fifth quarter steakhouse to close

[Robin Garr]

after 30 somethings years they are closing due to the economics. tonight will be their last serving.

It's sad to see the end of any dining institution in Louisville, although I have to say that I haven't been there for years. It always kind of strikes me as an upscale-casual chain left over from the '70s.

Wow! Every time I drove by there I always wondered how they stayed open.

I remember when they first opened. I was in high school and worked at Danner's Restaurant as a cook. Both operations were owned by Shoney's. I don't know who was running the Fifth Quarter these days, though.

Back in the day, Fifth Quarter was actually quite good...their Prime Rib was excellent and always had a great salad bar...

That's too bad!!!!

Always hate to see a fellow operation close. SAD

The only memory I have of the Fifth Quarter is of my dad always talking about that being the "big place to go" for a steak dinner (back in the 70's, no less, Robin!)

Still, it was a part of the city landscape for a long time, it will be odd to not see it.

I wonder where all the hot rod car owners will go during their annual meeting? That place was always mobbed with them when they were in town. Since it's coming up very soon I'm surprised they didn't stay open through it.

We haven't been there in years but the last time I was there it struck me as being somewhat decrepit, dark and not very inviting. I don't think they have done anything to upgrade the facility since they first built it. Every business needs to stay current to stay competitive. I can hardly say it's a surprise to me that they are closing.

Who was the last person to eat there on this board? I know that I have driven past it a few thousand times, but I've never been inside the place....What did it look like on the inside?

You are exactly right.....Anne Marie

very 1970's ish. brown and dark. it really needed to be updated. if i remember correctly there was another one right by hurstborne and shelbyville rd. on the spot where z's salon is now.

Yep. In the "last one to eat there" competition, I know it was Dec 31, 1997 for me. At the Z's location.

I loved the shelbyville road location. I would go listen to and watch Freddie George perform!

For some reason, I'm fond of places that seem frozen in time. They're just oddly fascinating. When I worked at the VanHoose Center in '93/94, I'd try to get people to go there with me for lunch. I haven't been back since leaving that office. Bummer they're closing.

I check-in with a visit in August 2000.

Just days before heading off to separate colleges, my gf's parents took us there for a "going away" dinner. I don't remember that much about it, as I was probably more focused on minding my manners. Do remember the dim lighting and the 70's-ish booths. Also remember that there was a salad bar that came with the steak dinners. In that way, it reminded me more of the Ponderosa visits of my childhood.

Point being - this was meant to be a "nice" dinner. Kitschy might be the more appropriate term.

I think the last time we ate there was ... let's see... around 1992. Their prime rib was OK but I preferred Vic Stations (even if they did close years before.) The salad bar however, was fantastic. Any salad bar that has anchovies on it gets my vote.