Beyond bourbon, Kentucky is known for its abundance of craft breweries. From unique flavors to overflowing taps, check out these best brews spots to throw back a cold one.
LessIf you’re looking for good beer and grub, check out Dam Brewhaus in Benton. Located in what used to be a small brick house, this unassuming brewery and restaurant serves up 22 unique beers on tap. Sip on a glass of Hipster Repellent with notes of grapefruit and hops. Or, try the Kentucky Kernel, a beer that replicates the flavors of an Old Fashioned cocktail. Hungry? Chow down on pub stables like nachos and wings. During the week, the brewery hosts open mic nights, trivia & local bands.
Located in The Coke Plant (a famous landmark), Dry Ground Brewing Company is Paducah’s first craft brewery. Here, 28 beers flow freely on tap, from the hoppy and smooth ’37 Flood to the Orange Cream Ale. Relax on the patio with a frothy glass and listen to live music, or stop by for other special events like Vinyl Night (bring your own records), trivia and beer release parties.
Burgers, brunch AND booze? Yes, please! With 16 small-batch specialty brews on tap and more than 30 bourbons on the shelf, Goodwood Restaurant & Brewery in downtown Owensboro is the place to be for great food and good beer. You can’t go wrong with a sweet, hoppy Louisville Lager in hand while you enjoy southern classics like Chicken and Waffles or Fried Green Tomatoes. Or, throw back a Bourbon Barrel Stout with notes of coffee while you enjoy a lovely view of the Ohio River from the patio.
For a good craft brew, head to Henderson’s Gateway District. Here, you’ll find the Henderson Brewing Company, the town’s first craft brewery that dates back to the 1800s. Relax in the dog-friendly taproom, tour the three-barrel brewhouse or play a game of cornhole while you sip on award-winning beers like the Bridgeview, featuring notes of malt and earthy spice, or The Depot with hints of caramel and toffee – many of the beers are named after historic Henderson taverns.
In Murray, this microbrewery’s seasonal list of local craft beers has something for everyone, whether you prefer a full-bodied Peanut Butter Stout or a blonde ale like Mo’ Honey Mo’ Problems. Try upscale pub food like truffle fries, artisanal flatbreads, mouthwatering street tacos, and seafood dip loaded with crab. Swing by on the weekend for dinner and a show as you enjoy live performances by local musical acts.
A great place for a night out with friends, this veteran-owned brewery is located in historic downtown Hopkinsville. Sip and savor handcrafted beer, kombucha and seltzers by the pint, flight or crowler as you relax on the patio (try the Sunshine blonde ale or Blueberry seltzer). The brewery also hosts a rotating schedule of food trucks and weekly events!
Tucked away in a historic Greyhound Bus Station, Paducah Beer Werks is known for its award-winning, small-batch brews on tap and delicious pub fare. Sample beers like the PWB Irish Red Ale with its sweet yet bitter finish or The Dude – a malty pale ale. Guest taps highlight flavors from other local breweries, and if you’re hungry, the menu offers a wide selection of good eats, from pepperoni chips to crispy chicken wings. Don't miss live performances from local bands and touring comedians!
Nothing beats a night out at The Brew Bridge in Owensboro. Offering a fantastic selection of craft beer and cocktails paired with a dynamite food menu, this popular spot combines a restaurant, bar and brewery into a one-stop shop for a good time. Kick back on the patio with a pint of Dry Irish Stout or a Blonde Pale Ale. Dig into plates of barbecue pork (they even make a brisket grilled cheese). And don’t miss out on live music any given night of the week!
The Pub on Second is a full-service bar that recently began brewing its own small-batch craft beers. Try the SNOW cider with notes of apple and cinnamon, or the Downtown Brown, a flavorful brown ale. Not in the mood for brews? No problem! Enjoy one of the pub’s signature cocktails like a Peanut Butter Cup martini or Old Fashioned. Bar snacks are available to munch on if you’re feeling peckish. Stop by on Tuesdays for trivia night!
Located inside the historic Ruby Concrete Factory at Ruby Junction, Tradewater Brewing Company is Madisonville’s first craft brewery. Sip and savor locally crafted beers made from Kentucky ingredients (when possible), like the American Amber Ale or perfectly tropical single-hop Citra! Beers are seasonal, but some of your favorites may be found throughout the year. When the weather’s nice, enjoy a beer outside at the picnic tables. Be sure to check out the food trucks hosted at the brewery.