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🥘 Bites of history in Lexington
Stained glass windows make for a unique experience at Joe Bologna’s. | Photo courtesy of Joe Bologna’s
If there’s one thing Lexingtonians have always done well, it’s food. Take a trip down memory lane as we spotlight the five oldest restaurants in town — plus the menu items that have kept locals coming back for generations.
Columbia Steak House, 201 N. Limestone | Raise your hand if you’ve had a “Nighthawk” special. This local steakhouse has been serving garlic-butter steaks, Diego salads, baked potatoes, and honey-butter rolls since 1948.
Thoroughbred Restaurant, 1483 Leestown Rd. | Serving home-cooked comfort food since 1954, this long-running restaurant is Bluegrass through and through. Arguably home to one of the best Hot Browns in town, you can always count on the classics — or switch it up as the menu rotates.
Burgers Shakes, 219 E. New Circle Rd. | Burgers, shakes, and they don’t break the bank... need we say more? This quick service, walk-up burger joint opened in 1957 and it’s still a local favorite. Its classic menu includes burgers, a fish sandwich, a chicken sandwich, dogs, a grilled cheese, fries, and shakes.
A greener way to grab your coffee (and help our community)
Presented by LFUCG Environmental Services
Lexington is aiming to achieve net zero by 2050 — and remembering your reusable cup is an easy place to start. | Photos provided by Live Green Lexington
Meet the Green Cup — aka the reusable mug or thermos you already own. And let’s be real: there’s probably a Yeti, Hydro Flask, or Stanley in there already.
Live Green Lexington and Lexington’s Sustainability Section have partnered with several local coffee shops to offer reusable cup discounts through a new program called Green Cup.
And while a discount is nice, the impact goes beyond saving a few bucks.
Disposable hot coffee cups are lined with plastic, and cold cups are made of it — meaning microplastics can leach into your drink.
Environmentally, the impact adds up fast: about 136 million disposable paper cups end up in US landfills every day. In our community alone, that’s roughly 22,475 cups daily.
So how do you take part? Bring your reusable cup to a participating coffee shop and take advantage of the discount while helping reduce waste and microplastics.
Calling all fans of Hawaiian-inspired cuisine.Hawaiian Bros Island Grill has plans to open five Kentucky locations, including two in Lexington. Lexington’s first location is slated to open in 2026. The menu features lunch plates with pork, chicken, and macaroni salad. (Lexington Herald-Leader)
Civic
Reminder: There will be no city waste collection on Monday, Jan. 19 due to the Martin Luther King Jr. holiday. Residents who typically receive a Monday pickup will be rescheduled for Wednesday, Jan. 21.
Health
A $499,000 federal grant from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration has been reinstated for Lexington, funding Narcan supplies and the salaries of two employees who support distribution efforts.
Cause
In recognition of National Human Trafficking Month, DV8 Kitchen is teaming up with Natalie’s Sisters throughout January to gather new twin-size blankets for women receiving support services after exploitation. Drop off a blanket at either DV8 location by Saturday, Jan. 31 and enjoy a complimentary sourdough pancake.
Seasonal
Be the star of your Galentine’s Day party with Midway Art Studio’s take-n-bake Hot Cinnamon Swirls. Midway Bakery’s dough meets spiked cinnamon icing + Red Hot sprinkles — the ultimate sweet‑and‑spicy treat.
Drink
Leestown Coffee’s newest specialty drink drops Monday, Jan. 19., and it’s not your typical winter treat. Introducing: The sweet corn latte, featuring house-made browned butter syrup + sweet corn cold foam.
Finance
Planning your finances doesn’t have to be complicated. Gratz Park Private Wealth offers thoughtful guidance designed around what matters most to you, with the warmth and discretion of a trusted private‑client partnership. Learn more and start the year with confidence.*
Many locals have fond memories tied to Lexington’s longest-running restaurants. I’ll go first: during Joe Bologna’s 50th anniversary celebration, I had the chance to talk with Joe himself about his journey — and hear from employees and longtime customers about what makes Joe B’s so special.
Now it’s your turn. Take a trip down memory lane and share your favorite restaurant memories by replying to this newsletter. We may feature them in a future edition.
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