Lexington

[clingman71]

Taking the wife to The Avett Brothers at Rupp Arena in a few weeks. I've never hit Lexington for more than a pass through between camping Red River Gorge and hitting the Bourbon Trail. I know of Country Boy, West 6th, and Beer Trappe for beer, but not wise to bourbon in Lexington. Any must hit bars or bottle shops? Any stand out local eateries?

[MyOldKyDram]

Short St just a block N of Rupp is home to all kinds of good restaurants, and is super close to Cheapside and the Bluegrass Tavern, which is your best bourbon bar bet.

[MyOldKyDram]

Tell me what you like/are looking for food wise and ill come up w some suggestions for you.

[petrel800]

I'm a huge fan of Portofino when I go to Lexington. Great bourbon selection by the glass and the food is typically very well done if you're looking for a nice place for dinner. Their sister restaurant in Frankfort is good as well.

[h=3]http://portofinolexington.com/[/h]

I've had a few folks recommend Dudley's on Short, so my wife and I tried it. To me the place was extremely over priced, the service was poor and the food was poor. I wasn't a fan of the place.

As for liquor stores, there are a few small shops here and there, but the main game in town are the Liquor Barn stores. Probably won't find any of the big Fall releases in there, but they do have a fair amount of private selections in stock. I bought their 2013 EWSB selection and was extremely pleased with it. If you have the time, run down to 4 Roses, always great to have an opportunity to pick up some of the Rutledge selections at the gift shop. Hope your trip is enjoyable.

[clingman71]

Four Roses is on the "if we have time" list. I've been there a few times, and we are headed to see the new Turkey visitor center, so we'll be close. As far as food, we both like gourmet burgers, grass-fed beef, local ingredients sort of thing. She has family connection to Georgia, so anything southern is great as well. The trip is for her birthday, she is nuts for shrimp and grits. Any good local breakfast suggestions as well, along the lines of Honey's in Philly or Toast in Louisville. Thanks

[MyOldKyDram]

Stella's is a great albeit tiny place that has really wonderful burgers. All locally sourced and on the Jefferson corridor, an easy walk from Rupp and plenty close to other bars, restaurants, and W 6th. County Club would be another fave in that area. For breakfast the next morning I would head just a few miles N of Lex and check out Windy Corner. Good food In a charming location, nestled in between a couple of Bluegrass horse farms.

[KDM]

Just got back from Lexington. I second the recommendation for the Bluegrass Tavern, good selection, although after reasonably priced pours of 4R 125th and 09 Mariage I was quoted at $100 for a pour of Lot B (WHAT??) plus later in the eve the place got flooded with the college crowd. I much preffered the vibe at the Horse and Barrel, good band, had pours of Saz18, EC21, and a Willet 8yr. Sadly they are closing the first of the year