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8UP Elevated Drinkery & Kitchen

3.1 (557 reviews)
ModerateBars, New American
Open • 5:00 pm - 11:00 PM

8UP Elevated Drinkery & Kitchen Bars Photos

8UP ELEVATED DRINKERY & KITCHEN ATMOSPHERE

What's the vibe?
DJ
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Moderate noise
Good for groups

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8Up Bourbon & Coke
Jess A.

Yikes, what happened to 8Up?? Stopped in before a show at Mercury Ballroom. The elevator to the restaurant didn't work and honestly I should have taken the hint right then. I did not. Going in through the front lobby we got up to the rooftop restaurant. Significantly scaled back menu - pizza and a chicken sandwich and a smash burger. After 15 minutes waiting for bar service we were told their card machine is down (and had been all week) and it was cash only or we could charge to a room. With no cash machine option. This restaurant has been going downhill for a while. I'll take the hint now and go elsewhere for dinner & drinks before a show.

Evelyn M.

We could see the rooftop seating g from our hotel and wanted to check it out. This was not what we were expecting unfortunately- I think they were short staffed so couldn't handle anyone additional on the patio. We were seating inside ( the only ones) and the smell from the fryers was SO overwhelming! The ventilation wasn't keeping up even with the place open to the patio. Unfortunately it was too much and even ordering salads not one of the 3 of us could finish our salads or drinks. I am positive it would have been a much better experience setting outside ... the view is beautiful. Just the bartender was also the waiter and dishes were dropped and frankly I think they just didn't have enough staff when we were there on a Monday night.

Side of French Fries
Kenya B.

We stayed at the hotel which was where this restaurant is located, so it was only a short ride up the elevator to get there. They were pretty busy so we decided to sit at the bar. The bartenders were super nice and very attentive. We decided to stay and eat there after a few drinks. The drinks were really good but the food was just okay. The sliders had flavor but were dry as in it definitely needed like a wet sauce to help with the bread plus the chicken. I was excited to try the Brussels because of a pic I saw posted but that was not what I received. They were horrible to say the least. If you can't tell by the pic they were undercooked and didn't have and seasoning on them. The wings were the same way. It's like they fried them and then just throw bbq sauce on them. So kind of seasoning what so ever. The only good thing was the fries. I would go for food and the atmosphere but not the food unless they revamp it.

Vespers Martini
Lauren G.

We visited at 5PM on a thursday and the place was super dead. The sunset was beautiful and the vibes on the patio were lovely. However, I was disappointed to receive my $14 martini in a plastic cup... Our server took fine care of us at the outdoor bar and we sat in some comfy couch seating where we could get out of the sun. We'd recommend for a pre-dinner drink but sounds like it can get a lil busy so glad we got there early!

Shrimp and grits, Blackened Salmon with Bourbon Demi
John O.

Very limited menu, menu on Yelp doesn't match what was served ! No steaks. Service was ok We recieved our appetizers before our drinks !

Outdoor firepit
Anastasia R.

Mid-South, Mid-tier Rooftop.. 8UP Elevated Drinkery & Kitchen is nice, but it can stand some admin revamping to be great. During a girls' trip, we decided to expand one of the night-outs for some rooftop therapy. 8UP is located on the top floor of the Hilton Garden Inn - Downtown Louisville. A simple elevator ride from the lobby will take you up. The entry off the elevator was really pretty. You're greeted by a hostess at her station, and we were told to have a seat anywhere. The bar and kitchen were kind of backed up, so the service was off. Communication seemed to not be aligned amongst the service staff.. It was a lot to see as patrons, but we pushed through. A bartender was able to serve us and take food orders. The drinks were solid. The food was decent. After conversation indoors, we took the night outside to the patio area. The views from the rooftop were beautiful. From where we stood, we could see the beauty of Louisville and why I stand behind it being a hidden gem of the Mid-South. The firepit, decor lights, and socializing outside made up for the previous indoor debacle. For what it's worth, 8UP has the potential to rise amongst the ranks of Louisville nightlife options. I just believe that a little tweaking could be a game changer.

Exterior
Joseph G.

8up is an elevated eatery and bar located up on the 8th floor of downtown louisvilel hotel Hilton garden inn. After being on my to do list for a few years I finally checked out this unique and lovely looking establishment. Stopped in here for an early weekday dinner with a friend in which we made a reservation. Probably didn't need a reservation on this night as it wasn't very crowded yet. We had the option to dine outside on the elevated patio or inside. Inside was nicely decorated and had a whiskey barrel type theme so we decided to dine in and walk out to patio post meal to check out the views. We have lived in Lousiville our whole life so an 8th floor view of downtown Lousiville wasn't something we absolutely had to see. Our waitress and the entire staff was very friendly, accommodating and fast with our orders. The menu mainly consists of snack sports bar type dishes with a few more "classy" options. I personally went with a wood fire Margherita pizza and it was rather feeling and had unique but good flavor. The sauce had a nice zest and kick to it. Maybe some hot sauce mixed in? Bread was soft and tasty. Overall a good dish. My buddy got the Double Staked Smash Burgers and appeared to enjoy it overall. Overall was a good visit. Very lovely place inside and outside on the patio. For only being 8 floors up it is higher than I imagined. Food was above average to good. Pricing mildly steep but you are in downtown Lousiville so it is expected. Good place overall. I can see myself coming back. I could see it as a nice place to enjoy a drink or two in the future.

Beef skewers
Amber C.

The ambiance here is great. Lots of fun high energy music and a lovely setting. The place seemed clean compared to last time I was here. Our waitress was very friendly and good. We ordered the meatballs and they were very good. 3 meatballs, good sized, the pomodoro sauce on them was spicy more than sweet and was nice. I ordered the pizza. I thought it would be a flatbread but it was a big pizza. Pepperoni. It was very much on the greasy side and that made the thin crust pretty soggy. The pepperoni's were nice and spicy but overall it was just ok. Probably wouldn't get it again. I ate 2 pieces, the outer crust part was very done but the bottom on most of it was pretty soggy. Hubby had the beef skewers. They were supposed to be medium, but came out more medium rare. The flavor was extremely good for the sauce and spice on his. The sweet potato edamame it was served on was so delicious. The sweet potatoes were undercooked making them pretty firm to bite through but the sauce on his was so delicious. He shared his entree with me giving me one of his chunks of meat and I ate a lot of his sweet potatoes. Just need to cook those a bit longer. Drinks were good and service was great. We had wanted to order wings but they didn't have their regular buffalo wings but more sweet chili wings so we ended up passing on those. I was torn because I want to give a 3 1/2 star here. It's close to a 4 but just need to fine tune the meal a bit. They worked hard to get food out and seemed pretty busy with the show at the Palace and service slowed a bit once they got slammed. Glad we came early. I would go back and probably get the beef skewers this time!

Shrimp and Grits

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6 months ago

The bar food doesn't match the atmosphere or views, but I don't like fine dining so it's perfect.

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10 months ago

Reservation for 7 for a bachelorette trip. Sat 20 minutes without service so we left.

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3 years ago

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2 years ago

Nice spot at the top of the Hilton Garden Inn. Friendly service, good food. Lots of TV's inside for sports etc.

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8UP Elevated Drinkery & Kitchen Reviews in Other Languages

Ask the Community - 8UP Elevated Drinkery & Kitchen

Is it 21+ restricted?

It is in the bar and patio area in the evenings, after 9 PM.

Do you have to make reservations for dinner or can you just walk in?

Hello Andrea, We do take reservations for our dining room, located inside. For our outdoor… Read more

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Hammerheads - Fried Mushrooms

Hammerheads

4.5(1.5k reviews)
1.3 mi•Germantown
•$$

Have heard about this gem for 20 years but never tried it until last night. Wife and I sat at the…read morebar - love the atmosphere: spacious dive bar with low ceilings and wood paneling. There are also picnic tables out front. You get a faint whiff of the grill/smoker upon entering. Kylie was our bartender and she was fabulous - knowledgeable, friendly, and answered all of our questions with patience. Wife ordered a mango margarita and doesn't like a lot of tequila, so Kylie went half and gave her a shot on the side in case she wanted to add more. It was wonderful. I had a couple of beers. We started with the fried mushrooms, which aren't what you would expect. It's two large portobellos cut into chunks, battered, fried, and served with sun-dried tomato mayo. They were great. I then ordered a duck taco, brisket taco, and a side of Grippo Fries with smoked mayo. I'd never tried duck but that taco was smack-a-lackin'. The brisket taco was also good, and the fries were fantastic - sweet and spicy, fresh cut, and crispy. Wife ordered a pork belly slider and truffle fries. She enjoyed the slider but didn't care for the fries - just not her thing. The portions here are large. A side of fries will feed three people. We took a hefty portion of them home, as well as some of the mushrooms. We could've sat there at the bar and spent 3 hours socializing and enjoying a smattering of cocktails - love the setting. Look forward to going back and trying one of the burgers at some point.

As soon as I moved to the Louisville area and stated asking for restaurant recommendations,…read moreeveryone would rave about Hammerheads. Hammerheads this, duck fat fries that. I was going to a UofL women's basketball game and I FINALLY was able to make it here. I went a little overboard on the food, but everything sounded so good! I really loved the pork belly slider and the duck tacos. Mac and cheese balls always slap. Then there are the famous duck fat fries. The portion is substantial, I was thrilled with that. Flavor wise they did not change my life like I was hoping they would. Still ate them all. The locale is super unassuming from the street, but inside it is really cool, divey, and broody. The staff was super sweet and helped me get in and out efficiently so I could make it to the game. Would absolutely recommend, would absolutely come back, and would absolutely bring friends here.

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Hammerheads - Sitting at the bar

Sitting at the bar

Hammerheads - PBLT Sandwich - Definitely overall Pretty good! Needed another slice or two of pork belly but otherwise super tender. Would get again!

PBLT Sandwich - Definitely overall Pretty good! Needed another slice or two of pork belly but otherwise super tender. Would get again!

Hammerheads - Beer served!

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Beer served!

Perso

Perso

4.5(113 reviews)
1.4 mi•Shelby Park
•$$

Delicious as always! The sour cherry pork eclair was innovative and a wonderful start to the meal…read more I appreciate the nonalcoholic cocktails and the preserved lemon salt on the rim of my blood orange NA margarita was delightful.

Crostino di Tonno - loved this. It was light and so flavorful. The homemade stracciatella cheese…read morereally elevated it. Eggplant Caponata - this was okay. My friend enjoyed it but it needed to be served with bread. Salsiccia Alla Pizzaiola - this was good-great, my friends really liked it. It was a tomato sauce with sausage. Not soupy but very saucy. Barchetta di Pane - this was the next actually which surprised us all. The bread, cheese, and sauce were all so flavorful, fresh, and complimented each other. TS Farms Chicken Quarter- this was very good. My friend who got the branzino ends dip likening this more and I ended up liking the branzino more. The chicken was definitely more filling than the branzino. Branzino- this was light and refreshing. It's a small portion but very good. I would order this again for sure. Rhubarb Pastry - fantastic. Maybe a touch sweet for me but everyone at our table loved this. Service was great. Very knowledgeable of the menu and kind. Everything came out at a good speed: not slow and not too fast. (I hate when things come out too fast). It's a NY style atmosphere with lots of natural light in the front from windows and darker in the back. There is also outdoor seating I have yet to check out cause it's been too hot.

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Perso
Perso - Sharing some delicious appetizers

Sharing some delicious appetizers

Perso

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The Fat Lamb - Herbed Lamb Chops

The Fat Lamb

4.4(379 reviews)
2.1 mi•Highlands- Cherokee Triangle, Bardstown Road
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Intimate room, excellent menu, top notch service!…read more The room is dark, surprisingly intimate for as open as it is. Low ceilings and servers clad in black add to the effect of a candle-lit cask of a restaurant. The smells wafting from the kitchen immediately get your appetite revving if it wasn't already in gear. Out host, Mary, sat our party quickly and the server came right away to fill waters and take drink orders. The menu is short but superb. Everything has a Mediterranean flair that should make you expect savory mess and spice. Prices are in the $40-60 range for entrees but worth it! Parking is free in the lot and a QR code on the menu gives you access to enter your info including plate number. It's a nice feature for an area where spots are limited.

I was hosting a business dinner in Louisville last week and wanted to try someplace new. I scanned…read morethe list of James Beard 2025 semifinalists and focused on two spots: MeeshMeesh and The Fat Lamb. MeeshMeesh is wildly popular and books out 60 days in advance, so that wasn't happening--but I was able to secure a timely reservation at The Fat Lamb. That turned out to be a great decision. It was a pleasure meeting Dallas McGarity, the executive chef and owner. He shared that the restaurant has been open for about ten years and that he's preparing to open a new Italian concept. When the topic of his James Beard nomination came up, he mentioned it was a complete surprise--the restaurant didn't self-nominate--which made the recognition feel even more meaningful. One thing I neglected to ask him directly was why lamb plays such a central role on the menu. Our server wasn't entirely sure either, but she did explain how the restaurant got its name. Apparently, Dallas was traveling through the countryside, spotted a particularly memorable "fat lamb" on a farm, and the name stuck. Sometimes it really is that simple. With four of us dining, we may have gone a bit overboard on starters--but no regrets. We shared the roasted Brussels sprouts, lamb kofta meatballs, fontina and truffle arancini, and the whipped feta and pita. Every dish was well-executed and easy to share, which made them ideal for a business dinner. For entrées, my wife and I split the signature tandoori and ancho spice-roasted lamb chops. They were flavorful without being heavy, and the black barbecue sauce added a nice depth. Our server highly recommended the Moroccan-spiced halibut, which our other guests shared and thoroughly enjoyed--especially the mushroom demi-glace. Dessert was the Nutella mousse, another house signature. The Italian cherries and chocolate shavings were a great finishing touch without pushing things into overly sweet territory. Beyond the food, what really stood out was the service and pacing. The evening flowed naturally--never rushed, never dragging--which is exactly what you want when entertaining clients or colleagues. The Fat Lamb delivered a memorable, well-rounded dining experience and easily earned its reputation. I'd happily return, whether for business or just a great night out.

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The Fat Lamb - Open concept kitchen

Open concept kitchen

The Fat Lamb - Cajun Spiced Scallops & Shrimp

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Steak & Bourbon - 12oz filet and mushrooms

Steak & Bourbon

4.4(475 reviews)
7.9 mi•Westport
•$$$

I ate here a couple of nights ago and I was really in the mood for a great burger, because I'm a…read moreburger girl after all. I decided to order my burger with just onions, mushrooms and asked for bearnaise on the side. Oh my gosh, if heaven had a kitchen it would be at Steak and Bourbon!!! This was hands down the absolute best burger I have had in my entire 55 years!! It was juicy, fresh, full of amazing flavor and the bun had the perfect consistency, not too hard or too soft, it never fell apart! ! The onions I could have eaten by themselves, that's how delicious they were. If you want a regular burger go anywhere else but if you want exceptional and the best burger of your entire life and the most heavenly burger on earth, eat at Steak and Bourbon! It was so amazing I could hardly speak... days later I'm still thinking about it and I'm already planning to go back!! If I could give them 10 stars I absolutely would! Thank you Steak and Bourbon this was a grand slam!!

Man oh man, what an experience. My wife retired and we were treated to dinner at Steak & Bourbon…read more The bread with a butter candle! Exquisite! We had appetizers of Deviled Egg with crab meat. It was so so! Spinach artichoke dip was good, not great. Everything that followed the appetizers were a 6 out of 5! Filet trio, thick cut ribeye, pan roasted chicken, potato Au gratin, beef short rib pot roast, 7oz filet, Caramelized Brussels sprouts, creme corn brulee, cheesy potatoes, classic American cheeseburger, pan roasted chicken, and oh my THE SWEET POTATO! OMG! It was outstanding! Our server was so nice and helpful and was just as patient as can be since we had never eaten there. The place was a little dark, as you may tell from the pics, but it was an elegant feel even most were dressed casually. Definitely go back!

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Steak & Bourbon - Clean AF

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Toasty's Tavern - The Spice - who drank this already??

Toasty's Tavern

4.4(316 reviews)
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I love Toasty's Tavern. I had dinner there on a weeknight with coworkers. We started with a round…read moreof drinks. We all got something different and they were all delicious!! We all got Toasty Burgers for dinner. They were so good! The smash burger, with the seasoned fries, and the homemade ranch were absolutely PERFECT!! Everything was hot, fresh, and cooked to perfection. The waitress we had was wonderful too. She added to our overall experience and was wonderful to meet. I can't wait to go back!

Visiting Louisville and Looking for a Great Burger. Found Toasty's Tavern…read more I tried to call in an order, but the phone went to voicemail. I ordered at the bar. I got it to go. We ordered the Double Cheeseburger with smashed patties, Pop's Pickles, lettuce, griddled onions, and American cheese. Toasty's sauce in the side. Holy Hamburger was it delicious and took me down to hamburger heaven. Juicy, melty cheese, awesome onions, crisp Pop's Pickles, and Incredible flavor. Voted best burger and there's a reason, because it's so freaking delicious. I enjoyed every bite. I did the sauce on the side because I didn't want to mask any of the beef flavor. The Toasty's sauce is good and ketchup and mustard also work. Just an amazing, delicious, incredible burger. We shared an order of fries with the magic dust. They were also really good, but I couldn't eat many because I was full from all that delicious burger. Very good fries. The service was good. I would definitely return if in the area. I have heard the neighborhood is sketchy and we went at night. I didn't feel unsafe and there were people walking around the streets. Always be aware of your surroundings if not from the area.

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Toasty's Tavern - Entrance

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610 Magnolia - Tasty but cold

610 Magnolia

4.4(263 reviews)
1.4 mi•Old Louisville
•$$$$

We visited 610 Magnolia two nights ago for the five-course tasting menu with wine pairings, and it…read morewas an exceptional experience from start to finish. Every course was beautifully executed, with standout dishes throughout the evening--especially the duck confit, which was absolutely incredible. One of the most memorable highlights was the BLT amuse-bouche--so unique and creative, and a perfect introduction to the meal. The wine pairings were thoughtfully selected and complemented each course beautifully. The service was also top-notch--attentive, knowledgeable, and perfectly paced throughout the evening. For a tasting menu of this caliber, the price felt very reasonable and well worth it. Overall, an outstanding dining experience. We absolutely loved it and would gladly return.

Truly delicious, satisfying food. Nothing too extravagant or overindulgent, just high quality,…read moreunique and memorable. Okinawa sweet potato gnocchi was incredible. Halibut and PEI mussels were incredible. Kalbi braised short ribs were incredible. Dining room is small, open and dim, maybe 20 tables. Music is contemporary and nice, kept at a volume that allows easy, quiet conversation. Service is very professional and respectful but not, like, "elite" -- we're still in Louisville. Cost is very high by Louisville standards at $125/person, but I'd say worth it for a 5-course prix fixe menu: an amuse-bouche, 2 seafood courses, a pasta course, a meat entree, and a dessert. I'd recommend skipping the wine pairing and just ordering your own drink(s), the pairing's a $65 add-on and didn't deepen the flavor experience for me. I also think the smoky bourbon dessert is made more for the 'Gram but it's fine, the lemon mochi cake was better. Also read the bill, even tho you'll wanna be classy and act rich when it comes. I think they add gratuity automatically to all bills (they did to ours as a table of 2) -- and that's fine, I actually appreciated it, just check so you don't accidentally double-tip (or do, but do so knowingly). Overall 610 is a lovely, quietly-chic restaurant at the top of the Louisville dining scene, leaning much harder on quality dishes prepared extremely well than on flashiness or gimmicks to set itself apart. I look forward to going back.

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610 Magnolia
610 Magnolia
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8UP Elevated Drinkery & Kitchen - bars - Updated May 2026

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