July, 2018

The historic Jefferson Street neighborhood is on my mind lately.  A friend is moving to that part of Lexington, so I thought I’d see what’s happening there.

Yelp Local gave a nice update on some of the restaurants, including a couple of my favorites, West Sixth Brewing and Stella’s Kentucky Deli.

“Just a few years ago, this downtown street with a rich local history had very few businesses open and little foot traffic. Now the opposite is true, and it’s bursting at the seams with local restaurants and hot spots. This week, we’ve gathered some of our favorites.”

Five Reasons to Take a Wander Around Jefferson Street

1. West Sixth Brewing , 501 W 6th St, Lexington, KY  (Brewery)  “West Sixth Brewing is located in a 100 year old building called the Bread Box, historically used for the Rainbo Bread Factory.  [They] brew, can and bottle [their craft] beer out of this location, selling it at bars, restaurants, grocery and liquor stores throughout the state of Kentucky and across the Ohio River in Cincinnati.”  What the Yelp article doesn’t mention is the seafood restaurant within the space, Smithtown at West Sixth.  Smithtown is one of the newest of celebrity chef Ouita Michel’s restaurants.  You can expect innovative dishes with Kentucky grown meats, dairy, and produce.  The menu includes pairing recommendations from West Sixth Brewing.  Smithtown “celebrates and supports local farmers and producers,” says Ann Daugherty, General Manager. “I enjoy being a local food and agriculture ambassador, and at Smithtown Seafood at West Sixth I get to introduce guests to FoodChain*, the non-profit aquaponics farm adjacent to our location.”
   

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2. Wine + Market, 486 W 2nd St, Lexington, KY  (Beer, Wine & Spirits, Sandwiches, Deli)  “Wine + Market
   

   theodysseyonline.com

   is a boutique deli, market, wine, craft beer and specialty liquor shop located in historic downtown Lexington….domestic and imported cheeses, charcuterie, deli meats, seasonal locally grown produce, daily baked fresh bread and pastries, a full coffee menu featuring organic, locally roasted coffee, gourmet sandwiches, soups and salads.”

3. County Club, 555 Jefferson St, Lexington, KY  (Barbeque, Sandwiches, American Traditional)  County Club is “committed to exploring and expanding the American tradition of smoking meats using hardwoods and low temperatures. It examines barbecue classics by utilizing responsibly raised Kentucky cow, hog, sheep, goat, and chicken while applying flavor traditions from around the world….[lunch and dinner feature] smoked meats & fish, pickles, pastries, vinegars, and jerky, along with sides, daily salads and blackboard specials, craft beer, wine, cocktails, Magic Beans coffee, and bottles of soda.
   

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4. Stella’s Kentucky Deli, 143 Jefferson St, Lexington, KY  (Deli, Breakfast & Brunch, Southern)  Stella’s features “simple, high quality foods that emphasize the superior flavors and textures of fresh, local ingredients….[they] make…sandwiches, salads, soups, and desserts by hand, in house, using ingredients that are seasonably available.”  Be sure to save room for a slice of homemade Mary Porter Pie!
   

   

   

   

   

   
5. Nick Ryan’s, 157 Jefferson St, Lexington, KY  (American (New), Gluten-Free, Bar)  A Nick Ryan “dining experience…[includes] great food and a warm atmosphere with good friends….a casual lunch, hand-crafted cocktails, dinner with friends, or a special occasion….”
   

   kentucky.com

   So, thank you, Yelp.  This is a really good list to start with.  I’ve found some others in the neighborhood that I want to check out, too:  The Grey Goose, Blue Heron Steakhouse, The Village Idiot, Bourbon n’ Toulouse, Dudley’s on Short and several more.  Of course, you already knew that Lexington is famous for its bourbon and horses–now it’s rapidly becoming a destination for foodies, too.

*More about Food Chain at West Sixth Brewing:

Boston Globe:  Lexington, Ky., warms to green revolution in former bread factory