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 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.

Barn8. Photo by Tony Bailey

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.

The bar at Corto Lima. Photo by Andrew Kung

Corto Lima

101 West Short St., Lexington, KY / cortolima.com

Stepping into the light-filled south-of-the-border-inspired environs at Corto Lima can put you into a vacation state of mind, particularly during the doldrums of colder months. While sitting at the bar, my tastebuds invariably want to travel straight to their guacamole, which I heartily scoop with craveable crispy tortilla chips fried to order. A mezcal margarita is a perfect accompaniment, offering just a hint of heat from charred jalapeno.

Corto Lima. Photo by Andrew Kung

The Champagnery

1764 Frankfort Ave., Louisville, KY 40206 / the-champagnery.com

This place would be in my rotation, even if it weren't just a few blocks from my home in Louisville's Clifton neighborhood. Rose gold metallic trim highlights the historic corner building's unique architecture; the distinctive design element continues to the interior's crown molding. The crowd's diversity speaks to the universal appeal of bubbly, which The Champagnery sources from around the globe. A selection of small bites and sweets makes it an ideal spot for a nightcap.

Fiddletree Kitchen + Bar

444 Parkway Dr., Lexington, KY 40504 – fiddletreekitchen.com

Happily, hotel restaurants and bars are no longer a place of last resort. Case-in-point is Fiddletree Kitchen + Bar, an all-day dining spot located on the ground floor of the boutique Elwood Hotel & Suites, easily identifiable on the outside by the four-story floral mural adorning its white facade. During the evenings in Fiddletree's welcoming and thoughtfully designed spaces, which does double duty as the lobby, you'll likely spy locals enjoying live music with their libations. As part of the property's Elwood Social Club, a percentage of that day's revenue from rooms and food and beverage gets donated to a Lexington nonprofit on the last Saturday of each month.

Flightless cocktail at Fiddletree. Photo by Tonia Whitt

Hell or High Water

112 W. Washington St., Louisville, KY 40202 / hellorhighwaterbar.com

Even though prohibition ended in 1933, the allure of the speakeasy persists. Maud Welch wasn't immune to the speakeasy's siren song when she lived in the Big Apple and partnered with her brother Stirling to bring the experience to her Louisville hometown. After finding the perfect raw space on Whiskey Row, they drew inspiration for the name from the building's history, which is fraught with flooding and fires. A charred beam from the most recent calamity, a 2015 fire that delayed the planned opening, is visible in the dramatic two-story library portion of the bar.

Silver & Gold cocktail at Hell or High Water

Accessible via a nondescript door in an alley near the KFC Yum! Center, Hell or High Water is open by reservation, including a trio of private rooms, one of which is accessed by stepping through a wardrobe. Drawing inspiration from bygone eras, the bar is the antithesis of antiquated. An abundance of leather tomes— carefully collected by Maude—along with crystal chandeliers and sconces, velvet banquettes, and lampshades dripping with fringe open a portal into a time when indulging in the forbidden made it all the more fun.

Beverage director James Siegel creates seasonal cocktail menus based on what he refers to as the "Gordon Ramsey method." "I keep it simple, light and easy with fresh juices and syrups and less familiar spirits," he explained.

Private room at Hell or High Water

LouVino

Multiple locations – louvino.com

Initially opened in 2014 as a small neighborhood joint in the Highlands serving interesting wines paired with good food in a relaxed environment, Endeavor Restaurant group acquired the concept and has expanded it to five locations in Kentucky, Indiana, and Ohio. However, I remain partial to the original LouVino, an ideal spot to meet up with friends and try new wines as part of their Kentucky-themed wine flights. Though listed under the shareable section of the menu, I prefer to keep their truffle parmesan frites all to myself.

The Thirsty Fox

215 West Main St., Lexington, KY 40507 / zimscafe.com

A neighbor of Zim's café, whimsically outfitted in a collection of colorful folk art from chef and restaurateur Outia Michel's collection, the Thirsty Fox embraces a clubbier look inspired by an abundance of reclaimed wood. Offering a downtown Lexington bar experience that's decidedly not college-oriented, the craft cocktails are on par with the celebrated chef's menus. Pours of more than 50 bourbons are available, along with cleverly themed flights.

Cocktails at The Thirsty Fox. Photo by Andrew Kung

Becoming a member of the Thirsty Fox's Bourbon Club comes with a plethora of perks such as discounts on bourbon classes, first access to private barrel selections, premium tastings, and discounts on branded swag.