A Secret Door Will Take You To An Underground Restaurant In Kentucky That Was Built In The 1800s
By Sarah McCosham|Published February 15, 2022
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Sarah McCosham
Author
I write like it's my job - because it is! I have a Master's in English and love words: crossword puzzles, Scrabble games, Wordle, and, of course, good, old-fashioned books.
I'm a writer and editor at OnlyInYourState, and a contributing writer at Cincinnati Magazine. I love the Great Outdoors and am endlessly awestruck by this beautiful country of ours. Coffee keeps me going, yoga keeps me sane, my kids keep me grounded, and my writing keeps me inspired.
There are lots of unique restaurants in Kentucky, and even *more* amazing pubs and bars. But today’s featured spot really steals the show in terms of history, uniqueness, and winsome charms. A secret door will take you to Troll Pub Under The Bridge, an underground restaurant in Kentucky that was built in the 1800s and today stands out as one of the most intriguing and unique spots in the state!
Beneath the streets of Louisville, there is a place that's straight out of a fairy tale from the Brothers Grimm... with a dash of humor and splash of bourbon, because, Kentucky.
This is the Troll Pub Under the Bridge, located in a historic section of Louisville along the legendary Whiskey Row. The history of the building and the area is fascinating and is truly reason enough to head below ground to experience it.
The Troll Pub is located on the site of the original Galt House, built in 1834. A fire razed the property in 1865, completely destroying the hotel. The site housed numerous businesses over the years, until being purchased by developers in the early 2000s. Happily, they recognized the unique property hiding below this busy street corner, and in 2011, after a lot of hard work, The Troll Pub opened its *hidden* door.
The interior of this underground eatery is unlike any other in our state. Developers were able to keep many original details and use salvaged materials to outfit the rest. It's cave-like, incredibly cozy, and has a memorable atmosphere, with several rooms that are filled with tables, booths, and bars. There's even a hidden dining area behind a bookcase!
Not into dining underground? No problem -- there's a really cool outdoor seating area that's in an alleyway, full of exposed bricks and cool, old-building vibes. No trolls either!
In a state that's world-renowned for its underground attractions, Troll Pub Under The Bridge fits right in. This is a wholly unique experience that's pure fun!
Next time you're in Louisville, say hi to Louie the Troll for us!
Have you visited the underground restaurant in Kentucky before? Did you know about this unique restaurant in Louisville? It’s definitely one to add to your Bluegrass bucket list — bonus points if you order a bourbon at this underground pub, too!
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