Bardstown, Louisville, and Frankfort may be the most familiar bourbon destinations, Northern Kentucky has a secret hotspot you need to visit … and no password required.

Located Off the Kentucky Bourbon Trail in Covington, Kentucky’s 19^th century German neighborhood, MainStrasse Village is home to the Wiseguy Lounge, a 1920’s style speakeasy with an energy and vibe reminiscent of an era nearly a century ago, not to mention an incredible bourbon selection, creative cocktails, and outstanding pizza. 

The booming, eclectic, East Market District of Downtown Louisville area known as Nulu, is also home to the Taj, but not the Mahal.

The Nulu (New Louisville) area has become Louisville’s fast-growing location for art galleries, antique shops, upscale and eclectic bars and restaurants, and a number of specialty stores. If you’re Off the Kentucky Bourbon Trail, hop on the Urban Bourbon Trail and stop in at the Taj for friendly conversation and maybe a frozen bourbon slushie.

There’s no denying it, when in Bardstown and need a great meal and a dram, get Off the Kentucky Bourbon Trail and visit Mammy’s Kitchen & Bar.

Located right in the heart of Bardstown, Mammy’s Kitchen & Bar is authentic southern cooking with an incredible bourbon selection.

Located right on Whiskey Row, Merle’s Whiskey Kitchen has a toe-tappin’, honkey-tonk dive bar vibe with award-winning southern American cuisine and plenty of fine whiskey.

Merle’s offers a perfect blend of Louisville’s easy-going dining experience, with its exceptional food, entertainment, music and other events and an extensive whiskey menu.

Tucked away in the Stepford community of Norton Commons awaits the hole-in-the-wall neighborhood hang-out worth visiting.

At Commonwealth Tap, their slogan may be “Life’s too short to drink bad wine”, but don’t fret, the bourbon and whiskey selection is one of the best around.

Equus Restaurant and Jack’s Lounge are the longtime jewel of St. Matthews that’s easy to miss.

This upscale American bistro may be Off the Kentucky Bourbon Trail but has been serving Louisville for over thirty years … oh, and they have some good bourbon too.

This may be the best bourbon restaurant … ever!

When you’re Off the Trail and looking for a great meal and an ever better bourbon selection, there are very few that stack up against Louisville, Kentucky’s original bourbon bar, even after thirteen years.