Goodbye Lexington: My Guide to Good Food in LEX
In March 2017, I moved 400 miles from my home in Stone Mountain, Georgia to Lexington, Kentucky for my first big girl job. Stone Mountain, a suburb of Atlanta, is located 20 minutes from all of the downtown action. Atlannuh (please don’t call it “Hot-lanta”) is a soulful city known for Freaknik, Martin Luther King, Jr., explosive highways, and food that compels you to slap your mother. Lexington, on the other hand, is home to the University of Kentucky, bourbon, and that’s about it.
I ended up living in Lexington until the end of 2017. The job did not mesh with my personality and the anxiety related to being 400+ miles away from loved ones was affecting me. Life happens and that’s okay. Anyway, here are a few places that you should to visit if you ever find yourself in The Horse Capital of the World.
My favorite and most important entry on this list was one of the first places in LEX I stepped foot in: Pivot Brewing. I googled “ciders near me” and there it was, the only cider brewery in the state of Kentucky. The reviews said things like “awesome service”, “great atmosphere”, “!!!! IT WAS AMAZING”, so of course I had to check it out. Everything the reviews said were true. Pivot remained my spot in town during my entire time living there. Although they did not have a full kitchen, they did partner with local food trucks who parked out front to give the people what they needed.
(A specialty beer and cider mix from Pivot and a buffalo chicken sandwich from the food truck of the day)
DV8 Kitchen popped up on my facebook feed as a sponsored ad one day and quickly became a favorite. Their goal is to “give second chance employment to those in substance abuse recovery trying to redirect their lives.” As a proponent of restorative justice, I fully support their mission. The vibe at DV8 feels like home and nothing beat their free sourdough bread and honey butter. I’ve asked them to open a location in Atlanta, but they have yet to release an official document regarding this matter. Fingers crossed, though.
Caramel Pecan Cinnamon Roll and DV8 Breakfast Tacos)
A few other favorites (in no particular order):
Corto Lima: Latin-inspired cuisine in the heart of the city
Smithtown Seafood: Classic seafood dishes with a slight new-age spin
Buffalo catfish served on a brioche bun with celery bleu cheese slaw and Pops' pickles)
Honeywood Restaurant: Upscale, yet casual locale for updated Southern brunches, lunches, and dinners
Fish and shrimp on a bed of grits and collard greens)
Josie’s: Where the locals go to breakfast when they want great service and grits casserole
Doodles Breakfast and Lunch: Popular breakfast spot that employs local ingredients to make delectable jams and sauces
Panchitos: Mexican-Owned dessert shop that satisfied my never-ending cravings for esquites (corn in a cup) and raspados
