September 17, 2025

Southern Cookhouse & Bar Set to Open in Lexington

Lexington, September 17, 2025

News Summary

Lexington welcomes the grand opening of Southern Cookhouse & Bar on September 18, located at 844 Hays Boulevard. This new restaurant aims to serve Southern comfort food and a selection of Kentucky Proud burgers, creating a neighborhood gathering spot for both dining and sports viewing. Partners Troy Thayer and Bryan Henderson, who have over 30 years of restaurant experience, look to revitalize the space formerly occupied by BLVD Grill. Guests can expect a rich menu featuring locally sourced ingredients and a family-friendly atmosphere.

Lexington is preparing for the grand opening of Southern Cookhouse & Bar on September 18. This new establishment, located at 844 Hays Boulevard within the clubhouse of the BLVD Apartments, takes over the former BLVD Grill space, providing a fresh dining option in the popular Chilesburg and Andover neighborhoods. With easy access from Richmond Road, I-75, and Man O’ War Boulevard, locals can look forward to a combination of Southern comfort food and sports viewing.

Partners Troy Thayer and Bryan Henderson bring over 30 years of restaurant experience to the venture. They are reviving Henderson’s Southern Deli & Tavern, which closed in 2023 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The restaurant aims to create a neighborhood gathering spot where community members can enjoy good food, drinks, and sports.

The menu at Southern Cookhouse & Bar is rich with Southern comfort dishes, including Kentucky Proud burgers and selections inspired by various Southern cities. Notably, a high percentage of the menu is made from scratch using local ingredients, like the beef sourced from Critchfield Meats Family Market. Signature dishes include bourbon-glazed filet tips served over creamy cheddar grits with green beans, priced at $22.50.

A dinner menu features five entrees, such as grilled white fish, roasted chicken, Cajun pasta, and chicken pot pie. The burger selection includes seven items, all made with locally-sourced Kentucky Proud beef. Highlighting the burger menu is the Southern burger, which boasts three beef patties, BBQ sauce, smoked cheddar cheese, applewood bacon, fried onions, pimento cheese, and coleslaw.

In addition to burgers, the sandwich menu offers six options, bringing back popular choices from the Southern Deli, including the San Clemente and Decatur. Side dishes accompanying burgers and sandwiches consist of french fries, sweet potato fries, potato salad, green beans, and cheesy grits. The appetizers list features items like chicken wings, deviled eggs, and four salad options, while the pizza menu includes four varieties with the ‘Boone’ featuring housemade beer cheese, brisket, and applewood bacon.

Interior design plans include a separation between the bar and dining area to cultivate a family-friendly atmosphere. The bar section is outfitted with eight beers on tap, six of which are sourced from local breweries, and features multiple large TVs for sports viewing. Southern Cookhouse & Bar plans to operate from Tuesday to Friday, 3 p.m. to midnight, and Saturday to Sunday, 11 a.m. to midnight. There are intentions to expand these hours in the future.

With a strong commitment to fostering a welcoming environment, Southern Cookhouse & Bar looks to attract locals with its inviting atmosphere. Guests can keep up with their offerings and updates through their online presence at southerncookhousebar.com.

FAQ

What is the opening date of Southern Cookhouse & Bar?

The grand opening is on September 18.

Where is the restaurant located?

It is located at 844 Hays Boulevard in the clubhouse of the BLVD Apartments.

What type of cuisine will be offered?

The restaurant will feature Southern comfort food and Kentucky Proud burgers, with many items made from scratch.

What are the operating hours?

The restaurant will be open Tuesday to Friday from 3 p.m. to midnight, and Saturday to Sunday from 11 a.m. to midnight.

Is there an online presence for the restaurant?

Yes, guests can visit their website at southerncookhousebar.com for more information.

Key Features of Southern Cookhouse & Bar

Feature	Details
Opening Date	September 18
Location	844 Hays Boulevard, Lexington
Cuisine	Southern comfort food, Kentucky Proud burgers
Menu Highlights	Bourbon-glazed filet tips, Southern burger
Operating Hours	Tue-Fri 3 p.m.-midnight, Sat-Sun 11 a.m.-midnight
Online Presence	southerncookhousebar.com