, Louisville, KY 40223
Rootie’s Sports Bar and Grille [16]
12205 Westport Rd, Louisville, KY 40245
Sidebar at Whiskey Row [17]
129 S. 2nd St, Louisville, KY 40202
Sports and Social Club [18]
Fourth Street Live!, 427 S 4th St #100, Louisville, KY 40202
Troll Pub Under The Bridge [19]
A very unique atmosphere has been dug out just where the name implies — under Second Street Bridge. Make sure to try their very own Cardinal brew, Card Red. And don’t forget to get your picture taken with the Troll.
150 W. Washington St, Louisville, KY 40202
No matter where you decide to go, you’re sure to find an inviting football-watching, beer-drinking and friends-making atmosphere. Unless, of course, you show up in all your Wildcat gear for a Cards game (or vice-versa).
Lead photo courtesy of Shuttershock/David Lee [20]