Merle's Whiskey Kitchen

Music makes a meal better. I loved the live music 🎶 . They do not take reservations and it's in walking distance of the KFC yum! Center. It was a nice vibe. The fried chicken sandwich was filling. SOUTHERN FRIED CHICKEN TENDERS, HOMEMADE "BAMA SAUCE" ON A BRIOCHE BUN, TOPPED W/ HOUSE MADE SLAW & PICKLES. Shareable mac and cheese was okay. The taco was fresh and hot. The server was attentive and patience.

Place was pretty cool. Oldschool retro feel with some pretty good food. We had a chicken quarter, some tacos(don't recommend), and the best corn bread ever!

Enjoyed the atmosphere at this Bar. Bartender was very knowledgeable and made great drinks. Menu had some good choices though the quantity of items was not large. Tacos were good size and flavorful. Fried chicken taco was a first but it was really good. Side order of parmesan. Fires was huge and really tasty. This place is definitely a place to revisit.

Merle’s Whiskey Kitchen is not what I remember. The food was decent and the live singer was good but that’s where the positives end. Service was below average and the garlic parmesan fires were not worth the up charge. Unfortunately I don’t think I’ll be back. This place was geared towards drinks and the bar experience. I’d recommend eating somewhere else and grabbing drinks here only.

Visited March 20, 2025 In town for a conference and decided to try Merle's for lunch. I was seated right away since I was dining alone, but it took a while before someone actually came to my table to take my order. After some convincing from the wait staff, I ended up ordering the BBQ pork taco and the Southern Fried Chicken Sandwich. The bbq sauce on the taco was amazing and the pork was tender. However, there was too much slaw on my taco which took away the flavor. The chicken sandwich on the other hand I had no complaints. The chicken was seasoned to perfection and the pickles aded extra flavor to tie everything together. Points were deducted because all though the food came out fast it was all luke warm. Especially since I saw the gentlemen in front of me cooling off the steam from his food.

Had a great time here. Our group had cocktails as well as the Pinhook and New Riff flights of bourbon/rye as we had already been to Michter’s earlier in the afternoon. The meals were fantastic and we split many dishes amongst us to be able to try different things. Our server was attentive and friendly.

When we went it was pretty loud inside, but nothing in my opinion that was too overbearing - I only find it worth mentioning as I know some folks aren't into that (we went around dinner time). But I tell you, the lively atmosphere paired with incredible service paired with incredible food and... Well, Merle's is not to be missed! The bar made me an NA margarita that was absolutely amazing. I also ordered the Fake Ass Chicken Sandwich. Delicious! And the fries were some of the best I've ever had. Super crunchy and flavorful.

AMAZING. We were going to eat lunch elsewhere around the corner but spotted Merle's nearby and decided to give it a shot. Very thrilled that we did! All the food was awesome, try the tacos, (ALL of them if you can!), chicken and waffles, sammies, a great bourbon selection for sure. On the waffles, literally the best I've ever had. They're denser than most meaning they can stand up to chicken on top and syrup, with a cornmeal crust. I was so impressed. The candied bacon appetizer is a MUST! It's so good, spicy Cajun and sweet at the same time. There's a reason they give you "moist toilettes" with all your food cuz you'll be licking your fingers no matter what you're eating.

This is a nice spot if you're looking to really hit the boo's hard and watch some sports. Lots of different whiskey and bourbon options as well as lots of beer options and lots of televisions. Someone who doesn't drink I enjoyed a couple different flavors of Red Bull in the food I had there cowboy style Cobb salad which is very good it was served with steak and I also sampled their bacon appetizer which I don't think anybody at our table liked but that's okay. It has a very untraditional atmosphere and theme from the servers and bartenders and that's part of the experience I would definitely check this place out again if I'm in town for a convention and want to go somewhere where there's a lot of sports nice staff and a lot of beverage choices. One of my coworkers had their 25-hour cooking slow deep fried chicken and said it was amazing.

I'm always looking for a great place that serves southern food and when you live in the South you expect to find some top notch southern food. Tonight, I visited Merle's Whiskey Kitchen which is right in the heart of Downtown Louisville. This establishment is known for their rather large selection of bourbon whiskey as you'll find every type of bourbon whiskey featured from Kentucky and also other various bourbon whiskey to choose from. On this trip however, I decided to it try the whiskey but instead make having dinner my priority. What surprised me is that the menu here gets right to the point and isn't pages and pages of food but instead a very appropriate selection of food to choose from. With chicken to tacos and more, I firmly believe you won't have a problem finding something that will tickle your taste buds and satisfy your hunger. Being as I'm a big fan of chicken and waffles, that was my main course on this trip. The chicken and waffles are some very well each with three separate decently sized Belgian waffles each topped with its own chicken tender with some bourbon maple syrup on the side. The chicken tenders were very juicy and tender and the waffles along with the syrup I poured on them as well as the chicken was so very good. For the sides I tried their shareable Mac and cheese which is definitely a shareable portion for two (and since my wife was with me we got quite a lot out of it). The Mac and cheese was very creamy and quite good. We also tried their pretzels and queso and I have to say that I've never had queso quite like this. It almost had a sort of a hummus texture if you were to keep mixing the queso. It's absolutely delicious and I could've ate just it straight from the bowl. The atmosphere here is very welcoming and that of a very medium tone when it comes to the lighting which is very pleasing to the eyes and not too bright at all. It makes whatever you're enjoying from a cocktail to some food a very pleasurable experience plus, the staff are all very knowledgeable and very friendly when it comes to answering any questions you may have. I absolutely recommend checking out Merle's Whiskey Kitchen if you're ever in the Louisville area as I know it's certainly a place I will be frequenting again and again.

I was in town for a convention and walked past this place every day when I left my hotel. I finally went in for lunch before I headed to the airport. I was by myself so I sat at the bar. I started with 3 tacos; Green chili pork, Al pastor and brisket all without cilantro. I think the green chili pork was their award winning taco but I liked the Al pastor the most. The green chili sauce seemed more like a sweet jam than a spicy sauce which I would have preferred. I was still a little hungry and you never know how the airlines are going to treat you, so I ordered 3 more. This round was the bourbon que, chorizo and pollo rojo and this time my favorite was the chorizo. It was a little on the greasy side but it was good. I would have been fine with 4 tacos. I was getting full during the 5th and I had to struggle to put back the last one. Al pastor was still my overall favorite. It wasn't my first time here. I don't think I'd make it a point to go back, but it's in a convenient location so it might happen.

We stopped for lunch at Merle's on our way to Nashville. It was a beautiful Friday afternoon. Our server, Chloe was super friendly and knowledgeable. We ordered a bunch of tacos, the bacon!! Mac and cheese, fried chicken sandwich. Had the Buzzzzz (spicy Margarita), $20... but worth it! Spicy. Really spicy. Really good food, we got in quickly and the food came fast. Definitely stop by when in town.

We stopped in before attending a comedy show a few doors down. Walking in, we were greeted and told to sit wherever we liked in a section of bar tops. The live music was sensational, I felt at home with the mix of country and covers of songs like teenage dirt bag. We had a few beers, a cookie skillet that melted in our mouths, and the best wings I've had in months. Safe to say that the experience is one I'd like to repeat, often. Only down side was getting our check took a moment, but that's how it is when you're in bars like this. Nothing to frown upon. I loved the vibe and everyone was having a great time!

This place is pretty awesome. Good whiskey selection (although a little annoying that the rare stuff isn't on a list so you have to keep asking), they have lots of their own barrel picks and if you like it they sell bottles from their picks. The food is awesome. Nothing fancy but various tacos and fried chicken and all of it is amazing. I've gone multiple times over two trips and been a great experience each visit. They had live music one of the nights we were there which was an unexpected treat. Centrally located spot. Will go back anytime I visit the area.

Very friendly bar staff was happy to talk about the wide variety of allocated bottles behind the bar. Drinks were a bit on the pricy side, but you can "upgrade your pour" and add another 0.5 oz for only $2 more no matter what you ordered. The food was fast and easily edible, exactly as we ordered. The Cuban sandwich was very good and can be ordered with the cheese dip on the side. If you're visiting one of the distilleries in the area, this is a good place to refuel and get something solid into you before the next tasting.

Right across the street from the YUM center in downtown Louisville, so get there early to grab a table. Good live music, drinks, food & service. Always appreciate a nice clean ladies restroom also LOL!

This was probably one of the best meals I had in Louisville during my weeklong stay. Myrna was our server and she was fantastic! She was attentive, observant and very personable. I say she is observant because I received the wrong dish and she was at the table within a minute because she noticed. Anyway, for our meal we got a variety of drinks from margaritas (yum!) to mixed drinks to the vodka iced tea, everyone enjoyed their beverages. If I lived in Louisville I'd be a regular for their margaritas alone! For entrees some got tacos and raved about the green chili jam, I got chicken tenders with green beans and slaw, others got chicken with Mac and cheese. Everything was delicious. I was completely stuffed and satisfied when we left. The hot honey oil is amazing and I loved the green beans and slaw. Myrna made the evening so fun for us. We joked that they should open a small bar or have an event with "Myrna at Merle's". Give the girl a raise or at least a pat on the back.

This place is excellent. I wasn't sure what to expect since it's definitely on the beaten path, but it really is so good! My friend and I were visiting from out of town and really wanted a place that had Mint Juleps and so we landed at Merle's. First, the mint juleps are excellent. Second, the skillet cornbread with honey butter is absolutely divine - it's enough to split between 2 people but you won't want to share. I ordered the Caesar salad with chicken and loved it! The atmosphere is also really neat as it's in some kind of historic downtown warehouse with original brick walls.

Even though it was packed we managed to get a table for 4 pretty quick . There was live music Friday night which was awesome . Ordered a quarter chicken white meat, 3 tacos pastor, Merle Caesar salad and green chili taco ( was delicious) and southern fried chicken sandwich. Everything was great , all food came out quick w exception to chicken, think they forgotten kitchen and had to advise waitress we were still waiting for it. It was awhile as we were almost done with our food by time my son got his order but it was hot and tasty. Place had a great vibe ,

Merle's Whiskey Kitchen is a great local spot with amazing margaritas and southern food. Great vibes with live music and plenty of seating for groups!

Stopped in for dinner after a visit to the Bourbon Trail Visitor Center and a tour at Old Forester...right across the street. Chicken and waffles good; waffles a little burnt. Wings good; nothing exceptional. Fake Ass sandwich very good; tacos filled with tasty meat and fresh crunchy slaw. Casual atmosphere and attentive server!

This was the first place we ate on our first visit to KY 4 years ago so we decided to go back. I wasn't sure we should go again when there were so many other places to try. But I'm glad we did! We started with Old Fashioned cocktails. They are just OK. But then the food showed up. I had a green chili taco and it was delicious. I lived in San Diego for decades so I have eaten a lot of good tacos but this is a top 5, for sure. My boyfriend got the Cuban sandwich which comes nestled in melted cheese! Come on! And it was also really tasty. Service was just OK. Our server was nowhere to be found a few times (& it was 3pm on a Saturday and they weren't super busy). But it's a fun place and if you're ever in Louisville I would recommend it.

Mack and Haley toon care of us tonight at Merle's Whiskey Kitchen. Kristal the Manager continually check up on us to make sure that we were completely satisfied with our dinners + drinks. The ambiance was spectacular and I look forward to coming back to Merle's whenever I'm in town.

The food here was so good! The ambiance was great, very nice place to eat. The service was also phenomenal. Very attentive staff. The water was AMAZING.

Stopped in for a few drinks before heading to the Louisville Comedy Show. Drinks went down fast and they were strong. Ordered the pretzel sticks and cheese dip. Enjoyed the atmosphere and food.

This place has utterly delicious tacos! Great service too. Loved the exposed bricks and Edison bulbs.

I love a good fried chicken so I was excited to check this spot out. I decided to get a quarter white meat chicken with a side of mac and cheese and parmesan garlic fries. The mac and cheese and fries were both delicious but the chicken was a little overdone and didn't quite live up to the hype. The restaurant itself is dark and loud, which could be fun in the right setting, but wasn't great for talking to our friends.

Had a great dinner here this week. Our waitress was great! Very attentive and efficient. The food was good, and restaurant near and clean. After dinner, we had a few drinks at the bar. The bartenders were very good. I highly recommend giving this place a try.

We came here to listen to a friend play music, he is a friend of my cousin and to have dinner. Our waitress had only been there for 2 days supposedly. She did a good job. The food was really good. Amazing food. Cornbread to die for. Amazing Chicken and waffles with a bourbon maple sauce. Good nachos. My only complaint I went to the restroom and overheard our waitress complaining and cursing at the fact we were still there, "they have paid and they are just hanging out" well excuse me if you don't want people to hang around you shouldn't have live music. There was no one waiting for a table I might add, in fact there weee 4 open tables right beside us. Otherwise we enjoyed this place and my cousin comes here all the time. But that gave a negative impression and therefore a 3 star rating

We were staying across the street at Distill and walked over to watch the game and have dinner. Tacos were excellent. Warm Burbon cookie and ice cream was incredible.

I visited This establishment for the first time and have been blown away by the hospitality I received from Haley! she did an amazing job and I can't wait to return. the food was also amazing. seasoned well and the music while I ate was amazing!

We wanted to escape the Derby crowd so we decided to go to Whiskey Row. I was wanting to try something new so we went to Merle's. The restaurant was nice. Everything was clean and they had the derby on so it we could still watch the race. The service was okay. It did get busy so we didn't see our waitress for a bit. She did a good job for how crowded the restaurant was. The food was not good. I ordered a salad and it tasted off. I only had a few bites out of it before I called it quits. I tried a bit of my husband's food and I wasn't a fan of it either. I'd probably try other restaurants first before going back to Merle's

The food, and service was just okay. Nothing to really talk about. The live music was a great touch. I would only come back for the live music.

If you're coming to Merle's to sample bourbon, you have found nirvana. I've never seen such a selection. If you're hoping for great grub to go with your drinks, you'll be disappointed. Our server, Anna, was friendly, helpful and quick to take a drink order. For food, my wife ordered a chicken taco and a 1/2 chop salad. I went with the brisket burger and sprung for an extra $2 for fries. That makes $17 for an ok burger. There's a burger Patty, which I assume was the brisket burger. On top of the patty was shredded pork, a tasteless sauce, lettuce, onions and pickle. Substitute coke slaw and the sandwich would be much improved. The fries were crispy and warm, but certainly not hot. My wife's salad was very good. However we had to ask, then wait several minutes before silverware & napkins were brought to our table. All for a taco that was served ice cold. Our server took it back to the kitchen and zapped it in the microwave rather than just making a new taco. So, she was served a taco with cooked lettuce. There's better bar food to be enjoyed in the area. So, Merle's is best for some chips or nachos along with your drinks.

This place has an awesome array of bourbon! And I'm here for it. Not only is their food delicious but it will satisfy your Taste buds. It's like an orgasm in your mouth. Just saying. You don't believe me. Stop on in and try their quarter chicken spicy with side of mash and green beans with bacon and the side of the apple bacon in a cup I think. lol your mouth and stomach will thank me.

Came in and started with The Buzz (spicy margarita) and George's Famous Old Fashioned. The margarita was indeed spicy but really, really good. For food we started with the El Jefe Nachos with Steak and Candy Maple Bourbon Bacon. The bartenders, Lindsay and Erykah, were really cool, we had a lot of fun hanging out with them. We ended up staying for a while and ordered the cornbread, mac n cheese, and the barnyard burger. Omg...the burger was probably one of the best burgers I have ever had. Overall, great night, great place! We will definitely be back.

Really wish I could rate this place higher because the food and drinks are good, but EVERY time the staff has been incredibly rude. This most recent time an older guy yelled at us for not reading their policies written on their wall before being seated. I have no problem with their policies but the consistent poor treatment is ridiculous .

Wish I could give this place zero stars. Incredibly rude staff from the second I walked in the door. Older man would not consider seating us until we read their policies on the wall which was to wait until everyone in your party is there before being seated. It wasn't the policy that I am upset about it is the way he told us to read it and just walked away without offering to help seat us once our party arrived. Bad vibes.

Went here while attending a convention in Louisville. We all enjoyed our selections. Their skillet cornbread is so decadent! We all inhaled ours. We were seated on the pati, which was perfect for our large group. And we were able to view the main drag while dining- another plus. Our serve was helpful and friendly.

We stopped in here on Wednesday evening about 7 o'clock before an event at the Yum Center. We were seated immediately and a nice waitress came to us and brought us water. I ordered the chicken salad with ranch dressing. It was really good and tasty. The food came out very quick. The atmosphere of the place was really nice and fun. We had a good time. I really enjoyed my food and I will be back.

Six of us seniors enjoyed this place for lunch on a Saturday. They don't take reservations so plan accordingly. The food was good and service was friendly but it is a bit loud. . Within walking distance g distance of the Louisville Slugger factory, Maybe half a mile. Parking garage is nearby.

Super cool vibe- old building in downtown Louisville. We were seated immediately. I ordered a margarita that was on the menu as "Voted Best in Louisville." It wasn't. We started with pretzels and queso- it was fine. Nothing spectacular about this dish no matter where you order it, so as expected, it was fine. After looking at the menu for awhile, I chose the nachos. When they arrived, I was excited to try because the colors were all there with the homemade chips, tomatoes, black beans, cheeses, guac, and shredded chicken. After I took the first bite, I wasn't sure if I liked it or not. It tasted more like pork than chicken. It was just okay. I wouldn't choose the restaurant again but I would eat there if someone said, "meet me here." It was just ok. Didn't love it, didn't hate it

I am not a bourbon or whiskey person. Or a bar person. Or a fried chicken person. Why oh why then, you may ask, did I think I would enjoy Merle's Whiskey Kitchen? Because, I will respond, a very reliable source revealed the secret of their plant-based menu section. Sometimes a girl needs a vegan taco, and Merle's has several. I opted for the wild mushroom (roasted wild mushrooms, poblano corn salsa, pickled red onions) and the Kentucky fried avocado (avocado breaded and fried, salsa verde, cilantro), and holy tacos. Clearly there is a genius in the kitchen - the specific combinations in each taco melded together so perfectly - I may have laughed delightedly several times during my consumption. My dining partner chose the fake a$$ chicken sandwich (southern fried vegan chicken, vinegar slaw, vegan garlic aioli, pickles) which comes with chips, and without hesitation provided his stamp of approval. Pricing is reasonable - $15 for the sandwich and chips, $4 per taco. Merle's - I may not be there for the whiskey or bourbon, but your tacos definitely have my heart.

I picked this place because of the menu and location. Honestly, when we got there we thought to ourselves that we made a mistake and it's gunna be a tourist trap... We were seated on the patio. Service was fine, nothing to complain about. We ordered drinks, all very whiskey-forward and good! Food was delish! I have no complaints. They have tons of sauces to try for your dipping pleasures. The mac n cheese was BOMB. Trust me, Im a mac and cheese connoisseur. Flavor, texture, the works. Chicken tenders and fries were great!!! Guac was also very good, just needed a tad salt. Definitely would eat here again!

I'm not sure I'd recommend it, per se, since it was not as good as I'm sure other spots are. We walked in without reservations and had no problems. There were two men at the front of the restaurant, one who was friendly. The other younger man who was directed to show us to our seats...he was not. He seemed very grumpy and bothered by visitors, and he even had an earbud still in (kind of weird for a customer facing job when you're with customers...after you're with them, go nuts!). Our waitress was super friendly and welcoming! The food was surprisingly fast. They have whiskey flights here, BTW, so my husband took advantage. He liked his burger a great deal. I tried the specialty chicken and it was not very good, sad to report. It was extremely soggy and warm at best. I am not sure why they talk it up so much when it seems like it's end-of-shift cafeteria level, at least when I was there. The cornbread was very good, though, pretty dense and flavorful.

Food was great and well priced Drinks are wayyyyyy over priced Service is awful at best

Absolutely excellent! Staying in downtown Louisville and needed to eat somewhere, we just so happened to stop at Merle's Whiskey Kitchen. We were very happy with the outcome! We started the visit with some El Jefe Nachos. Very tasty and only $10, fed our group of 4 just fine. We all had a cold brew, with me personally choosing the Cock-a-Doodle Brew for only $3! Building off the nachos we all chose 2 tacos each, and they're only $4. Crispy fish, Green Chili Pork, Al Pastor, and Pollo Rojo were all very tasty, but we all came to the same conclusion; the Fried Chicken Taco was the BEST! Service was absolutely awesome. Our waitress was quick and friendly, and was there to answer any questions. Very happy we chose Merle's. I personally will be back in Louisville in 3 weeks, and I will be back at Merle's.

We ordered the nachos and had to return them twice because they were cold. Management was very understanding and gave us delicious chicken strips instead. However, we really wanted the nachos. They look like they would have been good but for some reason they cannot serve them heated properly.

We stopped here for dinner and a drink. The fried chicken was really good. Seemed like very authentic southern fried chicken which was exactly what this Yankee wanted. The corn bread and max and cheese were also good. Also had a solid old fashioned.

As a foodie who loves great food and great service, Merle's hits it out of the park. Last night we had an eight top that received excellent service. I had the dark meat chicken quarter and it was some of the best fried chicken I have had. I also ordered the cornbread, which is a must get. I also sampled the candied bacon, which was outstanding. This place was so good I went back for lunch today and had the best deal in town. $7.99 for a pastor taco and an order of El Jefe nachos. Both were outstanding. Gives this place a try. It checks every box, food, service and ambiance. Only last thing, when a hostess at another bar recommends you hit up Merle's you know it's going to be good. Merle's, your cornbread will forever be in my dreams.

This is such a fun environment! They have live music and a great bar selection. We also got some food. They have great chips and delicious guacamole. And fries were awesome. They were super busy so the staff weren't super attentive and friendly but it also just may be the atmosphere. There are lot of tourists but as a local I still enjoyed it!

Bartender was a shit show but I loved it she was amazing. Deserves a raise.. Megan Irish aka (the shit show)

Made a random trip to Louisville....Don't Ask.... Met up with a few folks up here. Was in the mood for nachos...even more random.... The portion size of the el jefe chicken nachos was HUGE! Enough for AT LEAST 2 people. I do believe my food was the first [of my party of 4] ready...it was no longer hot. I still thoroughly enjoyed them! Skip the happy hour margs...it wouldn't give my 6 year old a buzz....I've realized that not many places outside of Texas and Cali offer a SOLID MARGARITA. Very cool, laid back place to throw a few back with friends!

10/10 had a great time. Megan is the best and she had really good recommendations for local spots. Food was amazing and the drinks were so affordable for downtown. Definitely coming back!

Walked in on a Thursday night to the front hostess stand where all 3 people were on their phones. It took them a few moments to realized someone was standing there. I asked how long of a wait for three people and they said they had a table they had just cleaned. They wouldn't sit me until my friends showed up who were just parking the car. We sit down and there was food still on the table. Not in plates, just where they didn't clean it. There was a man singing and playing music which was so loud that it made it impossible to chat with my friends. It's nice to have music but I want to eat with my friends, not be at a concert. The waitress promptly brought us waters without even asking which I appreciated and the other drinks came quickly. We ordered the nachos with chicken. Not a fan. The cheese sauce was runny, almost water like. The chips were thin and stale. I ordered the chicken and waffles which came out as 3 chicken tenders on 3 little waffles. The chicken was decent but the waffles had a cakey/dense texture like premade waffles. My friends ordered tacos and mac and cheese. They liked theirs. I was a little let down. Chicken Nachos 5/10 Chicken and Waffles 5/10 I had heard good things but it did not live up to the hype for me. The food, the service and the atmosphere was not for me. I don't plan to return to give it another chance. Each their own.

I really loved this place. I got the chicken sandwich and Mac and cheese for my main course. The sandwich was great but I can honestly say the Mac and cheese was some of the best I have ever had. For an app we did the pretzel with beer cheese. Again, this might have been one of the best versions of this I've had anywhere. The service was efficient and very prompt. I will definitely be back.

We ate dinner at Merle's tonight. It was a very average experience. Service was by a young server, Amber. She was pleasant but did not pace out our appetizers and entrees...everything came all at once 10mins after we ordered. Did I miss something...is Merle's a fast food restaurant??? We ordered cocktails to start. Nothing inspiring about them. We ordered soft pretzel and queso, and maple candied bacon for our starters. The bacon was undercooked and not crispy. The seasoning was a very strong Cajun flavor with maple flavored sugar. It's hard to ruin bacon but they certainly tried their best to do so. The soft pretzel and queso was pretty tasty. I would order this again. The entrees were a half of a chicken and chicken tenders. The half chicken was made/fried earlier and not made to order. Why would you do this? The restaurant wasn't busy. So the chicken was warm, not hot, and the coating was soft , not crispy. My wife's chicken tenders were made to order and were very good. The kitchen needs better leadership and quality control to be a better restaurant. I would eat elsewhere until this restaurant starts preparing better food.