LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- A once-famous Louisville pizzeria is back more than 11 years after it closed its two locations.
Papalino's is now open on Clarks Lane in the Audubon neighborhood, occupying the space long held by Tim Tam Tavern. The space most recently housed The Dirty Bird, but according to our partners at Louisville Business First, the owners, Allan Rosenberg and Fred Pizzonia, abruptly shuttered the fried chicken restaurant, citing delays in securing an alcohol license and complaints on the controversial menu names.
After opening in February, The Dirty Bird was forced to temporarily close in May, as the owners struggled to obtained the liquor license. When they reopened in August, the owners said they'd lost momentum.
Papalino's was originally founded by Rosenberg and Pizzonia in 2010, selling New York City-style slices of pizza. More recently, they've been behind Butchertown Pizza, The South Seas, Baked AF, Breakfast AF, Pizza AF and Hauck's Corner.
"We just think this might be the right move," Pizzonia told Business First. "It is such a nice place and well put together. It reeks of bike nights, car shows and pizza and bands and stuff like that. We’ve put in some games, a couple of pool tables and taken out a little furniture to create a family-friendly atmosphere."
And Pizzonia said The Dirty Bird may be back, adding it's "probably going to end up downtown."
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