1761 Frankfort Ave.
Louisville, KY 40206
502.259.9540
website
Roundly regarded as one of the best bourbon bars in Louisville, The Silver Dollar has a very down-to-earth vibe, a bar heavy with the old woods and loaded with dozens of bottles of the well-known local spirit. Far from Whisky Row, it’s nonetheless a more modern look at dining in this city, and located in a distinctly younger neighborhood. But it’s not just about the drinks, either, this restaurant does a lot of different kinds of food, too. It might feel casual, but there’s nothing simple about this menu.
In some respects the bar focuses on pub grub, because there is a lot of fried food and barbecue, often served in baskets. But then there are notable meals and specific higher-brow dishes to try. Among them:
- Pulled Pork: Soft, long strings of pork with a savory seasoning and served next to a very spicy barbecue sauce that heats it up. On a bun with some vinegary coleslaw too, if you might like it.
- Beef Brisket: Thin-sliced beef barbecued to perfection with a smokey bark. It’s so soft, and that’s the best part. And oh so juicy. You’ll think you’re eating prime rib.
- Fried Okra: The right mixture for okra, which is a tricky vegetable to deal with. It can’t be soft and mushy or it’ll be awful. And it can’t be too raw either, or that strong plant flavor will be awful. Good balance.
- Fried Pickles: Sliced pickles breaded and served with a simple horseradish sauce. Of course everyone loves these and highly recommend they be shared.
- Fried Liver: OK, maybe this sounds a little odd, and it has that gritty texture of chicken livers, but still something to munch on if you like them.
The bar is very much a whiskey place. Cocktails are an option here, too, but this is a bar you specifically want to go to try those. As a result, it has some limitations. The beer selection is very small, and some other kinds of liquor, brandy for instance, aren’t to be found here.
Prices are high-normal, and food can take a bit of time to come out, especially during the dinner rush, but people really do seem to like the place and there is routinely a crowd. A reservation is highly recommended, because during the prime times, it’s pretty solidly full and there are often groups.
A highly recommended bourbon bar with a local following and raves from bourbon magazines and sites, this one really is a good quality experience. It’s a solid choice if you’re looking for a memorable night with (bourbon-loving) friends.
Recommendations
- There is a massive variety of bourbon and whiskey on hand here, and I would say come here if you love that.
- There are distinctly higher-end portions of the menu and definitely cheaper eats, too. This bar is good for both.
- Reservations recommended on the weekends!
Another Food Critic 