Jackass Flats

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?