Looking for the coolest speakeasies in Louisville? Look no further.
From the cellars of Whiskey Row to swanky new hotels in Nulu, we’ve compiled the ultimate list of hidden bars and lounges where you can experience the best of Louisville nightlife.
What’s more? Many of these spots are decked out with prohibition-era decor. This list includes everything from dimly lit libraries to secret entrances and even a bowling alley.
The 18th Amendment may have been repealed in 1933, but the appeal of going to a speakeasy — or a bar that’s set up to look like one — has never left.
Without further ado, let’s take a tour of the city’s best speakeasies, hidden bars, and out-of-the-way establishments in Louisville.
Hell or High Water112 W. Washington St.
Reservations are required at this swanky speakeasy, which has a discreet entrance and a two-story library, adding to its air of Jazz Age mystery. Go below Whiskey Row for specialty cocktails like “Puttin’ On The Spritz” and “Calling Card No. 1.” Hell or High WaterHereAfter
119 S. 7th St.
HereAfter, a sexy new speakeasy underneath the Misfit sandwich shop, recently opened in the former Jimmy Can’t Dance space. The 19th century-inspired cocktail parlor is open Wednesday through Saturday offering cocktails, live music and small bites. HereAfterLucky Penny
730 E. Market St.
Tucked away behind a yellow door covered in stickers, you’ll find Hotel Genevieve’s swanky and seductive speakeasy, Lucky Penny. At just over 800 square feet, this Nulu spot features plush red sofas, an arched ceiling, and dark blue bench seating. Enjoy an evening drink here Thursday-Saturday 5 p.m.-12 a.m. Lucky PennyGertie’s Whiskey Bar
821 E. Market St., Suite 101
This bar, which ‘celebrates the art & history of drinking,’ is tucked away within NuLu Marketplace behind Torino’s Sandwich Bar, and its speakeasy is only open to the public two days a week. Go for the 100 bottles of whiskey they have on offer. Gertie's Whiskey BarPin + Proof
400 S. Second St.
This isn’t a traditional speakeasy per se, it’s actually a Jazz Age-inspired bowling alley that also serves drinks and light bites. You’ll find the secret entrance to Pin + Proof left of the lobby of the Omni Hotel. Look for a photo mural of a woman making a shushing gesture. Pin & ProofBar Expo
114 W. Main St.
Bar Expo has no signage but its bright turquoise door will tip you off to a bar known for its friendly staff, cheap yet well-made cocktails and its focus on keeping food waste low. Bar ExpoBlack Rabbit Lounge
120 Sears Ave.
Inside Equus in St. Matthews is this speakeasy lounge, which serves cocktails, dinner, and dessert five days a week. Black Rabbit LoungeWild Swann
601 W. Main St.
Another hotel speakeasy? No complaints here. Located in the basement of the Grady Hotel, WIld Swann is named after J.B. Wilder who produced medicinal Bourbon in 1883, as well as the Swann-Abram hat company that occupied the space in the 1920s. Dig into culinary pairings featuring Kentucky and Southern-inspired small plates, as well as cocktails featuring local Bourbon. Wild SwannThe Lantern Room at Brooklyn & The Butcher
148 E. Market St., New Albany, Indiana
Brooklyn & The Butcher is a swanky steakhouse in New Albany, worth the trip over the river. But a 32 oz. steak isn’t the only reason for a visit. In the restaurant’s basement, you’ll find a low-lit, subterranean speakeasy with intimate seating called The Lantern Room where you can order an after-dinner dessert and drink. The room is also available to rent. The Lantern Room at Brooklyn & The ButcherThe Troll Pub Under the Bridge Louisville
150 W. Washington St.
You’ve likely seen the statue of Louie, the troll mascot for this underground bar, showing visitors how to find his namesake home downtown. Go down the stairs to find a brick gastropub underneath the original location of the Galt House. They also have a private room hidden behind a bookcase. Troll PubLibrary Bar
400 S. Second Street
Most libraries say you’re not allowed to have alcohol, but this one’s a little different: they serve it. Technically, this isn’t the kind of library you’re used to: the books are for decoration, not checking out; but it’s cozy like any other posh library would be, with drink menus printed as library reference cards as an added bonus. You could say this bar is hidden in plain sight: It’s on the first floor of the Omni but open to anyone. Library Bar at OmniJockey Silks Bourbon Bar
140 N. Fourth St.
The Galt House is home to this swanky bar, which serves more than 100 different types of bourbon. It originally opened in 1972 but was renovated in 2019. Head to the second floor of The Galt House’s west tower for a quiet sip in a refined environment. Jockey Silks Bourbon BarThe Conservatory
140 N. Fourth St.
This gorgeous bar on the third floor of the Galt House, purportedly the longest bar in the city, crosses over the space between the hotel’s East and West Towers. The ConservatoryThe Grain Haus
41 W. First St., New Albany, Indiana
This cozy music-venue-slash-bar right across the river just got a new stage and an expanded indoor music space. When summer comes, make sure to enjoy the live outdoor tunes at The Enchanted Forest next door. You can find it in Floyd County Brewing Co.’s backyard, where it has its own set of taps with 45 rotating craft brews as well as a pizza menu. The Grain HausHell or High Water is one of Louisville’s most acclaimed speakeasies. Hell or High Water
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Sydney is a native Louisvillian who spent her twenties in Los Angeles working in Hollywood. When off duty, she blogs about her adventures at Sydney to Anywhere. An avid explorer, the only thing she loves...
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