We love this bourbon distillery and this space so much. Also, it is very hard to get into. We recommend booking a tour ahead of time. Every Thanksgiving, Ellen & Dave attempt to go and fail. Because it is already booked.
This is the gay bar in Louisville that my friends here like. It is in the Highlands which is not super far away, but definitely take a car.
Really easy spot for lunch. Super walkable from the hotel and right across the street from the Yum Center.
This is the other local gay bar recommendation I have from locals. Very close to Big Bar. People often walk in between the two. The titles are literal. Chill Bar is indeed very chill.
This place is incredible. They make brandy aged in bourbon barrels. If you are unsure of if you like brandy, this is the brandy to try. Book a tour ahead of time and bring some fancy brandy home.
This is right by 21C. Definitely worth a trip if you can get a reservation.
Fun little brewery not too far from downtown.
Cocktail bar right off of Whiskey Row. You will need to make a reservation, but it is worth it. If you can get the fumoir room - do it! It’s a hidden room. You have to go through a dresser to get to it. TBH, it’s a little pricey for Louisville, but it won’t be a sticker shock to my NYC and LA friends.
Great healthy lunch spot very easily walkable from the hotel.
One of Ellen's all-time favorite restaurants. If you can get a reservation, it is a great choice.
Ellen briefly worked here in grad school before her ill-fated decision to enter into the world of political fundraising. As a Democrat in Kentucky, you can imagine how that went. Anyway, this museum is neat. :)
If you are flying, don't buy one of the little bats here unless you can check a bag. They have a collection at TSA at the airport of ones they took away from passengers. It's so tempting because the little bats are cute. You should get one. But only if you live in driving distance or can check a bag. If you are remotely interested in baseball, this place is worth a visit.
Truly a Louisville institution. If you can get reservation it is worth it. It is extremely delicious.
Meta became notorious because they made Jell-O shots out of Pappy Van Winkle. Really great bar with really great cocktails. Also the bartenders are super nice. Highly recommend.
Great place to do a tour and super close to the hotel. Book in advance!
Did you know Muhammad Ali is from Louisville? Muhammad Ali is from Louisville. His incredible legacy is illustrated in this wonderful downtown center.
Great spot for coffee and a healthy meal. It started as a vegetarian spot and is still very veggie forward.
I love this little wine bar! Very cute and right across the street from Garage Bar where our welcome drinks are.
Home of Dave's bourbon of choice thanks to a recommendation from Ellen's brother. If you want to do a tour here, we recommend booking it online ahead of time. They also have a lovely cocktail bar onsite.
I have now learned that this is the type of gay bar that has a bunch of bachelorette parties. Do with that info what you will.
Great place for cookies and coffee!
I am so mad that this was not here when I lived here! It’s seriously a few blocks from where I used to live. But it’s here now and it is a GREAT brewery.
I love a tiki bar and this is a fun one. I max out at two tiki drinks just because of sugar content, but it worth getting a zombie or a Mai Tai here. (Then go two doors down to Meta for more drinks.)
This is a whiskey bar. The Thursday happy hour menu is bananas. They have $25 PITCHERS of Old Fashioneds. I don’t even know what to do with that. Super fun spot.
Another great bourbon distillery with a great bar inside called Over Look.