Restaurants & Activities
From acclaimed chefs to irresistible barbecue, Lexington offers a diverse range of dining options to satisfy every palate. Explore local gems, upscale restaurants, entertainment, and more below.
Activities
KEENELAND RACECOURSE
Address: 4201 Versailles Road, Lexington, KY 40510
A National Historic Landmark, Keeneland features beautifully landscaped grounds that are open to the public every day. Fans and horsemen alike are welcome to enjoy our spectacular racing, attend one of our horse sales or simply visit the grounds and celebrate Keeneland’s timeless beauty.
THE BURL
Address: 375 Thompson Road, Lexington, KY 40508
Hosting local and national talent of all genres, The Burl is Lexington’s newest entertainment destination, located right across Manchester Street from the Distillery District. This beautiful restored old train depot holds nearly 300 people and offers live music Thursday through Sunday.
DISTILLERY DISTRICT
Address: 1228 Manchester Street, Lexington, KY 40504
Soak up the boozy history of the Distillery District with places like James E. Pepper Distillery, Barrel House Distilling Co., and RD1 Spirits.
KENTUCKY HORSE PARK
Address: 4089 Iron Works Pike, Lexington, KY 40511
The Kentucky Horse Park is a “must-see” attraction for horse lovers. Set on 1,200 acres of prime bluegrass farmland, this Kentucky State Park was founded in 1978 and opened to the public as the world’s only park dedicated to man’s relationship with the horse.
HISTORIC HOUSES
Address: Mary Todd Lincoln House, 578 W Main St, Lexington, KY 40507
Ashland Estate, 120 Sycamore Rd, Lexington, KY 40502
A city with a long and rich history, it’s easy to learn all about it with our historical houses such as the childhood home of esteemed former first lady Mary Todd Lincoln and the Ashland Estate, which belonged to famous 19th-century statesman Henry Clay.
BOURBON COUNTRY
Address: Woodford Reserve,7785 McCracken Pike, Versailles, KY 40383
Four Roses, 1224 Bonds Mill Rd, Lawrenceburg, KY 40342
Lexington is home to and near America’s top bourbon distilleries, including favorites like Woodford Reserve and Four Roses, and other newer, small distilleries in beautiful historic settings.
Walking Distance from Central Bank Center
Mama Tequila
Address: 367 W Short St, Lexington, KY 40507
Distance: .4 mile/ 8 minute walk from Central Bank Center
This popular Mexican restaurant serves up authentic fare in a beautifully renovated downtown building. Enjoy dine in service, patio seating, or carryout. The restaurant transitions to a dance club at 10pm with live DJs and entertainment.
Zim’s Cafe
Address: 215 West Main Street, Suite, Lexington, KY 40507
Distance: .4 mile/ 10 minute walk from Central Bank Center
Located in Lexington’s renovated historic courthouse, this restaurant and bar serves delicious American fare and handcrafted cocktails which you’re sure to crave week after week.
The Grove
Address: 200 West Main Street, Lexington, KY 40507
Distance: .5 mile/ 10 minute walk from Central Bank Center
The building, originally constructed in 1849, now serves as a micro-community that bolsters small businesses that include a combination of brews, cocktails, wines, charcuterie, and food-truck eats. Its giant lunar mural makes this spot one of Lexington’s newest and most eclectic hot spots. The space is also available for private events upon request.
Nic & Norman’s
Address: 135 W Main Street, Lexington, KY 40507
Distance: .5 mile/ 11 minute walk from Central Bank Center
A menu with southern-inspired cuisine offers a diverse selection of delectable entrées, gourmet burgers, artisan flatbread pizzas, and brunch favorites.
Bourbon On Rye
Address: 115 West Main Street, Lexington, KY 40507
Distance: .5 mile/ 12 minute walk from Central Bank Center
Located in the heart of downtown, this popular destination serves pub grub classics alongside craft beer, wines, and an extensive menu of delicious, speciality cocktails.
The Courtyard Deli
Address: 351 Church Street, Lexington, KY 40507
Distance: .5 mile/ 12 minute walk from Central Bank Center
For over 32 years, this has been a downtown destination for excellent house made soups, sandwiches, and salads. Now offering delicious local cheesecakes .. with delightful flavors and garnishes!
Fine Dining
Carson’s on Main
Address: 362 E Main Street, Lexington, KY 40507
Generous portions, prohibition-style cocktails, and unmatched hospitality in a rustic & elegant environment. Popular for its chef-driven menu and its award-winning brunch that celebrates all that makes Bluegrass culture great!
Malone’s
Address: 3347 Tates Creek Rd, Lexington, KY 40502
A premier restaurant, with three locations in Lexington, has something for everyone. Their menu includes a vast selection of steaks, salads, fresh fish and seafood, house favorites, and seasonal chef features.
Frank and Dino’s
Address: 271 W Short St, Lexington, KY 40507
World-class traditional Italian recipes, fresh ingredients, and a colorful atmosphere is what keeps folks coming back to this popular spot.
Le Deauville
Address: 199 North Limestone, Lexington, KY 40507
Authentic French cuisine with indoor and sidewalk seating it’s the closest you’ll get to a Parisian bistro in town. Try the bouillabaisse, duck confit, or an always-delicious prix fixe meal.
Lockbox
Address: 167 West Main Street, Lexington, KY 40507
Located within 21c Museum Hotel, experience fresh, farm-to-table options that will leave your taste buds delighted. And don’t miss the chance to dine in the old bank vault.
Italx
Address: 160 W Main St, Lexington, KY 40507
Chef Jonathan Lundy brings culinary expertise and creative freedom to ItalX, marrying international cuisine influences and concepts with the local Kentucky dining culture to deliver fresh interpretations of Italian fare.
Breakfast & Coffee
Nate’s Coffee
Address: 125 Cheapside Street, Lexington, KY 40507
A downtown shop known for serving coffee that’s precision-roasted in small batches for a delicious brew every single time.
Old School Coffee
Address: 380 S Mill Street, Lexington, KY 40508
Located in historic Dudley Square, Old School Coffee believes customers deserve a quality cup of coffee form a verified source. They strive to provide the highest quality cup of coffee with the best customer experience possible.
Chaotic Good: Coffee, Comics, & Games
Address: 545 S Broadway Ste 160, Lexington, KY 40508
Full coffee cafe and game store. Customers can enjoy high quality coffee and board games for an affordable price.
Frank’s Donuts
Address: 549 E Third St, Lexington, KY 40508
There’s nothing quite like a hot fresh donut, and this spot serves up some of the tastiest in town. Not only do they have a variety of flavors, but you can pick them up in their drive-thru.
Spalding’s Bakery
Address: 760 Winchester Road, Lexington, KY 40505
This bakery has been hand-crafting doughnuts since 1929. Their menu has since grown to include delicious cinnamon rolls, brownies, cakes, cupcakes, and more.
Doodles
Address: 262 North Limestone Street, Lexington, KY 40507
“Located in a remodeled gas station, this spot has become a trendy spot for both breakfast and lunch, that specializes in local and organic ingredients whenever possible. “
Group Friendly
District 7 Social Hall
Address: 1170 Manchester St, Lexington, KY 40508
This restaurant-bar-game room is an all-in-one experience for your next night out. With food they describe as German-isch paired with American fan favorites, there is something for everyone!
Dudley’s on Short
Address: 259 West Short, Lexington, KY 40507
A Lexington staple since 1981, with an inventive menu, extensive wine selection, and cozy bar, it’s the perfect balance of upscale elegance, comfort, and impeccable service.
The Sage Rabbit
Address: 438 S Ashland Avenue, Lexington, KY 40502
Popular for their constantly changing menu, this spot highlights the absolute freshest ingredients in town – including local meats, house made pasta, and fresh herbs and vegetables.
Tachibana
Address: 785 Newtown Court, Lexington, KY 40511
Known for their super-authentic Japanese cuisine, you can choose from a variety of crowd-favorites like Japanese curry, udon and soba, sushi, and their Teppan Yaki grill.
Merrick Inn
Address: 1074 Merrick Drive, Lexington, KY 40502
This spot is consistently voted among the city’s best dining destinations. A stylish, yet relaxed restaurant known for serving inventive regional specialties and comfort food.
BlueFire Bar and Grill