Food & Drink

With over 600 eating and drinking establishments concentrated in the Lexington area alone, the Bluegrass Region’s menu offers enough options for a lifetime. Find out why fresh, local and seasonal ingredients give the region a unique flavor at Lexington’s award-winning Bella Notte — an authentic Italian restaurant. Enjoy culinary staples at a range of upscale dining establishments at The Summit at Fritz Farm, or keep it low-key at a laid-back spot like Winchell’s, where iconic Beer Cheese and Derby Pie fare await.

Whether nestled in downtown Midway or the Nicholasville area, surrounding counties also offer a wealth of quaint diners and cafes showcasing the region’s agricultural bounties. For those seeking quintessential Kentucky flavors, Wallace Station offers mouthwatering country ham and pimento cheese sandwiches, while Ramsey’s Diner serves up the legendary Hot Brown sandwich. Meanwhile, the Holly Hill Inn in Midway has earned acclaim from the New York Times as a “Gem of a Restaurant,” offering an exquisite dining experience in a charming setting.

Not to be missed is Berea College Farm, the oldest continually operating college farm in the nation, which provides a farm-to-table experience unlike any other. From comfort classics to innovative culinary creations, Greater LEX’s diverse dining scene promises to delight food enthusiasts with some of the best restaurants in Kentucky.

As the birthplace of bourbon, Greater LEX stands as a beacon for enthusiasts of the iconic American spirit. The region boasts several renowned bourbon distilleries including Town Branch in Lexington, Woodford Reserve in Versailles and Buffalo Trace Distillery in Frankfort. Town Branch, acclaimed as the Best Kentucky Craft Bourbon by Liquor.com in 2022, exemplifies the region’s commitment to crafting exceptional spirits. And further securing Greater LEX as a groundbreaking region for the bourbon industry is Fresh Bourbon — Kentucky’s first African American owned distillery.

For those seeking an elevated imbibing experience, Bourbon on Main in Frankfort offers a historic ambiance, set within a two-story brick building overlooking the picturesque Kentucky River and State Capitol building. Meanwhile, Paris, KY, emerges as a charming town to toast to friends, with bourbon bars like Trackside at the Depot, the Rose & Thorne Pub, and Canonero’s Cigar & Bourbon Bar adding to the quiet allure of the area.

In addition to its bourbon heritage, Central Kentucky boasts a thriving craft brewing scene, with a plethora of breweries dotting the Brewgrass Trail. If you’re looking for a laid-back experience of some of the finest craft beers, homegrown musical performances, trivia nights and other special events, Georgetown’s Country Boy Brewing is a community favorite with a 22,500 square foot production brewery.

Whether savoring the complexity of bourbon or exploring the nuances of craft beer, you’ll find an unforgettable journey through spirited libations and rich brewing traditions in Greater LEX.

Whether you’re sipping or savoring, Greater LEX is the epicenter of culinary delights, boasting a rich culinary heritage, diverse cultural influences and some of the most popular food and drink festivals in the entire state. Among these is Soulfeast, a renowned ten-day celebration of Black culinary culture, kicking off with the Soulteenth Fest. In Lexington, food enthusiasts flock to events like the popular Bluegrass BBQ Fest and Crave, where dozens of local vendors, food trucks and award-winning musicians converge to offer a feast for the senses.

Have a penchant for local delicacies and handcrafted brews? The Beer Cheese Festival in Winchester stands out as a must-visit event, commemorating over eight decades of Kentucky’s beloved dip alongside an array of artisanal ales and family-friendly activities. Check out the First Friday Market in Mt. Sterling, or Berea’s beloved Spoonbread Festival — a free multi-day extravaganza celebrating the Southern cornmeal-based classic. Attendees can enjoy not only the delectable dish but also family-friendly street performances, games and inflatables, making it a cherished event for all ages.