When I met with Matt Crandall (exec chef and co-owner) to survey damages to White Horse and Whiskey Street last Fall, even I – a glass is three-thirds full type – raised an eyebrow at the optimism. A January 2026 opening? To be frank, they did what I thought wasn’t possible, which speaks volumes to the talents and operations skills of the Bourbon Group, rather than, I assume, a Robert Johnson-esque pact (a reference for the kids there).
The restaurant worked through a soft opening series of nights last week, culminating in the formal opening on Thursday, January 29th. With that, the business is back to the races, full tilt. Full menu, full bar, lunch and dinner hours. Familiar faces from the past have been rehired front and back of house, too.
In terms of the rebuild, not much has changed, albeit a slightly darker color palette, Crandall tells me. The gently illuminated library wall of liquor dominates the center of the space, looming down on the procession of bar seats. There are communal high tops, cosy tables, and two imposing wrap-around booths for larger groups. The patio will be back as soon as the weather tiptoes into patio season, which, as I’ve joked about before, will likely be March at this rate…