New Speakeasy Debuts On Louisville’s Historic Whiskey Row

Beneath the bustle of Louisville’s historic Whiskey Row, a new experience is quietly raising a glass to the city’s bourbon past.

The 1933 Society is a new, modern speakeasy tucked beneath Hotel Distil that blends rare spirits, immersive storytelling and the rebellious legacy of Prohibition-era bourbon pioneers. The intimate, 60-seat lounge is accessed through a discreet entrance at First and Main streets, offering guests a hidden escape in one of Louisville’s most storied districts.

Designed to feel both timeless and transportive, The 1933 Society features authentic interior details inspired by Prohibition-era lounges, along with a mix of bar and lounge seating that encourages conversation and discovery. Its cocktail and spirits program is rooted in legacy, spotlighting the figures who helped sustain American drinking culture when bourbon was pushed underground.

“Whiskey Row has always been central to bourbon’s story,” said Casey Grinold, General Manager of Hotel Distil. “The 1933 Society builds on that legacy by offering access to rare and exclusive pours alongside a cocktail program rooted in the people who carried the industry through Prohibition. It’s an experience designed for guests who want to be immersed in the history of our bourbon culture”.

The menu anchors the experience, featuring classic and innovative cocktails paired with historical narratives. Guests are introduced to larger-than-life characters such as Louisville-born bartender Tom Bullock, whose early cocktail book guided underground mixologists, and Mary Dowling, the determined distiller who moved operations across the border to keep her business alive. The result is a curated selection of cocktails, rare pours and one-of-a-kind single-barrel offerings crafted for both bourbon enthusiasts and cocktail connoisseurs.

The 1933 Society is open Tuesday through Thursday from 5 p.m. to midnight, and Friday and Saturday from 5 p.m. to 1 a.m. Reservations are recommended and can be made via OpenTable.

While planning a trip to Bourbon City, guests can download a copy of Louisville Tourism’s annual Visitor Guide to see the city's top attractions and bourbon distilleries. Visitors also can get additional city attraction, lodging and dining assistance at gotolouisville.com and by following @gotolouisville on social media.