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Never Say Die cocktail bar celebrates 3 years in St. Matthews

And they invited Krampus to the party.

LOUtoday_Never Say Die

Never Say Die turns three this month and is hosting a Nightmare Before Christmas pop-up market with Krampus to celebrate.

Photo by Hard Times Collective

Three years ago this month, Never Say Die opened on a popular stretch of Shelbyville Road. From the outside, you might think the art bar was a tattoo shop nestled in Saint Matthew Station based on its logo. And while the bartenders undoubtedly have no shortage of ink, their artistry lies in a shaker tin rather than a tattoo machine.

After years of working in fine dining and upscale bars, owners Michael Railey and Matthew Brown decided to open a bar that pushed boundaries, through playful ingredients and unlikely garnishes. Take for instance this tropical rum drink garnished with a toy soldier.

“We aim to bring people into a realm that wouldn’t necessarily be in their comfort zone,”
said Railey. “And show them something authentic and real.”

Railey and Brown took the pretentiousness out of high-end drinking and added a littlewait, who are we kidding a lot of spray paint. Across the two-level space, creativity flows from the local artworks on the walls to the house-fabricated furnishings, like the painted tables held up by steel drums and hubcaps. Pinball machines ding under the glow of neon lights and the bar features a grim reaper overlooking the liquor shelf.

And If you’ve never (say die) been, the bar is hosting a Nightmare Before Christmas Holiday Popup Market on Saturday, Dec. 16, in partnership with secondhand clothing retailer Hard Time Collective to celebrate its anniversary.

From 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. you can:

  • Snap a professional photo with Krampus
  • Sip holiday-themed cocktails
  • Jam to a live DJ
  • Shop from 50+ local vintage vendors and artists
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