After an epochal 12-year run, downtown Louisville’s Meta craft cocktail bar (Instagram) will close following service on March 14. Given that the bar’s founder Jeremy Johnson has never been at a loss for words (I, for one, respect this trait immensely), we turn it over to him.
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For 12 years, Meta has been downtown’s premiere craft cocktail destination. Unfortunately all good things must come come to an end. Our last shift will be March 14th.
I won’t waste your time listing all the tiny straws that built up to finally force me to make this difficult decision, but what I will do is list a few of the many things that made the last 12 years so incredibly powerful and rewarding.
The past 12 years, we’ve seen probably a thousand first dates, and a few last ones, lol. We’ve seen engagements. We’ve seen people who met AT Meta get married and have children. A few of those even had their reception here!
We broke the internet once, that was fun. We were Louisville’s first dedicated craft cocktail bar without a restaurant attached- AND we had the industry’s first and only dedicated Prince light.
We were blessed to have incredibly talented guest bartenders take over our bar from literally all over the globe! We received so much love and support from the industry that I am deeply humbled and emotional just thinking about it.
All of it has been a true adventure.
We would never have made it through year ONE if not for our incredible staff, friends, and my family who have been deeply supportive since before we opened. There are far too many to list. You know who you are.
We are sad to have to go. Meta is so much more than these four walls. It has been a home to so many of us. Even though our location is no longer viable, Meta will still be around- whether in our hearts, in the occasional pop-up, or in some other incarnation I just haven’t thought of yet. Personally, I’m looking forward to the next adventure.
We are just the latest in a long list of wonderful places that have had to close their doors the past couple years. It’s tough out there. What you can do is support all of our other wonderful local bars and restaurants. Support our staff. Support Louisville independents!
Our last shift will be March 14th and it will probably...Read more
