Lexington’s culinary landscape continues to flourish, offering residents and visitors an array of new dining experiences. Here’s a look at some notable recent additions to the city’s vibrant food scene.
Ember: A New Downtown Steakhouse
Ember, an upscale steakhouse, has recently opened its doors at 101 W. Main St. in downtown Lexington. The restaurant features a diverse menu of steaks, seafood, and innovative cocktails, all prepared over a unique wood ember grill. Ember operates on a reservation-only basis, providing an intimate dining experience in the heart of the city.
Penny’s at Pomegranate: A Cozy Café Experience
Chef Ouita Michel and textile designer Angela Beck have collaborated to open Penny’s at Pomegranate, a charming café located in a courtyard on Clay Avenue. The café offers a mix of dine-in and grab-and-go options, featuring healthy, seasonally inspired dishes influenced by traditional Kentucky cuisine. Penny’s aims to serve as a community hub, emphasizing connection and social interaction through various neighborhood activities.
Ford’s Garage: Vintage Automotive Charm Meets Comfort Food
Ford’s Garage, a burger-and-craft-beer restaurant known for its 1920s automotive-themed décor, has opened a new location at 140 Rojay Drive in Fayette Mall. The restaurant offers a unique dining experience with a menu featuring gourmet burgers and a wide selection of craft beers, all set in a nostalgic atmosphere.
Carson’s Back Porch: An Upscale, Approachable Concept
Carson’s Back Porch is set to open on May 18 at 321 E. Vine St., offering a menu that emphasizes seafood and prime cuts of steak. This new venture from the owners of Carson’s Food & Drink aims to provide an upscale yet approachable dining experience in a renovated space that formerly housed Gus’s World Famous Fried Chicken.
Wild Eggs: Expanding Breakfast and Brunch Options
Wild Eggs, a contemporary breakfast, brunch, and lunch restaurant chain, has opened its third Lexington location at 4228 Saron Drive, Suite A. The new 4,700-square-foot restaurant continues the brand’s tradition of offering inventive takes on classic breakfast and brunch fare, including signature dishes like Kalamity Katie’s Border Benedict and the award-winning Kelsey’s KY Brown.
Chicken Salad Chick: A New Fast-Casual Option
Chicken Salad Chick has announced the opening of a new restaurant at 1956 Bryant Road in Lexington’s Hamburg area. Known for its variety of chicken salad flavors, the fast-casual concept offers in-restaurant dining, drive-thru, take-out, third-party delivery, and catering options. The grand opening is scheduled for October 21, with special promotions planned for the first week.
These new establishments reflect the dynamic and ever-evolving nature of Lexington’s dining scene, providing a range of options to suit diverse tastes and preferences.