Readers respond: More iconic dishes every Lexington diner should taste at least once
In our recent article, “12 Iconic Local Dishes,” we noted, “You’re not truly from Lexington until you’ve eaten these 12 iconic restaurant dishes.” From Spalding Bakery’s doughnuts to Parkette’s “Poor Boy,” there was something for everyone.
End of story, correct? Wrong!
At the end of that article, we asked, “Do you have other iconic Lexington dishes that you think should be on the list?”
You certainly did. Your comments and suggestions for some of the other best meals in town rolled in soon thereafter.
Here are almost additional local food dishes readers submitted as worthy of being classified as “iconic” to Lexington:
“Charlie’s Seafood and Carryout’s, white fish sandwich with fires and slaw.”
Charlie’s Seafood had the most “how could you overlook this?” comments from readers who (rightly) consider the gigantic fish sandwich and the seafood plate Lexington culinary gems.
But there were plenty of other great dishes that readers feel deserve some love.
“I was sad to see that my favorite menu item was not included. Many times, when I eat out, I opt to go for a vegetable plate. And the place that has a vegetable list that is beat by no other is Ramsey’s! ... I hope that you will give Ramsey’s Vegetable Plate due consideration.”
Other readers voted for Ramsey’s Southern fried catfish, chicken fried steak and traditional breakfasts, too.
Another restaurant that got several reader votes: Winchell’s. The Hot Brown, the Trout and Eggs, the Bloody Mary and their overall strong breakfast game were nominated for the list.
Others felt that Lexington’s racetrack deserved a mention.
“Keeneland’s burgoo is, in my humble opinion, even more iconic.”
It was clear that many people have lots of favorites and were eager to share:
“We LOVED the iconic dishes feature this week. ... A couple of things my husband and I would add:
“1. Charlie Brown’s beer cheese appetizer or chicken fingers.
2. The Mousetrap’s pimento cheese.
3. Something from Bourbon and Toulouse.”
“What about the fried chicken at Critchfield’s? Their pecan and chess pie tarts are amazing as well.”
“The O’Round burger at Lynagh’s and Shamrock Bar and Grill is without a doubt the best burger in Lexington.”
“Lamb fries at Columbia’s!!”
“Queen Tilapia at Jalapeños (or El Toro).”
“Chicken Pad Thai at Planet Thai.”
“Azur’s Woven Shrimp should definitely be added to this fun list.”
“Hot Brown from Hall’s on the River.”
“Thoroughbred Restaurant’s ribs on Saturday night and their Hot Brown.”
“Burger and Shakes’ cheeseburger and fries.”
Well, who are we to disagree?
Clearly, Lexington can hold its own with any other legitimate foodie city and has lots of local favorite dishes. Thanks to readers for sharing some of theirs.