Barbecue
Billy's Bar-B-Q specializes in Western Kentucky-style hickory pit Bar-B-Q. They can also cater your event, large or small. Don't leave Lexington without trying their "dillickles" (breaded fried pickle slices) No kidding, they're great! In Chevy Chase. 101 Cochran Road 859) 269-9593
For a stick-to-your-ribs Bluegrass meal, the original Ramsey's Diner is the place to stop. Try the delicious homegrown veggies, a Hot Brown sandwich and, for dessert, May Day pie. Now that's a dinner as traditional as red roses on Kentucky Derby day. There are several Ramsey's scattered around town. The original is at 496 East High Street (859) 259-2708
The extensive menu at deSha's in Victorian Square is full of regional delights such as the Kentucky Hot Brown sandwich and Derby Pie®, as well as other tried and true Kentucky favorites. The adjoining Horse & Barrel is fashionably classic -- serving fine scotches and single-barrel bourbons. www.deshas.com
Victorian Square in the heart of downtown. 101 North Broadway 859) 259-3771
Burgers
Getting featured in Southern Living for having the best hamburgers in the Bluegrass is no easy task, but this Lexington eating establishment has taken the prize. The O'Round at Lygnah's Irish Pub is truly a tribute to Lexington's Celtic heritage, ranking up there with the limestone fences built in the early 1800s by Irish stonemasons. Near the UK campus. 384 Woodland Avenue (859) 255-6614 or (859) 255-1292
Cafes
Dinner at a bookstore? But what a bookstore! Joseph-Beth Booksellers in the Mall at Lexington Green was recently named America's Best Bookstore by "Publisher's Weekly". The store's Cafe is a great place to enjoy lunch, dinner or dessert before or after browsing.
www.josephbeth.com
(859) 273-2911
Flag Fork Herb Farm has a charming cafe overlooking their gardens. Garden Cafe on North Broadway features sandwiches, soups and desserts featuring fresh-grown ingredients. Lunch is served from 11 to 2, Wednesday through Saturday. The cafe is located in the Thomas January Cottage built between 1790 and 1810. Southern Living called Flag Fork Herb Farm on of the top 200 places to shop in the South!
900 North Broadway
www.flagforkherbfarm.com
(859) 252-6837
The Atomic Cafe is a little bit of the islands in the city. Caribbean-inspired entrees and reggae music in the background make this a delightful and different dining experience. Young and old alike are fascinated by the murals on the walls! Lively patio scene when weather permits. Part of the historic Downtown Restaurant District.
265 North Limestone
(859) 254-1969
Rotating local arts exhibits and live acoustic music make Common Grounds Coffee House a favorite with all age groups. It's also popular for Sunday brunch.
343 East High
(859) 233-9761
Lexington's newest Starbucks is downtown near the convention center with a view of Triangle Park. Corner of Main and Broadway.
The original Lexington Starbucks is in the Student Center at the University of Kentucky. There's also one in Chevy Chase at High and Ashland.
Coffee Times Coffee House on Regency road is a retail store and coffee bar, with coffee by the pound roasted on the spot. Come enjoy the aroma.
Off Nicholasville Road.
2571 Regency Road
(859)277-9140
Natasha's Cafe has a new home downtown on Esplanade. It's a spacious urban bistro with elegant international cuisine. Enjoy the buffet at lunch and table service in the evenings. Check out their website and you'll understand why this place should be on your to-do list.
Downtown at 112 Esplanade
www.beetnik.com
(859)259-2754
Annabelle's offers cosmopolitan dining in the heart of the downtown Historic Restaurant District. Try the Kentucky Egg Rolls appetizer made with barbeque pork and vinegar slaw. It's mouth-watering!
127 North Limestone
(859)381-0900
Nadine's, operated by the same owner, is a la lucie's more casual cousin. The food is "gourmet American," and there's always a great list of specials. Near the intersection of Man o War and Harrodsburg at Palomar Center.
3955 Harrodsburg Road
(859) 223-0797
Lexington is blessed with a variety of fine dining options. Be sure to try the city's most "uptown" downtown restaurant, a la lucie's. Small but unforgettable! Part of the historic Downtown Restaurant District.
159 North Limestone
(859) 252-5277
Le Deauville brings authentic French cuisine do the downtown Historic Restaurant District. Sharing the name of Lexington's sister city in France, you'll feel you are in Normandy, especially if you nab a table on the sidewalk, weather permitting. Reservations strongly encouraged.
199 North Limestone
(859) 246-0999
Jonathan at Gratz Park at the historic Gratz Park Inn has redefined regional cuisine. There's an elegant dining room and an intimate bar. Try the King Crab cornbread cakes. Part of the historic Downtown Restaurant District.
120 West 2nd Street
(859)252-4949
Malone's is fast becoming the place for steak and seafood. Their popular piano bar "Oscar's" offers a wide selection of wine and cigars.In Lansdowne Shopping Center.
3347 Tates Creek Road
www.malonesrestaurant.com
(859) 335-6500
Metropol is an intimate restaurant featuring elegant upscale cuisine. They are housed in a small white brick building dating back to 1825. The Lobster Ravioli is an absolute favorite.
307 West Short Street
(859)381-9493
German Top
Famous for its authentic German cuisine and the most extensive beer list in Lexington, Marikka's is not for "waist-watchers." Try all of their brews, which number over 500, to receive the highest honor: your name penned on the ceiling above the bar.
411 Southland Drive
(859) 275-1925
Dudley's is located in a restored 1881 school building just a couple of blocks from the downtown business district. Adventurous continental entrees, a good wine list and cozy bar make Dudley's a local favorite for lunch and dinner.
www.dudleysrestaurant.com
380 South Mill Street
(859) 252-1010
Take the drive to Midway and be rewarded with lunch, dinner or Sunday brunch at beautiful Holly Hill Inn . On the National Register of Historic Places, Holly Hill prides itself on its use of fresh seasonal ingredients and local produce. Dinners are a three course prix fixe menu ($35). If you travel Frankfort Pike, you'll pass Wallace Station (846-5161) on the way. The owners' "country store", it's a great stop for gourmet deli and bakery selections.
www.hollyhillinn.com
426 North Winter Street in Midway
(859) 846-4732
Dine in a 1916 converted mansion at Murrays out Harrodsburg Road. Specialties include caramelized roasted pork and fried chicken Maryland.
3955 Harrodsburg Road
(859) 219-9922
Set in an elegant "Old South" home adjacent to the Marriott's Griffin Gate Resort, The Mansion at Griffin Gate features continental cuisine and impeccable service.
1720 Newtown Pike
www.mansionrestaurant.com
(859) 288-6142
Experiment with delicious East Indian dishes at Kashmir Indian Restaurant near the University of Kentucky Campus. As guests of the Singh family, you'll enjoy traditional Indian cuisine and excellent service. Near campus.
341 South Limestone Street
(859)233-3060
At Bombay Brazier, also near UK, you can indulge in an extravagant lunch buffet. They are open for dinner as well, serving Indian dishes, spicy or mild.
102 West High Street
(859) 389-7107
Bellini's serves fine Italian food and drink right on Main Street. The atmosphere is romantic and the food enticing. Open for dinner and lunch. In the Spring, you may want to take advantage of the charming outside eating area. Right in the center of downtown.
www.bellinis.us
115 West Main Street
(859)388-9583
Giuseppe's Ristorante Italian offers hearty servings of traditional and nouveau Italian cuisine and an extensive wine list. Enjoy live music most evenings.
Past Man O War Boulevard.
4456 Nicholasville Road
www.giuseppeslexington.com
(859) 272-4269
Portabella's is a great place to go before the movies--Man O War Movies 8 is just next door. Casual kid-friendly dining features pastas and wood oven pizza. Off Richmond Road.
115 Locust Hill
(859) 266-6836
Portofino serves sophisticated Italian cuisine with a California attitude! Located in a converted warehouse downtown, it is known for it's great ambience with a handsome bar, fireplace and romantic outdoor patio.
www.portofinolexington.com
249 East Main Street
(859) 253-9300
The nearby Toyota Motor Manufacturing plant has not only brought thousands of jobs to central Kentucky, it's also helped to attract wonderful Japanese restaurants. Tachibana is located just minutes from the Camry and Avalon factory. The menu is authentic and the seafood is fresh.
785 Newtown Court
(859) 254-1911
Alfalfa 's, in the bottom floor of the new Downtown Arts Center, is a great choice for vegetarians. (They serve meat dishes, too.) Innovative, healthy dishes in a cozy, laid-back atmosphere.
141 East Main Street
(859) 253-0014
You can dine with a wonderful view of downtown's Triangle Park at Cafe on The Park . Relaxed upscale American cuisine at its best with a fine selection of wines. In the Radisson Plaza Hotel at Broadway and Vine Streets.
(859)281-3773
Cheapside Bar & Grill is a hot spot for happy hour downtown year-round. With a Southwest dining room, Victorian pub and tropical patio, there's a little something for everyone.
www.cheapsidebarandgrill.com
131 Cheapside
(859) 254-0046
When you ask locals to name the top restaurants in town, Merrick Inn is usually on the list. The Inn serves regional specialties in a classic atmosphere. Valet parking available.
3380 Tates Creek Road
(859) 269-5417
Inexpensive Mexican delights, a bright atmosphere and friendly service are hallmarks of Jalapeno's on South Broadway.
1030 South Broadway
(859) 281-5171
Warm up to some of the spiciest food in town or cool down during weekday happy hour at El Chico's
3010 Lakecrest Circle
(859) 224-1002
For the biggest bread sticks (or should we say loaves) and the best local pizza, try Joe Bologna's , or as the natives call it, "Joe B's." Located in a historic Jewish temple complete with stain glass windows, the interior of the restaurant is truly unique. In fact, it's the only pizza place listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
120 West Maxwell Street
(859) 252-4933
Pizza connoiseurs will appreciate the fresh ingredients and gourmet toppings at Puccini's Smiling Teeth Pizza. Their pizza, pastas and calzones truly give you something to smile about.
833 Chevy Chase Plaza
(859)269-0404
www.puccinissmilingteeth.com
Regatta Seafood & Grille has some of the freshest seafood in town. A bottomless salad is served with all entrees. Ask for a seat over looking the water. Part of the mall at Lexington Green.
161 Lexington Green Circle
(859)273-7875
www.regattaseafood.com
Greentree Tea Room is open Wednesday through Saturday for luncheon tea at noon. On Saturdays there is an afternoon tea at 3 p.m. Fine period furnishings are for sale next door. Call ahead for reservations.
Part of Green Tree Close.
521 West Short Street
(859) 455-9660