A popular downtown Lexington Thai restaurant has apparently closed.
According to social media posts in foodie Facebook groups, Nat’s Thai restaurant at 111 S Upper St. closed because the owner moved back to Thailand.
Next door to Failte Irish Imports, Nat’s was popular with downtown lunch crowds. Customers could also eat from the local Thai restaurant at the nearby McCarthy’s Irish Bar.
But on noon Tuesday, the inside of the takeout-only restaurant was dark, and there was no sign of activity.
Nat’s, a popular downtown Lexington Thai restaurant, has apparently closed. It was located next door to Failte Irish Imports, and between McCarthy’s Irish Bar and Harvey’s Bar. Photographed Tuesday, June 9, 2026 in Lexington, Ky. Brian Simms bsimms@herald-leader.com
Described as a “hole in the wall,” the restaurant was a one-man show run by owner and chef Nat Yuttayong.
The menu of traditional Thai dishes included grilled pork neck with noodles, pad Thai and yellow curry.
Nat’s opened in the early 2010s and local diners often said it was them most authentic Thai restaurant in Lexington, frequently rating it with high marks, praising its authentic, spicy, and “hidden gem” quality.
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Brian Simms is a former journalist for the Herald-Leader
