Beaumont dining guide: How South Lexington restaurants thrive without drive-thrus
When what is now the Beaumont neighborhood — with its walkable mix of retail and restaurants, a library, YMCA and the Moondance Amphitheater — was being planned in the late 1980s-early 1990s, the developers made what seemed like a radical decision at the time: There would be no drive-thru restaurants.
That became a little controversial, said developer Tim Haymaker, since banks were allowed to have drive-thrus.
“But we wanted something different,” he said. They wanted to attract chefs who would build neighborhood gathering spots, not places where cars whipped in and out on their way to somewhere else.
They decided to look at the market in segments, from fast-casual to fine dining take only one of each kind, he said.
“We didn’t want to have 25 pizza places,” he said. “We were really looking for standalone restaurants with lots of seating.”
And the result has been a neighborhood in Southeast Lexington that is big on locally owned restaurants that appeal to a diverse palate. While original restaurants Max & Erma’s, Applebee’s and El Chico are long gone, this guide and list highlights the best largely locally owned options that have moved in since then.
Beaumont neighborhood: Guide to local restaurants
The prohibition against chain drive-thrus is part of what appealed to chef Jeremy Ashby, who opened Azur Restaurant & Patio at 3070 Lakecrest Circle, Suite 550 in 2004.
“We figured that with the demographics of the area and the planners working to achieve a well planned residential/commercial area, our concept of a casual/fine dinning bistro would fit,” Ashby said. “Azur bounded on the scene to be just that, an independent option which gives a regional and friendly face to our staff and our local food and cuisine in a cloudy overly incorporated industry. We are glad to see other independents follow the lead in our area.”
That they have. Other independent restaurants in the Beaumont area include J. Render’s Southern Table and Bar, 3191 Beaumont Centre Circle.
Gwyn Everly, who co-owns J. Render’s with her husband, Ren, had a successful barbecue food truck and wanted to go into a brick-and-mortar restaurant. She said they looked for over a year before someone suggested the Beaumont neighborhood spot.
“It had everything we wanted except a party room (which we added this year). Plenty of parking, space for a patio, and place to park the food truck,” she said. “From Azur we knew we would have great support from the neighborhoods, or at least we hoped. And, we did and continue to have great support.”
Around the corner from J. Render’s is Whiskey Bear, a craft cocktail and bourbon lounge that left The Summit at Fritz Farm for Beaumont when the food hall there closed. The bar has added Addie’s Stone-Fired Pizza, a connected fast-casual concept that serves lunch Wednesday through Sunday and dinner nightly.
“We’re so happy to be there. It feels like home,” owner Daniel Marlowe said. “Even as a Lexington native I was not aware of how much a community Beaumont is. ... It’s great.”
And a new restaurant is opening later this year next to J. Render’s; Beau’s Cafe will offer grab-and-go breakfast options as well as sit-down service for breakfast, brunch and lunch.
More Beaumont dining options
The neighborhood includes a slew of other dining options:
▪ Masala, an Indian restaurant at 3061 Fieldstone Way Suite 600, is so popular that the Bluegrass Indo-American Civic Society has it cater their annual banquets.
▪ Sahara, next door at 3061 Fieldstone Way, is known for its shawarma, garlic sauce and humus, often has lines for lunch. But be warned: The restaurant often closes down in the summer and reopens in August or September, so call ahead to make sure it’s open.
▪ ZEN Sushi & Sake, 3070 Lakecrest Circle Suite 500, serves fresh sushi and other Japanese dishes.
▪ New Peking Bistro, 3181 Beaumont Centre Circle #104, is a neighborhood Chinese restaurant with big menu that includes dumplings and much more.
▪ Campestre Mexican Bar and Grill, 910 Beaumont Centre Parkway, is a regional Mexican chain that serves favorites from seafood to vegetarian, with a dessert menu and a full bar.
▪ BRU Burger Bar, 3010 Lakecrest Circle, is a chain but serves a mean burger as well as tons of other menu options from appetizers to salads and sandwiches. And they have vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free options.
▪ Texas Roadhouse, 3030 Lakecrest Circle, also is a chain but locally owned and operated. It’s a popular but casual place for steaks, ribs, and sides in massive portions.
▪ Tropical Smoothie Cafe, 3181 Beaumont Centre Circle.
▪ Bad Ass Coffee of Hawaii, 3070 Lakecrest Circle Suite #600.
This story was originally published June 26, 2023 at 6:00 AM.
