Louisville Logo

— Best LGBTQ-Friendly Bar

  • And the winner is...
  • Big Bar2025 Winner

    The Basics

    Opened: 2012
    Neighborhood: Highlands
    Self-description: “Gay bar in Louisville for more than a decade.”

    Best of Louisville Stats

    Total nominations: 1

    From a LouMag x Queer Kentucky Collab

    Big Bar gives a home for queer people, including nightlife gig workers — bartenders, bar staff, drag artists, etc. — and has enough going on that there’s usually a place for everyone to do what they want.

  • And the other nominees are...
  • Chill Bar

    The Basics

    Opened: 2013
    Neighborhood: Highlands
    Self-description: “We welcome everyone, so long as you are looking to enjoy the company of those around you — no matter who they are, how they identify or where they are from.”
    Website: chillbarlouisville.com

    Best of Louisville Stats

    Total nominations: 1

    The Voting Academy Says

    It is a home base, the place where I meet friends the most.

  • MerryWeather

    The Basics

    Opened: 2019
    Neighborhood: Schnitzelburg-Germantown
    Self-description: “A neighborhood joint. Tropical cocktails, cheap beer, snacks, pinball, pop-ups, Jeopardy! Schnitzelburg’s best patio.”
    Website: themerryweather.net

    Best of Louisville Stats

    Total nominations: 2

    From a LouMag x Queer Kentucky Collab

    I always feel accepted. I’ve only ever felt that I could simply exist in this space, and that honestly makes me so appreciative of it.

  • Pearl of Germantown

    The Basics

    Opened: 2016
    Neighborhood: Germantown-Schnitzelburg
    Self-description: “A little something for everyone.”

    Best of Louisville Stats

    Total nominations: 1

    The Voting Academy Says

    Such a great space to be who you are. Amazing drinks, diverse, industry nights and such a friendly, come-as-you-are vibe. It is so rare to find a spot that checks all of those boxes.

  • PLAY Dance Bar

    The Basics

    Opened: 2013
    Neighborhood: Butchertown
    Self-description: “Drag shows, world-class dance floor, resident DJ.”
    Website: PLAY

    Best of Louisville Stats

    Total nominations: 5
    Total wins: 1 (2016, Best Place to Dance)

    From a LouMag x Queer Kentucky Collab

    It’s the place we go to when we want to celebrate life’s events, or mourn with the community like after Pulse nightclub, or be in a place where we don’t have to worry about being ourselves. Don’t feel like an outsider when I’m there.