Hell or High Water

A unique experience! My boyfriend booked one of the private rooms and as you can see it was very cozy and overlooked the rest of the speakeasy. It was so nice to not only be in a hidden gem in town, but also in a hidden spot within the space! It is very intimate and the drinks are delicious. Support local 🩵

I recommend this unique cozy speakeasy. Nice selection of unique cocktails all well prepared. Comfy, warm, unique atmosphere with several sections. Staff were personable, knowledgeable and friendly. Make sure you make a reservation before going. I didn't give any stars for food because we didn't eat anything. However they have small bites available to eat on their menu.

What a great spot, love the vibe! Always down for a speakeasy...be sure to reserve a spot or go early. There was plenty of space but we were told we had to exit by 9. 😆 It was only a quarter full so we could have picked any spot. We were interested in bourbon drinks so we ordered 2 different ones... Unbeknownst to us one of them was actually a rum drink. It was delish but it would have been nice to know it was rum based so we could ask for bourbon suggestions.

Best bar / speakeasy I’ve been to, drinks were perfect and crafted with excellence. Very cool vibes and cool spots to sit. We celebrated a wedding anniversary here and enjoyed every second. Drinks are appropriately priced for the quality you get. Best one we had was “Fools Paradise” (pictured in tall glass). No food offerings, but small pies were there and good. Had the bourbon pecan pie

Tucked away in downtown Louisville, Hell or High Water is one of those hidden gems that nails the speakeasy vibe without trying too hard. From the moment you walk in, the atmosphere feels thoughtfully curated—dim lighting, plush seating, and a vintage flair that feels equal parts cozy and classy. It's the kind of place where you can actually hear the person you're talking to, making it perfect for a laid-back night out. The ambience is effortlessly chill, with smooth jazz and soul playing softly in the background, and the staff is welcoming without being overbearing. Whether you're sipping one of their inventive cocktails or just soaking in the surroundings, the space invites you to slow down and enjoy the moment. Definitely a spot worth checking out if you’re into well-crafted drinks and an upscale, relaxed setting.

Please excuse the bad photo. This is probably our favorite bar in Louisville. The speakeasy nature makes you feel like you've just stumbled into another world. It's especially nice in the winter IMO, very warm and cozy vibes. The drinks are fun and there's plenty of options. Definitely on the pricier side but nothing unheard of. I recommend trying to get a seat in the library section. Very cool to look through the spines and people-watch there.

An exceptional find while visiting Louisville! Do yourself a favor and get reservations, we lucked out getting them the day before. especially if you can get them in the library with a live band. There was a fantastic jazz band while we were there. Spots are for 2 hours in our experience which is more than sufficient to enjoy a few incredible cocktails. "dealers choice" was popular with our group, but the house punch at $10 was incredible! Need to figure out that recipe at home. A walk in the park and calling card #1 were also fantastic, well made, and very balanced cocktails. The staff here was amazing! They were incredibly attentive, perfect timing with when we were ready for another drink. Seating and atmosphere were awesome! Crushed velvet seats were super comfortable. Dim lighting helps add to the atmosphere.

Hell or High Water offers an intimate, immersive speakeasy experience that combines Jazz Age aesthetics with modern craft cocktails. Located discreetly beneath Whiskey Row, (around the back door of Duluth)the bar’s hidden entrance and stylish two-story library design add to its mysterious charm. Reservations are often recommended to secure a spot but if you are a small party and walking by just ask the doorman if there is anything at the bar. The craft drinks are with the visit along with top notch bourbon menu.

Great speakeasy experience. Definitely worth seeking out. No sign on front door... and apparently hit or miss whether you're going to get in... but... a great vibe. All the cocktails are expertly mixed and the bourbon and rye list is substantial and reasonably priced. The decor is on point and the service outstanding. IMO it's worth seeking out and checking out.

There are only small plates available. Make sure you eat before you come. This is the perfect place to end your night. The service was impeccable. It was my birthday and we got there before the rush came in this speakeasy isn't too noisy and has a 1920s vibe. (Maybe even more dated than that) it's a must go for a beautifully crafted drink.

Okay AMAZING! Just saying! The atmosphere is so cool and the drinks were very well balanced and very good. If in the library look for the secret book and leave a little something behind. The drinks are a little higher priced but they were very good and not all fluff. Give this place a try

We always have a great time here. Super cool vibes, the drinks are always incredible and the service is friendly and helpful. This is a spot I recommend taking those who may be visiting Louisville

Ask for Dakota!!!!! She was incredible. I am somewhat picky and didn't find anything I loved on the menu so she made me something custom and it was the best drink I ever had. After that she encouraged me to try one of the menu items that was out of my comfort zone. I ended up not liking it so she took it off our bill and made me something else. Absolutely awesome. If you go at 5ish you can walk in but I'd make reservations for anything later.

Very cool, literally, vibe. Air was feeling fantastic after a hot Louisville summer afternoon. Such a neat place. We ordered two speciality cocktails. If you didn't know what you were looking for, so easy to miss it, which added to the intrigue.

A beautiful speakeasy with its own private entrance down some stairs... the decor and ambiance feel very warm and cozy. They have a ton of liquor, so if you don't see a cocktail that you like, the bartender can definitely make one.

Hell or High Water is a cocktail lounge with a speakeasy kind of vibe, and my sister and I thought it would be a fun to dress up and go for cocktails. The website gave the impression that seating was limited and reservations were highly recommended, so we made a reservation on a Thursday night (after our dinner at Repeal), as they have live jazz on Thursdays. Surprisingly, the place wasn't very busy and was half empty the entire time we were there. We each had two cocktails. I had "First Blush" (Harahorn Gin, Cobrafire, Absinthe, Raspberry Syrup) and "Strawberry Fields" (Gin, Campari, Peach Liqueur, Strawberry, Lemon, Egg White) and my sister had "Spring Forward" (Rhuberry Gin, Sea Legs, Lemon, Simple, Raspberry Rose Sod) and "William Morris" (Spring Gin Infusion, St. Germaine, Caffo Maraschino, Lemon, Hibiscus Foam). We enjoyed all the cocktails. Surprisingly, the cocktails were reasonably priced, ranging from $14 to $18 (I know that's not cheap, but that's the standard price these days, and in some places, prices range from $18 to nearly $30!). All our drinks were $15. While we liked the cocktails, Hell or High Water wasn't anything special. The way it's set up, we weren't in the same room as the jazz band and couldn't even see them. The place was pretty dead, and the service wasn't great -- it took a while to flag down the server to order another round of drinks. Hell or High Water is a good place for cocktails, but I did have higher expectations. [Yelp collections: Louisville/Indianapolis 2023; Louisville, KY 2023]

We reserved the room over looking the library which was super cute and we were able to talk and have a good time. The cocktails were awesome and we loved them! Our server was great and she was very helpful when we needed to order something. This is a speakeasy so it's very unassuming at the street, but once you are in, it's very pretty and has good vibes. If you do reserve a table (which you should) they have multiple reservations so you might get a gentle reminder that you have limited time left. It is a super unique space and I highly recommend you check it out if you are in Louisville!

I love a speakeasy. This one requires reservations. The staff was very friendly and personable. My husband really enjoyed his drink. He said it was one of the best drinks he has had. We went Black Friday evening and was informed of the Repeal Party. We attended the event and was a good time. Loved the vibe. They had a photobooth and we were able to sample some Heavenly Hill bourbon.

We love this place so much, we went both nights we were in town. The ambience was perfect for a date night while visiting Louisville. The first night we grabbed bar seats, fell in love with it, and put a reservation in for the second night. We mentioned to the bartender that we were newlyweds in conversation, and they hooked us up with a great spot for night 2. There is not a bad spot in the place, and the drinks are so good!

I have been to Hell or Highwater twice now and have really enjoyed both visits. Once we randomly stumbled upon it a few years ago while have a night out downtown and most recently on New Years Eve to not only ring in the New Year but to also celebrate our Wedding Anniversary. The first time we checked it out we did not make a reservation as I mentioned we randomly stumbled upon it by word of mouth and ended up waiting the hour and a half to get in (we just went to another bar until they called us) so this time I was sure to make Reservations and was pleasantly surprised there were several options available. I selected to sit at the bar since it was just the two of us, and even though we arrived a little early they got us right in. We sat down and were greeted almost immediately; we could hear a Jazz band playing in the background however we could not see them but still enjoyed the entertainment. I was slightly surprised they still had their Christmas cocktail menu available and was hoping for something a little different, lets be honest once Christmas has passed and you've been to some of the Christmas pop-up bars in town, I was over the Christmas type drinks LOL, but the drinks were good regardless. My husband got a pour of Elijah Craif which was their barrel picked Bourbon, and he really enjoyed it. I got one of the Christmas cocktails however the menu has now changed, and I cannot remember what my first drink was. My 2nd drink however definitely stood out as it was a Mezcal cocktail served in the teacup and saucer that was only available on the Yuletide menu. They offered a Champagne toast at midnight which I thought was really cool and also offered Caviar specials which we did not partake in. We really enjoyed the evening even though it was super low key. It wasn't jam packed, we didn't have to scream to hear each talk and we were able to converse some with the bartenders which we both enjoyed.

This place is an absolute gem! I love the dimly lit, sexy, and romantic atmosphere. Although it's clearly known by many, it still feels like I'm sneaking into a hidden spot that no one else is aware of. The charcuterie boards are delicious, and the drinks I've tried have been equally impressive! Service is always lovely, attentive & make the experience easy & enjoyable!

The concept and space were very cool and liked the live jazz. Service was hospitable and friendly. The cocktails were however just okay. It was fine for a regular bar, but based on our past speakeasy experiences they didn't measure up.

This is actually my second time to HOHW. I was here a few months ago and was actually my first time ever in a speakeasy. Very relaxing atmosphere and a great place just to sit and socialize with a drink. We had seven of us and our Greater and waitress was very attentive. We initially just stopped in because I wanted to show the group I was with this time, the ambience of the location here. We went back upstairs because we were on our way to another location and we turned right back around and decided to stay. Just really a neat place to hang out with great drinks. Never been here on the weekend, but I would imagine it's pretty busy. I was even ask if I had reservations when we first walked in. I would definitely give this place a try.

My wife and I went here for the first time 3 days ago and we are back to night. This is a true speakeasy! The vibe is romantic and nostalgic. The service and the drinks were amazing enough to bring us back just 3 days later. We didn't try any food last visit, but can't wait to.

The drinks were made incredibly well. Unique liquor selection, well balanced cocktails. The service was phenomenal, we sat at the bar and talked to the bartenders and they were both great. The mood lighting and cute decor were the cherry on top. Great place 10/10 would visit again.

I love everything about hell or high water. We have been several times and nothing has been less than 5 stars every time. The dim lighting and velvet seating when you walk in take you back in time. The bar is beautiful and the library area is stunning as well. Tonight we got to sit up on the balcony overlooking the library and it was extra romantic and secluded but still had the vibe of being part of the scene. Very clean. Bathrooms are very nice and clean. The drinks are delicious and every time we go we get something different and have never been disappointed. Waitresses and waiters are attentive without hovering or staying away too long. This time we tried the amble in the bramble, whiskey sour, rum roll and clover club. All delicious.

Worst establishment in Louisville. We sat down for an after dinner cocktail and before we were served they escorted us out with no reason. This place is unprofessional and classless. Do not go there unless you're looking for an uptight and snooty establishment.

Hell or High Water is an awesome speakeasy. Definitely a step back in time. Check out the wall paper in the bathroom.

Stumbled upon this gem and let's say it was the highlight of our weekend. First and foremost we came in a way that was a mystery to everyone but Joseph, Eden Jade and Lindsay treated us like we were family. The staff were overwhelmingly good, Eden Jade and her mixologist skills and positive energy made you not want to leave let alone go home. The place had an amazing vibe, music was great for the space and noise level was perfect. Get a reservation and go!

Cool spot. We had a group of 8 show up without a reservation on a Tuesday night & got a table instantly. The staff were very friendly & accommodating. The ambiance is very cool. I give the place 3 stars because I expect a $15 cocktail to be strong. Everyone in our group said their drinks were on the weak side. We went around the corner for dinner & the $10 Manhattan I ordered was a *much* better deal.

One of the coolest places I've ever been to! The vibe of this entire establishment is immaculate, with some edgy, romantic, almost spooky vibes as you make your way to the entrance to be seated. Reservations are HIGHLY recommended, we made reservations for a Wednesday night and they were absolutely packed. There are different seating options, some may cost more than others. We chose just the general seating and we had our own huge space that was intimate and cozy to enjoy our drinks! Our waitress was fast and efficient, and our drinks (while pricy) were very good and matched the vibe of the atmosphere very well. They have an excellent curation of cocktails as well as a full bar. We could've stay here the entire night, and it was an absolute highlight during our stay in Louisville! If you're looking for a unique night out, definitely book a reservation at this establishment!

Great vibe - love the decor and style of this spot. Cocktails were fabulous. I got the gin garden drink to start and it was smoky and spicy and so unique, absolutely loved it. The aviation was great as well. My friends loved their paper planes and my husband was obsessed with his mezcal marg. Def a fun spot to check out with friends for a night cap - we will be back!

Firstly, the bar is very very slow on completing drink orders, it took at least 20 minutes for each drink. The decor is beautiful, but the tables are ridiculously close together. It's hard to call a bar a "speakeasy" when you have to shout over other conversations to be heard.

This is such a great cocktail bar! We came here earlier this month while visiting Louisville with some friends and we had a fantastic time. We arrived when it opened at 5, so it was quiet and we were able to relax downstairs. We tried several of the cocktails including the Cherry on Top and the Come into the Garden, both of which were absolutely delicious. Service was amazingly attentive and they refilled our water as fast as we were drinking it, which was a great touch as well. The ambiance here is wonderful as well and it's cozy as well as sophisticated. We loved coming here and would definitely return again!

Speakeasy. Amazing environment, decour and service. The drinks kind of meh..:which is disappointing considering the price and the hype. Not the first place I come back for!

Great speakeasy with classic and creative cocktails! Beautiful ambiance, interesting servers and a great place for fun. Pro tip: don't miss out on the wallpaper in the ladies room!

Cool and calm ambiance. Really friendly staff and their drink recommendations were good.

A true speakeasy with decor, drinks and service to match. The seating is very intimate and definitely unique. This place came highly recommended and it didn't disappoint.

I can understand why this speakeasy is one of the highest rated and most recommended in Louisville. It has such a cool feel inside, almost like one of the common rooms in Hogwarts in the back. Such beautiful exposed brick and bookshelves, with cozy, intimate seating. The service was on point and we were very well attended. We each had several cocktails from the menu, all of which were phenomenal. The struggle buggy was delicious, but I thoroughly enjoyed the smooth, drinkable old-fashioned that I had and picked the bourbon I wanted from their very extensive liquor menu. The prices are all very fair especially considering what you get for it. If I go back to Louisville, I'll come back here in a heartbeat.

Drinks were good! I enjoyed my cocktail and so did my husband. The atmosphere is very "romantic" is how I would put it. There isn't a lot of mingling in the establishment because they sit you at your own table and the speakeasy has a few rooms. Definitely a cool vibe. We sat in the "library" area which was quiet and intimate. We could see the bar from our spot which was fun. This would be a good place to come with a group or if you wanted some quiet time to chat with your significant other. Drinks were decently priced. Our waitress was kind and attentive. You have to have a reservation to come here.

Over priced..more of a check the box place. Great location and ambiance..need a better menu and a bartender that can make drinks outside the more traditional drinks

I LOVE THIS PLACE! My son and I had an evening in Louisville and Hell or High Water popped up as an option. We were charmed by the ambiance of the low-ceiling cellar space turned speakeasy. We were there at opening, without reservations, and it was no problem getting in for bar seating. The cocktails were very good - they did a perfect dry martini. We did not try any food since we were headed to dinner. This was a great place to stop for a quiet drink. The service was excellent and the overall vibe of the place will have me returning soon.

I absolutely love speakeasies. Aside from the ambiance I really look forward to the craft cocktails. We arrived around 1030pm after dinner and the guy at the door said they were full since we did not have reservations. We stepped outside and I looked quickly and was able to make a reservation for 11pm. Our server was great, friendly and attentive. My drinks were OK but my husband did not have the same luck. His were weak and not complex at all. I'll give it 4 stars for the amazing ambiance and service but more like 3 stars for their cocktails.

Here you go for all my speakeasy friends out there! Make a trip to Louisville for this must see. Make reservations in advance. I begged as didn't realize this and really am speakeasy fan and this was on my list. Called and got sweet Lindsay on phone and begged for forgiveness:). She listened attentively to my pleading and got us spot. Was right door but again need the deets on finding this place because as we know it is secret society. Upon arrival was told by doorman had to do Macarena which we know by the way! Immediately after he checked out our story and if legit we were taken down into another world. Red velvet little seating areas. Lovely service with great drink suggestions. I had the Japanese Lantern and it was perfect! Hubs had brandy old fashion which was also great. We had dinner reservations and they were booked so this was the bargain as told Lindsay would be in and out!! We will be back!

Reserved the boudoir room for my boyfriend and I. Felt so secluded and romantic. Our server was great and super friendly. Cocktails were yummy and we loved the added touch of pressing a secret button to call our server up. Amazing kick off to our weekend in KY.

We made a reservation here at this secret speakeasy. Great time with good vibes and music. Not crowded at all. Would highly recommend coming back here!!!

Important - Reservations required, and do so at least 2 weeks ahead of time to be safe. If it's summer time, I'm guessing it will definitely be busier, so you may want to have more buffer time for your res- we booked in the winter, so didn't come into conflict with that! You'll have a couple options, from the Library, Lounge, boudoir (private booth), fumoir, and the Gaga room. My partner and I booked the Boudoir booth 10:45PM on a Saturday night. As popular and well-known as this speakeasy is, it still feels like a real secret nestled by the Ohio River in high-profile downtown Louisville. Once you get to the address, you come to a single room with lots of vintage posters. Still uncertain if you're at the right place, you make a call to confirm your reservation and someone opens the secret door and whisks you away into that dream-like, dark and dimly lit, Great Gatsby like world that is Hell or High Water. The whole place is stunning, sexy, and vintage. I'd dress the part next time to get the full experience. Our receptionist took us to our boudoir room, which was a small balcony room, overlooking the library, with privacy granted by a thick, red velvet curtain. We called the bartenders by pushing a button. My partner and I ordered 2 drinks, the bottom of the barrel (on the Hell menu) and the Savoy spritz (on the highwater menu.) My drink was so refreshing, and my boyfriend, who loves dark drinks, was enamored with his. It was such a perfect, intimate, and private date night, and one I'll remember for such a long time. Out of all the bars you go to in Louisville, make time to go reserve and go to this one, and live out your grandoise antebellum dreams pretending you're Daisy & Jay Gatsby here!!!

The guy at the door was clearly not happy with life. We get here and he said we had to have reservations. So I stepped outside and made them for the next available time. Stepped back inside, he was on his phone. I said I've got them now for 915. Not looking up he said come back in 15 minutes.so about 10 after we tried again. Again, "got reservations?" Then go in. Once inside, much better. Waitress was friendly and helped us with our drink selection. Served quickly and the presentation was well done. Would not recommend the pecan dessert. I'll try elsewhere next time in town.

I'm shocked by the positive reviews. The concept is great...speakeasy with only a HOH logo above the door with no signage. Unfortunately, it went downhill from there. The two young people at the door looked like they were just hanging out talking. Walk down the stairs to no one attending the host area. Stood there for 15 minutes with two other groups, finally had to go in and tell a staff member there was a line out front. Wouldn't the reservation at 10pm on a Saturday night indicate that there would be patrons arriving? Finally seated at a sticky table, drinks felt like they were made by a Sorority House. Waitress spilled my drink in my lap (things happen, not upset at all). The lighting at the table was incredible bright, isn't this a speakeasy? Once again, drinks were awful...doesn't make sense as I read other reviews. Louisville has much better casual or upscale bars available that would be a much better use of your time on a Saturday evening. Just terrible.

Simply outstanding cocktails and ambiance! The mixologist was very knowledgeable and personable. Great service I can't wait to return!!

Staff were friendly! We were there celebrating a birthday and they made it extra special offering a shot and a glass of champagne. Made reservations for the bar but kind of wish we sat in the library area. Our reservation was for later in the evening but staff was accommodating when we called to go a couple hours earlier.

Lovely drinks and bartenders. What a bunch of bullshit though at the door. I was literally told "it would be best if your 4th person did not show up" when I asked about adding one more to our party. We were the only three at the bar and all the red velvet seats open. The attitude is just rude and dumb. No thanks, you're not the only game in town these days.

My boyfriend and I are visiting Louisville and was looking for this location for an hour while it said it was open. We called multiple times to find the location. The bar near by didn't know where to find the location and couldn't give us an exact location (heard of the place but never could find it) So we basically wasted our night looking for this disrespectful bar and went to a different spot to fill our needs that Hell or High Water could not provide.

Love the ambiance of this place! When you get there it feels like you may be in the wrong place (which is a trademark of a great speakeasy). Make sure you looks for the small sign that tells you the number to call to check in. We love sitting in the library room. Both times we've been here the servers have been super knowledgeable and helpful in recommending drinks . They just put out their new spring menu tonight. Tried two drinks and they were both amazing! Lost in the Maize and Bottom of the Barrel. If you've never been here or are visiting Louisville this place is a must try.

One of the better places for cocktails that I've been to. The place has that speakeasy vibe to it, and it would be best to have reservations. We ordered a few different drinks, and they were all spectacular. I think the In Bloom and Red Eye Rye were my favorites out of all the ones we tried. If you want some great cocktails, I highly recommend this place.

Cool atmosphere, but a little overrated. There was a couple in front of us that got in without a reservation (despite the website saying reservations required) and then we had to wait about 15 minutes after our reservation to be seated. The drinks were really good, I will say that. A good mix of old-timey drinks and modern craft cocktails. The jazz band was great, but we couldn't hear them from our seating by the bar and had to walk into a different room to see/hear them. I was a little surprised that it wasn't as intimate as I thought it would be. The seats were very open to other people around and it was incredibly loud in there. We left to go to a quieter bar. I was also disappointed that no one was at the door upstairs to open the door or ask for names/reservations. Really ruined the true "speakeasy" vibe for me.

The drinks were OK but the service was rude. We didn't have a good experience. I do not recommend if you are looking for something fun and low key to do in the city. There were plenty of other cool bars with wonderful service.