The outside resembles Satriale's from The Sopranos: a heavyset man in a tight white t-shirt holds court amongst a group of guys. Go inside Bosna-Mak (3825 Bardstown Road), however, and you'll find a friendlier atmosphere.
Located in Louisville's Buechel neighborhood, Bosna-Mak is a Bosnian restaurant and food store. The Bosnian War of the 1990s led many Bosnians to immigrate to this area of Louisville. And as with so many diaspora, the traditions of their homeland still are strong in their new country.
Bosna-Mak is one such example. The front is a small international food store that caters to authentic Bosnain cooking. Despite its size, it sells the gamut of food, from meats to desserts.
And in the back is an unassuming restaurant that serves, yes, Bosnian food (which is similar to Greek and other Mediterranean cuisine). As the sparse decor makes clear, Bosna-Mak isn't fine dining, but it is good dining.
You can get a great meal in The Ville for a fraction of what it would cost in an East Coast city. Bosna-Mak is no exception. The delicious goulash soup is just $2.50. And a heaping plate of shish kebabs and rice is $6.50.
The staff, the owner and what I assume are family members, are friendly and the service is prompt. Underscoring its authenticity though, make sure you ask for the check. As with most restaurants in Europe, they don't rush you out the door at Bosna-Mak. That, of course, is a good thing.
(Photo: Flickr/Mamonello)
