Posted
by: Admin on Wednesday, November 26, 2003 - 12:05 AM:
By John Aker, Dayton
City Paper Online
Does anyone remember McNasty’s, the popular nightclub
located inside an old barn on the corner of Fishburg and Rip
Rap Rd. on the outskirts of Huber Heights? A hoppin’ joint
in its heyday, McNasty’s has been closed for years now,
but the old barn is still alive and kicking. (And when I say
old, I’m not kidding. The building eclipsed the 150-year
milestone a couple months ago).
The barn now houses an Australian-themed pub called Jackass
Flats, affectionately referred to by its regulars as “The
Flats.”
This nifty little place is the brainchild of John Walsh, a
native Australian who dreamed of operating an Australian pub
and/or restaurant since he moved to Dayton several years
ago. Teaming up with Terry Smith, owner of the Fairway Inn
Restaurant at Kittyhawk Golf Course, they purchased the
building together in 1997. After much hard work and endless
red tape, The Flats finally opened in February of this year.
The Australian theme is clearly evident at a glance. One
side of the barn is highlighted by a huge mural featuring
cartoon caricatures of a kangaroo and a donkey. The old
grain silo protruding from the center of the structure has
been painted to resemble a gigantic Foster’s Lager oil
can.
The visual appeal continues inside, where massive wood beams
and exposed stone and mortar lend rustic warmth to the cozy
interior. A cute bathroom sign directs “sheilas” and
“blokes” to their appropriate destinations. Handmade
wooden barstools carved into the likeness of a donkey’s
rear end put a punctuation mark on the unusual decor.
As much as I like the food at The Flats, it’s the
atmosphere that keeps me coming back. The crowd is diverse,
and the staff is friendly and accommodating. It’s one of
those rare “Cheers”-like places where everyone seems
welcome.
When the weather is cooperative, the back patio is the place
to be. What could be better than a tall beer and a good game
of cornhole? (For those not familiar with the game, cornhole
is similar to horseshoes but a hell of a lot more fun).
The Flats is also a great spot for lunch. The Aussie burger
is the signature house dish. A thick, half-pound patty is
topped with lettuce, tomato and onion. I know it sounds
quite American so far, but there’s also a fried egg and
sliced beets lurking beneath the bun. This awesome brute of
a sandwich is truly the thunder from Down Under. It has fast
become one of my favorite burgers in town. Stop in for the
Saturday special and you’ll get a slightly smaller version
without the egg and beets — but still nicely dressed —
for the whopping sum of one dollar. This might be the best
lunch value anywhere in Dayton.
The balance of the menu is straightforward pub food, done up
in large portions at very reasonable prices. The Italian sub
is stacked mile-high with loads of assorted meats. The
Reuben is also a standout. Unlike so many others, this one
features a considerable layer of kraut, not just a thin
sprinkling.
Daily lunch specials range from comfort food items, such as
turkey hotshots and stuffed peppers, to amazingly affordable
soup/sandwich combos. For well under six dollars, you can
have a whole (not the usual half) sandwich, a big bowl of
soup and a soft drink. Most of the soups are good,
especially the homemade chili.
Aside from nightly pizza specials, dinner options are the
same as the lunch offerings. However, that’s all set to
change come next year. The front section of the building is
being converted into a full-scale dining room, tentatively
scheduled to open as early as next spring. From what I hear,
Australian and British fare will be the restaurant’s
calling card.
In the meantime, stop in for lunch if you get a chance. Who
knows, you may find me sitting at the bar with an Aussie
burger in one hand and a cold Foster’s in the other. If
we’re lucky enough to catch one of those elusive days of
Indian summer, I’ll be more than happy to take you out
back and whoop your ass in a game of cornhole. G’day,
mate.
Jackass Flats is located at 6024 Rip Rap Rd. It’s lunch
hours are Mon-Fri from 11 am to 2 pm, and Sat from noon to 2
pm. Entrees range from $3.00 to $6.00. For further
information, call (937) 236-4329.
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