Cocktails created by award-winning mixologists are great, and we love a fancy wine bar. But sometimes, all you want is an inexpensive cocktail enjoyed in an authentic space. And a dive bar is the perfect place to do just that. These eclectic spaces aren’t trying to be anything other than what they are: an easygoing, local spot to drink, relax, and enjoy. Here are a few of our favorite dive bars in Derby City.
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The Hideaway Saloon
Neighborhood: Bonnycastle
More info: facebook.com/HideawaySaloonKY
This dive bar and music venue opened in 1996, and it’s one of the few places in Louisville still offering ’90s prices. The spot serves $1 jello shots, $3 Fireball shots, and two-for-$10 Irish car bombs. Guests can also expect a daily happy hour from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m., along with other specials. The bar’s name is derived from its discreet location; if you blink, you just might miss the hidden staircase entryway. But regulars can show you the way to affordable drinks, which can be enjoyed from 4 p.m. to 4 a.m. daily.
PinThe Hideaway Saloon offers $1 Jello shots and free video games all day, every day. Image: The Hideaway Saloon
The Hideaway Saloon is also a video game lover’s dream, with a wide variety of consoles available for free gameplay. From Mario Kart Double Dash on a Nintendo GameCube to Halo 5 on an Xbox One, there’s on-screen fun for all. For non-gamers, the bar also boasts table tennis, billiards, and darts.
PinThere’s no charge to play any of the games at The Hideaway Saloon. Image: The Hideaway Saloon
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Mag Bar
Neighborhood: Old Louisville
More info: magbarlouisville.com
Set on the corner of South Second Street and Magnolia Avenue, this Old Louisville gem prides itself on cheap drinks, a surly staff, and the self-proclaimed “best jukebox in town.” The bar opened its doors to Louisvillians in 1962, and today, it’s serving up drinks and bites seven days a week, from 3 p.m. to 4 a.m.
PinNumerous concerts and events are held on Mag Bar’s stage, dubbed the Magnoliadome. Image: Mag Bar
The shelves are lined with more than just drinks — they feature eclectic decor, including everything from eagle sculptures and a tiki mask to skulls and a pair of fishnet-clad mannequin legs. The interior offers a lot to look at while enjoying weekly specials like all-day happy hour prices on Mondays or “pint & slice” Tuesdays, where each pint purchase comes with a free slice of pie from Pizza Donisi (next door). The bar also hosts regular music acts on the stage space, dubbed the “Magnoliadome.” Its annual music festival, held from July 20 to July 23 this year, features four days of live music from multiple genres.
PinMag Bar’s decor is unlike any other drinking hole in Louisville. Image: Mag Bar
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The Pearl of Germantown
Neighborhood: Germantown
More info: facebook.com/ThePearlofGermantown
With a 2016 opening, The Pearl of Germantown — The Pearl to locals — is the newest dive bar on our list. But with its interesting array of decor, you’d never guess it has been around for less than a decade. Its Christmas lights never come down, and the walls feature a mishmash of decor with nods to beer, sports, celebrities, and more.
PinThe Pearl of Germantown’s eclectic decor includes Christmas lights that stay up all year. Image: The Pearl of Germantown
There’s lots of colorful outdoor seating in the back, which is perfect for pet parents — but don’t be surprised if you see Fido hanging out inside at the bar, too. Pooches often sit under a stool, patiently waiting for their humans to finish a beverage. As expected from a dive bar, all the drinks here are affordable, so you can drink whatever you wish without hurting your wallet. Be sure to spin the mystery wheel for a bit of extra fun. What you land on is what you get, whether it’s the beer of the day; “Zin City,” a pink zinfandel served with an extra-long straw; or the bartender’s choice.
PinPets are welcome at The Pearl of Germantown — in the outdoor seating area as well as inside. Image: The Pearl of GermantownCheers, Louisville!
Originally from Hawaii, Lennie Omalza is a Louisville-based freelance writer of over 18 years. Lennie is a yoga-loving foodie who travels as often as she can and enjoys writing about food, homes, and weddings. You can find more of Lennie's work at Eater, Hawaii Home & Remodeling, and The Louisville Courier-Journal.
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