Lexington may be known for its horse racing and bourbon history, but the city also hosts an emerging community of progressive entrepreneurs who are making an impactful difference in their communities. Examples include FoodChain’s mission of growing greens for members; Melissa Jackson at Doodles serving locally-sourced comfort food with an environmental conscience in a renovated gas station; DV8 Kitchen offering all-day baking service which employs addicts in recovery; and FoodChain growing fresh greens.
Crank & Boom’s
Lexington’s vibrant restaurant scene continues to flourish with the addition of new concepts and menus every year, welcoming over 30 new restaurants with varied concepts – some long anticipated and others surprising additions – which bring something different and new to what can otherwise feel like an oversaturated market of chicken joints and coffee shops.
Crank & Boom’s has found its niche in Lexington’s food scene. This craft ice cream shop uses local ingredients in their delicious creations and provides dine-in and curbside service as well as shipping nationwide. They specialize in Bourbon Honey and Coffee Stout flavors as well as sundaes with different alcoholic beverage infused cocktails and even specialty flavors like Bourbon Honey.
Zim’s, a casual seafood eatery from James Beard Foundation Award nominee Chef Outia Michel, features dishes like spicy shrimp and grits to bourbon-glazed pork chops and boasts an exciting atmosphere in Lexington’s downtown core.
Carson’s is a restaurant known for its eclectic menu and commitment to Kentucky’s culinary history, popular among both locals and travelers. . Friendly bartenders will gladly recommend their favorite selection. Be sure to sample their signature Honeywood Salad or Fried Green Tomatoes while there!
Gumbo Ya Ya
Named appropriately for their delicious cuisine, this restaurant certainly lives up to their name. Serving dishes such as spicy shrimp and grits and bourbon-glazed pork chops among many others; vegetarian and vegan options are also plentiful on their extensive menu, along with an impressive collection of cocktails!
This restaurant places a strong emphasis on using quality local ingredients and crafting delicious drinks from Kentucky breweries. Their seasonal menu boasts fresh local fare while cozy decor features wood and brick details and fancy chandeliers – an ideal setting to enjoy lunch with friends or family!
Carson’s Food and Drink stands out as another top Lexington eatery. A hidden gem, Carson’s serves delicious Creole cuisine in an elegant setting, with friendly servers who specialize in steak. Their brunch is also superb.
Aurielle Marie’s collection of poems is an uncompromising confrontation with white solidarity. Marie’s words shine with magical electricity: they sweat ink, bleed it out onto paper pages, weep its tears onto them while still managing to convey an air of cuss words as well. This poetry knows exactly what it wants to accomplish!
Dudley’s on Short
Dudley’s on Short is a top-rated Lexington restaurant that combines elegant sophistication with cozy comfort. Offering creative delights and handcrafted cocktails, its menu offers reinvented American classics, global flavors, eclectic artisan dishes as well as a well-curated wine list and selection of whiskey. Perfect for romantic dinners and special celebrations!
Chef Debbie Long has been making waves in Lexington since 1981 with her passion for providing locally sourced foods and exceptional hospitality – winning her the reputation as one of Lexington’s premier dining experiences. Chef Long began working in ski towns during college as her interest for foodservice grew exponentially.
This restaurant, housed in an historic building and steeped in tradition, features cuisine combining Lexington ingredients with Creole flavors. Their delicious seafood cocktail and award-winning roast duck are the highlights. Plus, don’t miss their brunch option!
The atmosphere at this restaurant is warm and welcoming, and its linen-covered tables add to the dining experience. Their menu offers steaks, seafood, and an impressive bar menu; service has generally been outstanding with only minor incidents being experienced; on a recent visit they provided perfectly cooked halibut and exquisite shrimp cocktail that failed to fully harmonize with each other despite all its bold flavors and complex sauces.
DV8 Kitchen
DV8 Kitchen is one of Lexington’s best brunch spots. Their menu boasts impressive dishes like fried green tomatoes and catfish dishes; plus their pie selection is ideal for sharing! Their bar features an impressive collection of bourbons.
Their mission is to offer second chance employment while changing lives through accountability, workforce training, and close family support, to empower staff members to create new recipes in their lives.
Our menu changes frequently and consists of fresh local ingredients. There’s something to suit all foodies here with vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free options available. Additionally, the restaurant features large communal tables that seat several patrons as well as an exhibition of modern art on rotation.
Slim Chickens is another recent addition to Lexington’s culinary scene – an innovative fast-casual “better chicken” chain offering dine-in and drive-thru service, desserts served in mason jars and an extensive list of sides such as fried pickles, mushrooms and okra – alongside delicious and flavorful chicken that has quickly become a hit among locals and made Yelp’s list of best brunch spots across the nation.