Get a drink at the oldest bar in Louisville

Louisville’s relationship with liquor goes way back. Downtown’s Whiskey Row earned its moniker in the 1840s, and in 1885, the bar we know as The Mellwood Tavern opened its doors. Nearly 140 years later, it is the longest continually operating tavern in Derby City.

Patrick Gregory and Scott Crowder purchased the property in 2016. Though the building has since undergone some renovations, its historical charm remains.

“The space has kind of been taken back to its original glory,” Patrick said. “The original hardwood floors have been restored, [and] we took the plaster off the walls to expose the original brick. It’s a real authentic space.”

Today, the spot is a popular go-to for beer, whiskey, and fried chicken. “We’re really well known locally for fried chicken,” Patrick exclaimed. “We’ve been named in Leo Weekly a couple of times, [ranking] third in the city for best chicken overall. … It’s our number-one seller.”

If you want to sample some of The Mellwood Tavern’s chicken, be sure to head to 1801 Brownsboro Rd. on a Tuesday or Thursday, as those are the only days the fried bird is offered as a dinner special.

Photo by Drake Whitney

Of course, most customers flock to the Clifton Heights joint for drinks. Patrick and Scott heavily support the local craft beer scene. They do tap takeovers with local breweries and have a partnership with Gallant Fox. When it comes to whiskey, Patrick says Old Forester has been a fan favorite.

To accommodate the growing demand for whiskey, a second-floor whiskey bar and lounge is slated to open within the next few months. “I think it could open as early as Labor Day,” Scott said. Well, we know where we’ll be that weekend.

This content is sponsored by Heine Brothers Coffee. As Louisville’s original coffee roaster since 1994, they take pride in the city just as much as the coffee. Order ahead and Drink Up.

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