Speed round of no go!

Any restaurant that I would feel strongly enough about to put on a list such as this is already out of business. I will say I did chuckle a bit thinking I may have worked at a restaurant or two ( a millennia ago) that would qualify for such a list.

I gave reasons for four of my five. I actually went easy on Bristol. The reason I listed Back Door was I witnessed the owner using F bombs on people who favored a smoking ban. Disagreeing is one thing, calling people stupid MFs is another.

Yeah thats one of mine. For very similar reasons.

I gave reasons for four of my five. I actually went easy on Bristol. The reason I listed Back Door was I witnessed the owner using F bombs on people who favored a smoking ban. Disagreeing is one thing, calling people stupid MFs is another.

Yeah thats one of mine. For very similar reasons.

It's hard to imagine that coming from the owner (if you're actually sure it was the owner). John Dant is a pillar of the community, and colorful language might fly when you're the owner of one of the most popular bars in the city for decades. I know that he had strong opinions of the smoking ban, but guess what - you can't smoke there now. Let's not forget how much he gives back, and if you're unaware - he's very philanthropic. I might be a little sensitive because I have a familial relationship with him, but John is one of the good guys by most standards, and it's hard to see him slandered here. Nothing against the testimonials here, and I think that it's fair to share the experiences, I just have to back up my homey.

This is such a difficult business in which to succeed I see no reason for drive by snipping...

Now, I enjoy a good snark as much as anyone and am exceptionally good at it, but I draw the line when it involves other's livelihoods in a public forum.

Yes and yes. I only post the positives on here. It's such a difficult job a restaurant could effectively be ruined with one flame post.

I want to see a positive forum where I read what people like not what they hated. Hate is the easy way out. So I post what I want to see (good, positive things) although I don't have much bad to say about the food in Louisville.

I think I'm with Carla. There are any number of places in town that wouldn't ever be my first, second, or hundredth choice when deciding on a restaurant, but I can't think of any that I'd straight up refuse to patronize.

I'm with Jeff. I have places WAY down on my list, but other than that my only "no goes" would be:
1) greasy chains/fast food (personal preference)
2) places where I know their workers are not treated well (abusive bosses, firing on a whim, very condescending , sexual harassment, etc).

Too much good food /great places in town to support the above.
Deb

I gave reasons for four of my five. I actually went easy on Bristol. The reason I listed Back Door was I witnessed the owner using F bombs on people who favored a smoking ban. Disagreeing is one thing, calling people stupid MFs is another.

Yeah thats one of mine. For very similar reasons.

It's hard to imagine that coming from the owner (if you're actually sure it was the owner). John Dant is a pillar of the community, and colorful language might fly when you're the owner of one of the most popular bars in the city for decades. I know that he had strong opinions of the smoking ban, but guess what - you can't smoke there now. Let's not forget how much he gives back, and if you're unaware - he's very philanthropic. I might be a little sensitive because I have a familial relationship with him, but John is one of the good guys by most standards, and it's hard to see him slandered here. Nothing against the testimonials here, and I think that it's fair to share the experiences, I just have to back up my homey.

Okay here are my specifics...
A) I was there in March(?) I believe? And people were still smoking inside, whether or not it was with owner/manager consent I dont know. But the whole place reeked of smoke.

B) We had gone there to grab a bite and a few drinks while discussing some business. I had my infant (11 month old) daughter with me. A waitress came up to our table and told me that I couldnt allow her to remain in the bar. That is the first time someone has ever told me my infant daughter couldnt be with me in a bar. Then while we were trying to figure out where our group should go next, since we couldnt stay...a large guy came over and impolitely asked if we hadnt heard what the waitress said and to get out. I dont know if this was the owner or manager.

I wont be back.

Okay here are my specifics...
A) I was there in March(?) I believe? And people were still smoking inside, whether or not it was with owner/manager consent I dont know. But the whole place reeked of smoke.

B) We had gone there to grab a bite and a few drinks while discussing some business. I had my infant (11 month old) daughter with me. A waitress came up to our table and told me that I couldnt allow her to remain in the bar. That is the first time someone has ever told me my infant daughter couldnt be with me in a bar. Then while we were trying to figure out where our group should go next, since we couldnt stay...a large guy came over and impolitely asked if we hadnt heard what the waitress said and to get out. I dont know if this was the owner or manager.

I wont be back.

I can't get past taking an 11 month old into any bar whether there is smoking or not. Did you know bartenders and cocktail waitresses pay higher premiums on their health/life insurance policies because they work in a bar, where there are drunks, where fights frequently break out. It is Not place for a toddler or child.

Okay here are my specifics...
A) I was there in March(?) I believe? And people were still smoking inside, whether or not it was with owner/manager consent I dont know. But the whole place reeked of smoke.

I'm not doubting you, necessarily, but did you actually see someone smoking inside? We visit the Back Door somewhat regularly, and I haven't seen anyone smoking inside for years. They do allow smoking on the semi-covered patio, and the place does often smell of smoke from people coming in and out from the patio.

I've been to three of the Bristol locations over the past few years: Downtown, Bardstown, and Hurstbourne.

The food is always good, but every time I have went to the Bardstown location, with the last being maybe four years ago, it had the sour reek of cigarette smoke and grease. I assumed it was built in to the carpet and furnishings at that point. So, just because smoking has been banned, doesn't mean the stench soon dissipates. And I don't hold anyone opposing the ban against them at all. My personal preference is no-smoking, but I strongly believe that peeps should be able to use their property how they see fit.

Anyway, hopefully Bristol on Bardstown has redecorated since my last visit, and I will add a reminder to my list to give them another try when I'm in the area.

Now children in bars.... It's my understanding that children are not allowed in stand alone bars by state law. I'm not clear on how this applies to bars that are part of a restaurant. Though rudeness should never be excused, I wouldn't hold it against any establishment for seeing that state liquor laws are observed.

We had gone there to grab a bite and a few drinks while discussing some business. I had my infant (11 month old) daughter with me.

I'm guessing you had a designated driver. For those who might think of doing this without one, it's probably important to note that in Kentucky receiving a DUI with a child under 12 in the car constitutes "aggravated" circumstances and results in double the jail time. In more (shall we say) "progressive" states said offense constitutes a gross misdemeanor (and possibly a felony depending on B.A.C) and can/will earn you a trip to the big house.

Regrettably several of my (our) "No Go" places have turned out to be places many of you promote as "the next big thing". Been burned on -that- deal a few times.

We had gone there to grab a bite and a few drinks while discussing some business. I had my infant (11 month old) daughter with me.

I'm guessing you had a designated driver. For those who might think of doing this without one, it's probably important to note that in Kentucky receiving a DUI with a child under 12 in the car constitutes "aggravated" circumstances and results in double the jail time. In more (shall we say) "progressive" states said offense constitutes a gross misdemeanor (and possibly a felony depending on B.A.C) and can/will earn you a trip to the big house.

No we didnt. Again we were going because someone in the group suggested it, as a place to grab a beer, a bite to eat and discuss some business.

We werent there to get drunk.

I can't get past taking an 11 month old into any bar whether there is smoking or not. Did you know bartenders and cocktail waitresses pay higher premiums on their health/life insurance policies because they work in a bar, where there are drunks, where fights frequently break out. It is Not place for a toddler or child.

Given it was my first time there I saw that. But assumed it was like many "bars" in town that also serve food....ie it was as much restaurant as bar. Its not like there were Harleys and tattooed bikers hanging by the front door.