Eater Louisville Heatmap: Where To Drink Right Now

by Zach Everson Aug 29, 2013, 8:54am EDT

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by Zach Everson Aug 29, 2013, 8:54am EDT

The question is a common one in a city renowned for its bourbon: where should I drink right now? Drinking connoisseurs (as opposed to flat-out alcoholics, or maybe just in addition to them), want to know what's new, what bar has the latest craft beer, which mixologist just devloped a new concoction. Thus, we offer the Eater Drinkin' Heatmap, which will change to highlight where the Louisville booze aficionados are flocking to at the moment. (These spots are listed not by rank, but in the order in which this editor got around to finishing their descriptions.)

Added: Nowhere Bar
Removed: Churchill Downs, St. Charles Exchange

Eater Louisville Drinks Heatmap History

·April 29, 2013: Initial Eater Louisville Drinks Heatmap
·Aug. 29, 2013: Added Nowhere Bar; Removed Churchill Downs and St. Charles Exchange

Holy Grale

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With a connoisseur's selection of 26 regularly changing drafts, this converted Unitarian church is the city's go-to spot for beer.

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1034 Bardstown Road, Louisville, KY 40204

(502) 459-9939

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The Silver Dollar

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GQ named this Bakersfield-influenced juke joint one of the "Ten Best Whiskey Bars in America."

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1761 Frankfort Avenue, Louisville, KY 40206

(502) 259-9540

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Proof on Main

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If you're seeing giant penguins, it's not because Proof's craft cocktails or deep wine list got you Billy Madison-level drunk; they're part of the art.

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702 W Main St, Louisville, KY 40202

(502) 217-6360

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Big Bar

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The crowds here make you wonder how the Highlands of all neighborhoods was without a hip gay bar for so long. Or maybe it's the bourbon slushies.

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1202 Bardstown Road, Louisville, KY 40204

(502) 618-2237

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Garage Bar

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This upscale pizza joint attracts a crowd regardless of the weather, but when it's warm and the garage doors are open, it's the hottest drinking spot in the city's hottest neighborhood.

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700 East Market Street, Louisville, KY 40202

(502) 749-7100

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Four Pegs Beer Lounge

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Germantown is synonymous with beer, and this 2011 opening has become synonymous with Germantown.

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1053 Goss Ave, Louisville, KY 40217

(502) 634-1447

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Down One Bourbon Bar

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Opened for just two months, this downtown spot has more than 100 bourbons, sorted by age: first generation (1792 to Prohibition), second generation (post-Prohibition to 1980) and the modern era (1981 to today).