Brian Nagele
Are you looking for the best brunch spots in Lexington, Kentucky? Look no further!
With its unique blend of Southern hospitality and modern cuisine, this city has a thriving brunch scene that is sure to satisfy any appetite.
From classic comfort food to innovative dishes, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Below I list my favorite places based on living and working in the area my entire life.
Best Brunch in Lexington
Continue reading below to find the best brunch in Lexington, Kentucky.
Carson’s Food & Drink
362 E Main St, Lexington, KY 40507
859-309-3039
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Next to Thoroughbred Park is Carson’s Food & Drink. The restaurant’s interior is reminiscent of an old factory or loft, with dark brick on the walls and industrial details furnished throughout.
You can find ample parking along the side streets or in nearby garages.
The menu is expertly curated to provide the best dishes for brunch. I love that there are both vegan and gluten-free items are available for my friends who follow those diets.
My favorite item on the menu is the grilled brie, as well as the fried chicken breakfast. You can’t go wrong with either, which is why I typically order both!
Josie’s
821 Chevy Chase Pl, Lexington, KY 40502
859-523-8328
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Within the Oldham Avenue neighborhood on the cross sections of Chevy Chase Place and High Street is a top brunch destination called Josie’s.
I happened across this establishment one day when I was shopping in the area, and I have come back several times since because I love it so much.
If you go, be sure to try the Chevy Chase Special. With two eggs, meat, a biscuit, sausage gravy, and your choice of cheese, grit casserole, or breakfast potatoes, you will be filled up and happier for it.
Just look for the purple house, and you will know you’re at Josie’s.
Lockbox
167 W Main St, Lexington, KY 40507
859-899-6860
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If you’re a Transylvania University student, then this top brunch location is for you. Just a few blocks away from the school is Lockbox, which serves up some of the best meals you will find in the Lexington area.
For students needing a homestyle meal, you won’t be disappointed with the selections here.
When I pop into Lockbox, I make it a point to try something new each time. So far, my favorite menu items have been the shrimp and grits, as well as the biscuits and gravy.
I need to get back there soon because I’m wanting to try the eggs benedict!
DV8 Kitchen
867 S Broadway UNIT 140, Lexington, KY 40504
859-955-0388
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Within the Lexington area of South Broadway Park is DV8 Kitchen. The restaurant is in a prominent shopping area with many different stores and restaurants.
You can find this brunch eatery near the intersection of South Broadway and Virginia Avenue.
If you find yourself nearby, take the time to visit for brunch. They have an impeccable bakery that includes cinnamon rolls and biscuits, and the restaurant itself has fantastic dishes.
I ordered the Breakfast Reuben on my first visit and was hooked! I’ve also thoroughly enjoyed the ham and apple butter breakfast sandwich and the breakfast burrito.
Distilled at The Sire Hotel
157 Jefferson St, Lexington, KY 40508
859-255-0002
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Just down the way from the Manchester Music Hall is another top brunch eatery in Lexington. Distilled is at The Sire Hotel, and you will not be disappointed with your visit.
Located in a primarily residential area, the restaurant is quiet and reserved, offering an ideal space for conversing with friends.
The menu has much to offer, including the croque madame, pork chop and eggs, and brioche french toast.
While I have tried them all, I can’t pick a favorite, so I keep going back to see if one stands out above the rest.
OBC Kitchen
3373 Tates Creek Rd, Lexington, KY 40502
59-977-2600
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OBC Kitchen was one of the first brunch places I visited when I moved out of my parent’s home. I was no stranger to brunch, but I was to this particular restaurant.
This spot is in the Lansdowne area within the local shopping mall.
I have taken several friends to brunch here, and all of them rave at the quality of the food they get. For those with little ones, they even offer a kid’s menu with child-friendly meal options.
The warm buttermilk donuts are perfect for your sweet tooth, and the smashed avocado toast is a healthy but indulgent dish you will love.
Dudley’s on Short
259 W Short St #125, Lexington, KY 40507
859-252-1010
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While the restaurant, as mentioned above, was a discovery in my adult years, I spent my childhood going to Dudley’s in their old location.
In 2009 they relocated to their Short Street spot, but the food and service haven’t changed.
Down the street from Gratz Park, Dudley’s sees a big crowd on weekends. Once you get in, you won’t regret any wait you might have had.
The Dudley waffle is a hit with almost everyone who orders it. With scrambled eggs, bacon, fruit, and maple syrup, the combination is the perfect brunch treat.
You also can’t go wrong with the vegetable hash, cooked to perfection every single time.
Epping’s on Eastside
264 Walton Ave, Lexington, KY 40502
859-971-0240
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You will find a local delicacy called Epping’s on Eastside in Bell Court. All the locals are well aware of what the brunch eatery offers, but visitors to the Lexington area are often shocked at how excellent the food and experience are.
Whenever I go to Epping’s, I order a side of redskin home fries. For my main dish, I change up my selection and have slowly made my way through the menu.
I have to admit that one of the top meals is the Spanish hash bowl. The chorizo makes all the difference in the world when it comes to adding all the ingredients together.
Stella Kentucky Deli
143 Jefferson St, Lexington, KY 40508
859-255-3354
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With a location right by the Mary Todd Lincoln House, Stella Kentucky Deli is on the corner of Jefferson Street and Ballard.
The brunch spot is within a restored house, so you may not realize it’s a restaurant at first glance.
You can get brunch on the weekends, and if you don’t have time to stop in for a meal, you can order online for takeout.
The pancake special they offer will fulfill every carb craving you have been holding on to. You should also consider a side of Chipotle gravy.
The spice combines with their large buttermilk biscuits for the perfect blend.
Doodle’s
262 N Limestone, Lexington, KY 40508
859-317-8507
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Doodle’s is a locally owned restaurant situated within Gratz Park, with considerable parking available on-site.
They serve comfort food rich in flavor, plus the presentation makes their dishes Instagram-worthy.
Notably, on weekends you can take advantage of their impressive brunch menu, which has a whole array of entrees you can’t pass up.
When you check out the menu, don’t hesitate to order the huevos rancheros or the corned beef hash. While these two items are fantastic, you really can’t go wrong with anything on the menu.
If you have a busy morning, you can always order takeout and enjoy your brunch on the go or at home.
First Watch
2251 War Admiral Way #130, Lexington, KY 40509
859-263-4737
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First Watch does an exceptional job of bringing unique ingredients together to create new and highly enjoyable dishes.
You can find the restaurant in a very convenient location off of the War Admiral Way highway, within a popular shopping center that also contains Hobby Lobby and Sportsman’s.
When it comes to ordering, the crab and avocado toast are superior. Other top contenders are the tacos al pastor hash, bananas foster french toast, and the morning meditation fresh juice.
Come hungry because you will need an appetite to finish the hearty portions. You should also wait in line virtually before heading to the restaurant to secure a short wait time.
Magee’s Baking Co
726 E Main St, Lexington, KY 40502
859-255-9481
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Magee’s is a trendy restaurant within Lexington due to their impeccable baked goods and top-notch customer service.
I absolutely love their buttermilk biscuits and could eat them as my entire meal. However, I do my best to save my appetite for the other menu items.
You can find Magee’s in Bell Court, close to Woodland Park. The location makes it great for a weekend stroll around town and a leisurely brunch at a popular restaurant.
If you visit during the week, you can also take advantage of the weekday specials the restaurant routinely offers.
Wild Eggs
1925 Justice Dr, Lexington, KY 40509
859-543-0532
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Off of Justice Drive in the Andover Forest area of Lexington is a top brunch destination called Wild Eggs, popular with anyone traveling through the city.
At Wild Eggs, you will have a well-curated menu that includes items specifically for kids and entrees that fit the gluten-free diet.
The housemade cinnamon roll will calm even the strongest sweet tooth, and Wild Eggs coffee is perfect. Bringing the two of them together is almost dangerous.
If you’re looking for a bit more protein than a cinnamon roll and coffee can provide, opt for the Zax I Am Fried Eggs.
Winchell’s Restaurant
348 Southland Dr, Lexington, KY 40503
859-278-9424
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Nestled within the Southland and Rosemill neighborhoods, you will see Winchell’s Restaurant. The great thing about Winchell’s is that they serve everything.
Not only can you get a fulfilling and tasty brunch there, but it’s also a sports bar serving various meal options. A significant amount of parking is available, but be aware that it can fill up quickly.
When at Winchell’s for brunch, you will want to check out their daily specials. Typically these are unique to the day, and the selections can be amazing.
You also can’t go wrong with the breakfast sampler, which gives you a taste of everything.
Windy Corner Market
4595 Bryan Station Rd, Lexington, KY 40516
859-294-9338
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It can be easy to think that the Windy Corner Market is just a local store in Lexington rather than a brunch spot.
While this is understandable, you want to make all efforts to pop in and try out the fantastic menu that the owners have created.
Windy Corner Market is a bit removed from the hustle and bustle of town, but that adds to its charm.
Sitting on a large plot of property, you will enjoy your meal from a quaint building that resembles an old-style farmhouse.
Check to see what is available on the menu for the day, and remember that everything you try will be excellent.
Jeff Ruby’s Steakhouse
101 W Vine St, Lexington, KY 40507
859-554-7000
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I know that the name of this restaurant, Jeff Ruby’s Steakhouse, can prove confusing to someone who is looking for a brunch spot.
However, this steakhouse also offers a phenomenal menu for brunch that you will fall in love with.
While I have experienced it multiple times, it still surprises me how perfectly cooked my food is every time I visit.
You can find Jeff Ruby’s Steakhouse in Historic South Hill, right by the Kentucky Theatre. This part of Lexington has many different businesses, including various restaurants and stores.
Therefore, parking is easy to come by.
East End Tap and Table
333 E Main St suite 180, Lexington, KY 40507
859-785-2511
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Another top eatery in the area of Historic South Hill comes in the form of East End Tap and Table.
Brunch is only offered on the weekends, so that is important to note if you plan to visit during your time in Lexington.
When you stop into East End Tap and Table, don’t sleep on the Frosted Flake-crusted peanut butter and jelly.
While the combination doesn’t sound like something you’d expect on a brunch menu, you will think you have died and gone to Heaven when you take the first bite.
