Not all rainbows and glitter — Louisville’s new LGBT-friendly bars offer mixed crowds, good drinks and fun atmospheres.
Louisville’s eclectic Highlands neighborhood is home to a number of new—for lack of a better politically correct term—gay bars.
In less than two years, four new gay-friendly spaces have opened on Bardstown Road, and rumor has it there are more to come.
Never been to a gay bar before? Don’t let the rainbow flags and Madonnarama dance parties
dissuade you.
The four new bars have mixed crowds, good drinks and fun atmospheres for people from
all walks of life.
NoWhere (1133 Bardstown Rd): Put on your dancing shoes and mesh tank-top, because you’re going to work up a sweat on the dance floor. This nightclub, staffed predominantly by shirtless musclemen, has something for everyone, whether you’re looking to dance, shoot a couple games of pool, or simply relax on their huge outdoor patio. Click on the photo to visit NoWhere’s Facebook page.Mixer (1565 Bardstown Rd): A little bit further down Bardstown Rd. than the other three bars—at the intersection of Alta—is Mixer, an upscale piano and cocktail bar. A grand piano next to the bar provides nightly entertainment with musicians that play everything from the hit music of today to classic oldies. Located across the street from Cumberland Brews, Mixer is in a friendly neighborhood with a diverse crowd of young and old and has outdoor seating and group sing-alongs.Big Bar (1202 Bardstown Rd): This deceptively named bar is located next to Market (across the street from La Bamba, for those of you who have had the pleasure of a burrito as big as your head). The first of the new bars to open, Big Bar opened a little over a year ago. It is busy enough for a successful Girls Night Out, but small enough for good conversation and meeting new people. A sliding garage door opens the bar to the outdoor patio. It’s your go-to watering hole for a weekday happy hour or low-key weekend. Enjoy bottomless mimosas and bloody mary’s on Sundays. Click on the image to visit their Facebook page.Chill Bar (1117 Bardstown Rd): Located in what used to be Highland Liquors, the interior has hardwood floors, exposed brick walls and tall tables with barstools. With a full-service bar, live music and DJ’s, Chill Bar is a perfect perch for people-watching on busy Bardstown Rd. This bar has a relaxed vibe, house martinis, spirits and beer on tap. “Every hour is Happy Hour,” so unwind from the stress of the week with one of their daily drink specials. Click on the image to visit their Facebook page.
