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    Trial+Error

    4.8 (41 reviews)
    Closed 11:00 am - 9:00 pm
    Updated 3 months ago

    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.

    Emily H.

    I visited Trial+Error in its holiday pop-up of "The Lodge." The Lodge offered a classy, refined holiday experience -- think cozy ski resort rather than over-the-top decorations, big colorful lights and holiday classics playing on TVs (though there's a time and place for all of those too!). The menu was also fun and well crafted. I got the "Four Alarm Holiday Emergency," a spritz made with gin, spiced blood orange, prosecco and soda water. It was bright and delightful. In general, I keep hearing buzz about Pursuit Spirits, the spirits brand this speakeasy is tied to, so I was excited to check it out. My friend and I overheard one of the bartenders remarking about how the bar gets much quieter after the holidays. Apparently, holiday pop-ups really get the crowds out. So I'm writing this as a reminder to myself (and others) to come back and experience Trial+Error after the holidays too.

    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.

    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

    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.

    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

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    10 months ago

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    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

    Meta

    Meta

    4.0
    (125 reviews)
    0.6 mi
    $$

    For my last night in Louisville, I just happened to accidentally stumble upon this place on the way…read moreback to my hotel. Hipster speakeasy vibe is written all over the spot. I appreciated the amount of space, and there were even a few tables outside. Bar seating, table seating, couch seating... I think I peeped a small room in the back too... all the options! When I was there, it was mostly empty, but people did come in and out. It was easy to tell who the visitors and regulars were haha. I enjoyed just hanging out, people watching, and chatting with the friendly bartenders. They have cocktails and mocktails in abundance... there's literally something for everyone. And they even had these chocolate shot glasses. So cool! All in all, the place just seems like a perfect neighborhood bar. They don't have food, but there's plenty of options around to bring in there. Music was great too!

    Pulled up to this swanky spot around the corner from our Airbnb to get the night started. The…read moreladies behind the bar had great energy and took our orders as soon as we were ready. The originally cocktail I ordered didn't satisfy me like I'd hope and the ladies were kind enough to make me something different, so I opted with my favorite - a spicy margarita with mezcal a few extra dashes of hot sauce! I was very satisfied with that one and would probably come back again next time we're in town!

    Photos
    Meta
    There is an awesome vodka available here.
    There is an awesome vodka available here.
    The famous penny floor

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    The famous penny floor
    Meesh Meesh

    Meesh Meesh

    4.8
    (238 reviews)
    1.2 mi
    $$$

    Absolutely amazing food. I love this restaurant. I took my sister to a wine dinner for her…read morebirthday. The entire experience was wonderful. Can't wait to go back.

    We had a good time! Tried to make a reservation a few times…read morebut saw it was booked out for three months but happened upon some openings late on a Friday, so we thought we'd check it out! We found nearby street parking and came right at our reservation time and were told our table wasn't ready, so we walked around outside and were able to get seated about 10 minutes later. The space is super nice and trendy, feels small but cozy, dimly lit, and trendy. Loved the lights and indoor plant vibe. Our server was super friendly, helpful, and attentive. Overall, we thought the branzino was the highlight by far, it had excellent flavor and texture. Although on the pricier side, it was nicely done, flavorful, and had good texture. The cauliflower wasn't anything crazy, but we thought we'd try it since we saw lots of reviews about it. Probably would try something different next time though. We enjoyed the hummus and pita. The rice that came with the branzino was flavorful, but not my favorite. Had a really strong sweet herb flavors that I didn't love, but maybe that's just my preference. Overall thought it was a nice experience! Big portions so we took a lot to go as well. Definitely a bit on the pricier side and didn't feel totally blown away (maybe had too high expectations from all the hype and booked out reservations), but overall good quality meal and nice for a special occasion. Would be down to come again to try other dishes!

    Photos
    Meesh Meesh
    Ky strawberry salad
    Ky strawberry salad
    Embered Beets

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    Embered Beets

    Trial+Error - cocktailbars - Updated July 2026

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