DIAMANTE BAR & GRILLE
2280 Bardstown Road
456-1705
During Derby season, the day’s last colts and fillies cross the finish line in the early evening, but the human race is often galloping into the midnight hour. If you’re one of those looking for late-night sustenance, but want to replace greasy bar burgers with more flavorful food and an atmosphere to match, DIAMANTE BAR & GRILLE is a refreshing alternative that serves until 3 a.m.
The exterior of this old gas station turned into a bar is deceptively plain, but the decor within is decidedly chic. While the small interior creates the intimacy of a neighborhood bar, the vaulted ceiling keeps out the claustrophobia, as do soft colors and lighting. The walls hold works of local art that change every two months, and the old garage door above the bar is a reminder of the restaurant’s roots as a Diamond Gas Station. Liquor is lacking, but approximately 30 wines and 28 beers (eight on tap) are available.
The menu offers a well-rounded list of entrées, pastas and sandwiches. My attention went to the appetizers, always great for late-night snacking and sharing. The bar menu mainstay, wings ($7, both hot and barbecue), make an appearance and are nicely flavored, but aren’t as interesting as some other choices. The remaining starters are all Mediterranean dishes (unintentionally, according to chef/owner Mike Driskell), and the seafood selections are standouts.
My favorites were the mussels ($5.75), made with blue mussels from Prince Edward Island. The bivalves are simmered with garlic, red pepper flakes, olive oil, white wine, fresh basil and crushed whole tomatoes. About a dozen, depending on their size, are served with the shells just open and their “meat” cooked but not rubbery; the tomatoes and wine sauce perfectly complement this slightly sweet treat. Other choices are the Diamante Garlic Shrimp Sizzle Tapas ($6) and calamari tossed with olive oil, garlic, tomatoes and kalamata olives ($7.25).
—Katie Brown