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Louisville, KY is home to the famous Whiskey Row, a street dedicated to the best bourbon and whiskey breweries and distilleries. Although many of them feature taprooms where visitors may enjoy a drink, they are in big factories and can be somewhat impersonal; so where can one go for a drink in a cozier atmosphere? Read our list to discover the best dive bars in Louisville, Kentucky.

Bar

Sergio’s World Beers

With one of the most minuscule and simple signs, many people walk right by Sergio’s without giving it a second thought, but there is a world of beer right behind the door. Sergio’s offers a whopping 1,417 bottled beers and nearly 45 draft beers. Somehow, despite all of the beer, there is still a bar and seating area for patrons to enjoy their choice of brew. In addition to beer, they have an eclectic food menu, featuring chimichangas and burritos, hamburgers, chicken wings, and their famous chili wantons. Check the website for the full list of beers available, as well as the most recent daily specials.
Sergio’s World Beers, 1605 Story Ave. Louisville, KY, USA, +1 502 618 1337

Billiards at The Back Door

The Back Door

Located next to the Mid City Mall, the Back Door is a great place to kick back and relax after a strenuous day. The restaurant and lounge is frequented by a diverse crowd, making it a great place to make new friends and mingle with the regulars. Split a pitcher of beer with the table or order a cocktail at the bar. You can munch on snacks such as wings, a quesadilla, or a slice of pizza, or order something heartier. Play video game at the bar, watch TV on one of ten screens, play old-school arcade games in the back room, or billiards in the designated pool room. Eat, drink, play, and be merry; you can do it all at The Back Door.
The Back Door, 1250 Bardstown Rd. Louisville, KY, USA, +1 502 451 0659

Performance at Nach Bar

Nach Bar

Nach Bar is one step better than a friendly neighborhood bar; it’s like going home. Open into the wee hours of the night, the brick walls enclose you in a warm, inviting atmosphere. Cozy up in a booth that is made up of worn in couches, rather than hard leather seats. The patio area is a backyard with a picket fence around it, and you may even find one or two pets rolling around in the grass. Nach is located in a somewhat residential area, so many regulars are locals who walk to the bar when they want a nightcap. This is the perfect place if you’re a homebody looking to be social.
Nach Bar, 969 Charles St. Louisville, KY, USA, +1 502 637 4377

Magnolia Bar

Magnolia Bar

This dingy dive bar oozes character. Affectionately known to regulars as Mag Bar, Magnolia provides a quaint atmosphere for game play, cordial gatherings, and light dancing. Do a little dance to the tunes of the jukebox while enjoying an inexpensive, yet tasty, cocktail at the bar. Pop outside to the patio area for a breath of fresh air, or show your competitive side at billiards game in the back game room. A few times a week, see a live performance from a local, up and coming band. It creates great ambiance and is a nice change from the usual jukebox. Mag Bar has many decorative charms as well, be on the look out for legs in fish net stockings above the bar and colorful graffiti displayed on the bathroom walls.

Magnolia Bar, 1398 S. 2nd St. Louisville, KY, USA, +1 502 637 9052

Logo at Third Street Dive

Third Street Dive

This is a favorite spot among downtown workers. Grab your coworkers after a long, hard day and take them to the Third Street Dive for an inexpensive and fun happy hour. The bartenders are extremely friendly and personable, and they’ll make you a delicious drink before convincing you to get up on stage and sing karaoke. Participate in a friendly game of pool with the regulars, take a stab at the pinball machine, or nestle into a cozy booth and listen to a live band rock out. There are performances multiple times a week and genres range from punk rock and metal, to folk and indie. Third Street Dive is open until 4 in the morning, so the fun never has to stop.
Third Street Dive, 442 South 3rd St. Louisville, KY, USA, +1 502 749 3483

About the author

Shyla has just graduated Lafayette College. Even though she went to school in Pennsylvania, USA, she was born and raised in Los Angeles, CA. Shyla is an English major, so writing and reading are kind of her thing. She also loves all things Disney, pop culture, TV/movies, and Christmas. Her dog Precious is Shyla's pride and joy and you can often find the two of them walking around in the California sun. Last year, she traveled around Europe for the first time and the next place on her list is Brazil!

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