Lexington restaurants, bars new in 2022 from frozen custard to French fine dining
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This was a busy year for Lexington’s food scene, with almost 50 new restaurants opening despite ongoing struggles with hiring enough workers, rising food costs and supply chain issues.
Those problems overwhelmed at least one new restaurant that closed after only six months and spelled the end for some longstanding restaurants and bars as well.
Not every change was bad: Several local spots transitioned either to new owners, new concepts or new locations. Others hung on with shorter hours and higher menu prices.
Despite the economic headwinds, Lexington has a lot of new local restaurants and national chain choices for dining including lots more desserts, tacos, chicken, burgers, biscuits and ethnic food options. Plus more on new dining options are coming in 2023.
Here’s a list and guide of at least 44 new restaurants, bars and dining spots that opened in 2022 in Central Kentucky.
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.)
Big Blue Deli
Big Blue Deli, 227 N. Limestone St., opened in August, serving sandwiches in a Wildcat-themed deli. Check out the blue soft-serve ice cream too. Open Monday-Saturday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
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.
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.
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 for its barbecue, jerky, fudge, Beaver Nuggets and pastries, including kolaches. Open 24-7.
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.
Buzzed Bull Creamery
Buzzed Bull Creamery, 111 Summit at Fritz Farm, opened Aug. 20, in the former Steel City Pops location, near Shake Shack and Honeywood. Buzzed Bull Creamery serves liquid nitrogen flash-frozen ice cream, milkshakes, cookie dough, ice cream sandwiches and specialty coffee drinks. Non-dairy vegan versions are available too. Alcohol can be added to ice cream, milk shakes or coffee drinks; options include bourbon and other whiskeys, vodka, tequila, rum or various liqueurs. Monday through Thursday, noon to 9 p.m., Friday and Saturday noon to 10 p.m., and Sunday noon to 8 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.
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.
Chic Charc Peruvian Style Chicken
Chic Charc, 1474 Anniston Dr. Suite B1, features rotisserie chicken cooked Peruvian style. The restaurant at is owned by Myriame and Ilsan Guzman, who wanted to recreate the Peruvian style of chicken they enjoyed in the D.C. area. It’s whole chickens are traditionally marinated and then cooked rotisserie style over hot coals and served with a crispy skin and tender, juicy meat. Open Tuesday-Sunday, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
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.
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.
Drake’s
Drake’s, 1735 Sharkey Way off Leestown Road, opened in November. The latest Lexington restaurant from Bluegrass Hospitality Group has a menu of burgers and upscale pub food. The restaurant also gave a fun surprise to an 8-year-old Lexington boy who applied for a job to save up for an XBox, so Drake’s gave him one instead. Open Sunday-Thursday 11 a.m.-midnight, Friday-Saturday 11 a.m. to 1 a.m. (Kitchen closes one hour earlier.)
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.
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.
Halligans Bar & Grill
Halligans Bar & Grill, 1170 Manchester Rd., was opened in October by a former firefighter as a place for first responders to hang out, with loads of memorabilia on the walls and pub/comfort food (including firehouse chili) on the menu. Open Monday-Thursday 11 a.m.-10 p.m., Friday and Saturday 11 a.m.-midnight, Sunday 1-10 p.m.
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.
KPOT Korean BBQ and Hot Pot
KPOT Korean BBQ and Hot Pot, 2860 Richmond Rd., opened in October with a menu of cook-at-your-table options including meats, seafood, soy proteins and veggies, in a broth or on a griddle. It’s a popular style of Asian restaurant that already has many fans sometimes called do-it-yourself ramen. Open Sunday-Thursday, noon to 10:30 p.m., Friday and Saturday noon to 10:30 p.m. Last seating an hour before closing all nights. All-day dinner on Saturday and 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.
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.
La Folie
La Folie, 111 Woodland Ave, opened in June. The French fine-dining 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.
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.
La Taquiza
La Taquisa, 630 E. Main St., opened a second location in the former Sav’s spot in November. The former food truck known for its authentic Mexican tacos and street fare now has two locations, one in downtown Lexington and the original tiny restaurant at 130 W. Tiverton Way. Open Sunday-Thursday, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., Friday and Saturday 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.
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.
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.
Mehak Indian Cuisine
Mehak Indian Cuisine, 395 S. Limestone, opened in June in the highly visible corner of Limestone and Avenue of Champions with a daily lunch buffet. The menu features Indian cuisine including vegetarian items, chicken, lamb and more. Typical entrees will include Tandori chicken, lamb kabobs, butter chicken, tikka masala and biryani (rice dishes.) Open for lunch and for dinner seven days a week, with a buffet at lunch daily and a dinner buffet on Friday and Saturday.
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.)
Olive’s Apron
Olive’s Apron, 223 Rosemont Garden, is a charming bakery that opened in September with cupcakes and other baked goods as well as fairies for young fans to hunt while they are there. The shop has added teas (book in advance) and has seasonal flavors of treats you can pick up or pre-order. Open Wednesday-Friday, 7 a.m. to 6 p.m., Saturday 8 a.m. to 2 p.m., Sunday 9 a.m. to 2 p.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.
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.
Peach Cobbler Factory
Peach Cobbler Factory, 521 S. Broadway, Unit 145, opened in November in The Lex, a month after a location opened in Richmond at 2055 Lantern Ridge Dr. Both restaurants serve a variety of warm cobblers, cinnamon rolls, banana puddings and “Pudd-N shakes” in those banana pudding flavors. Open Monday-Thursday, noon to 10 p.m., Friday-Saturday, noon to midnight, and Sunday noon to 8 p.m.
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.
Sawyer’s
Sawyer’s, 140 W. Main St. in the City Center block, reopened in September and brought back a favorite of downtown office workers and basketball fans heading to Rupp Arena. The restaurant’s menu is known for fast service, with a bar of toppings to dress your own burgers, chili, baked potatoes and salads just the way you like. Open Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., Thursday, Friday and Saturday 11 a.m. to 10 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.
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.
Stoner’s Pizza Joint
Stoner’s Pizza Joint, 547 S. Limestone, opened in May. This is the first Kentucky location of the growing pizza chain, which plays off the restaurant’s name with slogans like “Legalize Marinara” and “Get Baked.” Open 11 a.m. to midnight Monday-Wednesday, 11 a.m. to 2 a.m. Thursday-Saturday and 2 to 10 p.m. Sunday.
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. And then closed six months later. The burger joint featured more than 70 classic video and pinball games that you could play with tokens, but sadly, it’s no longer open.
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.
Villainous
Villainous, 191 Jefferson St., opened in late July, a pub with food and drinks that caters 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.
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.
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.
Zundo Izakaya
Zundo Izakaya, 127 W. Tiverton Way Suite 184, opened in September featuring Japanese-style izakaya dining, a kind of Japanese pub food, appetizers and other items served with drinks, often for a table to share, as well as ramen, sushi and tapas-style appetizers such as robata, which are skewers of vegetables or meat that customers select for chefs to grill. Open Sunday-Thursday, 11:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m., Friday and Saturday, 11:30 a.m. to 10:30 p.m.
This story was originally published January 5, 2023 at 10:00 AM.
