This little restaurant with the silly name is located in the lobby of the Hotel Louisville. I've been coming here somewhat regularly now for lunch, since it's so close to my office, and it's very easy to get a decent, affordable, well-rounded meal.
The main thing to know is that Waycool Cafe is a part of Wayside Christian Mission, and employees are people in need who are being given service industry job training, program support and housing. The intent here is to provide a fully functioning "transitional living" operation for people who have been otherwise homeless or indigent or down on their luck. As far as the service goes, I wouldn't call it a tight ship, but you can stuff yourself silly for $8 or less. (For $5, you can fill a plate once at the buffet.) It's classic southern fare with sandwiches, fried chicken, fried fish, and trimmings like green beans, mashed potatoes, salad, etc. Sometimes they have someone playing piano or violin. The operation is a little on the threadbare side of things, but that's par for the course with charities like this one. Nobody's exactly getting rich off this business, and programs like this one are very important to this community.
Don't expect an antiseptic experience. The hotel brochure doesn't exactly read like what you'd see at the Marriott: "Our chefs and cooks are trained by Metro Louisville Health Department in the area of safe food operations. The hotel kitchen is held to a very high standard and supervisors and staff are trained to meet and exceed health department regulation. ... Donated food is NEVER used in our social enterprising operations."
And that about sums it up. Decent food at very affordable prices at a slightly run-down hotel that supports a great cause. read more