A Lexington restaurant that has anchored a high-profile corner of National Avenue has been ordered out.

El Cid’s, the Mexican restaurant at 701 National Ave., apparently may be closing after Fayette District Court Judge Melissa M. Murphy on May 1 granted a writ of forcible detainer to the landlords, J&R Family Ltd., owned by the Walker family.

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The restaurant was served with an eviction notice on April 8, according to court records. El Cid’s proprietors, Silvia LLC, owe almost $5,000 in back rent and utilities for April, according to the court filings.

Chad Walker of Walker Properties, landlord for the building as well as others in the popular Lexington dining district, said this is the first time they have had to evict anyone in 15 years.

El Cid opened on National Avenue in 2021 in the former Locals’ restaurant spot as a second location of the Mexican restaurant on South Limestone. The menu featured birria, tacos and cheap margaritas.

The business changed hands in July 2023 and is now owned by Jesus de la Fuente, who said he plans to ask Walker for another extension, saying that he only recently renewed his alcoholic beverage license, which had expired.

De la Fuente said El Cid’s remains open.

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