Where to eat in Lexington?

Where to eat in Lexington? I’ve got a trip coming up (yippee!).

I’ve got a list of horsey things to see and do and all but now for some restaurant recommendations please, either plain or fancy, regional type cuisine would be great, places the horsemen go, . . .

Thanks all!

Red State BBQ is simply the best BBQ I’ve ever eaten and I’m from Texas. Absolutely love it. It is near the horse park. The other great place I ate was on the expensive side but well worth it: Blue Heron Steakhouse. For Italian try Bella Notte.

Malones. 2 locations IIRC. It’s a 3 in 1 deal, nice library style sports bar with standard fare, a sushi bar and a steakhouse featuring USDA Prime beef, pick any of them to sit in and order off any of the three menus. The one at Hamburg Place just off Man O War and 75 also has an outdoor bar and seating.

Some people dress, some don’t, some consider Tailored Sportsmens, tall boots and a ball cap dressed up. Reasonable $$$ depending on what you order.

Red State BBQ seconded here!!

If you like Mexican food Jalapenos on new circle rd is really good.

I’m noting all of these for when we come down to the Retired Racehorse Project Makeover in October! :slight_smile:

Oh, I can’t wait to get back to Lexington. One of my favorite restaurants is in Midway – the Holly Hill Inn. The food is gourmet but atmosphere is laid back. We would go after the races, not dressed up at all. Many years ago sat a table away from Bobby Frankel.
The chef who runs Holly Hill also has a small, informal place on the north side of Lexington. A great place for lunch or a simple dinner. It is the Windy Corner Market.

Both restaurants have websites so you can check out menus. Have fun!

You already have some great recommendations (including Red State BBQ!)

Places the horsemen go: Dudleys in Lexington, Heirloom and Darlin’ Jeans in Midway. Plus, if you’re here in April (or October) the track kitchen at Keeneland. If you sit there long enough, everybody drops by. :slight_smile:

Forgot another popular restaurant. Wallace Station on Old Frankfort Pike in Midway. Really good food there too.

Forgot to mention: Cole’s in Lexington is great and for really good Cajun food, Furlong’s (also in Lexington).

And if you sit on the outdoor patio at the Grey Goose in Midway and drink a beer from their large selection, you’ll be surrounded by plenty of horsemen.

A little upscale, but one of my favorites is Ajur’s. Also 2nd Dudley’s. Both frequented by track connections.

On the lighter side, and very good, is the cafe inside Joseph Beth Booksellers. Bronte Bistro. The problem is tearing yourself away from shopping long enough to eat :slight_smile:

[QUOTE=Toadie’s mom;8068532]
A little upscale, but one of my favorites is Ajur’s. Also 2nd Dudley’s. Both frequented by track connections.

On the lighter side, and very good, is the cafe inside Joseph Beth Booksellers. Bronte Bistro. The problem is tearing yourself away from shopping long enough to eat :)[/QUOTE]

I think you probably mean Azur. :slight_smile:

We really liked Saul Good – not particularly unique, but good food, good service and a really good selection of beers.

Try to make it to Keenland to get breakfast at the track! :slight_smile:

Oh YES, Windy Corner…I was just trying to remember the name…the food was indeed memorable, and there are cookies to go :smiley:

I may need to go there next time I’m in Lexington just for the novelty value :lol:

[QUOTE=furlong47;8069727]
I may need to go there next time I’m in Lexington just for the novelty value :lol:[/QUOTE]

In the time I’ve lived in Lexington, Furlong’s has been in 4 different locations. It’s currently in a little strip mall off of Nicholasville Rd. But don’t let the outer appearance put you off, the food is really good. If you go during the Keeneland meet, you’ll often find yourself surrounded by horsemen from Louisiana and their families (including the occasional Cajun jockey.)

You all are the best. I’m writing these down to take with me. Thanks so much! I love Cajun, too.

[QUOTE=LaurieB;8069090]
I think you probably mean Azur. :)[/QUOTE]

Yep, sorry for the typo. I type one handed, due to my illness. PITA!

[QUOTE=LaurieB;8068080]
You already have some great recommendations (including Red State BBQ!)

Places the horsemen go: Dudleys in Lexington, Heirloom and Darlin’ Jeans in Midway. Plus, if you’re here in April (or October) the track kitchen at Keeneland. If you sit there long enough, everybody drops by. :)[/QUOTE]

Love Heirloom. Portofino in Lex, too.

Just about anything in Midway - and that’s where the horsemen seem to hang out as it is. I don’t think I’ve ever had a bad meal anywhere in Midway …