Dundee Tavern to Transform into New Derby City Pizza Location

Via Google

Dundee Tavern, the enduring sports bar at the end of Douglass Loop, announced it will transition to a 10th location of Derby City Pizza. It’s final day of operation as the old tavern is set for May 4, per an announcement on Facebook.

Dundee, located at 2224 Dundee Road, cited high overhead and rising food costs as two key reasons for the change. However, while the name, menu and operations will change, the tavern reported in its post that staff will remain.

“We had to make a tough decision to move in a different direction,” the post, which was updated shortly after it posted, reads. “The current business model was not working. These financial decisions are critical for survival. This was not a decision taken lightly and your current staff will still be working. We will still be family oriented atmosphere with your local owners but we had to simplify this business. This is the world we live in.”

Dundee Tavern has a long history as a well-traveled sports bar and eatery. It has been a gathering spot for U of L football and basketball games, as well as NFL and other sports events, which were shown on the multitudes of flatscreen TVs strewn throughout the bar. My friends and I were at one point regular visitors, enjoying the wings and other fare — including the famous Dundee Dip, a favorite dish in Louisville for my good friend Sara Havens (aka The Bar Belle). Gooey and spicy, that dip was the kickoff point for innumerable sessions.

Originally opened by Terri Metten, it was taken over by her daughter Brittany after his passing. The tavern changed hands in 2014, at which point it was for a time known as Dundee Gastropub. But it would later shift back. It seemed a timeless mainstay — but changes are coming. Get that last order of Dundee Dip while you still can, in other words.

“Dundee Tavern has long served the community of The Highlands, but we feel this change will be an overall positive impact to the neighborhood,” the Facebook post reads. “Derby City Pizza’s ‘Family Spoken Here’ commitment will greet and serve you every time you come in. We are committed to serving our loyal community and look forward to enjoying your company for the long haul.”