Jim Porter's Good Time Emporium

I hesitate to review this place for fear that I have to acknowledge that I went there. But 'all that exists for evil to prevail is for good men to do nothing' - so you should be forewarned.

It had been a long time since I was coerced into going to Porters and I really did not want that streak to end. I admit it - I had a built in bias and was predisposed to dislike it. But my uber cool, hipster friends (early 30's) had a post-wedding party there and I put aside my trepidation to attend their event. This review does not give Porters any brownie points for the fact that some really cool people graced its presence on this one evening. It is just about Porters itself.

It was way worse than I expected and I expected it to be pretty bad. It was just a very sad and depressing collection of individuals (present company excluded, of course)wrapped inside a sleeziness that is probably on par with or worse than a run-of-the-mill strip joint. I kid you not. It was comical enough that I could not suppress actual laughter on a few occasions during my limited time there. Whether it be the 70-80 year old woman trying to hit on you by yelling obscure comments in passing, or the guys wearing their pimp-like outfits and gold chains, or the regulars who engage in small talk by putting the place down and claiming that they never go there - but happen to know everyone else by name. I'm sure that there were a stack of cologne samples from magazines scattered somewhere too.

As someone who is comfortable at holes in the wall and dive bars, and who can backpack for a week without bathing, I craved a hot shower and a scrub brush after leaving Porters. I just felt really dirty; almost violated. Now if looks and personality and intelligence are not important and you just want to hook up with any random person who is warm and willing, then this might be your place. But it is not for the general population.

If you told me a year ago that Jim Porters would be one of my regular haunts, I would have laughed in your face. But Thursday night swing dancing has caused me to change my ways.

In addition to offering a FREE "you call it" Thursday night dance lesson on anything from basic east coast to charleston to balboa from 7pm - 8pm, JIm Porters also offers an open swing dance with from 8pm to 10pm that brings in a diverse crowd of young and middle aged dance enthusiasts. Everyone there is so friendly and welcoming, its easy to have a good time even if you aren't an experienced dancer. You don't even need to bring a dance partner. If you arrive after 8pm there's a $2 or $3 cover.  

While I definitely prefer to dance to live music, the DJing isn't terrible, it's historically been a mix of vintage swing with some more modern numbers thrown in to spice it up. For those who need a little liquid courage to get on the dance floor, the bar is never crowded and drinks are relatively affordable.  

If you're interested in finding out about other swing dance opportunities, I highly recommend joining the the New Lou Swing Dance Community Facebook group.

Would you like to dance, mam?

Jim Porters may not be hip to the young crowd, but this place is perfect speed for people of all ages who enjoy a no drama, immediate bar service, affordable price, and ACTUAL dancing (not the ass gyrating that other Bardstown Road bars offer). Although, Jim Porters has a reputation geared for 45 plus crowd, any age can find an enjoyable experience at Jim Porters.

I love taking people to Jim Porters, because it IS always a good time emporium. I think in 20 years if I was single I would be happy to have a place like Jim's to get my boogie on.

The atmosphere from the clientele to decor is vintage. Little nick-knacks all over the walls and people. Okay, to prevent myself from the constant generational play on words I will list the top ten reasons why I still hang out at Jim Porters when the mood strikes me.

1. I take my male friends to earn ME drinks because ladies will actually buy drinks for men who dance
2. There is never a wait for a drink because there are at least 7 bar areas
3. Dancing, the back room may have more of the traditional ass and grab, but the main stage offers band stand music and will have Swing, Latin, twirling, and Box Steps. They even offer weekly lessons on weekdays.
4. Karaoke all night every night
5.Men will buy you a drink from across the bar and don't expect anything
6. There are 3 three themed rooms that play different music so you can switch rooms depending on your music mood
7. You can find plenty of areas to talk to the people you are with without screaming over music.
8. They serve pub food
9. They has pool tables upstairs
10. PEOPLE WATCHING AT ITS FINEST!

I recommend Jim's to any group or person looking for a good time and different experience away from Highland Bars.