The Gin Mill is set to reopen in South End this month with food and a rooftop bar

If you liked the old Gin Mill, you’re going to love the new Gin Mill.

The 20-year-old late-night bar, which closed its former location in August, is reopening at the end of October next door in part of the former Amos’.

The owners say they’re bringing it back old school: The new Gin Mill will serve food, just like the original Gin Mill, which was once where Tavern on the Tracks sits currently.

Chef Clayton Sanders, who’s also the chef at Davidson Street Public House<, is in charge of the menu, which will include:

– Appetizers like flatbreads, wings and pimento cheese fritters

– Sliders, including smoke house short rib for the carnivores and portobello for the herbivores.

– Wraps such as grilled salmon Caesar.

– And revolving entree specials.

The kitchen will be open until 2 a.m. every night. Gin Mill plans to open mid-afternoon each day, with plans to eventually serve lunch.

The interior and exterior are undergoing a huge renovation. Gin Mill will now occupy the entire front half of the old Amos’ space. (Mum’s the word, for now, on what’s going in the back half of the space.)

The space will have a rooftop bar and a dog-friendly side patio with a walk-up bar. Inside will feature a stage for live music, a mezzanine with darts and shuffleboard. Accordion doors will be installed on the front of the building along the sidewalk.

“This will really allow the street feel to come in,” said co-owner Matt Lorusso.

Co-owners Lorusso and John Ellison, along with investor/partner Chris Healy, have been involved in South End nightlife for quite some time. The three have worked with Gin Mill, Amos’ and Davidson Street Public House. Ellison said he’s been involved with Gin Mill for 18 years.

“South End looks a little bit different than it did 18 years ago,” he said.

The owners expect more foot and light rail traffic to bring the crowd; especially after The RailYard mixed-use development opens across the street.

“I was amazed at how much traffic went down in the neighborhood when Amos’ closed,” Ellison said. “We might just have to build that traffic back up.”

Parking will be limited, though on-street spaces are available along North Tryon.

A bar called The Brickyard recently opened in the former Gin Mill space. The new neighbors are paying homage to their history, keeping the interior the same. And the old Gin Mill sign is still visible on the front of the building.

“I’m looking forward to getting the party started,” said Stephen Cornwell, who has been a bartender with Gin Mill for 12 years. “It’s gonna be better than it was before. I’m looking forward to getting back to what we do best.”

This story was originally published October 3, 2017 at 1:00 AM.