Guidebook for Lexington
Food Scene
Great local Coffee and Donut shop.
http://www.northlime.net/
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North Lime Coffee & Donuts
101 W Loudon AveGreat local Coffee and Donut shop.
http://www.northlime.net/
“Comfort food with a conscience.” This remodeled gas station has become a trendy spot for both breakfast and lunch, specializing in local and organic ingredients whenever possible. Get breakfast a la carte, including fresh buttermilk biscuits and beignets, or try any of their signature items, from the “dirty” shrimp and grits, to the often limited-quantity strata casserole.
http://www.doodlesrestaurant.com/
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doodles breakfast and lunch
262 N Limestone“Comfort food with a conscience.” This remodeled gas station has become a trendy spot for both breakfast and lunch, specializing in local and organic ingredients whenever possible. Get breakfast a la carte, including fresh buttermilk biscuits and beignets, or try any of their signature items, from the “dirty” shrimp and grits, to the often limited-quantity strata casserole.
http://www.doodlesrestaurant.com/
Fresh, locally sourced and veg-friendly for nearly 40 years. Alfalfa cares about their ingredients and it shows, claiming “local before local was cool.” This community-centric urban eatery grounded in “granola roots” sports blackboard specials every day, but it’s hard not to try local favorites such as the blueberry buckwheat pancakes or the signature “Hoppin’ John.”
http://www.alfalfarestaurant.com/
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Alfalfa
141 E Main StFresh, locally sourced and veg-friendly for nearly 40 years. Alfalfa cares about their ingredients and it shows, claiming “local before local was cool.” This community-centric urban eatery grounded in “granola roots” sports blackboard specials every day, but it’s hard not to try local favorites such as the blueberry buckwheat pancakes or the signature “Hoppin’ John.”
http://www.alfalfarestaurant.com/
An eclectic family diner atmosphere where you can order breakfast any time of day. The menu covers a lot of bases, so everybody can find something they’ll love—steak and eggs, pancakes and bacon, homemade pretzels with spicy pimento cheese, reuben, build-your-own salad or pasta, pork chops, fried chicken …the list goes on and on, and it’s all quite delicious. Fresh, made-from-scratch quality meets warm hospitality.
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Josie's Restaurant
1973 Lexington RdAn eclectic family diner atmosphere where you can order breakfast any time of day. The menu covers a lot of bases, so everybody can find something they’ll love—steak and eggs, pancakes and bacon, homemade pretzels with spicy pimento cheese, reuben, build-your-own salad or pasta, pork chops, fried chicken …the list goes on and on, and it’s all quite delicious. Fresh, made-from-scratch quality meets warm hospitality.
An Italian pizzeria and unquestionable campus favorite since 1973. Formerly a synagogue, and listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the original style of the building has been carefully maintained, with 41 stained glass windows and several chandeliers providing a unique atmosphere. And oh yeah, they have legendary pizza, breadsticks and pasta. Many would agree that this is Lexington’s signature pizza spot.
http://joebolognas.com/
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Joe Bologna's
120 W Maxwell StAn Italian pizzeria and unquestionable campus favorite since 1973. Formerly a synagogue, and listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the original style of the building has been carefully maintained, with 41 stained glass windows and several chandeliers providing a unique atmosphere. And oh yeah, they have legendary pizza, breadsticks and pasta. Many would agree that this is Lexington’s signature pizza spot.
http://joebolognas.com/
Owners Greg and Tressa Todd like to keep it simple, with a chalkboard menu full of select Cajun Creole dishes inspired by Greg’s years as a New Orleans cook and store manager. Prepared with fresh local produce, you’ll find plenty of authentic and hearty Cajun staples, with new specials appearing every day. Try the signature “Yatwich,” chicken fricassée, red beans & rice, traditional jambalaya, or several variations of étoufées, gumbos and creoles. You simply can’t go wrong.
http://www.gumboyayaky.com/
Gumbo Ya Ya
294 S BroadwayOwners Greg and Tressa Todd like to keep it simple, with a chalkboard menu full of select Cajun Creole dishes inspired by Greg’s years as a New Orleans cook and store manager. Prepared with fresh local produce, you’ll find plenty of authentic and hearty Cajun staples, with new specials appearing every day. Try the signature “Yatwich,” chicken fricassée, red beans & rice, traditional jambalaya, or several variations of étoufées, gumbos and creoles. You simply can’t go wrong.
http://www.gumboyayaky.com/
A hip and lively neighborhood hangout serving super-thin New York-style pizzas, fresh salads with homemade dressings, and an array of pub food appetizers and entrées. Choose from a wide variety of wines and craft beers and grab a seat on one of Lexington’s best outdoor patios.
http://greygooserestaurants.com/
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Grey Goose
170 Jefferson StA hip and lively neighborhood hangout serving super-thin New York-style pizzas, fresh salads with homemade dressings, and an array of pub food appetizers and entrées. Choose from a wide variety of wines and craft beers and grab a seat on one of Lexington’s best outdoor patios.
http://greygooserestaurants.com/
With a pit proudly on display as you walk in, you'll often get an aromatic preview of the smoked beef brisket, pork, chicken, ribs and sausage that might grace your plate. You'll find various sauce options, but you might want to experience the slow-smoked, lightly seasoned flavor of the meat on its own before dousing too much. Expect big portions with a bevy of delicious sides, served with patient and friendly service.
http://bluedoorsmokehouse.com/
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Blue Door Smokehouse
226 Walton AveWith a pit proudly on display as you walk in, you'll often get an aromatic preview of the smoked beef brisket, pork, chicken, ribs and sausage that might grace your plate. You'll find various sauce options, but you might want to experience the slow-smoked, lightly seasoned flavor of the meat on its own before dousing too much. Expect big portions with a bevy of delicious sides, served with patient and friendly service.
http://bluedoorsmokehouse.com/
Great local bakery! But get there early or they may run out.
http://www.sunrisebakery.com/
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Sunrise Bakery
111 W Main StGreat local bakery! But get there early or they may run out.
http://www.sunrisebakery.com/
Tucked away in a quiet tree-lined cove, Giussepe’s offers traditional and nouveau Italian cuisine as slow jazz sets the mood. Passionately made pasta dishes, fresh seafood and hand-cut steaks stand out on the menu, as does an extensive wine collection. The intimate setting is perfect for date nights, special occasions or relaxed family gatherings.
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Giuseppe's Ristorante Italiano
4456 Nicholasville RdTucked away in a quiet tree-lined cove, Giussepe’s offers traditional and nouveau Italian cuisine as slow jazz sets the mood. Passionately made pasta dishes, fresh seafood and hand-cut steaks stand out on the menu, as does an extensive wine collection. The intimate setting is perfect for date nights, special occasions or relaxed family gatherings.
Family owned since 1956, this is where Lexingtonians go to satisfy their craving for sweets and fine baked goods. Desserts, cookies, breakfast and deli sandwiches round out your options, but if you’re looking for something truly legendary, you have to try their birthday cake. Most customers go for buttercream icing, and for good reason.
http://mageesbakery.com/wp/
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Magee's Bakery
726 E Main StFamily owned since 1956, this is where Lexingtonians go to satisfy their craving for sweets and fine baked goods. Desserts, cookies, breakfast and deli sandwiches round out your options, but if you’re looking for something truly legendary, you have to try their birthday cake. Most customers go for buttercream icing, and for good reason.
http://mageesbakery.com/wp/
Consistently voted among the city’s best dining destinations. A stylish, yet relaxed local hot spot serving inventive regional specialties and comfort food, including buttermilk fried chicken with mashed potatoes, a wide variety of rotating veggie sides, petite filet medallions and plenty of great daily specials. Several charming dining rooms and patio settings create a sophisticated, lively atmosphere.
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Merrick Inn Restaurant
1074 Merrick DrConsistently voted among the city’s best dining destinations. A stylish, yet relaxed local hot spot serving inventive regional specialties and comfort food, including buttermilk fried chicken with mashed potatoes, a wide variety of rotating veggie sides, petite filet medallions and plenty of great daily specials. Several charming dining rooms and patio settings create a sophisticated, lively atmosphere.
Lexington’s signature USDA prime steakhouse, serving the “best beef on the planet,” brought in fresh from Chicago butchers. Filet mignon, prime rib, New York strip, porterhouse cuts—all cooked to perfection and served with over-the-top-hospitality. The hundreds of celebrity-signed menus on the wall confirm this is one of the most prestigious steakhouses in the country. Three locations in town, but the original is on Tates Creek Road.
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Malone's Lansdowne
3347 Tates Creek RdLexington’s signature USDA prime steakhouse, serving the “best beef on the planet,” brought in fresh from Chicago butchers. Filet mignon, prime rib, New York strip, porterhouse cuts—all cooked to perfection and served with over-the-top-hospitality. The hundreds of celebrity-signed menus on the wall confirm this is one of the most prestigious steakhouses in the country. Three locations in town, but the original is on Tates Creek Road.
Chef Mark Jensen and company are bringing a top-notch new-American dining experience to the flourishing Lexington Distillery District. Located in Old Pepper Distillery Building, Middle Fork features a custom-built Argentinian wood-fire grill and open kitchen design, serving locally-focused seasonal fare that infuses complex and rich flavors into simply prepared meats and produce. All of that, with warm hospitality and a cozy, relaxed atmosphere.
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middle fork kitchen bar
1224 Manchester StChef Mark Jensen and company are bringing a top-notch new-American dining experience to the flourishing Lexington Distillery District. Located in Old Pepper Distillery Building, Middle Fork features a custom-built Argentinian wood-fire grill and open kitchen design, serving locally-focused seasonal fare that infuses complex and rich flavors into simply prepared meats and produce. All of that, with warm hospitality and a cozy, relaxed atmosphere.
Make no mistake, this place puts the quality of its food before anything else. Fresh ingredients are used to make refreshingly authentic Mediterranean dishes at a surprisingly affordable price. Order made-from-scratch Middle Eastern cuisine like shawarma, falafel or kebabs, with sides of rice or hummus for one of the healthiest and tastiest meals in town.
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Sahara Mediterranean Cuisine
3061 Fieldstone WayMake no mistake, this place puts the quality of its food before anything else. Fresh ingredients are used to make refreshingly authentic Mediterranean dishes at a surprisingly affordable price. Order made-from-scratch Middle Eastern cuisine like shawarma, falafel or kebabs, with sides of rice or hummus for one of the healthiest and tastiest meals in town.
It’s the kind of place that serves chicken and waffles and chocolate beer floats, a creatively cosmopolitan pub that specializes in soul food and sweet surprises. The menu pulls from Thai, Mexican, French, Hawaiian and, of course, Southern influences, adding delightful twists in all the right places. It’s a local favorite, and a place you just might have to visit more than once.
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Saul Good Restaurant & Pub
123 N BroadwayIt’s the kind of place that serves chicken and waffles and chocolate beer floats, a creatively cosmopolitan pub that specializes in soul food and sweet surprises. The menu pulls from Thai, Mexican, French, Hawaiian and, of course, Southern influences, adding delightful twists in all the right places. It’s a local favorite, and a place you just might have to visit more than once.
A farm-to-table venture of one of Lexington’s most celebrated restaurateurs, Ouita Michel. Creative and traditional made-from-scratch dishes feature local, sustainable ingredients. Greens, herbs and tilapia are sourced from neighboring urban farm, FoodChain. Menu options are aplenty—wild-caught fried catfish, flavorful salads, fresh-shucked oysters, ethnic Tilapia dishes and more. Adjoined to West Sixth Brewery, grab a seat in the beer garden and enjoy top-notch seafood with quick and casual service.
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Smithtown Seafood
501 W 6th StA farm-to-table venture of one of Lexington’s most celebrated restaurateurs, Ouita Michel. Creative and traditional made-from-scratch dishes feature local, sustainable ingredients. Greens, herbs and tilapia are sourced from neighboring urban farm, FoodChain. Menu options are aplenty—wild-caught fried catfish, flavorful salads, fresh-shucked oysters, ethnic Tilapia dishes and more. Adjoined to West Sixth Brewery, grab a seat in the beer garden and enjoy top-notch seafood with quick and casual service.
You won’t be able to tell if you’re in a small town or a big city. Serving simple dishes made with fresh, Kentucky-grown ingredients and sold at down-home prices (all entrées under $9), this deli is quaint and refreshing. The sunny yellow building, red awnings and superior freshness of the menu combine to make it feel like summer year-round.
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Stella's Kentucky Deli
143 Jefferson StYou won’t be able to tell if you’re in a small town or a big city. Serving simple dishes made with fresh, Kentucky-grown ingredients and sold at down-home prices (all entrées under $9), this deli is quaint and refreshing. The sunny yellow building, red awnings and superior freshness of the menu combine to make it feel like summer year-round.
Preparing farm-fresh nouvelle cuisine, this unique downtown eatery uses only the finest local ingredients for its weekly blackboard-style menu, with a fantastic selection of continental cheeses and charcuterie. Minimalist décor and communal seating arrangements make for a sleek, elegant and inviting space, complemented by a 20-seat oak wood bar that serves many signature craft cocktails and a wide selection of fine wine.
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Table Three Ten
310 W Short StPreparing farm-fresh nouvelle cuisine, this unique downtown eatery uses only the finest local ingredients for its weekly blackboard-style menu, with a fantastic selection of continental cheeses and charcuterie. Minimalist décor and communal seating arrangements make for a sleek, elegant and inviting space, complemented by a 20-seat oak wood bar that serves many signature craft cocktails and a wide selection of fine wine.
Tony’s is an exciting upscale addition to downtown’s “The Square” shopping center. Dedicated to delivering elevated hospitality and artful dishes, Tony’s aged and hand-cut USDA Prime steaks are seasoned with a proprietary paprika-based dust that adds both flavor depth and creates a char that seals in juices. An ultra fresh selection of seafood dishes, including an exceptional take on shrimp and grits fills out the menu. Even the sides are of top quality, including the popular bourbon whipped sweet potatoes.
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Tony's of Lexington
401 W Main StTony’s is an exciting upscale addition to downtown’s “The Square” shopping center. Dedicated to delivering elevated hospitality and artful dishes, Tony’s aged and hand-cut USDA Prime steaks are seasoned with a proprietary paprika-based dust that adds both flavor depth and creates a char that seals in juices. An ultra fresh selection of seafood dishes, including an exceptional take on shrimp and grits fills out the menu. Even the sides are of top quality, including the popular bourbon whipped sweet potatoes.
Ribs, Po' Boys, collard greens, sweet potato wedges, fried green tomatoes and other dishes beloved by fans of Southern cooking. Plus: blues, honky-tonk, country or bluegrass almost every night of the week.
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Willie's Locally Known
286 Southland DrRibs, Po' Boys, collard greens, sweet potato wedges, fried green tomatoes and other dishes beloved by fans of Southern cooking. Plus: blues, honky-tonk, country or bluegrass almost every night of the week.
Smack dab in the middle of horse country, everything here is locally grown. Serving breakfast, lunch and dinner seven days a week, including the "Mabel’s Nut burger", a delicious local burger topped with spicy peanut dressing. Enjoy a fresh, home-style meal followed by an ice cream cone while sitting on the screened-in porch, surrounded by lilacs and horses.
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Windy Corner Market
4595 Bryan Station RdSmack dab in the middle of horse country, everything here is locally grown. Serving breakfast, lunch and dinner seven days a week, including the "Mabel’s Nut burger", a delicious local burger topped with spicy peanut dressing. Enjoy a fresh, home-style meal followed by an ice cream cone while sitting on the screened-in porch, surrounded by lilacs and horses.
Featured on Diners, Drive-ins, and Dives.
Wallace Station, just outside Midway in the heart of Bluegrass horse country and near the Kentucky Bourbon Trail, is a scenic stop for homemade sandwiches, soups, salads, an irresistible bakery case and breakfast.
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Wallace Station Deli and Bakery
3854 Old Frankfort PikeFeatured on Diners, Drive-ins, and Dives.
Wallace Station, just outside Midway in the heart of Bluegrass horse country and near the Kentucky Bourbon Trail, is a scenic stop for homemade sandwiches, soups, salads, an irresistible bakery case and breakfast.
Rotating local art exhibits and live acoustic music make this one-of-a-kind coffee house a favorite among people of all ages. Nestled between campus and downtown, their extensive menu features muffins, scones, sandwiches, wraps, salads and soups. But their specialty, quite obviously, is a wide array of specialty coffees, espresso drinks and teas. Like any self-respecting coffee shop, there's free WiFi!
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Common Grounds Coffee House
343 E High StRotating local art exhibits and live acoustic music make this one-of-a-kind coffee house a favorite among people of all ages. Nestled between campus and downtown, their extensive menu features muffins, scones, sandwiches, wraps, salads and soups. But their specialty, quite obviously, is a wide array of specialty coffees, espresso drinks and teas. Like any self-respecting coffee shop, there's free WiFi!
Lexington’s first gastropub, the Village Idiot’s simple, yet inventive menu and an outstanding craft beer selection make for a guaranteed good time, every time. Classic dark wood finishes and a laid-back atmosphere give this spot a real pub feel, while serving unique sharables like “The Pot” of mussels or the "pulled pork mac & cheese".
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The Village Idiot
307 W Short StLexington’s first gastropub, the Village Idiot’s simple, yet inventive menu and an outstanding craft beer selection make for a guaranteed good time, every time. Classic dark wood finishes and a laid-back atmosphere give this spot a real pub feel, while serving unique sharables like “The Pot” of mussels or the "pulled pork mac & cheese".
Entertainment & Activities
Kentucky Horse Park
4089 Iron Works PkwyKeeneland Race Track- Check out meet schedule
Races run in April and October
http://www.keeneland.com/
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Keeneland
4201 Versailles Road Keeneland Race Track- Check out meet schedule
Races run in April and October
http://www.keeneland.com/
One of the many stops on the Bourbon Tour.
Established in 1794, Alltech's Lexington Brewing and Distilling Company continues a splendid tradition of quality brewing producing Kentucky Ale, Kentucky Light and Kentucky Bourbon Barrel Ale, and Bourbon, too. The brew hall viewing area, distilling facilities, bottling operations, gift shop and an Irish sampling pub are available for tours. Bus tours and walk-ups invited.
Tours avaiable. See website for details.
http://kybourbontrail.com/bourbon-trail-passport-start-here/town_branch/
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Town Branch Distillery
401 Cross StOne of the many stops on the Bourbon Tour.
Established in 1794, Alltech's Lexington Brewing and Distilling Company continues a splendid tradition of quality brewing producing Kentucky Ale, Kentucky Light and Kentucky Bourbon Barrel Ale, and Bourbon, too. The brew hall viewing area, distilling facilities, bottling operations, gift shop and an Irish sampling pub are available for tours. Bus tours and walk-ups invited.
Tours avaiable. See website for details.
http://kybourbontrail.com/bourbon-trail-passport-start-here/town_branch/
Rupp Arena
430 W Vine StBasketball, Concerts, etc
All Kentucky distilleries are steeped in tradition; The Woodford Reserve Distillery, a restored historic distillery in Woodford County, is a showplace of the distiller's art and Kentucky bourbon heritage.
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Αποστακτήριο Woodford Reserve
7785 McCracken PikeAll Kentucky distilleries are steeped in tradition; The Woodford Reserve Distillery, a restored historic distillery in Woodford County, is a showplace of the distiller's art and Kentucky bourbon heritage.
Essentials
Kroger
704 Euclid AveWalmart Supercenter
500 W New Cir RdDrinks & Nightlife
Part of the burgeoning Jefferson Street Corridor, West Sixth Brewing founders have remodeled Lexington's old Rainbow Bread factory and are now creating craft beers. The taproom features several rotating fresh brews and the beer garden makes for a great place to chat and try out a pint or flight. Tours are offered of the facility and production system.
Operation Hours: Open seven days a week. Tours of the brewing operations are offered on Wednesdays at 6 p.m. and Saturdays at 2 p.m.
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West Sixth Brewing
501 W 6th StPart of the burgeoning Jefferson Street Corridor, West Sixth Brewing founders have remodeled Lexington's old Rainbow Bread factory and are now creating craft beers. The taproom features several rotating fresh brews and the beer garden makes for a great place to chat and try out a pint or flight. Tours are offered of the facility and production system.
Operation Hours: Open seven days a week. Tours of the brewing operations are offered on Wednesdays at 6 p.m. and Saturdays at 2 p.m.
Claiming “we no longer accept that a casual beer needs to be yellow with no character or flavor,” Blue Stallion specializes in crafting quality European-style lagers and ales. The taproom offers an evolving menu of approachable in-house, local and out-of-town beers. Munich Dunkel and German Pilsner are two of their signature brews. Lunch and dinner available Monday through Saturday.
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Blue Stallion Brewing Co.
610 W 3rd StClaiming “we no longer accept that a casual beer needs to be yellow with no character or flavor,” Blue Stallion specializes in crafting quality European-style lagers and ales. The taproom offers an evolving menu of approachable in-house, local and out-of-town beers. Munich Dunkel and German Pilsner are two of their signature brews. Lunch and dinner available Monday through Saturday.
The taproom features a full array of fresh Country Boy offerings, with plenty of other local and national craft brews. Their focus is on fresh, minimally processed beers using the finest ingredients, even adapting Japanese craft brewing techniques. Never afraid to try something new, you'll always find a few experimental beers in the mix. Some local favorites: Cougar Bait Blonde and Jalapeno Smoked Porter.
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Country Boy Brewing
436 Chair AveThe taproom features a full array of fresh Country Boy offerings, with plenty of other local and national craft brews. Their focus is on fresh, minimally processed beers using the finest ingredients, even adapting Japanese craft brewing techniques. Never afraid to try something new, you'll always find a few experimental beers in the mix. Some local favorites: Cougar Bait Blonde and Jalapeno Smoked Porter.
Cheapside Bar & Grill on Mill Street offers great food in a casual atmosphere, inside or on the patio, and is the place to be at Happy Hour (254-0046). Make a night of it: stay on for the live music and party till the wee hours of the morning.
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Cheapside Bar & Grill
131 CheapsideCheapside Bar & Grill on Mill Street offers great food in a casual atmosphere, inside or on the patio, and is the place to be at Happy Hour (254-0046). Make a night of it: stay on for the live music and party till the wee hours of the morning.