Hell or High Water

We like going here, but the service can be improved on. The drinks are good, but almost too out there to know what to order and what to expect. We didn't like one drink and they took it and made us a new one, but still charged us for the drink that they took from us. That was unexpected, if you're still going to charge us, leave the drink. The decor and area is beautiful and they have three different seating areas all with different views. Very cool place to go to in Louisville. We rented the fumoir that evening, but have been in the library and red booths too.

First time at Hell or High Water. Upon arrival my wife and I were met by “Security” honest to god we had initially thought it was a homeless fellas looking at ID’s and we were sketched out. Super nice gent nonetheless but the whole aspect wasn’t what we thought coming in. Maybe a little bit more proper indicating he’s “security” without looking like a random person off the streets. Girl toward the front was very sincere and well mattered when inquiring about reservations prior to letting us in to the area. At the Bar, we were met by a woman with darker hair in color, glasses and a tattoo on her right forearm. She greeted us but once I had mentioned we had an issue with security in reference to appearance. Her demeanor had changed which reflected through the night. Left a bitter taste to our mouths. There was a larger group of people on other side of the table that she gave more attention than us in the opposite end. Wife and I felt forgotten and displaced. We didn’t appreciate being dust left on a book shelf. Other women lighter hair in color almost ginger and I mean that in no disrespect. Very informative to the drink menu versus the other person. I liked that very much and made it worth it towards the end. The drinks are superb and enjoyable as well. Atmosphere wasn’t too loud with ambient music playing in the background either.

Great speak easy. Can be hard to find, pay attention to the address (I mean, speakeasies are supposed to be hard to find). Cool, dark vibe. Service was great. Only had enough time fkr 2 cocktails within the time limit, but they are worth it!

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.

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

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.

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.

Yep, this is the full on speakeasy experience. First you get to find the entrance, which can be quite confusing. Then you have to get past the door man... better have your ID ready regardless of your age and I highly recommend reservations. When you are granted entrance, try to make your way down some dimly lit stairs and through a long dark corridor. Now try to make it past the hostess... Luckily we had reservations and her attitude changed for the better quickly. A friend of us had hooked us up with a private room. So now we were guided through the main room, shown the rest rooms along the way, back up the stairs, making our way along the balcony seating and came to the end of that section. And then she opened a closet, which turned out to be our little private room. How cool is that? As the hostess left she closed the door behind her and this must b e sound proof as it shut out all the noise from the rest of the patrons. Our room had a love seat, a couple of arm chairs and stools. Of course dimly lit as the rest of the establishment. There was a window where we could overlook the main room downstairs and watch the guests. Talk about ambiance. After taking our order and serving our drinks and snacks, our server showed us a call button, since she would leave us alone now. It surprised me until she told me that some folks bring their love interest to the private rooms for some alone time and do not wish to be disturbed. Oooohhhh. Well disturb us any time, we are here for drinks and snacks. The cocktails list is impressive, expensive, but so well done that we didn't mind the premium prices. They are also a rather heavy pour, so well worth it. The snacks fell under that same category, but were equally delicious. In short, have your ID ready, make reservations, and if you can afford it, check out their private rooms or other elevated seating. And don't forget to check out the wall paper in the rest rooms. It is interesting.

What a funky little place! My friends and I put ourselves on the waitlist over a weekend evening, and they called us within five minutes for an available table! It can be a bit confusing to find...but if you know the logo and are observant, you'll see it! It's a whole vibe getting in. The cocktail menu is extensive - but they'll also make something personalized as well (as was the case for my friend who basically wanted a martini-like drink that tasted like pickle juice). And, they were able to accomodate our pregnant friend with a delicious and unique mocktail! Overall, a super fun place with a great aesthetic.

We were visiting town for my husbands Birthday and our wedding anniversary, a little get away trip down the bourbon trail. Our favorite thing to do is to visit a speakeasy in the cities that we visit and Hell or Highwater came up but had mixed reviews. We reserved a spot a couple weeks in advance and put into the reservations details that it was our anniversary. I also sent an email as I was not sure if we would be better suited in the Library or at the bar. I described the vibe we like and our plans for the evening (we like to play scrabble and have a few cocktails and people watch) They never responded to the email. When we arrived the front door welcomer was sitting in the small room with the door open and music blasting on their phone. They asked if we had a reservation and looked at our IDs and sent us downstairs. We went down and the next person at the velvet rope again asked us if we had a reservation and for our name. We were seated at the bar. The bar is nice but it's loud from the bar tenders talking to each other and doing dishes, other bars we've been to is loud from making drinks and the bar tenders talking to the customers. It didn't have the same client centered vibe we are used to. (And the chair wasn't comfy for me) I looked around and found an empty corner table in the library and asked the host if we could move. She was able to move us and I thoroughly enjoyed the vibe in the library and our waitress was delightful. No one mentioned our birthday or anniversary that was within the reservation, the vibe was not was expected, and I'm disappointed with the lack of response from our initial outreach and phone calls. We might try returning again but I think the follow through on customer service could be improved overall.

After finding the location, what's a speakeasy if you can find it easier right, we headed down the stairs to a nicely appointed cocktail bar and if you get a chance, go back to the library. At least that's what I call it but it's every man's man cave dream. Service was good. Everyone was very attentive, although not overly impressed with the cocktails. My $45 cocktail was fantastic. Everything else was average unfortunately. Maybe we were there on an off night but still worth checking out. They did have a nice selection of bourbon too!

At first, we couldn't find the door. They have a small light with the logo on it, but it was out. We had an early reservation, and were seated promptly. Unfortunately, our seats were under 2 glaring lights. We ordered our cocktails and the Trio small bites. The cocktails were good but a little overpriced. The trio was a complete waste of money. $15 for a small portion of mixed nuts, potato chips and green olives. I expected a little more than that. Not even presented well.

11 months later back again! Celebrating birthday early and engagement, same staff from the last visit. They are wonderful, friendly and attentive! Will likely make this an annual tradition every time we visit the bourbon trail. The last time we visited I only gave 4 stars due to having a reservation and getting sat at the bar, this visit we didn't have a reservation and again were placed at the bar. Would've enjoyed being sat in the library but enjoyed being social at the bar with the staff. Will be back next year! Definitely not a place for food but great places nearby! Ambiance is welcoming and cozy!

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.

I was expecting so much more. Drinks were OK, server brought one incorrect drink, ambiance is really only a red couches. Not nearly dark enough for a speakeasy. Server wasn't really "in character" which is OK I guess. Did not eat anything, but overall would not go back. Not many folks in there at all on the night that we went.

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.

This speakeasy did not disappoint. The decor, couches and chairs, wall decorations, chandeliers all made you think you stepped back in time to a classy 1920's gin joint. Our waitress was outstanding I wish I could remember her name. Very knowledgeable and personable. The drinks were eclectic but good. I think our group sampled everything on the menu. If you get the chance visit this place

Really cool place! Drinks are a bit overpriced for what they are but the ambiance makes up for it

So cool inside, all the drinks were great. Drinks start at about $16. It took a while to order our drinks and to get our drinks even though it wasn't super busy. Everything was well worth the wait though. Obviously it's a speakeasy so the only way you can tell where the location is from the street is a sticker for the hours on the window near the entrance. Definitely would recommend going!

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.

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.

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.

Dakota rocks! Best mixologist I have experienced in a long time! Check this place out. Try the Strangers on a Train and tell me it's not genius! Thanks for the memories!!

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.

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!

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.

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!

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.

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!

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!

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.

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!!!

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.

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.

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!!!

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!

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.

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.

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.