Best Bourbon Bars in Derby City

It’s Derby Week here in Louisville. There’s nothing more exciting than the days leading up to the running of the Kentucky Derby. If you’re visiting for the big race this Saturday, there’s some fantastic Bourbon Bars waiting for you.

There are plenty of places to enjoy Kentucky’s native spirit. But here are my Top Ten Bourbon Bars that won’t disappoint.

10. North of Bourbon

This is where you’ll find a blend of bourbon, Louisville and New Orleans. With over 300 different bourbon selections, you’'re sure to find one at North of Bourbon. It’s no suprise Bourbon Review named North of Bourbon one of America’s best Bourbon Bars in 2022.

9. Levee Bourbon Lounge

You’ll experience a speakeasy feel as you enter the Levee Bourbon Lounge. A wall filled with bourbon barrel heads reminds you that you’re in the heart of bourbon country. Along with a 277 bourbon bottle collection, the Levee Bourbon Lounge offers 24 bourbon flights.

8. Doc Crow’s

Located on historic Whiskey Row, Doc Crow’s pays homage to the father of bourbon, Dr. James C. Crow. It has a bourbon room and lounge with a selection of more than 2,000 bourbons and some whiskey varieties that regularly rotate meaning you’ll have a chance to taste some of the most coveted bottles.

7. Bourbons Bistro

With a selection of more than 130 bourbons, including a barrel selection program, Bourbons Bistro was awarded the Gold Medal from Whisky Magazine’s “Whisky Bars of the World.” It’s all about the Bourbon here. And the folks at Bourbons Bistro know bourbon and love it.

6. Proof on Main

Voted one of America’s Best Bourbon Bars of 2020 by The Bourbon Review, Proof on Main specializes in bourbon surrounded by pieces of contemporary art. You’ll enjoy some rare and small batch bourbon varieties that you won’t find at other bars along with a range of unique and adventurous bourbon flights.

5. Down One Bourbon Bar

This is where tacos and bourbon meet to create a fun experience. Down One Bourbon Bar offers cocktails on draft including the Down One Old Fashioned along with bourbon flights. There’s even a flight called “Pick Your Barrel” where a flight it poured from a rotation of barrels selects.

4. Jockey Silks Bourbon Bar

Located in the iconic Galt House, Jockey Silks Bar is one of the first Bourbon Bars in Louisville dating back to the early 1970s. It re-opened in 2019 with 100 different bourbons in an upscale lounge that makes you want to relax and sip on your favorite pour.

3. Merle’s Whiskey Kitchen

Tasting Table called Merle’s Whiskey Kitchen one of the best bourbon bars in Louisville. Located on Whiskey Row, Merle’s features live music along with an impressive selection of bourbons. The selection includes a good list of hand-picked barrels from some of the most recognizable distilleries.

2. Neat Bourbon Bar

It’s a vintage-themed bourbon lounge that reminds you of the rich history of Kentucky’s native spirt. Wooden walls, booths and furniture making Neat a memorable experience. The bourbon selection at Neat is one of the rarest and widest ranging you’ll find anywhere.

1. Watch Proper Hill

If you’re a bourbon enthusiast and looking for an elevated bourbon experience in Louisville, you’ll want to visit Watch Hill Proper. While it offers paid memberships, Watch Hill Proper is open to the public. You won’t find any beer or clear spirts here. There are over 100 bourbon barrels incorporated into the club’s decor including some barrels spending from the ceiling and on the walls. You’ll enjoy a selection of over 1,500 bottles of American whiskey that are displayed on a massive wall behind the bar with a catwalk. And finally, the staff is knowledge about bourbon and talented at making cocktails. All this and more makes Watch Hill the best Bourbon Bar in Louisville.

So there are the Top Ten Bourbon Bars in the Derby City. Hope you can enjoy some of then when you visit Louisville!