Suggestions for quiet. affordable dinner conversation venue

[Robin Garr]

Funny I'm asking the kind of question I usually answer, but my quest this time focuses on a special category of restaurant, and I'd love to have advice. We're looking for a number of dinner (evening) venues for a conversation group (from St. Matthew's Episcopal, so wine and drinks are okay). Various criteria: Must be a local independent, no chains. Affordable, doesn't have to be cheap. Ethnic, but not too adventurous, as not everybody is a "foodie." Convenient - Frankfort Avenue and St. Matthews and surroundings ideal. Prefer being able to move tables around to get 10 or so around one table. You get the idea.

We've thought of maybe North End Cafe, Red Pepper, August Moon and a couple of others. Maybe Shady Lane Cafe, if it can accommodate a party of 10 comfortably. Cafe Lou Lou would be so right in so many ways, but I can't see it for quiet conversation. Equus, etc., would be fine but a little on the pricey side.

Anyone have other ideas to toss out? All advice happily accepted ...

What about L&N? A table in the back left corner would be nice and quiet -- and cozy on a cold night, too.

60 West or Napa River should be perfect. I'm not a big fan of the food at Macca's, but that could just be me.

Depending upon the night you go, Havana Rumba could easily meet all of those criteria. Plus, I've never met anyone who didn't like it so you don't have to worry about your non-foodie members.

Buck's is a forgotten gem in Old Louisville, but would fit the bill.

I was gonna say Maido but you said not all were foodies.

What the heck...The Bristol might be a good place.

How about Palermo Viejo?...Ethnic food that the even the most unadventurous will like!!!

How about Lee's Korean BBQ? Quiet environment, independent, affordable, and its in an easily accessible location.

I think the challenge here is the request for "quiet." I haven't seen a quiet place recommended just yet. Robin, August Moon seems to work, and has the back room if need be. You could accommodate foodies and non-foodies at Oriental House by using the two menus. I'm pretty stumped by the quiet issue, though, and am really interested in other thoughts.

[Robin Garr]

I think the challenge here is the request for "quiet." I haven't seen a quiet place recommended just yet. Robin, August Moon seems to work, and has the back room if need be. You could accommodate foodies and non-foodies at Oriental House by using the two menus. I'm pretty stumped by the quiet issue, though, and am really interested in other thoughts.

Let's not over-analyze "quiet" here, though, TP. I don't mean a hushed environment. Just the kind of place where people at the same table can hear each other talk without having to yell. I think a lot of favorites (such as Limestone, although price might be an issue there) fall into this category. Probably the back room at L&N as well. Etc.

How about the Corner Cafe in preview London Lyndon? They have items on the menu to suit everybody's taste and it's relatively quiet, especially in the back room. Moving tables around wouldn't be a problem either. The food is quite good, not marvelous but should suit your needs quite well.

Also how about something simple like Impellizzeri’s, everybody always likes a pizza!

How about....

The enclosed heated back area at Baxter Station
Upstairs at Pat's Steakhouse
The expanded Jack's

The back room at Saffron's ( it used to be a Bank Vault) is a great room for conversation. Don't know what their minimum number is though....

Deb

i think mark meant in lyndon. for a minute i was thinking london, ky, well that would be a long ride for sure.

Thanks for the spell-check, that's one of the disadvantages of using voice recognition software, it doesn't know where it is sometimes.

You guys absolutely have to do one at Maggie's...which is at 9909 Taylorsville Road...they have a Certified Chef on staff...and the food is great quality, and still maintains a nice value....it is more of a bistro flair, meaning that all pallets should be able to dine and be pleased....you will be re-miss not to try.