If you don’t have much time to see the area, call Blue Grass Tours and let them do all the work. They have all sorts of tours to get you to the sights you want to see. One of their most popular tours, Horses, Hooch and History, is a great intro to the region. Their fun and knowledgeable drivers make...
Visit the battlefield and pay your respects to the 60 Kentucky pioneers who died as a result of an ambush by Native Americans and British soldiers on August 19, 1782. The loss of these men, one of whom was Daniel Boone’s son, killed ten percent of Kentucky’s population at the time. Stay for a weekend at the 32 Room Lodge...
Casual watering hole right downtown is the kind of place where, sooner or later, everyone is your friend. It could be the tropical-inspired patio, which is usually packed during summer months, or the menu which ranges from burgers to duck enchiladas. No matter the reason, find one and visit Cheapside.
In business since 1948, and one taste of their fabulous steaks and you’ll know why. They are known for their special, The Nighthawk, which includes a grilled-to-perfection 8-ounce tenderloin swimming in garlic butter, giant baked potato, a house salad – they call it the diego, and dreamy homemade rolls. The decor in the Limestone location is a little reminiscent of HBO’s Mad...
Tucked inside this former bank building, which was built in 1889, you’ll find a wonderful restaurant that is just as interesting as its building. It’s sort of upscale, but not stuffy. Not-so-common entrée options include cast iron seared veal chop, herb crusted rack of lamb and tuna sliders, which are sesame buns filled with tuna, cucumber and wasabi mayonnaise.
Although this Spanish Mission-style building looks like it should be in Southern California, the home of Four Roses Distillery is gorgeous no matter what state it is in. Built in 1911, you’ll find it on the National Register of Historic Places. You can tour the facilities and see all the behind-the-scenes action that takes place to create Four Roses Bourbons....
Looking for authentic Italian? Giuseppe’s has been serving up their wonderful combination of award-winning entrees and upscale dining since 1994. Not only do they have the manicotti, lasagna and fettuccini you would expect but they also have more than 100 Italian wines on their list. If you are confused they can make recommendations for your dinner, as well as your...
Hall’s may seem a little off the beaten path, but it’s such a popular place, the path should be showing some wear by now. The place has been a bar or restaurant since 1783, so obviously someone knows the way there. Situated right on the banks of the Kentucky River, the view is beautiful. They have a deck, which is...
Joe Bologna’s Restaurant & Pizzeria makes its home in a restored Jewish temple which looks holy, but the food is sinful. Yep, the 1890’s building still looks like a church, full of stained-glass windows and chandeliers. It’s even on the National Register of Historic Places. But once you get past that, you’ll see it’s really a sports bar/pizza place in...
Offering fine French cuisine, you don’t have to speak the language to order off the menu. Although you should be able to recognize popular favorites like steaks, chicken and rack of lamb, the menu does have a whole section dedicated to mussels, something you don’t see every day.
In the mood for steak? Malones is your place. Yes, they have a fabulous selection of seafood, pork chops and burgers, but here, steak is king. The décor is more upscale than a chain steak restaurant, but not stuffy. Massive wine list. Reservations suggested. Try their other locations: Malone’s of Hamburg 1920 Pleasant Ridge Drive Lexington, KY (859) 264-8023 Malone’s...
Even though they always get awarded best outdoor dining because they have a really nice patio, Merrick Inn is the place to go for year-round for a relaxing meal. It feels slightly upscale, but at the same time like you’re eating at a friend’s house. In business for more than 30 years, the Murray family knows what they are doing....
A part of Lexington’s history since 1952, the Parkette Drive In is a Lexington institution. And, you might think it is 1952 when you see the carhop come to your car with your order. Although the servers don’t wear roller skates, you might want to do the jitterbug in the parking lot while you wait for your burgers, fries and...
Just off campus, you’ll find Pazzo’s Pizza Pub, a staple in the diets of many UK students. They have mouthwatering pizza, subs, calzones, salads and cheesy appetizers. If you are in a hurry, stop by for a giant pizza slice to go. It will tide you over until meal time, but it’s big enough to be the meal. Amazing drink...
Founded in 1950, Pioneer Playhouse is the oldest outdoor theater in the state. Visitors come for the plays, dramas, comedies, and musical performances, but the fried chicken and barbeque pork dinners are nothing to shy away from either. As you know, the show must go on. And it does, rain or shine, but they move indoors if rain is a...
If you are looking for a some comfort food, Ramsey’s serves it up like a quilt made by your grandmother. And the portions are huge, just like grandma used to make. Pot roast, meat loaf, macaroni and cheese… you get the picture. They have a huge selection of meringue pies, and the meringue is almost as huge as the choice...
Yeah, they have really good salads, sandwiches, burgers and pizza, but why bother with all that when you can head straight for the chocolate dessert bar? You’ll find favorites like chocolate fondue, chocolate popcorn, chocolate pizza and white chocolate cheesecake. Ok, ok, eat your meal first, (you’ll be happy with anything you choose, it’s all good), but make sure you...
You’re going to have a hard time missing this bright yellow house in the middle of the historic district. The owners of this delightfully charming deli are dedicated to serving up interesting soups, sandwiches, salads and desserts all made from scratch using local ingredients. And you can taste it! Specialities like the Vegetarian Hot Brown, Kentucky-bred Angus Burger or the...
This homey place offers gigantic sandwiches made on their homemade bread. It’s really tough to choose just one, so go with a friend and get two different sandwiches and trade halves. Monday night is Fried Chicken Night, and Friday’s Fish Fry brings people in from miles away. It is truly a locals’ favorite. The place is usually jammed. Once you...
Okay, so it’s not much to look at on the outside, but it’s the food that matters, right? Well, the food at Rick’s matters. Although he specializes in oyster po-boys and crawfish pie, he also whips up some amazing pork barbecue and a juicy cheeseburger with garlic fried potatoes that you’ll remember. The tiny place is usually buzzing with locals...