OUR STORY

Located in the historic Citizens Telephone Building in Covington Kentucky, Smoke Justis is an urban sports bar named after an urban legend, Walter “Smoke” Justis.  This unique blend of casual and lounge space has created a vibe for everyone.  Designed as a place to bring people together, Smoke Justis features smoke meat, bourbon, and craft beer in a warm and inviting setting at the foot of the Roebling Bridge.  Visitors and locals alike can be found cheering on their favorite team or just meeting with friends to enjoy America’s native spirit at this locally owned tavern.

Walter “Smoke” Justis was a native of Greendale, Indiana.  Smoke can be found in Cooperstown (MLB Hall of Fame) for his minor league record four no hitters in the 1908 season.  He played for the Detroit Tigers in the summer of 1905 and was sent back to the minors that August to free a spot on the roster for a rookie named Ty Cobb.  On May 9th, 1913, Walter “Smoke” Justis was the opening day pitcher for the Covington Blue Sox.  The short-lived Blue Sox were a professional baseball club in the Federal League.  The Federal League also known as the “Outlaw League” was an attempt to create a third league in Major League Baseball (American, National & Federal).  The Federal League folded in 1915 but the legend of Smoke Justis lives on through the thousands of guests walking through this place each year.