The 10 Best Kentucky Bars That Aren't in Louisville

Sure, Louisville may be constantly cited as one of the nation's best destinations for drinking, dining, and all kinds of other stuff, but the rest of the state isn’t too far behind. And if the name "Bourbon Country" didn't sorta tip you off, yes, there is a killer watering hole in every corner of Kentucky -- and these are them...
 

Lexington
Welcome to one of the best (dare we say only) bars in Kentucky in which one can experience craft beer (from 20 rotating taps), an impressive bourbon collection, and handcrafted drinks all while enjoying some old-school arcade games like Altered Beast, Donkey Kong, Double Dragon, Street Fighter II... the list goes on.

Belle's

Lexington
In true Kentucky fashion, Belle’s focuses on the drink (not just the drinking) by pouring delicious signature cocktails like The Belle Brezing (vodka charged with lemon) or Gatewood’s Manhattan, whose Buffalo Trace is offset with some Sombra mezcal.

Gambrinus Libation Emporium

Owensboro
If you're human, and have a pulse, you probably like beer. And Gambrinus offers the largest craft beer selection in Western Kentucky, with 100s of bottles, and 15 rotating taps... and that's inaddition to its cocktails.

Wiseguy Lounge

Convington
A Roaring '20s-themed bar above one of the best pizza joints in the state, this no-password-required speakeasy serves up bourbon, craft cocktails, and craft beers on draft. You would be a very wise guy indeed to check it out.

The Crazy Fox Saloon

Newport
With drink specials seven days a week, happy hour from 3-8pm daily, and the best and cheapest jukebox in town, this local haunt has been a favorite since opening in 1999. It's got pool, darts, pinball, and a jukebox loaded with local artists.

Old Kentucky Bourbon Bar

Covington
The staff at Old Kentucky Bourbon Bar has a reputation for turning non-bourbon drinkers into bourbon lovers thanks to its extensive knowledge/selection. Already there? Then kick off your weekend early with its “Thrifty Thirsty Thursdays,” sporting $5 craft cocktails and $3 pours.

Tap on Main

Somerset
From the weekly rotating taps at Tap on Main, you’d never know that Somerset was a dry county up until two years ago. The brews change weekly, and there're always 20 taps-worth of craft suds.

West Sixth Brewing

Lexington
Its mission is simple -- provide a beer list that is never the same, but is always local -- and it achieves it, thanks to the fact that it brews its own, as well as happily allowing the competition to fill out its menu, too.

Tidball's

Bowling Green
Bowling Green’s top-shelf venue for live music, Tidball's is just as well-known for its super-cheap drink specials as it is for being the stomping grounds of Cage the Elephant.

The Village Idiot

Lexington
Lexington’s first gastropub is fully stocked with craft beer selections, wines, and a long list of house recipe cocktails. Power move? Get the pulled pork mac & cheese.

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