— Best LGBTQ-Friendly Bar
- And the winner is...
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Big Bar
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...
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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.comBest of Louisville Stats
Total nominations: 1
The Voting Academy Says
“It is a home base, the place where I meet friends the most.”
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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.netBest 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.”
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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.”
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PLAY Dance Bar
The Basics
Opened: 2013
Neighborhood: Butchertown
Self-description: “Drag shows, world-class dance floor, resident DJ.”
Website: PLAYBest 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.”