
This weekend in Central Kentucky combines the best of spring traditions in the bluegrass: a holiday weekend and Keeneland, so everyone is looking for a great spot to nosh for family festivities & fun.
Where will you be? We always look to and trust Sharon Thompson – the Central Kentucky food guru – for her “Tidbits” that are always well-timed and helpful. Check out Sharon’s updates here, and consider some of her special menu selections around Central Kentucky:

In Lexington, Azur, Brasabana, The Julep Cup and Portofino will feature special holiday menus.
In Nicholasville, try The Bistro or in Frankfort, consider Portofino’s sister spot Serafini.
If you’re looking for great restaurants for your Keeneland day, we can help you with that, too – but be sure to get reservations. It’s going to be a beautiful weekend!
Another great resource we love for dining in Lexington is Beyond Grits, from the Lexington CVB, Visit Lex.

Don’t forget to grab a bite before you hit the track. Lots of people choose to tailgate or partake in the delicacies offered at Keeneland (we recommend Burgoo & Bread Pudding), but you can also hit up area restaurants like Wild Egg (check out our review here), The Coffee Pub or Ramsey’s on Harrodsburg Road for a nearby nom.
Dinner & The Afterparty
After a day at the races, you’ll be jonesin’ for some dinner, and if you were lucky, maybe you can even spring for a round afterward!
You can’t get much closer or more classic than a Malone’s steak, and you can hit up the Palomar location, the original on Tates Creek, or the Hamburg location.

The Short Street corridor offers a myriad of options for dining and entertainment such as Shakespeare & Company, Table 310, The Village Idiot, Dudley’s, Cheapside and more. Then you can walk down the street to Parlay Social or around the corner to Belle’s Cocktail House.
Jefferson Street is another great area to hang for the evening with new steakhouse The Blue Heron, pizza from Grey Goose (they also have a location in Midway!), southern classics at Nick Ryan’s or tapas at Enoteca.
We wish this could be completely comprehensive, but there are just too many great spots! Stay in touch if you have something great going on in your neighborhood!