LEXINGTON, Ky. — A new interactive beer, wine, and spirits tasting room is set to open in downtown Lexington in spring 2025. Titled Tapster, the self-pour venue will feature over 40 taps for beer, mixed drinks, and Kentucky’s renowned bourbon. The location will be situated at 401 W. Main St., directly across from Rupp Arena.
The concept for Tapster stems from the experiences of local residents David and Amanda Swedler, who have been living in Lexington for a year and a half. The couple, who moved to the city due to David’s work as a bariatric surgeon at CHI Saint Joseph Health, aims to introduce a unique social gathering space to enhance the city’s nightlife.
“We’ve always wanted to start something new together, and doing a Tapster here really offers the community more of a gathering hub,” said David Swedler. The couple was inspired by their visit to a Tapster location in Seattle, Amanda’s hometown. Amanda noted that the idea for a self-pour experience arose after observing lengthy wait times at other local bars.
“It’s easy, in and out, if you’re going to stop by before a game or a concert,” she explained. Tapster locations already exist in cities like Bellevue, Seattle, Philadelphia, Chicago, and Cleveland, and now Lexington residents will have their own chance to enjoy this innovative tasting concept.
The Swedlers are eager to foster community connections through Tapster, expressing gratitude for the warm welcome they have received since moving to Lexington. “We love being part of this community,” David stated. “We’re new, but we’ve been taken in by great people, and we’ve just fully embraced it.”
As the launch date approaches, the Swedlers are focused on their commitment to contributing to the local entertainment landscape. Tapster is designed to promote exploration and enjoyment, allowing guests to sample a variety of beverages and find their favorites in a relaxed atmosphere.
With the establishment of Tapster, Lexington is poised to gain a vibrant new addition to its bar scene, appealing to both residents and visitors alike.
