Manchester Coffee 

Specialty coffee roaster/café near the East End with a clean, relaxed vibe and plenty of seating. Great for quality espresso before sessions or a quiet morning reset. 

Typical hours: Mon–Fri 7am–4pm; Sat–Sun 8am–4pm 

Old School Coffee

A fun local coffee shop in a restored schoolhouse with “school-themed” drinks and pastries. Easy downtown option for coffee, croissants, and a light breakfast. 

Typical hours: Daily 7am–5pm 

The Greenery Coffee 

A cozy downtown coffee-and-social space filled with plants and a welcoming atmosphere. Good for coffee, tea, pastries, and a quick work session. 

Typical hours: Mon–Fri 8am–3pm; Sat 8:30am–3pm; Sun closed 

Lussi Brown Coffee 

Local coffee bar with house syrups, creative drinks, and coffee cocktails after noon. Note that indoor seating becomes 21+ starting at noon during bar service. 

Typical hours: Tue–Sun 7am–7pm; Mon closed

Doodles 

Locally sourced breakfast/lunch spot in NoLi with Southern/New Orleans-inspired comfort food. Known for biscuits, shrimp & grits, beignets, and patio seating. 

Typical hours: Tue–Sun 8am–2pm; Mon closed 

Kenwick Table

Community-focused coffee shop and wine bar in the Kenwick neighborhood. A nice off-downtown option for coffee, pastries, small plates, and evening hangs. 

Typical hours: Mon–Thu 7am–8pm; Fri–Sat 7am–10:30pm; Sun varies/closed

Pearl’s Bagels 

Downtown bagel breakfast from Pearl’s, with small-batch, hand-rolled, honey-boiled, wood-fired bagels. Great for a casual breakfast sandwich or coffee stop. 

Typical hours: Wed–Sun 8am–1pm; Mon–Tue closed

Frank’s Donuts 

No-frills donut shop with fresh, classic donuts and early hours. Easy choice for a quick grab-and-go breakfast. 

Typical hours: Daily 5am–1pm

DV8 Kitchen 

Mission-driven breakfast/lunch spot with baked goods, cinnamon rolls, breakfast sandwiches, and hearty lunch options. East End location is especially convenient. 

Typical hours: Mon–Fri 7am–2:30pm; Sat–Sun 8am–3pm

Minton’s 

Popular brunch spot with Southern-inspired breakfast/lunch and weekend dinner service. Good for groups who want a relaxed brunch outside the hotel zone. 

Typical hours: Tue–Sun 9am–3pm; dinner Fri–Sat; Mon closed 

West Sixth 

Lexington staple brewery with a broad tap list and Smithtown Seafood next door for food. Great casual group option with indoor and outdoor seating. 

Typical hours: Sun–Wed 11am–10pm; Thu–Sat 11am–11pm

Ethereal Brewing (And Public House)

Distillery District brewery with a fun patio scene and a wide range of beer styles. Easy to pair with nearby food and entertainment. 

Typical hours: Mon–Thu noon–11pm; Fri noon–midnight; Sat 11am–midnight; Sun noon–10pm 

Burl Brew 

Brewery on The Burl campus with game-day energy, arcade access, live music nearby, and big screens. Great for groups looking for beer plus entertainment. 

Typical hours: Mon–Thu 4–11pm; Fri–Sat 11am–midnight; Sun 11am–11pm 

The Beer Trappe 

Cozy craft beer bar and bottle shop in Chevy Chase with deep beer selection and knowledgeable staff. Best for beer enthusiasts who want something interesting. 

Typical hours: Mon–Thu 4–10pm; Fri–Sat 11am–11pm; Sun 1–10pm

Darling Wine Bar

A full-service wine bar and bottle shop in Greyline Station dedicated to making wine approachable and fun. The constantly changing wine list, knowledgeable staff, and casual atmosphere make it one of Lexington's best spots for discovering natural wines.

Typical Hours: Tue–Thu 4pm–10pm; Fri–Sat 2pm–11pm; Sun 2pm–9pm; Mon closed.

The Willow Wine Bar

A sophisticated yet welcoming wine bar in the Warehouse Block featuring curated wines, cocktails, wellness programming, and community events. The stylish interior, comfortable seating, and relaxed ambiance make it ideal for networking, informal meetings, or a leisurely evening downtown.

Typical Hours: Mon–Wed 10am–9pm; Thu 10am–10pm; Fri–Sat 10am–10:30pm; Sun noon–7pm.

Ona 

Low-lit cocktail bar tucked away on Church Street with a cozy, artsy vibe. Great for a quieter cocktail stop after dinner. 

Typical hours: Daily 5pm–1am 

Constitution 

Prohibition-style speakeasy entered through a bookstore-style front. Best for crafted cocktails, reservations, and a more elevated lounge experience. 

Typical hours: Typically Thu–Sun; varies by reservation calendar 

Chevy Chase Inn 

Historic neighborhood dive bar and Lexington institution dating back to 1933. Best for a no-frills local bar experience away from downtown crowds. 

Typical hours: Mon–Thu 2pm–midnight; Fri 2pm–2am; Sat 11am–2am; Sun 3:30pm–11pm 

Charlie Brown’s 

Cozy Chevy Chase bar/restaurant with couches, fireplaces, bookshelves, burgers, and late-night charm. Great for casual comfort food and drinks. 

Typical hours: Mon–Thu 11am–11pm; Fri–Sat 11am–1am; Sun 11am–11pm 

Al’s 

North Limestone dive/music bar with local shows, strong drinks, patios, and casual food. Best for attendees seeking live music or a local late-night feel. 

Typical hours: Tue–Fri/Sun 5pm–12:30am; Sat 5pm–1:30am; Mon varies/closed 

Centro 

Downtown Cheapside bar with patio energy, bourbon, cocktails, and event-friendly outdoor seating. Easy pre/post-Rupp stop. 

Typical hours: Mon–Thu 4pm–2:30am; Fri 3pm–2:30am; Sat 10am–2:30am; Sun 1pm–2am 

Bluegrass Tavern 

Bourbon-focused downtown bar with one of the area’s deepest bourbon selections. A must for conference attendees who want a serious Kentucky bourbon stop. 

Typical hours: Tue–Wed/Fri 5pm–2am; Thu 4pm–2am; Sat 5pm–2:30am; Sun–Mon closed 

McCarthy’s 

Classic Irish pub downtown with Guinness, whiskey, patio space, and an easygoing crowd. Works well as a start/end point for a downtown bar crawl. 

Typical hours: Daily 11am–2:30am 

Bourbon on Rye 

Downtown cocktail and bourbon bar with pub bites, wings, and a large bourbon list. Good for late-night drinks or a pre-dinner cocktail. 

Typical hours: Wed–Sat 4pm–2:30am; Sun–Tue closed 

Molly Brooke’s 

Casual downtown Irish bar with affordable drinks and a lively, welcoming vibe. Good for beer, sports, and a relaxed no-fuss night out. 

Typical hours: Mon–Fri 3pm–2:30am; Sat 1pm–2:30am; Sun 11am–2:30am 

Henry Clay Public House 

Historic-feeling downtown pub with live music, bourbon, and classic Kentucky atmosphere. Great for visitors who want a local landmark-style bar. 

Typical hours: Tue–Sat 4:30pm–2am; Sun–Mon closed 

Trifecta: Glass • Art • Lounge 

Trifecta is one of Lexington's most unique nightlife experiences, combining a working glassblowing studio, contemporary art gallery, and hidden speakeasy-style cocktail lounge. Guests can enjoy craft cocktails while watching live glass artists at work, creating a distinct experience.

Typical hours: Speakeasy Lounge Wed–Sat 6pm–close; Sun 3pm–9pm

Pearl’s Pizza 

Downtown wood-fired pizza spot with creative pies, small plates, natural wine, and cocktails. Also serves bagels in the morning, making it a flexible day/night recommendation. 

Typical hours: Bagels Wed–Sun 8am–1pm; dinner Wed/Thu/Sun 5–9pm, Fri–Sat 5–10pm 

Blue Door BBQ 

Lexington favorite for brisket, pulled pork, ribs, and classic sides. Casual counter-service BBQ that’s best earlier before popular meats sell out. 

Typical hours: Mon–Thu 11am–3pm; Fri–Sat 11am–8pm; Sun closed 

LX BBQ 

Craft barbecue spot on Walton Ave with brisket, ribs, smoked turkey, and standout sides. A strong local option for attendees looking for newer BBQ energy. 

Typical hours: Tue–Wed 11am–2pm; Thu–Sat 11am–8pm; Sun–Mon closed 

Corto Lima 

Downtown Latin-inspired restaurant known for tacos, guacamole, queso, and margaritas. Great for a lively lunch or dinner within walking distance of many hotels. 

Typical hours: Wed–Sat 11:30am–10pm; Sun 11:30am–9pm; Mon 5–9pm; Tue closed 

East End Tap and Table 

Casual gastropub with international flavors, cocktails, and craft beer. Works well for lunch, dinner, or happy hour near downtown. 

Typical hours: Tue–Fri 11am–10pm; Sat 10am–10pm; Sun 10am–8pm; Mon closed 

Stella’s 

Farm-fresh Kentucky deli in a cozy downtown house setting. Good for brunch/lunch, local ingredients, sandwiches, and vegetarian options. 

Typical hours: Daily 9am–3pm 

Girls Girls Girls Burritos 

Funky burrito bar near UK with margaritas, vegan/vegetarian/GF options, patio, and events. Best for casual tacos/burritos and a lively atmosphere. 

Typical hours: Typical: Wed/Fri 11am–9pm; Thu 11am–midnight; Sat–Sun noon–9pm; Mon–Tue varies/closed 

Sawyer’s 

Classic downtown burger/chili lunch spot with a loyal following. Great quick lunch for attendees who want a simple, local, affordable meal. 

Typical hours: Mon–Sat 11am–2pm; Sun closed 

Big Blue Deli 

UK-themed downtown deli with hearty sandwiches and nostalgic Wildcat decor. Easy quick lunch near the courthouse/Rupp area. 

Typical hours: Mon–Fri breakfast 8am–10am, lunch 11am–4pm; Sat breakfast 8am–11am; Sun closed 

Bourbon n’ Toulouse 

Lexington Cajun/Creole classic serving gumbo, jambalaya, étouffée, and vegetarian options. Casual, quick, and great for bold comfort food. 

Typical hours: Mon–Sat 11am–9pm; Sun noon–8pm 

Epping’s 

Elevated Warehouse Block restaurant with local-first small plates, cocktails, and brunch. Great polished dinner option for attendees who want a memorable meal. 

Typical hours: Dinner Tue–Thu/Sun 4–9pm, Fri–Sat 4–10pm; brunch Sat–Sun 10am–2pm; Mon closed 

County Club 

Rustic-chic restaurant known for smoked meats, rotating menus, cocktails, and patio vibes. Good for a relaxed dinner or Sunday brunch. 

Typical hours: Wed–Sat 5–9pm; Sun 11am–2pm; Mon–Tue closed 

Nat’s 

Small downtown Thai spot known for spicy, flavorful dishes and a cult following. Best for adventurous eaters looking for a local hidden gem. 

Typical hours: Wed/Fri noon–3pm; Thu about noon–8pm; Sat 5–9:30pm; Sun–Tue closed 

Buddha Lounge 

Downtown sushi and Asian-fusion spot with cocktails and a polished bar vibe. Good lunch or dinner option within walking distance of the convention core. 

Typical hours: Mon–Thu 11am–9pm; Fri 11am–9:30pm; Sat 5pm–9:30pm; Sun closed 

Millstone 

Casual-upscale American restaurant in Dudley Square with cocktails, steaks, seafood, and polished Kentucky hospitality. Good for a business dinner or nicer group meal. 

Typical hours: Mon–Thu/Sun 5–9pm; Thu–Fri lunch 11am–2pm; Fri–Sat dinner 5–9:30pm 

School Sushi 

Downtown Japanese tapas/sushi restaurant in a former bank with sushi, ramen, curry, sake, and private dining rooms. Good for a group that wants sushi plus atmosphere. 

Typical hours: Tue–Thu lunch 11:30am–2pm, dinner 5–9pm; Fri lunch 11:30am–2pm, dinner 5–10pm; Sat 5–10pm; Sun noon–8pm; Mon closed 

Local Taco 

Casual Tex-Mex spot with Southern-inspired tacos, margaritas, and patio seating. Convenient near UK and good for groups wanting quick, flexible food. 

Typical hours: Mon–Thu 11am–9pm; Fri 11am–10pm; Sat 10am–10pm; Sun 10am–9pm