Graduation dinner near Freedom Hall/ 64East

All,

Like Ron, we are trying to determine where to eat after my daughter's graduation next Wednesday night at Freedom Hall. For some unknown reason, graduation starts at 5:00 and lasts several hours- right through dinner hours. We have family in from Eastern Kentucky who we'd like to grab a quick-ish meal with afterwards, before they head back on 64 East that night. Any thoughts on a good spot for a mixed group of eaters- both foodie and not adventurous ( and an 8 year old)?

Thanks,
Deb

[Robin Garr]

All,

Like Ron, we are trying to determine where to eat after my daughter's graduation next Wednesday night at Freedom Hall. For some unknown reason, graduation starts at 5:00 and lasts several hours- right through dinner hours. We have family in from Eastern Kentucky who we'd like to grab a quick-ish meal with afterwards, before they head back on 64 East that night. Any thoughts on a good spot for a mixed group of eaters- both foodie and not adventurous ( and an 8 year old)?

Thanks,
Deb

Probably the U of L Cardinal Hall of Fame would come as close as any to filling that bill, Deb. While I wouldn't call it a memorable culinary venue, the food is corporate family style, certainly better than Denny's, and the U of L sports memorabilia might make it interesting for the kid.

Cottage Inn isn't too far away, if it's open that late.

Or run 'em out to Annie Cafe or Vietnam Kitchen!

W.W. Cousins might be a fine choice for a quick meal near 64 East.

What price range are you looking at?

Cracker Barrel is right there on Crittenden at the I65 entrance

While it would be a decent drive back for those returning to Louisville proper, the Old Stone Inn in Simpsonville may be an option. We had a ballet recital in Shelbyville and we were trying to determine a place for an after performance meal. We decided on the The Old Stone Inn and we were delighted in our decision. It is typical southern fare, but prepared very well. The weather this weekend may dictate indoor dining, but they have a wonderful patio. Our children (8 and 4) had a choice of pasta with parmesan butter sauce or homemade red sauce or house made chicken fingers. One choose the butter sauce and the other choose red sauce and both were happy.

Why not drive part-way after the graduation?

I'd guess Cardinal Cafe will be pretty filled up, but heading out the Watterson to I-64 East, you can exit at Hurstbourne for dozens of restaurants.

Either of the Mongolian Stir-frys could work for a mixed group, and the youngun would love it. Buca works (as was mentioned in the other post). There's a decent Chinese place nearby, two adequate barbecue places (Famous Dave's being the better), and many others, all of which will be less crowded (likely with relatively quick service) later in the evening on a Wednesday.

Take some phone numbers with you, as some of these don't have reservations, but most will take "call-ahead" seating.

All,

Like Ron, we are trying to determine where to eat after my daughter's graduation next Wednesday night at Freedom Hall. For some unknown reason, graduation starts at 5:00 and lasts several hours- right through dinner hours. We have family in from Eastern Kentucky who we'd like to grab a quick-ish meal with afterwards, before they head back on 64 East that night. Any thoughts on a good spot for a mixed group of eaters- both foodie and not adventurous ( and an 8 year old)?

Thanks,
Deb

Probably the U of L Cardinal Hall of Fame would come as close as any to filling that bill, Deb. While I wouldn't call it a memorable culinary venue, the food is corporate family style, certainly better than Denny's, and the U of L sports memorabilia might make it interesting for the kid.

Cottage Inn isn't too far away, if it's open that late.

Or run 'em out to Annie Cafe or Vietnam Kitchen!

Thanks- all!
Love to take them to Vietnam Kitchen, Robin, but my Harlan relatives are not nearly that adventurous. Bad American Chinese would even be a stretch.

W.W. Cousins might be a fine choice for a quick meal near 64 East.

What price range are you looking at?

That could be a good choice- hadn't thought that direction. I was thinking a bit nicer though.

You guys are the best- Lots of great input folks!
If it helps- my ideal would be we'd go to Jack's/Equus for this event/crowd- if I could move it to a much more convenient spot. We' re going to be super- rushed - to get food and then to let the out-of-towners on their way and Sara to her Project Graduation. That's really confining the area- and I fear anything close-by will be swarned with the 600 other families of recent graduates.

It's a chain, so don't kill me, but what about Mimis Cafe? Right off 64.. Large space and decent food and doesn't take long to get food out.

There are a few restaurants in the shopping center at Poplar Level and Hess Ln which is pretty close to were you will be: Panera, Qdoba, Chili's and maybe J Gumbo's? They are fairly close and maybe wouldn't be quite as crowded. I have a friend who told me the Hometown Pizza at Preston and the Watterson was alright.
Not a whole lot of great options in the area.

The shoot out Taylorsville road and go to Buca di Beppo! I'm sure everyone could find something they like there.

Dittos is just up the road and would fit the bill for a crowd pleasing meal.

Take a slight detour between Freedom Hall and I-64 and hop off the Watterson at Bardstown Road, and you're only a mile and a half from Douglas Loop. Cafe Lou Lou Highlands and North End Highlands both take reservations and appeal to a variety of tastes. Sharom's and Dundee Tavern are also right there.