Cool lighting. Great drinks. Fun venue. Adventurous proximity to fine things in Louisville. -Camb read more

Great find. Was shopping on 4th street at Mercantile (which by the way is awesome) and the owner David told about this place around the corner. We followed his lead went in early and met Amy. Wonderful bar wonderful drinks and a fantastic find. It's really a late night place (open till 4am). True mixology with brilliant outcome. A great find to share WE WILL BE BACK read more

Excellent bar. The drinks are unique as is the decor. It has a Grenich Village feel and the owner is one of the main tenders. Good for groups in an intimate setting. This is definitely visit in Louisville read more

I've only been for a single drink on a night when it was empty. Our party were the only people there. The bartendress was quick and helpful. The drinks were made properly, and the ambiance, while lacking other people, was relaxing and a great escape from the norm. I will be going back on a night when they have live music. read more

We came in on Pappy Van Winkle at cost night! Great drinks with even better music. Even with the drink special the place wasn't too crowded. Back to the music. The eclectic hip hop classics were a refreshing change from the cacophony of mainstream tunes at most bars. Mos Def to Biz Markie, deep tracks and the classics like California Love and Hypnotize. First trip definitely not the last. While here I had a Pappy 10 year Old Fashioned, I know I'm crazy to mix the "nectar of the gods" but cmon it was 10 year. Also I had a Michters Rye OF. They kept it real with some sort of Luxardo-type of Cherries and Peychaud Bitters garnished with a orange peel - simple but significant. They took some heat last year when they offered Pappy Van Winkle OF Jell-O shots but they were pretty good. My wife and her sister got them as a novelty. You have to give the folks at Meta props for not inflating the price of Pappy - a bourbon 7 years ago was not a household name and other than fake demand and a theft scandal it is still a $55 a bottle bourbon. ***** UPDATE ******** 11:00 pm Everything was going well until a DJ came in and played "his" mix which I wasn't a fan of but it may be your cup of tea. I wasn't a fan but I will be back on non DJ nights for the deep track old school hip hop. read more

Love this place! The atmosphere is fab. The bartenders are wonderful. They were spinning vinyl when I was there which I enjoyed. read more

Meta - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Louisville, Kentucky

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Cool venue. Fantastic and knowledgeable bartender concocting some seriously good cocktails. A bit too dark at times, though.

Cocktails are great, atmosphere is beautiful. Staff is friendly and knowledgeable. I like that you can trace the cocktails to the original inspiration. This is definitely Louisville's best cocktail bar, high quality but approachable and innovative. read more

The drink menu looks appetizing and interesting! This place feels very welcoming and I highly recommend "these rich fucks" ... Very tasty cocktail read more

Meta - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Louisville, Kentucky

After discovering that Meat in Buchertown had closed, I began asking around town where I could go that was comparable. One bartender told me that Meta had just opened and was run by the same people. Sold. It's absolutely beautiful in there. The floor is made up of pennies, the wallpaper is gorgeous, there are lots of windows, and it smelled like a fresh coat of paint. The drinks were more sweet than the savory list over at meat, but creative, fun, and delicious. I started with a "These Rich Fucks" and then moved on to something with green chartreuse. I enjoyed both very much. My main complaint: There was WAY too much light. Definitely not a place where I could cozy up to the bar and spend the night sipping away and spinning yarns. But, without Meat, I guess it will have to do. read more

I can't say enough wonderful things about this bar. Neil & Nataleigh are phenomenal. Best cocktails ever. Great ambiance, they take all the necessary precautions and do it with a smile. I'll definitely be back 100 out of 5 stars. read more

Ask for Ashley, Natalie and/or Jeremy. It's rare to find a watering hole whose entire staff is incredible: talented, charismatic, kind. Top notch ambience, hospitality and drinks!! read more

My husband and I were in town for our anniversary and a local bartender recommended this place. It did not disappoint! It had a great local vibe and the cocktails were delicious. Our bartender was super sweet and we felt very welcome. Highly recommend! read more

A friend and I tried Meta while visiting Louisville. Another review described it as hipster to the extreme--but I don't think it was in a good way. The entire place was so dark that I used my cell phone to read the drink menu. I understand low lighting but it was excessive. read more

I love Louisville and make a point of visiting this fair city a couple of times a year, so I was more than pleased to find myself there over my birthday this past November. While strolling through a handmade shop downtown called Block Party, my friend and I got a few bar recommendations from our very chatty shopkeep. She mentioned Meta and described it as a mix of pre-prohibition cocktails and strip club swag. I like anything unusual and was down to check it out. Around ten pm my friend and I arrived to find Meta nearly empty and disturbingly quiet. We settled ourselves onto our bar stools and perused the menu; she got a glass of white wine and I ordered the Show-n-Tell, a fantastic mix of gin, Chartreuse, lime, bitters and "pie syrup". We whispered to each other over the rims of our respective glasses, agonizingly aware of the total lack of ambience. There are hot pink fluorescent lights in the hall by the bathroom, which did lend some charm but overall, the place was dark and empty and certainly not in a good way. We were having another friend meet us there, but quickly changed our plans. We finished our drinks and bid our mouse of a barkeep goodnight. I wouldn't suggest this place to anyone, unless you like feeling uncomfortable or prefer to sit in stone cold silence. If it weren't for my amazing drink, I would have rated Meta as one star. read more

I visited Louisville for the first time and enjoyed the atmosphere and hip hop DJ at this spot. Low key and cool.

Probably one of the best cocktail bars in Louisville. It is possible to have simple stiff cocktails with complex flavors and Meta delivers on this! The interior is simple and dimly lit. Its the type of place that if I was on a first date to cozy up and get to know someone. read more

Cool space, good beats, but drinks could have been a tad better. Would go back and be more direct with drink choice instead of leaving bartender open to interpret my drink choice. read more

We went for late night, it was quiet but that was fine with us ! Drinks were good and fast which is always a plus! The inside of the bar is clean and well put together and decorated ! It was a little out of our way but we will be back ! read more

Let's set one thing straight... I'm a cocktail connoisseur and I've been lucky to visit some of the best in the world. Be it Milk & Honey in London or Patterson House in Nashville, there is a long list of places I seek out for incredible cocktails both in the US and abroad. I chose to visit Meta because I proudly endorse Louisville bars that are striving to compete with the rest of nationally syndicated "cocktail" bars. I want nothing more than Louisville to harbor a renowned bar that heralds acclaimed bartenders and provides an experience for its customers. First the good! The service I've had on all my visits has been excellent. Our service was attentive, cordial and quick. Even on busy nights, we didn't have a problem getting a new order in or asking about the drinks. The atmosphere is unique, yet slightly unorthodox. I think environment is half the battle with branding a new bar, and I like where they've landed (with exception to the bathrooms). The floors are covered with pennies that have been poly-urethaned to the floor (an inexpensive yet striking aesthetic). There are Edison lightbulbs and fixtures that line the bar as well as ornate and classy grey tones that highlight the bar and the walls. For some reason the bathroom area explodes into neon pink lights that radiate into the main area. It's a cool ambient change up. The wooden German bier-garden style tables are a nice way to round out the atmosphere; yet I still feel it to be a bit disjointed with their music selection on most night. This place screams classy, but rather than hearing Louis Armstrong or Fats Waller in the air - you're likely to get obscure hip-hop at "I can't hear myself think" volumes. This is that part about 'experience' I mentioned. And the cocktails... sometimes are too sweet. I'm not saying this from a "I only enjoy boozy cocktails" type of mentality. I think every bar like this should offer up several specialty cocktails to appeal to different tastes. However, I've had everything on the menu and most of the drinks can be described as "heavy on simple syrup". They seem to lack complexity because of this. If you're looking for a "spirit forward" drink, you may find it difficult to obtain one here. This being said, I love the bourbon selection and the knowledge the bartenders have to create traditional staples like Negroni's and Sazerac's. Beyond this, they're quite capable of modernizing a classic and timeless cocktail into something more neo-traditional, which is great! So I'd simply talk with one of their bartenders to find something you'll enjoy. I've had an old fashioned here that blew my mind... so if you don't care for the menu - they'll gladly accommodate. I'm always looking for a unique experience and ambiance when it comes to cocktail bars like Meta, and although this place can deliver nice drinks and a killer aesthetic within the main room, I feel like the experience leaves little to be desired. It's a cool visit - just seems to be searching for its identity. read more

My friend and I found this hidden gem on a lonely Monday night in Louisville. The bartender was so genuine and engaging and went above and beyond to serve, converse and entertain us with his stories and mixology skills. Hands down the best Old Fashion anywhere and so many great suggestions while in the area. Being from Chicago, we loved the connection and would definitely make this place a destination stop on our next road trip. This place is so cool, you owe it to yourself to check it out. #dantheman read more

My girlfriend and I were visiting from Chicago and decided to check this place out after seeing the reviews. The cocktails are amazing, a fun play on the originals. The bartenders are very thorough and a lot of attention to detail is given in making the drinks. It's hard to pull off saffron in a cocktail but the Northern Lights blew me away! Will definitely come back next time. The music was fun, too. The DJ was playing a lot of 80's synth pop and all vinyl. read more

This was a pretty down-to-earth joint with snazzy music and excellent classic drinks. The service was a little slow due to the amount of time it took to make the drinks as well as a slow payment system, but the friendly staff was great. I'd try it again. read more

Stopped by on a Monday night so it was very empty, but based on the service received and the drink menu choices, I give it four stars. The bartender was very friendly. Small, but cozy place. read more

I've been around and this was, in all honesty the worst bar I've ever been to. I can't believe the positive reviews. The bar must just be as low as you can get in Louisville. Upon entering on a dead Friday night (Nov. 24th), my girlfriend and I greeted the three people behind the bar and they all just stared blankly- one of them handing me a wrinkled up menu with stains and dirt on it. Once we got our drinks, my lady noticed a bug in her drink. When she pointed it out, no apology was offered before they remade it. And then, the drinks...A former bartender herself, she took a drink and wouldn't even finish it. Upon closer inspection, her new drink had another bug in the ice. My drink tasted like what you would envision mop water tasting like. We bussed our own table and thanked the bartenders on our way out and they ignored us. I felt like a bitch for even tipping them. I was so disappointed. I had heard it was a classy place with the best cocktails in town. It was anything but. Even the bartenders looked like trash. Who wears backwards baseball hats and wrinkled t-shirts behind the bar at a place that makes cocktails? I wouldn't even bring that up, if they just said thank you. But whatever. Don't go here unless you're slumming it and are trying to cockblock yourself. read more

Waited way too long to even be acknowledged. No one behind the bar so much as a, hello. Seemed they were too consumed with the artistic drinks which, eh, had better at more low-key / leas hype places. Once we were asked what we wanted the bartender was absolutely rude to my wife. Arrogant hipster? Way too confident for what he's putting out. Maybe we just missed the vibe or timed it wrong but we don't plan to go back. Still not sure what the catch is. Uber!!!??!?!?! read more

So I like this place but then..... The owners came in 10:30 at night decorating!! Do this on your closed time!

Last night was my first time at this bar. The atmosphere was cool- lighting, windows, decor. The DJ was great. However the bartenders were grumpy and rude- especially the male bartender. He would barely speak, just pointed at you when he was ready for your drink order. He ran out of a scotch my friend ordered and rather than telling him or suggesting something else he just barely shook his head to indicate they were out. Made me feel like we were a burden for being there or ordering. Very poor hospitality. The female bartender wasn't rude but she made the wrong drink for me and my friend. I didn't feel comfortable approaching the bar to order again so we left after one drink. read more

This was one of my favorite places in downtown louisville to get a delicious cocktail. Beautiful interior and wonderful lighting. However, I went there tonight with my best friend we were treated horribly. Ignored by the bartender, rushed to get our drinks then when we finally ordered the bartender throws the check at us. I will never be back here. read more

Meta is swanky, casual, and personable. The bartenders make conversation with their customers as they craft some of the best cocktails in the city. It a great spot to hit if you are looking to relax comfortably and sip on something that has flavor and uniqueness. The low lighting, modern furniture, and floor (that is made out of pennies!) will give you an experience you will not forget. read more

Best chartreuse cocktails in town. There is quite a lot of charm in this small upscale bar. Has the same vibe as Meat, but better. The staff was friendly and knowledgable. I highly recommend this place. read more

Best Sazerac I have ever had. I fell in love with it at MEAT and am so very glad it's back at META. Well done, folks!

I was initially attracted to this bar for their Saturday night music with Matt Anthony. His music is unique, funky, and fun and the atmosphere at Meta very much compliments a swag, jazzy vibe. The lighting is nice and relaxed, decor is handsome with very unique touches like vintage cameras lining the roof of the top shelf and a floor laid with pennies. It is next door neighbor to Body Shop, a girls girls girls club. If you have a problem with this you probably won't be up for the novelty of Meta. I would give Meta 5 stars if they could improve one major element about the bar (which from the feeling of it they may be opposed to doing): the service. I've only been to Meta twice, but this would be what keeps me from going back. The bartenders seem like they really don't like serving you drinks. Its a huge buzz kill. I don't want it to be so because I dig the atmosphere so much. First time I went I got a house made grapefruit soda (cool, right?) but then I got it and there was no grapefruit flavor to it at all ($5 soda). I cooly let them know and they seemed very annoyed. They added more of this grapefruit simple syrup to the drink and it ended up tasting like straight syrup water, still barely any grapefruit action going on. So whatever, I let them know "hey man, so sorry to bother ya but this still doesn't taste like grapefruit at all" to this they said "uh, well sorry". No offerings to let bar manager know or get me a different drink. Yikes. I know I'm not alone here and probably wouldn't have the stamina to write such a review on yelp if I didn't hear the same thing from everyone around me when I'm there "is it just me or do the bartenders seem like they hate me?" So, I went back again for Matt Anthony's music hoping I could have a better bar experience. Again, music great, vibes good, until I hit the bar. Same thing basically happened. This time I thought I'd shoot for the stars and get a deluxe specialty drink. A weird one at that-the death proof coffee ($11). Cold brew coffee with some liqueurs I'd never heard of and a raw egg. I shoulda known better than to try something too exotic here. I was kinda hoping for a smooth beverage, but this one was a bee sting. Very strong, had an anise flavor I really couldn't stand. I had my partner try it (he can drink just about anything) and he winced. I approached the bar and asked if they had some milk or half and half to lighten the tune of the drink as I'm a lightweight and its just way stronger than I was expecting. He said he'd "look but if they didn't have any, sorry *shrugs shoulders*". The didn't have any. Bummer. My partner kicks ass and gave me his beer while he choked down the drink. I'm the type of patron that will forever be grateful to you for accommodating my needs. Help me have a better experience and I'll tip you well, buy another nice drink, buy one for my friend, and be back with more friends. I wouldn't write such an epic review if I didn't want to want to come back. The menu is so unique I want to love this place. Hope this element improves so I can do just that. read more

3 stars for the cocktails! Don't get it twisted, the cocktails are amazing and a half! The reason for the 3 stars is the lack of cohesion. It has a great atmosphere and some really interesting design concepts going on, but I really have no idea how to label this place. I remember a similar cocktail bar called MEAT. Truly outstanding drinks with a setting to match. It was very well designed and it had a particular aesthetic and feel to the entire place. Meta has the drinks and some of the visual charm, but it seems to be going through a bit of an identity crisis. On one hand it is a very chill lounge with great drinks. And then a DJ starts playing 90's techno (which in some cases is perfect) with no one there to dance. All of the sudden I am screaming over a cranked up PA system that is just begging to turn this smooth downtown lounge into a fraternity party/ dance club. If you head to Meta, which you most certainly should, go early and avoid the late night train wreck. Hopefully this place will find it's niche and leave the bad dance music in the back. There is plenty of that two doors down. read more

I really want to like this place. They do have potential. I was wanting to go to Meat but never got to because as soon as I found out it existed it was closed. Anyway the atmosphere is nice. It overall is pretty chill and easygoing but still somewhat upscale. The drink selection didn't seem nearly as large as I thought I would have been so I was a little disappointed. However the place is still new so we'll see. Also the music was wayyyy too loud and I'm only 26 haha. It was distracting even though I can say at least the music was pleasant, just too loud to have much of a conversation or even for the bartender to take your order. I will try again but I hope it tweaks a few things. Not bad but not great. I think it could be as it does seem unique for Louisville. read more

I really want to like this place and I think it's heading in a good direction I just don't think it's arrived there quite yet. Drinks are good, not great or memorable though. Atmosphere is cool and trendy but the music is over the top loud. read more

Not to disrespect fellow reviewers, and acknowledging the courteous, hardworking Meta staff, I'm compelled to disagree with the majority of posts, as the quality of their product is inferior compared to industry standard bearers. If you have the chance, visit Patterson House in Nashville, Beloc or Cane and Table in New Orleans, or Mayahuel in NYC. An eleven dollar Sazerac should have more complexity than 1 shot of Dickel's Rye smothered im simple syrup. I'm passionate about craft cocktails and Louisville. I grew up there, love the people, visit often, and it deserves a destination craft bar. My sincere wish is the owners invest in their bartenders, such as sending them to Tales of the Cocktail in New Orleans to immerse them in craft innovation. read more

If I could give 0 stars I would. The bouncer threatened to kick me and my friends out after we had already made entry. We politely asked him why we couldn't enter again and would not give us a reason. We had already entered the bar and left to get a friend. He was rude and unprofessional and would not let us enter the bar for no reason. I love supporting local businesses but I will never support Meta again. read more

While in town for a conference we set out to find a good cocktail place and discovered Meta. The cozy atmosphere, knowledgeable staff, and tasty cocktails were a delight. We loved that the cocktail menu identified the classic cocktails that inspired their creation and enjoyed hearing about the space's past uses as a photography studio dating back to the 1890s and more recently as a strip club. We highly recommend the Sayonara Muchachos cocktail - perfectly balanced and delicious. read more

Had a few drinks at this cool spot after Forecastle. Hung with the owner Jeremy for awhile. Awesome dude who made me the yummiest custom vodka, mint concoction. Great music and awesome old 60s go go videos playing on the wall. Chill vibe and atmosphere. Will definitely come here on my next trip to Louisville! read more