Zim’s Cafe is closing. Here are 6 spots to grab a burger in downtown Lexington
AI-generated summary reviewed by our newsroom.
- Zim’s Cafe and The Thirsty Fox will close Dec. 31, citing pandemic-driven trends.
- Downtown burger scene offers Carson’s, Jack Brown’s, Jeff Ruby’s and local diners.
- Seek Wagyu, smashburgers, diner classics or Sidebar’s famed burger for variety.
Zim’s Cafe, a downtown lunch spot known for using locally grown and raised ingredients in its burgers, sandwiches, salads and sides will permanently close Dec. 31, along with its companion bar, The Thirsty Fox.
Local chef and restaurateur Ouita Michel announced the news in an email to patrons Tuesday. Michel told the Herald-Leader changing dining trends since the COVID-19 pandemic have posed significant challenges for the restaurant industry, Zim’s included.
Since its opening in 2018, Zim’s Cafe has become known for its lunch service, featuring standout menu items such as Kentucky Proud burgers. So with the restaurant’s closing this year, where else you can grab a burger downtown?
Here’s a look at some options, with insights from Herald-Leader journalists covering Lexington’s dining scene.
Carson’s Food & Drink - On Main
Located at 362 East Main St., Carson’s is consistently well-reviewed by patrons, including for its steakhouse burgers.
Its Wagyu Burger features Wagyu beef flame-grilled to your liking, finished with truffle butter, topped with gruyere cheese, cherrywood smoked bacon, avocado, lettuce, red onion, tomato and Carson’s signature burger sauce.
Reservations at Carson’s are highly recommended.
Contact: Call 859-309-3039 or visit carsonsfoodanddrink.com.
Jack Brown’s Beer and Burger Joint
Located at 155 North Limestone, Jack Brown’s burgers are made with 100% American Wagyu beef. It serves classic hamburgers and cheeseburgers and gets creative with its burger specials. The Cobra Kai is a standout and features cream cheese, pickled jalapeños and jalapeño jelly. Others, including Greg Brady, are topped with house-made mac n’ cheese and barbecue potato chips.
Contact: Call 859-810-4150 or visit jackbrownsjoint.com.
Jeff Ruby’s Steakhouse
Located at 101 West Vine St., Jeff Ruby’s features prime-cut steaks, sushi and a large selection of whiskeys in an upscale dining experience. The Jeff Ruby Burger is a griddled 8-ounce American Wagyu patty with white American cheese, caramelized onions, lettuce, pickles and remoulade on a sesame seed bun. It’s typically served with fries, a malt vinegar aioli and ketchup.
Contact: Call 859-554-7000 or visit jeffruby.com to make a reservation.
Nic & Norman’s
Located at 135 West Main St., Nic & Norman’s Frito Chili Smashburger features a double smashburger topped with spicy mayo, house-made chili, seared jalapeños, queso sauce and original Fritos. Sidewinder fries or sweet potato fries come on the side.
Other choices include the Greg’s Pick, the Classic Burger, the Pork Belly BBQ Burger, Mexican Burger, Pimento Bacon Burger and the vegetarian Norman’s Pick.
Contact: 859-303-7600 or visit nicandnormans.com.
Sawyer’s Downtown Bar & Grill
Located at 140 West Main St., this downtown diner has been open for more than three decades, briefly closing in 2021 due to the coronavirus pandemic. It later reopened in fall 2022.
The cafeteria-style restaurant is known for its burgers and chili. A popular feature is its customizable topping bar for burgers. Customers appreciate affordable price points without a compromise on taste, according to its menu.
Contact: Follow Sawyer’s on Facebook for updates.
Sidebar Grill
Located at 147 North Limestone, Sidebar Grill can be summed up as a dive bar with really good food. It’s home to what many consider to be the best burger in Lexington. The fries are hand-cut and thin, and Sidebar’s black bean burger is a menu highlight.
Contact: 859-225-8883 or follow Sidebar Grill on Facebook.
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This story was originally published December 18, 2025 at 4:45 AM.