My Local Guide to the Horse Capital of the World: Lexington, Kentucky

Spend a day at Keeneland

Whether it’s April or October racing, a morning workout, or simply walking the grounds, Keeneland is truly one of the most beautiful racetracks in the world. Even if you’ve never watched a horse race before, it’s an unforgettable experience.

Tour Horse Country

No trip to Lexington is complete without visiting a Thoroughbred farm. Horse Country offers tours of many of Central Kentucky’s most famous breeding farms where you’ll meet champions and future stars.

Explore the Kentucky Bourbon Trail

Several fantastic distilleries are located within a short drive of Lexington, making it easy to spend a day tasting bourbon and learning about Kentucky's signature spirit. Two of my favorites are Buffalo Trace and Woodford Reserve.

Thursday Night Live

If you’re visiting during the summer, downtown Lexington comes alive every Thursday evening with live music, food vendors, and thousands of locals gathering for one of the city’s favorite traditions.

Raven Run Nature Sanctuary

One of my favorite places to spend a beautiful afternoon. With miles of hiking trails, overlooks, and wildflowers, it’s easy to forget you’re just minutes from downtown. After Raven Run, I recommend stopping by Boone Dogs afterward for one their creative gourmet hot dogs.

Catch a game or concert at Rupp Arena

Whether it’s Kentucky basketball or a major concert, Rupp Arena is one of the city’s biggest attractions and always worth checking the schedule.

Explore the Distillery District

One of Lexington’s trendiest neighborhoods and a must-visit while you’re in town. The Distillery District is home to breweries, cocktail bars, live music, local shops, and great restaurants, all set within beautifully restored historic buildings. Spend an afternoon brewery hopping, enjoy dinner, or catch a show at The Burl. Duck pin bowling in District 7 is always a fun date night spot.

Visit Old Friends Thoroughbred Retirement Farm

If you love racing, this is one of the most special experiences in Central Kentucky. Old Friends provides a forever home for retired Thoroughbreds, and many famous champions now spend their retirement here. You’ll have the opportunity to meet racing legends up close while learning about their incredible careers.

3TEN

One of my favorite girls’ night spots downtown. The Pacific Rim-inspired menu is incredible, the atmosphere is intimate, and the décor is gorgeous. Order the Cosmopolitan—it may honestly be my favorite cocktail in Lexington.

Corto Lima

You’ll find me sitting at the bar here more often than I’d like to admit. Their Happy Hour runs from 2–5 p.m.—even on weekends—which makes it perfect after Pilates or for a late lunch. The margaritas are some of the best in town and deceptively strong, so pace yourself! My favorite is the Prickly Pear Margarita, paired with either the Crunch Wrap or nachos during Happy Hour.

Tony’s of Lexington

If someone asks me where to eat in Lexington, this is almost always my first recommendation. Located across from Rupp Arena, it’s ideal before or after a basketball game or concert. Their Tuna Tartare would honestly be one of my last meals if I had to choose, the steaks are consistently excellent, and don’t even think about skipping the Crème Brûlée Cheesecake.

Cole’s 735 Main

A true Lexington institution. Great food, excellent service, and a beautiful patio and gazebo when the weather is nice. You simply can’t go wrong here.

Kentucky Native Café

One of Lexington’s hidden gems. Located inside Michler’s Florist, it feels like dining in a secret garden. Counter-service with fresh, healthy options, great wine, and one of my favorite places to catch up with friends or spend an afternoon reading a book. Just be prepared for a line on beautiful days—it is absolutely worth the wait.

Omakase

Some of the freshest sushi in Lexington, with locations in Chevy Chase and Palomar. The Palomar location also offers cooked entrées, making it great for groups. Perfect for an upscale sushi dinner.

Obstinate Sons

A cozy neighborhood restaurant in Chevy Chase with an ever-changing menu of seasonal specials. The atmosphere is intimate, parking is easy, and everything I’ve had here has been excellent.

Mirror Twin Brewing & Rolling Oven

A perfect casual spot for families, groups, or watching a game. Excellent wood-fired pizza, local craft beer, and surprisingly great cocktails. Their newer South Elkhorn Village location is especially convenient.

Buddha Lounge

Don’t let the appearance fool you—this unassuming downtown sushi spot is one of my regular lunch stops. Their Bento Box special is one of the best values in town, and I probably order it more often than I should admit.

County Club

A true hidden gem serving some of the best smoked meats and barbecue in Lexington. Creative menu, relaxed atmosphere, and consistently fantastic food.

Pearl’s

My favorite place in town for breakfast. Their fresh bagels are outstanding, and in the evenings they serve delicious pizzas with fun, creative toppings. Owned by the same team behind County Club, so you really can't go wrong.

Dudley’s on Short

Located in the heart of downtown Lexington, Dudley's has been a Lexington favorite for decades. The menu changes seasonally and features elevated Southern cuisine with an extensive bourbon selection. Whether you're stopping in for brunch, lunch, or dinner, it's consistently one of the city's best dining experiences.

Red State BBQ

When friends ask me where to get authentic Kentucky barbecue, this is always at the top of my list. Their smoked brisket, pulled pork, ribs, and homemade sides are outstanding. It's casual, unpretentious, and exactly what great barbecue should be. Very close to Kentucky Horse Park so perfect to combine as a lunch spot post exploring.

Wallace Station

Located about 20 minutes outside Lexington in the middle of horse country, Wallace Station is worth the drive. Housed in a restored country store, it’s one of my favorite lunch spots after a morning touring horse farms or distilleries. Their sandwiches—especially the famous Big Brown—are legendary, and the drive through the rolling bluegrass countryside is just as memorable as the meal.

After dark & Sunday funday

If you’re looking for nightlife, Lexington has no shortage of fun places to grab a drink.

Tin Roof

Live music and one of the busiest nightlife spots in town with both UK students and locals but also a wonderful spot for Sunday fundays or watching a sporting event. They do trivia on Mondays and karaoke in Wednesdays. It is my favorite spot to catch a Sunday football game.

Belle’s Cocktail House

Cozy craft cocktails in a beautiful setting. The rooftop patio is one of my favorite places for a drink on a pretty evening.

Centro

Great atmosphere for cocktails and conversation, opening right onto the area where they host Thursday Night Live and the Farmer’s Market.

Mirror Twin Brewing

Local beer, cocktails, pizza, and plenty of outdoor seating. Perfect for families and pets.

Cocktails Too

A Lexington classic. Some of my favorite wings in town. Located out closer to the Fayette Mall. Always great people watching.

Harvey’s Bar

One of my favorite downtown stops, it is a bit more upscale. Opens up to a large patio area. They even have an inhouse charcuterie store called Fable so you can munch while you enjoy one of my favorite espresso martinis in town.

McCarthy’s Irish Bar

A Lexington institution, especially with the international horse crowd. Open early and daily, so if you are looking for somewhere to grab a pint this is it. Great spot to watch horse racing or an international rugby game.

CCI (Chevy Chase Inn)

The definition of a neighborhood dive bar—in the best possible way. While you’re there, walk across the street to Charlie Brown’s for a pitcher of their famous White Russians and an order of hot pepper cheese balls.

The Lost Palm

An incredibly Instagram-worthy tropical rooftop bar located atop The Manchester Hotel. It’s the perfect place to enjoy a cocktail before or after dinner at Granddam downstairs.