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$$jefferson-streetWed-Sat 17:00-21:00
County Club smokes Kentucky-raised beef, hog, sheep and goat over hardwood on Jefferson Street, Lexington barbecue rebuilt around a monthly-changing menu.
Tip: Open Wednesday to Saturday evenings only; the smoked-meat board changes monthly, so ask what just came off.
Steakhouse$$Mon-Sat 11:00-21:00; closed Sun
Columbia Steak House has fed Lexington since 1948, still broiling the garlic-butter Nighthawk Special with a Diego salad and frying its famous lamb fries.
Signature: Nighthawk Special, Lamb fries, Diego salad
Tip: Order the Nighthawk Special with fried banana peppers; the Richmond Road room keeps the old-school feel.
Italian$$downtownTue-Thu 11:00-21:00; Fri-Sat 11:00-22:00; Sun 11:00-21:00; closed Mon
Joe Bologna's has baked pizza and garlic-butter breadsticks inside a stained-glass former synagogue since 1973, a Lexington institution near the UK campus.
Signature: Garlic breadsticks, Pan pizza
Tip: The garlic breadsticks are non-negotiable; go before 18:00 on UK game days or expect a long wait.
Greek$$chevy-chaseMon-Sun 10:30-21:00
Athenian Grill plates gyros, spanakopita and baklava on South Ashland Avenue in Chevy Chase, the sit-down home of Lexington's favourite Greek kitchen.
Signature: Gyro, Spanakopita
Tip: Open 10:30-21:00 daily; the gyro bowls travel well if the small dining room is full at lunch.