Lexington, Ky. - One of the advantages of conducting business over lunch is that the change in venue from the typical office setting can revive both energy and creative levels. The Cafe at Joseph-Beth is a wonderful example of what Lexington has to offer in the way of restaurants. The immediate atmosphere encountered when walking in the entrance is undeniably one of a casual and social setting, and that is reflected inside the Cafe as well.
On the day of our visit the early patrons seemed to be groups of gathered friends, but as the hour progressed the tables filled with those more intent on a business bent. With lunch service beginning at 11 a.m., the flexibility in the lunch hour is an added bonus. Service is prompt and professional and the menu offers a generous number of offerings and portion sizes that suit the midday meal - - everything from quiche, to soups and salads, vegetarian chili and a variety of hardy meals, hot brown included. The immediate arrival of a basket of warm rolls and butter is welcomed. Prices range from the $8 level to about $16, with desserts in the $5 range; wine and beer are available for those interested. Booths offer ample space for spreading out any materials that my be required, as do the tables tucked to the back of the Cafe near the windows, with the tables offering a little more privacy as well as light. Even a laptop, taking advantage of the WiFi Joseph-Beth offers, fits comfortably at both settings. Booths can seat four with little trouble and a party of ten was allowed for on the day of our visit with a quick arrangement of tables.
One of the Cafe's most attractive presentations is their conference room. If large parties need to be accommodated, a separate room completely closed off by a set of doors is available and will comfortably hold 25 seated, more if used for a standing reception situation. It has a pull-down screen discretely stored on one of the walls if visual presentations are involved and the space can hold a podium with no trouble. Reservations for this facility are required.
The presentation of the meal follows the casual theme with substantial paper napkins and bare table tops that work perfectly in the Cafe. The burning fireplace adds to the relaxing, yet buzzingly productive environment. Both the upholstered and wooden chairs are comfortable and the ambient noise of the surrounding diners' conversations offers the same comfort. Before we sat I requested one check and it was discreetly placed on the table at the end of the meal. The bill, with tip, was $22 - - well worth it. While a cup of coffee and one of the tempting desserts might have been nice, we declined the offer and were in and out, without being rushed, in just under an hour. The extra time that was allowed us we spent perusing the aisles and shelves that line the path to the exit. Beside the ease of the meal, the setting offers other advantages as well. Parking is ample and a covered entrance with a drive through lane can limit the need for all but one to venture out into the elements on an inclement day. Access to both Nicholasville Road and Reynolds Road, leading to Clays Mill, is immediate and the entrance to New Circle is within sight. Joseph-Beth's restroom facilities are elegant and clean and convenient to the Cafe's location. All-in-all, the cafe at Joseph-Beth offers a wonderful alternative to the more-often-thought-of business lunch options and has a number of choices for party size accommodations that makes it ideal. Book it!