Lexington is set to welcome a new flavor to its dining scene as Naz’s Halal Food, a rapidly growing East Coast restaurant chain, prepares to open its latest location. This establishment will be situated in the Hub apartment complex at 685 S. Limestone, just a stone’s throw from the University of Kentucky campus.
The new restaurant is expected to launch in early December, taking over the former space of Kung Fu Tea x TKK Fried Chicken, which closed earlier this year in March. Naz’s Halal Food, which caters to those craving the authentic halal cart experience reminiscent of big cities like New York and Washington D.C., aims to establish a strong local presence.
Founded in 2009 by two cousins starting with a food truck, Naz’s first brick-and-mortar location opened in January 2018. Since then, the chain has expanded significantly, boasting 41 locations by 2024. Their menu features an array of halal Mediterranean cuisine, with popular offerings including rice platters with chicken or lamb, various gyros like fried fish, falafel, and kofta kabab, as well as American staples like burgers, cheesesteaks, and chicken wings.
The proximity to the University of Kentucky and its late-night hours, from 10:30 a.m. to 2 a.m. Sunday through Thursday, and 10:30 a.m. to 4 a.m. on Fridays and Saturdays, suggest that Naz’s could quickly become a favorite among students. The restaurant’s location at the intersection of South Limestone and Virginia Avenue positions it strategically to attract both residents of the Hub and university students alike.
In the immediate vicinity, other dining options like Bad Ass Coffee of Hawaii and Which Wich sandwich shop provide a range of choices, enhancing the appeal of the Hub as a culinary destination. As Naz’s Halal Food approaches its opening date, anticipation grows around its unique offerings and potential impact on Lexington’s late-night dining landscape.
For more information on the menu and operations, interested diners can visit nazshalal.com.
