Laura's Picks: Lexington Restaurants

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Fine

Jonathan’s at Gratz Park Inn
Regional and southern fine dining: a culinary spin on traditional Kentucky dishes. www.jagp.info/default.aspx

Bellini’s Restaurant
Classic and modern Italian cuisine in a beautifully appointed historic building.  www.bellinislexington.com

a la lucie
Innovative cuisine in an eclectic setting.  www.alalucie.com

The Dish
Modern American cuisine in a cozy setting.   thedishlexington.com/

Portofino
Inventive Italian and American in elegantly appointed historic building.
portofinolexington.com/

Dudley’s on Short
Award-winning, creative American cuisine in the heart of Downtown Lexington.
www.dudleysonshort.com/

Table 310
Modern tapas, charuterie, cheese and olive plates, small plates and microbrew. In the heart of Downtown.
www.table310.com

Guiseppe’s Ristorante Italiano
Italian cuisine with music on weekends.
giuseppeslexington.com/

Jean Farris Winery and Bistro
Upscale dining featuring vegetables fresh from the onsite gardens and ideal wine pairings.
www.jeanfarris.com/index.html

Holly Hill Inn
Creative cuisine in a charming historic inn. Located in historic Midway, Kentucky (20 miles from Lexington).
www.hollyhillinn.com/index.shtml

AZUR Restaurant
Upscale, casual fine dining. Unique cuisine with a European ambiance.  azurrestaurant.com/default.aspx

Rossi’s
Creative cuisine in a modern atmosphere.
rossis-restaurant.com/index.html

Casual

Ramsey’s Diner
A true ‘diner’ experience. Meat and three plus a large menu of comfort foods.
ramseysdiners.com/

Alfalfa Restaurant
Feeding vegetarian and carnivores alike with innovative and eclectic homemade eats. 
www.alfalfarestaurant.com/

Buddy’s Bar and Grill
Modern spins on local favorites and bar food.
www.buddysbarandgrill.com

Cheapside Bar and Grill
Interesting atmosphere and menu in a happy hour hot spot.
cheapsidebarandgrill.com/

deSha’s Restaurant
Variety of offerings including local favorite dishes.
www.tavernrestaurantgroup.com/index.php

Winchell’s Restaurant and Bar
Fresh homemade comfort food in a friendly environment.
www.winchellsrestaurant.com

Nick Ryan’s Saloon
An all American bistro on Jefferson Street. Don’t let the name ‘saloon’ fool you!
nickryans.com/

The Grey Goose
Thin-crust pizzas and burgers.

Sawyers
Fresh ground grilled burgers – a favorite burger joint at the corner of Main and Broadway.

The Crossroads
Savory new south cuisine with blues music on weekends.
www.thecrossroadonsouthland.com

Joe Bolognas
Restaurant and pizzeria with fresh Italian offerings in an interesting historic atmosphere in what once was a church built in the 1890’s.
www.joebolognas.com/

Stella’s
Innovative dishes crafted from local meats and produce. Charming atmosphere.
stellaskentuckydeli.com/

Breakfast/Brunch

Ramsey’s Diner
A true ‘diner’ experience. Hearty breakfast.
ramseysdiners.com/

Alfalfa Restaurant
Feeding vegetarian and carnivores alike with innovative and eclectic homemade eats. 
www.alfalfarestaurant.com/

Doodles
Comfort food with a conscience. Modern, eclectic atmosphere.
www.doodlesrestaurant.com/

Stella’s
Innovative dishes crafted from local meats and produce. Charming atmosphere.
stellaskentuckydeli.com/

Josie’s Grab and Go
A diner with a large variety. Energetic atmosphere in Chevy Chase.

Jean Farris Winery and Bistro
Upscale dining with weekend brunch. Restaurant is tucked amidst the vines in a beautiful rural setting. 
www.jeanfarris.com/index.html

Jonathan’s at Gratz Park Inn
Regional and southern upscale fine dining with a Sunday brunch.
www.jagp.info/default.aspx

Regional/Southern

Ramsey’s Diner
A true ‘diner’ experience featuring country-style vegetables and comfort foods with an eclectic twist.  
ramseysdiners.com/

Jonathan’s at Gratz Park Inn
Regional and southern fine dining: a culinary spin on traditional Kentucky dishes. www.jagp.info/default.aspx

The Crossroad
Savory new south, from scratch cuisine.  www.thecrossroadonsouthland.com/Crossroad/Home.html

Ethnic

Joe Bologna's
Homemade Italian delights in a beautiful historic building. Casual setting sure to please! www.joebolognas.com

Bombay Brazier
Upscale Indian cuisine. Located on Limestone at High Street.

Kobe Stonegrill and Sushi house
Fresh sushi and sashimi and kobe stone grill cuisine.  kobestonegrill.com

Masala
Casual Indian cuisine.  eatatmasala.com

Sahara Mediterranean Cuisine
Casual Mediterranean.   www.sahara-lex.com/

Sav’s Grill
Healthy dishes that combine the flavors of Africa with traditional southern favorites.   www.savsgrill.com

Mi Pequena Hacienda
Freshly prepared sauces and salsas and authentic fresh Mexican cuisine.    mipequenahacienda.com

Atomic Cafe
Caribbean food in lively tropical atmosphere.     atomiccafeky.com

Marikka’s
Authentic German food and bier stube.
www.marikkas.com

MacGregor’s Fish and Chips
Irish fish and chips as well as bangers and mash for breakfast. Located on South Upper Street near Main Street.

Watering Holes

Buddy’s Bar and Grill
Indoor neighborhood bar with modern décor.
www.buddysbarandgrill.com/

Cheapside Bar and Grill
Tropical outdoor seating and bar for warm weather and an inviting inside atmosphere with music on weekends.
cheapsidebarandgrill.com/

Nick Ryan’s Saloon
Upscale neighborhood restaurant with a nice bar and patio area. 
nickryans.com/

The Grey Goose
Nice neighborhood bar on Jefferson Street. Large patio in the back with an outdoor bar.

Al’s Bar
Beer, burgers and a rainbow of musical and cultural events.
alsbarlexington.com

Harry’s
Slightly upscale but not stuffy bar with a variety of bar food, indoor and outdoor bars and plenty of televisions for ballgames.
bluegrasshospitality.com/harrys

The Boathouse at Regatta
A pier overlooking a small lake at Lexington Green.
regattaseafood.com

Sidebar
Small downtown bar with cold beer and homemade pub food.

Skybar
Lexington’s only rooftop bar located in the heart of Downtown in the Cheapside District. Entrance is on the side of building.
skybarlex.com

Bellini’s Martini Bar
Classic and creative martinis in upscale atmosphere.   www.bellinislexington.com

Molly Brooks
Authentic irish pub. One of the few spots in town with more whiskey than bourbon. Located on North Limestone.

Deli/Sandwich Shop

Courtyard Deli
Homemade and fresh soups and salads along with innovative sandwiches.
courtyarddelilex.blogspot.com/

Wallace Station Deli and Bakery
Charming rural setting with creative breakfast, lunch and dinner options.
www.wallacestation.com/Wallace_Station_Deli_and_Bakery/Home.html

The Mousetrap
Specialty meats, cheeses and other foods along with eclectic take home offerings and kitchen/tableware.
www.mousetrapky.com/index.php

Shorty’s Urban Market
Lexington’s first downtown grocery with fresh deli offerings in a historic bank building.
shortysgrocery.com/

Giacomo’s Deli
New York style deli, named after Kentucky Derby winning horse, Giacomo.
www.giacomosdeli.com/index.php

Sam’s Hot Dog Stand
So it’s not a deli, nor a sandwich – but definitely a recommendation. All beef hot dogs, homemade chili, slaw and hand dipped milkshakes. Sam’s is an exception to my ‘no chain restaurants’ rule.  
samshotdogs.com/locations.php