What’s new to Lexington dining in 2021? Belly Buster, upscale Italian, gourmet hot dogs
Lexington foodies are ready to put 2020 behind them.
After COVID shutdowns and pandemic restrictions that had most restaurants barely surviving on takeout, what can we expect in the 2021 food year locally?
While it’s too early to say which local restaurants will make it and which ones won’t, there are some new dining adventures to look forward to in the new year.
New to The Square, downtown
With Saul Good Restaurant and Pub exiting the corner of Broadway and Short, a new restaurant is expected to be announced soon. Mark Fallon, senior vice president-real estate for Jeffrey R. Anderson Real Estate, said the new tenant is expected to be something new to the Lexington market.
Ranada’s Kitchen
Chef Ranada Riley announced that she is moving her restaurant to the corner of Woodland and High, the original home of Ramsey’s. The new Ranada’s Kitchen is supposed to open in January or February with room for indoor dining and, eventually, patio dining. The restaurant may start takeout/curbside service before it opens for indoor dining. Riley said the menu will be similar to the food she’s become known for, upscale/casual, heavy on flavor.
DV8 Kitchen
This popular breakfast and lunch spot is opening a second location in the East End at the intersection of Winchester, Midland and Third Street, next to The MET. The DV8 Kitchen has been under construction since last summer. Owners Rob and Diane Perez plan to have a larger bakery at the new location, which will employ more people in recovery. Rob Perez said in December that he hopes they will be opening in the spring.
Manchester Coffee
Manchester Coffee Co. is opening a second location in The MET, near the new DV8 Kitchen. Owners Sam and Maddie Duff hope to open in the spring, with coffee and food. More tenants also are expected to be announced for the building in coming weeks.
Greyline Station
Greyline Station, Lexington’s new food hall and public market inside the refurbished bus station, has opened but it will be 2021 before all of the restaurants and bars move in. Look for North Lime Coffee & Donuts to move up the block, and be joined by Wilson’s Grocery, The Social Vegan, The Breeze Wine Bar, Nourished Folks, B’Juiced and more, including the Julietta Market.
Frank & Dino’s
Racehorse owner, trainer and breeder Carlo Vaccarezza is still planning to open his Lexington version of the upscale Italian restaurant Frank & Dino’s, popular in Boca Raton. The old-school menu will be complemented by upscale surroundings in a the historic bank building at 271 W. Short St. Vaccarezza said that the pandemic has meant construction delays but he is hoping to open in mid-February. So maybe a Valentine’s Day spot?
Biscuit Belly
Louisville-based Biscuit Belly is expanding and wants to put three locations in Lexington in 2021. Founder and CEO Chad Coulter is looking at the Beaumont/Palomar shopping area, the University of Kentucky campus area and the Richmond Road/Hamburg area, with at least two opening by the middle of 2021. The restaurant specializes in breakfast, brunch and lunch, with mimosas and bloody Marys to go with the over-the-top biscuits.
The Markets at Romany
A new grocery store could be coming to the long-vacant former Chevy Chase neighborhood Kroger, and owner George Griffin plans to have an 88-seat rooftop cafe and bar, open for lunch and early evening in warmer weather. The new Markets on Romany and cafe could open in late 2021 at 344 Romany Rd.
LeanFeast
California-based chain LeanFeast is opening its first Kentucky location at 220 Ruccio Way. It’s a fast-casual concept where you pick your protein, your veg and your carb, and enjoy great, healthy meals. It is expected to open in January.
Critchfield’s Market
Critchfield Meats Family Market has already opened on Southland but plans on adding a grill sometime this summer and ... drum roll please ... the famous Save-A-Lot fried chicken too. When the Save-A-Lot closed, many were worried that Lexington’s best fried chicken (according to some) would be lost. But Critchfield’s will be cooking it again.
Boonedogs
Boonedogs Bar and Restaurant, 5902 Old Richmond Rd., was supposed to open last fall, but the gourmet hot dog restaurant was delayed. Now it’s coming in 2021, with a menu of specialty dogs and on a scenic setting near the Raven Run Nature Sanctuary. Owners Tim and Jessica Jones and Hilary and Charlotte Boone plan to open in the early part of the year.
Hot Head Burritos
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Hot Heat Burritos is a new-to-Lexington chain out of Ohio, opening a location in March at a Shell station at 1445 Newtown Center Way, just off Newtown and Citation Boulevard near the Griffin Gate Marriott. According to its web site, Hot Head Burritos is a fast-casual restaurant with over 70 locations, including four in Northern Kentucky. The menu ranges from “mild to wild,” with vegetarian, gluten-free and allergy friendly options available. Besides the namesake burritos, every menu item also is available as a bowl or a taco.
Postmaster’s Pub
Brian Behr, who closed his Village Idiot gastropub, said he is still planning to open a new restaurant in the spring of 2021 under the name Postmaster’s Pub. Menu and more info at postmasterspub.com
LexLive
The new Krikorian Premiere Theatre entertainment complex now called LexLive at 301 S. Broadway has a sports bar as well as a movie theater and a bowling alley. The new facility is expected to open sometime in 2021.
Chick-fil-A, northside
The popular chicken chain Chick-fil-A, in September filed permits to build an eighth Lexington location at 295 W. New Circle Rd. But the company has not said when it might be opening a new restaurant on the site. Stay tuned.
Cornerstone Exchange
The Cornerstone Exchange is the new University of Kentucky food hall, which has partially opened on South Limestone. A Cup of Common Wealth has already opened, with Ethereal Brewing, Rolling Oven, Miyako, Manna Juice and more coming in 2021.
