Need help planning a bachelorette party! (From out of town) (Louisville: hotel, live)

[iowastate21]

Okay so we have about 6 girls, 28-33 in age, and are coming in town for the KY Derby. Friday night we would like to do a progressive dinner/cocktails. Can you please suggest the best places for an appetizer/starting cocktail, entree, dessert/cocktail and then a place to end the night.

We are thinking of being in the Bardstown area? (Sorry if that is not correct). Any other great areas to hang out in?

Thank you so much!!! Can't wait to explore your city!!

[Peter1948]

Originally Posted by iowastate21

Okay so we have about 6 girls, 28-33 in age, and are coming in town for the KY Derby. Friday night we would like to do a progressive dinner/cocktails. Can you please suggest the best places for an appetizer/starting cocktail, entree, dessert/cocktail and then a place to end the night.

We are thinking of being in the Bardstown area? (Sorry if that is not correct). Any other great areas to hang out in?

Thank you so much!!! Can't wait to explore your city!!

What you didnt realize is the city is INSANE that night and you often need reservations months in advance at the best places. That said, people often do not show up.

Without knowing your tastes, its hard to make too many recs, but here goes some. Know there are about 4 nodes of "hot spots" for young people your age as far as night life....downtown (which is becoming multinodal itself), Bardstown Rd (aka Highlands the traditional area), and an area you may not know about which you must explore is Frankfort Ave (known as Cilfton and Crescent Hill). Also the heart of St Matthews is a good node.

Whatever you do, you better start calling places now to get their derby eve policy....it can be a weird night for restauarants around here.


That said let me give some recs:

Downtown:

Must visits are the 21C hotel and its bar/lounge, Proof
also, 732 Social.
In the same area as 732 Social, a place called Harvest opens this week that is sure to be a hit with a "communal" dining table.
Also, Z's Fusion.
Places downtown which could be easier to get into would be Sapporo for sushi.

Drinks wise, you have to hit at least Proof above. Also the Blind Pig in butchertown. Rivue could be cool for the views, and also Jeff Ruby's to see the "pinky ring set"and some live Jazz. Speaking of which, I hear the Mozz has some good jazz.

Bar wise downtown where people will be more your age, the Makers Mark Lounge and Oshea's you will enjoy. I also hear the new Doc Crow's is kind of cool. Should you want more of an upscale dance club environment, Hotel is pretty cool. Just beware some of place in 4th street live will charge hefty covers for some people that night, however groups of attractive girls can often get in free. If you want a more lounge type scene, then Maker's Mark lounge and also Prime lounge would be options.

Highlands/Bardstown: There is just so much I don't know where to start. Maybe try the forum at LouisvilleHotBytes.com Its free and the people are super helpful. My favorities in this area include Jack Fry's, Ceviche, Avalon, Sapporro, and Asiatique (super cool atmosphere here). Bar wise, you will enjoy the strip centered around Molly Malone's.

Crescent Hill/Frankfort Ave:
Volare, Basa, Maido, Varanese, Porcini,
Bar/lounge wise, Bourbon's Bistro is a good stop to get a taste of KY. This area should be more laid back and "quieter" than the downtown and bardstown

The Heart of St Matthew's: There is a big bar scene developing here centering here around Brendan's, Saints (the upstairs Skybar will likely have a large event for Derby), and Molly Malone's (the new St Matthews locale). In fact, given your groups age, this scene may possibly be the best for nightlife if you are not wanting to get too crazy. 60 West has some good martinis on that bar strip too.
Restaurant wise, you have Havana Rumba in that area. Great cuban food.
Not too far away, you have Mojito. I hear the new Coal's Artisan Pizza is exquisite. For more upscale in that area, try Eqqus and its Jack's lounge.

This is just a superficial start without knowing more about you and your group. the best advice I can give is go to the forum at http://forums.louisvillehotbytes.com/viewforum.php?f=1 , register with your real name, and post there. You will get about a dozen helpful replies in a day....but hurry, Derby is very busy around the Ville!