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    Trial+Error

    4.8 (41 reviews)
    Closed Closed

    Trial+Error Photos

    TRIAL+ERROR ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Casual
    Trendy
    Good for groups

    Recommended Reviews - Trial+Error

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    Reviews With Photos

    Erica O.

    Very cool spot for a local feel with delicious drinks and bourbon. The bar area is so moody and cozy and is a great date or group spot. Cocktails use fresh ingredients and their bourbon. Street parking and in the middle of a fun stretch of downtown.

    Chad M.

    Incredibly cool, speakeasy style spot (and not cool just because a bartender overheard my Star Wars quote to a friend and jumped in to finish it...that was a bonus!). Love the vibe...casual but with some energy to it, bar space, table space, lounge space, and even a nice little hideaway type room that was a bit full of mistletoe for the holidays (no objections, mind you, just made for a laugh with the particular group I was with) but is a great spot to chill. Outstanding cocktails, with something for every taste. Bartenders are friendly and helpful (and funny, as noted!). Bottom line, well worth a visit!

    Amanda B.

    Excellent new cocktail bar in downtown Louisville. It's not easy to spot from the street, but once you do, it's a door that goes down to the basement speakeasy. The interior is vibey, cozy and romantic, with varied seating and quiet little nooks throughout the space. The drinks are incredible. The three of us ordered Cherry Styles, Basic Being Basic, and I Like what you Like, and they were all exceptional. The Cherry Styles came with a cherry cordial, which was a nice touch. My favorite was probably the mezcal-infused margarita, though the pumpkin-spiced espresso martini was also very good. Would come back in a heartbeat!

    Breanna T.

    Decided to come here for the Christmas pop up bar and it was such a cute experience! They had everything decorated so well and the curated Christmas cocktail menu was 10/10. My drink was so wonderfully made and I really enjoyed how they stuck to the theme! The lodge is one of the cutest themes and I highly recommend you go check it out! Service was great and we didn't wait long for a drink, I really appreciated that.

    Pursuit Series 069
    Zac K.

    Trial and Error is a fantastic addition to the Louisville bar scene! They have a fantastic selection of single barrel offerings and a cocktail menu that covers the classics, with elevated twists. The bartender was knowledgeable, friendly, and efficient. Our drinks were delicious. We even had a fantastic charcuterie box from another local business.

    Really comfy here
    Diane W.

    Cool vibe but easy to miss. Located in the basement and very comfy, with a long cushioned bench with pillows and small tables ( where we sat, but no photos as there were a bunch of people). Hubby got a drink which he enjoyed; I had a few waters and on to the next place! ( they do sell cocktails as well). Can't comment on prices as I didn't look and don't know typical bourbon prices. Nice bartender.

    Catherine T.

    Such a cute spot! We did go during their Christmas pop up and were so pleased! It's a small venue, but so cozy and fun. The staff were really working, and so kind. The drinks were so festive and tasty. It was hoppin', so it's a great spot to go during the holidays. But I do want to return on a regular day to experience it again.

    Natasha R.

    Absolutely amazing bar and small bites! Circle ice cubes for the win!!!! Great staff and very clever drink names. Was a very chill place

    Thanks Yelp for a great event!
    Tyea B.

    Ambiance was very chill, comfortable sitting and great mix of music. A good place to chill and have a afterwords cocktail with friends.

    Nook
    Amanda D.

    New bar beneath Pursuit Spirits. Cozy bar with a good cocktail selection. Bartenders were amazing and had great recommendations. We sat in a cozy little nook/alcove that had a bit of privacy. Drinks flowed and time flew by. The snack board was from Cultured and it was delicious. Will absolutely be coming back here.

    Erin G.

    Designed after Ryan's grandmother's basement if I have my story correct. One of our favorite stops on Whiskey Row, actually we stopped there four times between tours to unwind, cool off and grab an awesome mixed drink or straight pour. Kenny and Ryan have definitely knocked this out of the park and we wish them all of success possible. Plus the staff is outstanding. Don't miss this stop!!!!

    Brittany B.

    Super cool spot! I love the vibes and different seating options. The drinks were fantastic, I got an All Tea All Shade. It was truly one of the better drinks I've had in town. A little pricey but worth the cost! The bartender was super friendly and helpful. I'll definitely be back

    Bethany C.

    Picture it: Friday night. Downtown Louisville. We're wandering the streets like lost tourists in a post-apocalyptic bourbon desert, searching for a bar that hasn't shut its doors at the deeply scandalous hour of 8:01 PM. (Why does the city roll up its sidewalks at sundown? Someone explain.) Enter Trial and Error--a dark, mysterious little haven glowing like a speakeasy lighthouse in the bourbon storm. It felt like we were being let in on a secret. The vibe? Moody, intimate, cool without trying too hard. Like if James Bond wore flannel and listened to vinyl. My husband, who listens to the Bourbon Pursuit podcast (this is their bar, apparently) was seeking this place as a destination while we were in town.. He ordered the 108 Triple Mash and the Cherry Styles. The second was his favorite. Now, I'm not a bourbon drinker. I like my drinks cold, simple, and brewed by the thousands in Milwaukee. So imagine my relief--and mild delight--when I saw Miller Lite on the menu. Respect. Not every craft cocktail spot remembers us humble domestic beer folk. The bartenders were friendly, the music was vibey without being too loud, and the entire place feels like the kind of spot you want to tell everyone about--but also gatekeep so it doesn't get too crowded. If you're downtown and everything else has gone to sleep, go find Trial and Error. Whether you're a bourbon nerd, a casual drinker, or someone just looking to not be standing in the middle of a ghost town with a confused look and Google Maps open, this place is a gem. 10/10 would return. Might even learn what "mash" means next time. Or not.

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    Photo of Kenny C.

    Kenny C.

    Thanks for visiting us!

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    4 months ago

    The drinks and atmosphere is welcoming and chic. And the playlist while listening and drinking your cocktail is a nice touch.

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    7 months ago

    We had drinks here during Christmas time and the decor AND drinks were awesome!! Looking forward to going back throughout the year!

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    Page 1 of 2

    Ask the Community - Trial+Error

    Review Highlights - Trial+Error

    Amazing new cocktail bar, a ton of excellent neat whiskey pours from Pursuit Spirits and a full menu of expertly-crafted cocktails.

    Mentioned in 3 reviews

    Read more highlights

    Michter's Fort Nelson Distillery - The bar at Michter's

    Michter's Fort Nelson Distillery

    4.4(331 reviews)
    0.1 miWest Main, Downtown
    $$

    Absolutely the finest bourbon distillery available The bar…read moreis great and filled with tasty aperitifs and drinks for every palate Their snacks stinks mostly salty crackers and sort Needs to change But the opportunity Of filling myself for a special bottle was well worth it Knowledgeable attendees

    TLDR: The ultimate cocktail lounge experience on the Bourbon Trail. Skip the tour if you're burnt…read moreout and just belly up to the gorgeous top floor bar for world class drinks and free corn nuts. My group of four decided to wrap up our epic Bourbon Trail weekend at Michter's Fort Nelson Distillery right before heading to the airport. Having already hit six other distilleries over the weekend, we were completely "toured out" and opted to bypass the standard distillery tour. Instead, we headed straight upstairs to the bar and it was the best decision. We happened to visit right at the start of Derby week, so the entire building was alive and buzzing. Because of the festivities, they were highlighting their own rendition of the Derby fan favorite Mint Julep. I had to get one, and it did not disappoint. It was well crafted, perfectly balanced, and served in the classic, frost chilled sterling silver cup. Easily one of the best Juleps I've ever had. The bar area itself is beautifully appointed, sitting on one of the top floors of the historic building with a great atmosphere. A massive bonus: they offer patrons free bar snacks. The seasoned corn nuts were an absolute hit at our table, to the point where we had to ask for seconds (and they happily obliged!). Service was fantastic from start to finish. Despite the Derby week crowds, our water glasses were never empty and the cocktails came out incredibly fast. Whether you are doing a full day of tours or just want a world class drink in a stunning setting, Michter's is a phenomenal addition to any Louisville itinerary.

    Photos
    Michter's Fort Nelson Distillery - Winter special

    Winter special

    Michter's Fort Nelson Distillery - Tasting after tour

    Tasting after tour

    Michter's Fort Nelson Distillery - Bare Necessities

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    Bare Necessities

    The Last Refuge - Holy Fire Dip

    The Last Refuge

    4.1(171 reviews)
    1.2 miNuLu
    $$

    Are we talking "On Heavens Gate!"…read more Yes, Bob Dylan, that inspirational author, songwriter, wordsmith, and artist has a Bourbon. Now they were looking for where to build his so called place to breathe life into it. That "it," place. It's not in Nashville, it's here in small little Louisville. What better place than an old church? Bourbon and Church! Amen! All are welcome! Now they don't make it here this is where they come to pour it and enjoy the flavors of it. Is life about the ride? How about dinner and some Heavens Bourbon made and inspired by Bob Dylan in a church. It's a must! Now this is a small venue and off the beaten track of life. What drew me? A large image of Bob Dylan on a building, mural style seemed out of place. Come to find out explore more and salut to a better version of heaven in this world of art, music, and words that have never been better than now. This is not just a church but the grounds house an art deco museum to his work. It's true dedication to the man of Bob Dylan. A Tennessee whiskey, distilled in Pleasureville, Ky. This the final stop here at the Last Refuge to celebrate his legacy and better aged bourbon among us.

    Its a bar in a church. Big beer garden to the East side of the building, so you are shaded from…read morethe afternoon sun. Accessible entrance through the beer garden. Use a lift to get inside Gorgeous on the inside but very crowded, and as a I recall some sections have steps. I had some bourbon on the rocks on the patio, killing time before dinner down the street. It was very pleasant.

    Photos
    The Last Refuge - Restaurant

    Restaurant

    The Last Refuge - Sweet Jesus

    Sweet Jesus

    The Last Refuge - The Mary Chicken Sandwich

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    The Mary Chicken Sandwich

    Angel's Envy - Photo of Angel's Envy Distillery -
 Louisville, KY, United States

    Angel's Envy

    4.6(806 reviews)
    1.0 miEast Main, Downtown
    $$
    Takes reservations
    Available by appointment

    When you think Kentucky, "it bourbon you think of."…read more Without a doubt this establishment is a must go. If you do the bourbon tour it's the first stop. You will learn so much. The climate and culture dating back to the 1800s still runs through the city today. The company that operates Angels Envy is Louisville Distilling Co. The founder was Lincoln Henderson. This gentleman went to college right here in Louisville and after forty plus years of working in a distillery worked his way to the top as master distiller. His own brews are pretty good too. How about Jack Daniel's Gentleman's Jack. That was Mr. Henderson. The building that Angels Envy occupies was occupied prior by American Elevator and Machine and American Saw. Later it existed as Vermont American Complex, then it was abandoned. The site was deteriorated but became the place where in 2010 revival. The Henderson family and Louisville Distilling Co made their permanent presence. They invested in the surrounding area too. They made a massive complex when you visit . Now come and visit today. Learn the basics of how the Henderson family double distills their Angels Envy in a wine cast barrel after aging. Taste the quality of their legacy that will establish and endure the ages. Although the legacy lives on forever in this family and their double mystery their dad left, the story continues. Plan your visit today .

    From one man's dream and then his soms dream that brought it to you come and see this…read more Angels Envy is an awesome tour and food / bar stop. The staff are amazing and friendly . The settings are very friendly and welcoming.

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    Angel's Envy - The "Cathedral"

    The "Cathedral"

    Angel's Envy - Tasting room

    Tasting room

    Angel's Envy - Cocktail class

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    Cocktail class

    Proof on Main

    Proof on Main

    4.1(1.1k reviews)
    0.0 miWest Main, Downtown
    $$$

    This shop is defiantly awesome-special. It was just a short walk from our [Galt] Hotel and we came…read morehere for breakfast prior to our daily visit to museums, etc... When we came here we did not realize that Proof on Main is a not only a wonderful restaurant/bar but also a 24/7 free museum. You can order drinks and then walk through the exhibits. We just opted to eat breakfast first. As soon as you enter, you are standing in a colorful and fun art museum. The walls are adorned with many different types of art from living artists. The staff also encourages you to walk through the dining room and if able they will walk along as your own private docent, explaining a lot of what you see. We had to pause the dining room and bar exhibit tour for a short time to have breakfast which included: - BREAKFAST SANDWICH - Scratch Biscuit, House Sausage, - FRENCH TOAST - Ricotta, Strawberry, Pistachio - BISCUITS & GRAVY - House Sausage Gravy, Sunny Eggs, Chili Crisp Scrambled Eggs, Melty Cheese, Hash-brown - STEEL CUT OATMEAL - Spiced Apple Butter, Apples, Candied Walnuts I will not go items by item but I will say that everything was so perfect-tasty-fresh. The portions are very robust here and I am sure no one goes aways hungry. They have a lot of unique twists on items as you can see by the menu we had. After breakfast, we resumed our tour of the main floor then the basement. It's hard to describe just how large the viewing area is and all spots within the area are used for some kind of art display... Even the bathroom. Everything is so unique and I tried to capture a fair amount of it in photographs and information about the piece as well. This too should be a must visit if your in the Louisville area. Set aside an hour or two to stop in and relax with some great food and art. KUDOs to the team at Proof on Main.

    Service was great, very cool atmosphere. The food was horrible. Ordered the amuse bouche the…read moreoctopus t he pork c hop and a foccacia bread the foccacia 2as burnt yhe first octopus was extremely small and so chewy that it would have been easier to eat bubblegum. The second one they brought out smelled like sewage. I said id pay for it but dont bring anymore. The pork chop was very good tasting but super thin. Ive eaten all over the world, gor $42 im not saying it should be massive, but not like this. Needless to say I dont think id come here for anything other then a drink at yhe bar

    Photos
    Proof on Main - Seared Lamb Special

    Seared Lamb Special

    Proof on Main - Green Tea Ganache

    Green Tea Ganache

    Proof on Main - Bone Marrow with homemade Sirracha

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    Bone Marrow with homemade Sirracha

    Steak & Bourbon - 12oz filet and mushrooms

    Steak & Bourbon

    4.4(484 reviews)
    8.1 miWestport
    $$$

    The last steak and bourbon dinner I had was at my father's birthday dinner back in March…read more The service was incredible per usual and the food did not disappoint. I had a salad and my family members had steak and shrimp that was in essence a reflection of the wholesome nature that steak and bourbon provides you with. We usually try to go to the one downtown but this time we went to the one on the east side for the sake of the reservation. The saxophone player was very talented. Which, made me leave him a cash tip as I love jazz. It is fair to say, that we had a phenomenal experience based on how well we were treated by our server who was a recent transplant from out of state and even the U.S. as she shared her story with us which was very much so moving and compelling. We always have a wonderful time at steak and bourbon together as a family. But, I personally will have to point out that my favorite part of the whole dinner is the live music and the wonderful ambiance that in a way, fosters excitement, and intimacy if the right person or people happen to join you during such a special environment.

    First off, the interior of the place is nicely made, I love the look of it & I feel fancy. The…read morewaiters are all nicely dressed & had multiple ones attending to us, dropping off foods, picking up plates, topping water, & making sure we were doing okay, which we were great!! We came for my partners bday dinner & we definitely want to go back & have already been recommending it to others!! For apps, I ordered lobster bisque & he ordered French onion soup & we both agreed the quality is the best we've had in Louisville, he even went as far to claim it's the best he's had in Louisville. So delicious!! We both weren't fans of the candle bread, sure it's intriguing & unique but it was too oily, bland, & salty to really enjoy. For entrees I had the NY strip which was made med rare exactly how I enjoy it along with their homemade steak sauce but be wary the charge $2 for it!!! My side was the shepherds pie & I was extremely full & couldn't finish anything the soups were filling!! My partner ordered ribeye and omg it was amazing, sooooo juicy & yummy full of flavors I wish I had gotten it, thankfully he shared. He ordered side of parm broccoli & they're very generous with the cheese that he even had to scrap some off. We had to order the complimentary multi layered dessert to go because we were toooooo full!! Everything was worth the money well spent & I paired mine with extra dirty martini & both my partner & I claim it's one of the best we've had! This place is def worth the hype & we should've gone here sooner!!! I want to check out their downtown location as well, but it's also nice to shop around the Westport area. Love love love!!

    Photos
    Steak & Bourbon - Clean AF

    Clean AF

    Steak & Bourbon - Vanilla cream cake

    Vanilla cream cake

    Steak & Bourbon - Old Fashion

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    Old Fashion

    Repeal Oak Fired Steakhouse - At Whiskey Row's only oak-fired steakhouse you'll savor steaks cooked over a fire stoked daily with American Oak bourbon barrel staves.'

    Repeal Oak Fired Steakhouse

    4.4(619 reviews)
    0.6 miDowntown, East Main
    $$$

    The best food I had in Louisville and maybe anywhere in 2026 - we ate here 4 times in our short 2…read moreday trip. Breakfast: simple yet served quickly and a large portion. The American breakfast had large potato pieces, good sausage, and made to order eggs. Hot coffee was on the better side for hotel coffee. Dinner: they were super accommodating, as we were traveling with a friend with an infant. I called ahead to let them know we would come in with a stroller, and they made sure to sit us in an area where the stroller was not in the way of servers or other guests. Our server was one of the most attentive people I have ever met, and every recommendation they gave was fantastic. We started with the oyster rockefellar and the spicy tuna tartare. The oysters were massive and the tuna dish was so good, we got it a second time later in the weekend. We all got steaks for our mains and added a lobster tail - there was a mix up with the lobster tail taking a bit and they ended up bringing out the largest lobster tail to make up for it. All steaks, their sides, and sauces were fantastic- better than most I have had in the DC area. The food was all rich so under order or share amongst friends. Cocktails were of course fantastic, from espresso martinis to the famous smoked old fashions. We had drinks at the bar another night and the service was just as good, though they did tell us that they didn't serve the drink in a smoke box when we certainly had one just a night before.

    Visited on a Wednesday evening with two friends. We had a 6:00 p.m. reservation and were seated…read morepromptly. They offer valet parking for $14, but street parking was easy to find and just a short walk away. We started with the Caesar salad and the wedge salad. Both were good, although the wedge had a bit too much dressing for my taste. I ordered the filet with mashed potatoes, asparagus, and mushrooms. The filet was excellent, and while I'm not usually a mushroom person, these were truly outstanding. The bread was also some of the best I've ever had. I also ordered one of the mocktails, which I enjoyed because it wasn't overly sweet. The reason I'm giving 4 stars instead of 5 is the service. Our waiter was efficient, but he wasn't particularly friendly, and the entire meal felt rushed. Several times, someone tried to clear my plate while I was still eating. We also had to ask for more time more than once before ordering because we felt pressured to make decisions quickly. With a bill of over $300, I expected a more relaxed dining experience where we could enjoy the evening at our own pace.

    Photos
    Repeal Oak Fired Steakhouse - Brush Creek Ranch Tomahawk Ribeye

    Brush Creek Ranch Tomahawk Ribeye

    Repeal Oak Fired Steakhouse - Fred Linz Heritage Filet Mignon

    Fred Linz Heritage Filet Mignon

    Repeal Oak Fired Steakhouse - Seafood Plateaux & Iceberg Wedge

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    Seafood Plateaux & Iceberg Wedge

    Trial+Error - cocktailbars - Updated August 2026

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