Explore the Flavors of Downtown Lexington: My Food Tour Experience!

Last Updated on December 15, 2022 by Candy Wafford

Exciting news—a food tour in downtown Lexington, Kentucky! I’ve always enjoyed food tours while traveling, but I recently discovered that exploring one in my hometown is just as delightful. Bites of the Bluegrass provides enjoyable and informative food tours in Lexington, and I’m eager to recommend it to everyone visiting our charming city. It’s undoubtedly one of the top things to do in Lexington.

“This post contains affiliate links. By purchasing through these links, I receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. Where I’ve Been is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.”

Downtown Lexington Food Tour

Erin founded Bites of the Bluegrass upon realizing that food tours are a fantastic way to connect with a city. She cleverly combines her passion for travel and food with her love for Lexington’s vibrant history. This tour is an incredibly fun activity, perfect for couples, groups of friends, food enthusiasts, or even corporate events!

History of Downtown Lexington, Kentucky

As a lifelong resident of Lexington, I was thoroughly impressed by how much I learned during our tour. I have always known that Lexington is one of the best places in the world. The unique blend of modern conveniences and a strong emphasis on history makes it truly special. During the tour, I learned intriguing stories about the notorious madame Belle Breezing and Sweet Evening Breeze, a trailblazer in LGBTQ rights. (Lexington boasts a fascinating LGBTQ history; consider taking a self-guided walking tour to discover more.)

I particularly enjoyed learning about the histories of many of Lexington’s architectural landmarks, including the former Courthouse where our tour commenced.

Restaurants in Downtown Lexington

The Bites of the Bluegrass Downtown Walking Tour features five stops, allowing you to take a relaxed stroll through downtown while enjoying delightful meals and interesting sights along the way.

Note: The details of the restaurants and dishes served during my tour may differ from what you experience as offerings can change.

Zim’s Cafe

Zim’s Cafe is part of Ouita Michel’s restaurant collection in Lexington and nearby Woodford County. I’m a big fan of Ouita’s culinary creations and have highly praised her restaurants in previous articles. In my opinion, she is the Queen of Kentucky Cooking.

At our first stop, we enjoyed a Benedictine and Bacon sandwich along with Pimento Cheese Macaroni Salad. I was tempted to kiss the genius behind the delightful combination of pimento cheese and macaroni salad—it was truly delicious. Surprisingly, I have lived in the birthplace of Benedictine my entire life and had never tried it until now!

So what exactly is Benedictine? It’s a spread made from cucumbers and cream cheese, created by Jennie Carter Benedict in early 1900s Louisville, Kentucky. I’ve never liked cucumbers and assumed I wouldn’t enjoy Benedictine—but boy, was I mistaken! It turned out to be a delightful spread nestled between house-made sourdough bread and locally sourced bacon.

Zim’s Cafe is located within the former courthouse, right in the heart of downtown Lexington. This architectural gem also houses the Lexington Visitor’s Center, which serves as the starting point for the tour.

P.S. Ouita’s cookbook is fantastic, and I highly recommend it if you’re interested in Kentucky cuisine.

Agave & Rye

A brief walk brought us to the downtown location of Agave & Rye. This wasn’t my first visit but it was my first time at this specific spot nestled between Rupp Arena and the Lexington Opera House.

Upon entering, the first thing that strikes you is the vibrant decor. Bright murals and artwork complement sparkling chandeliers adorned in pinks and purples. While the space captivates the eye, the food is equally magnificent. Chef Yavonne Sarber, trained in French cuisine, aims to elevate the taco experience. Diners can indulge in extraordinary cocktails and an array of tacos filled with unique ingredients, including kangaroo, pepperoni, hot dogs, and a delicious cauliflower option that I particularly enjoyed.

During our food tour, we sampled a twist on the Bee Sting, which is part margarita and part whisky. The buzz button gives this experience a unique twist—this unassuming little flower creates a remarkable sensation in your mouth. I won’t spoil it here; you must simply visit Agave & Rye to experience it for yourself!

The food was also unforgettable! We tried a Mac N Cheese Beignet, and yes—it was just as delicious as it sounds. Pairing it with the bright and crisp elote corn was perfect.

Don’t forget to check out their full menu!

Check out my favorite travel shoes!

The Southern Deli and Tavern

The next leg of the tour led us by the Stand statue. This recently unveiled piece of public art by Barbara Grygutis honors the suffragists who fought for women’s right to vote. I had passed by this shining metal statue before, but I didn’t realize the emotional response it would evoke until I stood next to it.

Throughout the tour, Erin provides fascinating insights into the history of downtown Lexington. I appreciate the recent developments in the area that harmonize beautifully with the historical landmarks. Our next destination was The Southern Deli & Tavern, situated in a former home where downtown meets the University of Kentucky.

The Southern Deli & Tavern may be small, but it’s brimming with charm. Their patio is the perfect spot to enjoy a meal and a drink (or a bourbon). The menu reflects the chef’s love for travel, blended with classic southern ingredients. We savored the Savannah, a unique sandwich featuring bacon, fire-roasted peaches, arugula, and a lemon-basil spread on multi-grain bread. It was something I wouldn’t typically choose, but now I can’t wait to have it again!

Salt and Vinegar at Ethereal Brewing Public House

Once upon a time, I worked downtown Lexington and would often visit a mediocre Mexican restaurant where Ethereal Brewing Public House now stands. The brewery has an inviting, old-world pub ambiance with dark walls adorned with antique paintings.

Chef Greg Spaulding debuted his first Salt & Vinegar at Blue Stallion Brewing Company and opened this downtown location within the Ethereal Public House in 2022. The menu is concise, showcasing gourmet interpretations of classic German dishes, including schnitzel and spaetzle. During our visit, we were treated to a generous sampling of several menu items, all delicious. I particularly enjoyed the Spatzel Primavera, featuring pan-seared dumplings tossed with garlic, grilled vegetables, and aged Parmesan.

At this juncture of the tour, I promised myself to break out of my culinary rut and explore more of downtown’s incredible food scene.

The Grove

Our final destination was a magical place called The Grove, which I couldn’t believe I hadn’t discovered earlier.

The Grove describes itself as a micro-community in downtown Lexington. It features a stylish bar with a relaxed ambiance, along with small businesses where you can enjoy coffee, charcuterie, or cocktails. The path through the labyrinthine hallways leads to a beer garden, which may very well be one of the most Instagrammable spots in Lexington.

Our food tour group enjoyed sweet treats under the pleasant May sun. The first was a luscious cloud of whipped cream adorned with macerated berries and topped with a piece of dark chocolate—a delightful blend of textures. Next, we savored a golden apricot filled with goat cheese. Again, this was something I would have never ordered myself, but I absolutely loved it. That’s one of the best aspects of food tours: they encourage you to broaden your culinary horizons and try new things!

Should I Take the Downtown Lexington Food Tour?

Absolutely! This walking tour should be at the top of every visitor’s list of activities in Lexington. You’ll have the opportunity to try amazing local cuisine, see various attractions in downtown Lexington, and make new friends along the way.

Book your Lexington food tour today at Bites of the Bluegrass – enter code whereivebeentravel10 for $10 off through June 2022!

Dietary Restrictions

The tour can accommodate vegetarian diets. I had the chance to glance at the vegetarian options, and they looked delicious! Just be sure to specify your preference for vegetarian meals and any food allergies when booking the tour.

Unfortunately, vegan, dairy-free, and gluten-free diets cannot be accommodated at this time.

How Much Walking on the Lexington Food Tour?

The Downtown Walking Tour spans about a mile and is mainly flat, though you will come across a few stairs along the way. You’ll be walking through a bustling downtown area, so be prepared for street crossings and construction. Comfortable shoes are a must! Don’t forget to wear sunscreen and consider bringing hats or umbrellas as needed.

For more tips on maximizing your food tour experience, read my other articles!

How to Book

Visit Bites of the Bluegrass to book your tour today!

Explore More About Visiting Downtown Lexington!

Best Places to Shop in Lexington

Unexpected & Cool Street Murals in Lexington, Kentucky

A Local’s Guide to the Best Things to Do in Lexington

25 Best Places to See Fall Colors in Kentucky

Horse Farm Tour in the Horse Capital of the World

Irish Acres – Putting on the Glitz

Save for Later!