Despite COVID, here are eight new Lexington restaurants, plus one in Berea
Lexington and Central Kentucky is about to see a lot of new places to eat opening up.
It’s proof that even during the coronavirus pandemic, people gotta eat.
One of the openings is a name that’s been around for decades, making a return under new owners with a mission to reinvigorate the connection to the downtown community.
Another is a Mexican chain coming to Lexington for the first time.
At least two are expansions by existing restaurants.
And a Northside bar has launched food service with a local chef.
Take a look at new to the Central Kentucky dining scene.
Alfalfa
141 East Main St.; 859-253-0014; facebook.com/AlfalfaRestaurant/; Now under new owners Tiffany Bellfield El-Amin and her husband Wali El-Amin, Alfalfa is reopening this week. The restaurant closed in March as the coronavirus pandemic hit and announced that it was for sale.
The El-Amins bought it and having been working on a revamp. The reopening begins with a couple of invitation-only events, including a lunchtime open house on Wednesday for people who work downtown. Thursday will be a block party with a limited menu for sale for takeout, with a grand opening on Friday. “We will be officially open for lunch,” Tiffany Bellfield El-Amin said.
With COVID capacity restrictions limiting the number of seats available, Alfalfa is encouraging carryout orders from the menu that will be posted on Facebook.
The restaurant will be open for brunch on the weekend with unique specials. Once the liquor license is approved, Alfalfa expects to serve mimosas, beer and wine and sangria. Expect a menu of traditional Alfalfa favorites, from hippie fare and plant-based options to burgers and buckwheat pancakes.
Regular hours will be 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday through Thursday, and 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday.
Favor
574 North Limestone; 859-687-0100; eatfavor.com; Tucked behind Arcadium on North Limestone, Favor is the new restaurant from chef Wyatt Sarbacker, which opened in July. It’s open Thursday through Saturday beginning at 5 p.m., and for Sunday brunch from noon to 4 p.m.
With a focus on local farms and producers, Favor offers several vegetarian options. The brunch menu has a eggs benny; burger; sopes with rotating toppings including veggie versions; kuttawa with home fries, Kentucky ham and an egg; ricotta fritters and more. The seasonal dinner menu, based on farm availability, includes empanadas; stoofvlees shoestring fries with Belgian ale-braised Kentucky beef (mushroom variation available); cheeseburger; mortadella; fry bread with ham; charred corn and tomato salad; green beans and a zucchini fritter pita salad.
With limited seating inside, Favor recommends online ordering and order scheduling. Patio seating is available, as well as curbside pickup for takeout.
El Mariachi Mexican
1916 Justice Dr.; 859-554-9718; elmariachilexington.com; El Mariachi Mexican has opened a second location in Hamburg at the former Taziki’s spot, in the same row as Double Dogs and near loads of other restaurants.
Like the original El Mariachi at 125 Town Center Dr., the menu is traditional fare including fajitas, burritos, enchiladas, nachos, tacos and more.
Open 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. for carry out, dining in or patio service.
Hot Head Burritos
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This Ohio-based chain will be opening its first Lexington location at a Shell station at 1445 Newtown Center Way, just off Newtown and Citation Boulevard near the Griffin Gate Marriott.
According to its web site, Hot Head Burritos is a fast-casual restaurant with over 70 locations, including four in Northern Kentucky.
The menu ranges from “mild to wild,” with vegetarian, gluten-free and allergy friendly options available. Besides the namesake burritos, every menu item also is available as a bowl or a taco. You can also select your own toppings.
Bubble Tea Studio
535 South Upper St.; 859-523-5073; lexingtonbubbleteastudio.com; This new bubble tea place opened Aug. 4 near the University of Kentucky campus. They have a variety authentic bubble milk teas, flavored teas and specialty drinks.
Open Monday through Friday noon to 9 p.m., and Saturday and Sunday 11:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m.
The Health Hub
377 East Main St.; downtownshakes.com; Shakes are everywhere right now, and another one is coming to Main Street, right next to The Button Hole.
The Health Hub will sell nutrition-based protein shakes, all low calorie, high protein meal replacements, a healthy alternative to breakfast or lunch, or snack, pre- or post workout, said owner Rafael Jacome.
The Health Hub will open by the end of August. Regular hours will be 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Saturday.
Sweet Creations Cakes & Sweets
2312 Palumbo Dr. Suite 110; 859-550-4336; facebook.com/bakerysweetcreations/; This bakery opened earlier this summer in a bricks and mortar location. Owner Bianca Begley specializes in custom cakes for birthdays, quinceaneras, anniversaries and special occasions. But the bakery has lots of other items, including conchas (Mexican sweet bread), mini “conchitas,” mini cakes in a cup, cakesicles and lots of other pastries. You can even get a customized tres leches cake.
Sedona Taphouse
1950 Newtown Pike, facebook.com/SedonaTaphouseNorthLexington/ There is already a Sedona Taphouse in Lexington at 3600 Palomar Centre Dr. Now the north side of town is getting one.
The new Sedona Taphouse, which is under different ownership, will be adjacent to the Clarion Hotel. Although it was originally scheduled to open this fall, the opening is being pushed back to spring, according to one of the owners. Stay tuned.
Happy Jack’s World Sandwich Bar
112 South Main St. in Berea; facebook.com/happyjacksWSB/; This is a new sandwich place coming to Berea, from the same people who operate Noodle Nirvana and Hole & Corner, a doughnut and coffee shop.
Happy Jack’s menu will feature specialty salads and sandwiches, available with vegetarian and gluten-free options. Opening by the end of August.
This story was originally published August 10, 2020 at 11:27 AM.
