Local's Guide to Lunch in Lexington, Kentucky

Local’s Guide to Lexington, KY’s

Best Lunch Spots

Here’s the deal: Lunch & dinner are just not the same. Some restaurants are much better suited for a night on the town and other’s scratch the itch for a perfect, casual afternoon lunch with friends. When traveling, I often find that it’s easy to identify the best dinner spots, but it’s much more difficult to find good quality, inexpensive, & properly portioned lunch options.

Luckily, I’ve been lunching in Lexington for over 10 years now & I have collected a repertoire of solid lunch options perfect for mid-day fuel! With a mix of fresh, healthy options, as well as local hidden gems, this local lunch guide will keep your energy well-stocked for a day of exploration in the crown jewel of central Kentucky!

While you’re in Lexington, check out our travel guide with all of our other recommendations for the city to make sure you hit all of the top activities (& dinner options!) while in town. Lunch is also always perfectly capped with a nice cuppa, so head on over to our Lexington coffee shop guide to make sure your caffeine tank never reaches empty!

We work hard to compile the information that we have found to be helpful when traveling AND to keep this information free! If you find this information helpful & would like to support us, you can do so by buying us a coffee!

Best Salads: Vinaigrette Salad Kitchen

When it comes to salads, I am going to be bored unless it is PACKED with flavor & texture! Luckily, Vinaigrette serves both on a silver platter. Technically a small chain that also serves Louisville and Cincinnati, Vinaigrette was founded in Lexington and offers a star-studded lineup of salads & wraps loaded with fresh ingredients and plenty of options to choose from when it comes to dressings. Pick a salad off the menu or go rogue and craft your own delicious selection. There are multiple locations, including a walkable downtown location (limited street parking options nearby) or other locations within a short driving distance from downtown.

What to Order: Okay, my order at Vinaigrette may just be the weirdest order I have at any restaurant. I love the chicken salad (yes, with fruit) wrap with chipotle lime caesar dressing. Weird, I know. But, if you like sweet & spicy, then give it a try! For salads, my favorite is the Tuscan salad loaded with artichokes, roasted red peppers, fresh mozerella, kalamata olives, & more.

Best Comfort Lunch: Bourbon n’ Toulouse

This is not the lightest lunch option in Lexington, but it is one of the most delicious. Bourbon n’ Toulouse serves heapings of incredible Cajun food over rice or jambalaya and served it up on a styrofoam platter, which is both non-assuming and perfectly endearing. The owners are well-known in the community for treating their employees well and supporting other local businesses, so you can feel good about your decision while you chow down on some delicious etoufee!

What to Order: My standard order is a 1/2 & 1/2 of Chicken Creole and Chicken Etoufee. I rarely stray from this, but when I do it’s for the Vegan Black Beans (which are PACKED with flavor), Tami’s Thai Peanut (a cult classic), or Gumbo (who doesn’t love gumbo?).

Best Deli: Dad’s Favorites

Okay, at this point you’re just a Lexington local if you know about Dad’s! With If you’re in town on a Monday, I can assure you that most of our restaurants are closed, BUT you’re still in luck because Dad’s has the BEST special that day! The Farmhouse special is essentially a BLT WITH chicken salad WITH pimento cheese. It’s impeccable. Everything else on the menu is delicious, too, so don’t fret if your trip doesn’t line up with the Farmhouse special.

What to Order: On Mondays? Farmhouse, hands down. Any other day? Asiago Sun Dried Tomato spread &/or any sandwich on the menu.

Best Place to Grab Lunch With a Friend: East End Tap & Table

East End is the perfect elevated casual fusion restaurant. Located right in the heart of downtown on Main St. with options for free parking (what.), this spot is perfect for folks who are visiting the downtown area without access to a vehicle AND folks who have a vehicle alike! East End offers a robust menu of both food & drink & I have yet to find anything on the menu that I don’t love.

What to Order: Asian Bowl is my TOP choice for a light Lexington lunch, but I also order a Satay Chicken Banh Mi with sweet potato fries anytime I’m feeling something a little more filling.

Best Lunch With a View: Windy Corner Market

This lunch option is far away from downtown, so it would require a car, but the drive is just as magnificent as the food! Windy Corner Market is nestled in the land of horse farms on the outskirts of downtown Lexington. With miles of rolling hills, stone fences, and horse herds, a drive out to Windy Corner reminds any visitor that they are deep in the heart of equine country. The restaurant itself is one of the first brought to the area by renowned local chef, Ouita Michel. Opt for a sandwich or a special to experience this delicious and well-loved Lexington staple.

What to Order: Kentucky Boy (po boy with pulled pork, remoulade, beer cheese, & fried pickles) if you’re feeling something a bit more filling and any of the salads or plates for a lighter option!

Best Hawaiian Food: Big Kahuna

Okay, fine, it’s the only Hawaiian food in town, but who’s counting? Big Kahuna is still the perfect place to run out & grab a casual plate of Hawaiian fare. The biggest win here are the delicious sauces that cover everything from their Hawaiian rice to their Hawaiian fries. It’s sweet, salty, & spicy: the perfect combination for a well-balanced lunch in my book!

What to Order: The Blackened Mahi Mahi Platter, served with Hawaiian rice and macaroni salad. *chef’s kiss*

Best Mediterranean: Athenian Grill

With two downtown locations and a fantastic selection of Greek food, Athenian Grill is a favorite in the Lexington area. While parking at the Chevy Chase location is limited, both options are conveniently located for visitors to the downtown convention centers or the University of Kentucky’s campus. Grab a gyro and a local beer for a casual, but delicious Lexington lunch.

What to Order: Gyro with extra tzatziki. It’s as simple as that.

Best Outdoor Cafe & Beer Garden: Kentucky Native Cafe

Among the most aesthetic of Lexington’s lunch options, this hidden gem is tucked behind Michler’s Greenhouse. Surrounded by local Kentucky plants, a trip to Kentucky Native will transport you into a magical oasis. This spot is definitely better in nice weather, which lasts for around 9 months of the year in central Kentucky! While the menu is not available online, they offer a steady stream of rotating appetizers and lunch specials, including an array of salads, sandwiches, pastries, vegetables, and burrata plates!

What to Order: The menu changes frequently, but the burrata plate is a mainstay that is perfect when paired with a local wine.

Best Exclusive Friday Lunch: Nourished Folks

This concept restaurant is only open on Fridays, which makes Friday lunches there even more special! Primarily an event-and-subscription-focused business, Nourished Folks crafts well-balanced, homemade meals packed with flavor and nutrients. Friday lunches in their dreamy aesthetic cafe lend a limited menu of delicious rotating soups, sandwiches, and salads, along with a weekly dessert. Check their instagram (@nourishedfolks) for updates and pat yourself on the back if you happened to snag an exclusive lunch at Nourished Folks.

What to Order: The menu changes each week, but you can’t go wrong with a soup and sandwich.

We hope you enjoy your trip to the Bluegrass state! While you’re in town, check out our Top 10 Places to Visit in Kentucky to make the most of your time here!