Gertie's Whiskey Bar boasts a moody, speakeasy vibe. Here's what to order

Lennie Omalza

February 27, 2024 at 5:02 AM·5 min read

One would expect to find a good old fashioned at a whiskey-focused cocktail bar in Louisville, but a delicious dessert would likely be a sweet surprise. I found both at a recent visit to the speakeasy in Gertie’s Whiskey Bar, which opened in NuLu in 2021. The tucked-away spot boasts moody vibes, live music, and some unexpected surprises.

Owner and executive chef Matt Bolus — a Louisville native who also runs The 404 Kitchen and Gertie’s Whiskey Bar in Nashville — brought me up to speed on the latest at Gertie’s in Louisville. Here are five things to know before you go.

Gertie's was named after famous bootlegger Gertrude 'Cleo' Lythgoe

A cocktail being made at Gertie’s Whiskey Bar in Louisville's NuLu neighborhood.

When Bolus and his team began thinking of a name for the original Gertie’s location, they started researching famous bootleggers.

“(They were) primarily gentlemen, because women just didn’t come up in bootlegging,” Bolus told The Courier Journal. “(And) they all had a real sinister side, (and) a rough ending.”

After some digging, they stumbled upon Gertrude Lythgoe, known as Queen of the Bahamas. Though she was partners with and rumored to be the wife of rum runner William Frederick "Bill" McCoy, Lythgoe was kind of a saint, as far as bootleggers go.

“She never broke the law,” Bolus said. “She did run booze, but she always maintained it outside the international lines.”

The NuLu Hot Manhattahn at Gertie’s Whiskey Bar in Louisville's NuLu neighborhood.

Since opening both Gertie’s locations, Bolus has met some of Lythgoe’s surviving family members. They’ve shared stories about her prolific career, further confirming that Bolus’s team made a good choice to honor Lythgoe’s legacy with the Gertie’s name.

“She was just larger than life,” Bolus exclaimed.

The speakeasy fits the bootlegger vibe

The speakeasy at Gertie’s Whiskey Bar in Louisville's NuLu neighborhood.

Though the main space of Gertie’s is on the street level of NuLu Marketplace, there is also a speakeasy down below that’s open — and features live music — four nights a week. The room features the original limestone walls and oak beams, as well a smuggler’s tunnel that has since been bricked up.

“It just says ‘Gertie’ all day long,” Bolus said, “and builds the mystique when you’re down there.”

The speakeasy space focuses primarily on vintage spirits, but guests are welcome to order any item — including dishes from the food menu — both upstairs and downstairs.

The extensive whiskey list features more than 100 options from Kentucky, Tennessee, Scotland, Ireland, Asia, and more. There is also a wide variety of cocktails available, including one which I’m especially fond. Dubbed Gertie’s Bon Bon, the sweet treat is made with cocoa-infused Dewar’s blended scotch, Trader Vic’s chocolate, chai, and bourbon cream.

Some cocktails from Gertie’s Whiskey Bar in Louisville's NuLu neighborhood.

Bolus also recommends Gertie’s Margarita, which blends Hornitos blanco tequila, Ancho Reyes verde, agave, and lime.

“It’s one of the better cocktails I’ve had,” he said.

The Old Fashioned and tiramisu cheesecake are not to be missed

The Old Fashioned at Gertie’s Whiskey Bar in Louisville's NuLu neighborhood.

Though Bolus suggests giving the Gertie’s Margarita a go, he says the must-try cocktail is Gertie’s Old Fashioned.

“(While developing the recipe), we started to play with brown butter,” he said, explaining that it enhances the flavor of the whiskey while adding depth and complexity. “It was more of a partner instead of a (competitor).”

The signature drink features brown-butter-washed Knob Creek 9-Year Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, bitters, and pecans.

“You can have way too many (of them) before you even realize (it),” Bolus added with a laugh.

As tasty and as popular as Gertie’s Old Fashioned may be, the tiramisu cheesecake has been the best-selling item on the menu.

Bolus explained that including dessert options within a whiskey-centric space is part of keeping Gertie’s playful and approachable.

Inside Gertie’s Whiskey Bar in Louisville's NuLu neighborhood.

“(The cheesecake is) coffee, and creamy, and cookie-like — which all screams bourbon,” he said, “so why wouldn’t you have that?”

Try the new food items at Gertie’s, too

A variety of charcuterie boards at Gertie’s Whiskey Bar in Louisville's NuLu neighborhood.

The food menu — which was refreshed earlier this month — includes sandwiches and small bites. Among the new items are the meatballs, made with a beef, pork, and hot Italian sausage mix.

“It’s a proper nonna’s meatball, all stewed in the gravy,” Bolus said.

The Italian sliders are prepared in the same manner.

“It’s pork and beef cooked in the same sauce, then you’ve got a garlic herb bun with mozzarella, and a beet salad with a honey vinaigrette on top.”

Bolus added that lots of people tend to shy away from beets, but they can add a little something to an otherwise average dish.

“When you think about the earthiness of the beets (and) the earthiness of the beef and the pork, it all goes together,” he explained. “(The beets) are almost a sweetening agent.”

Don't forget to order this secret menu item at Gertie's

Though it is not listed on any Gertie’s menu, there is a unique item available for those in the know. The one-of-kind offering was inspired by Bolus’s first visit to Berlin.

“I got off the train super early in the morning … and I noticed all these construction workers,” he recalled. “I thought I landed in heaven because they were eating giant bratwurst and taking shots of Jagermeister for breakfast.”

Bolus brought this unusual morning meal to the States with the Berlin Breakfast Shot, which includes Italian sausage, sauerkraut, and Jagermeister.

“I know it sounds horrible, but it’s actually delicious,” Bolus exclaimed. “(Plus), it’s food and a drink. To me, it’s the best way to … multitask.”

Know a restaurant that would make a great feature? Email writer Lennie Omalza at aloha@lennieomalza.com or Lifestyle Editor Kathryn Gregory at kgregory@gannett.com.