Tucked within the quiet Ohio River town of historic Pomeroy, Court Street Grill offers an easy going, old-school hangout, embodying the persona of its frequent inhabitants. Jackie Welker grew up just outside of town and bought the establishment about 15 years ago, in hopes of giving the Meigs County settlement a place to congregate and kick back.

The institution has been around since the early 1900s, transitioning from a soda fountain to a tavern following Prohibition. After graduating from Ohio University, Welker moved back to Pomeroy and took over the Court Street Grill, shifting the stigma from that of a gritty river bar to one defined by good food and good music.

While Jackie was learning to cook the menu on the fly, he put up a stage and started booking musical acts to play one or two nights a week. Over a decade later, the Grill continues to support regional and national blues and Americana bands.

“I think we’re a little bit of a throwback,” Welker says. “We built the stage and music just kind of took over. It’s a fun little place when it gets rocking.”

But if it’s the live music that brings people in, the food will certainly bring people back. The burgers are made from fresh meat, ground locally everyday and never frozen. The joint’s signature dish is the Bungtown Burger—served on Texas Toast and topped with their Super Secret Slaw.

Ultimately, the food and music all add to the welcoming environment Court Street Grill is constantly striving for. A lot of time and effort has been spent transforming the place from a seedy saloon to a down-home hangout, but for Welker, it was well worth it.

“When I started it, I said that I wanted my mom, my grandma and my sister to be able to walk in at any moment and feel comfortable,” says Welker. “I’m happy to say that’s happened.”

Photo Taken by Justin Williams