Downtown Lexington showcases some of the best food in the Bluegrass, and while it’s hard to go wrong while eating locally, here are (in no particular order) some favorites at 10 downtown digs.

Hot Brown- Stella’s Kentucky Deli

Hot Browns can be found at countless Central Kentucky restaurants; after all, it’s something of a regional delicacy. One popular place to find the best of the best is Stella’s, which also has a vegetarian version of the famous dish for those skipping out on the turkey and bacon (don’t be fooled: meat or no meat, this one is a staple.)

Stew Bowls- Sav’s Grill

Sav’s serves a variety of West African cuisine, particularly inspired by the owner and namesake’s upbringing in Guinea. There are a variety of bowls to choose from, from chicken and beef to vegan stews, and can be supplemented with the restaurant’s distinctive piment sauce or a side of fufu, a soft plantain dough traditionally served with such stews.

Alfalfa Vegan Burger- Alfalfa Restaurant

Although Alfalfa has an equally delicious traditional burger for those more beef-inclined, this long-standing restaurant has always been known for vegan and vegetarian fare. The plant-based option is among the absolute best choices for those who like ‘real’ burgers but are less crazy about meat. They even serve vegan cheese, should you be craving a cheeseburger.

Chicken Étouffée- Bourbon n’ Toulouse

This famous New Orleans dish consists of a spicy gravy atop chicken, and if its place as this popular Cajun spot’s best-selling dish is any indication, it’s a definite local favorite. The rest of their menu, of course, is of equal quality; the beloved restaurant has resided in the Chevy Chase area for nearly two decades.

Goodfella’s Pizzeria- Pizza Slice

The reason “slice” is not plural is plain to see once you step in any Goodfella’s location: their classic New York-style pizzas are, to put it simply, enormous. Their menu includes different sizes of pies with personalized toppings, but the quickest way to grab a delicious bite is to have a piece (or two) of one of their freshly baked signature pizzas.

Doodle’s- Biscuit and Gravy

This breakfast, brunch, and lunch spot is among the most revered day restaurants in town for a reason. It’s only natural that a place in the south known for its stellar breakfast has great biscuits and gravy, of course, and Doodle’s is no exception.

Zim’s Cafe- Zim’s Omelette

In keeping with the theme of breakfast foods, Zim’s cafe may be open through dinner, but this cafe (with the attached Thirsty Fox bar) is also a well-known brunch spot. No effort is spared in this menu item, complete with caramelized onions and grits.

Cookout- Banana Pudding Milkshake

Alright, so this one is breaking the rules by a wide margin– but hear us out. Although this fast-food chain is adored across the south, outside of Lexington and other bigger areas, it can be hard to come by. A milkshake is not what typically comes to mind when you think “dish”, but besides regular late-night frequency serving as the ultimate Lexington college student tradition, Cookout has an impressively massive array of shakes. Few are quite as iconic, of course, as their banana pudding shake, which is exactly what it claims to be and more. Just make sure to get this one sometime around the 2 am mark for the true Cookout experience (and mind the roaming collectives of UK and Transy students, who usually don’t bite.)

Third Street Stuff & Coffee- 3rd Street Club

Any sandwich off Third Street’s menu will treat you right, but this classic, in particular, is always a solid choice. Combine it with one of the shop’s numerous pastries and, of course, top-notch coffee, and you’re all set.

Tolly-Ho- The Tolly-Ho

What is there to say about Tolly-Ho, and its flagship cheeseburger, that hasn’t already been said? To live in Lexington and to have never gone to what is arguably the most famous restaurant around UK’s campus is considered by some to be a form of heresy. Besides all the typical trappings of a great burger, the Tolly-Ho includes the joint’s signature (wait for it) Ho sauce. Needless to say, this is something every Lexingtonian whether by birth or by honorary means, must try at least once.