If you’re a fan of Food Network or just a devotee of spiky-haired, goatee-clad television hosts, you’ve probably seen an episode or two of “Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives.” It’s been a staple of the channel since 2007 and boasts more than 400 episodes, with restaurateur Guy Fieri traveling the country searching for casual spots with delicious food.
Fieri has stopped in the area before, but only one of the restaurants he’s visited is still open today: Wallace Station, the Kentucky-centric deli and bakery located in Versailles.
So we’d like to propose that the “King of Flavortown” make his triumphant return to Lexington and stop at these well-loved restaurants. If you’re reading this, Food Network, you’re welcome.
Doodles
This NoLi mainstay has offered “comfort food with a conscience” with a reliance on locally sourced ingredients for 16 years. We think Guy would love pigging out on an order of Pigs & Puffs (bacon-topped beignets) or a Kentucky Hot Brown quesadilla at this all day breakfast joint. For lunch, we highly recommend the Doodle Dog or B.E.L.T. — a typical bacon, lettuce, and tomato sandwich upgraded with an omelette-style egg.
Sam’s Hot Dog Stand
No relations to City Editor Sam, this regional chain has three locations in Lexington. The Limestone store has significant ties to Lexington’s LGBTQ+ community, and appeals to appetites of all shapes and sizes from the politicians and downtown lawyers looking for lunch, to college kids and party people in need of late night bites. While the menu is always in flux, you can count on all-beef dogs, steamed buns, and fresh coleslaw made daily.
Tolly Ho
This late-night spot is a staple for college students and alumni looking to relive their glory days. Although many corners of town have served as home to Tolly Ho, its menu has stayed tried and true with its family of burgers: The Tolly Ho, The Super Ho, and the Mega Ho. Plus, get that full diner experience with one of its loaded milkshakes — we love the banana pudding.
Blue Skillet
Soul food is the name of the game at this East End restaurant. Choose your own main course from catfish to Salisbury steak, then finish out your comfort meal by adding a side of mashed potatoes, mac + cheese, green beans, and more.
If you can’t trust Dad with your sandwich picks, then who can you trust? | Photo by @libbys_food_mood
Dad’s Favorites Deli
This unassuming spot inside of the Garden Springs Shopping Center is guaranteed to pack a punch of flavor. Go with one of the daily specials (like Wednesday’s Cuban) or everyday menu items such as its Asiago pot roast sandwich served with roasted red pepper sauce.
Now listen — Lexington’s restaurant scene could fill a whole “Triple D” season, so our episode is only scratching the surface. We want to know where you would send Guy Fieri if he were to roll into town.
Let us know your favorite local diners, drive-ins, and dives by emailing us, and we may include them in an upcoming newsletter.
