A sea change is in the works for Lexington’s burgeoning dining scene, with a new crop of locally owned, independent restaurants having popped up in recent months or slated to open soon. We have rounded up a guide to restaurants that are in the works or have recently opened, expanded, moved or otherwise changed. Bon appetit!
Athenian Grill (New Location)
115 N. Locust St.
(859) 368-9725
www.atheniangrill.com
Mon.-Thurs.: 10:30 a.m.-8:30 p.m.
Fri. and Sat.: 10:30 a.m.-9 p.m.
Sun.: 10:30 a.m.-8 p.m.
llias Pappas’ winning streak continues – the popularity of his fresh, authentic Greek food truck and Ashland Avenue restaurant has led to the opening of a second (and much larger) location. With a menu boasting an array of traditional offerings, from spanakopita and moussaka to Cypriot meatballs and gyros, this is classic Greek done right.
Buddha Lounge
109 North Mill St.
www.facebook.com/buddhaloungeky/
Mon.-Sat.: 11 a.m.-3 p.m.
Freshly opened as of July, this new chic and metropolitan downtown lounge features sushi and tapas. Former San Franciscan Nick Lagagsorn has revitalized a former office space to create an intimate lounge with comfortable low seating, exposed brick walls, a fireplace and modern wooden decor, bringing sushi and other Asian-inspired cuisine to the heart of downtown Lexington. At the time of publication, the restaurant was open for lunch only, with expanded hours planned once a liquor license is secured.
Caldo
309 North Ashland Ave., Ste 180
(859) 252-6817
www.drinkcaldo.com
Mon.-Fri.: 9 a.m.-6 p.m.
Sat.: 9 a.m.-3 p.m.
Sun.: Closed
Chef Allison Davis, owner of Wild Thyme Cooking School, combines the healing powers of whole foods with chef-prepared specialties including locally sourced grass-fed bone broth, salads, fermented foods, smoothies and more. Located inside the holistic community center, Centered.
National Provisions (new expansion)
710 National Ave.
(859) 303-4763
www.facebook.com/pages/National-Provisions
Mon.-Sun.: 7 a.m.-3 p.m.
Andrea Sims and Krim Boughalem have branded a unique, European-flavored destination on National Avenue. The most recent phase of the complex — following the restaurant, bakery and beer hall — is a local grocery carrying an assortment of specialty items.
Crank & Boom Ice Cream Lounge
1210 Manchester Street
(859) 288-2176
crankandboom.com
Mon.-Thurs.: 5 p.m.-10 p.m.
Fri.-Sun: 12 p.m.-10 p.m.
A brick-and-mortar dessert lounge nestled in the James E. Pepper campus of the Distillery District, the newest concept by Lexington culinary entrepreneur Toa Green (owner of Thai Orchid Cafè and mobile food galley Thai & Mighty Noodle Bowls) focuses primarily on homemade ice cream and pastries using simple ingredients that are sourced locally.
Hill Restaurant
(A “pop-up” spot hosted by Lexington Diner)
124 N. Upper St.
(859) 536-9833
Visit website or call for reservations.
www.facebook.com/hilldinnersky
The owners of Lexington Diner, Karin and Ranada West-Riley, are hosting a new “pop-up” restaurant — a concept gaining in popularity as views about traditional dining evolve. Look for Hill Restaurant to serve up great meals in unlikely venues such as parks, sidewalk locations, outside of local bars or even at private homes.
Lexington Pasta Garage
962 Delaware Ave.
(859) 421-1764
www.lexingtonpasta.com
Mon.-Sun.: 10 a.m.-6 p.m.
After six years operating a small shop on North Limestone, where they made a splash making homemade pastas for local restaurants and groceries, Reinaldo Gonzalez and Lesme Romero have expanded their business with a hybrid restaurant and catering concept. Open daily for lunch, the restaurant focuses on long pasta, short pasta, ravioli and gnocchi. The partners continue to deliver fresh homemade pasta products to restaurants and grocery stores.
Michler’s Kentucky Native Cafe
417 East Maxwell St.
(859) 254-0383
www.michlers.com/pages/cafe
Mon.-Fri.: 4 p.m.-10 p.m. (weather permitting)
Sat.-Sun: 11 a.m.-10 p.m. (Weather permitting)
Nestled in the completely open-air urban oasis of Michler’s gardens and greenhouses, Kentucky Native Cafe offers selections of fresh and well-crafted appetizers, salads and desserts. The menu and craft beer offerings rotate often, and the European beer garden setting is a singular environment for the city.
Middle Fork Kitchen Bar
1224 Manchester St.
(859) 309-9854
www.facebook.com/middleforkkb
Mon.-Tues.: 5 p.m.-10 p.m.
Weds.: closed
Thurs.-Fri.: 5 p.m.-10 p.m.
Sat. and Sun: 12 p.m.-4 p.m. and 5 p.m.-10 p.m.
Started as Fork in the Road food truck, Middle Fork is the latest destination spot in Lexington’s growing Distillery District. The modern American restaurant and bar serves up an adventurous menu in an eclectic atmosphere.
Proud Mary Honky Tonk BBQ
9079 Old Richmond Road
(859) 913-5611
www.proudmarybbq.com
Wed. and Thurs.: 3-10 p.m.
Fri.: 3 p.m.-2 a.m.
Sat.: Noon-2 a.m.
Sun.: Noon-10 p.m.
Honky Tonk Hours 10 p.m.-2 a.m.
Nestled on the banks of the Kentucky River in Madison County (in the location formerly called Riptides), Proud Mary is rollin’ out fresh takes on classic Southern cuisine and sticking to traditional BBQ recipes. Stick around for Proud Mary honky tonk hours with live music and beverages at Muddy Waters Outdoor Bar.
The Sage Rabbit Restaurant
438 South Ashland Ave.
(859) 523-2095
www.facebook.com/pages/The-Sage-Rabbit
Tues.-Sat: 11:30 a.m.-2 p.m. and 5:30 p.m.-10 p.m.
Former Dudley’s and Harvest chef John Foster, who also leads Sullivan University’s culinary program, marks his return to restaurants with a new Chevy Chase spot in the former location of the recently shuttered restaurant The Dish. Look for a focus on local cheeses, fruits, artisanal breads, small plates, sandwiches, pastas, dinner plates and house-made unique desserts.
OPENING SOON
Life Brewpub
(Slated to open August 2015)
2628 Richmond Road
(859) 266-LIFE (5433)
www.lifebrewpub.com
A fresh concept restaurant, brewery and coffee shop serving breakfast, lunch and dinner. Life Brewpub will have its own organic coffee roastery and signature house-brewed ales and lagers. Old-fashioned soda, small-batch ice cream along with a coffee and espresso bar will also be offered.
Locals’ Restaurant and Bar
(Slated to open in August)
Corner of National and Walton avenues
Mon.-Sun.: 11 a.m.-11 p.m.
A restaurant and bar concept developed by Seth Boyd and Billy Oakley, Locals’ will feature American cuisine and a wide selection of craft beer. The spot will offer indoor and open-air seating on two levels, while adding a more casual neighborhood bar option to the growing National Avenue area that was recently rechristened Warehouse Block.
Lussi Brown Coffee Bar
(Slated to open in September)
1170 Manchester Street
www.lussibrowncoffee.com
Mon.-Sun.: 10 a.m.-6 p.m.
Will the concept match the Kickstarter campaign’s buzz? Sarah Brown and Olivia Lussi’s event venue and coffee bar is set to open in the Distillery District’s Pepper campus. The duo had the idea to bring a new flavor to the Lexington coffee scene, and their obsession with great coffee and cocktails has resulted in a marriage of coffee drinks and handcrafted cocktails. cc