More casual menu, bigger patios: Sneak peek at the new Distilled restaurant
The new Distilled is ready to open on Jefferson Street and the Herald-Leader got a sneak peek at the space.
Now at the former Nick Ryan’s at 157 Jefferson, Distilled will reopen on Oct. 9 for dinner.
The restaurant, co-owned by chef Mark Wombles and Rick and Carol Pope, opened six years ago inside what was then the Gratz Park Inn, now the Sire Hotel.
Now the restaurant has found a “storefront” on one of the city’s busiest restaurant districts with seating for about 100.
It will have a familiar feel for regulars used to the look of the old Distilled, which closed Sept. 26, but with updated touches.
The restaurant has cocktail areas indoors and out, with new copper leaf-topped bars installed by Amanda Matthews of Prometheus Art in Lexington.
The new place also has free parking behind the restaurant.
But the biggest addition will be large covered patios, which Wombles said they plan to have open Friday night.
Wombles said the restaurant will keep the outdoor spaces open as long as weather permits and they are planning to add screens and heaters for cold weather dining.
Patios and outdoor dining have become valuable additions for restaurants during the coronavirus pandemic.
The menu at the new Distilled will feature new items, with more casual items, he said. But favorites like the porcini-rubbed filet will remain, he said.
“People say it’s the best steak in town,” he said.
Distilled will start with dinner, then add lunch and Saturday brunch in about a month, Wombles said.
Nick Ryan’s closed at the beginning of the coronavirus pandemic in March. The restaurant’s owners announced in May it would not reopen.
Distilled
Where: 157 Jefferson St.
Hours: Beginning Oct. 9, open 5:30 to 10 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday. Lunch and Saturday brunch will be added soon.
Online: Distilledatgratzparkinn.com
Call: 859-225-0002
