Although Food & Dining posted about the opening of Ciao back in late September, it turned out that last minute snafus postponed that opening until lest week. Now we can absolutely say that Ciao  is open, at 1201 Payne St., the site of the former Baxter Station Bar & Grill.

Owners Jesse Francis and Fred Pizzonia faced renovation issues that delayed the restaurant’s opening for several months. Those who remember the old Baxter Station will find the conversion work has resulted in a elegantly industrial look that makes use of repurposed Bourbon-barrel furniture and fixtures, and rugged industrial design elements. Louisville Business First has a photo gallery showing the interior and several dishes and drinks. 

The menu offers classic Italian-American choices, such as  baked lasagna, spaghetti and meatballs and baked manicotti, as well as dishes more attuned to contemporary Italian cuisine, such as swordfish alla griglia or a fennel, celery and apple salad.  There are also 10 pizza choices. Ciao’s bar offers a full range of signature cocktails, and beer and wine, of course.

The restaurant is open from 5 p.m. to 2 a.m. Monday through Saturday.