Five Squared’s Guide to Lexington and Environs

Scott
Five Squared’s Guide to Lexington and Environs

Food Scene

Artsy, swanky restaurant serving upscale, Kentucky-based cuisine in one of the coolest boutique hotels in the country (thank you for choosing our Airbnb instead of staying there!). The restaurant bar is cool, too.
20 (рекомендации местных жителей)
Lockbox
167 W Main St
20 (рекомендации местных жителей)
Artsy, swanky restaurant serving upscale, Kentucky-based cuisine in one of the coolest boutique hotels in the country (thank you for choosing our Airbnb instead of staying there!). The restaurant bar is cool, too.
Our favorite Thai place in Lexington. Always easy to get a table. Try the pineapple curry with tofu and the pad kee mow.
Mai Thai Restaurant
304 Southland Dr
Our favorite Thai place in Lexington. Always easy to get a table. Try the pineapple curry with tofu and the pad kee mow.
Our favorite Indian restaurant in Lexington. Great lunch buffet, too.
7 (рекомендации местных жителей)
Masala Indian Cuisine
3061 Fieldstone Way
7 (рекомендации местных жителей)
Our favorite Indian restaurant in Lexington. Great lunch buffet, too.
This little joint is in a converted gas station. Locally sourced ingredients. Get some beignets!
38 (рекомендации местных жителей)
doodles breakfast and lunch
262 N Limestone
38 (рекомендации местных жителей)
This little joint is in a converted gas station. Locally sourced ingredients. Get some beignets!
Yes, it's an $11 salad, but it's really good — so much so that people are known to become obsessed with it for lunch. Part of a little local chain, they also serve great soups and the drinks are either organic ice tea or a variety of flavored lemonades.
16 (рекомендации местных жителей)
Vinaigrette Salad Kitchen
113 N Broadway
16 (рекомендации местных жителей)
Yes, it's an $11 salad, but it's really good — so much so that people are known to become obsessed with it for lunch. Part of a little local chain, they also serve great soups and the drinks are either organic ice tea or a variety of flavored lemonades.
Lots of folks agree that this is the best Mexican place in Lexington. A great mariachi band plays on Friday nights.
13 (рекомендации местных жителей)
El Rancho Tapatio
144 Burt Rd
13 (рекомендации местных жителей)
Lots of folks agree that this is the best Mexican place in Lexington. A great mariachi band plays on Friday nights.
A great little counter-service restaurant — owned by one of the Lexington's preeminent, James Beard Award-nominated chefs, Ouita Michel — in the middle of a bunch of horse farms. Quintessential Kentucky.
55 (рекомендации местных жителей)
Windy Corner Market
4595 Bryan Station Rd
55 (рекомендации местных жителей)
A great little counter-service restaurant — owned by one of the Lexington's preeminent, James Beard Award-nominated chefs, Ouita Michel — in the middle of a bunch of horse farms. Quintessential Kentucky.
The sister restaurant of Windy Corner (below), it's also owned by one of the Lexington's preeminent, James Beard Award-nominated chefs, Ouita Michel, and has an equally picturesque setting.
66 (рекомендации местных жителей)
Wallace Station Deli and Bakery
3854 Old Frankfort Pike
66 (рекомендации местных жителей)
The sister restaurant of Windy Corner (below), it's also owned by one of the Lexington's preeminent, James Beard Award-nominated chefs, Ouita Michel, and has an equally picturesque setting.
Quite possibly the best restaurant in Lexington. Serving pan-Latin tapas, it's owned and run by another prominent local chef, Jonathan Lundy. Try the chicken chicharron, queso blanco, papas en la latta, tres leches cake, caipirinha, and pretty much anything else on the menu.
62 (рекомендации местных жителей)
Corto Lima
101 W Short St
62 (рекомендации местных жителей)
Quite possibly the best restaurant in Lexington. Serving pan-Latin tapas, it's owned and run by another prominent local chef, Jonathan Lundy. Try the chicken chicharron, queso blanco, papas en la latta, tres leches cake, caipirinha, and pretty much anything else on the menu.
New restaurant in the renovated former Fayette County Courthouse. Modern take on Kentucky cuisine.
24 (рекомендации местных жителей)
Zim's Cafe
215 W Main St
24 (рекомендации местных жителей)
New restaurant in the renovated former Fayette County Courthouse. Modern take on Kentucky cuisine.
Great place for a nice dinner out.
24 (рекомендации местных жителей)
Epping's on Eastside
264 Walton Ave
24 (рекомендации местных жителей)
Great place for a nice dinner out.
If you want a fancy steakhouse, pick this classy restaurant over rival Jeff Ruby’s or the subpar Malone’s.
95 (рекомендации местных жителей)
Tony's of Lexington
401 W Main St
95 (рекомендации местных жителей)
If you want a fancy steakhouse, pick this classy restaurant over rival Jeff Ruby’s or the subpar Malone’s.
Award-winning chef Ouita Michel’s original restaurant is a nice, short drive from Lexington in picturesque Midway. Elevated Kentucky cuisine.
26 (рекомендации местных жителей)
Holly Hill Inn
426 N Winter St
26 (рекомендации местных жителей)
Award-winning chef Ouita Michel’s original restaurant is a nice, short drive from Lexington in picturesque Midway. Elevated Kentucky cuisine.
Divey restaurant with good food that’s very close to our place.
8 (рекомендации местных жителей)
Thoroughbred Restaurant
1483 Leestown Rd
8 (рекомендации местных жителей)
Divey restaurant with good food that’s very close to our place.
One of James Beard-nominated chef Ouita Michel’s restaurants. Upscale Kentucky cuisine. Sitting in an outdoor mall, it’s among her most accessible places.
10 (рекомендации местных жителей)
Honeywood Restaurant
110 Summit At Fritz Farm
10 (рекомендации местных жителей)
One of James Beard-nominated chef Ouita Michel’s restaurants. Upscale Kentucky cuisine. Sitting in an outdoor mall, it’s among her most accessible places.
The closest coffee place to our place. Locally owned.
Leestown Coffee House
1416 Leestown Rd
The closest coffee place to our place. Locally owned.

Drinks & Nightlife

In the summer, this divey little gem's idyllic setting on the banks of Town Branch creek is worthy of a fairytale.
17 (рекомендации местных жителей)
The Break Room
1178 Manchester St
17 (рекомендации местных жителей)
In the summer, this divey little gem's idyllic setting on the banks of Town Branch creek is worthy of a fairytale.
When the end of the world comes, the only things left will be cockroaches, Cher and The Bar Complex. It's been a gay bar since the 1950s, when Rock Hudson was known to visit; an unlikely disco palace in the 1970s and '80s with a dance floor designed by the Studio 54 peeps; and a drag revue in its most recent years. It's seen better days, but dip in here for a drink and a little LGBT history.
12 (рекомендации местных жителей)
The Bar Complex
224 E Main St
12 (рекомендации местных жителей)
When the end of the world comes, the only things left will be cockroaches, Cher and The Bar Complex. It's been a gay bar since the 1950s, when Rock Hudson was known to visit; an unlikely disco palace in the 1970s and '80s with a dance floor designed by the Studio 54 peeps; and a drag revue in its most recent years. It's seen better days, but dip in here for a drink and a little LGBT history.
Possibly one of the most amazing interior spaces in Lexington. A cavernous space with a huge bar inside a converted bourbon distillery. They serve great pizza, too.
80 (рекомендации местных жителей)
Goodfellas Distillery
1228 Manchester Street
80 (рекомендации местных жителей)
Possibly one of the most amazing interior spaces in Lexington. A cavernous space with a huge bar inside a converted bourbon distillery. They serve great pizza, too.
The granddaddy of Lexington's burgeoning (and possibly oversaturated) local brewing scene. Personal fave: the West Sixth amber. While you're there, grab a bite from Smithtown Seafood, a little counter-service restaurant inside the taproom; it's owned by James Beard Award-nominated chef Ouita Michel.
152 (рекомендации местных жителей)
West Sixth Brewing
501 W 6th St
152 (рекомендации местных жителей)
The granddaddy of Lexington's burgeoning (and possibly oversaturated) local brewing scene. Personal fave: the West Sixth amber. While you're there, grab a bite from Smithtown Seafood, a little counter-service restaurant inside the taproom; it's owned by James Beard Award-nominated chef Ouita Michel.

Parks & Nature

Lovely wide-open spaces, rolling hills, a nice playground, a huge dog park and riding stables
14 (рекомендации местных жителей)
Парк Мастерсон-Стейшн
3051 Leestown Road
14 (рекомендации местных жителей)
Lovely wide-open spaces, rolling hills, a nice playground, a huge dog park and riding stables
The state botanical garden is a popular destination for communing with nature. Check out the native plants, go for a walk on the myriad trails, or take your kids to the great Children's Garden.
97 (рекомендации местных жителей)
Арборетум, Государственный ботанический сад KY
500 Alumni Dr
97 (рекомендации местных жителей)
The state botanical garden is a popular destination for communing with nature. Check out the native plants, go for a walk on the myriad trails, or take your kids to the great Children's Garden.
The place where, legend has it, Lexington was founded. It's a lovely little nature park unfortunately surrounded by industrial businesses; you might think you're lost getting there.
43 (рекомендации местных жителей)
McConnell Springs
416 Rebmann Ln
43 (рекомендации местных жителей)
The place where, legend has it, Lexington was founded. It's a lovely little nature park unfortunately surrounded by industrial businesses; you might think you're lost getting there.
Elkhorn Creek is one of the most beautiful waterways around, and Canoe Kentucky can help you explore it.
23 (рекомендации местных жителей)
Canoe Kentucky
7323 Peaks Mill Rd
23 (рекомендации местных жителей)
Elkhorn Creek is one of the most beautiful waterways around, and Canoe Kentucky can help you explore it.
Lots of hiking trails bordering the Kentucky River.
107 (рекомендации местных жителей)
Raven Run Nature Sanctuary
3885 Raven Run Wy
107 (рекомендации местных жителей)
Lots of hiking trails bordering the Kentucky River.
STUNNING (all caps intended) nature area with jaw-dropping cliffs (known as a world-class rockclimbing destination), a natural bridge, hiking trails, etc. It's a hike (pun intended) from Lexington, but if you're in the area for a while and you love nature, this is a must-do.
185 (рекомендации местных жителей)
Red River Gorge
185 (рекомендации местных жителей)
STUNNING (all caps intended) nature area with jaw-dropping cliffs (known as a world-class rockclimbing destination), a natural bridge, hiking trails, etc. It's a hike (pun intended) from Lexington, but if you're in the area for a while and you love nature, this is a must-do.

Arts & Culture

Home of Studio Players, the oldest community theater troupe in Kentucky. A gem.
Studio Players at The Carriage House Theatre
154 W Bell Ct
Home of Studio Players, the oldest community theater troupe in Kentucky. A gem.
Gorgeous turn-of-the-last-century performance hall that hosts touring Broadway shows, concerts and more.
65 (рекомендации местных жителей)
Lexington Opera House
401 W Short St
65 (рекомендации местных жителей)
Gorgeous turn-of-the-last-century performance hall that hosts touring Broadway shows, concerts and more.
Check out the free contemporary art galleries on the first and second floors of this boutique hotel.
32 (рекомендации местных жителей)
21c Museum Hotel Lexington
167 W Main St
32 (рекомендации местных жителей)
Check out the free contemporary art galleries on the first and second floors of this boutique hotel.
Lexington's most significant art museum, tucked inside the Singletary Center for the Arts. Photography exhibits are especially well-done.
14 (рекомендации местных жителей)
University of Kentucky Art Museum
405 Rose St
14 (рекомендации местных жителей)
Lexington's most significant art museum, tucked inside the Singletary Center for the Arts. Photography exhibits are especially well-done.
Well-regarded, fully professional theater that produces work for children, including some original, commissioned works. A Lexington gem.
7 (рекомендации местных жителей)
Lexington Children's Theatre
418 W Short St
7 (рекомендации местных жителей)
Well-regarded, fully professional theater that produces work for children, including some original, commissioned works. A Lexington gem.
A replica of the home where legendary statesman and Lexingtonian Henry Clay lived. The house is kinda meh, but the grounds are lovely.
86 (рекомендации местных жителей)
Ashland - The Henry Clay Estate
120 Sycamore Rd
86 (рекомендации местных жителей)
A replica of the home where legendary statesman and Lexingtonian Henry Clay lived. The house is kinda meh, but the grounds are lovely.
Home of the Lexington Philharmonic, touring concerts and University of Kentucky-produced events.
11 (рекомендации местных жителей)
Otis A. Singletary Center for the Arts
405 Rose St
11 (рекомендации местных жителей)
Home of the Lexington Philharmonic, touring concerts and University of Kentucky-produced events.
Great live music in a cozy Distillery District spot
73 (рекомендации местных жителей)
The Burl
375 Thompson Rd
73 (рекомендации местных жителей)
Great live music in a cozy Distillery District spot
The premier community theater group in the region. The productions are often on par with professional troupes.
Woodford Theatre
275 Beasley Rd
The premier community theater group in the region. The productions are often on par with professional troupes.

Essentials

The full-service grocery nearest our rental. Recently expanded. Has a Starbucks inside.
96 (рекомендации местных жителей)
Kroger
704 Euclid Ave
96 (рекомендации местных жителей)
The full-service grocery nearest our rental. Recently expanded. Has a Starbucks inside.
You know what this is.
20 (рекомендации местных жителей)
Whole Foods Market
4059 Finn Wy
20 (рекомендации местных жителей)
You know what this is.
The nearest liquor store to Five Squared.
Leestown Wine and Spirits
1499 Leestown Rd
The nearest liquor store to Five Squared.
The nearest walk-in medical clinic to Five Squared. Inside Kroger.
The Little Clinic
1600 Leestown Rd
The nearest walk-in medical clinic to Five Squared. Inside Kroger.

Sightseeing

Possibly the most beautiful bourbon distillery in Kentucky, where there are a lot of beautiful bourbon distilleries. Picturesque. Plus the whole place smells like bourbon.
221 (рекомендации местных жителей)
Дистиллерия Woodford Reserve
7785 McCracken Pike
221 (рекомендации местных жителей)
Possibly the most beautiful bourbon distillery in Kentucky, where there are a lot of beautiful bourbon distilleries. Picturesque. Plus the whole place smells like bourbon.
Was she crazy or just misunderstood? Find out at this small museum house celebrating the first lady and Lexington native.
70 (рекомендации местных жителей)
Mary Todd Lincoln House
578 W Main St
70 (рекомендации местных жителей)
Was she crazy or just misunderstood? Find out at this small museum house celebrating the first lady and Lexington native.
A whole park that celebrates horses and gets you access to some famous racing names. It's a working horse farm, too.
329 (рекомендации местных жителей)
Кентуккийский конный парк
4089 Iron Works Pkwy
329 (рекомендации местных жителей)
A whole park that celebrates horses and gets you access to some famous racing names. It's a working horse farm, too.
Why Panera? George Clooney — yes, THE George Clooney — was born in Lexington. Until he was about 3 years old, he lived in a house on the site of what is now a Panera Bread. True story.
Panera Bread
2887 Richmond Rd
Why Panera? George Clooney — yes, THE George Clooney — was born in Lexington. Until he was about 3 years old, he lived in a house on the site of what is now a Panera Bread. True story.
Possibly Lexington's biggest draw for out-of-town visitors is this historic horseracing track, which has racing meets twice a year, in April and October. It's so picturesque (unlike most racetracks) that the movie Seabiscuit was filmed there. If you go, get decked out in your finest, wear a hat and get seats in the grandstand or, if you're connected, the clubhouse (general admission is for drunk college kids). Also check out the early Saturday morning event called Breakfast With the Works (which is fantastic for kids).
246 (рекомендации местных жителей)
Keeneland Race Track station
246 (рекомендации местных жителей)
Possibly Lexington's biggest draw for out-of-town visitors is this historic horseracing track, which has racing meets twice a year, in April and October. It's so picturesque (unlike most racetracks) that the movie Seabiscuit was filmed there. If you go, get decked out in your finest, wear a hat and get seats in the grandstand or, if you're connected, the clubhouse (general admission is for drunk college kids). Also check out the early Saturday morning event called Breakfast With the Works (which is fantastic for kids).
This bourbon distillery is relatively new but it’s the nearest stop on the Bourbon Trail to our Airbnb. What it lacks in ambience and old-Kentucky authenticity, it makes up for in proximity.
79 (рекомендации местных жителей)
Town Branch Distillery
401 Cross St
79 (рекомендации местных жителей)
This bourbon distillery is relatively new but it’s the nearest stop on the Bourbon Trail to our Airbnb. What it lacks in ambience and old-Kentucky authenticity, it makes up for in proximity.
It’s not the prettiest distillery near our place (that’d be Woodfore Reserve) but it’s likely the coolest. Unlike the tours at some places, here you will get thisclose to the action of a major distillery’s daily workings.
166 (рекомендации местных жителей)
Виски-дистиллерия Баффало Трейс
113 Great Buffalo Trce
166 (рекомендации местных жителей)
It’s not the prettiest distillery near our place (that’d be Woodfore Reserve) but it’s likely the coolest. Unlike the tours at some places, here you will get thisclose to the action of a major distillery’s daily workings.
Where else but in Kentucky can you visit a retirement home for horses?
48 (рекомендации местных жителей)
Old Friends Farm
1841 Paynes Depot Rd
48 (рекомендации местных жителей)
Where else but in Kentucky can you visit a retirement home for horses?
Beautiful, recently restored distillery on the banks of Glenns Creek.
76 (рекомендации местных жителей)
Castle & Key Distillery
4445 McCracken Pike
76 (рекомендации местных жителей)
Beautiful, recently restored distillery on the banks of Glenns Creek.
If you’re a Backstreet Boys fan, you might know that members Brian Littrell and Kevin Richardson were born in Lexington. But did you know that this church is where Brian first sang publicly? Fact.
Porter Memorial Baptist Church
4300 Nicholasville Road
If you’re a Backstreet Boys fan, you might know that members Brian Littrell and Kevin Richardson were born in Lexington. But did you know that this church is where Brian first sang publicly? Fact.

Entertainment & Activities

GORGEOUS 1920s movie theater that was recently restored. Seeing a movie here is a real treat.
67 (рекомендации местных жителей)
Kentucky Theatre
214 E Main St
67 (рекомендации местных жителей)
GORGEOUS 1920s movie theater that was recently restored. Seeing a movie here is a real treat.
See a University of Kentucky men's basketball game or a touring concert.
140 (рекомендации местных жителей)
Рапп Арена
430 W Vine St
140 (рекомендации местных жителей)
See a University of Kentucky men's basketball game or a touring concert.