Long before the NuLu locality became the position to see and be seen – even prior to the restaurant boom of Germantown and Schnitzelburg – there was the Highlands . define by the eclectic shop , restaurants , and bars of Bardstown Rd , many a Louisvillian has cut their streak - go tooth on this reach of the city that truly define the adage " Keep Louisville Weird . " You ’re as potential to encounter someone frisk a mohawk haircut and gliding by on a skateboard as you are a straitlaced business eccentric with money to burn . A full nighttime out on Bardstown Rd is fundamentally a rite of passageway for anyone who chooses to call the ‘ Ville home , and while there are too many watering golf hole on this route to weigh , here ’s our suggested itinerary for drinking your elbow room up and down Louisville ’s most popular street , and fuck off a good sampling of the diversity this sphere has to volunteer .

Bambi Bar

You ca n’t really design a proper Bardstown Rd streak creeping without including the Bambi , arguably Louisville ’s most well - known prima donna .   ( It already has a streak front crawl named after it , after all . ) Prep for what is kick the bucket to be an intensive night of fuddle by fueling up on an " almostfamous " Bambi Warren Earl Burger , and take advantage of whatever boozing special is on go that nighttime . Once you ’ve assume in the Bambi ’s distinctive atmosphere , retain wending your way northward …

The Hideaway Saloon

Sticking first with the dive bar , impose The Hideaway Saloon , which is presently celebrate its 20th year in business . The name address to the nearly hide stairway tuck off of Bardstown Rd , leading to this relatively gritty saloon that has garnered a cult following , thanks to its live euphony offerings and plethora of play events – think ping - niff tournaments , video - game competitions , and plenty of costless pool . Shots are on special for happy time of day ( 4 - 8pm daily ) , so you could get your rake flow before head just across the street for something a bite more upscale …

Cumberland Brews

Now it ’s metre to trade in that wine-colored escape for a sampling of beers crafted at the one and only Cumberland Brews . This microbrewery has become a mainstay for Highland dwellers , and it ’s consummate for a sample - sized order of two – or 10 – of whichever current beer on tap temper your sake . Determine your favorites , and make a program to come back for a full dry pint during your next visit . For now , the bar crawl continues …

LouVino

LouVino ’s tagline boasts a " small plates , vainglorious wine " mind-set , and it delivers , with a drawn-out and wide-ranging leaning of wines by the glass that are ideal for washing down order of addictive duck fat fries serve with white truffle oil , and signature fry chicken tacos topped with garlic mashed potatoes , cheddar high mallow , and gravy . Snag a spot at the streak , and treat yourself to one of the suggest wine flight , each named for a famous Louisvillian .

Seviche

A short promenade northward on Bardstown Rd will take you to Seviche , a perennial favorite fine - dining spot for locals , where the ceviche is always fresh and imaginative : the signature tune Tuna Old Fashioned ceviche , for case , combines bluegrass soy , Kentucky Bourbon dynasty , and pineapple – near fortune finding that in any other part of the world . Sip one of their delicious Ferrari margaritas , then continue on your merry way …

Nowhere Bar

Highlands Taproom

The karaoke scene is active and well here on Friday nights , although this topographic point tends to attract a colourful bunch all through the workweek – including alloy music enthusiasts on dedicated Metal Mondays , and draw a bead on musicians for open mic Nox on Wednesdays . The bourbon list is comparatively lengthy , and pours are generous , so consecrate your pet like a straight Kentuckian – directly or on the rocks – and enjoy the people watching . Once you ’ve sung your go - to , escape to somewhere more mellow , just down the road …

Holy Grale

If the weather permits , the beer garden at Holy Grale is an oasis , a private outdoor space trimmed with flutter Edison bulb that add just the proper amount of ambiance for enjoy one of the countless craft beer flow from the Holy Grale ’s taps . The indoor space of this reborn centuries - old church is also pretty stunning . Ask the barkeeper to give you a pour of whatever they choose , and sit down back and appreciate the honey and creativity that go into make this Bardstown Rd gem .

Molly Malone’s Irish Pub

When locals pertain to Bardstown Rd , Baxter Ave is embrace in the terminus – before the street split at Highland Ave , Baxter happen to be home to the Highlands ’ threesome of Irish gin mill , Flanagan ’s , O’Shea ’s , and the one and only Molly Malone ’s . All three play horde to a political party - quick crowd on the weekend , and this little slip of the Highlands is where to go if you need to throw down , college - style . Molly ’s take in a position on our leaning yield the various seating areas it boasts , include a expectant , multi - unwavering out-of-door terrace . Order a Guinness before wrapping up your night less than a pulley-block forth …

Outlook Inn

Louisville ’s bars do n’t shut down until the wee hours of the morning ( 4 am , to be precise ) , so there ’s no better way to celebrate last call / welcome the young twenty-four hour period than with one of the Outlook Inn ’s famous Bloody Marys . This place has been a Louisville custom since 1974 , and it ’s the perfect spot to toast your stripe crawl accomplishment , then call a car – at this peak , it ’s time to chug a glass of piss and groom yourself for a later brunch . Sign up herefor our daily Louisville email and be the first to get all the food / drink / fun in town .

Nowhere Bar

Nowhere Bar|Will Cravens

Bambi Bar Louisville, KY

Bambi Bar Louisville, KY

Cumberland Brewery

Cumberland Brewery

Seviche, A Latin Restaurant

Courtesy of Seviche

Nowhere Bar Louisville

Will Cravens

Holy Grale

Jessica Fey Photography

Molly Malone’s Highlands

Molly Malone’s Highlands

The Outlook Inn

Courtesy of Megan Hook from The Outlook Inn