Game restaurant opens second location with river views and seafood options. Here's where

When Tim Lewis began looking for a second location for his popular Louisville restaurant, his mind was set on another state.

Based on customer feedback, Lewis pictured the location in Cincinnati or Atlanta.

Then, he set his eyes on the multi-level historic house in Jeffersonville, Indiana.

“We fell in love with the place,” Lewis, who owns Game Restaurant, told the Courier Journal.

The good aspects of the new place outweighed its proximity (about four miles) to the original Game location at 2295 Lexington Road in Louisville. And the spot at 117 E. Riverside Drive technically sits in another state.

So, it was game on.

Earlier this month, Lewis opened Game on the River inside the multi-level house, painted white with a bright red door. The house’s front porch, offering plenty of patio space with overhanging twinkly lights, faces the Ohio River.

“The views are stunning,” Lewis said. “Our patio is one the best, in my opinion, on this side of the river.”

Game on the River will carry on much of the same menu, specializing in exotic meats such as yak, buffalo, and kangaroo. Lewis said the eatery will use the opportunity of monthly specials and chef choices to showcase seafood dishes. For the sandwich of the month, examples include an alligator burger, barbecue octopus panini, lobster roll, and catfish po boy.

“We want to pay tribute to being on the water,” he said.

The owner’s son, Alex Lewis, will serve as executive chef at both locations.

The two Game restaurants have “different vibes,” as Lewis said, beyond their addresses.

He describes the location on Lexington Road as the “older brother” with a rustic, hunting lodge theme.

For the 2,800-square-foot Game on the River, the decor leans more “upscale” and “elegant.”

The latest chapter for Game comes after Lewis bought the restaurant from founders, Chase Mucerino and Adam Burress, in March 2020 just as the restaurants were shut down because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

“We opened that restaurant during one of the most difficult times,” he said. “We’ve made it through because of commitment to great service and food.”

If all goes well, Lewis said he hopes to open a third location at some point.

“We’re unique,” he said. “There’s nothing really like us.”

Game on the River’s hours are 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday-Thursday, and 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Friday-Saturday. It is closed on Sundays during the winter.

Reach food and dining reporter Amanda Hancock at ahancock@courier-journal.com.

This article originally appeared on Louisville Courier Journal: Game restaurant opens second location in Jeffersonville, Indiana