This bar has an obvious Japanese pop culture theme, but has an equally prevalent American counter culture vibe. The folks here are very friendly and chill. It was my first time in Louisville and I saw that this place was really close to where I was grabbing dinner, so I wanted to stop by and grab a drink and check this place out. I'm assuming the area this bar is located in is the hipster area of Louisville. I'm not 100% sure, but having lived in Silver Lake (LA, CA) for a few years, there definitely was some recognizable symptoms of a hipster neighborhood. There's different sake beverages on the menu as well as a really solid, albeit small selection of whiskey (with more than reasonable prices too!). I ordered one of the individually packaged sakes and it was tasty. I got to look around and talk to the bartender a bit. He mentioned they had karaoke on Thursdays and are open to 4am (holy moly - so used to 2am on the west coast). I really wanted to come back, but was just so spent after dinner. It's a shame I couldn't hang out longer or just experience more of what this bar has to offer, but from what I experienced so far, a really great place! read more

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This was an unexpected stop on a night out. Front part of bar was a bit crowded but plenty of space in the back. They have a decent selection of snack food-- we got chips & queso and a spicy chicken quesadilla. Both were good. They also have sushi which looked good, too. read more

This was a cool random stop. Neat booths with paper lanterns, good vibe, cool design. They had sake on draft which was novel. It wasn't amazing sake but they did have a selection that we didn't get into. We went in the middle of the day so it was very chill. I would definitely like to get back there when it's a more planned stop instead of just to kill time. read more

Kaiju - Bars Near Me - Louisville, Kentucky

I came here with friends on a Sunday afternoon after playing tennis with them. This place is a vibe! The drinks were strong and delicious, and the interior space was intimate and cozy to hang out with friends after a long week. The whole establishment is a Kaiju theme as the name of this place. Cool stuff! The staff and their services were superb and highly attentive to your (drink) needs. There is street parking if you are interested in checking out this place. I recommend this place if you want something casual; great vibe with friends! P.S. late post, but I had to share my experience at this place *thumbs up* read more

Kaiju - The exterior of Kaiju's establishment - Bars Near Me - Louisville, Kentucky

This is a fun little bar. There's always good live music playing, or some other fun event going on. There is a slight Japanese theme to it, that I wished they leaned more into aesthetically. They support a lot of local musicians, which is nice. I follow a lot of local music, but I still always manage to discover something new by going to shows (which all seem to be priced at a reasonable 10 dollar cover). They also recently had a short film fest, where all the films were from locals. The service is excellent, the staff is fantastic, especially Eliza, who does a great job at sound and karaoke. I don't know his name, but one of the bartenders is also very kind, and gave me some very nice sake on my birthday, on the house. The food is also good, it's from Dragon King's Daughter, so it's fresh and interesting sushi and fun Japanese/Mexican fusion. Unfortunately, they do not have a kitchen in the bar, so the food runs out pretty fast on busy nights. read more

Kaiju - Bars Near Me - Louisville, Kentucky

Reviewing a bar during the pandemic has been quite the challenge considering you can't quite get the full experience of any bar due to social distancing and people needing to wear masks. Not only that, but most establishments offer live music and such with the pandemic making those sorts of things a challenge. I had initially heard about Kaiju upon first really enjoying Louisville and I regret not stopping in pre-pandemic simply because Kaiju has quite the amazing vibe which you feel right as you enter it's doors. Kaiju makes a name for itself by giving you as much Japanese culture that you can take in, with a large Gundam statue just to the right of the entrance and even Ultraman hanging above one of the tables as well as a separate room which plays all sorts of Japanese Anime from open to close. Before the pandemic struck, Kaiju offered many different themed nights such as comedy night and even game nights. They also had various pinball machines and arcades as well as a Switch or a Nintendo 64 to play, however, these items are not able to be used due to, once again, the pandemic. Although I feel that I am writing a review about an establishment that isn't able to run at it's best, I still feel that environment while enjoying my go-to drink, a Woodford and Ginger. Kaiju does an excellent job of keeping it's guests socially distanced while making certain that it keeps it's guests satisfied. Kaiju does offer an extensive list of drinks from draft beers to cocktails which you will find on their digital menu that is accessible via a QR code. Food is also something that Kaiju offers by partnering up with another local favorite, Dragon King's Daughter, to provide guests a place to choose from an assortment of various sushi's in a box as well as miso soup, dumplings and also some quesadillas. I have to give nothing but amazing praise for Kaiju trying to do what some have not been able to which is maintain success during a pandemic, although Kaiju is stripped of most of it's entertainment, they are doing their absolute best to provide a place for everyone to come and enjoy a variety of drinks as well as selling handcrafted items from various local artists and bands in what used to be the arcade area which is something I am very pleased to see Kaiju do for others during these very tough times. I certainly see myself coming back here after this pandemic has settled and getting the full experience but don't let that turn you away from stopping in to enjoy the vibe and especially of you are one such as myself that has an appreciation for Japanese culture. read more

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I love this weird little place. It is off the beaten path, but will frequently host music and comedy shows. It's well worth a visit. It's a small place, but a really fun one, with a great vibe. read more

this was the WORST bar i have ever been to. I am disgusted by how I was treated. the bartender named Fergie called me multiple slurs and kicked me out - another patron told my friend they looked like, "her mom had her at 13 years old," and the bar staff agreed with her. i've never been treated this way in my life and i'm disgusted. do not go here! read more

A cool bar in my cool neighborhood with cold beer. I don't know why it took me so long to finally pay it a visit, but I have finally made the pilgrimage there and I am only sorry it took me so long to do so. For a small little specialty bar, they have a surprisingly decent beer selection on tap (lots of local brews! Love it!) I like the atmosphere of the place. I like the variety of drink options. Word is they have food too, but I didn't get to try that on my visit. BUT NEXT TIME. During the pandemic, they transformed into a bit of a corner store for folks in the neighborhood. What a flex, to quickly pivot and be what people need in a crisis! I will be back. Maybe even dip my toe in to the sake pool and try it for the first time. read more

This place is a great hidden neighborhood bar! They have a fantastic happy hour. Unexpected out of this world sushi, and variety of appetizers. It had been a while since I had stopped in, was amazed at the change. Lots of seating in back room, stage area. They also have seating out front with great views. The bar tender was friendly, and helped with our selection. Definitely have to re-visit, if you have not been here for a while. read more

Kaiju had served me stale sushi. I got extremely ill from it. They need to reevaluate their food standards and prevent others from getting ill as well. The bartender was rude as well. read more

My friends and I came from California to hit the Kentucky bourbon trail. (Highly recommend). One thing we noticed was a lot of places closed real early. We stumbled across Kaiju, it was AWESOME! Beers on tap, tasty snacks, and karaoke was fun! This place was literally the only place we visited more than once during our week stay on Kentucky. When I comeback for another bourbon tour I'm 100% coming back to karaoke at KAIJU! read more

Here to see a show and very impressed with the drinks, snacks, food, and overall atmosphere of the bar! Staff is also super friendly. Would come back again :) read more

In town for LTL24 and went to kaiju. Wonderful place. Great bartenders and customers. Everyone made us feel welcome.

This place was a blast! Me, my husband and good friend visited this venue in June to see an awesome band, Spotlights. We had good service, great drinks and the atmosphere was really cool. We even found "Waldo" and "Godzilla" there! I lost my checkbook there and Kaiju was even kind enough to mail it back to me in Michigan! I highly recommend this place! read more

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I'm sad that it took us almost a year to finally go to Kaiju. The drink prices are reasonable. The atmosphere is awesome. There is free pool. There is a console room in the back with classic and newer games. The bartender was very quick and attentive. They have awesome bar snacks. Why wouldn't anyone want to come here? Not full of the pretentious, cliquey, Louisville bar crowd. Inviting and awesome. read more

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I'm new to Louisville, and this is one of the first places I found on the exact same block next to a place I lived for a month. It's open 4pm-4am like clockwork, so it was always my last stop when walking home. It's much more a venue and bar than it is a restaurant--but the fact they do have food (brought from the owner's other place, Dragon King's Daughter) is very convenient. There's always something interesting going on, and the bartenders are excellent and friendly. read more

Came for the Delafaye band and Poorcastle after party! Great place! Friendly staff, welcoming space and the sound was superb here! More spacious than it looks from outside I wondered if it would feel crowded, but it was very comfortable, people were great- we will definitely be back soon to try more of the beers. read more

Kaiju - Bars Near Me - Louisville, Kentucky

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Walking in and seeing my child hood display on the wall brings me great joy. Once covid is over, this will be my to-go spot to hang out and socialize. The staff here is super friendly and the atmosphere is really cool with godzilla and bunch of retro Japanese figures all around. The brunch menu is the bomb, a lot of awesome Asian food options to select from. I can't wait for things to get back to normal to do a follow up review. I know before all this happen, they had comedy night, anime movie night and etc. Looking forward to check that out when things get better read more

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This place is awesome. A little hole in the wall that offers huge entertainment value. Grab some friends, buy some beers, and relive the good old days with the Nintendo switch or the N64. Play some pinball, listen to a comedy show or some live music. Seriously, something for everyone - even the most boring of people. If all else fails, just have a few drinks and good conversation. I cant wait for my next opportunity to have a game night here and kick ass on the switch. Going to be keeping an eye on the event list since live music and other entertainment is always a good thing. If you haven't been, come to Kaiju and experience what a bar should be. read more

Kaiju is the bar you wanna bring your casual hipster friends who enjoy a unique environment with fun activities. Drinks are very reasonable. There's an abundance of pinball machines that take quarters. Who doesn't love pinball?! I do prefer a free pinball machine.... but, what can I do. They're hard to find in Louisville. Anyways, there was free comedy show in the back. The person on the stage was aggressively yelling at someone in the back of the room. It was unclear at first if he knew the guy or he was trying to be funny, but it quickly became very uncomfortable and I'd say that largely the whole room was worried for their overall safety. We left the show and came back out front and had a great time. I'd definitely go back for a relaxing, intimate and fun time. read more

Went here for the first time over the Thanksgiving weekend. It's a neighborhood place, from what I could tell and the bartenders seemed to know most of the people. The space is divided into 4 sections: the bar, an area with pool tables, a gaming area, and a spot for a small stage. We went to have a drink and see some bands. There was a BBQ truck outside, but I was also surprised to see pre-packaged snacks were offered for sale--anything from Twinkies to vegan jerky, and at pretty reasonable prices. We looked over the drink list and there were several options: "hipster" beers, the Miiler/Coors, and some real surprises. I ended up getting a pretty tasty pear cider. The stage area is all the way in the back, making having a conversation at the bar with music playing possible. We enjoyed the bands from Cincinnati, and were surprised at the sound quality considering the size of the stage. All in all, with a $5 cover we had an enjoyable evening. I'll be watching to see what bands they book in the future to come back! read more

Kaiju - Ms Pac Man before the band - Bars Near Me - Louisville, Kentucky

UHHhh this place has a lot going on, is the best way I can explain Kaiju. Good dive bars vibes, dj/live music in the back (though the offerings were particularly awful when we were there last weekend), a woman painting with a table set up selling her other work, a room full of video game consoles (at least 3), another room of pinball machines and a pool table, shelves of action figures/toy monsters behind the bar... It's a lot! The one tip/complaint I have: just wish they had more light beer options in pint glasses, idk about you but drinking a beer out of a 12 oz plastic cup just makes me feel very unsatisfied, but obviously not enough so to take away a star from this rating. Kudos to this place existing, I even bought a shirt on my way out! read more

Kaiju - Bars Near Me - Louisville, Kentucky

This place is killer!! It's bigger than it looks, the bar is located on one side once you walk in. Limited seating but it depends if your coming for the shows or not. They have a room in the back with a stage, standing room with a few chairs outlining the room. I saw 2 bathroom ( one women & one men). They have a gaming corner, it set up with a few Tv and different consoles with different games. So you can get your old school PlayStation game on. I saw a pool table but didn't go back in that room. The bar was pretty well stocked with tons of liquor, beer selection is decent and they even had sake! I got a $10 bottle of cold unfiltered milky sake ( got my own cup too) and a tecate with lime for my boyfriend. Service was quick ordering but once the show was over, it took some time to close out my tab. The best part is the Anime props and the art on the walls. Some great eccentric pieces. The vibe was great and everyone was super chill and friendly. They had a food truck parked out front that had some killer nachos. Street parking only and they do have out door seating as well. But pretty cool spot to check out and see what going on. read more

Kaiju - Bars Near Me - Louisville, Kentucky

Great atmosphere and awesome games. Happy hour from 5-6 good drink deals and Dragon kings daughter sushi and chips and queso available

The bar service is absolutely pathetic! Waiting for over 20 minutes this "bar keep" seen me standing for over 20 minutes ! And still discriminated against me because I'm the same sex! This place ain't worth a Turd read more

Due to its proximity to my house I come here quite a bit and consider myself a regular. They have a good beer list and the prices are reasonable. The mixed drinks are a little weak for my taste--I often end up getting a double. They have a food truck that is open nights and during day on the weekends for brunch. I've enjoyed everything I've had off the night time menu. I thought the brunch was just so-so and probably wouldn't go back for it. Kaiju's strongest point is it's a fun place to hang with plenty of events. In their back room, I've seen some of my favorite local bands like Wambo play, I've gone to a board game night, I've watched the Star Wars trilogy in under 60 minutes, and I've seen some truly weird experimental art stuff. They've got two pools tables in a separate room, and on really nice days they open up the garage door leading out from the pool table on to the patio. The patio is a little cramped and smoky but it's nice to have the option of stepping outside with your drink. They also have a great set up of old school video games in a third room, if that's your thing. (The video games are free. I do think you pay with quarters for the pool table. Events in the back room are either free or anywhere from $5-$20. So the TLDR is, if you're the type of person who gets bored easily, or is tired of just sitting at a bar and drinking, then Kaiju is definitely for you. read more

I LOVE KAIJU. First, they have really cleaned the place up, taking advantage of the shutdown. Second, they have Dragon King's Daughter sushi. I love having this in the neighborhood. Wonderful place that did wonderful things throughout COVID. read more

I knew I'd love this place the first time I walked in and they had Rick and Morty on the TVs. I've also seen them play Blazing Saddles and The Jerk. The bar is fantastic if you're a huge nerd who loves cheap good beer and nerdy stuff. They run nerdy events semi-regularly. Come check it out for yourself! Oh also they seem to be dog friendly. At least one dog. I still have yet to encounter double-man bun or Haley D. enabling her alcoholic boyfriend. read more

Kaiju - They let you dress up and knock over giant Jenga puzzles. - Bars Near Me - Louisville, Kentucky

Kaiju is heaven for nerds who like to drink, which means it's perfect for my best friend and I. All over the bar they have prints, paintings and statues of monsters (Kaiju = monster in Japanese), in the back they have a stage where they have shows and extra seating, there is a side room by the bar with two pool tables and by the bathrooms there is another room where you can get some old school video game fixes. They're open 4pm to 4am so there is plenty of time to get your ass there, no matter what shift you work! My best friend and I came here one night after canceling our plans to go to a movie for my birthday. I live a block over so taking a car would have been silly and I know from driving past it for the last two years that parking is VERY limited since there is street only parking on a residential street area. One of my favorite things about the bar is the room with video games in it, they have two Nintendo Gamecubes with several controllers (though be warned, not all of them work, because I'm sure they get their fair share of use), a Nintendo 64 (Super Smash Bros. on both of them so you can get your beat down on) and they have a retro gaming system hooked up to a projector as well that you can select a few games from. They have a decent selection of draft beer with a lot of sour beers, so if that's your thing then it's perfect for you. They have a huge selection of bottled beer as well as a good selection of bourbon/hard liquor. The bartender was super nice and knowledgeable about the beer on draft. She also said that on Monday nights they have board game nights where they feature a couple of games and each person is welcome to bring their own if they so please. Every other Sunday they have an improv group come in and do their thang. Overall I really enjoyed my time at Kaiju when we went because it was just crowded enough to be able to socialize with everyone but not so crowded that you had to fight to get to the bar. Plus they have plenty of things you can do to pass the time with your friends, whether playing pool is your thing, video games, or just sitting at the bar watching TV. Kaiju is a staple in Germantown that I am very sad that I missed out on for almost two years before ever stepping foot into it. read more

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I came here for trivia night. My friends and we had our butts handed to us. It was bad!lol What really made me happy with Kaiju is their selection of beer. We all sat at the bar due to the small size of the place. I was ok with that. Closer to the beer. Directly across from me was the beer menu and cooler case of beer. Now I'm pretty up to date with my beer and have had several. I was extremely happy to see at least 10 different beers that I've never tried before. I'm sold! During the trivia and I'm sure on regular nights the bar tender turned on the pop corn machine and started passing out complementary pop corn!! Just what I wanted. I wouldn't recommend coming here if you're expecting to eat though. I believe this is just a watering hole and does serve food. No worries. This is still and awesome place to stop in and get a beer that you've never tried. If I lived in the area, I could see this as my go to place for a beer. read more

I first heard about Kaiju from a 3-sentence writeup about the bar in a recent issue of "Wired" magazine, which featured a 1-page article on things to do in Louisville. The idea of a Japanese Monster bar sounded like a lot of fun, and the beer selection was really impressive. I finally got here on a Sunday evening on my first night in Louisville, which was probably too quiet a time to experience the place at its best. It was very quiet and kind of divey. But at the same time, that gave us a chance to chat a lot with the guy tending bar. On Sunday night, the pool tables were free as well, and I enjoyed the music. I have to say, I was a little disappointed in the decor; I felt they could kick it up quite a few more notches, and I really wanted to see more in the way of the Japanese monsters. But I really, really, like the beer selection here, and this is the kind of place that you can make as much fun as you want if you bring the right crowd of people with you. I don't know whether I'll have any more opportunities to get to Kaiju during my stay in Louisville. I'm glad I got here, but I think I'll have to bring my own crowd here to maximize the fun potential. read more

terrible customer service me and my friend came in around 2:45 to order there was already a woman at the counter so we waited once rhe guy working was done he looed at me and proceeded to talk to a co worker as if he didnt see us ! read more

Was really over crowed for a Tuesday Night to most part we did not enjoy our time here, other then the Sake we all shared. Gaming and Pool seemed to be taken with groups of ppl that seem did not wish to share. I hear many good things about this neighborhood bar, but my 1st time was really a serious let down. I really do wish to go back and give them a second chance :) read more

Kaiju - Sake Shot for Bryan's Bday - Bars Near Me - Louisville, Kentucky

Kaiju is a neat place, and I'm happy to have it in my 'hood. The theme is Japanese monster (aka kaiju), which I love since I'm a big ol' nerd. Other aspects that make Kaiju unique are their offerings of sake, Japanese snacks (among lots of others, at cheap prices), and regular anime showings, along with some other video game themed events. They also have the more typical offerings of comedy and music shows on a regular basis (calendar is posted outside on the front window). The crowd at Kaiju is what's really hit or miss. I think it has to do with being kind of out of the way of the other Germantown hot spots. I've been when the crowd is poppin, and also when it's dead on nights when you'd expect otherwise. Personally, if I'm going to spend time at a bar I prefer a lively atmosphere, but for some people a quieter place is ideal. So, you could find either here given the night you show up. read more

Kaiju - Lights, mural, man drinking beer - Bars Near Me - Louisville, Kentucky

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I live less than a mile from this place and I am ashamed at how long it has taken me to actually go and check this place out. It is a wonderful staple of the neighborhood and captures the essence of its surroundings quite well. Lots of seating to accommodate small groups of 4 and the bartenders (specifically John) are really nice. They have a great selection of craft and local beers and the arcade additions are awesome. The gaming equipment is very well taken care of and the drinks are not at all watered down. Happy hour is from 4-7 and they have plenty of regulars who will strike up conversation with you if that suits your fancy. read more

Love this place. Very cool bar, you can play video games in the back and shit. The good truck outside changes and has bomb food always. You can also buy condoms and cigarettes in there. 10/10. read more

A much needed niche bar in Louisville for the most awesome people in town: the tabletop gaming, anime loving crowd who want to be able to buy convenience store snacks with their drinks and stare at badass toys and pop culture paraphernalia while they do it In short, it's a bar that the nerds of Louisville love. Cool nerds. Nerds you want to hang out with. And you should hang out with. Lots of nifty activities like anime viewing, dungeons and dragons, a stage for live performances in the back, food trucks for when you need a little something extra. Definitely a place to check out. Lots of variety on drinks and friendly staff. read more

One of my all time favorite bars. A really fun place with plenty to do other than drink. There's always something going on at Kaiju. (The environment) This bar is directed towards younger crowds and nerdy types, like myself. But older people can enjoy this place just as much. When you first enter, the bar is right in front of you on your right. The bar takes up most of the wall. Across from it are tables and another doorway leading to the billiard room. Forward in the far back is the stage/theater where bands play frequently, also some acting and comedy routines. I forgot to mention that outside there is always a food truck which sell some really delicious fare, mostly Asian inspired. There is pop culture memorabilia everywhere in this place. You have statues of Ultraman and and a Gungdam suit. Also a creepy and crudely set up No- Face in the corner behind the bar next to the snacks. There's artwork on the walls here, some are even for sale. There were also some printed pictures of characters from anime like Dragonball, Fooly Cooly, and Attack on Titan. As I mentioned, there is a billiard room, but that's not all the games they have. There are game systems scattered everywhere in this place. Some play classics while others play newer games, they are open to everyone, first come first serve I believe. They also host many events like trivia night and events for board and card games. The other events are hosted by a group called The New Anime Collective where they typically show different anime titles. Last night I watched Mamoru Hosoda's The Boy and the Beast and a surreal action comedy called Dead Leaves. I've been here many times before I used Yelp. From what I remember I have also seen the anime Wolf Children, Memories, and some episodes of The Ancient Magus' Bride. (Food and Drink)When I got there I ordered an Orion, $10. It comes in a very large bottle that could give you about two full glasses. It is a Japanese rice lager and is an import from Okinawa, Japan. Yes ,some of their beers are Japanese. Their beer selection is actually pretty unique, some of the beers I've never seen before. They also have a few types of sake, cold or warmed. Later on during intermission I got a $3 draft called Watermelon Wheat. It's a light beer with a tasty watermelon flavor, not overbearing, it was very refreshing. Their draft options are very reasonable as is everything else. When it comes to meals or a slight craving, you're all set here. They have tons of snacks behind the counter, chips, candy, jerky, and sodas. For a more nutritional munch, check out their food truck. You order at the bar, and then pick it up at the truck. The menu prices are really reasonable, I usually get one of their kabobs or the fish shaped sandwiches. This is such a fun bar that I'll always keep on going to. The people are friendly and you can tell that many feel at home here. read more

Kaiju - Bars Near Me - Louisville, Kentucky

Great place to meet new friends, enjoy some sushi, karaoke, a live show of all kinds of genres. This really is one of the most accommodating bars in Louisville. The vibe is always relaxed and light hearted, and I've always made a new friend when I went. The staff is also extremely friendly and knowledgeable of the area (as well as various other things) read more