The Restaurant

A Place Where History Lives — and the Engines Never Stop

Long before The B.A. Colonial became Louisville's premier hot rod bar, the land it sits on was home to something equally wild: Louisville's first zoo. Senning's Zoo drew curious crowds to this corner of the city until it closed its gates in 1939. The new owner, B.A. Watson, wasted no time reimagining the property, opening Colonial Gardens — a supper club that became one of Louisville's liveliest destinations through the 1940s, featuring the big bands that defined an era. The venue wasn't without its colorful chapters: a wartime citation for selling rationed foods, a gambling device discovered on the premises in January 1948, and a fire in August 1950 that caused $10,000 in damages. Through it all, the building endured.

Rock and Roll Ghosts and Teen Hangouts

By the 1950s, the property had evolved into something looser and louder — part teen hangout, part neighborhood bar, operating under the name Carl's Bar. And if local oral history is to be believed, it was graced by one of the most electrifying performers of the 20th century. In November 1956, while in Louisville for performances at the Jefferson County Armory, a young Elvis Presley reportedly stopped in for an unscheduled performance at Carl's Bar — the place was just a short drive from his grandparents' home, and Elvis was known to drop in where the spirit moved him. Jerry Lee Lewis also took the stage at Colonial Gardens, adding another legendary name to the property's musical legacy.

Restored, Reopened, and Reimagined

After years of decline and disrepair, the historic Colonial Gardens building was lovingly restored and The B.A. Colonial Restaurant reopened its doors in 2001, reclaiming its place in the Louisville community. Like so many local institutions, the COVID years hit hard and brought the restaurant perilously close to closing permanently. That's when Louisville native and University of Louisville J.B. Speed School of Engineering alumnus Shaun Lafferty stepped in. Having recently retired at 38 from a distinguished corporate career at Sazerac Company — home to iconic bourbon brands like Buffalo Trace, Pappy Van Winkle, and Fireball Cinnamon Whiskey — Shaun was ready to trade boardrooms for something with a little more soul. He and his father had always shared a passion for building hot rods, and when The B.A. Colonial faced an uncertain future, Shaun wasn't willing to let a piece of Louisville history disappear.

Louisville's Hot Rod Bar

Two and a half years later, The B.A. Colonial has found its identity. We're Louisville's hot rod bar — a place where the history of this remarkable building meets the city's deep-rooted car culture. Our walls are lined with Louisville hot rod memorabilia, including an original gallery of photographs showcasing the legendary show rods and top fuel dragsters of Carl Casper. Legendary top fuel champion Dale Funk, who piloted the iconic Kentucky Moonshiner dragster, is a regular face at the bar. Local pinstriping artists Josh Culver, Chris Gore, and Kevin "Taco" Geary have left their mark on our walls, making the space as much an art gallery as it is a gathering place. Come for the food and drinks — stay for the stories.

Come Find Us

If you ever find yourself in Louisville, Kentucky, we'd love for you to stop in. We're just 3 miles from Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport and the Kentucky Fair and Exposition Center, making us an easy first or last stop on any trip to the city. And if you're rolling into town for the NSRA Street Rod Nationals, you're already headed to our backyard — join us Friday night for our official kickoff party featuring the sounds of Southside Groove. Whether you're a longtime Louisville local or just passing through, pull up a seat, order a drink, and stay a while. You're among friends here.