September 2000
All of us who have been watching the progress over the last few months at the corner of Third and Oak have been thrilled recently to see the open sign in the window of the Third Avenue Café. And from those we know who have already been there, we hear nothing but raves!
It looked like this deserved a thorough checking-out. OldLouisville.com part-time staffer and notoriously finicky eater, Warren Brown, was chosen for a luncheon mission to bring us the unbiased scoop on this newest Old Louisville eatery. To ensure a completely objective report, we worked the morning long and succeeded in giving Warren a splitting headache. Yes, we play hard ball!
It wasn't long before Warren returned with his glowing report! Not only had he been served the best grilled chicken sandwich of his life (and Warren, we thought you were a vegetarian!), but that headache we had worked so hard in giving seemed to evaporate as soon as he entered the Café. The comfortable atmosphere, the uncrowded seating, and friendly, attentive staff, immediately had their effect. Now he vows he'll never eat lunch anywhere else!
The Third Avenue Café opens for breakfast at 8 AM Monday through Saturday, and 11:00 AM on Sunday for its Sunday Brunch. Lunch starts at 11:00 and includes a daily plate lunch special, burgers, fish, hot deli sandwiches and sides. Warren recommends the delicious Red Potato salad. A full dinner menu will be available in the future for evenings, and word is out that it will include some real treats!
A relaxing Old Louisville ambiance is effected by scenes of familiar Third Street mansions painted on the walls. Those who thought they were going to lose Zeiden's beloved old Soda Fountain are also in for a treat, in more ways than one. The fountain has been preserved for the hand dipped milk shakes and malts.
JoanWe wish the Third Avenue Café all the best, and want to thank co-owners Joan and Sharon (the white tornado?) and their husbands for bringing this delightful and much welcome new restaurant to Old Louisville!
July 2001
After a short and disappointing interlude as "Lacy Shay's" (Really, it was too stuffy and too overpriced for the simple cold sandwich fare they offered then,) Scott and Sharon have taken over again to an enthusiastic reception from the Old Louisville neighborhood. Reasonably priced hearty hot lunches have returned, good hot and cold sandwiches, gourmet salads, and a new evening menu of pastas, steaks and specials have kept the renewed Third Avenue Café hopping with business. The Café is casually elegant, with emphasis on casual. A friendly staff wants everyone to come down to enjoy a good meal, meet neighbors and make new friends.
