Alfalfa Restaurant
Alfalfa's has long been a local favorite. Originally a student hangout near the University of Kentucky, the newer location is larger but offers very much the same meat-optional fare. This is one of the few Kentucky restaurants where you can order foods like homemade granola and avocado but still find Southern favorites like hoppin' John, cheesy grits and delicious Kentucky country ham. Alcohol is served, including mimosas for Saturday brunch.
141 E. Main St.
Lexington, KY 40507
(859) 253-0014
alfalfarestaurant.com
Good Foods Co-Op Cafe
With two locations and plans to expand as of November 2009, Good Foods is a combination organic-food supermarket, coffeehouse and buffet restaurant. Locals give this little restaurant rave reviews for its salad bar, vegan and vegetarian fare (spaghetti squash pad thai, anyone?) and well-prepared fish and chicken dishes; prices at the buffet are based on weight. If you're not up to a buffet, you can order a sandwich or salad. Drinks include smoothies from the juice bar and gourmet coffees. Best of all, everything is fresh and local, delivered from farms participating in their co-op.
Good Foods Market & Cafe
455 Southland Drive
Lexington, KY 40503
(859) 278-1813
goodfoods.coop
Good Foods Chapter 2
Inside the downtown public library at 140 E. Main St.
Lexington, KY 40507
(859) 422-6802
Jonathan's at Gratz Park
For something a little more upscale, Jonathan's at Gratz Park is a local favorite. It's a white-tablecloth restaurant with cuisine that would have to be called Southern fusion. Sea scallop hot browns, fried green tomato salad with applewood-smoked bacon, and bourbon barrel ale braised short ribs are some of the offerings here. Jonathan's has been reviewed by Southern Living Magazine and Conde Nast Traveler. Jonathan's is a true taste of upscale Kentucky and a lovely break in a busy travel schedule.
120 W. Second St.
Lexington, KY 40508
(859) 252-4949
jagp.info
