The gentrification of Germantown continues, with the transformation of the decidedly downscale brick building at 935 Goss Ave., at the corner of Goss and Boyle St., from Groucho’s karaoke bar into Mr. Lee’s, an upscale cocktail lounge.
As reported in Insider Louisville, Mr. Lee’s owners David Gilbert and Tommy Humphries have swanked up the interior, while leaving the exterior sparse in decor, with minimal signage: the cognoscenti will know what’s inside.
Inside, the new owners have gutted everything and rebuilt it, drawing inspiration from the mythology of speakeasies, and the short-lived mystique of Meat in Butchertown. The long, dark interior is dominated by the horseshoe-shaped, leather-padded bar. Behind the bar area is the lounge, with couches and small tables, and more dark, intimate corners.
The cocktail menu is overseen by bartender Casey Kraft. In the near future, snacks will be provided by Wiltshire Pantry. Amusing twists on classic cocktails will be the focus, but a selection of wines and beers will be available as well.
The ambiance will be geared to quiet conversation and sophisticated give and take, not toward billiards or foosball. Hours are Sunday and Tuesday-Thursday from 5 p.m.-2 a.m.; Friday from 5 p.m.-3 a.m.; and Saturday from 6 p.m.-3 a.m.
