Discussion of Robin Garr's AP Crafters review

[Robin Garr]

AP Crafters crafts fine fare at Westport Village
Voice-Tribune review by Robin Garr

I have to confess that I was uncertain about Westport Village at first. Sure, the aging Camelot shopping center was due for replacement. But as Camelot’s modern replacement rose on the site, its offbeat architecture looked funny, somehow, prompting wisecracks about sets at a Universal Studios theme park.

Moreover, the choice of several national franchise operations among early tenants didn’t inspire my confidence.

But what a difference a few years make! Over the past three years or so, Westport Village has evolved into a new and desirable kind of suburban center, its hard edges softened by landscaping and its character shaped by the mostly local independent businesses that now dominate its roster: Wild Eggs, Boombozz, Napa River Grill, Westport Whiskey & Wine, Hiko-A-Mon, Jade Palace, Heine Bros., the Comfy Cow and many more.

With frequent parades, picnics, concerts and other events, Westport Village has become a virtual center of its community.

And now Tony Palombino, papa of the growing Boombozz pizza mini-chain, has upped things another notch with AP Crafters, a new eatery that fills the sizable vacant space left by the departure of Indigo Joe’s, a link in a 50-unit sports bar chain based in Southern California.

Palombino (I can barely overcome the impulse to identify him as “Boombozz”) is as well-known for creating, incubating and spinning off new restaurant ideas that might morph into chains. For instance, he created Thatsa Wrapp, Bazo’s, Benny B’s Sandwiches and more. And now he appears to be embarked on a similar quest with AP Crafters, which has a chain-like look – in a good way – based on the currently trendy “gastropub.”

Read the full review on LouisvilleHotBytes,
http://www.louisvillehotbytes.com/ap-cr ... rt-village

AP Crafters Kitchen & Bar
Westport Village
1321 Herr Lane
690-5000
Web: http://www.apcrafters.com
Facebook: http://on.fb.me/apcrafters

The bacon brushetta is where it's at; followed by the smoked mac and cheese, pretzels and mushrooms. I wasn't blown away by the wings, El Vev Burger or Mighty Fine Chicken, but they were pretty good. The mac and cheese and bacon brushetta are worth the trip alone. The bar and general managers are also awesome guys. I had the pleasure of shooting the breeze with them last Fri. for a couple of late night hours.

We went last week for the first time. I thought everything was pretty good - the pretzels were the best thing I tried. I did the Monday burger deal with fries for $7.00 - not my favorite burger but the fries were good and heavily seasoned. We didn't try the brushetta or the mac n cheese unfortunately. The service was prompt and well paced.

I'm not a bar food guy but I can eat here.

I just wanted to chime in about AP. I really like it there - food and atmosphere. I've been several time and have had the AP burger, turkey sandwich, wedge w/crispy chicken, cheese curds, etc. and would get any of it again. I think next time I would ask for my bread on the turkey to not be grilled (seemed greasy), but the turkey itself was fabulous (and a huge sandwich). I didn't care for the slaw, but I'm finicky slaw eater.

Dining companions have had the burger w/pastrami, pastrami sandwich, grilled cheese, tuna blt, etc. Everyone has been please with their food and the grilled cheese looked great (my Dad did complain about the pastrami sandwich being too big - now he ate every bite of it - so now you have a sense of eating out with my Dad).

I know it sounds minor, but they have fantastic iced tea. Good beer, yes, but the ice tea is the best brewed in town.

On a related topic, Westport Village has so far done a nice job of offering a variety of restaurants that don't really compete for each other. Sushi- Hiko-A-Mon; Pizza - Boombozz, American Pub - AP, Upscale - Napa River Grille. Kudos to WV - it sure ain't like my high school Camelot.

My Sunday thoughts after lunch at AP.

Thanks for the iced tea comment. We at Consumers Choice Coffee are very proud that AP Crafters is serving our Camelia iced tea. In fact almost every restaurant in Louisville serves our iced tea.

Thanks for noticing.

I haven't been there yet but checked out the menu.
Not a lot of options for my vegetarian wife except the salads.
Hope they add some options or I may have to go alone.

David - I believe you when you say AP is serving your iced tea, but they are clearly brewing it in a way that makes it head and shoulders above anywhere else in town, and I eat out a lot. A lot.