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    Apocalypse Brew Works

    4.5 (97 reviews)
    InexpensiveBreweries
    Closed 2:00 pm - 9:00 PM

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    Beeeeer
    Jim F.

    I recently paid my first visit to Apocalypse Brew Works and, damn, this is my kinda place! We went on a Saturday evening to a Star Trek viewing and I was, like, "Why haven't I been here before!??!". Apocalypse is very easy to get to, right off of the Mellwood exit. It's in a rather unassuming location and covers a lot more real estate than it looks like. Nestled directly off the off-ramp, you barely need to turn your steering wheel to make it into the parking lot. My first visit to any brewery starts with a flight, and then a pint or two. On this visit my flight, rather intentionally, ended with a Green Chile Wheat, which was so freaking good I had two pints of it after my flight. It's THAT good. I've always been a fan of chili infused beers and have to say, it's one of the best I've ever had. The Fallout Shelter (tap room) is aptly named and decorated in a -- you know -- fallout shelter kinda motif. A nice sized bar, 15 taps, and a little bit of snackery available for...snackerying. Outside they have a more-or-less permanent temporary tent set up. For the event we attended there was a table for the host and a couple stand-up tables (I love stand up tables). Also, a huge-ass Jenga set for your skill/amusement. The outdoor area is sizable and I can see where attending larger events here would be a blast. I imagine hundreds and hundreds...er...dozens of tables with umbrellas scattered across the land where beer lovers, friends and families, and even kids and dogs can hang out and enjoy a nice summer evening. While there's no food on the premises, you can BYOF (Bring Your Own Food. I just made that up.), have it delivered, and they have food trucks on occasion. I spoke to Leah (one of the owners) briefly and she seemed genuinely nice and looks like she absolutely loves what she does. In fact, the entire establishment has the feel of pride and of craftsmanship. Some breweries feel too....industrial and corporate. I didn't get that feeling at all at Apocalypse. I can see myself becoming a regular here. If you see me, say HI. I'll be the one sitting drinking a beer.

    Outside
    Sheri S.

    From the outside this place has lots of great vibe! Looks like it would be so fun to play outside with your friends and bring a big group. On the other hand, the inside is very, very small! Why do I give this brewery a five star? The people are very passionate about their beer, took the time to talk with us and even bring us back to where the brewing happens. One of the owners really showed how passionate he was and was very inviting to us. They have lots of heavy ABV as well as a clear diverse menu of unique types of beers. Something for everyone! But don't come here for food. There is no kitchen. This place invites dogs and we met so many great, beautiful creatures.

    (Left) watermelon crack, (right) cream-ation
    Shelby W.

    Apocalypse is the perfect spot to sip on something cold on a beautiful, warm day. The inside is really small, but they do have a large outdoor space with benches, games, and room for everyone's pups. Their selection is a bit smaller than others, but I did try a few that I could definitely come back for! The cream-ation and the watermelon crack (but who doesn't love that one?) Their pours do make up for it by giving you a tad more than others. Their parking is a bit tricky, and if you are parking on their property you will have to drive through their outdoor space, which could be tricky if there's a lot of people out there. It's also literally right off the highway, so it can also be hard getting in and out with so many cars flying by. Put this on your summer spot bucket list! I can definitely see this place being a fun hangout too at night.

    Kathy V.

    You mean....I've never written a review for Apocalypse Brew Works?! Inconceivable! I have had the opportunity to visit many times over the years. They don't have my favorite beers, but I can always rely on finding something I like well enough to have a glass or two of. Their summer staple, the Watermelon Crack, in particular is one of my favorites! Crisp, clean, perfectly sweet. A great hot weather beer. Unless there is a special event there though, this doesn't feel like a come-sit-and-drink brewery. It is more of a stop-in-taste-buy-for-carry-out kind of place. There is a very small indoor area with a couple high-top tables to stand at. But other than that, it is all outdoor space. And not much of it is covered. They might have a small pop-up tent or two out in the lot, and some oversized pub games (giant Jenga, anyone), but it is a mostly open and non-shaded blacktop lot. If there happens to be a special event or festival of some kind, there will be more seating and entertainment. But I stand by my first assessment, that if you are visiting this place on a whim on any given day, if you find it in its natural state of operation, you are probably not going to stick around too long. I have also had the pleasure of touring the facility and learning some more about their brewing a couple of times. Once was with a Yelp event and once was while with a group on the Derby City Brew Tours. If you get a chance, have them show you around. It is worth your time. I don't come here terribly often, only when there is a festival or other event really. But the beer is tasty and chilly and they are certainly worth a look-see.

    Brewery
    Richard D.

    We turned into what looked like a fallout shelter.  One of the oldest breweries in Louisville, Apocalypse Brew Works had the chain link fences, warning tape and gravel lot covered with fire pits.  Craft beer lovers were everywhere keeping warm by the fires and enjoying the 3 barrel-aged beers on draught.  You could tell these were diehard fans.   Apocalypse has the equipment, so they've been designated the local keg cleaner for several small breweries in town who don't have their own machine yet.  It's obvious, this craft community helps each other out!  And Apocalypse is expanding production, adding a canning line in a few months to keep up with demand.  Cheers!

    Bartender of the year!  My buddy with a little OJT
    Chip M.

    This place is a gem. Super small inside area with only a few tables a few seats and not much more standing room but that is what makes it special. It was dark outside but it did look like the whole lot outside was set up for some summer fun. Definitely a place you would want to be when the weather warmed up. We arrived right at closing time but the bartender(BILL i think) was polite enough to give us a few minutes to enjoy a few of there beers. We ended up leaving with a couple t-shirts, a hoodie and a few growlers. One beer that really stood out was a whiskey sour. Very unique. Definitely need to plan on being here when the weather is warm to set outside and enjoy some Apocalypse brew.

    Alejandro C.

    I can't believe I have not reviewed this place yet. Tonight I wanted an ice cold beer so I opened my refrigerator and retrieved a Crowler of Atomic Amber. This is one of my favorite beers, I am always excited to have one there or anywhere that carries it. The establishment is awesome, they allow and encourage you to bring your dogs and enjoy the outdoors. They have music and different types of food trucks to satisfy your food cravings. Some of their popular beers are Atomic Amber and Watermelon Crack. They allow small samples so you can find the flavor you like. This place has people from all walks of life and makes everyone feel welcome. They have large outdoor Jenna and Connect 4 games for adults and kids if you bring them along. Since winter is coming they get crowded in the brewery area. They do have fire pits outside, my wife and myself live the winter and we don't mind having a beer in the snow. This is definitely a place to give a try, I would recommend coming on a day when they have an event planned. Attached is a picture of my Atomic Amber, brewed and canned there.

    Elise Dixie Jane M.

    Apocalypse Brew Work a.k.a. Louisville's coolest outdoor venue (in my opinion) to drink beer, eat local tasty food trucks special slices from heaven, animal friendly (some folks bring their ponies and horses - not even joshing you), and most importantly jams and a DJ. You can win free brewskies by answering random questions the DJ will throw atcha! Now that is my kind of jam. And you will meet folk ranging from 21 to 93... maybe even older. Because who doesn't like beer at any age?! There is a tent with stools and small cocktail tables you can sit at. There are also picnic tables near Mellwood. Which are my personal favorite to sit at. I barely spend more than $20 every time I join. You must go!!!

    Matt R.

    The name suggests that this nanobrewery doesn't expect to survive beyond this year, but I expect there's a market for more small breweries in this town. I also think Butchertown was ripe for this place. My two visits thus far have been on pleasant evenings when they had food trucks set up in the parking lot, but I expect their long-term plan is simply to offer patrons a chance to get a pint or two while they are filling their growlers for the weekend. Here are a few reasons why I think this business will survive into 2013: * First and foremost, it's alcohol. And the beers I've tried so far have been pretty good, although I'm hoping they get a little bolder in their offerings. * It's basically a warehouse in Butchertown, so rent can't be too high. Although if the wind blows the wrong direction, the stench might not help those aroma hops. * The owner/brewers have other jobs, so I don't think anyone is relying on this (yet) to feed the kids. * Each time I've come, it's been packed, I think mostly with homebrew aficionados. So, plenty of community support. People like to drink with friends. * Finally, the apocalypse ain't gonna happen this year, which opens the door for this business to grow. Of course, there is always the next nut job predicting the End of Days is around the corner, so they can market this way as long as they want.

    Kelly J.

    Apocalypse Brew Works is really great! It's small, and it's super casual, which I love. I most enjoy visiting Apocalypse when the weather is nice, because I like sitting outside and drinking beer. Depending on weather they'll have picnic tables and umbrellas and/or tents set up outside, and they have some games, including giant Jenga. My favorite beer is the Watermelon Crack, but I also enjoy the 1912 Kentucky Common, and the ENIGMA Bourbon Barrel Sour. Plus, one of my favorite parts about Apocalypse is that they allow animals inside! I'm not a huge fan of the cats, but I love hanging out with the puppies! If you enjoy beer, or even if it's not your favorite and you're looking to check out a spot you haven't been or try something new, you should head over to Apocalypse Brew Works and check it out!

    Baylee P.

    This place is great if you want to sip a beer, hang out in the sun and play giant jenga. There's not much indoor seating. But there are plenty of picnic tables outside (that's also the parking lot). No food onsite, but sometimes there are food trucks. Very dog friendly, even with dog events (like a dog halloween costume contest!). Lots of other events, too.

    Sharron S.

    Watermelon Crack is my beer choice. Having my dog with me is awesome. The crowd is super cool and friendly. I've wanted to come here for a long time. Tonight there are 12 dogs enjoying themselves with the humans. Great craft beer!! There are a few games for the kids. The only drawback is no food. I get it, it's a bar but I'm hungry!! I will definitely be back!!

    1912 Kentucky Common... delicious!

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    24 days ago

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    1 year ago

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    Leah D.

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    3 years ago

    Yes - they have a gluten free beer. The brewer is a woman getting it done!! They said to keep writing...

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    8 years ago

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    6 years ago

    Great outside seating. The beer is good. Able to bring food. I enjoyed the pilsner type-lots of flavor.

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    4 years ago

    Watermelon Crack is amazing!!! Little warm in the bar area. Know it's small but it was really warm in there in the summer.

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    4 years ago

    One of our favorites. Great beer. Always great service. The green hatch chili beer will keep me returning!

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    Page 1 of 3

    Ask the Community - Apocalypse Brew Works

    Review Highlights - Apocalypse Brew Works

    The Watermelon Crack and Fallout Dust are my absolute favorites and they are extremely different from each other.

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    Against The Grain Public House

    Against The Grain Public House

    4.0
    (1.3k reviews)
    1.3 mi
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    There's just something about Against the Grain that takes me back to my first years in Louisville…read more It embodies that weird, wonderful Louisville spirit. It's creative with a sense of joy, irreverent, one of a kind. And I'm happy to see it last in its spot next to Slugger Field. I got to visit recently when a bunch of friends were in town. We ended up visiting during trivia night, which added a fun twist to the experience. Our team, The Electric Sheep, got second place! And along with the fun vibes, we had great food and beer. I got The Smokehouse OG, which is its pulled pork sandwich served on a Cuban roll. If you like pulled pork, you'll like this sandwich, though typical to their fashion, AtG puts a twist on it with its Brown Note BBQ Sauce. We had to get the pork belly on a stick -- a menu fave. And for my beer, I tried the El Nopal Mexican lager (cracked up at the name) and Cold Ass Beer red ale. AtG is a Louisville original that's not to be overlooked.

    I've never gone wrong with Against the Grain! I came here for Louisville burger week wanting to try…read moreas many different places as I could. I was stoked to see AtG on the participant list. I got the burger in special, the Dirty Burger. Pretty standard burger dressed with their "not so secret" sauce and fancy pickle. Super solid, very well executed. In the words of Samuel L. Jackson, this is a tasty burger! The location is pretty tough to beat with how convenient it is, and how close it is to all downtown has to offer. The atmosphere is industrial but relaxed. The staff was so wonderful and personable. Will definitely be back!

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    Brewing mural
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    Against The Grain Public House

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    Apocalypse Brew Works - breweries - Updated June 2026

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