Seafood$$$$downtownWed-Sun 16:30-22:00
The V at The Vine serves seafood-led fine dining from the 9th floor at 106 West Vine, a 2025 arrival with some of the best evening views in Lexington.
Tip: Book ahead for a window table at sunset; the coastal menu and wine pairings suit a slow two-hour dinner.
Steakhouse$$$jefferson-streetSun 17:00-21:00; Mon-Thu 17:00-22:00; Fri-Sat 17:00-23:00
The Blue Heron Steakhouse grills premium beef, oysters and fried chicken on Jefferson Street, Keith Clark's clubby corner of Lexington's restaurant row.
Tip: Dinner only, from 17:00. Jefferson Street parking tightens after 19:00 on weekends, so arrive early.
Steakhouse$$$$downtownSun-Thu 17:00-21:00; Fri-Sat 17:00-22:00
Tony's of Lexington runs a Tony Ricci steakhouse on West Main Street, plating prime cuts and seafood a short walk from Rupp Arena's event-night crowds.
Tip: Kitchen closes at 21:00 Sunday to Thursday; book the later Friday and Saturday seatings for a quieter room.
Steakhouse$$$$downtownMon-Thu 17:00-22:00; Fri 16:00-23:00; Sat 16:30-23:00; Sun 16:30-21:00
Jeff Ruby's Steakhouse brings the Cincinnati group's USDA Prime programme and live entertainment to West Vine Street, Lexington's flashiest big-night room.
Tip: The macaroni and cheese Food Network singled out is worth the add-on; Friday service starts at 16:00.
Latin American$$downtownWed-Sat 11:30-22:00; Sun 11:30-21:00; Mon 17:00-21:00; closed Tue
Corto Lima presses its own corn tortillas downtown at Short and Upper, Jonathan Lundy's Latin American kitchen and Lexington's standing margarita champion.
Signature: House-made corn tortillas, Margaritas
Tip: No reservations; seating is first come, first served. Closed Tuesdays, and Monday is dinner only from 17:00.
Barbecue$$jefferson-streetWed-Sat 17:00-21:00
County Club smokes Kentucky-raised beef, hog, sheep and goat over hardwood on Jefferson Street, Lexington barbecue rebuilt around a monthly-changing menu.
Tip: Open Wednesday to Saturday evenings only; the smoked-meat board changes monthly, so ask what just came off.