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    The Whirling Tiger

    4.5 (50 reviews)
    ModerateBars, Music Venues
    Closed 8:00 am - 12:00 AM (Next day)

    The Whirling Tiger Photos

    Business Info

    THE WHIRLING TIGER ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Divey
    Hipster
    Casual
    Trendy

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    Recommended Reviews - The Whirling Tiger

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    Reviews With Photos

    Edwin M.

    Looking to support a local brew house? Look no further than Whirling Tiger. This awesome coffee shop/mini arcade/bar set in what looks like a home is the place to go. The theming is old school home, with them decorating for the different holidays. The coffee is awesome and fresh with the typical coffee shop offerings that you can add some syrup flavoring to. As well as coffee they also have cocktails and drinks that you can pick from. There is also a few baked goods which we did not try, but they looked good. The service was awesome and after purchasing some coffee beans (yes they sale some beans from their shop) the barista let me sample the dark roast so I knew what I was buying! Over all and awesome experience so go check them out!

    The leg lamp from the greatest Christmas movie ever!
    Laura R.

    This was our second time coming here (only because we don't get out a lot). It was decked out in Christmas decorations. We got there pretty early like around 9 and there weren't too many people there. We got drinks from the bar. I got the Grinch holiday drink....it was gross! I don't recommend. lol They have a pop up bar upstairs. It's $10 a person to just go up there, I wish it came with a drink ticket, but it's cool! It was pretty empty when we got up there about 9:20pm. They have a Nintendo 64 hooked up. We played for a bit and raced some other people. By the time we were done upstairs about 10pm it was much busier and downstairs was packed. I love the vibes of this place! I tell people about it all the time. I describe it as going to your Grandma's house from the 70's/80's. Complete with the Shag carpet. It is a great place to check out!

    Liquor selection at the Whirling Tiger.
    Joe B.

    We ended up taking shelter at the Whirling Tiger after a downpour soaked us during a Butchertown walking tour. The staff were very friendly and a number of us decided to order a drink or a coffee while there. I was able to get an espresso before they shut the machine down since it transforms from a coffee shop to a bar at night. I was just thankful to get a hot drink to warm me up after getting wet.

    Inside
    Annie O.

    Such a cool bar! Came with my bookclub and they were decorated for Halloween. Lots of diverse seating options including coaches and an awesome upstairs area! Drinks were yummy and the staff was great!

    Me and friend Sarah
    Silas H.

    We do like this place and have been coming here for years but last night was kinda crappy. It was my friend's birthday and DOOM GONG was playing their long awaited return show. These are our homies and we support local bands and businesses. For some reason the people doing ticketing decided to single out my friend's girlfriend for "being too drunk" and "unable to walk" simply because she was grabbing and leaning on my friend. They were not causing any disturbances and she was NOT falling over. THEY KICKED HER OUT I have a big problem with this for several reasons: 1.If you think she's too drunk then cut her off don't throw her out in the cold 2.She was factually not "too drunk" she could stand on her own and was coherent / aware of her surroundings (just holding on to my friend because she has anxiety). 3. This affected the whole group because of course we're not going to just leave them outside when we're celebrating his birthday. 4. We paid to see the show and as Louisville locals have been patrons of Whirling Tiger for years. They made us miss over an hour of our friend's performance. The amount of disrespect is crazy. They did eventually let her back in but only after being difficult for no reason. OH WOW people get drunk at bars never seen that before ?!? I guess it was the girl doing ticketing who had an issue and dude was "laying down the law" but this sort of arbitrary enforcement of power for no legitimate purpose other than feelings is weird and puts a bad taste in everyone's mouth. Please do better and train your staff to know if someone is actually a problem. Why make a problem out of nothing? We won't be back for a while.

    Dance floor

    Great drinks and love the old timey vibe inside! Love that there is a dance floor with the disco balls too. Was a little hot but I think the AC was broken?

    Nancy P.

    Popped in for an afternoon coffee, awaiting an Elite Yelp event this evening in the area. The building is interesting, numerous smaller sitting areas upstairs and down with vintage, meaning old and worn out furshings. I suppose it is part of the vibe. Barista waited on me imediately and was friendly but not real talkative. I ordered a large caramel latte in a regular cup. And took it upstairs to drink. Nice relaxing music and no one else upstairs. That was nice as I wanted to read and write this review. You can look out and see the traffic on Story Avenue. I do belive as I sit hear I hear birds chirping in the rafters, could be outside. Latte was good. Street parking, but not a problem on a Tuesday afternoon. I would recommed furniture updates, not necessarily new but cleaner, non-broken seating.

    Joe H.

    Gotta love the Christmas vibes here. Consistently good DJs, bands. I love the loft and lounge areas. Even though the pinball machine ate my quarters, this still may be my favorite bar in the ville.

    Breakfast sandwiches and baked goods
    Cathy F.

    Tried the coffee place, and it was really good. Inside is very quiet and cozy. The employees were nice and welcoming. I got a hot vanilla latte and a toasted plain bagel. Both were very good and hit the spot after running a 5K.

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    2 months ago

    1st timers and we feel in love as soon as we walked in. Great bar and music venue. Friendly stay and one of the coolest atmosphere.

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    4 months ago

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    9 days ago

    i love this place!!! so much seating (check out the upstairs!) but also dance floor, excellent balance. great vibes!!

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    2 years ago

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    5 months ago

    Cool vibes, great drinks, serves the community. Hit coffee in the morning and crushed ice at night

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    1 year ago

    Coffee shop by day, event space, lounge and bar by night. One of the most beautiful bars in Kentucky!

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    Business owner information

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    Mark E.

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    2 years ago

    Good chill spot with good drinks. Nice place to come with friends and just enjoy the vibes.

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    3 years ago

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    2 years ago

    Drinks were not made very well and service was slow. The place was very neat though and I loved the old building.

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    Page 1 of 2

    Ask the Community - The Whirling Tiger

    I have a disability and cannot stand for more than 15 minutes at a time. Is there any seating?

    Lots of seating. One area has couches and chairs. There are chairs at bar, tables and chairs in the back.

    Being that they don't serve food, does anyone know if they allow you to bring in something or have food delivered there?

    Yes, you are still able to order in. Pop ups and food trucks hopefully coming in eventually.

    View All 3 Questions

    Review Highlights - The Whirling Tiger

    They have cool decor, and cool vibes and cozy atmosphere inside.

    Mentioned in 3 reviews

    Read more highlights

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    Holy Grale is just that. If you're picking something else, you "chose poorly". Delicious beer…read moreselections freaky fresh on tap. Marvelous atmosphere with an interconnected beer garden in the middle. Stunning food offers that shine on their own and sing louder when paired with their beers. The team at holy grale also bring it all together with incredible service. The burger is incredible, but I always come back for the schnitzel platter. I only wish they had a spaetzle to go with it! The fries are proper chippies, thick square cut and long. Crispy outside, fluffy inside. And there are so many dips to choose from. Salads are crisp and light and a marvelous side. I cannot say enough good things. I love the grales.

    This place is definitely worth a visit just to see it. Fun spot and a very cool vibe inside. This I…read morebelieve was our 7th stop on our tour of Louisville distilleries and bars. We had a couple cocktails in here and the service was excellent even though it appeared they were filled to capacity. There were 4 of us in our party and we were seated at a table in the corner near the bar. Was definitely a cozy spot with so many people being in there and the bar being full. I had The Holy Ghost cocktail and it was a pomegranate hibiscus sour, it had just the right amount of sour! I do not like bitter drinks and this one was good and easy to drink. My husband had a couple of dark beers, I do not remember which ones but he liked them. They had a nice outdoor area but it was a bit too cool for that but it may be worth a return in the Spring to check it out. Bathroom was also really cool as the decor and theme spilled over into it. We will be back.

    Photos
    Holy Grale
    Shishito & mushrooms in romesco w. sunny egg
    Shishito & mushrooms in romesco w. sunny egg
    Bar area

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    Bar area
    Atomic Sound Club & Game Yard

    Atomic Sound Club & Game Yard

    2.6
    (17 reviews)
    1.4 mi

    Stopped by with friends for happy hour. Bartender made the best spicy margaritas and enjoyed the…read moregarlic cheese bread with hot honey on top. The barbecue wings with the Parmesan sauce were great so good. We sat outside on their patio and soaked up the sun. Ambiance great

    . Tonight I was treated in a way that was deeply unfair, humiliating, and unnecessary…read more I had already been inside the venue, had paid to be there, and had been there the night before with no issues. When I went to use the restroom, the women's line was extremely long, so I briefly stepped into the men's restroom, which was empty -- something that happens regularly in crowded venues. Instead of being given a simple warning or redirected, I was immediately confronted by the head of security and forcibly removed without explanation or discretion. What makes this more troubling is that this kind of treatment is not applied evenly. I have partied in Europe and Asia and have never experienced this level of hostility or targeting over something so minor. It reflects the kind of classist and racialized power dynamics that too many people experience in this country -- where discretion is used not to maintain safety, but to single people out. I was not intoxicated, disruptive, or disrespectful. I was a paying guest who had been there the day before without incident and simply wanted to enjoy the venue with a friend. Being immediately ejected instead of being spoken to was unnecessary, excessive, and deeply disappointing. I am bringing this to your attention because this kind of treatment damages trust, reputation, and community. No one should be treated as disposable or criminalized over a minor, non-threatening situation -- especially in a space that claims to be welcoming. I expect this to be taken seriously. I've partied all over the world and I've never experienced someone that's so upset about a black woman using the men's restroom when they had a man that they were with there to protect them. I can only accept that I was target because I was black at a hip hop night where I was kind, didn't raise my voice and just sought understanding when I was just getting to the venue. The security didn't want to give me a warning and target me because I was black even though I came the night before with a white man and was fully accepted at the bar. I hope that this is adjusted in the future where everyone feels welcome without being discriminated against them. I love the venue and hope to return in the future if things change.

    Photos
    So I can't get on stage because it's bartenders only I will Alway report this bar until they make It fair
    So I can't get on stage because it's bartenders only I will Alway report this bar until they make It fair
    Atomic Sound Club & Game Yard
    Atomic Sound Club & Game Yard

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    The Whirling Tiger - bars - Updated July 2026

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