2636 Frankfort Ave.
This reformed hippie bar -- Dark Star is a reference to a Grateful Dead tune -- is on a picturesque Frankfort Avenue strip of small shops, an ideal neighborhood bar for hip Crescent Hill residents. The other patrons are college students, who enjoy the bar's spaciousness and many pool tables. The outdoor tables are a must in warmer weather.
3204 Frankfort Ave.
Time for fun. The Beer Depot is best known for its nine-hole miniature golf course, but you can also play ping pong -- and both games are free. There's no hard liquor here, but this roadhouse-like establishment serves a great variety of trendy beers and plates of tasty, down-home barbeque.
3801 Frankfort Ave.
From Frankfort Avenue, Gerstle's appears to be another slightly dowdy neighborhood bar, but it's quite clean and comfortable on the inside. Its draught beer selection is a treat, offering tasty brands such as Sierra Nevada and Newcastle. Gerstle's is surprisingly happening music venue, hosting many up-and-coming bands throughout the week.
131 Breckenridge Lane
Saints is a sprawling bar with big cushy booths and fabulous pizza. The beer selection, Blue Moon and its ilk, is apt and the pizza is even better. It also sports several pool tables if the urge to compete again strikes. Upstairs is the Skybar, a posh (for St. Matthews) nightclub where DJs keep the large dance floor moving.
3900 Shelbyville Road
When UofL is playing on TV, this wings-and-beer joint becomes Cards central. Although it's part of a chain, this particular outlet has a certain appeal, thanks to its location inside a restored building (it used to be a Model T dealership) in the heart of the St. Matthews business district.
3921 Shelbyville Road
Brendan's is the requisite Irish pub for the St. Matthews beer scene. The décor is classy, and the bar offers the obligatory Guinness and other imports from the Emerald Isle. As much a restaurant as it is a bar, Brendan's offers Irish fare and American favorites.
3922 Shelbyville Road
Open since the 1920s, Dutch's proudly dubs itself "ye olde" on its iconic sign. This is a surefire spot for live music nightly, featuring artists like Kimmet & Doug and Andrea Davidson.
3929 Shelbyville Road
The BBC name is synonymous throughout Louisville with tasty, hometown beer. This brewpub has a casual sports bar vibe, but the brews can set you back $3 to $6 a pop. Still, sampling BBC's variety of brews is the best way to end a bar crawl.
