Lexington Restaurants

The best place for breakfast in Lexington just might be the track kitchen at Keeneland. It is open to the the public seven days a week, 6 a.m. to 11 a.m. Breakfast at the track kitchen is a step into the flavor of the Bluegrass. Horsemen mingle with the general public and track employees actively help non-raceing customers understand the lore of horse racing.

The country breakfast served buffet style. Eggs cooked to order, grits, biscuits, bacon, sausage, potatos, and gravy, and more. Seating for up to 200 in two dining rooms.
The track kitchen is located near the barn area just follow the signs.

Classic just like an old drive in diner! The food and drinks even stayed the same price. You get a huge real beef patty burger for only 84 cents!!! The french fries are the best around. You can't beat the prices or the food. The only downside is they only take cash. No credit or debit accepted.

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I had a detailed map of the town which had eating places on it, so we first tried to find a place there near the Un of KY, but there was no place to park. We finally spotted a Subway in a little shopping center which had very little parking.

Favorite Dish: One of the bad things about Subway is their lack of desserts. They DO have a very good chocolate chip cookie.

I had a cheese steak sub and two chocolate chip cookies. Bob had tuna salad and chips.

Many years ago when I went to UK, there was a restored train station called South Hill Station that housed all manner of restaurants and stores. One such restaurant was a yummy Cajun restaurant called Yat's. Well, unfortunately Joe moved out of town, closing Yat's and selling off his other restaurants, Jozo's (also Cajun restaurants). For years, I sadly contemplated never again having Maque Choux.

But then, one of the former employees tracked Joe down and must have begged permission to use his recipes. Because lo and behold, Yat's has been recreated again, now in TWO locations! The South Broadway location is so authentic to the original Yat's that customers were exclaiming in surprise while we were there during the first opening weeks. And for all of you that frequented Yat's regularly during your college days, I can assure you that the food is still excellent.

The Maque Choux sauce is exactly as I remembered it, although the peanut sauce was a bit spicier than I remembered. My husband's favorite, the Yat-wich, is still on the menu. And the new owner has added many more selections, all of which are listed on their website, www.gumboyayaky.com . The portions are huge, and the prices are reasonable: $5 for a small plate, $6 for a large plate. You go up to the counter and pick the sauce, and whether you want it over rice or pasta. And if you're new to the experience, or unsure, they'll let you taste-test a spoonful of as many sauces as you like so that you can try before you buy.

If you've saved room for dessert, don't forget to try a piece of the Elvis pie. It's worth all the extra calories! And get a couple pralines to go so you can savor the experience later. PS. If you show up on Mardi Gras, they usually give out free slices of King Cake and beads, of course.

Favorite Dish: The Maque Choux is my favorite, a little less spicy than some of their other sauces.

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This place definitely qualifies as a "hole-in-the-wall" kind of pizza joint but their pizza is really quite tasty. We were looking for something light so stopped for a small salad and some pizza. I was impressed when I saw that they were tossing the dough and placing ingredients on it as I was afraid they might be pulling it out of the freezer. Nothing fancy here but a very edible light meal. It is nicely located just near Rupp Arena and the Lexington Center. They also have on-line order capability.

Bruster's advertises its product as "real ice cream" and having tasted it, I find it hard to argue with them. We made a mid afternoon stop for a pick me up and I found my favorite flavor of ice cream - black walnut. The portions are huge so be prepared to eat a lot. Our granddaughter had a sunday with gummy worms - yuk! but she found it wonderful. I also like the waffle cones which they bake on the premises (though I am sure the mix is shipped from somewhere else) and you can get your sundae in an edible waffle bowl as well.

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Midway is just a wide spot in the road but the word seems to be out about this restaurant. Our innkeeper recommended and made reservations for us and the place was full, and with good reason. While it is a bit on the pricey side, the food is outstanding, they have a good wine selection and there is a lovely terrace in the front. The whole front of the restaurant opens onto the terrace in good weather and it gives it a very pleasant open feeling.

The tab was about !50 including everything including tax and tip. It is a little more than most places, but well worth it for a very nice meal.

Favorite Dish: My wife had crab and scallops accompanied by corn fritters which you don't see much these days. I had the steak entre cote which is a nice ribeye with buerre de Paris - a nice combination of butter and dijon mustard melting on the top of it and pommes frite. No diet food this evening! We each also had a class of nice Castle Rock cabernet. Our 11 year old granddaughter is a more sophisticated eater than some kids so had the filet mignon with fried red tomatoes and an herbed angel hair pasta. She did have a chocolate milkshake for dessert and my wife and I shared a creamy and rich grand marnier chocolate mousse topped with stawberries and blueberries.

We found all the food excellent and the surroundings and staff most pleasant.

When visiting Lexington, everyone must eat at Malone's steakhouse. It has been voted the #9 Steakhouse in the country as of 2007, and offers superb service. The meals are pricy, however, they have three restaurants in one and you can order food from Harry's (pub food) or from the Aqua sushi bar. When you go, be sure you talk to John Mcnamara, he is the Managing Partner at Malone's and let him know how much you love the food, he is a cool guy. They have two locations, one in Landsdowne, the original, and one in Hamburg which seems to be more popular and more modern.

Favorite Dish: Kobe Filet Steak, $50. mported from Austrailia, add a Crab leg to it.