Where Everybody Knows Your Name

Every time we go to Baxter Station I'm reminded of the old "Cheers" TV show. We're usually greeted by name, and whoever is tending bar draws our beers (it's always Rogue Dead Guy, in case you're interested) as soon as they recognize us.

Last night Becky was out of town so I sat at the bar and discussed golf and music with Brad. I had the Caesar salad and the new scallops app, and everything was excellent. And Brad turned me on to a couple of artists with whom I was not familiar. I vaguely recall having heard of Neko Case, but I had never listened to her music until last night. This morning I'm going to try Carbon Leaf.

This is how I feel about Jack's Lounge.

BBC St. Matthews. They do it so well. And if someone from there is working at 4th street or the new one - fun to be recognized there too. They do an excellent job to make people feel welcome (Other places remember us but that's because Mike's a good tipper!

Mike - as soon as I saw the subject line on this thread I said to myself "Baxter Station". Similar experience for me there (I'm a Dead Guy person also!). I have missed Brad more than seen him lately so I need to adjust my timing. Great folks, great food - one of my first choices always!

[Robin Garr]

One more pillng on: I think it's more than a coincidence that my most recent review of Baxter Station (March 24, 2010) was headlined "Baxter Station: Everyone’s neighborhood bistro," and reached the following conclusion:

Excellent food, fine beer and wine, great casual atmosphere and welcoming service: I don’t think I’m alone in considering Baxter Station the city’s neighborhood bistro for us all, no matter what neighborhood we live in.

http://www.louisvillehotbytes.com/baxte ... ood-bistro

This is one of my favorite foodieknucklehead stories...

Back in the day, circa late 80's, a friend and I used to go there every week for the wing special. We'd each order 50 wings and a shared bottle of tobasco...

They'd turn the TV to Beavis and Butthead and we fall into these tasty little morsels. The goal was to eat 50 wings each and consume an entire bottle of hotsauce. We never failed.

The funny part is that we'd be watching Beavis and Butthead (20-somethings, I know, looking back now it's not that funny but, at the time...)

We were laughing with baited breaths, mouths full of fire. we sounded just like the cartoon characters!

He...hehe...hehe...

Actually, when I look back on it... it was funny as could be, just not the next morning. What were we thinking? He..hehe...hehe!

Every time we go to Baxter Station I'm reminded of the old "Cheers" TV show. We're usually greeted by name, and whoever is tending bar draws our beers (it's always Rogue Dead Guy, in case you're interested) as soon as they recognize us.

I would LOVE to have a place like this on the Frankfort Avenue drag! It seems like all the places in Crescent Hill/ West St. Matthews are either super nice (expensive) or have a little too much character (think Beer Depot) or are too specialized (ethnic). If you're trying to find a place for a small group to gather on a Wednesday night it can be difficult...one person (or more) doesn't like Philipino or Greek, someone else had pizza last night, another is boycotting El Mundo (again), Volare/Varanese are good, but pretty expensive....an upscale neighborhood bistro with a little of everything would be perfect (North End could fit the bill, but it's pretty far down...). Is it just me that is often trying to find the old comfortable standby in the 'hood?

[Robin Garr]

Is it just me that is often trying to find the old comfortable standby in the 'hood?

I hear ya, neighbor, but there are a few more options nearby - North End Cafe, maybe, or L&N Wine Bar, or Fat Jimmy's? Caffe Classico is much more than just a coffee shop these days.

Also, it's a mighty quick shot across Payne from Clifton to Baxter - I'll bet it's a five-minute drive at most.

Is it just me that is often trying to find the old comfortable standby in the 'hood?

I hear ya, neighbor, but there are a few more options nearby - North End Cafe, maybe, or L&N Wine Bar, or Fat Jimmy's? Caffe Classico is much more than just a coffee shop these days.

Also, it's a mighty quick shot across Payne from Clifton to Baxter - I'll bet it's a five-minute drive at most.

I do hit all those places, but I like to walk...it's a big reason I live here. L&N is great, but a bit too far to walk and a little expensive for a twice a week visit...not to mention it's not really in the hood...i'd love a place where I can hang with the neighbors...like a Baxter Ave. East! Cafe Classico is okay, but the atmosphere isn't quite right for me. Fat Jimmy's...same. I know...i know...picky...picky...

[Robin Garr]

I know...i know...picky...picky...

It's all right ... picky makes a great neighborhood even better. I've been thinking this over, and I think the closest thing we've got to what you're looking for is Irish Rover. Not the same as Baxter, but it does have that neighborly feel, decent food, not really all that "ethnic," not too expensive, and it's right in the middle of the hood. That's the best I've got.

I know...i know...picky...picky...

It's all right ... picky makes a great neighborhood even better. I've been thinking this over, and I think the closest thing we've got to what you're looking for is Irish Rover. Not the same as Baxter, but it does have that neighborly feel, decent food, not really all that "ethnic," not too expensive, and it's right in the middle of the hood. That's the best I've got.

I like the Rover a lot too, but not a real hit with the ladies...it's kind of a one a month or so type of place for me...although I agree it's the closest thing to what i described. I guess I'm thinking about something that's "ours". A place that embodies the eclectic personality of Crescent Hill and even West St. Matthews (young professionals). A menu with Filet on the top end and sandwiches on the lower end with great salads and decent affordable wine, beer and spirits...maybe even some Vegan stuff, you know, in case someone from the Highlands or Clifton wants to eat there too.

Greg, it's probably too far to walk unless you are a hiker, but you are describing Jack's/Equus. 2 bars, $10 Burgers, Pizza, and Filet at the top end. Bars, tables, couches- come on down!

[Robin Garr]

Greg, it's probably too far to walk unless you are a hiker, but you are describing Jack's/Equus. 2 bars, $10 Burgers, Pizza, and Filet at the top end. Bars, tables, couches- come on down!

You're right, of course. But even though I agree with Gary that "Western St. Matthews" qualifies as part of the Frankfort Avenue strip these days, I think it's as far from Crescent Hill to Jack's as it is to, um, Baxter Station.

Greg, it's probably too far to walk unless you are a hiker, but you are describing Jack's/Equus. 2 bars, $10 Burgers, Pizza, and Filet at the top end. Bars, tables, couches- come on down!

You're right, of course. But even though I agree with Gary that "Western St. Matthews" qualifies as part of the Frankfort Avenue strip these days, I think it's as far from Crescent Hill to Jack's as it is to, um, Baxter Station.

If you set the over/under at 2 miles (from say Frankfort and Hite Ave), I'd just take the under on Baxter and definitely take the over on Jack's.

Now if Jack's was in the Western part of Western St. Matthews (say, ZaZoo's location) and not the Eastern part of Western St. Matthews, those in Crescent Hill would be in business.

I'm glad I could bring clarity to this discussion.

[Robin Garr]

Now if Jack's was in the Western part of Western St. Matthews (say, ZaZoo's location) and not the Eastern part of Western St. Matthews, those in Crescent Hill would be in business.

Let's get Jack's to move! I've walked home from the old St. Matthews Imports (Cannons near Frankfort) before ... it's doable, although I'd really rather drive.

I don't think I'm alone, though, in perceiving a near critical mass of clubs and eateries developing in the "West side of St. Matthews" that comes close to matching the Baxter Avenue strip. Some of those eateries have been around for a while, but it seems to be coming together now. I really don't think of the old St. Matthews area as being "suburban" any more.

I'm glad I could bring clarity to this discussion.

We are all in your debt.