Summer’s nearly here! (Can we get an “amen??!”) And that means opportunities abound for enjoying a drink, some lunch or dinner outside on one of these excellent local patios. Here’s what makes each of them special and why we recommend a visit:
8UP Elevated Drinkery
350 W. Chestnut St., Louisville • (502) 631-4180
8UP is the latest and greatest rooftop bar and restaurant that everyone is dying to try. The cocktails, food, view, swanky seating … it’s all good up there. Eight stories atop the Hilton Garden Inn, 8UP is the perfect rooftop spot for an after-work drink, a girls’ night or a place to impress your Louisville guests.
Check out Louisville eight stories up at 8Up, atop the Hilton Garden Inn.
Rivue
140 N. Fourth St., Louisville • (502) 568-4239
We had to add Rivue to the list because it probably has the very best view of the city of Louisville, as well as New Albany, IN. It’s 360 degrees after all! Perched high above the Galt House Hotel, Rivue features a fine dining experience like no other. Head 25 stories up for a spin around Louisville, and don’t forget to come with an appetite.
See Louisville 25 stories up at Rivue
Rocky’s Sub Pub
715 W. Riverside Drive, Jeffersonville, IN • (812) 282-3844
Right across the river sits Rocky’s Sub Pub and its perfect patio overlooking the Ohio River. Get some exercise before a big meal by walking across the Big Four Bridge.
Bristol Bar & Grille
700 W. Riverside Drive, #300, Jeffersonville, IN • (812) 218-1995
Like Rocky’s Sub Pub, the Bristol in Jeffersonville has a beautiful view of the Ohio River and the city of Louisville. Bike, walk or run via the Big Four Bridge for great views and great food.
Patio at the Bristol | Image credit: The Bristol Bar & Grille
Molly Malone’s
933 Baxter Ave., Louisville • (502) 473-1222
Our favorite Irish pub also has one of the best patios at its Bardstown Road location. Molly Malone’s gravel patio, complete with string lights and lovely greenery, overlooks the busy street. It’s a perfect location for people watching and an afternoon cocktail or late night brew. It’s also the best location for Louisville’s St. Patrick’s Day parade.
Molly Malone’s has a perfect outdoor patio at its Bardstown Road location.
El Camino
1314 Bardstown Road, Louisville • (502) 454-5417
Talk about another great place to people watch, El Camino‘s beautiful patio is one of my personal favorites. (And I’m sure I’m not alone on that!) And their margaritas? Well, pair one with an order of guacamole, and everyone is happy! From its string lights, colorful tables and chairs to the outdoor fire pit and clever hashtag, #elfreakingcamino (because they just know you’re going to be taking a picture of your margarita and guac atop those colorful chairs!), El Camino is one of the best patios in the city. [SB Insider tip: you can bring your dog to the patio.]
The patio at El Camino welcomes your pooch, too.
Holy Grale
1034 Bardstown Road, Louisville • (502) 459-9939
OK, people, if you haven’t been to Holy Grale yet, then move this spot to the top of your must-try list. Its unique building (an old church with the most beautiful stained glass windows), variety of beers, delicious menu and biergarten, dressed with string lights and flowers, is the perfect place if you want to sit outside and have a few beers. And you won’t be disappointed with the food, either.
Holy Grale’s outdoor patio and biergarten
North End Café
1722 Frankfort Ave., Louisville • (502) 896-8770
One of my personal favorites for nice patios and Bloody Marys, North End Café’s Frankfort Avenue location is one of the best on the street. Perched above the road, it’s a great spot for watching the sunset (sit toward downtown) and enjoying a nice glass of wine or one of the many delicious menu items.
North End Cafe’s Frankfort Avenue patio is perfect for watching the Louisville sunset.
Captain’s Quarters
5700 Captains Quarters Road, Prospect • (502) 228-1651
Another favorite of mine (and a place I’ve been going since I was a kid) is Captain’s Quarters. Sit on the outdoor patio, which is so close to the Ohio you can touch it, and watch the barges and boats float by. We hear it’s a pretty great spot to be on Sunday evenings during the summer, too.
A perfect sunset view on the Ohio from Captain’s Quarters | Image credit: www.americascuisine.com
Mike Linnig’s
9308 Cane Run Road, Louisville • (502) 937-9888
If you’ve lived in Louisville your whole life, you’ve likely heard of this hidden seasonal treasure. Mike Linnig’s has the best fish sandwich in the city, and has since 1925. This family-owned, family-friendly seafood joint off Cane Run Road sits on the banks of the Ohio and is always crowded. If you’ve never been, we suggest you go.
Family picnic benches are the staple of Mike Linnig’s patio. Beyond is the playground and views of the river| Image credit: Mike Linnig’s
Keep this list handy, and make it a mission to experience each of these for yourself this summer. Cheers!