Best family-style eateries in Lexington area (Louisville, Frankfort: restaurants, price, shops)

[Micah Girl]

When we come to visit Lexington in May we want to visit the most authentic, local eateries to get a feel for the real bluegrass region. Mom & Pop diners, burger joints, soul food restaurants, locally owned ethnic restaurants, independent coffee shops, etc.

I am sure that there are lots of popular chains that everyone goes to (Cracker Barrel, Chili's, etc.) but I am hoping to find the local treasures during our short stay.

Thanks!

[kimmieyky]

Hi! So glad you are coming to visit!

Try the links below. The first is a 'forum' type site designed to discuss eateries in the area. The second is a site suggesting an actual itinerary for a weekend visit to the Lexington area. It includes, restaurants, things to do, etc. I think between the two you will find what you are looking for!

If you make it to Louisville - you HAVE to go to Jenny's Diner on Frankfort avenue! The biggest, best burgers in the world! (in my opinion!)

http://www.chowhound.com/topics/368098

http://www.visitlex.com/pdf/207SampleItineraries.pdf (broken link)

Happy traveling!

[Micah Girl]

Originally Posted by kimmieyky

Hi! So glad you are coming to visit!

Try the links below. The first is a 'forum' type site designed to discuss eateries in the area. The second is a site suggesting an actual itinerary for a weekend visit to the Lexington area. It includes, restaurants, things to do, etc. I think between the two you will find what you are looking for!

If you make it to Louisville - you HAVE to go to Jenny's Diner on Frankfort avenue! The biggest, best burgers in the world! (in my opinion!)

http://www.chowhound.com/topics/368098

http://www.visitlex.com/pdf/207SampleItineraries.pdf (broken link)

Happy traveling!

Thanks for the links Kimmie.

[highliner]

to Micah Girl: three places well worth trying are as follows; The Meadowthorpe Cafe, on Leestown Road near Forbes Road ( next to the Speedway gas station) ,it has been there since April of 1953, and is a classic country style cafeteria service restaurant; and the Loudon Square Buffet, at the corner of North Broadway and Loudon Avenue, in business since about 1975. Both are excellent mom&pop type places. Also try Joe Bologna's Italian restaurant in the old, restored orthodox synagogue on Maxwell Street at South Limestone Street, next to the now-closed Huddle House(good riddance), its been around since about 1969. Happy eating!

[Micah Girl]

Originally Posted by highliner

to Micah Girl: three places well worth trying are as follows; The Meadowthorpe Cafe, on Leestown Road near Forbes Road ( next to the Speedway gas station) ,it has been there since April of 1953, and is a classic country style cafeteria service restaurant; and the Loudon Square Buffet, at the corner of North Broadway and Loudon Avenue, in business since about 1975. Both are excellent mom&pop type places. Also try Joe Bologna's Italian restaurant in the old, restored orthodox synagogue on Maxwell Street at South Limestone Street, next to the now-closed Huddle House(good riddance), its been around since about 1969. Happy eating!

Just the descriptions make me hungry! Thanks for the tips.

[XRay]

Mellow Mushroom Pizza dowtown, I think on Maxwell street across from UK, is the best pizza in town with a cool environment to boot.

The best hamburger in town is actually at a bar and grill, the Lynagh's Shamrock pub on Patchen drive. Can't beat the O'round!

The best Italian has got to be Guiseppie's (sp?) on outbound Nicholasville road. Call for reservations, and watch carefully for it on the left as it's easy to miss.

The best Chinese food is Asian Wind in Palomar Center off Man O'War and Harrodsburg Road.

Mexican food is always the same anywhere you go, nothing really special around here either.

[Micah Girl]

Originally Posted by XRay

Mellow Mushroom Pizza dowtown, I think on Maxwell street across from UK, is the best pizza in town with a cool environment to boot.

The best hamburger in town is actually at a bar and grill, the Lynagh's Shamrock pub on Patchen drive. Can't beat the O'round!

The best Italian has got to be Guiseppie's (sp?) on outbound Nicholasville road. Call for reservations, and watch carefully for it on the left as it's easy to miss.

The best Chinese food is Asian Wind in Palomar Center off Man O'War and Harrodsburg Road.

Mexican food is always the same anywhere you go, nothing really special around here either.

I think good Mexican is hard to find anywhere. I like Mexican from Southern CA but haven't had good luck with it anywhere else.

[Wildcat]

If you enjoy the old-fashioned drive-in atmosphere you've got to check out Parkette Drive In on New Circle Road. It's been located in the same spot for over 55 years! It's good drive-in chow. If it wasn't they would have gone out of business long ago, lol

[Micah Girl]

Originally Posted by Wildcat

If you enjoy the old-fashioned drive-in atmosphere you've got to check out Parkette Drive In on New Circle Road. It's been located in the same spot for over 55 years! It's good drive-in chow. If it wasn't they would have gone out of business long ago, lol

Sounds like Happy Days! Thanks for the tip.

[XRay]

The Parkette does have a certain "American Graffitti" type of charm and is a good place to see some nice cars and bikes on summer 'cruise nights.' The service is fast and friendly and the price is low, but the food absolutely SUCKS!! There's plenty of good, independant hamburger/short order joints here in town. Look at the Parkette, enjoy the atmosphere, maybe have ice cream but avoid the rest of the menu and save yourself the indigestion.