644 Baxter Ave.
There's a reason this massive nightclub has been around for more than 30 years. The Hill, as it's nicknamed, offers a hodgepodge of nightlife options, from karaoke in the front room to a beach party out on the deck (which is heated in the winter). Or you can swing by just to enjoy a show; the club has hosted the likes of Neko Case, Tori Amos and Kings of Leon, but also makes room for local acts. If you're looking for a good time with the most eclectic mix of people you've ever seen, Phoenix Hill Tavern has you covered. If you're looking to sip a cocktail in a nice, quiet atmosphere, stay at home.
916 Baxter Ave.
On a night of bar hopping it's hard to leave a place like the Outlook Inn. As the rest of the Baxter Avenue strip has boomed, the Outlook has managed to retain the feel of a classic neighborhood bar. The place can get a bit crowded as the night goes on, but if you get there early enough to claim a table or a spot at the bar you won't mind much. The jukebox is loaded with eclectic tunes, but many prefer to hang out by the bar and listen to one of the offbeat mixes programmed by the staff. A beer will cost you $3 to $4 and well drinks range from $3.50 to $6.50. Try the Bloody Mary; most folks say it's the best one in town.
933 Baxter Ave.
Though it's a classic Irish pub, down to the shepherd's pie and Irish-accented barstaff, Molly Malone's has a weekend party scene that rivals anything on Fourth Street Live. If you go early, it's a good place to kick off your night with some fish and chips, then go mingle with the crowd out on the large deck overlooking Baxter Avenue. Beers run about $3.50 to $5 and well drinks start at $4.50. On a late Friday or Saturday night, the place is usually packed; after 10 p.m., it'll cost you $3 to get in on the action.
934 Baxter Ave.
The bartenders here boast that they have more than 200 kinds of beer, something for the average Joe to the true brew connoisseur. Most of these beers will cost you about $4 or $5, but for you high rollers out there, there are even some in the hundred-dollar range. Flanagan's gets packed on Friday and Saturday nights, when a $3 cover does little to hold the crush down. And here's one random side note -- if you're hungry but not in the mood for Irish fare, the cheese bread here is awesome.
956 Baxter Ave.
You could argue that there are too many Irish pubs on Baxter Avenue, but the fact that they're all usually packed on a Friday or Saturday night just might mean we can't get enough of them. Take the ever-popular O'Shea's, for example. While it's also a great place for dinner, late into the night you'll find a long line of folks waiting to pay the $3 cover to get in, even in freezing temperatures. But no matter how busy it gets, the bartenders stay friendly. So come in, weave your way through the crowd and find a spot to relax and enjoy the live music.
975 Baxter Ave.
You're on Baxter Avenue and you and your friends can't decide where to go. Stop arguing and head to Wick's. Although best known for its pizza, Wick's has developed a pretty happening bar scene in recent years, likely due to its central location in this bustling strip. The atmosphere is laid-back and the drink prices are pretty reasonable. And, of course, there's always the pizza.
1047 Bardstown Road
Though it's a favorite hangout spot for Highlands hipsters, Cahoot's isn't the kind of place where you feel the need to impress anybody. You can just pull up to the bar and have a beer (or a cheap but strong drink) or sink into one of the booths and enjoy some good grub -- their Reuben sandwich is particularly popular, and the kitchen stays open into the wee hours. A couple decades ago, this space was occupied by the punk nightclub Tewligans; appropriately, Cahoot's has opened up its doors to rock bands and the occasional hip-hop act.
1250 Bardstown Road
A windowless tavern that's tucked away on the side of a strip mall, the Back Door is a stark contrast to the showier bars down the street. But a colorful crew of bartenders and regulars, it's a favorite among Highlands bar hoppers. The drinks are super strong and the kitchen pumps out an array of fried treats, and there are plenty of pool tables, dart boards and arcade games to keep you busy. The Back Door is a place where you can truly really kick back -- that means you can leave the high heels at home, ladies.
