The Back Door closes after almost 40 years in business

The Back Door has closed for the final time.

Owners of the popular dive bar at Mid City Mall on Bardstown Road posted a message on its Facebook page Monday, stating the business had closed "effective immediately" after 39 years in operation.

The bar — long owned by John Dant — suffered after Dant's passing in October 2023, the post said. While his family members "tried to pick up the pieces and keep the business running as best we can ... not all dreams can be reality."

"I hope that you will keep your fond memories and share them with those that you love moving forward," the post stated. "It has been an amazing legacy to uphold for even these past few months."

The Back Door was known for its wings, pool tables and a giant mural featuring hundreds of regulars' faces — reflecting the diverse patronage it had built up over the years.

"Everyone who comes in here, they feel like home," owner Dant previously told The Courier Journal.

Reach reporter Bailey Loosemore at bloosemore@courier-journal.com, 502-582-4646 or on Twitter @bloosemore.