Commerce Lexington
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When people are finished shopping in and around Lexington, they can take a break at one of nearly 600 area eating and drinking establishments. From local favorites to chain restaurants, residents and visitors alike enjoy local traditions such as Derby Pie, hot browns and burgoo, as well as a wonderful mix of choices from seafood to Japanese to Italian, Mexican, and many more. New restaurants continue to pop up all over Lexington, catering to the area’s insatiable appetite for great food and drink.

Whether it’s too many options or just slow-arriving hunger pains, you’ll notice later dinner crowds in Lexington with restaurants seemingly busiest from about 7 to 9 p.m. – especially later in the week and on weekends. So, if you are looking to avoid a long wait or simply want a quieter atmosphere, the 5 to 7 p.m. timeframe is often a good choice. Restaurant crowds also directly correlate to large events in the area, such as University of Kentucky football and basketball games, Keeneland, and concerts and performances.

Fayette County bars and restaurants have been smoke-free since 2005 due to a clean indoor air ordinance passed by the city council. What does that mean for Lexington’s nightlife? Well, many of downtown’s bars and restaurants have adjusted with outdoor smoking areas, while crowds mingle on sidewalks between music sets.


If your business isn't here, contact us today to get listed!
  • Bakeries
  • Banquet Facility
  • Bar
  • Beer & Ale-Wholesale
  • Beverage Dist & Bottlers
  • Brewery
  • Candy & Confectionery
  • Caterers
  • Coffee Break Service & Supply
  • Coffee Roasters
  • Coffee Shop/Restaurant
  • Delicatessen
  • Distillery
  • Food Products
  • Food Service Management
  • Ice
  • Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt
  • Liquor Stores
  • Liquors-Wholesale
  • Meat
  • Mobile Food Trucks/Services
  • Night Clubs
  • Pizza (Delivery or Carry-Out Only)
  • Restaurant Companies
  • Restaurant Equipment
  • Restaurants
  • Wholesale - Meat & Meat Products
  • Wineries
Copyright © 2025 Commerce Lexington Inc., all rights reserved.
COMMERCE LEXINGTON® and the Commerce Lexington logo are registered trademarks of Commerce Lexington.
330 East Main Street, Suite 100, Lexington, Kentucky, 40507
Phone: (859) 254-4447
  • About
    • Message from the Board Chair
    • President's Message
    • Top Investors
    • Board of Directors
    • Racial Equity Pledge
    • Staff Directory
    • Find Our Offices | Parking
    • NEWS
  • Do Business
    • Business Directory
    • Economic Development
    • Minority Business Development >
      • Minority Business Directory
      • Procurement Opportunities
    • Business & Education Network
    • Resources >
      • Start a Business
      • Relocate a Business
      • Funding & Financing
      • Publications
  • Live & Work
    • Relocation Guide
    • Job Board
    • Getting Around
    • Demographics
    • Cost of Living
    • Lexington History
    • Lexington Rankings
    • Education >
      • Public Education
      • Private Education
    • Health Care
  • Advocacy
    • About Public Policy
    • Regional Plan
    • Your Government >
      • Local
      • State
      • Federal
    • Policy Statements & Key Issues
  • Membership
    • Member Benefits
    • Member Discounts
    • Member News
    • Sponsorship Opportunities
    • JOIN
  • Events
    • Events Calendar
    • Submit an Event
    • An Evening With Commerce Lexington
    • International Trip
    • EMERGE >
      • EMERGE Sessions
    • Leadership Visit >
      • Past Trips >
        • Salt Lake City 2024
        • Grand Rapids 2023
        • Tampa-St. Pete 2022
        • Austin 2021
        • Raleigh 2019
      • Impact
    • Regional Summit >
      • Regional Summit Agenda
    • Washington Fly-In
    • Salute to Small Business >
      • Past Award Winners
  • Connect
    • Become a Member
    • Peer Programming >
      • Business Owners Advisory Boards (BOAB)
      • Peer Groups
    • Emerging Leaders of the Bluegrass
    • Leadership Development >
      • Leadership Lexington >
        • Leadership Lexington Alumni Association
        • Projects 2024-25
        • 2025-2026 Class Roster
      • Leadership Central Kentucky >
        • Class Roster 2025-2026
        • LCK Alumni
    • Ambassador Program
  • FOUNDATION