The Earl

I've been to The Earl a couple of times and I still don't quite know what to make of it. Each time has been because The Earl is open after all the other bars close. If this place were called "Steve's" or something and had more mundane lighting, I'd wrap my head around it more easily. The bar itself runs down the center of the single room with some four-ups against the wall. Each time, drinks are poured into plastic cups. Prices seem reasonable but portions are smaller than you'll get elsewhere. There's a few on draft, some alright cocktails and a limited food menu. I opted for the pretzel bread and pimento spread and was pleasantly surprised with how much I enjoyed the freshness, texture, and taste!Music selections fluctuate both genres and volumes. Clientele is pretty relaxed. Its a go-to spot after 10 p.m.

Nothing fancy here. A bar. A few tables. An outside patio for warmer weather. We visited for a night cap on a slow weeknight. We were promptly greeted by a friendly server. Unfortunately, she didn't know how to make a rusty nail. She wasn't familiar with the drink or drambuie needed to make it. She was willing to research the drink, but we went with Johnny Walker instead. And a shot of Old Forrester on tap. Healthy pours. Clearly a bar that has clientele that prefers beer & straight shots. We didn't see any food served. But the menu had beer cheese & pretzels, cheese & meat trays, and grilled cheese sandwiches. We didn't see any lights on in the back kitchen, so they may only serve food on the weekend. I'd call ahead if you're thinking of grabbing some snacks to go along with your drinks.

Another New Albany gem. I was last in The Earl summer of 2020 (COVID comments below), but have visited several times since they took over the former Comfy Cow location in downtown NA. Building is very cool & in a perfect location. Long, narrow bar with bar tables leading to an outside seating area. Dark tones and 'earthiness' dominate. Big ol' TVs in the bar area. The Earl bills itself as an 'upscale dive', and I think that's about as apt a description as one could come up with. Typical beer/wine/drinks choices (at reasonable rates), and some interesting signature cocktails for just about every palate. I've tried a couple of the cocktails, and my son tried one of their 'blue drinks' although I was advised long ago never to drink blue drinks (he survived). Apparently there is food - I've never ordered any. Looks pretty good...simple paninis, a charcuterie board, stuff like that. Just enough to keep you drinking but in line with the concept. Overall vibe has been pretty chill the times I've visited, but it's mainly been extremely late or right after opening...can't really speak for what it's like when things are peppy in there. Barkeeps have been super nice, inviting, skilled. *COVID: bartender was masked when I visited in times of COVID (w/no local orders in place except social distancing, masks, and capacity at 75%)...we were the only customers there so felt fine. Design of building probably makes for right quarters when busy. There is a outside area.*Get the The Earl if you haven't already. Well worth your time!

Update: changing my review to one-star because I am 99% sure that the beer cheese is actually pimento cheese. My takeout order cost more than $40 with tip but is mostly burnt bread and not what I ordered, this is a joke. Tried calling to let them know of this issue, but went to voicemail.Friendly wait staff, but not even joking, they gave me a beer cheese to go with an empty beer cheese (see photo).

Not many places move me to do a review. I'm in love with The Earl. It's the perfect combination of a great atmosphere with great music piping through, smooth and creative cocktails and food that you would expect to find in a high quality restaurant. The cocktails were delish and great twists.The food: Yum Yum Yum! What I would call heavy apps, everything we had was mouth watering delish. House made pimento cheese, with a kick at the end, was served with soft & salty pretzel bread. I could not stop. The grilled cheese was served in nice bite size triangles and is to die for!! Variety of cheese with candied bacon. Wow! The Ricotta & Honey whip was light and fluffy. I'll be trying the other items next time I go in. The service was spot on. Attentive and enthusiastic servers who could explain the drink and food menu. Our group had a great time. By 9:30 you couldn't find a seat in the place. I rarely go to New Albany but this place will bring me back. Very good and very fun!!!

We had a great time at The Earl. It feels cozy and has awesome bartenders! Great drinks, atmosphere, and music selection. The place is clean too with plenty of off-street parking and an outdoor seating area. We thoroughly enjoyed ourselves there and we highly recommend it to anyone looking for some after-dinner drinks or just a place to come a chill.

Met a girlfriend at The Earl this evening for apps and beverages. Many thanks for the recommendations! Really like this spot! Excellent bourbon list, delicious apps. Friendly bartender too! They have Stagg JR bourbon for a reasonable $11/neat hearty pour. This is a bit of a unicorn so was happy to have it. The beer cheese and pretzel sticks are great. Nice zing on the cheese. Pretzels warm, cheese cold - FYI. Charcuterie tray was really tasty. Nice selection of hard cheeses, salami and toasted bread with olives, cornichons, spicy mustard and fig jam. I also noticed a very legit espresso machine behind the bar if you're looking for it. Awesome 90's music selection playing. Clean, remodeled historic building with exposed brick and wood floors. Plenty of off street parking and an outdoor seating area too. We thoroughly enjoyed ourselves at The Earl and highly recommend it! Cheers!

First, this place is not 24/7. Navigation will take you to back of the restaurant where you open a black gate and then go through doors to. Or you can walk to your right and make it to the front. It is a bar. The bartender was making food and drinks. With such a small menu to be out of items is bad management. The Italian without salami because they out were $10 no sides no veggies no dressing. I guess if nothing was open it was ok. Posting pics of the menu. also, if you don't have the item's main ingredients, you need to either discount the item or substitute it with something else extra. The bartender was friendly and would probably come back at an earlier time and start drinking.

The Earls DNA is comprised of mostly dive, with a lot of grandma mixed in.Beers-coldPours- heavyMusic- played off the bar maids phone and it could've been my playlist.My wife and I walked in to this dimly lit shotgun bar that looks like it belongs right where it is and has been for probably the last 150 years. I'm sure the buildings seen lots of change but its character is rooted deep. You feel it upon entry. Long, narrow, dark wood, brick, and glass. Nothing fancy. A few windows but late in the evening, its dark. Found a quiet spot, shared a few drinks, and continued on. Not everyone likes everywhere and I get that. But this place slowed time down for me. It was a soft and satisfying landing after a long roadie. Very grateful to have dropped in. Thanks

I stopped in for a quick drink & it was so good I had 2This was my first time at The Earl & I was impressed with the old fashioned. Bacon? Cmon it was great. Cool atmosphere inside & out. The server's friends were at the end of the bar so most of her time was spent talking to them. Other than that little blip I'll definitely return