This is an old, old place, it reminds me of the bars on the south side of Chicago. Came here for the BBQ because I heard it was great. First off the waitress was running the whole floor by herself, bar, running food, cashing people out, so props to her, that is a lot to keep organized. We started off with the Bud's Original Wings (12 wings smoked, tossed in hot Barbeque). I'm telling you right now, if you go there for no other reason, let it be for these wings. Huge, meaty and amazing, these are worth the trip for sure. I wanted the ribs but sadly they were out so I got the fish wrap with fries. The fish was nice and flaky and fresh, the coleslaw a little too wet and drippy and the tortilla was raw, so I ended up deconstructing the thing and just eating the fish. Fries were great though. I would definitely come back, it seems like a chill vibe in there and if you are homesick for Chicago you will feel right at home here. read more

See all

On the way to the races at Churchill with friends and stopped for lunch. One of them wanted to check out Bud's Tavern in Shively.. A little divey, but obviously popular with a Saturday lunch crowd. We all had the brisket sandwich. It came with fries. I didn't eat the bread, and doused the meat with their honey BBQ sauce. A good bit of fat that I had to cut off the slices of brisket. The fries were hot and crispy. OK, but we agreed a once and done. 70 read more

Bud's Tavern - Brisket Sandwich - Bars Near Me - Louisville, Kentucky

My buddy and I stopped in here for lunch on a Friday afternoon for it to go order. We had those amazing wings that people are talking about and they were fantastic. That's a five out of five all day on those wings. We got the fish and this time around. I've heard good things about fish, but we didn't really like it too much. We will try it again, but we were not a fan of the fish this time around. Fries were OK nothing special and we got cheese curds as an appetizer to split and they were pretty good as well. Overall a solid four for sure and we will definitely be back for those wings. read more

See all

Normally I wouldn't do this BUT.. this what I'm going to post isn't slander it's what it is an the reality of where you all are eating .. slander is what this establishment did to me. They are fine with their bartenders being racist, running off their regulars, managers stealing for the friend employees and trying to pin it on some one else so the friend doesn't have to pay for it. The owners an their children are 100% comfortable with how absolutely disgusting their employees and them selves allow their establishment become. Mind u the ONLY REASON any of it got clean prior to 2 months ago was only because of me. And at the same thing allowing their employees to create outlandish lies (and those employees getting busted out by customers who were there but they didn't know before opening their mouths) Everything I moved always had rat poo behind it. Their soda doesn't taste proper cause their employees are the laziest ppl I have ever met an leave the ice bins empty at the end of the night. The bar floor was BLACK!!!!!! the high chairs my hands stuck to the handles and I'm surprised a mother hadn't gone off on them for trying to give that to their children to sit in. The Keg cooler.. for everyone drinking tap beer it has slime and mold on the bottom an their excuse to not clean it is " it's going to come right back anyways so theirs no point in cleaning it!!" Some of these picture are also from the back where they keep the sauces into the kitchen which their cooler is nasty too. And their employees are drinking all their liquor but loved to try an lie an say "she was drinking the expensive stuff" no sorry if that was the case that Blanton's an Elijah Craig that the owner buys to sell out side of his establishment (which is illegal) would have been gone. The owners an employees could careless about your safety and making sure u have an amazing experience. All they want is your money and to be able not have to uphold any standards. read more

See all

We went for a nice bike ride on this day to the park that was right up the street from our house the bikes go 23 mph and we personally love, and enjoy riding, and taking in the beautiful scenery around us. If you have not yet experienced riding an Electric bike, I would highly consider giving it a shot! I promise you will enjoy the experience, and will take away an unforgettable moment, that will leave you wanting more. read more

My shively grown family grew up with this place. Awesome fish and club sandwiches and a great watering hole for old men

This buds is not looking good for new customers. Most are regulars here and the area is sketchy with several strip clubs close by. The bartender kept to her regulars. Bean soup is always good with this two bar chain. The other location is with a stop. read more

Just had an early lunch at Bud's in Dixie. We were the first table in and were greeted and welcomed. We started with the fried green tomatoes, which are in my opinion the best in town. I got the smoked wings which were cooked perfectly, my friend got the fish fingers which were also very good. The service was fantastic and friendly. We enjoyed everything and will definately be back! read more

Bud's Tavern - Smoked wings with teriyaki. - Bars Near Me - Louisville, Kentucky

I can't stray away from the fish fingers and bean soup to eat anything else here because both are SO SO GOOD. The fish fingers and fries are perfectly deep fried and seasoned with a light, crispy coating of batter and moist fish inside. And then the BEANS. They include small diced ham, potatoes, celery, and carrot in their beans here - with raw onion, shredded cheese, and some delicious cornbread on the side. Flavorful and so homey! To top it off, service is always so friendly and prices are very reasonable as well. This has become a go-to spot for my son and I. It's your typical welcoming hole in the wall - just like I like. read more

Bud's Tavern - Fish finger basket and cup of bean soup - Bars Near Me - Louisville, Kentucky

The waitress was good and friendly! However, me and my friends were playing the e-tab machines. He told us we could only play the rest of our money we had in the machine and not to put any more money in them, because he needed us to move so he could run his karaoke cords! Rude! read more

Me and my friend ordered their Friday fish fry special, which is fish sandwiches, fries, with their tartar sauce. ABSOLUTELY DELICIOUS. And they have an appealing menu as well. Can't wait to go back and try more items! read more

This was my first experience here and I was thoroughly impressed. This may be bar food, but it's delicious bar food. They have options that range from burgers, fish strips, delicious soups, and so much more. This is definitely a local spot for many in the area. The service was efficient and the staff were very friendly. My friends and I were seated promptly and the waitress was very personable with all of us. For starters we got honey chipotle wings to share and I ordered a cup of loaded potato soup. The wings were delicious if you like spicy and the soup was so flavorful and full of bacon. Entrees ranged from fish and chips to the burgers along with the 5cheese burger. This one consists of two grilled cheeses as the bun for a burger. Overall, I definitely plan on coming back, this place was great! read more

See all

So this was my first time here and I was pleasantly surprised. Seems like a local spot but the food was good the price was reasonable and the beer was cold. And I think they have karaoke on Thursday nights... So definitely worth a visit! Sorry, I don't have any pics but the brisket was good read more

The fish doesn't look or taste like fish. In fact it really taste like chicken. I wonder if it's cross contamination #Yuck

This is a neighborhood tavern that serves decent food. The fried pickles were extremely satly, and the chicken fried steak was thick, with crispy breading. The beef patty was more like mince meat and almost too tender. They say it's hand-breaded, I just wonder what they do to the beef before hand, or what cut they use. My client took me here and the meal was free for me, so I shouldn't complain too much, but it was just different tasting food than I've had before. read more

Very busty at lunch. Great waitress. I had the fish sandwich. It was ok. Nothing to brag about. I hadn't been here in quite awhile. I plan to go back and try the pulled chicken. read more

BEST FISH BASKET!! And their tartar sauce... amazing. Cheap beer & a good environment. read more

Bud's Tavern - Fish basket - Bars Near Me - Louisville, Kentucky

My mom can I came here for a quick lunch before heading to track. We both opted for the fish fingers. My mom got the fingers and chips. It's actual potato chips. I had the fish fingers and fries. Fish is amazing! The texture and quality of the fish. The service was fantastic. The price was awesome for drinks too! We will be back for the BBQ! read more

See all

On my recent visit home, I wouldn't have imagined I would hit every dive bar in Louisville. I am not complaining, I had some of the best food every on this trip. It was good enough to go back a second time with my son and his wife. However, it was like night and day difference, so it might matter which night you go. The first night we went, I think it was Friday or Saturday and the place was busy, but not bad. We ordered pork ribs, slaw, green beans, fried green tomatoes and bean soup. It was really good, all of it. I am not a major fan of pork ribs, but wasn't going to be the fussy one in the group and got them. They were not at all greasy, the smoke flavor on them was perfect and I loved them. The sauces are on the table, so I tried a smidge of all four and liked them for the most part, as much as a non BBQ sauce fan can. The fried green tomatoes were not overly greasy and had nice thick cut to them. The bean soup had huge hunks of ham in it and sort of a sweet flavor. My husband loved it, as did my daughter in law. We went back with my son the night before Thanksgiving and we barely found a table to sit and it was so loud with a band, none of us could hear each other talking. It was funny to watch the drunk middleagers dancing on the floor, so it sort of made the ear splitting noise worth it. If you go on a night like that, don't judge the service on that. The first night the girl was right there, the second time we didn't see her for long long stretches and she told us it was only her and one other girl in the entire place. The food was good and I wasn't sorry we went back. Try them for good BBQ at a reasonable price. read more

Bud's Tavern - Fried green tomatoes - Bars Near Me - Louisville, Kentucky

See all

We often pick lunch up at Bud's Tavern during the work week and we've had them cater for us before, too. It's decent food made by decent people. A lot of the people eating there when I go in to pick up the food are regulars and the staff gives the place a family feel. I usually get the burger but they have excellent grilled and fried pork chops, they have several iterations of chicken (fingers, wings, sandwiches) and all of them are good. I love their pulled pork but because I am usually dressed up at work I am skittish about getting sauce on my clothing. I could invest in a bib but my man-child vibe is already too strong. You should skip the fries anyway but especially skip them here, they're never good dining in or carrying out. Also, this isn't where to go if you're looking for a quick lunch. You're thinking of the places with pick-up windows where one doesn't get out of one's car. They are slow and proud of it, and that's okay. You shouldn't rush good food. read more

I go there so much and I be I do they know my order right off the bat and I ain't go to explain

Upon recommendation from Perry at the Bulleit tour entry a few miles away, we hit up Bud's for some ribs. The experience didn't disappoint. We happened upon a packed bar full of "friend's of Mary" on a Harley tour to support a friend after her recently sustained injuries. The ribs were good but smoked wings with hot sauce stole the show. Skip the sides. We tried baked beans, potato salad, green beans, and slaw. Better to just get a full slab and enjoy it alone :) Nice bourbon selection to reflect the local area and very friendly staff and regulars at the bar. Will be back next time I'm in the area. read more

Bud's Tavern - the menu of the restaurant - Bars Near Me - Louisville, Kentucky

See all

I am little disappointed with hamburgers and fried onion rings --- onions rings were burned and tough I did not know who cooked the hamburger not hot enough . I guess it is a cook person on the day . Awful one read more

Bud's is such a fun little place. I have been here twice, once with a small group for trivia and once with a large group for my husband's work Christmas party. Both times the service was friendly and prompt and the food was really good, especially the fish wrap and fries. The fish fingers are fresh and breaded in house and the fries are cooked until super crispy (which suits me great as I hate soggy fries!) They also have good domestic beer specials. I wouldn't hesitate to go back! read more

They have good food and the employees are nice and it cleans in the bathroom and the restaurant

One of those places that you have driven by and thought...I should try that place someday. Well after reading all the glowing reviews on Yelp, my BF and I decided to give it a shot. Parking is on the side and rear. We had high hopes since the parking lot was full of cars and finding a parking spot wasn't easy. We observed several people coming out the back with carry out orders; thinking this was also a good sign. Once we got inside it was clearly a bar atmosphere. It wasn't clear whether you waited to be seated or sat yourself. We finally found a waitress who told us "seat yourself if you can find a place". We wandered around and found ourselves in a back room area that had a high top table available (which wobbled). A picture on the wall was coming out of it's frame. There was a chalk board with the single word "potato" written on it. We were greeted by a waitress fairly soon who gave menus took our drink order. Looking over the menu I noted that there were more items than I would have anticipated for a "bar" menu. Fish (noting world famous), Burgers, BBQ (even ribs), nice array of sandwiches and appetizers. Drinks came out quickly, and we asked for a few moments longer to decide what to order eat. That was a mistake. Within 10 minutes, the place was packed. The room which we were seated had three large parties of 7 or more people and noise became so loud that I could no longer hear what my BF was saying unless he yelled. It was pretty obvious that most of the people in here, knew each other. We sort of felt like we were crashing a party...lol One waitress stood in the middle of this room and screamed out the specials of the day so she didn't have to repeat herself at each table. So, once the waitress reappeared, I ordered fish and shrimp ($12.95) with a rolled oyster. My BF ordered fish ($7.95) with nachos (over $6). This is where things really went downhill. The 4 Shrimp were not hand breaded and a tasteless out of the box butterfly variety. The fries were not fresh nor hot. The rolled oyster was more like a oyster cake (think commercial crab cake with hard to find oysters instead of crab). The ONE piece of hand breaded fish was good, but not great. The nachos were small for the price. Refills for drinks....up to who could catch the attention of the wait staff in all the chaos. Quite possibly my expectations were higher than they should have been, but we left disappointed and feeling that we would have gotten a better meal at Long John Silver's and for a much fairer price. Maybe you had to be a local and/or regular to get it, but I don't get it nor care enough to even consider a 2nd visit. So, been there, done that and you can keep the T-Shirt! read more

I always have an amazing experience here. Staff, always very nice and friendly. The speed of service is great. Not the mention, the food, is delicious. Today, the smoked wings were 100% fantastic! The ribs, couldve had more flavor. Overall, very flavorless. Having to rely/depend on the sauce, wasnt enough. The bite with sauce, starts off wet, but finishes flavorless and dry. Sides, good portion and pretty decent. read more

Bud's Tavern - Smoked Wings - Bars Near Me - Louisville, Kentucky

See all

Wow! This little hole in the wall tavern suppressed my expectations. Known for their fish sandwiches & bar, I was expecting something like Checks, to me an average joint to get some fried food & beer. This was a busy Friday afternoon & they were packed! It did not interfere with their staff being attentive, friendly & fast. Food came out in a timely manner, was hot & delicious! My husband & I got the fish wrap & French fries. My daughter had the chicken strips. Seriously, even the chicken strips were so good! Didn't taste like your typical, out of the freezer kids meal. We travel to our children's football games around Louisville & make an effort to not eat at a chain restaurant. If you are ever in this area, stop in & eat here. You won't be disappointed read more

As I've been tasked to write 100 of these reviews within the next few months, I must go back into the memory vault to expand my repertoire. So, it's been a little bit since I first visited, albeit, not so long that this critique will be faulty. I've lived in or around south Louisville for the past 12 years or so, and Bud's has been sitting on Dixie the entire time. I can honestly say that I'd driven by hundreds of times, possibly thousands (granted low-thousands) with little thought to entering the establishment and giving it a try. It just seemed to be the standard local's bar, nothing particularly striking about it, and not a place that I would generally frequent. I've aged past the days of regularly sidling up to the bar for a brew and a few late nights. But Bud's over the last couple years has done a few renovations, adding an outside deck to accommodate smokers, adding a smoker to accommodate BBQ lovers, and it seems more inviting, even though the exterior has changed little. After hearing good things, I decided to place a takeout order, and try the BBQ and some sides. I wasn't disappointed. The food was good, not such that I would claim it to be the best since sliced bread, but good enough to come back for more. And the interior of Bud's is far more expansive than what I would have thought from the outside. The service was extremely friendly, even though I wasn't a regular, as sometimes it can be difficult to enter a local place without getting the occasional evil eye. Of course, I've never really allowed that to stop me before. I'm not particularly superstitious. Love the song, though. read more

Great hidden gem in louisville. All menu items good. Gear value for your money too. Try the bean soup or any of the smoked chicken or pork items. Brisket is great too read more

My wife and I were just leaving the tour at Bulleit Bourbon around the corner and needed some filling. I jumped on yelp and looked up anything local. Bud's Tavern popped up and the reviews looked like it was worth a shot. Boy, am I glad that we stopped. We both ordered the pulled pork sandwich. It comes with chips. Beers were $1.50 a shell. The pork was fabulous. It comes with your choice of three sauces on the side. All were tasty. We were in a bit of a hurry and our server was spot on. She was helpful and courteous. I would go here every weekend if I lived nearby. Outstanding food and good service in a comfortable local bar. Keep up the good work, Bud. read more

Great tavern style food! Big menu, lots of things to choose from. The only reason I didn't give them 5 stars is because their service seems to take forever. We order out a lot at work and EVERY time we've ordered from Buds, they tell us, "Ok will be ready in 20 minutes" 20 minutes later, go to pick up the food and you end up waiting in the Tavern for 15-20 additional minutes. This place is definitely worth a try if you're in the area. read more

Fish sandwich and bean soup very good. Haven't been here since it was Muenninghoff 's Tavern 65 years ago with my dad. :) read more

Ever been to Bud's Tavern on Dixie? Went there yesterday and had a great BBQ pulled chicken platter. Chicken was flavorful, the potato salad is made with red skin potatoes and was very good. The green beans were very well done and flavored just right. Don't be afraid because it's called a Tavern, there's plenty of table seating in the rear. The BBQ is good, plentiful, and reasonable. Good place for somewhere different. read more

Hands down one of my favorite places to eat in Louisville. I have been going there almost every Friday for Lunch over the last 7 years.(it's right down the street from work) The wait staff is amazing, the food is always hot and fresh, you get your monies worth. There is nothing on the menu that I haven't tried, but the BBQ Bacon Burger and the chicken tenders are top notch... You can't go wrong here, and it's family friendly most of the time. read more

I drove by here on my way to the hotel and noticed they advertised BBQ. I read the reviews on Yelp, and every good comment was true! This place is definitely gonna bring me back! GrEaT BBQ!! GrEAt service!! Friendly people!! If your in town, hungry, don't want to spend a fortune, and just want some rEaLLy great food, EAT HERE! read more

My Home away from Home. Everything on the menu is amazing. This is a great place full of great people. I love me some Buds!!!

The new J-town location just opened! I've not had a bad dish here yet. Family owned. Will become s regular hangout.

Very charming Tavern, friendly staff as well as the guest. And the food is awesome!

Stopped in two weeks back for lunch with two work colleagues. I ordered the fish sandwich with chips by recommendation of one of the guys I was with. The service was prompt and our waitress was great! The atmosphere was relaxed and everyone seemed to enjoy themselves. The food came out in a fair amount of time and was absolutely delicious. I ate every bite.... it would be a sin to leave any behind....yeah it's that good! This is a great neighborhood tavern with phenomenal food! If you're ever in Shively, do yourself a favor and stop in for food that you won't forget! read more