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ASHLAND -- Located in the heart of downtown Ashland, the Chimney Corner Cafe is a small restaurant with a history stretching back to the 1940s.

Originally known as the Chimney Corner Tea Room, the restaurant moved to its current location on Carter Avenue after a fire. The cafe underwent a number of different phases under multiple owners until it was acquired by current owner Chef Paul Runnels in 2001.

Today, the restaurant is undergoing another move, shifting to more casual fare from fine dining.

"The move makes sense in today's economic environment," Runnels said. "Even though our current prices are in the same range as what you might find at an Outback Steakhouse, the fine dining label has been intimidating to some customers. In January, we are going to be introducing a new menu with some more appetizers and some entrees for $9.99. We are currently adding a new full service bar we hope to get up and running soon."

Runnels is quick to assure customers that the restaurant is going to continue its reputation for quality food.

"We are sticking to fresh quality and staying away from frozen food. We are also going to stick to things you won't find in the franchises," Runnels said. "We are still going to specialize in lobster bisque, French onion soup and high quality beef."

The restaurant offers seasonal menus that are modified every three weeks.

Among the favorites on the current menu is the Classic Kentucky Hot Brown, a regional dish consisting of sliced ham and turkey topped with soft bread then covered in Mornay sauce, tomatoes and bacon. It sells for $11.95.

Another regional dish is the Appalachian Peach Chicken Mornay for $13.95 served with a side of bread pudding. The restaurant also features an assortment of gourmet hamburgers such as the Caribbean shrimp burger for $12.95.

The cafe is also famous for its soups. Rich French onion soup is available every day for $4.95 as is lobster bisque for $5.95. There are also a wide range of salads, which change on a seasonal basis, currently available for $11.95, though these prices may shift in coming weeks.

On the high end of the menu are a selection of steaks ranging from the herb-rubbed ribeye steak for $17.95 to the chef's filet mignon available in 10-ounce ($28) and 6-ounce ($20) cuts. The restaurant also makes its own pasta in a variety of dishes such as baked pasta marinara with three cheese ravioli for $11.95.

"We are also planning some events," Runnels said. "Last week, we had a Christmas buffet, and in the new year we are planning on serving a Sunday brunch. We've had these in the past, but under the new menu we're going to serve them under a lower price structure. We want to reach out to customers we haven't been able to reach in the past."

While the front of the restaurant is going to become more casual, the restaurant will keep the back room quiet and available for banquets and other formal parties.

The Chimney Corner Cafe is located at 1624 Carter Ave. in downtown Ashland. It is open from 4 to 9 p.m., Tuesday through Saturday. It is currently closed on Sundays and Mondays.

Cash and all major credit cards are accepted. The restaurant also offers options for catering and private parities.

Customers looking into a large catering order or function should try and book a month in advance. For more information, call 606-324-7500. For a full seasonal menu, visit the restaurant's Web site at www.chimneycornercafe.com.

Paul Sebert/For The Herald-Dispatch

The Chimney Corner Cafe is located at 1624 Carter Ave., in downtown Ashland. The restaurant will be adjusting to a slightly more casual fare in January.

Paul Sebert/For The Herald-Dispatch

The Chimney Corner Cafe is located at 1624 Carter Ave., in downtown Ashland. The restaurant will be adjusting to a slightly more casual fare in January.