Guidebook for Lexington
Food Scene
A Lexington favorite for decades. This bakery-turned-cafe has everything a breakfast lover could think of. Coffee, donuts, croissants, avocado toast; you name it, they've got it. Magee's is an early bird hot spot, so I suggest arriving there earlier rather than later, as some items will sell out. I suggest the Southern Pecan coffee and a Chicken Biscuit with Gravy. Yum.
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Magee's Bakery
726 E Main StA Lexington favorite for decades. This bakery-turned-cafe has everything a breakfast lover could think of. Coffee, donuts, croissants, avocado toast; you name it, they've got it. Magee's is an early bird hot spot, so I suggest arriving there earlier rather than later, as some items will sell out. I suggest the Southern Pecan coffee and a Chicken Biscuit with Gravy. Yum.
This is your typical hip coffee house. The building itself is cool - located in an old flour and bread factory, there are lots of nooks and crannies and hidden room to disappear in. Get a bite to eat for breakfast or just a quick cup. Grab a Cubano - it's the best I've ever had.
15 locals raden deze aan
Common Grounds Coffee House
343 E High StThis is your typical hip coffee house. The building itself is cool - located in an old flour and bread factory, there are lots of nooks and crannies and hidden room to disappear in. Get a bite to eat for breakfast or just a quick cup. Grab a Cubano - it's the best I've ever had.
Not your average glazed and chocolate covered donuts. North Lime Donuts are out of this world good, and their coffee (Nate's Coffee) is the perfect pairing. Though they do offer the basics, it's hard to pass up specials like the Maple Bacon Donut and the PB&J. Go to the original location - on North Limestone, appropriately.
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North Lime Coffee & Donuts
101 W Loudon AveNot your average glazed and chocolate covered donuts. North Lime Donuts are out of this world good, and their coffee (Nate's Coffee) is the perfect pairing. Though they do offer the basics, it's hard to pass up specials like the Maple Bacon Donut and the PB&J. Go to the original location - on North Limestone, appropriately.
This is one of the BEST brunch places in Lexington. Not only does it serve breakfast all day, it serves up some of the best southern, comfort food you'll find in Lexington. Heads up: it fills up quickly. If you're going for brunch (they serve lunch & dinner, too!) go earlier rather than later and sit at the bar.
Also, try the Shrimp & Grits - the mill where the grits are made is 15 minutes down the road and they. are. delicious.
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Josie's Restaurant
1973 Lexington RdThis is one of the BEST brunch places in Lexington. Not only does it serve breakfast all day, it serves up some of the best southern, comfort food you'll find in Lexington. Heads up: it fills up quickly. If you're going for brunch (they serve lunch & dinner, too!) go earlier rather than later and sit at the bar.
Also, try the Shrimp & Grits - the mill where the grits are made is 15 minutes down the road and they. are. delicious.
This is the place for early risers and fruit lovers. It's healthy, it's cheery and it's delicious. The coffee is also killer. My recommendation is the Floridian French Toast, although anything you order from here is bound to be mouth watering.
First Watch
1080 S BroadwayThis is the place for early risers and fruit lovers. It's healthy, it's cheery and it's delicious. The coffee is also killer. My recommendation is the Floridian French Toast, although anything you order from here is bound to be mouth watering.
Louie's brunch/breakfast menu will definitely appeal to the "foodie" type. They have everything from traditional Eggs Benedict to BLT Deviled Eggs to Beignets (get these-they're to die for). Add their variety of mimosas and their "Old School" Bloody Mary, it'll be hard to leave this place.
Louie's Wine Dive & Chevy Chase Kitchen
854 E High StLouie's brunch/breakfast menu will definitely appeal to the "foodie" type. They have everything from traditional Eggs Benedict to BLT Deviled Eggs to Beignets (get these-they're to die for). Add their variety of mimosas and their "Old School" Bloody Mary, it'll be hard to leave this place.
A restaurant that is delicious but also sums up the sights and tastes of Kentucky. If you are able to make the drive, it is located about 15 minutes outside of Lexington on Old Frankfort Pike, which is one of the most beautiful drives in central Kentucky filled with horse farms and white fences. The restaurant is one of Chef Quita's many restaurants in the Bluegrass. You can get anything from a Shrimp Po Boy to a Kentucky Hot Brown and both will blow your mind.
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Wallace Station Deli and Bakery
3854 Old Frankfort PikeA restaurant that is delicious but also sums up the sights and tastes of Kentucky. If you are able to make the drive, it is located about 15 minutes outside of Lexington on Old Frankfort Pike, which is one of the most beautiful drives in central Kentucky filled with horse farms and white fences. The restaurant is one of Chef Quita's many restaurants in the Bluegrass. You can get anything from a Shrimp Po Boy to a Kentucky Hot Brown and both will blow your mind.
The Local Taco is the place in Lexington for your not-so-average tacos. They don't offer your basic ground beef taco, but you won't miss it. The menu teases you with tacos such as: Spicy Shrimp, Buffalo Chicken, Vegetarian, Korean, and Southern Fried, just to name a few. Not to mention, their guacamole and salsa are made fresh twice a day, and their margaritas are made with hand-squeezed lemon and lime juice.
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The Local Taco
315 S LimestoneThe Local Taco is the place in Lexington for your not-so-average tacos. They don't offer your basic ground beef taco, but you won't miss it. The menu teases you with tacos such as: Spicy Shrimp, Buffalo Chicken, Vegetarian, Korean, and Southern Fried, just to name a few. Not to mention, their guacamole and salsa are made fresh twice a day, and their margaritas are made with hand-squeezed lemon and lime juice.
This place is in the middle of Lexington, however the second you walk in you feel as if you've been transported to a jungle. The cafe itself is located in Michler's Florist Greenhouse and Garden Design, so you already know it's going to be breathtaking. It is important to note the cafe is strictly VEGETARIAN, but if you're a meat lover don't let this deter you. While this isn't exactly the place to go to "fill up", it is perfect for an afternoon snack and beer. Go on a Friday night and catch some live music; this place is truly magical.
36 locals raden deze aan
Kentucky Native Café
417 E Maxwell StThis place is in the middle of Lexington, however the second you walk in you feel as if you've been transported to a jungle. The cafe itself is located in Michler's Florist Greenhouse and Garden Design, so you already know it's going to be breathtaking. It is important to note the cafe is strictly VEGETARIAN, but if you're a meat lover don't let this deter you. While this isn't exactly the place to go to "fill up", it is perfect for an afternoon snack and beer. Go on a Friday night and catch some live music; this place is truly magical.
My FAVORITE restaurant in Lexington. The theme is French Countryside Cuisine and the decor goes right along with it. The wine selection is out of this world and the staff is very comfortable helping you pair a bottle with your food. Reservations are strongly suggested, but if you stumble in there on a weeknight, you have a good chance of being able to sit in the bar area.
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Coles 735 Main
735 E Main StMy FAVORITE restaurant in Lexington. The theme is French Countryside Cuisine and the decor goes right along with it. The wine selection is out of this world and the staff is very comfortable helping you pair a bottle with your food. Reservations are strongly suggested, but if you stumble in there on a weeknight, you have a good chance of being able to sit in the bar area.
If you're looking for a fine dining experience in Downtown Lexington, check out Carson's. This place is reservations ONLY but they are not too hard to attain. Carson's is delicious, youthful, fun, unique and modern. Get the Caprese Salad or the Fried Soft Shell Crab. You truly cannot go wrong with this lively restaurant!
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Carson's Food & Drink
362 E Main StIf you're looking for a fine dining experience in Downtown Lexington, check out Carson's. This place is reservations ONLY but they are not too hard to attain. Carson's is delicious, youthful, fun, unique and modern. Get the Caprese Salad or the Fried Soft Shell Crab. You truly cannot go wrong with this lively restaurant!
This place is literally floating on water. While the outdoor seating is in it's prime on a warm, sunny day, the views are just as stunning from inside too, with floor to ceiling windows all around. During May-October, head down there to catch some live reggae music while outside in the tiki-hut, drinking a mai-tai out of a coconut. There legitimately is not a bad seat on this restaurant. This is a seafood joint, so if that's not your style I would steer clear. Try the Oyster's Rockfeller - it is mouthwatering.
11 locals raden deze aan
Palmers Fresh Grill
161 Lexington Green CircleThis place is literally floating on water. While the outdoor seating is in it's prime on a warm, sunny day, the views are just as stunning from inside too, with floor to ceiling windows all around. During May-October, head down there to catch some live reggae music while outside in the tiki-hut, drinking a mai-tai out of a coconut. There legitimately is not a bad seat on this restaurant. This is a seafood joint, so if that's not your style I would steer clear. Try the Oyster's Rockfeller - it is mouthwatering.
Drinks & Nightlife
If you want to go where all the locals go, head here. Basically, you park in a giant parking lot and everywhere you look are breweries, bars, restaurants, the best ice cream shop, bourbon tasting, Goodfella's pizza (the best in Lex), food trucks, live music, fire pits, games, cornhole, just to name a few things. All within 50 yards of each other! If you can't do anything else on your trip, have Uber drop you off here.
41 locals raden deze aan
James E. Pepper Distillery
1228 Manchester StIf you want to go where all the locals go, head here. Basically, you park in a giant parking lot and everywhere you look are breweries, bars, restaurants, the best ice cream shop, bourbon tasting, Goodfella's pizza (the best in Lex), food trucks, live music, fire pits, games, cornhole, just to name a few things. All within 50 yards of each other! If you can't do anything else on your trip, have Uber drop you off here.
Because who doesn't love a good Irish pub? McCarthy's feels like home the second you walk in and the staff certainly makes you feel like you're family. But don't be fooled by the bouncer's southern accent - Lexington and Kildare, Ireland are sister cities so this place is the real deal. Irish accents all around? Check. We love it here and if you like a good pub, you will too.
24 locals raden deze aan
McCarthy's Irish Bar
117 S Upper StBecause who doesn't love a good Irish pub? McCarthy's feels like home the second you walk in and the staff certainly makes you feel like you're family. But don't be fooled by the bouncer's southern accent - Lexington and Kildare, Ireland are sister cities so this place is the real deal. Irish accents all around? Check. We love it here and if you like a good pub, you will too.
Great beer, great atmosphere. There are tons of places to sit and watch a game, or lounge on their comfy leather couches. If you're into bar games, enjoy a game of pool or a couple rounds of darts. Not into bar games? Ask a staff member for a quick tour of the brewery - they are happy to do it and it's fascinating.
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Blue Stallion Brewing Co.
610 W 3rd StGreat beer, great atmosphere. There are tons of places to sit and watch a game, or lounge on their comfy leather couches. If you're into bar games, enjoy a game of pool or a couple rounds of darts. Not into bar games? Ask a staff member for a quick tour of the brewery - they are happy to do it and it's fascinating.
Located in the James E. Pepper Distillery, Ethereal has it all. Sit by the creek, look at the overflowing trees and enjoy a Hop-Shaka-Laka (one of their craft beers) while eating their complimentary pepper-jack popcorn. While inside opens up to a large bar and lots of opportunities to play darts, the outside patio is the place to be.
53 locals raden deze aan
Ethereal Brewing
1224 Manchester StLocated in the James E. Pepper Distillery, Ethereal has it all. Sit by the creek, look at the overflowing trees and enjoy a Hop-Shaka-Laka (one of their craft beers) while eating their complimentary pepper-jack popcorn. While inside opens up to a large bar and lots of opportunities to play darts, the outside patio is the place to be.
This place is just fun. The crowd is diverse in every way, including age. While most of the crowd would fall in that post-grad category, I know a TON of older/middle-aged people who love this place. It is three stories with a bar on every level. The best part? It's a rooftop bar with great views of Lexington.
37 locals raden deze aan
Belles Cocktail House
156 Market StThis place is just fun. The crowd is diverse in every way, including age. While most of the crowd would fall in that post-grad category, I know a TON of older/middle-aged people who love this place. It is three stories with a bar on every level. The best part? It's a rooftop bar with great views of Lexington.
Sightseeing
The home of the horse races - in the horse capital of the world! Every April and October, come to Keeneland to watch our world famous thoroughbreds race. It showcases everything that is right about the Bluegrass - bourbon, horses, tailgating and tradition. Races run from Wednesday-Sunday during open season. You can go during off season as well and just walk around the grounds, which is stunning by itself.
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Keeneland Race Track station
The home of the horse races - in the horse capital of the world! Every April and October, come to Keeneland to watch our world famous thoroughbreds race. It showcases everything that is right about the Bluegrass - bourbon, horses, tailgating and tradition. Races run from Wednesday-Sunday during open season. You can go during off season as well and just walk around the grounds, which is stunning by itself.
Kentucky has more barrels of bourbon that we do people, and we take pride in it. Drive down Old Frankfort Pike, go to Woodford Reserve Distillery and take the Bourbon Tour. You won't regret it. The best part? The tour includes a flight tasting, paired with a chocolate bourbon ball. Stop at Wallace Station on the way back and you've got a perfect, Kentucky day.
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Woodford Reserve Distillery
7785 McCracken PikeKentucky has more barrels of bourbon that we do people, and we take pride in it. Drive down Old Frankfort Pike, go to Woodford Reserve Distillery and take the Bourbon Tour. You won't regret it. The best part? The tour includes a flight tasting, paired with a chocolate bourbon ball. Stop at Wallace Station on the way back and you've got a perfect, Kentucky day.
The Kentucky Horse Park is just ridiculously beautiful. Surrounded by nothing but the countryside, this is the heart and soul of Kentucky horse country. Take a tour of the famous horse stables, or just drive around the park yourself.
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Kentucky Horse Park
4089 Iron Works PkwyThe Kentucky Horse Park is just ridiculously beautiful. Surrounded by nothing but the countryside, this is the heart and soul of Kentucky horse country. Take a tour of the famous horse stables, or just drive around the park yourself.
Parks & Nature
This place is always populated with runners, walkers, moms, kids, college kids, dog-walkers, you name it. While bicycling is not allowed here, it is the perfect place to get in a few miles while looking at the sprawling gardens along the way. You will quickly forget that you are technically on campus.
97 locals raden deze aan
Het Arboretum, Staatsbotanische Tuin van KY
500 Alumni DrThis place is always populated with runners, walkers, moms, kids, college kids, dog-walkers, you name it. While bicycling is not allowed here, it is the perfect place to get in a few miles while looking at the sprawling gardens along the way. You will quickly forget that you are technically on campus.
This is our own little hiking sanctuary located in Lexington! Great hikes all the way down to the Kentucky River with stunning views all around. Hikes can range from super easy to pretty advanced, so there is a path for everyone to go down. I suggest taking the blue trail; you hit the overlook and then wind down to the water and find an old, crumbled mill that used to sit there. Park is only open from 11 AM - 4 PM so plan accordingly!
107 locals raden deze aan
Raven Run Nature Sanctuary
3885 Raven Run WyThis is our own little hiking sanctuary located in Lexington! Great hikes all the way down to the Kentucky River with stunning views all around. Hikes can range from super easy to pretty advanced, so there is a path for everyone to go down. I suggest taking the blue trail; you hit the overlook and then wind down to the water and find an old, crumbled mill that used to sit there. Park is only open from 11 AM - 4 PM so plan accordingly!
Hiking, camping, climbing, repelling, kayaking, biking - all here. Located about an hour from Lexington, it is more than worth the drive if you have a free day. Head to Miguel's for the BEST pizza you will ever eat, plus it is a campground/gathering spot for hikers and campers alike, so you are bound to meet lots of cool people here. Make sure you drive through Nada Tunnel when you get there, and then head across the street to Natural Bridge Nation Park where you can see the naturally-formed, rock bridge.
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Red River Gorge
Hiking, camping, climbing, repelling, kayaking, biking - all here. Located about an hour from Lexington, it is more than worth the drive if you have a free day. Head to Miguel's for the BEST pizza you will ever eat, plus it is a campground/gathering spot for hikers and campers alike, so you are bound to meet lots of cool people here. Make sure you drive through Nada Tunnel when you get there, and then head across the street to Natural Bridge Nation Park where you can see the naturally-formed, rock bridge.
This charming, quaint little park is nestled in Downtown on Transylvania University's campus. There are fountains, cobble stone streets, old houses and a beautiful culture center called Carnegie Hall at the bottom of the hill.
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Gratz Park
250 W 3rd StThis charming, quaint little park is nestled in Downtown on Transylvania University's campus. There are fountains, cobble stone streets, old houses and a beautiful culture center called Carnegie Hall at the bottom of the hill.
Arts & Culture
Take a tour of Henry Clay's estate, have a picnic on his back lawn or simply stroll through his gorgeous gardens. Even if you're not into history, this estate is worth checking out.
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Ashland - The Henry Clay Estate
120 Sycamore RdTake a tour of Henry Clay's estate, have a picnic on his back lawn or simply stroll through his gorgeous gardens. Even if you're not into history, this estate is worth checking out.
This is a great hub for Arts/Culture and hospitality. While the building itself is a hotel, the first and second floor is a modern art museum. Also located on the first floor is 21C's restaurant, The Lockbox.
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21c Museum Hotel Lexington
167 W Main StThis is a great hub for Arts/Culture and hospitality. While the building itself is a hotel, the first and second floor is a modern art museum. Also located on the first floor is 21C's restaurant, The Lockbox.
Shopping
The Summit has everything - Whole Foods, Free People, Anthropologie, Brooks Brothers, Pottery Barn, Arhaus, LUSH, Frye Boot Co., Madewell, CycleBar, Cru Wine Bar and Shake Shack, just to name a few. It's only 5 minutes away, but you'll feel like you're in LA.
81 locals raden deze aan
The Summit at Fritz Farm
120 Summit At Fritz FarmThe Summit has everything - Whole Foods, Free People, Anthropologie, Brooks Brothers, Pottery Barn, Arhaus, LUSH, Frye Boot Co., Madewell, CycleBar, Cru Wine Bar and Shake Shack, just to name a few. It's only 5 minutes away, but you'll feel like you're in LA.
This is "the mall". Pretty much your average shopping mall that has all the stores you can cream of, and is a convenient 5 minute drive away. Great place to go and check out on a rainy day!
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Fayette Mall station
This is "the mall". Pretty much your average shopping mall that has all the stores you can cream of, and is a convenient 5 minute drive away. Great place to go and check out on a rainy day!
Target
1940 Pavilion Way2 miles from the apartment. Need I say more?
Essentials
They have a bar inside as well as a restaurant and fire-pit on the side porch, truly a luxurious shopping experience. Fresh pasta every day from Lexington Pasta Company? Yep. If you have time, go here.
20 locals raden deze aan
Whole Foods Market
4059 Finn WyThey have a bar inside as well as a restaurant and fire-pit on the side porch, truly a luxurious shopping experience. Fresh pasta every day from Lexington Pasta Company? Yep. If you have time, go here.
Your go-to place for groceries, toiletries, produce, alcohol, pharmacy. Everything. Go to the one on Euclid, they have rooftop parking and is the biggest store nearby.
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Kroger
704 Euclid AveYour go-to place for groceries, toiletries, produce, alcohol, pharmacy. Everything. Go to the one on Euclid, they have rooftop parking and is the biggest store nearby.
Just a mile down the road, Trader Joe's is ideal for those last minute meals. Specializing in international, healthy foods, they are the kings of frozen meals.
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Trader Joe's
2326 Nicholasville RdJust a mile down the road, Trader Joe's is ideal for those last minute meals. Specializing in international, healthy foods, they are the kings of frozen meals.