Kern's Korner

Bar · Highlands Douglass

Kern's Korner

Bar · Highlands Douglass

1

2600 Bardstown Rd, Louisville, KY 40205

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Kern's Korner by null
Kern's Korner by null
Kern's Korner by null
Kern's Korner by null
Kern's Korner by null
Kern's Korner by null
Kern's Korner by null
Kern's Korner by null
Kern's Korner by null
Kern's Korner by null
Kern's Korner by null
Kern's Korner by null
Kern's Korner by null
Kern's Korner by null
Kern's Korner by null
Kern's Korner by null
Kern's Korner by null
Kern's Korner by null
Kern's Korner by null
Kern's Korner by null
Kern's Korner by null
Kern's Korner by null
Kern's Korner by null
Kern's Korner by null
Kern's Korner by null
Kern's Korner by null
Kern's Korner by null
Kern's Korner by null
Kern's Korner by null
Kern's Korner by null
Kern's Korner by null
Kern's Korner by null
Kern's Korner by null
Kern's Korner by null
Kern's Korner by null
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Highlights

Classic neighborhood bar with amazing burgers, chili, and soup  

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2600 Bardstown Rd, Louisville, KY 40205 Get directions

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@kernskorner

$10–20

Information

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2600 Bardstown Rd, Louisville, KY 40205 Get directions

+1 502 456 9726
m.facebook.com
@kernskorner
𝕏
@Kerns_Korner

$10–20

Features

payment cash only
reservations
wifi

Last updated

Aug 7, 2025

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@eater

A Number of Restaurants Once Open For Takeout and Delivery Have Closed Last Week - Eater Portland

"The Kerns area bar known for its lack of cocktail menu and decor has closed to the public." - Brooke Jackson-Glidden

https://pdx.eater.com/2020/3/13/21178995/covid-19-coronavirus-closures-portland
View Postcard for Kern's Korner

Dennis Smith

Google
Down home spot! Bartender’s friendly. Cold beer! Awesome food. Cash only and has an atm available! Will be back and could easily be my new hang out. Try the poor boy sandwich and the chili and chicken noodle soup is just like grandmas!

Justin O'Dell Realtor

Google
This place is great! Been there a few times now and always have great friendly service and excellent food. Definitely try the burger with a cup of chili.

Gary P Guthrie

Google
I hadn't been to Kerns in years, but after an less-than-mouth watering experience at the Bambi Bar, I decided to give it a try. Why did I wait so frickin' long? The cheeseburger blows the Bambi Burger off of Bardstown Road; the service was friendly and quick; everything was clean; and the people were just downright nice. It was so good that I went back again a few days later and had the chicken noodle soup AND the chili. Both were excellent choices. And while everyone else is jacking up prices to cover their added costs brought on by inflation, KK's prices were extremely fair given the quality of the food. If you're looking for a new neighborhood bar, this place deserves your attention.

Cherie Aldridge

Google
Love the "local, hometown experience"! They pat out your burger in front of you, like home! The burgers are great! Simple bar food, but everyone was eating! Take extra time to find a place to park!

Monte Delafonte

Google
Love this place! Tasty comfort food. Great staff, clean, decent prices. All-round fantastic spot.

Mark Churchman

Google
In coming here for many many years, small but it's a good little place for great people. Always feel like you have known everyone for years

Raven Rodriguez

Google
Terrific burgers!! Amazing chili! Friendly staff! Great atmosphere!!

Tití T

Google
Qaint little bar with an excellent burger! And a cute little bartender Beth! Go see her and tip well
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Richard F.

Yelp
This is a real fun place to have a meal and a drink. A small neighborhood place that has been there for years. It's like going to the Cheers Bar. We walked in and immediately saw someone we knew. The tables are all tall so you have to sit on bar stools, but they're padded so comfortable. The menu is limited, but they have homemade soup and their specialty hamburgers and cheeseburgers. I ordered an unusual soup, Chicken Baja and a Cheeseburger with chips. My wife ordered a Chicken Sandwich. Both were absolutely delicious. Prices are reasonable and it's strictly cash only. There is an ATM next to the bar.
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John D.

Yelp
Great burger. Very small local dive. Enjoyed the atmosphere as there are a lot of locals having a good time and chatting it up. Beer was cold. Service was pretty quick, considering they were slammed with a lunch crowd. This is a CASH ONLY place, so make sure to have some dollar$ with you.
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Alli C.

Yelp
Rainy evening? Heads to Kern's for chili, beer, and good local company! Bring cash as it's cash only!
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Smug A.

Yelp
I grew up in the area but was never of legal drinking age. while in town visiting my parents I stopped in for a bit last Sunday. I would totally hang out at this bar if it were in my neighborhood m I talked to some people at Mr. G's tonight who said Clay S. Is still the owner. I haven't seen that dude in 30+ years
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Diane E.

Yelp
Fun local diner. Delicious food, great service and fun atmosphere. We came for lunch and hung out with the "regulars"! You can tell this is a popular lunch spot and easy to see why! The parking will all be in the timing as it is a little small for such a popular spot. You order at the bar and it is a cash only venue. No worries as they have an ATM machine on site.
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Aaron A.

Yelp
A cozy place where everybody knows your name and has probably the best burger grill in the Highlands. Don't get surprised when you find out it's cash only.
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Bruce B.

Yelp
It's a trifecta win on good, service, and ambiance. A laid back diner/bar setting that is cash only. They have an in house cash machine. I enjoyed as I often do chili with cheese and noodles. A cheeseburger dressed with no onion as side of potato chips. There is constant carrying on from regulars around you. Most everyone is friendly, staff and patrons.

Chad S.

Yelp
Awesome service, soups, and burgers!! Definitely a positive, local vibe and a go to spot for a casual night out.
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Jamie F.

Yelp
Kern's Korner is a great local neighborhood bar. Nothing fancy, but adds to its charm. The food is cheaply priced and the cheeseburgers are fantastic! If you're looking for a nice casual spot to have a quick meal and some drinks, this is your place. They have a nice outdoor seating area as well that is covered by a tent that was great for my family and I when we went. It is cash only, so don't forget to bring some when you come!
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Heather M.

Yelp
I admit I've known about Kerns Korner for years and never stopped by until recently (Post Pandemic). My friend and I stopped here on a Saturday evening to try something different. There is a private parking lot and street parking available. We parked on the street. We went inside and there was bar and table seating. There is no table service here and a big menu is posted to the wall, all ordering is done at the bar. My friend got the regular cheeseburger burger and I went with the patty melt w/o grilled onions. We both ordered regular cokes as a drink and sat at a table. Our food was brought to us by the bartender/cook a short time later, we didn't wait very long. My friend enjoyed his cheeseburger and ate it all in one setting. I did enjoy my patty melt however I forget what kind of cheese was on it, it was actually very good and, I was able to eat it all. We did get a small bag of Lays Chips w/ our burgers and I will say I find it odd this place doesn't do fries either. My reasons for 3 stars, I wouldn't say our first visit here was terrible but rather different in some ways. One of them being the set up of the establishment. I'm positive this place is 21 and up beings there is only bar seating and high setting tables, no families were dining in either. If this place is 21 and up, I had no idea. Another thing that stood out to me was we didn't see any women clientele either except for maybe outside, everyone there was mature older men and maybe a few younger men. We could definitely tell everyone here knew each other and this is a place where more mature clientele hang out. We did see another female come in but she quickly left. It does make me wonder why there weren't a whole lot of women here, idk if the men scare them away here or what. The bathrooms here are set up odd as well, similar to Mag Bar, just a toilet in a small room and a sink outside. There are 2 of them for men and women. And the last thing which I mentioned earlier is that they don't have fries which is odd. Most everyone likes fries with their burgers. Our bartender/cook was friendly this visit and seemed to have things under control with an almost full bar and not so full dining area. He did great this visit, and was tipped well. (NOTE; CASH ONLY, ATM is available here) Not a place we would frequent on a regular basis but, will return for the burgers. Definitely want to try the regular cheeseburger next time.
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John H.

Yelp
Holding steady to my previous review. I like this place as a very casual and low key place to hang out for a drink and a burger. Great value. Cash only....so make sure you have the bills :)

Jeff D.

Yelp
Great good great friends homey atmosphere! One of the best cheeseburgers and a chili dog worth gettin messy!!
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David R.

Yelp
Not only is the food incredibly cheap (even though they just increased their prices due to cost of goods), but I'd put this burger ($8) up against any in the city. It's fresh and fantastic. Always welcoming, always friendly, always fast (even when packed), and always running out of Clam Chowder before 1230pm on Fridays. Jennifer always introduces herself and asks your name, and makes it a point to try to remember it. This is a true neighborhood watering hole. Oh, did I mention a heavy poor of Weller SR (green label) is less than $6? Ask for Doc, and buy him a shot of Tequila. As a non-native Louisville resident, this has been my best find in Louisville since moving here in 2017. Only downside is cash only (ATM inside), but they definitely adjust their prices of food and drinks to include the traditional "cash discount".
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William S.

Yelp
Was recommended by two different people to try this place and it didn't disappoint at all. Really good Cheeseburgers nice and juicy and done just right. We got the chips with it. I would have preferred fries but they don't do fries. We got a bowl of chili and it had really good flavor but was a little watery without crackers but crunch the crackers up in it and it was just right.
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Marian C.

Yelp
So, the food is just OK. My burgers are typically overdone. The spaghetti chili is comforting, but not extraordinary. That is not why you are coming to this bar. You are coming here for the neighborhood feel and general feeling of community. The people tending bar are always so welcoming and warm. The crowd is not young and attention seeking. The drinks are stiff. Oh, they have boxes of Franzia in the fridge. There is always horse racing on the TVs for those horse racing gamblers that seem to live in their seats there. No judgement. You do you. The space is tiny and the menu is on a door in the back of the restaurant. Cash only, but there is an atm inside. As a bar, this place is one of a kind, divey, and neighborly. Definitely would not rate this place based on food. This is a bar. The fact they have food and a small grill in the corner is an up-sell!
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Michael B.

Yelp
Let me say what a great little old school family bar. A must is a bowl of chili with spaghetti mixed in. The cheese cones is an open face 1/4 pound hot dog.. The cheese burger is just a good old fashion hand made patty. For the non Louisville people full dressed is lettuce tomato onions pickles and mayo. The menu is on the back wall the hard choice will be picking something. The bathroom is a little small. Do not judge a place by the look, go get some food...

Ellie C.

Yelp
The best burgers in Louisville in my opinion. My grandpa was a regular at this bar for as long as I could remember so it's safe to say I have eaten many of these burgers and they never once have disappointed me. The bartenders also always seem to be very pleasant when you arrive. I'll be back soon for more.

Kim H.

Yelp
Stopped here while in town for a doctors appointment. It's a very small local tavern. You could tell it was a local lunch spot with regulars. We were greeted as we sat down and felt welcome. Cheeseburger was wonderful. Would highly recommend if your in the area.
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Sharron S.

Yelp
Great neighborhood watering hole. I've only been a few times but always enjoyed the food. The burgers are tasty. But my actual favorite is the vegetable soup. It's an older friendly crowd. The service is quick and friendly. The only drawback is it's cash only. That's great for their bottom line but not everyone always has cash!

Klint C.

Yelp
Best burger in town. Wished I could have tried the chili. Lots of people were having and it looked really good! Reminds me of Cheers where everybody knows your name.
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Dianna D.

Yelp
Not Fancy, not flashy, not pricey. Best neighborhood bar in Louisville! Order their famous Kern's burger! Simply delicious! Wanna start the day fun? bring your friends here on a Friday afternoon!
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Eric M.

Yelp
I was very skeptical about this place when we were walking in, just a hole in the wall....lol! When we walked in, everyone was very friendly, a hey, hello, how you doing. Hometown bar where everyone knows your name. The beer is cold and the place is like home. Ohh....and do NOT forget to order their famous burger, with cheese and dressed!!!! Will definitely be back, low key, welcoming and the burger is the tops!
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Becky S.

Yelp
This is the place to go when you want a Great cheeseburger... cooked right in front of you & dressed just the way you ask...the rest of their food is good too...especially the soup.
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Heather P.

Yelp
The reviews were right again. The crowd is a bit on the older side. We walked in and sat at a table not knowing that you have to step up to the bar to place your order. They don't have menus...just a list on the wall that consists of burgers which were made fresh (we watched the friendly cook pat them out and throw them on the grill), chili, ham and chicken sandwiches and just a few other individual items. I was surprised that they don't serve fries...they do have bags of chips though. I got the chili dog which was served opened faced and with a fork. It was $4.50 and pretty big. We didn't drink so maybe that is why we didn't enjoy it as much as some of the other reviews.
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Steve O.

Yelp
This is the iconic neighborhood bar and grill straight out of Cheers. If you are a regular the bartender has your drink ready by the time you are one step in the door. The only menu is on the back wall. The 5 star choices are cheeseburger, chili, or grilled cheese and chili. You have to order at the bar. Frank brings you your food when it is ready. The food is great. It is really pretty simple after you have been there once. UK and Louisville are always on the television when there is a game. It is a great place to hang out.
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The N.

Yelp
Was told by many, "Try this place. You have to!" I did. Went more than once. Not impressed. I agree with another reviewer. $5 for fried bologna? Didn't try it but tried a mediocre burger which cost even more. Wendy's has better burgers. The restroom setup reminded me of the Mag Bar downtown. Difference? That's a dive bar for college kids. This bar is in a nice area of town. For the prices, you can walk to several better places. This place does not impress me.
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Tony W.

Yelp
The dressed cheeseburger is the bomb, for $6 it's the best for the dollar in town. They actually hand make each burger from fresh 80/20 beef daily. The chili is delicious, just like my own recipe! The chili dog is gigantic and really good!
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Frank K.

Yelp
Great little neighborhood joint, shot and beer type place. middle of day older crowd friendly about half full at 3pm so I didn't have to fight for a seat. Best part killer cheeseburger for $6 bucks or just a plain hamburger for $5:50 just about the same price as Mickey D's or the King, but much better, cooked fresh to order they also have a variety of other sandwiches and homemade soups definitely worth a visit. This is the kind of place I'm always looking for they're hard to find nowadays wish I lived in the area I'll be back again
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Brian B.

Yelp
I must have driven or walked past Kern's Korner hundreds if not thousands of times in my life without ever having walked in. I knew I needed to change that, and so I stopped in for lunch on a recent Saturday to see what this venerable old place is all about. Well, what it's about is old school at its finest. It's a small bar with a hot grill right next to it, and you can order burgers or sandwiches or soups. I must have looked like a newbie, because right away the very friendly bartender asked if it was my first time here. He then recommended the cheeseburger, which he said was their most popular item. Done and done. He did not mislead me, because the burger was thick and juicy and hot off the grill. For only $6 (plus an extra 50 cents for a side of chips), it was a bargain. It was a little too hot outside for me to try one of their soups, including their famous chili, but I'll save that for next time. This is the kind of place where men hang out and watch and discuss sports (the U.S. Open was on when I was there, leading to some golf discussions at the bar) and the issues of the day. I love it, and I can't believe it took me this long to visit.
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Lee S.

Yelp
Best bar side burger in town. If you have time order some chili. Great place to watch one of our local football or basketball teams, while enjoying the local environment. Come and bring your friends
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Anastasia A.

Yelp
Neighborhood bar with lots of locals, mostly older gentlemen shooting the s**t during the day. Always busy it seems, very friendly folks. Can always find the horse races on TV here, which is great. The soup here is sooo good, but the burgers are delicious as well. Note: CASH ONLY, I had to run down the street to an ATM, ugh. I do recommend for a simple, delicious, cheap meal.
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William L.

Yelp
I have been coming to this place for nearly a decade, always during March madness and also coinciding with the truck show here in Louisville. Free Wi-Fi
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Jon P.

Yelp
This was a fun local dive bar that was close to the airport. The drinks were good and the staff friendly.
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Terrell H.

Yelp
Saturday lunch at Kern's was awesome. Cheese burger, chips and a Bud Light. $9.50. I am new to Louisville and my first visit to Kern's. Still working Thu trying new places. Kern's is on the list to return regularly.
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Ali B.

Yelp
This is the ultimate neighborhood pub. Kinda like Cheers sans oak paneling.. and Boston. The people here are so insanely friendly. By the time you're on your 4th drink, you feel like you've been a regular all your life. Great drink prices. Love Kerns!
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K. A.

Yelp
If you're in the mood for a damn good diner style burger built by a pro this is the place, folks! This is just pure old school w/ great folks behind the bar/grill. Hell, come out for the stories and a $1.25 Miller/Bud Lt. Oh yeah, the chili is freaking awesome too=)
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Allyson M.

Yelp
Small hole in the wall with a neighborhood feel, cash only, super friendly welcoming feeling. Great old fashioned burger! Also had homemade chili and a couple of beers. No frills for the after work grab a bite and a beer kinda charming in it's on way. The crowd was a bit older and mostly men, early on Friday night.
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Jason M.

Yelp
HOLE. IN. THE. WALL. CASH. ONLY. DIVE. But aren't those sometimes the bast damn places to grab a bite to eat and suck down a few drinks? You think so, too? Really? We can be friends, then. I don't go here too often, but I have to admit...cheap and strong drinks, paired with friendly service and some great, greasy food and awesome soup and chili...isn't that a combination for happiness? I will be going for a bit tonight, mainly to drop off my uncle, but I'm sure I might have a beer and a burger while I am there. Because...why the hell not!
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Becky S.

Yelp
Always so yummy! The bartenders are alway awesome & the cheeseburger makes you wanna eat 2....
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Kyle Brian R.

Yelp
Yelp has too many Elite people and not enough "Tell The Truth" people. All too often they don't keep it real. That ain't me and this place ain't worth being a destination. It's just a simple small "bar" that serves poor quality food. Other reviews suggested that the Bologna sandwich was amazing. It should be at $5.00! But instead it is 2 slices of this bologna served on regular white bread. You can get it fried but honestly why bother. My meal with drink was just $6.00 total which included old chips I didn't want and couldn't eat. In fact I just ate half the miserable sandwich. It would also have been nice if they had a menu somewhere aside from the back wall or if the guy at the bar could have suggested something to an obvious newcomer. Another sad note is that the bathrooms are just toilets in a tiny closet and a sink sits outside in front of the restrooms. I just kept praying I didn't have to poop and then soil my hands while cleaning. To sum things up, DON'T GO!

Robert A.

Yelp
Great low key, enjoyable atmosphere with carefully crafted homestyle burgers made to order by my dude, Jason! Thanks for welcoming me into the area and will definitely be in for the occasional beverage and burger :)
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Bob S.

Yelp
Best cheeseburger in Louisville!! Friendly atmosphere and ice cold beer. This is a neighborhood gem and has been for 40 years!!
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Jim S.

Yelp
Cozy place for talking over stiff drinks. Tasty grill food - other than the norm of Burgers & Fries - they also rotate homemade soups. Old-school charm.

Ron B.

Yelp
This is my favorite bar in Louisville! All the food is good! I love their vegetable soup! Had a patty melt the other day and it was the best I ever had! Been going to Kern's for years! Great place to watch sports! I go every year to watch the Kentucky Oaks! See you there next Oaks or next time I'm there!
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Roy D.

Yelp
Best burger. Best fried bologna. Best drinks. Chili is really good. Great place to watch a game. It's small but worth the time.
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Melissa B.

Yelp
Great bar for a burger and a beer. It's very casual and cash only. The crowd tends to be on the older side which is fine with me. Even if you get a table you will still need to go up to the bar to place your order. I loved my burger! You really can't beat the price. The only thing I had an issue with was the tiny bathroom.
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Stacey N.

Yelp
Great place for a burger and a beer! They also have a great fried bologna sandwich and chili dogs. Everything is cooked to order and they have homemade soups as well. A must try.
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Matt E.

Yelp
A very clean and affordable neighborhood tavern with friendly help. The real star of this place is the delicious Beer Cheese and pretzels that they offer here. If you stop by, make sure to try an order with your Old Fo's.
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Madd F.

Yelp
wanted to try it. and loved it..I know its a bar and you gotta order at the counter but its good food..and well priced