Cumberland Brews

Cumberland BrewsCumberland Brews
Cumberland BrewsCumberland Brews
Brewery, Bar, Eatery

1576 Bardstown Rd
Louisville, Kentucky, 40205-1154
United States

// CLOSED //
BEER STATS
Average:
3.74
Beers:
15
Ratings:
195
PLACE STATS
Average:
4.05
Reviews:
32
Ratings:
62
pDev:
7.41%
View: Beers | Place Reviews
Recent ratings and reviews. | Log in to view more ratings + sorting options.
 
Rated: 3.82 by Taphouse_Traveler from Florida

Dec 31, 2017
 
Rated: 4.3 by Ickiwotog from Tennessee

Jul 23, 2017
 
Rated: 4.63 by montybugg from Kentucky

May 15, 2016
 
 
Rated: 3.75 by ADTaber from South Carolina

Jun 02, 2015
 
Rated: 3.51 by neckbracesub from Indiana

Mar 30, 2015
 
Rated: 4.55 by Brewshound from Kentucky

Mar 05, 2015
 
Rated: 4.11 by Cosmic_Chieftain from Indiana

Jan 07, 2015
 
Rated: 3.75 by West_Chester_Ale_Tester from Ohio

Dec 27, 2014
 
Rated: 3.75 by Magery from Kentucky

Dec 11, 2014
 
Rated: 3.75 by spycow from Illinois

Nov 08, 2014
 
Rated: 4 by Nuggetz from Texas

Nov 06, 2014
 
Rated: 4.25 by unimatrix1 from Indiana

Sep 25, 2014
Photo of KYGunner
Reviewed by KYGunner from Kentucky

4/5  rDev -1.2%
The bar is nice and cozy with appropriately dim lighting. The bathroom has a great beer can collection and this part of Louisville is simply awesome. The beers are varied with a good selection and a very nice staff. I didn't try the food but the menu appeared eclectic and interesting, though not my style. The beers were all very good but finished watery and weak. Overall, I'd go here again and if I lived nearby would certainly hang out here often.
Sep 22, 2014
Photo of Buschyfor3
Reviewed by Buschyfor3 from Kentucky

4.25/5  rDev +4.9%
A pleasant brewpub situated in the heart of the Highlands district in Louisville, KY. Highlands is a great place to check out if you want quality-made local beers, and you want to pair it with some delicious and rather inexpensive pub-style fare.

Walk inside and to your right you can get an inside look at the brewing operations and see their fermentation tanks through a large glass window. The bar is a little further down on the right hand side while the left has about a half dozen tables with seating for 4-5 at each table. There is also an upstairs room that you can reserve for parties and gatherings. There are also a couple of tables on the sidewalk outside, allowing you to take in the sights and sounds of Bardstown Road when the weather is nice out. If you go, you may want to get there early (especially on the weekends) or plan on going later in the evening after the regular dinner-time rush has moved through, as seating can sometimes be a little tight. But for good reason - Cumberland has fantastic beers and food on offer.

The beer menu features only Cumberland's in-house brews, all on draft - no bottles and no guest taps here (if you want those, you can check River City Drafthouse which is literally 5 steps next door). Cumberland typically has 5 or 6 regular beers on tap, including their famous Nitro Porter, and a further 1 or 2 seasonal taps (showcasing such offerings like their Slewfoot Amber, a housemade mead, a yerba-mate style beer, and, on special occasions, even a cask-ale offering).

Their food menu showcases standard pub fare, but with a nice kick of flair. Sandwiches, salads and burgers are the regular options, but Cumberland always has weekly/nightly food specials that trot well off the beaten path - fried soft-shell crab sandwiches, anyone? (BTW - fantastic!) Some of the more memorable items on their menu include the house-made pale-ale beer cheese (try the Habanero version - it's got quite a bit of heat!), the sweet potato fries with cinnamon dip, the black-bean nachos (it is a huge plate so plan to share), the Bison burger, their fried chicken cordon bleu sandwich, a fried bologna sandwich with American cheese on a toasted bun (a Louisville classic), and their fish tacos. Wide variety of menu items, everything tastes fantastic, and prices are reasonable to boot.

All in all, if you find yourself in Louisville and you venture out to the Highlands district, Cumberland is definitely a place worth stopping along the way. It's right near the heart of the craft beer scene in Louisville, with many other beer-bars within walking distance, as well as all the eccentric shops, clubs and eateries that the Highlands district has become famous for. Whatever you do, just remember what the say in the Highlands: "Keep Louisville Weird."
Aug 18, 2014
 
Rated: 3.25 by MaseFace from Kentucky

Aug 06, 2014
 
Rated: 3.75 by ZombiesAteMyDog from Indiana

Jul 15, 2014
 
Rated: 4.25 by juicebox from Kentucky

Jul 07, 2014
 
Rated: 3.25 by gspeicher from Kentucky

Jun 25, 2014
 
Rated: 4 by rapayn01 from Kentucky

Jun 18, 2014
 
Rated: 4 by RANSDELL from Kentucky

Jun 12, 2014
 
Rated: 4.25 by dsgarvin84 from Kentucky

Jun 06, 2014
Photo of nickfl
Reviewed by nickfl from Florida

3.41/5  rDev -15.8%
vibe: 3 | quality: 3 | service: 4 | selection: 3.5
Small place, kind of a dive bar located in what seems to be a big time hipster neighborhood, brewery area is visible behind the bar. They had about 8 house beers on tap we tried them all and were not impressed. Most were ok, but nothing was especially good, just old school-sketchy brewpub stuff from back when almost no one would have known better. The food actually looked promising from what I saw but we didn't eat. Service was good, even though they were packed.

Bottom line: don't be fooled this place is seriously overrated by the locals. Don't bother unless you are looking to tick every beer in Louisville.
Jun 06, 2014
 
Rated: 4 by Bhoward0698 from Kentucky

Apr 13, 2014
 
Rated: 4.25 by Nolen12 from Kentucky

Mar 27, 2014
 
Rated: 4.25 by psmith161 from Indiana

Feb 17, 2014
 
Rated: 4 by ToddBeans from Kentucky

Feb 04, 2014
 
Rated: 3.5 by mattmarka1 from Minnesota

Jan 13, 2014
 
Rated: 4.25 by target88 from Kentucky

Dec 05, 2013
 
Rated: 3.75 by cwd from Kentucky

Nov 23, 2013
 
Rated: 4.25 by end_27 from Illinois

Oct 26, 2013
 
Rated: 4 by crbnfbr from Kentucky

Oct 22, 2013
 
Rated: 3.75 by tmneyer from Kentucky

Oct 20, 2013
Photo of dbrauneis
Reviewed by dbrauneis from North Carolina

4.16/5  rDev +2.7%
vibe: 4 | quality: 4.5 | service: 4 | selection: 4
The atmosphere at the place had a kind of artsy vibe but we did not spend too long inside as we chose to sit outside and people watch.

Beers were properly served at the right temperature and in the proper glasses.

The service was good though we did go to the bar and get our beers from the bartender and did not have table service - we were served out beers quickly.

I did not have any food so I am not able to comment - I did not see any others getting food either while I was there. To be fair, we were there in the middle of the afternoon between lunch and dinner.

I thought the prices were slightly lower than other bars/brewpubs in the area. The beers were pretty good so I would consider it a good value.
May 30, 2012
Photo of mrfrancis
Reviewed by mrfrancis from Kentucky

3.95/5  rDev -2.5%
vibe: 4 | quality: 4 | service: 4.5 | selection: 3.5 | food: 3.5
Cumberland Brews is sort of a Louisville mainstay. It's been a fixture of the Highlands/Bardstown Road area for years, and definitely has that sort of artsy college hipster joint meets small, friendly neighborhood brewpub kind of vibe.

The place is small and is located along a busy stretch of Bardstown Road, but the intimate setting actually suits it. Parking can get really hairy, especially during peak hours, but fortunately I live within walking distance. Park on one of the backstreets if you get overwhelmed by the idea of having to search for a parking space along a narrow, busy road. The upstairs dining area and curbside tables are always great options.

Unlike some other Louisville bars/eateries, the service at Cumberland Brews is always great; the servers are neither inattentive nor intrusive, and no one there has ever been snobbish or rude. The place seems pretty tightly run, as wait times tend to be very short. It's good to see such a small establishment emphasize efficiency.

The selection is pretty limited. In terms of beer, they just carry their stuff (as far as I know). Their regular offerings range from mediocre to quite good. I particularly like their pale ale, and I have friends who swear by the Nitro Porter. Unless you're an oddball cream ale fanatic, you may want to avoid theirs, as it's very average. The limited production/small batch offerings tend to be both very tasty and very unique. The coffee stout that was recently on-tap was fantastic. If you like solid, near sessionable beers, you'll probably dig what Cumberland is doing. If you like strong and/or "extreme" beers, then this place will likely bore you.

The food is decent for the most part. I haven't really tried enough of their offerings to form much of an opinion. Their salads are basic and filling. Everyone I know says that the burgers are good, but I have yet to try one.

Overall, prices are decent. My only gripe is that I find their growlers to be a bit pricey, especially when compared to Against the Grain and some of the local stores. Everything about this place is solid. It's not really all that adventurous or innovative, but Cumberland fills a necessary niche really well. All in all, it's good at what it does. Isn't that the most one can really ask of any place?
Apr 25, 2012
Photo of ndolover
Reviewed by ndolover from Minnesota

4.3/5  rDev +6.2%
vibe: 4 | quality: 4.5 | service: 4.5 | selection: 4
Cumberland is located in an artists corner area. Cumberland itself is like a worn shoe. The Brewer answered the phone when I called to inquire about the location. We talked when I arrived and he gave me a few stickers. So this review could be biased! =)

The beers were good and the service as better. They have a Mead on tap that is a bit dry, but very nice. I liked what they were doing for such a small brewery.

This seems to be the place in Louisville for craft beer and a cool scene. My only reservations would be the parking and I'm guessing the seating situation would get tough on a busy night. Must hit!
Nov 01, 2011
Photo of auroracrisis
Reviewed by auroracrisis from Kentucky

3.83/5  rDev -5.4%
vibe: 4 | quality: 4 | service: 4 | selection: 3.5 | food: 3.5
Been going to this place for years.

Decorated with plenty of music related memorabilia and awards they have received, as well as brewerriana and some other knickknacks. A half dozen or so flat screens throughout the place usually with sports on. Laid back staff and usually some good music playing. I think they also have live acts occasionally but I haven't seen one there in awhile. Typically something like a small bluegrass or folk band. The place is pretty small but it's more cozy than crowded.

It seems to be run pretty efficiently, and is in a nice building. There's a few tables outside on the sidewalk to sit at, a bar downstairs with about 8 or so tables and then a smaller bar upstairs with a small lounge area with leather chairs and about 5 more tables. Upstairs always seems a little less crowded and easier to get a table at during peak hours. A bathroom both upstairs and downstairs as well.

Their beer is okay. Everything is mediocre to good, and I've only had one beer there that I could say was a great beer, which was a porter they made a few casks of and put out in February of this year. I believe it was a vanilla coffee porter aged on cocoa nibs, or something like that. They have specials everyday including things like $5 growler fill Monday, $3.25 pint Tuesdays, and I think a cask on Wednesdays. As well as happy hours everyday besides Saturday and all day on Sunday I believe.

The food can be pretty hit or miss. I suggest sticking to their burgers, sandwiches and quesadillas, or chili and soups. I've been pretty disappointed with some of their other entrees. Their appetizers are good. And they have some food specials as well, and deals (like order a pint and burger for $10). I'm pretty sure they have a different quesadilla special every day too. Their menu can vary a lot day to day and the variety works in their favor because their specials and deals are usually where it's at for a bite to eat while there.

The beer selection isn't stellar but they have a good line up of regular beers (a pale ale, cream ale, nitro porter, an amber/red ale, and I believe a nut brown). I'd suggest the nitro porter or pale ale, but the others are still worth your time. They also typically have some seasonals like a stout, IPA or witbier, they also had a sour brown ale for awhile that wasn't bad for a sessionable sour ale. They also make a mead that's okay, as well as have some wine and a couple beer selections to fill the flavor gap between the styles they don't offer on draft.

Overall, a good small brewpub with quality selections and food. The prices on beer is pretty middle of the road, as well as the food. A friendly, accommodating staff and decent vibe too. Located in an area with plenty of things to do after you eat, or other bars and restaurants to drink/eat at. If you're looking for a laid back, cozy brewpub in Louisville I'd suggest this place.
Aug 01, 2011
Photo of RTJakarta
Reviewed by RTJakarta from Kentucky

3.73/5  rDev -7.9%
vibe: 4 | quality: 4 | service: 4 | selection: 3
I'm currently visiting town, and my fiancee and I were trying to kill some time and try out some local brews before going out to dinner and we swung by here.

Coming in, the outside was packed, as well as inside. After standing around awkwardly for a minute, we were informed that the upstairs had just opened, and we were welcomed up there. Since we were the first up there, we had our seating choice. Since we weren't going to eat, we just grabbed a few cozy seats next to a table in a sort of lounge area. Was really nice.

We tried samples of the cream ale and scotch ale, and they were both okay. I drank a pint of cream ale during Happy Hour, which was a reasonable $3.25 (compared to $4.50). Also had a 1/2 pint of a rich, lovely meade.

I forget our server's name already, but she was highly attentive. Always coming by when one of us was running low.

Selection was limited to just their own stuff, which was to be expected.

The beer was pretty average, but the people there are nice. One day I'll probably go back and try the food.
Mar 22, 2011
Photo of KYBrewgrass
Reviewed by KYBrewgrass from Kentucky

4.25/5  rDev +4.9%
vibe: 4.5 | quality: 4.5 | service: 4 | selection: 4 | food: 4.5
This is a very cool little brewpub in the heart of the action on Bardstown Road in Louisville! It is a small place and you may find yourselves waiting for a table or spot at the bar, but there's a reason for it. Their brews are all quite tasty and I felt that the food was also very good. Their jerk wings are amazing! It's a slow-going, laid-back atmosphere that is a lot of fun if you have the time (just don't go if you're in a hurry). Definitely worth a visit if you're in town. It's a favorite of many locals.
Mar 11, 2011
Photo of Bourbon
Reviewed by Bourbon from Kentucky

4.05/5  rDev 0%
vibe: 4.5 | quality: 4 | service: 4.5 | selection: 3.5 | food: 4
I finally got to pop into Cumberland for the first time in many years last week. I have to say I may be coming back a lot sooner next time.

I always love walking up and seeing brew equipment in the front window. After that, the atmosphere could be described as "intimate." Not cramped, but cozy.

My server was very attentive. About as good as I'd come across, really. Everyone at my table enjoyed their food, which was served quite quickly.

Now, you won't find racks of beer here. Largely pushing their own product, the beer list put on the table seems a bit scant. The beer they make, though, does not disappoint. I won't say that it's earthshakingly good, but fine beer nonetheless.

I quite look forward to coming back to see what else I can discover about this nice little pub.
Sep 23, 2010
Cumberland Brews in Louisville, KY
Brewery rating: 3.74 out of 5 with 195 ratings