Lexington, KY - With the erratic April showers (hopefully) behind us, and the fly- and mosquito-infested late summer months still ahead, May is perhaps the most ideal month for outdoor dining. We scoured the town, looking for the area's "don't miss" patios - locally-owned restaurants that have gone above and beyond to create an unforgettable atmosphere for their "al fresco" diners and drinkers. We've highlighted below what we found to be some of the best.
Much of the information, including hours of operation, was provided by the restaurants.
Atomic Cafe
(265 N Limestone, (859) 254-1969, www.atomiccafeky.com)
Patio Season: Typically coincides with Keeneland's meet season (April through Oct.)
Patio Hours: 4 p.m. - 1 a.m. Tues. - Thurs.; 4 p.m. - 2:30 a.m. Fri., Sat.
Ambiance: Lively and casual, like a Caribbean island.
Live Music: A mix of local and regional bands, on Fridays and Saturdays from mid-May until mid-September. (Schedule available on the Web site)
Specialty food/drinks: Some favorite food items from Atomic Cafe's Caribbean-themed menu include sweet potato chips, conch fritters, stuffed poblano peppers and mahi-mahi wrapped in a banana leaf. Keeping with the island theme, most of the "competitively priced" specialty drinks utilize rum, including Rum Runners, Yellow Birds and a variety of shooters and frozen drinks.
The Scoop: Since 1992, Atomic Cafe has been importing the Caribbean island spirit to the outskirts of downtown Lexington. Much of the sprawling, brick-paved patio - which can occupy up to 600 people when standing room only - is covered by a weather-proof tent, and an outdoor bar and kitchen make the dining and drinking experience that much more accessible. "I've always felt that the Caribbean theme, the mix of brick and mahogany, mature trees and plants, the stars and a frozen drink along with a few hundred 'friends' is what makes us unique," said co-owner Bill Riddle.
AZUR Restaurant and Patio
(3070 Lakecrest Circle, Suite 550, (859) 296-1007, www.azurrestaurant.com)
Patio Season: March to late Nov., weather permitting
Patio Hours: Lunch 11 a.m. - 3 p.m. Mon. - Sat.; dinner 3 p.m. - 10:30 p.m. Mon. - Sun. (weekends extended)
Specialty Food / Drink: Spirits manager Amber Blaisdell creates numerous drink specials which vary from day to day. The eclectic and "adventurous" menu includes veal, rabbit, fresh seafood and elk, among other things ("truffle fries" are a popular patio snack).
Ambiance: AZUR's cuisine has been described as "cutting edge," and the ambiance is marked with a similar modern European sensibility.
Live Music: Fri. and Sat. (jazz, Motown, classical, Americana and blues)
The Scoop: According to Fred Wohlstein, co-owner of AZUR Restaurant and Patio, AZUR's patio is "a seamless extension of the interior space." Framed by accent lights and with an emphasis on a garden setting, the patio is divided into two distinct sections, upper and lower. The upper patio is a tribute to New York roof garden designer John Carloftis and features brightly painted planters and Shade Sails over head, while the lower patio is completely shaded with a permanent awning equipped with a custom-designed exterior bar with flat screen television and speakers, and finished with a commissioned lighted water feature.
Cheapside Bar & Grill / The Oasis
(131 Cheapside, (859) 254-0046, www.cheapsidebarandgrill.com)
Patio Season: Cheapside's patio is open and available year-round, regardless of weather. Regular table service on the patio is available weather permitting.
Patio Hours: Lunch 11:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. Mon. - Fri.; dinner begins at 5 p.m. every day; brunch 11 a.m. - 3 p.m. Sat., Sun.
Ambiance: Casual and fun. Lots of college students and drinkers.
Live Music: Thurs. - Sat. (inside Cheapside) from 10 p.m. - 2 a.m. Music ranges from contemporary rock to classic rhythm & blues; full schedule available at the Web site.
The Scoop: According to owner Robin Campbell, Cheapside opened its doors in 1985 (in time for the famous Final Four game between Georgetown and Villanova at Rupp Arena), and the first rendition of the patio opened in 1987 on the 4th of July. Today, the double-decker patio is a popular gathering spot for college students and casual downtown diners and cocktailers. "We are always upgrading the restaurant, and the patio is no exception," Campbell said. The latest renovation, completed in March, features a new covered patio bar with "the latest in weather protection": a clear polycarbonate roof and clear roll-down shutters, which let the sun in and keep the cold out.
Dudley's
(380 South Mill Street, (859) 252-1010, www.dudleysrestaurant.com)
Patio Season: April - October, weather permitting
Patio Hours: 11:30 a.m. - 10 p.m. Sun. - Thurs.; 11:30 a.m. 11 p.m. Fri., Sat. (with a limited menu between 2:30 and 5:30 p.m. every day)
Specialty Food / Drink: Dudley's food and specialty drink menu changes four times a year, with an emphasis on fresh and local availability.
Ambiance: Classic and elegant (the indoor dining room is more formal, with white tablecloths, but Dudley's patio is suitable for any occasion.)
The Scoop: Every year, Lexington diners (and, particularly during the Kentucky horse season, many visitors from other parts of the country and world) continue to flock to what Dudley's owner Debbie Long says was Lexington's first restaurant patio. The brick-paved patio, which opened in 1983, has maintained its classic appeal with its simple-yet-functional red umbrellas and wrought iron fence. Large poplar trees from the late 1800s and a brick retaining wall provide privacy and shade.
Hall's on the River
(1225 Athens Boonesboro Rd., Winchester, Ky., (859) 527-6620, www.hallsontheriver.com)
Patio Season: Weather permitting.
Patio Hours: 11:30 a.m. - 10 p.m. Sun. - Thurs.; 11:30 a.m. - 11 p.m. Fri., Sat.
Specialty Food / Drinks: In addition to the regular restaurant menu, Hall's patio features offerings from a separate tavern menu, with additional appetizer, small plate and share options. Overall, Hall's specializes in comfort food, giving special weight to seafood and their legendary beer cheese.
Ambiance: Precisely as you might imagine an authentic Kentucky River tavern that's been around since the '70s to be.
The Scoop: Located less than 7 miles outside the Fayette county line, being at Hall's on the River might give you the impression that you are far, far away from home. Since 1964 (it's been under Hall's ownership since the '70s), this sprawling establishment has been a haven for bikers, river rats, locals and Lexingtonians wanting a quick-fix getaway. With decor that includes authentic anchor rope, lanterns and other ship memorabilia, the wooden patio mimics a ship deck - with perhaps the most authentic element being the outstanding view of the river and the trees and cliffs that line it.
Harry's
(Landsdowne, 3347 Tates Creek Rd.; Hamburg, 1920 Pleasant Ridge Dr.; Palomar, 3735 Palomar Centre Dr.)
Patio Season: April - Oct.
Patio Hours: 11:15 a.m. - 1 a.m. Mon. - Sat.; 11:15 a.m. - 11 p.m. Sun.
Ambiance: Casual, with equestrian undertones.
Specialty Food Items: Harry's specializes in all things "mini": mini burgers, mini buffalo chicken sandwiches, mini chicken Cordon Bleus, and so on. (Guests can also order from the Malone's Steakhouse and Aqua Sushi menus until 11:15 p.m.)
The Scoop: Harry's is an American bar and grill located next door to Lexington's three Malone's locations, specializing in light food and casual atmosphere for casual drinkers and friends. A popular post-Keeneland gathering spot, the service and guests combined make it an enjoyable experience according to receptionist Katy Thomas. "You have TVs tuned into all the big games, bartenders and cocktail servers that know what they're doing and how to make guests happy, and the guests themselves bringing in fun," she said. All three of Harry's covered patios are newly renovated and weatherproof, with heating sources and fans.
Merrick Inn
(1074 Merrick Drive, (859) 269-5417, www.murrays-merrick.com)
Patio Season: April 1 - Fall Keeneland meet
Patio Hours: 4 p.m. - midnight (food served from 5:30 - 10 p.m.; late menu until midnight)
Ambiance: Fun and inviting with an emphasis on traditional service - appropriate for casual diners, business diners, dates and special events.
Specialty Food / Drinks: Southern cuisine, including seasonal salads, sandwiches, seafood and steaks.
Live Music: Four nights a week.
The Scoop: With the restaurant located in an "immaculately maintained" manor house on a former Thoroughbred farm, Merrick Inn's patio bar, BIG BAR, hosts parties year round (this past winter's included a Little Black Dress party and fundraisers for Bill Keightley and Toys for Tots). Owner Bobby Murray says he has tried to create a resort feel with the patios of Merrick Inn and sister restaurant Murray's; Merrick Inn features large shutters that open to look over the pool and fireplaces. Custom fountains and natural wood burning fireplaces give a very relaxing feel.
Murray's
(3955 Harrodsburg Rd., (859) 219-9922, www.murrays-merrick.com)
Patio Season: April - Oct., weather permitting.
Patio Hours: Lunch 11 a.m. - 3 p.m. Mon. - Sat.; dinner 4 - 10 p.m. Mon. - Thurs. (open until 10:30 p.m. Fri., Sat.) Lounge open until 1 a.m.
Ambiance: See description of sister restaurant Merrick Inn.
Specialty Food / Drinks: Murray's offers an extensive specialty drink and martini list. The patio food menu is the same as indoors, featuring affordable items such as southern fried chicken, prime steaks, fresh salmon and rack of lamb loin.
The Scoop: Events coordinator Megan McKinney says the landscape and view (the restaurant is a converted manor home), as well as the amenities that include two fireplaces (with a waterfall), a wishing fountain and a four-sided full service bar are what make Murray's patio stand out from others.
Regatta / Captain Jack's Pier
(161 Lexington Green Circle, (859) 273-7875, www.regattaseafood.com)
Patio Season: Open any time the weather permits, spring through fall.
Patio Hours: 11:15 a.m. - 1 a.m. Mon. - Sat.; 1 p.m. - 11 p.m. Sun.
Live Music: Seven days a week, starting at 6 p.m. during the week, and 4 p.m. Fri., Sat.
Ambiance: Casual, nautical (with a good chance you'll hear at least one Jimmy Buffet song on any given night).
The Scoop: Nautically-themed and family-friendly, Regatta and its accompanying outdoor bar (Captain Jack's Pier) and patio have been a Lexington mainstay for seafood and spirits for 15 years now. According to Regatta managing partner Josh Morris, Captain Jack's Pier was one of Lexington's first outdoor bars, "and we still feel it's the best." The outdoor bar and patio overlook the manmade lake at Lexington Green, which features a 40-ft. fountain. The patio features Regatta's entire menu (which includes a fresh fish list, prepared to your liking) while Captain Jack's offers specialty drinks and an appetizer menu.