Entry No. 20 — the Louisville file — filed under: speakeasy
Black Rabbit Speakeasy
Located inside Equus in St. Matthews, patrons gain access through a secret bookcase that opens into the plush, dimly lit 'Rabbit Hole' cocktail den.
The story
St. Matthews is better known for quiet suburban streets and shopping plazas than secret drinking dens, which makes pulling off a hidden entrance at 122 Sears Avenue work exceptionally well. Head inside the long-standing Equus and Jack's Lounge, locate the hinged bookcase disguised against the wall, and give it a firm push. On the other side sits the Black Rabbit—a plush, low-lit den referred to by locals as the 'Rabbit Hole.'
It would be easy for a place built around a secret doorway to rely entirely on the gimmick, but the bar inside holds its ground with an aggressive spirits program. The bar depth leans heavily on an expansive rare Kentucky bourbon list and crisp craft martinis, paired with a menu of southern-inspired small plates.
What it's like
You'll enter through the front door of Equus before making your way to the fake bookshelf. Once you push through, the amber lighting drops instantly into a dark, intimate lounge space. Seating is limited and fills fast, especially on Thursday through Saturday nights when live jazz acts set up in the corner. If you want a guaranteed table rather than chancing a stool at the bar, book a reservation on their website before heading out.
The move: Push past the bookcase door for late-night craft martinis, an expansive rare bourbon list, and live jazz sets performed Thursday through Saturday evenings.
- 📍 St. Matthews
- 💸 $$
- ⚡ Up for anything
- 🌗 Indoors
Where: 122 Sears Ave, Louisville, KY 40207
Hours: Added 2026-07-21 — confirm current hours before you go.
Pair it with
- Burks Family Cemetery in Springs Shopping Center — Pair a hidden speakeasy night with a daytime visit to a hidden 19th-century pioneer cemetery tucked inside a suburban shopping center ringed by bushes nearby in St. Matthews.
- Bodhi Salt — Book a steam session inside a Siberian cedar barrel at Bodhi Salt before heading down Sears Avenue for late-night cocktails and live jazz.
- HH Apothecary & Co. — Start your afternoon browsing single-origin herbal blends and botanical curiosities in Clifton before shifting into dark-lounge mode in St. Matthews.
Good to know
How do I find the entrance to Black Rabbit?
Go inside Equus and Jack's Lounge at 122 Sears Ave in St. Matthews. The entryway is hidden behind a push-open bookshelf inside the venue.
When is live music performed?
Live jazz sets take place Thursday through Saturday evenings.
Do I need reservations to get in?
While walk-ins are accepted at the bar when space permits, reserving a table online beforehand is strongly advised for weekend music nights.
What kind of drinks and food do they serve?
The menu features craft martinis, rare Kentucky bourbons, signature cocktails, and southern-inspired lounge dishes.
Plan a visit & invite your people →
Further reading: equusrestaurant.com · gotolouisville.com · Official site
last checked: 2026-07-21