Beignets, biscuits, beef sandwiches: 33 new Lexington restaurants this year — so far
Lexington’s food scene is always busy. New restaurants are opening and old favorites closing. Central Kentucky in general is just hopping.
We’ve got more Cajun food, hot chicken, more frozen custard, more tacos, more sushi, more biscuits and more pinball machines.
And now we’ve also got a new French restaurant, a place to get Chicago style hot dogs, “cro-nuts,” Taiwanese fried chicken and a pub dedicated to role-playing games.
Here’s a list and guide of the 33 new restaurants, bars and dining spots that have opened so far this year.
Lady Remoulade
Lady Remoulade, 900 N. Broadway, opened in March with a menu of Cajun/Creole-French fusion dishes from chef Kelly Mackey, plus weekend and brunch specials, plus fresh beignets and desserts from restaurant co-owner Rachel Chancellor. Kelly’s wife, Corie, also is a co-owner and works the front of the house.
The restaurant opened in the former Flag Fork Herb Farm Cafe building after an extensive renovation done by the owners and the restaurant’s crew of “kitchen pirates.” It now features several dining rooms done in “Memaw chic” plus covered patio seating in the back garden and a venue for events. Bar and lunch coming soon. Open Thursday through Saturday, 5 to 10 p.m., and 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday.
Parlor Doughnuts
Parlor Doughnuts, 630 Euclid Ave., opened in March. The Indiana-based chain sells specialty small-batch made-from-scratch pastries including flaky “cro-nut” style doughnuts. There’s even a secret menu with items like the Princess Doughnut, dipped in pink strawberry glaze and crowned with whipped topping, marshmallows and sprinkles. Also sells Doughboy Milkshakes in the same doughnut flavors, specialty coffees, juice, kombucha, acai bowls and other breakfast items. Open daily 7 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Dave’s Hot Chicken
Dave’s Hot Chicken, 2630 Richmond Rd., opened Aug. 5. The Los Angeles-based chain opened its first Kentucky location and is planning more in Lexington and Louisville. The menu is simple: Chicken tenders or sliders (huge ones) with the spice level you like, plus a few sides. Open 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Sunday through Thursday, 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Friday and Saturday.
Andy’s Frozen Custard
Andy’s Frozen Custard, 1200 S. Broadway, opened its first Kentucky location on Aug. 10 and is building a second one on Richmond Road. The Missouri-based chain sells frozen vanilla and chocolate custard. You can get mix-ins as well as a “jackhammer” filled with fudge. Open 11 a.m. – 11:30 p.m. Sunday - Thursday; 11 a.m. – midnight Friday and Saturday. (After Labor Day, they will close 30 minutes earlier nightly.)
La Folie
La Folie, 111 Woodland Ave, opened in June. The French restaurant is the latest from Carlo Vaccarrezza, the Thoroughbred racehorse owner who also owns Frank & Dino’s Italian restaurant in downtown Lexington and Florida. La Folie’s high-end menu includes a variety of French favorites. Open 4 p.m. to 10 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday and 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Sunday.
Whiskey Bear & Addie’s
Whiskey Bear & Addie’s Stone-Fired Pizza, 3195 Beaumont Center Circle, opened in July in a new location and with a new restaurant concept. The neighborhood bar Whiskey Bear serves craft cocktails and the pizza restaurant serves stone-fired pizzas, pasta, appetizers and more. Both are open Sunday through Thursday 4 p.m. to midnight, and Friday and Saturday 4 p.m. to 1 a.m.
Omakase Sushi & Sake Bar
Omakase Sushi, 848 E. High St. opened in May serving premium sushi in Chevy Chase where Tomo used to be. You can go with the high-end “omakase” set that the chef picks or order a la carte. Reservations are recommended. Open 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Monday-Friday, then 4:30-9:30 p.m. Monday-Thursday, 4:30-10:30 p.m. Friday, and noon-10:30 p.m. Saturday, noon-9 p.m. Sunday.
Local Taco Lexington
Local Taco Lexington, 1916 Pavilion Way, opened a second location in Hamburg in July. The menu includes eclectic tacos (vegetarian options are available) served in a former TGI Friday’s spot that is now ringed with garage doors for a wide open feel. Open Monday through Thursday 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., Friday 11 a.m. to midnight, Saturday 10 a.m. to midnight and Sunday 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Nic & Norman’s
Nic & Norman’s, 135 W. Main St, opened in April. Co-owned by “The Walking Dead” star Norman Reedus and special effects artist Greg Nicotero, the menu has just enough Hollywood touches to appeal to fans and great food to satisfy everybody else. Open 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Monday-Thursday, 11 a.m. to midnight Friday and Saturday, 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday eventually (For now, 4-10 p.m.)
Buc-ee’s
Buc-ee’s, 1013 Buc-ee’s Blvd. off Duncannon Lane at exit 83 on I-75 in Richmond, opened in April. While not a traditional restaurant, Buc-ee’s has drawn fans of the barbecue, jerky, fudge, Beaver Nuggets and pastries, including kolaches. Open 24-7.
South of Wrigley
South of Wrigley, 472 Southland Dr., opened in March to serve Chicago-style hot dogs, Italian beef sandwiches topped with giardiniera relish, Philadelphia-style porchetta and daily special sandwiches such as Philly cheesesteaks, hoagies and meatball subs. Open Tuesday-Saturday 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Cafe Emporio
Cafe Emporio, 808 N. Limestone, opened in April across from Greyline Station. The cafe has a deli as well as Italian cookies and biscotti inspired by the owner’s Italian grandmother’s recipes. as well as other pastries. Open Tuesday through Saturday 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., Sunday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Fatburger & Buffalo’s Express
Fatburger & Buffalo’s Express, 1452 W. Lexington Ave. in Winchester, opened its first Kentucky location in March. The gourmet burger chain and its chicken twin serve made-from-scratch onion rings, fries and shakes in addition to burgers and wings. Open Sunday through Thursday, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. and Friday through Saturday, 11 a.m. to midnight.
Frozen In Time
Frozen In Time, 189 E. Brannon Rd. in Nicholasville, opened in April. This locally owned dessert shop serves vanilla and chocolate custard and premium soft-serve ice cream in homemade waffle cones, cake cones, sundaes, shakes and “tornadoes” blended with toppings. Open 1 to 9 p.m. Sunday through Thursday, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday.
Biscuit Belly
Biscuit Belly, 652 E. Main St. opened in February with a menu of gourmet biscuits and breakfast cocktails. Open 7:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday through Thursday and until 3 p.m. on Friday, Saturday and Sunday.
Gibson’s Midway
Gibson’s Midway, 131 E. Main St., Midway opened January in the former Mezzo spot. The restaurant serves a menu of Southern favorites and inventive specials. Open 4 to 10 p.m. Monday and Tuesday, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Wednesday through Friday, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday.
Burnaco’s
Burnaco’s, 561 S. Broadway, opened in March with a Tex-Mex menu of pick-your-own toppings burritos, nachos, tacos and bowls. Features craft beer from Maiden City Brewery and now Sav’s Chill ice cream. (A location also is open in Paris now too.) Open Monday through Saturday 11 a.m. to 11 p.m., Sunday noon to 10 p.m.
Mama Tequila
Mama Tequila, 367 W. Short St., opened in January with a menu of Mexican favorites from the family that owns El Rancho Tapatio. It’s also a bar and features DJs and live music. Open daily 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Sultan Mediterranean Cuisine
Sultan Mediterranean Cuisine, 4750 Hartland Parkway, opened in March, specializing in wood charcoal grilled skewers marinated in spices overnight. They also have platters of falafel and lamb chops, shawarma sandwiches and more. Open Monday to Saturday 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., Sunday noon to 8 p.m.
Tilty Bob’s
Tilty Bob’s, 319 Cedar St., opened in March. It’s a burger joint with more than 70 classic video and pinball games that you play with tokens. Or maybe it’s an arcade that serves fun food, such as eight versions of loaded mac and cheese. Open Monday-Thursday 4 p.m.-midnight, Friday 4 p.m. to 2 a.m., Saturday 11 a.m.-2 a.m., and Sunday noon-midnight.
Sam’s Hot Dog Stand
Sam’s Hot Dog Stand, 192 Lexington Green and 1200 Bypass Road in Winchester. Sam’s has been busy, opening two new locations, with different owners, this year. The menu includes hot dogs and specialty dogs. The Winchester location also serves milkshakes. Open daily 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. at Lexington Green and 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. in Winchester.
Java Jukebox Cafe and Eatery
Java Jukebox Cafe and Eatery, 640 W. Maxwell St., opened in July. The coffee shop also has breakfast plates, on-the-go items, sandwiches and bagels and ice cream. Curbside pick-up available Open 6:30 a.m. to 6: 30 p.m. daily.
The Creatures’ Cauldron Cafe
The Creatures’ Cauldron Cafe, 128 N. Broadway, opened in July. It’s magic-themed coffee shop (think witches and wizards, like Harry Potter with caffeine) that serves baked goods from Martine’s Pastries. It’s next to the Creatures of Whim shop, where you can find all kinds of handmade spiritual items and even custom order from the Alchemy Atelier. Open daily 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Zaki Mediterranean Restaurant
Zaki Mediterranean Restaurant, 891 Georgetown St., opened in July with a menu of shawarma, kabab, zaki, gyro and falafel in sandwiches and plates. Open 11 a.m. to 6:40 p.m. daily.
Trindy’s Cafe
Trindy’s Cafe, 300 W. Vine St., opened a grab and go cafe on the second floor of the Central Bank building in July with a menu of breakfast items, burgers, wraps, sandwiches and salads as well as a hot bar with a rotating menu. It’s from the same people who operate Trindy’s in Georgetown. Open Monday through Friday 7:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Castello’s BYO Pasta Bowls
Castello’s BYO Pasta Bowls, 4371 Old Harrodsburg Road, opened in May with a fast-casual build-your-own bowl concept. Open noon to 9 p.m. Monday through Saturday.
Kyoto Japanese Kitchen
Kyoto Japanese Kitchen, at 4101 Tates Creek Centre Drive, Ste. 136, opened in February with a menu of sushi classics, poke bowls, hibachi and ramen. Open 11 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday, and noon to 9 p.m. Sunday.
Kung Fu Tea x TKK Fried Chicken
Kung Fu Tea x TKK Fried Chicken, 685 S. Limestone, Ste. 150, in The Hub, opened in February with bubble tea, hot and cold drinks and TKK Fried Chicken, a Taiwanese specialty. What makes the chicken different? It has a crunch that’s been described as addictive with a unique savory sweet spiciness. Open 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Villainous
Villainous, 191 Jefferson St., opened in late July, is a pub with food and drinks that cater to those who like table-top role-playing games with villain themed pop-culture artwork (including life-sized Dr. Doom and Terminator) and classic arcade machines. Open 4 to 11 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday.
Big Blue Deli
Big Blue Deli, 227 N. Limestone St., opened in August, serves sandwiches in Wildcat-themed deli. Check out the blue soft-serve ice cream too. Open Monday-Saturday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Senor Chimi
Senor Chimi, Triangle Park, opened Aug. 15 with a menu of Tex-Mex favorites including chimichangas, dips and margaritas from the popular El Cid restaurants. Open Monday through Thursday 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., Friday and Saturday 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. and Sunday 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Brasa’s
Brasa’s, 565 E. New Circle Rd., opened in August serving Peruvian specialties including roasted chicken, yucca fries, ceviche, lomo saltado and more. Open 11:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Saturday. Closed Sunday.
This story was originally published August 17, 2022 at 6:00 AM.
