This European fine dining yet relaxed experience is anything but what you’d expect from its strip mall location. Start with Azur’s signature lobster crepes or Brussels sprouts slaw, before diving into dishes like the Azur ocean duo of pan-seared sea scallops and mahi-mahi served over creamy butternut squash and mushroom risotto with a smoked and grilled artichoke heart and rosemary honey mustard vinaigrette. Sushi is also available during limited dinner hours. On Friday and Saturday nights plan a night on the patio for live music, weather permitting. 

At the Sire Hotel’s anchor restaurant, dishes run the gamut. Carolina catfish and frites, barramundi, and porcine dry-rubbed filet top the list of favorites. Or, make a meal out of the poutine made with duck fat fries and creamy Kenny’s cheese curds. And, living up to its namesake, you can expect an extensive list of spirits. Distilled on Jefferson is open for lunch Wednesday through Saturday and dinner Tuesday- through Saturday.  

A classic American steakhouse with a keen sense of service at its core, Tony’s is located on The Square in downtown Lexington. Start with Blue Points on the Half Shell or Rassatti Beef Tartare along with a traditional choice of salads. Pasta offerings such as the Riga-Tony and entrees like New Zealand Rack of Lamb show up on the meat-heavy menu, along with the Prime selection of steaks served with crispy onion straws and can be topped with your choice of classics such as gorgonzola butter or au poivre. 

Celebrity Chef Johnathan Lundy joined forces with Sommelier TJ Cox, and Lee Greer to open this Italian favorite within the new City Center amidst the throws of Covid-19’s pandemic. It proved the right move. From the Farinata made with chickpea flour, and Little Neck Clams to start. Move onto Candele Cacio e Pepe or Marsala di Vitello for Secondi. Still, the Dolci offerings are a knockout with a Ricotta Zeppole served with lemon, pistachio, and honeycomb for a simple, yet elegant finish. Ask Cox to pair it all up with the finest!

A Lexington staple for nearly 40 years, local foods simply prepared are front and center on Dudley’s menu, with nightly seasonal specials topping the list. For example, a recent favorite featured halibut atop a parsnip puree accompanied by crisp maitake mushrooms, roasted grapes, with a red wine jus. Sunday suppers return this November offering a 3-course comfort food dinner for a steal at $30. Serving lunch on Friday, brunch on the weekend, and dinner nightly.  

Named after the Kentucky counties that eventually became known as “Old Bourbon Country,” the interior is decked out in centuries-old barn wood and an expansive library of rare Kentucky bourbons, along with a discerning wine list and craft beer selection. The sushi, appetizers, entrees, and desserts comprise just as thoughtful menus. But, if there is absolutely one thing that you can’t leave on the table, it’s the Bacon In A Glass prepared in a honey bourbon glazed served with a peanut butter sauce begging for your favorite bourbon pairing. Open daily in the Landsdown Shoppes.

Very much a Main Street gathering place, the open, communal aesthetic invites you to a “rustic, yet refined atmosphere.” Pair prohibition-style cocktails, local beers, or a fine wine with everything from the Sausage Trip served with bourbon mushrooms and onions, garlic truffle crustinis to the Grilled Salmon Oscar Style served on Yukon Gold garlic mashed potatoes and asparagus, topped with béarnaise and truffle buttered crab. Annual Draught and Wine Club $45 memberships offer cardholders deep discounts on food and drink with proceeds benefiting local charities. 

The epitome of Southern genteel, this multi-generational family-owned and operated classic is a non-stop kind of destination during Fall Meet. The Pecan Crusted Pork Tenderloin is a house favorite, while the Walleye Pike is “Dad’s Favorite.” Swing by on Wednesdays for Fried Chicken Night, and Ladies Night on Thursdays feature half-off drinks all night long. And, there’s no shortage of Bourbon here as the selection often is rated one of the best in the country. 

The original Epping's Bottling Works located in the Warehouse District, Epping’s continues to embrace its roots with discernment. “Keeping a local-first mindset” proves throughout the menu featuring many local farms and producers along with in-house cured meats and other scratch-made ingredients.  Whether you opt to share a few small plates such as Beef Tallow Fries and Smoked Chicken Spring Rolls over happy hour, or go all-in with the Dry-Aged Bone-in Pork Chop or the Pan Fried Fish Masala, you’ll find this a new place to return for live music each Sunday and Tuesday.