Is it just us, or does eating outside make food taste better?
Catch some rays or laze in the shade at one of these 20+ Lexington patios. Pro tip: Don’t miss the shade level we’ve included for each of these locations.
Bars and breweries
The Grove | Partially shaded
You’ll forget you’re in the heart of town when you head to this wining and dining collective, where you can enjoy the outdoors with charcuterie from Fable or a cocktail from Harvey’s Bar.
Mirror Twin Brewing | Partially shaded
Enjoy a plethora of outdoor seating while sipping on a brew and eating a pizza from Rolling Oven.
Blue Stallion Brewing | 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 | Partially shaded
The retro pink and green tiki bar offers unique bar bites like mushroom + huitlacoche tacos, while specialty cocktails and zero proof “temperates” like the Patio Sipper put this spot on the map.
Lucy’s | Partially shaded
Whether you’re attending a concert at The Burl or feeding Ms. 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 | Partially shaded
Enjoy the outdoors (sorta) inside at the Bread Box, or venture out to the street side patio to really take in the historic neighborhood.
Wise Bird Cider Co. | 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 | 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, | 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 | 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.
Restaurants
Bear & The Butcher | 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 | 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 | 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 | Partially shaded
Bask in the city glow across from the Robert F. Stephens Courthouse plaza with seasonal, Latin-inspired small plates like smoked jackfruit empanadas, then savor, plus the margarita that won “Lexington’s Best” five years in a row.
Crank & Boom Ice Cream | Partially shaded
Eating ice cream outside seems like a given. Once you’ve grabbed a scoop from either Crank & Boom location head outside to enjoy a covered bench and plenty of people watching.
Doodles | 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 | Partially shaded
Become 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 | 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, | 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.
Goodfellas | Partially shaded
The Distillery District location of this regional 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 | 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 | Partially shaded
Grab a glass of rosé among the trees + a bite from its seasonal menu, then take a stroll through Michler’s florist.
Zim’s Cafe | Partially shaded
Another Ouita Michel-owned spot, this downtown restaurant creates local-inspired classic southern dishes with ample views of Main and Short Streets.
