Whether you call it the Athens of the West or the Horse Capital of the World, this city is also the perfect place to have a good drink at some of the best bars in Lexington.
Enjoy local flair, a full list of wines from all parts of the world, and an upscale environment at Enoteca in Lexington. Get local favorites from the appetizer menu liked stuffed mushrooms and braised Brussels sprouts to enjoy with your favorite glass of wine or just go for a tray of high-end cheeses to nibble on while you experiment with different wine choices from the menu.
Enoteca
191 Jefferson St.
(859) 687-0346
Yelp: 4 stars, 72 reviews
More than just an airport restaurant, the Kentucky Ale Taproom is the perfect place to enjoy a good pint--even if you are just coming in off a flight. Enjoy a good taste of Kentucky at the bar by choosing from a list of bourbons or have an imported cold one with some good food on the side, such as stuffed mushrooms and locally farm-raised jumbo shrimp platters.
Kentucky Ale Taproom
Blue Grass Airport, 4000 Terminal Dr.
(859) 254-7201
Yelp: 3 stars, 22 reviews
You can't get the best of bars in Lexington without at least catching one Wildcat game at a favorite sports bar, and Paulie's Toasted Barrel is the perfect place. Watch games on one of many big screens in the bar while you enjoy good beer, great food, and a fun Wildcat-Proud environment. Paulie's Toasted barrel keeps the fresh beer availability new every week with a rotating tap, so you will definitely want to take more than one trip to this place.
Paulie's Toasted Barrel
517 West Main Street
(859) 327-3333
Yelp: 3 stars, 13 reviews
If you want a taste of Kentucky bourbon, you need a bar that knows their stuff, and that is just what you find when you walk into Henry Clay's Public House in the northern section of the city. This quaint bar hosts a whole list of state-made whiskey varieties, as well as a few from around the globe. Enjoy live music every weekend and freshly popped popcorn available around the clock for no charge at all.
Henry Clay's Public House
11 North Upper St.
(859) 368-7754
Yelp: 4 stars, 22 reviews
Enjoy craft beer at its finest or a whole list of other cocktails, wines, and drinks in a warm and inviting spot known as The Beer Trappe. Conveniently located downtown, this quiet watering hole is just right when you need to melt a few of your daily work stresses away. There is no doubt you will leave in a better mood than what you were when you came in.
The Beer Trappe
811 Euclid Ave.
(859) 309-0911
Yelp: 4.5 stars, 46 reviews
Al's Bar may look like a tiny little hole in the wall, but this local-favorite dive is full of surprises. From live music after 10 p.m. to great food and appetizers, Al's is pleasing to patrons for a lot of different reasons. Try some sweet potato fries alongside a "Bourbon 'n Water," or go all out and nab a local bison burger with a glass of award-winning wine.
Al's Bar
601 North Limestone
(859) 309-2901
Yelp: 4 stars, 35 reviews
With favorite dishes like "Bacon in a Glass" and cocktails dubbed with interesting names like "The Boy Scout", OBC Kitchen is one cocktail bar you won't want to miss. This is one of the friendliest places in town, according to the locals, and the food and drinks will never disappoint.
OBC Kitchen
3373 Tates Creek Rd.
(859) 977-2600
Yelp: 4.5 stars, 69 reviews
Head on over to Crossings in downtown Lexington where a smiling bartender and welcoming gay-friendly atmosphere complements good food, fresh drinks and cocktails, and even karaoke on some nights. Whether you come here to see how well you can carry a tune or want to meet new friends in the LGBT community, Crossings is the perfect culmination of entertainment and fun.
Crossings
117 North Limestone
(859) 233-7266
Yelp: 3 stars, 2 reviews
Conveniently located in the lower-end of downtown, Grey Goose is a new bar in the community, but definitely one that will be a hit for the coming year and every year after. This place has a fresh and inviting ambience, a classic in-house bar, and an outdoor patio area where the atmosphere is a bit more laid back. Enjoy fresh salads, like the grilled wedge salad, while you sip on local wines.
Grey Goose Bar
170 Jefferson St.
(859) 233-1500
Yelp: 3.5 stars, 69 reviews
If alcoholic beverages are not your thing, or you just need a healthy break after hitting up all the local watering holes, make sure you stop by the Weekly Juicery for a fresh fruit smoothie or juicy concoction. Locals dig the cool names, like "DeBos Remedy" and "Orange You Happy," but even more cool is the juices can be taken home for later in a glass bottle. You can even sign up for a subscription of your favorite juices and smoothies to be picked up on a regular schedule.
The Weekly Juicery
436 Old Vine St.
(859) 368-8000
Yelp: 4.5 stars, 21 reviews
