Guilty Pleasure cocktail at Hell or High Water
SOPHISTICATED SIPS The hunt for a new neighborhood haunt. Written by Bridget Williams Lola, lamentably long gone, was my go-spot for a late-night libation in Louisville. The dark, moody interiors there meant that you could tuck into a comfy seating area in a corner if you wanted to be incognito— although I almost always ran into a familiar face—or opt to join the lively crowd at the bar. At the latter, I couldn't resist ordering what appeared to be the most complex cocktail on the menu. I enjoyed watching the mixologists work their magic by layering flavors with an eyedropper-full of this and that (adding "eye of newt" as my better half liked to say) and finishing it off with some good old fashioned flair. Unfortunately, Lola wasn't the only COVID casualty; many of our favorite bars and restaurants weren't able to weather the storm. So, in a quest to find my new favorite, we tipped in for a tipple at several spots in Louisville and Lexington. Here are a few of our favorites. Barn8 10510 W Highway 42, Goshen, KY 40026 hermitagefarm.com/food-bourbon/barn8-restaurant Housed in what was barn number 8 of Hermitage Farm's historic horse stables, this bucolic spot, about 15 miles from downtown Louisville, makes the list for myriad reasons, including ample and aesthetically pleasing alfresco options. Inside, the Bittners-designed interiors highlight the original architecture, including an eclectic collection of contemporary art. Don't miss ascending to the second floor, up a staircase lined with 100 bourbon barrels, to ogle a massive and whimsical Venetian chandelier that conjures Alice in 72 slmag.net
Wonderland tea party vibes. "Hermitage Farm and Barn8 are to the country what 21c is to the city," said Steve Wilson, co-founder of both, during an interview with Sophisticated Living shortly after Barn8 opened in 2020. Barn8's cocktail program takes advantage of the cornucopia produced by the surrounding acreage, such as a house-made shagbark hickory syrup used for their take on the classic Old Fashioned. In addition, they have a solid single barrel private select program, bourbon tasting flights, and a vintage collection. Ona 108 Church St, Lexington, KY 40507 Recommended by Lexington-based interior designer Isabel Ladd, who said it's inspired by the bars in Barcelona. "The vibe and decor are so unique they transport you to another place," she added. Not even a year after it opened, Esquire named Ona one of the 21 best in America for 2018. Adult versions of a Capri Sun, their frozen drinks served in pouches are a perennial favorite. Black Rabbit 120 Sears Ave., Louisville, KY 40207 equusrestaurant.com/black-rabbit A neighborhood haunt in the heart of St. Matthews, this intimate space nestles up to the back of Equus & Jack's Bourbon Restaurant/Lounge. There's a cozy mood in the single-room bar courtesy of comfortable seating areas that invite lingering over a craft cocktail and small bites.
