Holy Grale

Great bar.

I've been here maybe 5 or 6 times, and experienced all sides of the bar. I've sat downstairs with a small group for a weeknight beer, I've celebrated a birthday with a big group in the beer garden outside, I've had relaxing afternoon beer and food upstairs in the loft, and I don't have any serious complaints.

The bar is small but doesn't feel cramped. The inside is right but has more seats than you'd expect. The beer garden is relaxed and has plenty of seating. The loft is relaxed and quiet.

The staff is helpful if you don't know what kind of beer you'll enjoy. And they have a huge and varied selection. It's impressive.

This is one of the few bars I've never had a bad experience at. It's much more suited for a relaxing weekday than a weekend night of drinking (no dance floor/only serve beer), but I love it.

The food here is amazing, as is the beer selection and quality.  Between the main bar, the Choir Loft and the Gralegarten (assuming it's open), you've got 30 tasty beers on draft to choose from.  

The food selection changes quite a bit, but I've yet to gave something I didn't like.  Try the pickle plate (it's not just cucumbers), I usually have to get it as a side.

Holy Grale mixes the beer expertise of the Louisville Beer Store (which shares the same owners) with the small plates and other gourmet bar food that restaurants are becoming known for on Bardstown Road.

So a winning combination!

Let me go into more detail about why I love Holy Grale so much.

First of all, the atmosphere: This bar/restaurant is relaxed and chill yet interesting considering it's in a former church. (Get it -- Holy GrALE?)

And with the additions of the "choir loft" upstairs and the outdoor beer garden, aka GraleGarten, the seating is starting to meet the demand. I will say, though, on some nights seats are hard to come by. People know a good thing when they see it, I guess.

Next, the beer selection is vast. Between the many, many, many taps on the first floor and the additional taps in the choir loft, there is always something fun to try along with some old favorites. The menu includes detailed descriptions to also help you with your selections.

And the food is good and inventive. The beer cheese and pretzel bread is always a favorite, but my boyfriend and I have also enjoyed the cheese plate, charcuterie, poutine and grilled cheese. I'm hoping to try the rabbit meatballs and bone marrow soon.

Holy Grale also has fun tastings and events, so I would highly recommend signing up for their email list to stay up to date on what's happening. A particular favorite was an event that the Grale did with Kenny's Farmhouse Cheese. There were several courses, each amazing.

I also suggest Holy Grale as a place to bring out-of-towners. It's uniquely Louisville along with being just unique in general.