Lexington, KY: Where to Eat, Sleep & Tailgate
Planning a trip to Lexington for a University of Kentucky football game? We've got your game weekend covered with tips on where to stay, eat, drink, and tailgate!
Welcome to Lexington, home of the University of Kentucky! If you’re heading to town to catch a Wildcats football game, here’s what you need to know about where to stay, eat, drink, and tailgate. First, a few key facts:
- SEC Team: Kentucky Wildcats
- Coach: Will Stein
- Stadium: Kroger Field
- 2026 Schedule: ukathletics.com
- Fun Fact: Kroger Field and the surrounding parking areas are located on what was once part of UK’s Experimental Station Farm Grounds.
WHERE TO STAY IN LEXINGTON
From contemporary digs lined with modern art to more traditional, locally inspired accommodations, Lexington has a little something for everyone.
21c Museum Hotel Lexington
167 W Main St, Lexington, KY 40507 • (859) 899-6800
21c Museum Hotel Lexington is a stunning place to rest your head during a football weekend. A small luxury chain known for offering an art-immersive stay, this boutique hotel has only 88 rooms, so you’ll want to book early for home game weekends.
Origin Hotel Lexington
4174 Rowan, Lexington, KY 40517 • (859) 245-0400
Origin is a stylish, conveniently located hotel at The Summit at Fritz Farm, putting guests within easy reach of shopping and dining. Inside, you’ll find polished interiors, a solid food menu, and an impressive bourbon collection.
Elwood Hotel and Suites
444 Parkway Dr, Lexington, KY 40504 • (859) 423-1001
Just five minutes from campus, Elwood Hotel & Suites pairs a convenient game-weekend location with colorful, contemporary Southern style. Light-filled rooms and suites, on-site Fiddletree Kitchen & Bar, and easy access to Lexington’s bourbon, dining, and horse-country attractions make it a comfortable home base beyond kickoff, too.
The Campbell House Lexington
1375 S Broadway, Lexington, KY 40504 • (859) 255-4281
The Campbell House Lexington leans into its Horse Capital setting with polished Southern style and modern equestrian-inspired rooms. The historic Curio Collection by Hilton property is near the university and also features three dining options, including The Rackhouse Tavern.
The Manchester Hotel
941 Manchester St, Lexington, KY 40508 • (859) 785-3900
Head to The Manchester Hotel for a gem in the midst of Kentucky’s historic Distillery District. Clawfoot tubs and moody interiors abound — plus, there’s a great rooftop!
The Sire Hotel
120 W Second St, Lexington, Kentucky, 40507 • (859) 231-1777
Housed in a century-old former Lexington Clinic in historic Gratz Park, The Sire Hotel Lexington is a 42-room boutique stay with plenty of local character. It’s walkable to many downtown attractions, with an on-site restaurant, fitness center, and a quiet outdoor terrace and fire pit for winding down after game day.
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WHERE TO EAT & DRINK IN LEXINGTON
If you’re looking for a bite to eat ahead of the game, or items to pick up for your tailgate (including adult beverages), here are some of your best bets near campus.
Bear & The Butcher
815 Euclid Ave, Lexington, KY 40502 • (859) 469-9188
In the heart of Chevy Chase, Bear & the Butcher is a lively game-day spot known for jumbo smoked wings, burgers, bourbon, and plenty of TVs — including a 150-inch projection screen. It’s just a five-minute drive from Kroger Field and also serves weekend brunch, Friday lunch, and an exclusive single-barrel bourbon selection.
Bella Notte
3715 Nicholasville Rd, Lexington, KY 40503 • (859) 309-3039
Bella Notte is a locally owned Italian-inspired restaurant offering seasonal dishes that highlight fresh ingredients. They offer delivery and catering, making them ideal for any gameday or college visit occasion.
Blue Heron Steakhouse
185 Jefferson St, Lexington, KY 40508 • (859) 254-2491
Blue Heron Steakhouse serves classic steakhouse fare with a distinctly Kentucky spin, pairing premium cuts with Southern favorites like shrimp and grits and Kentucky frog legs. It also boasts a thoughtful wine list, cocktails, and 16 rotating draft beers.
Carson’s Food & Drink
362 East Main St, Lexington, KY 40507 • (859) 309-3039
Carson’s Food & Drink is a Lexington favorite for hearty American fare, craft cocktails, and an especially indulgent brunch, served Friday through Sunday with Benedicts, chicken and waffles, and plenty more worth lingering over.
Epping’s on Eastside
264 Walton Ave, Lexington, KY 40502 • (859) 971-0240
Set inside the former Epping Bottling Works in Lexington’s Warehouse Block, Epping’s on Eastside serves locally minded, globally inspired fare with house-cured meats, craft cocktails, and a popular weekend brunch. Stop by Tuesday through Friday for happy hour, or catch live music on Wednesday evenings.
Goodfellas Pizzeria
1228 Manchester St, Lexington, KY 40504 • (859) 523-5280
Housed in Lexington’s historic Distillery District, Goodfellas Pizzeria serves oversized New York-style slices, whole pies, and Italian favorites. The location also features the Wiseguy Lounge, where bourbon and cocktails make it an easy stop for a casual game-weekend meal.
Josie’s
821 Chevy Chase Pl, Lexington, KY 40502 • (859) 523-8328
A longtime Lexington breakfast favorite, Josie’s serves hearty, scratch-made morning classics and lunch daily from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Fuel up for game day with the popular Josie’s Dad omelet, Chevy Chase Special, or cheese grit casserole — all just about a mile from Kroger Field.
Justins’ House of Bourbon
601 W Main St, Lexington, KY 40508 • (859) 317-8609
Justins’ House of Bourbon is a must-stop for whiskey fans, with what it bills as the world’s largest collection of rare and vintage bourbon for sale. Browse hard-to-find bottles, sample flights at the bar, or pick up one of its single-barrel selections to take home.
Kentucky Native Cafe
417 E Maxwell St, Lexington, KY 40508 • (859) 281-1718
Tucked inside Michler’s greenhouses, Kentucky Native Café feels like a secret garden, serving a constantly changing menu of small plates, crepes, sandwiches, pastries, local beer, wine, and seasonal cocktails among the greenery. Weekend brunch runs all day, and Sundays add live music in the greenhouse from noon to 2 p.m.
LexLive
301 S Broadway, Lexington, KY 40508 • (859) 286-6491
Across from Rupp Arena, LexLive is an all-in-one game-day stop with a sports bar, scratch kitchen, full-service bars, bowling, arcade games, and 10 luxury movie theaters. Its massive LFX screen — more than 80 feet wide (and billed as the largest in Kentucky!) — makes it an especially fun spot to catch a game or keep the weekend going after the final whistle.
Merrick Inn
1074 Merrick Dr, Lexington, KY 40502 • (859) 269-5417
A historic manor-turned-top-rated restaurant, Merrick Inn is a Lexington institution for Kentucky cooking, from Southern classics at dinner to weekend brunch. The restaurant also offers a curated wine list and signature bourbon selections.
Liquor Barn Express
866 E High St, Lexington, KY 40502 • (859) 269-3003
When it’s time to stock up for your tailgating activities, head to Liquor Barn Express. At this Kentucky spirits shop, you can buy both your alcohol for the tailgate and an assortment of deli foods and decorations.
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BARS IN LEXINGTON
If you’re in the mood for a pre- or post-game drink, these local hotspots are perfect for raising a glass no matter how the scoreboard shakes out.
Black Type Brewing
373 Virginia Ave Ste 100 & 110, Lexington, KY 40504 • (859) 456-3081
Black Type Brewing pairs house-brewed beer with wood-fired pizzas and a second-floor wine bar, making it an easygoing stop near the university. The brewery also offers beer to-go by the can or keg, plus reservations, catering, and space for private events.
Centro
113 Cheapside Park, Lexington, KY 40507 • (859) 368-7972
If craft cocktails and draft beer are your drinks of choice, consider visiting Centro. The bar is located in a renovated historic 1819 building and offers a beautiful patio space overlooking downtown Lexington.
Harvey’s Bar & Beer Garden
200 W Main St, Lexington, KY 40507
Harvey’s is a beloved downtown bar with plenty of outdoor space for sipping hand-crafted cocktails, wine, and brews.
Henry Clay’s Public House
112 N Upper St, Lexington, KY 40507 • (859) 300-0017
Located in a historic 1805 home, Henry Clay’s Public House makes for a unique experience. In addition to its extensive list of premium bourbons and craft beers, the bar also offers live music.
Night Kitty Karaoke
545 S Broadway 185, Lexington, KY 40508 • (859) 396-7583
Night Kitty Karaoke is a high-energy nightlife spot with a main stage, private karaoke rooms, cocktails, and a full bar. Open Friday and Saturday nights (with Sunday through Thursday available by reservation), it also offers catering from sister restaurants serving Chinese and Japanese cuisine.
Tin Roof
303 S Limestone, Lexington, KY 40508 • (859) 317-9111
Looking to catch some live music while you’re in Lexington? Tin Roof is the spot to be! Be sure to stop in on weekends, when bottomless mimosas are served from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
SB Tip: Visit Lex’s Bourbonland Tasting Pass makes it easy to explore Lexington’s bourbon scene, with a mobile pass featuring tasting flights from participating distilleries around the region. Go at your own pace and sample a range of styles, whether you’re a longtime bourbon fan or just getting acquainted with Kentucky’s native spirit.
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WHERE TO TAILGATE IN LEXINGTON
When it comes to UK tailgating, you have plenty of options:
- The University of Kentucky partners with REVELxp to offer several turnkey tailgating packages, all set up within a short walk of the stadium.
- Tailgating on your own? Set up a tent in an approved parking area, or try one of these popular spots:
- The Bowl: Between the tennis courts and Cooper Drive
- Gluck Equine Center: Near the stadium entrance on Nicholasville Road
- Wildcat Refuge: On the southwest corner of the stadium
Go Cats!
Click HERE for the complete SEC City Guide!
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