Voice-Tribune review by LouisvilleHotBytes (published March 11, 2010)
Baxter Station's proprietor Andrew Hutto is one of the moving forces behind the Louisville Originals restaurant group, and his eatery - a popular local spot to eat and drink since 1989 - fits the "Originals" description to a T.
No franchised chain operation this, its cozy storefront setting is one-of-a-kind, with a railroad theme, a friendly bar up front, a comfy dining room with a warm fireplace, and a rear deck with curtain walls that roll up to allow alfresco dining in good weather and roll down to hold in the heat from powerful overhead warmers on wintry days.
Big photo murals of Louisville railroad scenes adorn the walls. A connecting corridor is set up with two pairs of seats that may have come from the Metroliner and faux dining-car windows to create a railroad dining scene. On a platform overhead, a large scale model railroad train goes choo choo, er, chew chew, around both rooms.
More than just a tavern, Baxter Station bills itself as a place for "eclectic American cuisine," with two dozen beers on tap and 30 wines under $30. Located in a mostly residential neighborhood where Irish Hill meets the Highlands, it's just a short walk from the busy Baxter Avenue club strip. 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.
Full review on LouisvilleHotBytes:
http://www.louisvillehotbytes.com/baxte ... ood-bistro
Baxter Station Bar and Grill
1201 Payne Street
584-1635
http://www.baxterstation.com