Lexington spot known for burgers that were anything but ‘basic’ closing after three years

A unique burger spot that opened in Lexington’s Distillery District during the COVID pandemic is closing.

Kismet at The Burl, which opened in June 2020, will be closing down Jan. 21 after a run of just over three years, according to the owners.

Owners Tonya Mays-Cronin, one of Lexington’s best-known Black chefs, and her husband Philip Cronin said they have decided “it is time for us to move on from that little red window.”

The restaurant’s small but eclectic menu included “the Basic B” double patty burger, kismet fries, charred broccoli grilled cheese, fried bologna, drunken udon noodles, hot donuts and more.

They said they will be “making room for the next talent to make the Burl Food stage their home.”

Cannon Armstrong, one of The Burl’s co-owners, said in a text that a new food vendor will be coming in with a new brewery later this year.

Mays-Cronin said their original plan for the business was to be there for three years, something they are proud to have accomplished.

“We’re happy about the time we had at Kismet,” she said.

“We’re leaving on a high note, positive all around,” Philip Cronin said. “It’s just time to move on.”

They plan on spending time with their family and have no plans to open another restaurant at this time, he said.

They thanked the Burl, an arcade and music venue, and their fans.

“We appreciate the love and support over the last few years, starting from when Kismet was just a fun pop up we did @bestfriendbar to the best damn burger in town,” they wrote in a social media post.

“Oh no,” one Facebook commenter said, “Best burger in Lexington! So sorry to hear this. Hoping the best for future opportunities!”

“Soooo many unique and quality dishes. You folks kept me fed weekly. Please keep us tuned into where you land. One love,” posted a fan on Instagram.

The married chefs met while learning culinary skills at Sullivan University and developed a following during their more than two years of pop-ups, serving a menu which they described as “eclectic street food, things we’ve eaten through our travels together and wanted to recreate and bring to Lexington.”

They were approached by the owners of The Burl in the popular Distillery District on Manchester about opening a brick-and-mortar restaurant in spring of 2020, but had to wait until restaurants were allowed to reopen in the pandemic. Much of their seating was outdoors, with a patio covered in fake grass and picnic tables.

This story was originally published December 29, 2023 at 12:46 PM.

Janet Patton

Lexington Herald-Leader

859-379-5233

Janet Patton covers restaurants, bars, food and bourbon for the Herald-Leader. She is an award-winning business reporter who also has covered agriculture, gambling, horses and hemp. Support my work with a digital subscription