For anyone wondering when Nighttown is going to reopen, the answer remains unclear amid delayed construction efforts from Red Restaurant Group, which took over the iconic restaurant and music venue early last year.
“‘When is Nighttown opening?’ Not a week goes by when we are not asked this question several times; while we are working hard to make it happen, the simple answer is that we don’t know yet,” the group shared in a press release.
The restaurant’s opening has been delayed due to ongoing renovation work on the building’s bathrooms, kitchen, HVAC system and more, according to the release. Despite all the updates, Red states that customers should expect the same vibe from the storied history of the space; artwork, stained glass and Nighttown’s tables and chairs will return to the space once it’s ready to reopen.
Nighttown first opened in 1965, and it was owned and operated by Brendan Ring from 2001 until early 2021, when Ring sold the restaurant to Red.
Since taking over, Red has made its plans for the space clear: to maintain the spirit and history of the restaurant and jazz club.
“We are the proud owners and operators of Red, the Steakhouse, but make no mistake, this will be Nighttown,” the group said in a press release. “We take our stewardship of Nighttown seriously and ask for your patience as we work diligently to ensure Nighttown will be enjoyed for generations to come.”
If you want a morsel of what to expect from the restaurant’s next life, Red will host several “Nighttown Nights” menu preview events at Red Pinecrest, according to the release. Events are set to take place 4:30-9 p.m. on three Wednesdays: Sept. 28, Oct. 12 and Oct. 19.
Three different menus designed by Red Restaurant Group Rowan Murray will debut at the events. Menu items include braised short rib, trout almondine, cauliflower steak, a vegetable curry bowl, a spicy chicken sandwich and a variety of soups and salads. Table reservations can be made online at nighttowncleveland.com/events.
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