Jim Porter’s Location History – From an “1800’s Tavern” owned by a historic gentleman giant to a small “Room” in “The (old) Seelbach Hotel” to a “Good Time Emporium.”
(This is the history of Jim Porters as a bar / restaurant. For the amazing history of Jim Porter – the man, please see page entitled “Who Was Jim Porter?”)
Timeline Author: Ben Rogers (2024)
Timeline:
1836 – 1859: “Porter’s Tavern.”
James D. (Jim) Porter opened his first tavern, “The Lone Star,” in 1836 near the Portland Canal in Louisville. Prospering early, he built a bigger tavern on Front Street in Shippingport near The Ohio River canal locks. The massive building was three stories tall with 18 rooms and 10-foot ceilings. “The Big Gun Tavern,” also known as “Porter’s Tavern,” was to be the grandest hotel in the South. Porter’s Tavern was built by 1848, complete with custom made furniture designed to fit his build. “Porter’s Tavern” enjoyed the reputation of one of the most notable places in all of Kentucky.
1905 – 1970: “Jim Porter’s Room.”
Located in “The (old) Seelbach Hotel” downtown Louisville, KY. “Jim Porter’s Room” had an entrance in the lobby of the hotel and also a street level entrance on Walnut Street (now Muhammed Ali Blvd.)
[Footnote: Careful research reveals that during this 65 year period it may have also been known as “Jim Porter’s Tavern,” “Jim Porter’s Steakhouse” and / or simply as “Jim Porter’s.” But it was always Jim Porter’s. For clarity in this timeline, I’ve called it “Jim Porter’s Room.” One small room with an antique bar and a few tables for casual dining; it mostly served guests of “The (old) Seelbach Hotel” like a hotel coffee shop or hotel bar.]
1970: “Jim Porter’s Steakhouse.” (Downtown) opens.
The former “Jim Porter’s Room” in “The (old) Seelbach Hotel” is expanded, and remodeled and becomes “Jim Porter’s Steakhouse.” (Downtown) Owned and operated by Sonny & Mary Ruth Rogers. “Jim Porters” goes from a single room to an upscale dining restaurant. I, Ben Rogers, worked in this restaurant on a regular basis as a teenager and young adult.
1975: “(Old) Seelbach Hotel” closes and so does “Jim Porter’s Steakhouse” (Downtown.)
1975: “Jim Porter’s Steakhouse” (on Lexington Rd.) opens.
“Jim Porter’s Steakhouse” re-opens at 2345 Lexington Road in Louisville, KY. The former, casual “Big Abner’s Family Restaurant” is expanded and remodeled for upscale dining. Owned and operated by Sonny and Mary Ruth Rogers.
1977: “Jim Porter’s Tavern” opens.
“Jim Porter’s Steakhouse” business sold to and leased by John P. Clark who operated it for the next 10 / 11 years until approximately 1987 / 1988. Name changed to “Jim Porter’s Tavern.” “Jim Porter’s Back Room” is added and “Jim Porters” becomes upscale dining / live bands and dancing.
1987/ 1988: “Jim Porter’s Tavern” closes.
April 1990: “Jim Porter’s Good Time Emporium” opens.
After sitting dark and in a state of severe disrepair for approximately 2 / 3 years, “Jim Porter’s Tavern” is totally remodeled, updated and is reborn as an 18,000 square foot entertainment complex known as “Jim Porter’s Good Time Emporium.” Owned and operated by Ben Rogers continuously for 25 years until 2015.
May 30, 2015: “Jim Porter’s Good Time Emporium” closes.
City of Louisville Metropolitan Sewer District (MSD) purchases the property to make way for Project WIN and the building is razed.
Jim Porter's Good Time Emporium 