You won’t miss the meat with this protein packed Asian Bowl from East End Tap & Table. | Photo by East End Marketing
Our local food scene is as vibrant as ever, so it’s no surprise there are a slew of local chefs serving up fresh, vegetarian and vegan bites across town. From vegetarian BBQ to scrumptious vegan tacos, here are 18 restaurants serving up meat-free and plant-based fare in Lexington.
🧁 Satisfy your sweet tooth
North Lime Coffee & Donuts | Sip on an oat milk latte or herbal iced tea, then sink your teeth into daily vegan donut flavors like spice cake or strawberries + cream.
The Press Juice & Health Bar | From smoothies and juices to salads and wraps, this Woodland neighborhood favorite is full of veggie power.
Dive into The Mermaid Bowl at The Press. | Photo by LEXtoday
🥙 Casual eating
DV8 Kitchen | This all-day breakfast joint also has lunch items like the Mediterranean veggie sandwich, curry veggie tacos, and fresh salads. City Editor Sam would also like to remind you that, technically, DV8’s cinnamon rolls are vegetarian, too.
Vinaigrette Salad Kitchen | Forks up for this filling salad menu with two completely vegan bowls — the Vegan Power Salad + Pharaoh Grain Bowl.
Bluegrass Jam | 6 p.m. | Blue Stallion Brewing Co. | Free | Bring your instrument and join in this monthly acoustic jam for bluegrass, Americana, and folk musicians of all ages + skill levels.
Guided Bourbon Tasting | 6:30-7:30 p.m. | Granddam at The Manchester | $40 | Find your favorite bourbon as you explore the process, quality + taste profiles of Kentucky’s smoothest spirit.
Wednesday, May 7
Learn + Go: Gardening | 3-4:30 p.m. | Jessamine County Public Library, Nicholasville | Free | Learn about the gardening resources available from the Jessamine County Public Library + take a home a starter plant for your garden.
“Big Trouble in Little China” | 7:40 p.m. | Kentucky Theatre | $8 | Kurt Russell plays a truck driver caught in a bizarre conflict in San Francisco’s Chinatown in this 1986 cult classic presented by Get HAAPI KY.
Thursday, May 8
Jazz at the Library: Mike Wade Bebop Quintet | 7-8:15 p.m. | Central Library, Farish Theater | Free | Lexington musicians make a joyful noise during the next installment of this monthly event, now in its 16th season.
“The Book of Will” | Thursday, May 8-Sunday, May 25 | Times vary | Studio Players at the Carriage House | $18+ | Enjoy opening night of this family-friendly comedy featuring local actors and a fascinating story about how Shakespeare’s works survived into the 21st century.
Saturday, May 24
Chamber Music Festival of the Bluegrass | Saturday, May 24-Sunday, May 25 | 11 a.m.-6 p.m. | Shaker Village of Pleasant Hill, Harrodsburg | $48+ | Join New York’s Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center for four performances on Memorial Day Weekend at Shaker Village in Harrodsburg.*
Gather your loved ones to celebrate Lexington’s 250th birthday
Presented by VisitLEX
Let VisitLEX help you plan the ultimate staycation featuring the best of what’s right in our backyard. | Photos courtesy of Richie Wireman, Amani Nichae | HoneySage Photography Co., and Mary Jane Speer
It’s “Come Home Month” in the Bluegrass, and 250LEX is calling on locals to invite friends and family to experience 30 days of unforgettable events. Think: Pride, Railbird, Spirit in the Bluegrass, SoulFeast Week, and more — all on top of Lexington’s usual June charm.
A neighborhood grocery & pharmacy is coming to Florence Avenue, featuring locally grown and seasonal fresh produce. Watch Ashley Smith, Executive Director of Black Soil, as she explains the importance of the project, set to open Saturday, June 7 at 2 p.m. (Lexington Herald-Leader)
Health
Calling all educators, Burn Boot Camp is offering a free week of classes in honor of Teacher Appreciation week — just stop by with your teacher ID. Not a teacher? You can still unlock a one-day free trial.
State
$13.8 billion. That was Kentucky tourism’s economic impact in 2024, according to Governor Andy Beshear. In this video celebrating National Travel & Tourism Week, Beshear goes on to say more than 90,000 jobs in the bluegrass rely on the growing industry.
Seasonal
Mother’s Day is Sunday, May 11 and Unify Coffee Co wants to celebrate the caffeine enthusiast in your life. Send your favorite mocha maniac a Mother’s Day Bundle, featuring a local bouquet from Agape fields. Act fast, your pre-order period ends this Thursday at 12 p.m.
Eat
Good news for those seeking Southern Comfort (food, that is) in downtown LEX — Nic & Norman’s has expanded its hours. Satisfy late-night cravings with brisket nachos or the Frito chili smashburger.
Active
The Girls on the Run Central Kentucky 5K is this Saturday, May 10 at 9 a.m. at Kroger Field. This is your last chance to volunteer or register for this set-your-own-pace event focused on celebrating outdoor movement.
Biz
Spring cleaning without the stress? Yes, please.This top-rated service provider specializes in residential and light commercial exterior care, offering everything from window cleaning and pressure washing to holiday lighting. Reclaiming your weekends has never been easier — request a quote.*
Travel
Manifest your best summer yet: Score this rare ~$1,000 travel card bonus and plan your dream beach vacation in a hydrangea-enveloped coastal mansion worthy of a cameo in “The Summer I Turned Pretty.” (Swoons.)*
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Featured Deal
To celebrate Small Business Week, we’re offering small business owners 20% off purchases in our Self-Service Ad Portal. Use the discount code SMALLBIZ at checkout through Sunday, May 11.
The Buy
Support small businesses from across the globe with one-of-a-kind products from Etsy. We love this customizable burger stamp for leveling up summer grill outs. Bonus: The artisan seller also offers a custom ice stamp so you can elevate upcoming cocktail nights.
As much as I love writing, I love reading even more. That’s why for Small Business Week I plan to swing by Lexington’s independent bookstores to pick up some fresh reads. After all, without a pile of books on my nightstand, how will I get any sleep?
Answered
Answered
Which race horse is *not* a Triple Crown winner?
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