Is it just us, or does eating outside make food taste better?
Catch some rays or laze in the shade at one of these 18 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 cup of joe from Nate’s Coffee Hideaway.
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
German fare, brews, and fresh air? Sign us up. Here, you can relax in the covered outdoor seating while enjoying libations and our personal favorite, the tomato bisque + grilled cheese from Salt & Vinegar.
Kismet | 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.
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 delicious, fresh 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
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? Street level covered outdoor seating is also available.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
