The Hideout is back: 20s Hideout Steakhouse adopts 'online reservations only' during soft reopening

MARION - It's been a long road, but the 20s Hideout is finally opening its doors following a February 2020 fire that destroyed much of the building.

"It was horrific," said owner Jeff Diederich, of the fire that forced the closure. "There was significant smoke damage so everything had to be redone from top to bottom.

The one thing that was saved from damage was the piano. Diederich commended quick thinking by the Marion Fire Department for immediately tapping the instrument, a popular draw for the restaurant that features a variety of regional talent each night.

The restaurant will be a "soft opening," said Diederich, who said that new staff has been hired and is currently being trained.

"The soft opening allows us to implement service on a controlled basis so we can maintain our high standards of food and service," he said. "Nobody is more anxious than us to get this up to full speed so we can go back to regular seating at full capacity for our guests."

For now, service will be limited to online reservations only available at www.opentable.com. The operation days will be limited to Tuesday-Saturday during the soft opening.

Diederich said that seating capacity will continue to increase as staffing levels are expanded.

During the extensive renovations, Diederich said significant improvements were made throughout the restaurant.

"We wanted to maintain the same character and look," he said, "but in a new and improved fashion."

The "new and improved" includes a wine cellar with 8,500 bottles on hand, a refrigerated tap room providing 24 draft beers on keg, and a private room with seating for up to 20.

Diederich said he and his staff are excited to be welcoming guests back to the 20s Hideout.

"On behalf of everyone at the 20s Hideout Steakhouse, thank you for your understanding and patience during this time. Your business and support are sincerely appreciated."