Good Restaurants: Lexington, KY

Best Restaurant: Lexington KY
Metropol 307 W Short St Lexington, KY 40507 Phone: (859) 381-9493 This little place is so unassuming from the outside! In fact, I drove past it 2x before I realized where it was. Once I walked in (on a wednesday night, which was perfect timing-there was no wait), I saw the history in the building. One of the oldest buildings in Lexington, it was the first Post Office. Great pains were taken in the restoration of the structure and decor. Autographs of famous folks who have eaten there line the walls of the bar. Big Band music from the 30's and 40's plays at just the right level in the background. The staff are all excellent. I was originally seated upstairs in the dining room but when I ordered, I told the server I would prefer to sit downstairs in the bar at a table. He was very accomodating. I had the lamb. It was amazing and served with spinach risotto which was superb. The bartender suggested a Pinot Noir which was perfect to cut the richness of the entree. For dessert I had the creme brulee, and it was again, very well prepared, and very very smooth. The staff isn't socially segregated as 'front of the house' and 'back of the house' as in some restaurants. No way. Everyone chips in when things get busy. The head chef was a great gal that obviously had a real love for her art. Go to Metropol! Take a date. Have wine. Have dessert. It's a great little place for a romantic dinner, or as in my case, it makes a great change from typical business traveler restaurant blahs. This goes on my list of all time FAVORITES! PS-on weekends, always make a reservation. Its very small and fills up fast.
Pros: Ambience, quality food, friendly staff
Cons: There are NO cons

Atomic Cafe
265 N Limestone Lexington, KY 40507-1026 Phone: (859) 254-1969

Excellent saturday night date place! Nice and clean inside and out, very friendly attentive wait staff. I had the ribeye steak with garlic mashed potatoes-really good. They bring out cornbread cut in squares and it really rounds off the meal. Decent beer selection too. I recommend getting there early because the wait can be substantial. A sign of a successful operation for sure. Its one of my best bets in downtown Lexington!
Pros: Attentive wait staff, excellent value, varied menu
Cons: parking on the street-especially on saturday nights.

Ramsey's Diner 3090 Helmsdale Pl Lexington, KY 40509 Phone: (859) 264-9396

Ramseys is a local diner with several locations in Lexington. 2 words: COMFORT FOOD! They also have a full liquor bar. Its a very casual atmosphere at Ramseys; good for business lunch or family dinner. A local pie maker provides Ramseys with a great selection of desserts as well. The atmosphere could be classified as 'down home diner style' with the use of mismatched chairs and tables which probably came from various garage sales and flea markets. Never had a bad meal, and I ate there 3 or 4 times a week for 2 months when I was in Lexington. The staff is attentive and very friendly. I'd say its one of my best bets for a good meal.
Pros: Service, friendiness, easy parking.
Cons: They fill up FAST at lunch and dinner time. Be prepared to wait a while.