Jim Porter's Good Time Emporium Colorized Postcard

4.5" x 6"

Jim Porter’s Good Time Emporium, located at 2345 Lexington Road, was a beloved nightlife venue that operated from 1990 to 2015. It was founded by Ben Rogers, who also opened the Phoenix Hill Tavern. Jim Porter’s featured themed rooms, live music, and dancing leading it to become a staple in Louisville’s entertainment scene.

Named after the 7 foot 8 inch giant “Big Jim” Porter, the venue played homage to the name’s rich history. The name “Jim Porter’s” carries a legacy in Louisville. In the 1970s and 80s, the complex housed Jim Porter’s Steakhouse, after its downtown location at the Seelbach Hotel shut down. Prior to that, the tavern Jim Porter’s Room, situated just outside the lobby of the Seelbach, operated from 1905-1970. All of these helped carry the legacy and reputation of The Big Gun Tavern, or simply "Porter’s Tavern", run by Jim Porter himself from 1836-1859.

In 2015, the Lexington Road complex was sold to the Metropolitan Sewer District, who razed the site for infrastructure improvements. The demolition of Jim Porter’s Good Time Emporium, paired with the sequential closing of the Phoenix Hill Tavern, marked the end of an era for Louisville nightlife. The building may be gone forever, but the legacy of Jim Porter’s Good Time Emporium and its namesake continues to be remembered by the community.

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