Tired of lines? New Lexington self-pour bar will have 48 taps across from Rupp Arena

Brian Simms

University of Kentucky basketball fans will soon have a new bar near Rupp Arena to toast their beloved Wildcats before and after games.

But this bar will be without a key player in the lineup — a bartender.

Tapster, a self-pouring bar, is expected to open a new downtown location across the street from Rupp Arena, next door to Tony’s of Lexington steakhouse.

The self-serve tasting room at in The Square at 401 West Main Street, Unit 101, will have 48 taps that will rotate weekly featuring local craft beers, bourbons, wines, cocktails and non-alcoholic beverages.

A new self-pouring bar, Tapster, is going into The Square, at 401 West Main Street, Unit 101, next door to Tony’s of Lexington.
A new self-pouring bar, Tapster, is going into The Square, at 401 West Main Street, Unit 101, next door to Tony’s of Lexington.
Tapster has more than 40 local craft beers, bourbons, wines, cocktails and non-alcoholic beverages on tap. Drinks from the taps cost $.17-$2.20 per ounce.
Tapster has more than 40 local craft beers, bourbons, wines, cocktails and non-alcoholic beverages on tap. Drinks from the taps cost $.17-$2.20 per ounce.

How does a self-serve bar work?

How does that work? Patrons are given a tap card to activate the tap of their choice, and they pour the drink from the tap themselves. When done, they pay with staff or at a self-checkout kiosk, since the tap card is tied to the customer’s credit card. (They also accept cash.)

Tapster’s self-pour technology allows guests 1- or 2-ounce pours for liquor or 16 ounces for beer. You can even get as little as 0.5 ounces if you just want to try a taste of something. Drinks from the taps cost $.17-$2.20 per ounce.

If a customer reaches a certain limit, the tap card is put on hold until staff can do a visual check and then approve more pours.

The self-service taproom continues to be one of the growing trends in restaurants, bars and dining. Businesses like keeping a better eye on portions and waste while customers like to pour as little or as much as they wish.

“Lexington is a really fun ‘going-out’ town, but we’ve noticed that every bar is packed to the point where it can be a long wait just to get a drink. We’re hoping to fill that gap,” said David Swedler, who is opening the Tapster franchise with his wife, Amanda. “With Tapster’s self-pour concept, guests serve themselves as they please, eliminating long lines and wait times. People will have more time to spend with their friends, and to make new ones.”

Tapster has five locations across the nation. The new Lexington location will be located across the street from Rupp Arena and is scheduled to open in the Spring of 2025.
Tapster has five locations across the nation. The new Lexington location will be located across the street from Rupp Arena and is scheduled to open in the Spring of 2025.
Tapster will open in The Square, at the corner of West Main and Algonquin streets.
Tapster will open in The Square, at the corner of West Main and Algonquin streets.

When will Tapster Lexington open?

Tapster opened its first tasting room in 2017 in Chicago and recently started a push to franchise. Lexington will be its sixth location and first in Kentucky. Construction will begin soon and it will open in Spring 2025.

The Swedlers say they are still deciding on what local craft beers and bourbons will be on the tap menu, but there will also be food available. The bar will partner with a local restaurant for free delivery and they will have freshly made popcorn, bagel dogs, chips, local beef jerky and other snack foods. And customers can order in, bringing in any food they’d like, and dogs too, as long as they are always on a leash.

Chicken chain location demolished. What’s going onto busy Lexington corner?

Student launched late-night burger business. Why won’t UK let him have a sign?

See inside, changes as legendary Lexington restaurant reopens in new location

Advertisement