Is it just us, or does eating outside make food taste better?
Catch some rays or laze in the shade at one of these 25+ Lexington patios. Pro tip: Don’t miss the shade level we’ve included for each of these locations.
Bars and breweries
The Grove, 200 W. Main St.
Partially shaded | You’ll forget you’re in the heart of town when you head to this business collective, where you can enjoy the outdoors with lunch from on-site food truck Luna’s and a cocktail from Harvey’s Bar.
Mirror Twin Brewing, 725 National Ave.
Partially shaded | Enjoy a plethora of outdoor seating while sipping on a brew and eating a pizza from Rolling Oven.
Blue Stallion Brewing, 610 W. 3rd St.
Partially shaded | Italian fare and fresh air? Sign us up. Here, you can relax in the covered outdoor seating while enjoying libations and our personal favorite, the Italian nachos from Yearling Kitchen.
Lost Palm, 941 Manchester St.
The retro pink and green tiki bar offers unique bar bites like alligator tacos el pastor, but cocktails like the hibiscus-forward Blinkers On really put this spot on top.
Lucy’s, 375 Thompson Rd.
Partially shaded | Whether you’re attending a concert at The Burl or feeding Mrs. Pacman quarters at its neighboring arcade, you can’t go wrong with dinner from this walk-up restaurant. Once you’ve got your food, enjoy sitting underneath the arcade’s awning or one of its many picnic tables with umbrellas.
Fuel your day with sunshine and brews. | Photo courtesy of West Sixth Brewing
West Sixth Brewing, 501 W. 6th St., Ste. 100
Partially shaded | Enjoy the outdoors (sorta) inside at the Bread Box, or venture out to the street side patio to really take in the history of this neighborhood.
Wise Bird Cider Co., 1170 Manchester St., Ste. 140
Partially shaded | Enjoy a view of Town Branch Creek underneath a patio umbrella or stay inside for a more protected outdoor dining experience when the garage doors are wide open. Be sure to grab a glass of cider and a meal from its on-site food trailer Little Fork.
Whole Foods Market, 4059 Finn Way
Partially shaded | If you want the outdoors to stay a little indoors, the patio at Whole Foods in the Summit is the ideal location. Hit up the hot bar for lunch, snag a drink from the bar, and enjoy plenty of seating, screened-in walls, and even outdoor patio heaters for when the temperature drops.
Coffee shops
Kenwick Table, 201 Owsley Ave.
Partially shaded | Choose your own adventure as you immerse yourself in the vibrant Kenwick neighborhood. Spend time on this coffee shop’s back patio surrounded by trees, or at one of its entrance tables for a European cafe vibe.
Brevede, 1170 Manchester St., Ste. 110
Partially shaded | Head inside to grab your carefully curated beverage alongside European treats, then venture under one of the patio umbrellas to take in those Distillery District views.
North Lime Coffee & Donuts, 3101 Clays Mill Rd.
Partially shaded | Nothing says fresh air like a coffee and donut pairing. No matter the weather, North Lime’s covered outdoor patio gives you the best of both worlds.
Restaurants
Azur, 3070 Lakecrest Cir., Ste. 550
Fully covered | Whether you’re looking to try from its seasonal menu or a special from its Chef’s series, like this month’s New England menu, your meal on Azur’s patio is guaranteed to be both thoughtfully curated and scenic.
Bear & The Butcher, 815 Euclid Ave.
Fully covered | Get a bird’s eye view of Chevy Chase neighborhood while enjoying a piled-high Bloody Mary and delicious American fare on the balcony of this restaurant. Heights not your thing? Covered street-level outdoor seating is also available.
Charlie Brown’s, 816 Euclid Ave.
Partially shaded | Although known for its library-inspired interior, this true Lexington staple is also home to a wonderful, covered outdoor space filled with greenery. Don’t forget to order the iconic hot pepper cheese bites.
Coles 735 Main, 735 E. Main St.
Fully covered | This elevated neighborhood restaurant has two outdoor seating options. The side porch is packed with tables + fully covered from above (complete with cafe lights), but you still get that fresh airflow. Opt for a more intimate cozy vibe on the front porch with banquet seating for large parties, heaters, and zippered windows.
Corto Lima, 101 W. Short St.
Partially shaded | Bask in the city glow across from the Robert F. Stephens Courthouse plaza with seasonal, Latin-inspired small plates, including smoked jackfruit empanadas and green chili mac n’ cheese.
Crank & Boom Ice Cream Lounge, 1210 Manchester St.
Partially shaded | Eating ice cream outside seems like a given. Once you’ve grabbed a scoop, head outside to one of the many covered picnic benches among the twinkling Distillery District cafe lights.
Doodles, 262 N. Limestone
Partially shaded | There’s no mistaking those bright orange umbrellas — comfort food is the name of the game here, so pick a seat and cozy up with an order of biscuits + gravy or a Kentucky hot brown quesadilla.
Dudley’s, 259 W. Short St.
Partially shaded | Be one with the liveliness + excitement of Short Street by snagging a seat at one of its street-level tables. Or, dine among the stars + beautifully designed greenery by requesting a reservation on the rooftop. Note: The outdoor dining options are limited to warmer weather months.
Local Taco, Multiple locations
Partially shaded | Boasting two locations, this fusion taco joint can successfully bring the outdoors inside with the pull of a garage door. Whether it’s a chilly fall day or a blistering summer afternoon, you can still enjoy the outdoors here.
East End Tap & Table, 333 E. Main St.
Partially shaded | If you like being in the mix of downtown, then this is your spot. This Asian-fusion restaurant offers ample seating on Main Street with umbrella coverage + a walk-up window. Bonus: Be sure to venture inside to see one of Lexington’s best bathrooms.
Goodfella’s, 1228 Manchester St.
Partially shaded | The Distillery District location of this local pizza chain has an outdoor seating space as big as its pies. With cafe lights + a cozy fire pit, it’s also a great place to gather ‘round when the temps drop.
The Goose, 170 Jefferson St.
Partially shaded | The spacious back patio with individual umbrellas and tables is the perfect place to get some fresh air (and fresh food) with your four-legged friends. The closed in side porch gives the vibe of dining al fresco with coverage from the elements.
Kentucky Native Cafe, 417 E. Maxwell St.
Grab a glass of rosé among the trees + a bite from its seasonal menu, then take a stroll through Michler’s florist.
La Taquiza Taqueria Centro, 630 E. Main St.
Partially shaded | Have an Instagram moment with your tacos + margaritas at this chic patio featuring lush greenery, vibrant signage, and a warm atmosphere.
Zim’s Cafe, 215 W. Main St.
Partially shaded | Another Ouita Michel-owned spot, this downtown restaurant creates local-inspired classic southern dishes with ample views of Main and Short Streets.
