220 W. Broadway
Dimly lit and rarely crowded, Freddie's has a cult following among cool kids looking for a place to sip a stiff drink in peace. It's old-school to the core, from the vintage boxing posters on the wall to the jukebox, which is at its best when George Jones is singing about the day she went away or some such sadness. Freddie's doesn't take credit cards and sometimes a cat will wander by your booth. It's all just part of the unaffected charm of this place.
335 W. Broadway
Because this bar doubles as the lobby of this grand hotel, you never know what kind of crowd is going to be there. On one night you could find a quiet, laid-back crowd of people that keep to themselves, while on another visit you might run into a chatty group that you end up talking to all night. At Derby time, a celebrity or two might be spotting coming up the stairs. Folks have been known to gather round the piano singing Christmas carols and theme songs from '80s sitcoms (true story). Wine goes for $7 to $14 a glass and the signature cocktails will run you $9 to $12, but the bartenders know how to make them worth it.
520 S. Fourth St.
Raw attracts a pretty diverse crowd and is a great place to mingle with other young professionals. Or you can relax on the chic, modern furniture with the lad or lady in your life. Raw is known for its innovative drinks, which will cost you about $9 or $10. (My favorite is the Bomb-Pop, which tastes just like that red, white and blue popsicle we all loved as kids.) Raw also got plenty attention when it brought Nyotaimori -- the "art" of serving sushi off the body of a nearly naked woman -- to town. Raw also serves up good live music; on a recent Friday night, hip-hop violinist Maestro J and his band filled the room with a smooth, yet upbeat vibe.
500 Fourth St.
The Old Seelbach Bar is a place that somehow manages to be both regal and relaxed at the same time, with a staff that knows how to be attentive without being annoying. Have a seat at the fine mahogany bar and watch the game, or chat up one of the bartenders while you enjoy your choice of bourbon or your favorite cocktail (drinks range from about $6 to $12). Though this bar mostly attracts a mature and mellow crowd, feel free to come casual whether you're there to listen to live jazz or just hang out with friends.
Maker's Mark Bourbon House & Lounge
446 S. Fourth St.
If you think Fourth Street Live is nothing but scantily-clad women gyrating to pop songs, you're wrong. Escape the wild and crazy kids and head to Maker's Mark Lounge for some sophisticated fun. On most Friday nights, DJ Dwight Johnson is in the house spinning old-school hip-hop and some of the more recent rap out there that actually doesn't suck. Cocktails will run you about $9, but if you're a bourbon fan, you'll probably find they're well worth it.
702 W. Main St.
Sometimes the bar at a restaurant is simply a place to sit while waiting for a table. This is not the case here. Adjacent to 21c Museum Hotel, the bar attracts an eclectic mix from the town's artsy crowd. The bar menu gives you a chance to get a taste of what makes Proof on Main a nationally recognized restaurant, with offbeat options like roasted octopus or the more traditional Kentucky bison burger. There's a big-city feel here, but it's laid-back enough for any Louisvillian who appreciates good food, good booze and good art.
104 W. Main St.
If you were a fan of parties thrown by promoter Joey "J-Dub" Wagner, take note of the fact that he has set up shop in the former Main Street Lounge space, which on weekends fills up with beautiful people ready to dance, drink and have a good time. (And yes, you'll often find DJ K-Dogg on the ones and twos.) Cocktails usually go for $4 to $7 and beers are about $3 or $4. Before you head for Prime, however, remember to "dress to impress." That means leaving those beat-up tennis shoes and raggedy jeans at home.
131 W. Main St.
You can start your night out with your favorite pizza and some beers or you finish up your bar hopping with an order of garlic cheese sticks. Most beers and cocktails go for around $4 or less, depending on that evening's special. On Friday and Saturday night, Bearno's also serves up live music. With its huge booths, this is a good a place for a large group of friends to hang out. But don't plan on any heart-to-heart talks while you're there -- once the music gets going, the place gets loud and lively.
133 W. Liberty St.
The best thing about this complex is that you'll find not one, not two, but six different clubs under one roof. These clubs tend to be prime pick-up spots, so if you're not single, this might not be your scene. But even if you're not on the prowl you could still enjoy a night of dancing and mingling at List nightclub, an evening of karaoke at Losers or catch a live touring band at Coyote's.
