Bambi Bar

Bar & grill · Highlands Douglass

Bambi Bar

Bar & grill · Highlands Douglass

1

2701 Bardstown Rd, Louisville, KY 40205

Photos

Bambi Bar by null
Bambi Bar by null
Bambi Bar by null
Bambi Bar by null
Bambi Bar by null
Bambi Bar by null
Bambi Bar by null
Bambi Bar by null
Bambi Bar by null
Bambi Bar by null
Bambi Bar by null
Bambi Bar by null
Bambi Bar by null
Bambi Bar by null
Bambi Bar by null
Bambi Bar by null
Bambi Bar by null
Bambi Bar by null
Bambi Bar by null
Bambi Bar by null
Bambi Bar by null
Bambi Bar by null
Bambi Bar by null
Bambi Bar by null
Bambi Bar by null
Bambi Bar by null
Bambi Bar by null
Bambi Bar by null
Bambi Bar by null
Bambi Bar by null
Bambi Bar by null
Bambi Bar by null
Bambi Bar by null
Bambi Bar by null
Bambi Bar by null
Bambi Bar by null
Bambi Bar by null
Bambi Bar by null
Bambi Bar by null
Bambi Bar by null
Bambi Bar by null
Bambi Bar by null
Bambi Bar by null
Bambi Bar by null
Bambi Bar by null

Highlights

Home of the "Bambi Burger," great onion rings, and slaw  

Placeholder
Placeholder

2701 Bardstown Rd, Louisville, KY 40205 Get directions

bambibar.org
@the_bambi_bar

$10–20 · Menu

Information

Static Map

2701 Bardstown Rd, Louisville, KY 40205 Get directions

+1 502 456 9635
bambibar.org
@the_bambi_bar

$10–20 · Menu

Features

wifi
payment credit card
reservations

Last updated

Sep 6, 2025

Powered By

You might also like

Terms of Use • Privacy Policy • Cookie Policy
 © 2025 Postcard Technologies, Inc.
@postcardnews

Highlands institution where the griddle and the Bambi Burger have loyal followings. A classic dive bar experience noted by local writers and Thrillist; simple, juicy, and exactly what you want with a cold beer.

https://www.thrillist.com/venue/drink/louisville/bar/bambi-bar
Best Burgers in Louisville (2025)
View Postcard for Bambi Bar

Justin Shircliff

Google
Bambi bar had been around forever, so it was about time I went to have my first Bambi burger. I went with the #2 which came with fries. The burger was a half pound behemoth, cooked to a nice medium. It was tasty, as were the fries, and the onion rings are worth trying too. Definitely fits the bill of an old dive bar, with sticky floors intact. Service was friendly.

Thomas Poole

Google
Local bar voted the best dive bar 2021. Now, the question I have is, did it lose its charm? Nope, as far as local bars go, Bambi's is the place to go. Great place for lunch. The food is great. I had the Bambi Burger (described by a friend as "The home wrecker" and onion rings. Beer was cold, and the service was so friendly. You need to give Bambi's a try.

Leo Mendoza

Google
Definitely one of my “Go-To” places when I’m in town. Great location and love the Bambi bar! Best burgers in Louisville and the staff and bartenders are always great and friendly! I highly recommend this place and look forward to the next time I can visit. Thank you and keep up the good work!

Roger Renfrow

Google
Three of us stopped here for lunch. We all got cheeseburgers. The burgers are like homemade - except not dry :). The highlight for me was the slaw. It had a 'that's different' taste that became a 'that's really good' taste by the end. The staff was friendly.

Manda Maley

Google
I love a good dive bar! This was recommended to me by a good friend and did not disappoint. Excellent burger/fries. The owners are so inviting and kind.

Steve Junion

Google
My wife and I were looking for a great bar to eat lunch and Bambi’s is that bar! The talk on the burgers and previous reviews about the burgers being amazing were spot on. “Flavorful, juicy burger with fresh toppings“ were my wife’s comments. I had a veggie burger in a mushroom and Swiss. While it was really good, I should have tried the fish. Luckily I’ll be back and make better choices. Oh! And the fried mushrooms, onion rings, and spicy cheese balls were simply amazing! Service was also phenomenal. Great people and environment!

Marc

Google
If you are looking for a chill, relaxing, no-stress bar with delicious food and affordable pricing, Bambi Bar is perfect for you. My wife and I enjoyed Boneless Chicken Wings, a Southwestern Bambi Burger, and a basket of freshly made Beer-Battered Onion Rings. We ordered to-go for lunch, and it was promptly ready in 15 minutes. The Boneless Wings were not overly crispy, and had a tender juicy center. It's a perfect compliment for their barbecue sauce. Moving on to the burger, wow! I was surprised by the size. The Burger was covered in pepper jack cheese and more of those delectable, fresh, crispy onion rings. I could not eat the whole thing. You must stop by and try their onion rings and burgers, as they are some of the best I've had. 5/5.

Kirsten S

Google
This is THEE dive bar to rule them all. The food is great, the beer is cold, and the people watching is second to none. I’ve come here for so, so many years and never once failed to thoroughly enjoy myself. In fact, I think I’ll go now.
google avatar

Aaron E.

Yelp
The Bambi Bar is a staple in the highlands community. It's small. You gotta wait. But the burger are great. They have friendly service even when they are slammed. Have patience. Great beers and just a great community bar that makes you want to stop by. Outside is simple. Inside is simple. Go try them out. Plus you need to do the Bambi walk
google avatar

Kristen W.

Yelp
Great local watering hole. Staple for anyone who wants a genuine Louisville Highland experience. After all, it is the start of the Bambi Walk. The food is always good, the service and company is better!
google avatar

Nancy P.

Yelp
Had lunch today with a couple of women friends. It has been years since any of us had been there but were looking for a place where we could eat and just sit and chat, which we did for 3 hours. Absolutely no pressure from the bartender to order drink or vacate once we finished our burgers. We ordered 2 burgers and a couple of orders of fries to split and had left over hambuger since the birgers are huge. I think it was a 1/2 lb buger, dressed, served piping hot as weemre the french fries. Bartender was very sweet and brought us our food and refilled our sodas and water. A handful of parking places in front of the bar, only about a dozen high top tables and a couple of booths, in addition to bar seating. Typical neighborhood bar, old, dark and dated but good burgers and service
google avatar

Mackenzie K.

Yelp
Got 2 Bambi burgers and the cheese balls to go. Everything tasted great and it was a super friendly atmosphere!!! If I wasn't in a rush to just grab food and get to my destination I would've LOVED to stay and hang around in there. Portions were great for the price. Could've enjoyed more of the cheese balls though, they were so good. Burger was a teeny bit dry but still delicious! Can't wait t get it again!
google avatar

Drew G.

Yelp
I have been coming here for 45 years. My dad started bringing me here when O was 7 years old. It has changed owners a few times but the food and the atmosphere is still the same as it was 45 years ago. The food, service and ambiance are awesome if you like a good neighborhood dive bar with great fried bar food and the famous Bambi Burgers! This is the home of the "Bambi Walk"!
google avatar

Lauren B.

Yelp
Good prices for good food! We enjoyed the Bambi burgers, steak fries, and onion rings and the beers were cheap! The onion rings were my favorite!
google avatar

Alli C.

Yelp
Bambi's burgers are legendary, and splitting one is a great way to indulge in a date day! Cheap drinks, great company, friendly staff, and all the dive bar ambience you could want - Bambi's has it all!

Monica W.

Yelp
Dive bar with great burgers, fries and onion rings. Standard appetizers with cold beer and mixed drinks that don't break the bank. Limited indoor seating with friendly servers.
google avatar

Chris S.

Yelp
Yes. Yes. Yes. I don't even know where to start. I almost hate posting this bc more people will find out about this gem then there's going to be a line. Once you walk through the doors you realize this a neighborhood hang out. Where everyone knows your name and they just cook simple AND amazing bar food. We love that tons of people drive past this place everyday and have no idea that hands down they have one of THE BEST BURGERS in ton. Nothing fancy. Just a sold (huge) burger. Cooked fresh and with love. No fancy cheeses. No fancy toppings. No fancy buns. Just straight up amazing burger. They don't ask how you want it cooked it just comes out a perfect medium well. The fries are crispy and perfect side with this. They have great beer specials and we can't wait to go back and try more. And yes, thru do a TON of carry out biz. Inside, we saw mostly middle aged couples from the highlands area that know hood food and just want a gray judged at reasonable prices. Can't wait to go back!!!!
google avatar

Lauren P.

Yelp
My favorite dive with unreal food. The wings, sauce on the side. Best wings in Lou. And don't get me wrong the burger is insane. And they have miller high life in bottles. It's my type of place.
google avatar

Jaye S.

Yelp
Definitely a local "dive joint"---just what we were looking for!! Individual checks weren't a problem, even for a group of ten! Burgers were tasty, side salads were a good portions, and drinks were cold and refreshing!
google avatar

Tony W.

Yelp
I have loved the Bambi burger for 45 yrs and have endured many new changes along the way, like the cool little packs of mustard, ketchup, salt n pepper, napkin and the piece of peppermint candy that have disappeared but now the infamous toothpick that keeps that huge burger together has disappeared.......unbelievable!!!
google avatar

Glenn M.

Yelp
This is a very fun and friendly bar, both staff and customers. The bar is well stocked. They have one of the best burgers call the Bambi Burger. One of the juiciest and most flavorful burgers I've had. There is plenty of great fried food and the onion rings are a winner. I just finally got to Bambi Bar after being in the neighborhood about three years. I'm going to have to make up for lost time and go a lot more!
google avatar

Hailey P.

Yelp
Alright y'all, I'm a BIG fan of dive bars and Bambi in the highlands/Louisville is a good one! We were in town (from AZ) for the Kentucky Derby and due to delayed flights, arrived pretty late on a Thursday night. Bambi was walking distance from our Airbnb so we popped over for a burger and some drinks. Oh my, the cheeseburger was one of the best that I've had in a LONG time!! So juicy, loads of toppings, and all the right flavors. The fries were crispy and delish. The drinks were also good - they've got cold beers, White Claw, and all the basics. They also had fun tunes playing. We will be back on a future visit to Louisville! Will be dreaming about that burger for a while!
google avatar

Jason E.

Yelp
Not bad for a dive bar. It take quite a while to get our burgers, but it is burger week. I was a little put off because the app stated $6 burgers but here they are $7. Worth it but don't like bad info. Parking is tight when busy and we got the only open table. My burger was juicy and real. No food service patties here. I would have liked a little more sear on the meat but pretty good. She said the onion rings were good.
google avatar

T O.

Yelp
A diamond in the rough here. Small place that has huuuuge juicy burgers! You could parachute off these things! Cooked to perfection! Cheese dripping off the edges, topped with fresh Tomatoes, pickles, onions, lettuce and Mayo, Very flavorful burger. We also had the "spicy cheese balls" on the side. These things are tiny bits of heaven rolled up in a little ball. Dipped in ranch or horseradish sauce and you are super happy! You can eat inside or out! Parking on site! Full service bar with plenty of TV's so you wont miss that game! Order at the bar! Seat yourself! Enjoy! I'll be back!
google avatar

Queenie W.

Yelp
Local dive with decent burgers. Helpful and friendly staff. Tuesday is Trivia night and the kitchen can run behind otherwise attentive staff. Food is reasonably price.

Kia Lane N.

Yelp
Best dive. Family owned and operated, delicious food, friendly patrons, and reasonable prices. What more could you want??
google avatar

Adrienne P.

Yelp
Are you looking for the best burger in Louisville? Look no further! From the outside you might think it's just another dive bar. It is a dive bar, but one that produces some fantastic food. The owners Beth and Paul are some of the nicest people you will ever meet. Their whole family helps In the bar in some aspect. It's the kind of place you can take your family too. The burger and the spicy cheese balls are definitely one of the more popular items. They have many other choices that are delicious as well. We have enjoyed wings and salads, and of the of the fore mentioned items. Their onion wings are some of the best I have ever had. If you like Gorgonzola, be sure to ask for the Come Back Inn Gorgonzola sauce on your burgers, or on the side to dip your onion rings in! They offer dine in or patio seating, carryout and curbside. Have been great at following all covid protocols.
google avatar

Shelley S.

Yelp
We stopped in here for a burger on a Saturday. After seeing Louisville take over users rave about the Bambi Burger. We did not get the Bambi burger but other burgers. My mom got the little dam bam and I got the one with grilled jalapeños. I'm on keto so I've opted to go with no bun. The burgers were just ok. We ate them all, but after all the rave I expected it to blow me away. The service did blow me away. Our server was very attentive and made sure we had everything we needed. It is a cool place it's super small with limited seating. COVID protocols are in place. Patio was closed on Saturday we had hoped to eat outside since it was beautiful. Parking can be a challenge here, so be careful, very limited parking.
google avatar

Paul S.

Yelp
Long ago Bambi Bar was the launching point for many Bardstown Road Bar Walks, these days Bambi Bar has become my favorite dive bar in Louisville. I love the dim atmosphere, illuminated only by TV screens and neon. While small in size, Bambi Bar is big time when it comes to their food. Their burgers appear to hand patted gems that taste like I'm at a family cookout. The Southwestern Bambi Burger can hold it's own against any burger on Bardstown Road. And while I love the burgers, it is their wings that keep me coming back. Whether its the spicy breaded wings or naked wings soaked wet in buffalo sauce, their wings have never disappointed. Throw in some Spicy Cheese Balls (with homemade Horseradish Sauce) and Bambi has the perfect array of bar food for any dive bar enthusiast. Finally, I cannot write a review without mentioning the great service I've had every time I come in. Whether its a busy Friday night, the craziness of Burger Week, or a slow Tuesday afternoon, the staff always makes you feel welcome and part of the Bambi family.
google avatar

Jeremy J.

Yelp
My wife and I stopped in here on a Friday night when we had a date night we started here and had a drink at the famous Bambi bar we had to sit outside which is fine because of Covid and set an old table just had a couple beers and they brought it out in a red solo cup it was a lot of fun really made it was a cool little atmosphere I did not see Michael bar that would be in the Highlands but more of the south end where I grew up I did not get to try the food but it seem like a cool establishment but I will try
google avatar

Sarah H.

Yelp
I've recommended Bambi Bar to lots of people recently for awesome burgers and most of them I've said "I didn't even know they had food!" I think the Bambi Burger is one of Louisville's best kept secrets. While it clearly has it's almost cult like following, there are also those who are just totally unaware of its existence all together. If you are one of these people believe me when I tell you that you're missing out. Bambi Bar has more to offer than a location to begin the iconic "Bambi Walk". Their burgers aren't fancy but they're solid, delicious, greasy, bar style cheeseburgers and they're worth every single calorie. The Bambi Burger features American cheese, lettuce, tomato, dill pickle, onion, mayo and mustard and I recommend getting it just like it comes. They also have several other varieties of burgers like the Hot Bam that has jalapeños and pepper jack cheese and the Gorgonzola burger that has an amazing Gorgonzola sauce. My husband prefers the Larry's Double which is a full pound version of the classic Bambi Burger. I also recommend the onion rings as they're some of the best in town but the pepper jack cheese balls are great also. Next time you want a great burger try a Bambi Burger!!
google avatar

Michele C.

Yelp
I'm so glad I was able to dine in last week! You will not be disappointed with anything you order from here! Bambi Bar has delicious bar food! The onion rings are beer batter fried. So light and crispy! The Burger was fully dressed with their yummy Gorgonzola sauce. (I asked for extra sauce to dip my Onion Rings in it!) You owe it to yourself to visit this long time Louisville bar! #ThankYouThursday
google avatar

Teah H.

Yelp
Saturday night we had a craving for a good cheeseburger. We decided to order take out from Bambi Bar. Matt called to place our order around 5:15pm and they said it would be about 20 minutes. On our arrival they had a table at the door and staff was going up to cars to check. They were bagging up our dinner as we pulled up. So they took our credit card for payment and brought our food out with the credit card receipt. Our food was packaged in Styrofoam containers and placed in a plastic bag. We ordered the Spicy Cheese Balls to share. I did not care for the sauce that came with the Spicy Cheese Balls but Matt loved it. Matt ordered the Southwestern Bambi Burger it came with Jim Beam BBQ sauce, onion rings and pepper jack cheese. I ordered the #0 Bambi Burger. All Bambi Burgers are served dresses with American cheese, Lettuce, onions, tomatoes, pickles and mayo. I decided to order my burger with only cheese, lettuce, and added bacon. We ordered a basket of skinny French fries to share. Sadly French fries get a little soft when they are sitting in a Styrofoam container, but after we placed them in the toaster oven for a few minutes they were all good. The burgers were huge and filling! We both enjoyed our dinner. Thank you Bambi Bar staff satisfying our burger fix. Hope to stop in once things open back up.

San W.

Yelp
Place never changes; it's been forever but I knew it instantly. GREAT burgers & nice folks & cold beers. What else could you ask for?!
google avatar

Melissa B.

Yelp
Great little bar/Grill...I would call it a hole-dive bar but that's a good thing!! I am 53 and I was raised on going to holes...I have been partying legally since I was 18...legal age back then. They offer free WiFi! Just ask for the code. We got a beer and a soda, only $5 with tip. We looked at the menu but we had already eaten, but menu looked good. Great prices and just about everyone was eating something!!! I will definitely go back again. I will try one of their Bambi Burgers and some spicy balls!!!
google avatar

Allison E.

Yelp
What a find! After hearing about Bambi Bar on the Louisville stakeout Facebook group we decided to give it a go. Called in and was given a pick up time, the waitress came straight to the car as we pulled up and our food was out in a snap. We ordered a #3 and #4 with spicy cheese bites and WOW. I was unsure at first, the patty being very large made me wary, but man was I wrong to be worried. The burger was cooked through perfectly, and still very juicy and delicious. Each burger comes dressed with onion, lettuce, tomato, and packets of mayo/ketchup/mustard so you can dress it yourself. The onion rings were massive hit the right balance of onion to breeding for me. The cheese balls came with a southwestern like dip that was so delicious I could've put it on everything! Overall it was a great find and we can't wait to go back!

Todd S.

Yelp
Best burger, quick service, cozy outdoor area and best dive bar in the ville~ A must do!
google avatar

Farrah D.

Yelp
Finally tried Bambi Bar after seeing it mentioned over and over (and over and over) in local dining groups on Facebook. It's a dive bar through and through - nothing fancy on the menu, and it still smells like smoke even though Louisville has been "smoke-free" for more than 10 years. We heard it was the place to go for a burger, and it lived up. We each had a burger (one with onion rings, one with steak fries) and split the mozzarella sticks. Burgers were good! Greasy but not too greasy, and good beef flavor. The service was solid, but prepare to order at the bar and go back for drink refills. We were there early on a weeknight - everything was pretty laid back. Food took enough time to ensure us that it was made to order, but wasn't slow by any means. Clearly a family establishment as there was a kid or two at the end of the bar. Happy to have tried this Louisville institution.

Ro B.

Yelp
Came for burger week and let me say... This is a hidden popular at gem! I've always heard about Bambi bar... just because of #BambiWalk but never stopped by. The burger was amazing!!! A must try. The staff is so friendly and welcoming. I'll be back!
google avatar

Christian D.

Yelp
Excellent burger and fries and great price for super cold beer! Top 15 In Louisville Ky!! Hole in the wall bar, which usually are the best bars and the burger joint is a must must stop!!
google avatar

Shey D.

Yelp
Bar food. The wings where fresh and juicy. Some spicy some not, which was a bit odd but still edible. The burger was THICK. Fries where good too, but I was surprised by the onion rings. They were really good!
google avatar

Laura B.

Yelp
Five star review for a burger from a dive bar? Yes!! This burger with Gorgonzola sauce (from their friends at The Come Back Inn) and onion rings live up to the hype (and there has been a lot of it lately over on the Louisville Take Out Facebook group). However, the slaw deserves more hype, too. It was crunchy and creamy and it had a nice little kick - delicious! Prices are reasonable, the guy who took my order over the phone was so friendly, and the food was brought out to my car at EXACTLY the time when they said it would be ready. What more can you want?? We'll be back for sure!
google avatar

Julie M.

Yelp
Ordered the Bambi burger with onion rings and a side of jalapeño poppers! It was my cheat meal and it was my best quarantine decision in 6 weeks!
google avatar

Amy B.

Yelp
I know that Bambi Bar is a Louisville staple and as far as little hole in the wall type bars go- it is pretty cool. They are known for their burgers so my husband got one on our most recent visit and it was just okay. I thought my boneless hot wings were way better than the burger. The drinks are cheap and the bartenders are friendly. It is pretty small inside but there is a patio out back. It is a fun spot to grab a beer or two but I would rather eat elsewhere.

Christopher B.

Yelp
Totally awesome bar and burgers. Pleasant owners who care about their customers and pride themselves on producing amazing food. Don't forget, they have salads too. Dressings are home-made; horsey sauce is amazing
google avatar

Jane M.

Yelp
Food to die for...and owners who care to get it right during extremely trying times. Please continue to support local.
google avatar

Sharron S.

Yelp
Such a fun Dive Bar! A very eclectic crowd on any given night. Tonight is the Ugly Sweater Contest for Christmas! The bar is packed. The bartender Layton is on spot! He is quick, remembers your drink and whitt! The new owners Beth and Paul have really put passion into this Little Juke Joint! The location is excellent 9n Bardstown Rd and Taylorsville Rd! The food is excellent 0ub Grub!! Try the Bambi Burger, the chili or the chili fries!! The bar is well stocked. The drinks are stout and inexpensive!! Great times at Bambi Bar!!!
google avatar

Cherise M.

Yelp
Honestly, I didn't know Bambi Bar had food until recently. But I've been trying to explore new takeout options. I got a burger from here for carry-out. It was delicious. The patty was HUGE! Staff was friendly. HYPE over the burger flavor and skinny fries. Highly recommend.
google avatar

John H.

Yelp
Don't bring your wife, girlfriend or your mother. Or anyone else you may feel conscientious about their experience. The bar is lined with a bunch of old dudes. I came for beers and burger. Had a Space Dust IPA (this is not the place for great beer options), and of course a bambi burger. Very inexpensive. The waitress or bartender was very attentive. But it took 45 mins to get the burger. Not good. Food was just in line with the price. If you want to drink a couple of cold pops with one of your best friends in a dive environment....this is a good spot. If you want something other than that....keep searching.
google avatar

Shari A.

Yelp
I ordered Cheeseburger with onion and pickle. Side of Beer Battered Onion Rings. They were served piping hot and everything was delicious. Friendly staff and they brought my meal to my car. Do yourself a favor and "treat yo self"!!a
google avatar

Keeleigh W.

Yelp
If you want a good local meal this is the place! The only down side is that they are always busy! Make sure to get there early. The food is always on point and the best local restaurant find!
google avatar

Ray G.

Yelp
For Louisville, I have my top 3 places to get a burger and this is solidly one of them. They have never failed me on cooking my burger to temperature, it always has a nice sear and the patty has an elevated beefy flavor that is not found in most burgers. The fries are always hot and crispy and the coleslaw is ridiculously fresh and good. The staff is genuinely friendly and the service is prompt. There is an ample selection of drafts and bottles and they have nice liquor selection too. What an unpretentious dive and I say "dive" in the most positive way.
google avatar

Taylor B.

Yelp
We are so happy we found out that Bambi Bar has food! It is now our favorite place to get a burger in Louisville. It's a simple cheeseburger but they do it perfectly! The spicy cheese bites are so good too. You can get it as a side and not just an appetizer. The price is excellent and the staff is always super friendly. We have been getting curbside during the pandemic and it is always fast and easy. They let me know that their porch welcomes dogs last time. I love that this place has gotten so much attention from the Louisville Takeout Facebook page because it helped me find such a great place!!
google avatar

Ehrin R.

Yelp
Great little dive bar my husband and I went for lunch and a couple beers before a concert .The food was really good, hamburgers made fresh with real meat not frozen patty crap.
google avatar

Kelsey F.

Yelp
If you're craving a "pub grub" style burger, it doesn't get much better than this for the humble price. Thick, juicy patties which satisfies my favorite ratio of meat to bun. Nothing fancy here but that's why I like it. Their combo options allow me to get their famous pepper jack cheese balls with my burger in lieu of fries - genius! And half the reason I'll be coming back :)
google avatar

John C.

Yelp
Bambi Bar is a highland classic - great food &strong drinks. Classic neighborhood bar, and the start of the famous Bambi walk
google avatar

Ed H.

Yelp
I've never had their food, but this is a great dive bar. It's legendary as the beginning point of Louisville's classic bar crawl, the Bambi Walk. They have a decent beer selection, especially for a dive, and a cozy atmosphere. It's a great place to hang out. I want to try the Bambi Burger because I hear it's awesome.