Review: BoomBozz Taphouse

(Credit: Josh Thomas)

For more than a decade now, Tony BoomBozz has establish itself as a purveyor of delicious pizza here in Louisville, and it was only a matter of time before it branched out into other aspects of the restaurant world. After all, in the restaurant business — especially in this economy — growth and adaptation are necessary for all but the most loyal of customer bases.

Enter BoomBozz Taphouse: a sparkling new joint at one of the busiest intersections in the Highlands (Eastern Parkway and Bardstown Road). On a recent Sunday evening, I dropped by with my fiancé to check out the new digs and sample some of the goods.

We walked in right in the middle of the early dinner rush, but managed to grab a couple seats at the bar right away. I was initially struck by how bright everything was. Rather than a dim, cozy pub, the Taphouse looks very much like a standard family restaurant; roomy, polished-wood booths, servers wearing matching T-shirts, a dozen flat-screen TVs showing everything from sports to “60 Minutes” on our visit. Two of the establishment's four walls are nearly all window space, giving the place a very open feel.

Despite the bustle we were promptly and warmly greeted by the bartender, who gave us beer lists and menus. BoomBozz has 21 beers on tap, and plenty more bottled selections, everything from the standard domestics to local breweries to more unconventional choices.

Immediately, though, my eyes gravitated toward the option of having a sample flight of any four beers for only $4.95. As someone who often has trouble deciding on beer selection, this was perfect. I chose Shock Top Belgian white ale, BBC Nutbrown Ale, BBC Bourbon Barrel Stout and New Holland Brewery's The Poet, an oatmeal stout with rich, roasted flavors. The samples came in smaller glasses set in a wooden paddle (which I hoped I wouldn't have to use on my visit).

The menu is huge, with a copious assortment of appetizers, salads, pizzas, pastas and salads. On our visit, we decided on an order of toasted cheese ravioli ($5.99) and a medium Quattro pizza, a pie loaded with mozzarella, Italian sausage, prosciutto, artichokes and Portobello mushrooms ($15.99). The ravioli was simple but tasty, and the pizza was savory, cheesy and delicious. And although it seemed like a small portion, it managed to fill up both Lindsay and I.

One definite oddity at BoomBozz is the Ice Bar, a recessed, insulated rail on the rear of the bartop coated with a thin layer of frost and ice where you can set your beer to keep it cold. I don't know how well it works — my sample-sized beers never had a chance to lose much temperature —but I did have the urge to ball up the frost and make tiny snowmen.

Overall, BoomBozz has a recipe for success: an atmosphere friendly for both brew fiends and families, a good selection of beer, a varied, tasty menu, prompt service and a location that sees as much foot traffic as any in Louisville.