Bardstown Road changes

I couldn't decide which related thread to respond to, so I decided to start a new one.

Maybe it's because I have been neck deep in studying for comprehensive exams since early summer that I have missed the changes on Bardstown Road. I noticed these changes while walking up and down the street last night. I tried to visit Nimbus' place, but, alas, they were closed for vacation. I took that as a sign that I should not be studying, so I enjoyed a little fresh air on Bardstown. Nimbus I'll get back in another day!

The three changes I noticed were the new Pizza place (Pizza Roma), the return of La Bodega, and the addition of Cafe Mimosa/Eggroll Machine. It was interesting to note these additions/returns as they change the visual of the area (if only slightly). I was across the street from Mimosa, so I could not tell what kind of business they were doing. Roma and Bodega, unfortunately, were both very empty. Seviche had what looked like a decent Tuesday going, while Cumberland was full to the gills. I assume Bodega was open, judging from all the 'Grand ReOpening" signs in the windows.

I can't speak to the quality of the new pizza place(hope it is not a victim of over-saturation), but I hope everyone makes an effort to support Mimosa and La Bodega. Both hopefully have returned at the level they were operating at before the unfortunate fires. I'm especially excited to see Bodega back. All I need now is a nice fall day and an authentic Caipirinha at one of the tall tops out front.

I think it says alot about the market power of independent restaurants when 1) two places can make the attempt to return from devastating fires and 2) a city can try to support at least five* pizza joints within a few city blocks.

*Did anyone ever do a count? - Za's, Imp's, Bearno's, Tony's, Roma. What am I missing (not counting Ray's Monkey)?

I believe the area is great. However, I avoid it on the weekends and during rush hour. Attempting to find a place and park or not hitting a cab tends to keep me away more then dinning in the area. Sure, I don't live near the area. And, I'm glad people living in walking distance have the luxury to walk. Unfortunately, I don't and have to trek from Fern Creek. I really wish this area success and hope it keeps on thriving for a long time. But, this is the reason I stay away most of the time. Again, to be clear , this is NOT a slam on the area. I like it. The diversity is second to none in Louisville. I'm only expressing a problem others I know share.

I also live in Fern Creek. 30 years. A foodies mecca. Plus the traffic on Bardstown Road at rush hour is probably now the worst in the city.

A mediocre BBQ place in the Harley Center.
One of worlds finest buffets in Ryan's. Home of the dry roast beef and excellent warm canned corn.
A gorgeous Cracker Barrel.
Some other wonderful places. DQ, Frisches, Wendys, McDonalds, Long John Silvers. The best of this bunch is Moby Dick. Our Best .. no where close to the original in Smithville.
Actually, some of the best food comes from Krogers including the rotisserie chicken.

IN fairness, Sake Blue is a very nice place.\
Also, Sandy is an excellent cook. Please call me for reservations. We would love to show you some excellent home cooking.

I have gone to Bardstown Rd for many years and have never had to park more than two blocks from where I was going. Usually closer. Same with Frankfort Ave. Please do not hit a cab?????

I have gone to Bardstown Rd for many years and have never had to park more than two blocks from where I was going.

I live on Bonnycastle, so I usually walk to most places, but parking can be had any time of day, even weekend nights. The key is to get off Bardstown and onto streets like Bonnycastle, Sherwood, etc. There's usually tons of parking off the main drag.

The same goes for Baxter bar areas - just go over to Cherokee Rd. and spaces abound.

I will agree about traffic during rush hour and during weekend evenings, but again, take the side streets and traffic is fine. I work downtown and take Bardstown/Baxter to work as it usually flows fine in the mornings, but I always take Cherokee home because Bardstown between Eastern and Bonnycastle is a nightmare in the evenings.

I'm on Sherwood Ave. I've noticed that several posters have made comments about avoiding Bardstown Rd. at various times due to traffic & parking. And I'm always a little surprised by the comments. That said, I guess if you live near Bardstown Rd., you learn the sooper-secret ways of getting about and parking. I rarely have any problems getting around in my car and/or parking (and I go weeks without leaving the Highlands).

I always avoid Bardstown Rd. and slip down Cherokee.....then use a cross-street to pop onto Bardstown Rd. near my destination. I know how to use the alleys that run behind Bardstown Rd. and many of the other streets in The Highlands. I've learned how to avoid that awful light at the corner of Highland & Baxter by slipping through KFC's parking lot when I'm trying to head to the post office on Highland. And generally, you can turn onto just about any side street off of Bardstown or Baxter and there will be a parking spot (or lot) within 100 ft. of almost any restaurant or bar.

So come on down on the weekends folks. It takes a little getting used to. But it's completely managable with a little practice.

Please do not hit a cab?????

So far, so good.

My wife & I have been on both sides of this, having moved to the Highlands after living for more than 20 years in Indiana. What Leann & others said is exactly right - it is not hard to find nearby parking on the streets perpendicular to Bardstown Rd. I'm curious about one temptation many people have and that is to park at the Mid City Mall. It has been posted as a tow zone for those who are not there to patronize the mall's tenants but how the heck could anyone tell unless a sentry sees you walk away down Bardstown Road> Not encouraging this, it's not public property, but does anyone know or heard of someone actually being towed?

I'm curious about one temptation many people have and that is to park at the Mid City Mall. It has been posted as a tow zone for those who are not there to patronize the mall's tenants but how the heck could anyone tell unless a sentry sees you walk away down Bardstown Road> Not encouraging this, it's not public property, but does anyone know or heard of someone actually being towed?

From what I've heard, if one parks in a cluster of cars near the Comedy Caravan or the Valu-Market, one will not be towed.

I have parked there several times to go to either Ramsi's or the Highland Tap Room and never had any problems

I live above my shop (Bonnycastle and Bardstown), and I'd say that only ten or so times in two years have I had to park more than 1 block away. There is almost always parking on Bonnycastle (free) within half a block). People who complain about no parking have obviously never lived in a big city. Come on, walk half a block. Get a little exercise. Heck, in the mall parking lots you walk much much farther away.

As for Mid-City Mall, I did hear they were towing for awhile, but I think that was brief, and was about a year and a half ago. And yes, they'd have to watch you park and walk away from the mall. If you were paranoid, you could walk into the mall, and then out a few moments later.

My sis lived in SF for years, and it could literally take half an hour of circling to find a spot, and you still might walk a few blocks!

As for coming from downtown, the barret route past tyler to baxter works pretty well. I'll often shoot over to baxter to avoid bardstown rd traffic. (such as going to post office, or even mid-city mall). Evening traffic is stop and go on bardstown, definitely good to avoid if you're just passing through.

I generally try to avoid the alleys, too many nails and such, and flat tires suck! But the alleys are useful sometimes.

-Nimbus

I've parked at Mid-City about a zillion times to go to various places across the street. Never a problem.

About a year ago, I was at The Back Door. My car wouldn't start when I went to leave. It was parked in the lower part of their lot. I called my husband to come get me & left a note under the wiper.

I actually ended up leaving it there for a couple of days before arranging the tow. At my husband's request, I called The Back Door and asked them to take a look & make sure it was still there. It was. They assured me that as long as it was parked legally and wasn't in the way, it would be fine for a few days.

Another note: About 2 years ago, a friend of mine left her car parked on the back lot (Baxter Theatres). On the end near The Back Door. When she went to retrieve it the next day, it had been stolen. As far as I know, it was never recovered.

The only real parking problem I've ever had on the side streets is that some points are not well lit and maintained and that can be rough in the winter months. I've only ever once fallen on ice in my life and that was walking back to my car from Le Gallo Rosso last winter. It was a darker portion of the street and i totally didn't see the uneven sidewalk where the ice patch had formed . Still I get that a lot of people are just used to parking in lots and not looking for a place to parallel on side streets. It's an understandable comfort zone issue.

Mid City Mall went into a towing craze a few summers ago, which I think was motivated by complaints from business owners (from the news story I am recalling). They would watch you park and then tow your car the minute you left the Mall premises. People complained along the lines of "I went to Ramsi's before going to Comedy Caravan," which, it seems, made the MCM people realize there's really no way to know who is parking for MCM businesses and who is just parking there.

I parked there a few weeks ago to go to Kashmir. I had no problem.

People who complain about no parking have obviously never lived in a big city.

Do San Antonio and Tuscon count? If not, then you're correct. I've never lived in a big city. Consequently, I prefer smaller cities; Lexington being one of my favorites when I attended school in the 90's. New Albany, Indiana was pretty nice for the 3 years I lived in the area before coming to Louisville for my current job. Then again, this is just my personal preference. Some people love living in big cities. I just prefer few people. Perhaps my parents should have named me Scrooge.