One of my favorite spots on our trip, we came in mid day on Valentines day (my friend and her infant) - I know, I know, a baby at a bar? But moms want to have fun too and I was hoping they would allow us to sit in a corner and mind our business. The staff was super accommodating, they scoped it and were able to seat us since it was early and not too crowded. I really appreciated them helping us out and giving us a spot to catch up. The vibes are awesome, you feel like you're in your rich friends basement sneaking drinks while their parents are in Turks and Caicos. Cozy couches, nice spots at the bar, and a dark but inviting vibe. The bartender was awesome, giving us some great recommendations. We loved the bourbon espresso martini and the dirty martini like cocktail. We got some olives and some chips to snack on and drinks were served beautifully. Service was quick and prices were fair. At the end we shopped the little store upstairs - we thanked the staff again for letting us bring my friends baby girl in and giving us some great drinks. read more

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! read more

Trial+Error - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Louisville, Kentucky

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. read more

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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. read more

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Fabulous speakeasy, type of bar... Great bartender, super knowledgeable super fun place but you'll walk by 1 million times if you don't know, it's here read more

Trial+Error - Super cool - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Louisville, Kentucky

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

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

Trial+Error - Thanks Yelp for a great event! - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Louisville, Kentucky

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I came on a Wednesday evening to go to The Lodge pop up. Pretty cozy vibes in here! There's lots of smaller tables by the bar area and some cozier nooks. The other room had couches and comfy chairs. It's setup to look like someone's living room, decked out with a fireplace as well. My friend tried a Christmasy creamier version of an espresso martini while I had a fruity/spiced carbonated cocktail. There were quite a number of people here. Still lots of seats open but it was getting busy. Parking isn't bad. We both found parallel parking in front or a block away. read more

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. read more

Trial+Error - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Louisville, Kentucky

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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! read more

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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. read more

Trial+Error - Pursuit Series 069 - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Louisville, Kentucky

I love the vibe of this place. As soon as you walk in, you know you're gonna have a good time music selection perfect drinks top notch along with the best bartender Megan who makes you feel so at home and so comfortable. Drinks are superb. I'm a tequila person so to drink specialty bourbon drinks had me in awe all of this place. Let's not forget the bourbon tasting so grab your friends or go solo. off street parking and enjoy. read more

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. read more

Trial+Error - Really comfy here - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Louisville, Kentucky

The bar is so unique. The atmosphere is so cozy and inviting. Everyone was so friendly and checked on us to make sure we had a good experience. Especially enjoyed our tastings. Even though they were very busy, the service at the bar was good. The specialty drinks were awesome. I tried the Cherry Manhattan in honor of our first woman trainer to win the Kentucky Derby. It was very delicious! read more

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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. read more

Trial+Error - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Louisville, Kentucky

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

As soon as I step through their doors, I was impressed with their set up. The ambiance is very friendly oriented but intimate. The bartenders were polite and very informative whenever I asked a question about their drinks. read more

I have been to Trial+Error multiple times and it never gets old. Kenny and Ryan have something special there. Great guys, great bourbon and great cocktails. The staff is great also. read more

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. read more

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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!!!! read more

Trial+Error - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Louisville, Kentucky

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 read more

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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. read more

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New speak easy downtown. We stopped in the second week they were open. It's hidden in the basement and definitely gives parents basement vibes. Tried two glasses of the cab--they had two red options. Glasses were unevenly poured and very shy for $15 each. It was a Wednesday night around 7:30 and we had the place to ourselves. Bartenders were friendly. Would go back to try a cocktail. read more

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I stopped by Trial + Error to have a few drinks while staying upstairs at the Airbnb. I intended to get a few more photos, but I didn't have the opportunity. The atmosphere, the staff, and even the other guests pull you in, and you want to focus on the moment. I enjoyed a couple of the special releases of the Pursuit Series, a "Kenny Sour" and a "Ryan Rita." If you're in Louisville, Trial + Error is a must-visit. Before you leave, make sure to stop by the gift shop upstairs. It's full of great bottles and some of the best merch you'll find anywhere on Whiskey Row. read more

Trial+Error - Pursuit Series Episode 11 & 18 - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Louisville, Kentucky

Great cocktail bar with an amazing atmosphere! Cool speakeasy vibes with a great cocktail menu and long list of Pursuit Bourbon pours. Their bartenders were all great. We really enjoyed our drinks and will definitely be stopping in again. read more

Trial+Error - Pursuit Bourbon flight - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Louisville, Kentucky

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Incredibly cool cocktail lounge in the basement of Pursuit Spirits. Beautiful bar lists of dark wood casual seating areas. Service is awesome talk up the bartenders Jacob or Joe very knowledgeable on the spirit. read more

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The drinks are fantastic. The vibes are great. Plenty of seating. And the bartenders are knowledgeable and friendly. read more

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Went for The Lodge Christmas Popup. Cocktails and atmosphere were great! Tough to find great night time spots in that area read more

Trial+Error - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Louisville, Kentucky

@trialanderrorbar was a neat bourbon lounge on Main Street. We had a great time and the bartenders were awesome. Definitely revisiting with my friends. read more

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Really outstanding cocktail menu that is uniquely elevated without the elevated price tag. The entire lounge is subdued and comfortable with some very unique decor. Being just downstairs from Pursuit Spirits on Main, Trial & Error has the most extensive selection of unique whiskeys one could hope for. read more

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Overall, this place was good. The lighting is moody, the service was quick, and the drinks were great. Only complaint is that the music didn't match the ambiance, but overall a place I would recommend. Got the old fashioned and it was 4.5/5! read more

If you've listen to Kenny talk about his excitement about Trial and Error on the podcast, it's absolutely warranted. Before you walk in, you're greeted by a nice staff member that will answer questions you may have. Walking downstairs to the bar, gives cool speakeasy vibes as does the bar itself. The lighting and decor are absolutely spot on. The staff is very accommodating. Their bourbon, well, if you know you know. I had the Triple Mash and a Cherry Styles cocktail. Both were great. Go see them. I highly recommend! read more

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

Basic being basic is a fantastic cocktail. Ambiance is cozy and intimate, service is prompt and friendly! read more

Trial+Error - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Louisville, Kentucky

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Cozy vibes highly recommend the T+E old fashion or Cherry Styles! If bourbon isn't your thing they have a full bar as well as beer and wine options! read more

Trial+Error - Old elevator shaft:) - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Louisville, Kentucky

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Amazing new cocktail bar, a ton of excellent neat whiskey pours from Pursuit Spirits and a full menu of expertly-crafted cocktails. Awesome atmosphere, super friendly staff, and a great atmosphere. Must-visit spot. read more

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The place was beautiful and the service was great. The cocktails... well.. for a craft bar, my cocktail came premixed from a pitcher, was not balanced and no measure of ice or water would help. My friend's beverage was way too sweet (for an old fashioned). Needless to say neither of us could finish our cocktails and left them In the bar. Maybe better luck next time. read more

We have enjoyed several visits to Trial and Error cocktail lounge! The atmosphere is cozy and relaxed. The decor is eclectic and creative! We notice something new every time we visit! The cocktails are amazing and innovative! My favorite is The Kenny Sour! My husband says they serve the best old fashioned in Louisville! Their new cocktail menu for the fall is so good! I want to try them all! We're already planning our next visit! Can't wait to go back! read more

Drinks, bartenders, and vibe were all incredible! Well done! I will definitely be back!! Great for a small or large group. Drink menu was excellent. read more