Lexington dining location has been home to many restaurants. A new one is about to open

Something new is coming to a downtown Lexington spot that has had popular restaurants for decades.

A new Mexican restaurant will be opening in the former Old Vine Bistro spot on Old Vine. The location also had been Ranada’s Bistro and Wines on Vine. It’s been empty since January, when longtime Lexington restaurateur Larry Dean decided to retire and closed his Old Vine Bistro .

Now, restaurant owners Jasmine Chavez and Jorge Gomez plan to open a second location of their Viva Mexico at 400 Old Vine St. Suite 106.

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Gomez said the timing of the opening will depend on plumbing work but they could open as early as August.

They had not originally been planning to expand, he said. But “the opportunity was there,” and they decided to go forward, he said.

The original location of Viva Mexico opened in 2023 just outside of New Circle Road at 2573 Richmond Rd. Suite 170 in the French Quarter Square in January 2023. That location will remain open.

The second location will have the same menu of authentic Mexican and Tex-Mex favorites as well as a full bar. Gomez said he expects the hours will be the same, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily.

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