Lexington bar scene: Hidden gem known for open mic night is making some big changes
A Lexington hidden gem of a bar is getting a new location and adding food.
The Twisted Cork, which has been a liquor store, bar and music venue for the last decade, is moving from Keithshire Place Shopping Center out off of Clays Mill Road to 145 Burt Rd., formerly the home to Gluten-Free Miracles, which has moved to Millersburg.
“The Twisted Cork has been a drive-thru liquor store with a bar and a stage,” said Whitney Adams, who runs The Twisted Cork for her parents, “Momma Sue” and Prentice Slone. They took over what had been a liquor store and wine bar in 2013 and added music to the tiny venue.
“I’m a musician, many of our employees are songwriters and musicians, that’s what our entire business plan is built around,” Adams said. “Celebrating Kentucky music.”
The name Twisted Cork will stay, as will the liquor store and the popular jam sessions featuring singer-songwriters and open mic night, she said.
Over the years the informal stage has featured many up-and-coming writers including Kentucky’s Nicholas Jamerson and Russell Sutton, who wrote “My Boy,” a recent country hit for Elvie Shane.
“We have built what many call the Bluebird Cafe of Kentucky,” said Adams, referencing the famous Nashville cafe where people line up to hear songwriters.
The Twisted Cork will have its last jam on Jan. 29, a farewell party on Feb. 17 and the last day in the old spot on Feb. 21.
Adams said they hope to reopen on Burt Road in the first or second week of March.
And the new Twisted Cork will add food to the menu.
“We’re so excited about that,” she said. “We’ll have Southern bar food but elevated. Next level stuff, not frozen. We have a rising kitchen star we’ve contracted (but can’t name yet.)“
Think hand-made appetizers such as fried green tomatoes and fresh stuffed jalapeno poppers. “We have an entire loaded fry menu,” she said.
The Twisted Cork
Where: 145 Burt Rd.
Hours: Monday-Thursday noon to 11 p.m., Friday and Saturday noon to 1 a.m., Sunday 1 to 9 p.m.
