Pearl Street Taphouse has quickly become a local favorite, and for good reason. Located conveniently near the iconic Big Four Bridge in Louisville, this spot offers a relaxed atmosphere paired with seriously delicious food and an impressive craft beer selection. My recent visit, and previous experiences, have solidified Pearl Street Taphouse as a place worth returning to again and again.
Let’s dive into the menu highlights. On this visit, I started with the dry-rubbed chicken bites. Due to the current chicken wing shortage, these were a fantastic alternative to their usual wings. The chicken, though simple on its own, was elevated by the fantastic dry rub – Taylor, from Pearl Street, shared that it’s her secret “Powder Keg seasoning.” It’s incredibly flavorful and savory, making these bites an excellent appetizer or snack. The accompanying house-made bourbon-sriracha dip was a standout, offering a perfect balance of sweet and spicy notes. For those who prefer classic dips, ranch and blue cheese were also available.
Next up were the bacon-wrapped dates. While dates aren’t typically my go-to, my dining companions devoured these. This left more room for me to fully appreciate the giant pretzel, which turned out to be another must-try item. The pretzel itself was perfectly cooked – crispy on the outside, soft on the inside, and salted just right. But the real star was the trio of beer cheeses served alongside. The stout-based cheese, with a spicy kick from jalapeno slices, was particularly memorable. All three cheese dips were rich, thick, and bursting with flavor, making the pretzel an absolute winner.
Thinking back to a pre-Covid visit, the Parmesan Encrusted Grilled Cheese still stands out in my memory and is thankfully still on the menu. This isn’t your average grilled cheese. Filled with white cheddar, provolone, and habanero havarti cheeses, along with tomato, bacon, and avocado spread, it’s a gourmet experience. While $10 might seem a bit pricey for a grilled cheese, the quality and flavor justify the cost. It’s truly more than just a sandwich.
For burger lovers, the Powder Keg burgers at Pearl Street Taphouse are a steal at $12. The menu offers a tempting array of options: the classic Beer cheese, bacon, dill pickles & green leaf; the sweet and spicy Sriracha bourbon glaze, white cheddar & green leaf; the simple yet satisfying White Cheddar, green leaf, tomato, onion & smoky mayo; the smoky BBQ, bacon, white cheddar, tomato & green leaf; or the rich Bleu cheese, bacon, honey Sriracha bourbon drizzle and green leaf. Based on my experience, you can’t go wrong with any of these choices.
Beyond the food, Pearl Street Taphouse boasts an impressive drink menu. Their house cocktails are worth exploring, and their ever-changing craft beer selection is a major draw. With 20 taps, there’s bound to be something to please every palate. During my recent visit, I enjoyed a Cigar City Brewing Jai Alai IPA, a solid choice, but with so many options, there’s always something new to try.
Located at 407 Pearl St., Pearl Street Taphouse is incredibly accessible, especially if you’re near the Big Four Bridge. It’s the perfect spot to unwind after a walk across the bridge or simply to enjoy a fantastic meal and drinks in a welcoming atmosphere.
If you’re looking for a great spot in Louisville with delicious food, a fantastic beer selection, and a relaxed vibe, Pearl Street Taphouse should be high on your list. It’s definitely earned a spot on my list of favorites, and I’m already planning my next visit.
