Zaen's Guidebook
Food scene
The food is fantastic and it’s attached to local West Sixth Brewing Company.
48 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Smithtown Seafood
501 W 6th StThe food is fantastic and it’s attached to local West Sixth Brewing Company.
Goodfellas Distillery
1228 Manchester StreetCorto Lima
101 W Short StMartine's Pastries
400 E Third StGreat pastries and espresso
Pearl's
133 N LimestoneStella's Kentucky Deli
143 Jefferson StMinglewood
159 N LimestoneActivities
Located in the Horse Capital of the World, Keeneland is an internationally renowned racecourse and the Thoroughbred industry’s leading auction house. Founded in 1936, Keeneland’s mission is to continually invest in the industry and to preserve the tradition of Thoroughbred racing.
164 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Keeneland
4201 Versailles RoadLocated in the Horse Capital of the World, Keeneland is an internationally renowned racecourse and the Thoroughbred industry’s leading auction house. Founded in 1936, Keeneland’s mission is to continually invest in the industry and to preserve the tradition of Thoroughbred racing.
There have been horses on this ground for more than 200 years...
329 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Kentucky Horse Park
4089 Iron Works PkwyThere have been horses on this ground for more than 200 years...
Go throw some axes and drink some beer. Located in the distillery district. Great group activity!
16 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Battle Axes, LLC
164 Manchester StGo throw some axes and drink some beer. Located in the distillery district. Great group activity!
Get downtown every Thursday, April 5 – October 11, for Central Bank Thursday Night Live! Join thousands of your closest friends for live music, local food and beverage vendors, and the hottest party in town. The event takes place each week at the Fifth Third Bank Pavilion at Cheapside Park (251 W. Main St). This event is rain or shine.
6 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Thursday Night Live
215 W W Main StGet downtown every Thursday, April 5 – October 11, for Central Bank Thursday Night Live! Join thousands of your closest friends for live music, local food and beverage vendors, and the hottest party in town. The event takes place each week at the Fifth Third Bank Pavilion at Cheapside Park (251 W. Main St). This event is rain or shine.
Shopping
Lexington's premier boutique wine shop. Also featuring craft beer, liquor, cheese, charcuterie, fresh bread, coffee and gourmet sandwiches & salads.
37 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Wine + Market
486 W 2nd StLexington's premier boutique wine shop. Also featuring craft beer, liquor, cheese, charcuterie, fresh bread, coffee and gourmet sandwiches & salads.
If you’re a fan of bourbon then you’ll want to stop by Justins’ House of Bourbon. Their collection of bourbon is unlike any other place in Lexington. They offer tastings as well.
9 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Justins' House of Bourbon
601 W Main StIf you’re a fan of bourbon then you’ll want to stop by Justins’ House of Bourbon. Their collection of bourbon is unlike any other place in Lexington. They offer tastings as well.
Neighborhoods
JAMES E. PEPPER DISTILLERY
After lying abandoned for fifty years, this distillery is back. Using filtered limestone water from the historic distillery well, this place is one-of-a-kind. Tours are available at $20 per person and include the story of the historic brand, time in the distillery museum, a tour of the working distillery and a tasting of the award-winning whiskeys. You can even taste raw distillate right off the still, known as “White Dog,” and then take your tasting glass home. Be sure to take a look at the limestone well before you leave.
GOODFELLAS PIZZERIA
Marvel at the architectural splendor of this renovated distillery space, enjoy a drink from the craft cocktail bar and sink your teeth into a perfect slice of New York-Style pizza. A spiral staircase wraps around an old smokestack adorned with modern hanging lights and seating at the bottom. Upstairs, the mezzanine is complete with a pool table and cozy couches that overlook the restaurant. The impressive bar is stacked with over 200 varieties of bourbon. Outside, you’ll find string lights and bocce ball on an impressive patio alongside the Town Branch. Pizza is sold by the slice and pairs well with the enormous bread sticks. A stop to Goodfellas is a must if you’re in the area.
ETHEREAL BREWING
Ethereal brews its beer in a revitalized fermentation room and is the only brewery in town with a dedicated yeast lab. They’ve perfected the Belgian farmhouse and American craft beer, sparing no expense on ingredients or their brewing process. Their taproom selection spans from traditional craft staples (IPAs, Saisons, Witbiers) to ambitious out-of-the-norm brews. Head past the taproom to find a wall of dart boards and the occasional taco stand. And bring your pup, too.
MIDDLE FORK
Named one of Open Table’s “100 Hottest Restaurants for 2016” this restaurant is named after the middle fork of the Elkhorn River, on which Lexington was founded. Head Chef Mark Jensen’s seasonal menus offer distinct, bold flavors from local ingredients. Try an imaginative small plate like the ground-to-order Beef Tartar or a delicious vegetarian dish like the smoky Sweet Potatoes Breslin.
CRANK & BOOM ICE CREAM LOUNGE
Using 100% Kentucky dairy from JD Country Milk, and blackberries and strawberries from neighboring farms, Crank & Boom makes everything in house, from scratch—even their sauces and waffle cones. With inventive seasonal flavors popping up on the regular and fun ice cream cocktails, like the Stout Dreams which features Coffee Stout ice cream and Buffalo Trace bourbon cream, you’ll understand why locals rave about this place.
ELKHORN TAVERN
Make yourself at home in this intimate lodge-style bar and restaurant, located right next to Barrel House Distillery in the old barreling house of the historic distillery. They whip up inventive craft cocktails made exclusively from spirits distilled in-house. Be sure to try the burgoo, a classic Kentucky dish, or soak up the savory goodness of the full charcuterie board. It rotates various meats, cheeses and jams, and pairs perfectly with their seasonal cocktails.
BARREL HOUSE DISTILLERY
Located in the barreling house of the historic distillery property, Barrel House continues the tradition of old Kentucky distillers by producing quality bourbon with traditional methods. You can take a tour Wednesday through Sunday from 11 a.m. until 5 p.m., with tours starting on the hour and lasting about an hour. End your experience with a specialty drink at the lounge and taproom.
THE BURL
Originally built in 1926, this restored train depot is the ideal venue to enjoy live music acts from local and national bands. The natural acoustics and free-flowing vibes are all thanks to the original wood frame and open layout of the space. The intimate floorplan offers standing room only for most shows, with some seating at the full bar. Head outside to the firepit to get fresh air in between shows and keep an eye out for food trucks.
THE BURL ARCADE
This is where nostalgia kicks into full force. The Burl Arcade is a place for adults to feel like kids again. It’s filled with 1980s arcade games, flashing pinball machines, skee-ball and a wall of TVs beckoning you to pick up a controller (and play Super Mario Bros.). The full-bar with rotating drink specials and mojitos on draft add to the fun, too. Make sure to bring quarters, as most of the games require them. And then head next door to The Burl for live music.
THE LOCAL WAG
Located in between the Burl and the Burl Arcade you’ll find a doggy daycare that might just become your dog’s happy place. The Local Wag also has self-serve dog wash stations that include hairdryers, dog training lessons and nutrition consultations to keep your pup in shape. It’s a one-stop-shop for you and your furry friend.
THE BREAK ROOM
This is where you’ll find locals kicking back, sharing laughs and ordering drinks. Running along the Town Branch Creek, the covered patio leads to an outdoor stage for live music and firepits that always draw a crowd. You can usually find a food truck parked outside too, serving everything from tacos to Thai food.
THE PEPPER RICKHOUSE
The most prominent landmark in the Distillery District, the Rickhouse is a National Register 1936 building that once served as an aging warehouse for 100,000 barrels of bourbon. Today, the nearly one-acre ground floor is home to unique retail, a cidery, a brewery, hatchet throwing, outdoor entertainment, and the city's best deep tissue massage studio. Plans for the upper floors include a few different ways to live and play where the bourbon used to sleep--stay posted.
MANCHESTER MUSIC HALL
In the 1800s it was a bourbon warehouse for Old Tarr Distillery. Fast forward 200 years, it now serves as one of Lexington’s premier event and concert venues. As the Distillery Districts first business in the modern era, Manchester Music Hall attracts mid-level and legacy acts from all genres. Beyond concerts nearly every weekend, this venue often hosts beautiful weddings and unique corporate events as well.
MS REZNY STUDIO
This art studio gives serious collectors and art lovers alike the chance to talk with artists about their work and purchase fine art at affordable prices. The 1,500 square foot studio hosts juried competitions, features exhibits seasonally and proudly supports local artists.
OCULUS STUDIOS
Oculus is an award-winning marketing and advertising agency, creating meaningful marketing for local and national brands. You might recognize their work from various Ethereal Brewing beer can designs or the Kentucky Bourbon Barrel bottle design.
THE COOP
This is Marcia Park Cone’s art studio, where she paints mainly with oil and sculpts with clay. Apart from her studio you can find her works at local restaurants like Nick Ryan’s or even at the State Capitol in Frankfort.
DOGTOWN
Forget kennels, this doggy daycare is a fun place for your pet to play while you’re at work, out of town or in the mood to let your pup simply have a day for the dogs. Dogtown even requires an interview to ensure that your dog would be compatible with the others.
RELIC LEXINGTON
RELIC is a public warehouse of vintage, rustic, reclaimed “stuff.” We find things we think are pretty awesome and then share them with you hoping you will think they’re awesome too. Bourbon barrels, industrial furniture, vintage rugs. old signage, strange oddities- that’s what we do. We play our music loud and don’t take things too seriously. We like to offer Kentucky products made by Kentuckians in Kentucky. Come in and buy our stuff, or just hang out with us- we’re happy to see you either way!
WISE BIRD CIDER CO.
Wise Bird Cider Co. is committed to crafting small‑batch, heritage style hard ciders from heirloom apples. Their tap lineup features up to 8 house ciders and a selection of local craft beers. From dry single varietal ciders to bourbon barrel aged and dessert ciders, they’ve got something for everyone. Wise Bird Cider Co. is located in the 100-year old Pepper Rickhouse and has an industrial yet modern vibe with a sprawling patio overlooking the Town Branch Creek. Dogs and kids welcome.
FUSION BREWING
Fusion Brewing is Lexington's newest craft brewery, located in the Pepper Rickhouse. With a scientific approach to brewing, the in-house brews range from the traditional (English bitter, witbier) to the experimental (ale brewed with local wine grapes). These along with the selection of games and activities, with a welcoming patio, Fusion has something for everyone.
BATTLE AXES
Have you ever wanted to experience the feeling of an Axe in one hand and an ice cold Beer in the other? Well, look no further!
MASSAGE STRONG
Massage Strong is different from other massage offices. Our massage therapists focus on pain relief, injury therapy, and mobility. We aren't your typical spa, which is why you won't see any waterfalls in our lobby, and you may not hear music during your session. We are here to work with your body in a way to promote pain relief, healing, and functional progress. Come visit us at our distillery district location, and enjoy a night out with friends at our neighboring restaurants and bars.
8 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Manchester Street
Manchester StreetJAMES E. PEPPER DISTILLERY
After lying abandoned for fifty years, this distillery is back. Using filtered limestone water from the historic distillery well, this place is one-of-a-kind. Tours are available at $20 per person and include the story of the historic brand, time in the distillery museum, a tour of the working distillery and a tasting of the award-winning whiskeys. You can even taste raw distillate right off the still, known as “White Dog,” and then take your tasting glass home. Be sure to take a look at the limestone well before you leave.
GOODFELLAS PIZZERIA
Marvel at the architectural splendor of this renovated distillery space, enjoy a drink from the craft cocktail bar and sink your teeth into a perfect slice of New York-Style pizza. A spiral staircase wraps around an old smokestack adorned with modern hanging lights and seating at the bottom. Upstairs, the mezzanine is complete with a pool table and cozy couches that overlook the restaurant. The impressive bar is stacked with over 200 varieties of bourbon. Outside, you’ll find string lights and bocce ball on an impressive patio alongside the Town Branch. Pizza is sold by the slice and pairs well with the enormous bread sticks. A stop to Goodfellas is a must if you’re in the area.
ETHEREAL BREWING
Ethereal brews its beer in a revitalized fermentation room and is the only brewery in town with a dedicated yeast lab. They’ve perfected the Belgian farmhouse and American craft beer, sparing no expense on ingredients or their brewing process. Their taproom selection spans from traditional craft staples (IPAs, Saisons, Witbiers) to ambitious out-of-the-norm brews. Head past the taproom to find a wall of dart boards and the occasional taco stand. And bring your pup, too.
MIDDLE FORK
Named one of Open Table’s “100 Hottest Restaurants for 2016” this restaurant is named after the middle fork of the Elkhorn River, on which Lexington was founded. Head Chef Mark Jensen’s seasonal menus offer distinct, bold flavors from local ingredients. Try an imaginative small plate like the ground-to-order Beef Tartar or a delicious vegetarian dish like the smoky Sweet Potatoes Breslin.
CRANK & BOOM ICE CREAM LOUNGE
Using 100% Kentucky dairy from JD Country Milk, and blackberries and strawberries from neighboring farms, Crank & Boom makes everything in house, from scratch—even their sauces and waffle cones. With inventive seasonal flavors popping up on the regular and fun ice cream cocktails, like the Stout Dreams which features Coffee Stout ice cream and Buffalo Trace bourbon cream, you’ll understand why locals rave about this place.
ELKHORN TAVERN
Make yourself at home in this intimate lodge-style bar and restaurant, located right next to Barrel House Distillery in the old barreling house of the historic distillery. They whip up inventive craft cocktails made exclusively from spirits distilled in-house. Be sure to try the burgoo, a classic Kentucky dish, or soak up the savory goodness of the full charcuterie board. It rotates various meats, cheeses and jams, and pairs perfectly with their seasonal cocktails.
BARREL HOUSE DISTILLERY
Located in the barreling house of the historic distillery property, Barrel House continues the tradition of old Kentucky distillers by producing quality bourbon with traditional methods. You can take a tour Wednesday through Sunday from 11 a.m. until 5 p.m., with tours starting on the hour and lasting about an hour. End your experience with a specialty drink at the lounge and taproom.
THE BURL
Originally built in 1926, this restored train depot is the ideal venue to enjoy live music acts from local and national bands. The natural acoustics and free-flowing vibes are all thanks to the original wood frame and open layout of the space. The intimate floorplan offers standing room only for most shows, with some seating at the full bar. Head outside to the firepit to get fresh air in between shows and keep an eye out for food trucks.
THE BURL ARCADE
This is where nostalgia kicks into full force. The Burl Arcade is a place for adults to feel like kids again. It’s filled with 1980s arcade games, flashing pinball machines, skee-ball and a wall of TVs beckoning you to pick up a controller (and play Super Mario Bros.). The full-bar with rotating drink specials and mojitos on draft add to the fun, too. Make sure to bring quarters, as most of the games require them. And then head next door to The Burl for live music.
THE LOCAL WAG
Located in between the Burl and the Burl Arcade you’ll find a doggy daycare that might just become your dog’s happy place. The Local Wag also has self-serve dog wash stations that include hairdryers, dog training lessons and nutrition consultations to keep your pup in shape. It’s a one-stop-shop for you and your furry friend.
THE BREAK ROOM
This is where you’ll find locals kicking back, sharing laughs and ordering drinks. Running along the Town Branch Creek, the covered patio leads to an outdoor stage for live music and firepits that always draw a crowd. You can usually find a food truck parked outside too, serving everything from tacos to Thai food.
THE PEPPER RICKHOUSE
The most prominent landmark in the Distillery District, the Rickhouse is a National Register 1936 building that once served as an aging warehouse for 100,000 barrels of bourbon. Today, the nearly one-acre ground floor is home to unique retail, a cidery, a brewery, hatchet throwing, outdoor entertainment, and the city's best deep tissue massage studio. Plans for the upper floors include a few different ways to live and play where the bourbon used to sleep--stay posted.
MANCHESTER MUSIC HALL
In the 1800s it was a bourbon warehouse for Old Tarr Distillery. Fast forward 200 years, it now serves as one of Lexington’s premier event and concert venues. As the Distillery Districts first business in the modern era, Manchester Music Hall attracts mid-level and legacy acts from all genres. Beyond concerts nearly every weekend, this venue often hosts beautiful weddings and unique corporate events as well.
MS REZNY STUDIO
This art studio gives serious collectors and art lovers alike the chance to talk with artists about their work and purchase fine art at affordable prices. The 1,500 square foot studio hosts juried competitions, features exhibits seasonally and proudly supports local artists.
OCULUS STUDIOS
Oculus is an award-winning marketing and advertising agency, creating meaningful marketing for local and national brands. You might recognize their work from various Ethereal Brewing beer can designs or the Kentucky Bourbon Barrel bottle design.
THE COOP
This is Marcia Park Cone’s art studio, where she paints mainly with oil and sculpts with clay. Apart from her studio you can find her works at local restaurants like Nick Ryan’s or even at the State Capitol in Frankfort.
DOGTOWN
Forget kennels, this doggy daycare is a fun place for your pet to play while you’re at work, out of town or in the mood to let your pup simply have a day for the dogs. Dogtown even requires an interview to ensure that your dog would be compatible with the others.
RELIC LEXINGTON
RELIC is a public warehouse of vintage, rustic, reclaimed “stuff.” We find things we think are pretty awesome and then share them with you hoping you will think they’re awesome too. Bourbon barrels, industrial furniture, vintage rugs. old signage, strange oddities- that’s what we do. We play our music loud and don’t take things too seriously. We like to offer Kentucky products made by Kentuckians in Kentucky. Come in and buy our stuff, or just hang out with us- we’re happy to see you either way!
WISE BIRD CIDER CO.
Wise Bird Cider Co. is committed to crafting small‑batch, heritage style hard ciders from heirloom apples. Their tap lineup features up to 8 house ciders and a selection of local craft beers. From dry single varietal ciders to bourbon barrel aged and dessert ciders, they’ve got something for everyone. Wise Bird Cider Co. is located in the 100-year old Pepper Rickhouse and has an industrial yet modern vibe with a sprawling patio overlooking the Town Branch Creek. Dogs and kids welcome.
FUSION BREWING
Fusion Brewing is Lexington's newest craft brewery, located in the Pepper Rickhouse. With a scientific approach to brewing, the in-house brews range from the traditional (English bitter, witbier) to the experimental (ale brewed with local wine grapes). These along with the selection of games and activities, with a welcoming patio, Fusion has something for everyone.
BATTLE AXES
Have you ever wanted to experience the feeling of an Axe in one hand and an ice cold Beer in the other? Well, look no further!
MASSAGE STRONG
Massage Strong is different from other massage offices. Our massage therapists focus on pain relief, injury therapy, and mobility. We aren't your typical spa, which is why you won't see any waterfalls in our lobby, and you may not hear music during your session. We are here to work with your body in a way to promote pain relief, healing, and functional progress. Come visit us at our distillery district location, and enjoy a night out with friends at our neighboring restaurants and bars.