It is a good looking room and despite having over 80 bourbons on the menu, including their own proprietary single barrel 9 year old, as well as the aforementioned wall, one would be forgiven for noticing neither the bourbon nor the bar aspects of the title as distractions abound, both on the menus and off, so much so that it takes the eye a bit to notice that they actually have a few big screen televisions up there between the elegantly chandeliered flat black ceiling and the decorative stained glass windows preserved from the Brennan Building, a former holding of the The Al J. Schneider Company.  The mezcal based El Diablo was my first distraction and while the bartender unfussily prepared it, I studied what seems to be a well thought out drink menu with a few local brews making it onto to the beer list, a well balanced selection of reds and whites, a few twists on cocktails both modern and classic, and what has to be one of downtown’s more democratic price ranges.*

Then the food started coming out in tasting portions and though it is pub fare- just small plates, soups, salads, sides and sandwiches, it is a new take on bar food, not a wing or chicken finger to be found and it is easy to look at the the outdoor tables beyond the three over head garage style doors as the after taste of the smoked salmon sandwich sample lingers on the tongue and imagine this place as a serious springtime al fresco dining destination.  If all of those bites, the oyster mushroom Po’ Boy, the two-ham, the brisket, the corned beef translate to full size sandwich as the samples would lead you to hope, safe in the knowledge that the Whiskey Chili and sides of jalapeno-cheddar grits, apple-fennel slaw pork bellied baked beans are going to be hits, the private dining room which is accessed via stepping through a British phone booth as has more stained glass from the Brennan Building on the ceiling, will be quite the commodity.  Regardless, I imagine consistent crowds content with nothing more than the aforementioned bacon wrapped goodness, paired with a good measure of bourbon.

*To continue on with my ludicrous comparison, across the street the small draft beer is $6.50.  Down One has over 70 adult beverages listed on their drink menu, including the Bourbon Smash and Paloma, for less than that. You may see the whole thing here: http://www.downonebourbonbar.com/images/DownOneDrinkMenu.pdf and the food here: http://www.downonebourbonbar.com/images/DownOneFoodMenu.pdf

Speaking of experience, time spent dining at a white cotton-covered table here is just that.

If you close your eyes and breathe in the aroma of tomato, thyme, and parmesan; you can almost transcend yourself to the rolling hills of Italy’s countryside. Prepare to be rimasta colpita, or as the Italians say, “impressed!”

To start, Volare exhibits an elaborate collection of wines ranging from Rosenblum’s Kathy’s Cuvee, to Cusumano Nero D’Avola.

For a stimulating culinary encounter, consider the Cappesante: seared u-8 sea scallops delicately placed over a light English pea puree, truffle oil, and crowned with crispy prosciutto. – Or the Capellini con Pollo: grilled chicken, roasted roma, and spinach gently tossed with homemade capellini pasta with basil and crumbled feta cheese. The Pollo fra Diavolo gives a good kick with its spicy tomato sauce and for those who prefer a more delicate flavor, the Melon and Prosciutto and the Risotto con Gambero each have a light taste.

All food is made fresh daily in-house: Executive Chef Joshua Moore incorporates into his dishes organic produce grown from his 10 – acre farm. Your senses will detect this organic goodness in the Cucumber Soup comprising crisp cucumbers, sweet onion, garlic, buttermilk, vegetable stock, sour cream, fresh basil, thyme, and Italian parsley.

Top the evening off with the artistic presentation of the Crème Brûlée Di Giorno or become wooed by the palatably luscious Tartufo.

With presentations like these, it is no wonder that Volare is currently celebrating their 7th year anniversary, which is celebrated with a red, white, and green fabric artfully placed above the bar and the proud displaying of the Italian flag. For additional festivities, Volare is offering a variety of $7 specials for 7 weeks –running August 7th through September 24th.

Whether you are a singleton or graced with the company of friends, Volare Italian Ristorante is a fine dining affair you will remember: attentive service, an engaging culinary encounter, and a warm atmosphere where everyone should feel welcome.

Visit Volare at:

2300 Frankfort Ave
Louisville, KY 40206-2410
(502) 894-4446

Hours Are:
Mon – Thurs: 5pm-10pm;
Fri – Sat: 5pm-11pm;
Sun 11:30am-2:30pm, 4pm-10pm