Local Dining
Restaurants in Versailles, Lexington, and Midway you may enjoy
Locally owned options range from Southern comfort food, wood-fired pizza, and authentic Mexican to barbecue and a local brewery serving lunch and dinner. After a long day of travel, many guests opt for close-by, casual spots like local favorites Ricardo’s for dinner and Black Squirrel for lunch. For a fine dining experience, consider Heirloom or Holly Hill Inn in nearby Midway, Silks Steakhouse on Main Street, or the curated choices in Lexington.
Versailles, KY Dining
Silks Steakhouse
Timeless steakhouse featuring prime cuts, fresh seafood, and tableside service inside The Aldenberg Hotel.
Address: 101 N. Main Street, Versailles, KY
Hours: Tue–Sat: 5:00 PM – 10:00 PM | Sun–Mon: Closed
Contact: (859) 400-0222 (Reservations) | silkssteakhouse@sbghosp.com
Ricardo’s Grill and Pub
Sports bar in a restored 1855 railroad depot serving American food, steaks, burgers, chicken, and salads.
Address: 110 Frankfort St., Versailles, KY
Hours: Mon–Fri & Sun: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM | Sat: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Contact: (859) 873-3663 | ricardosgrillandpub.com
The Castle
Fine dining experience inside a castle setting, serving lunch and dinner.
Address: 230 Pisgah Pike, Versailles, KY 40383
Hours: Sun–Thu: 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM | Fri–Sat: 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Contact: (859) 256-0322 (Reservations Suggested) | thekentuckycastle.com
Black Squirrel
Fresh dining blending Southern tradition with modern craftsmanship by Chef Cole Arimes and Richard Turnbull.
Address: 175 North Main Street, Versailles, KY
Hours: Tue–Sun: 8:00 AM – 3:00 PM (Full Service) | Mon–Tue: Closed
Contact: (859) 682-5085 (Reservations Suggested) | blacksquirrelky.com
Rolling Oven Taproom
Wood-fired pizza, sandwiches, and salads in a renovated building near the courthouse.
Address: 140 Court St., Versailles, KY
Hours: Tue–Thu: 11:30 AM – 9:00 PM | Fri–Sat: 11:30 AM – 10:00 PM | Mon: Closed
Contact: rollingoven.com
Wallace Station
Casual sandwiches and salads located between Versailles and Midway. Featured on Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives.
Address: 3854 Old Frankfort Pike, Versailles, KY
Hours: Tue–Thu: 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM | Fri–Sat: 11:00 AM – 8:00 PM | Mon: Closed
Contact: (859) 846-5161 | wallacestation.com
Versailles Brewing Co.
Craft beer bar with seasonal Central Kentucky dishes and local artwork on display.
Address: 513 Marsailles Rd., Versailles, KY
Hours: Sun–Thu: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM | Fri–Sat: 11:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Contact: (859) 256-0169 | vbctaproom.com
El Tapatio Mexican Restaurant
Authentic Mexican cuisine with a large menu and attentive service.
Address: 504 Lexington Rd., Versailles, KY
Hours: Mon–Sun: 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Contact: (859) 873-3090
Woodford County Country Club
Style: Three indoor options (The Porch, Jack Jouett Tavern, Dining Room) featuring weekly specials by Chef Tommy.
Address: 3495 McCowans Ferry Road, Versailles, KY 40383
Hours: Mon–Wed: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM | Thu–Sat: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM | Sun Brunch: 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Contact: (859) 495-2582 (Reservations Suggested for Dinner) | thewoodfordclub.com/restaurant (Delivery via GrubHub)
Midway Dining
Located just 12 minutes away past historic horse farms, quaint Midway offers fine and casual dining alongside local boutiques and galleries.
Holly Hill Inn
Award-winning farm-to-table fine dining with seasonal menus, outdoor seating, and carryout.
Address: 426 N. Winter St., Midway, KY
Hours: Thu–Sat: 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM | Mon–Wed: Closed
Contact: (859) 846-4732 (Reservations Required) | hollyhillinn.com
Heirloom
Award-winning gourmet fine dining focusing on fresh, local ingredients.
Address: 125 E. Main St., Midway, KY
Hours: Tue–Sat: 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM & 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM | Sun–Mon: Closed
Contact: (859) 846-5565 (Reservations Suggested) | heirloommidway.com
Gibson’s Restaurant and Bar
Steaks, chicken, seafood, and a large appetizer menu with a large outdoor patio.
Address: 131 E. Main St., Midway, KY
Hours: Wed–Sun: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM | Mon–Tue: 4:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Contact: (859) 846-4077 | gibsonsmidway.com
Goose and Gander Family Restaurant and Bar
Casual spot with a large patio serving salads, sandwiches, pizza, pasta, and entrees.
Address: 133 E. Main St., Midway, KY
Hours: Sun–Thu: 11:00 AM – 8:00 PM | Fri–Sat: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Contact: (859) 846-9933 | gooseandgandermidway.com
Brown Barrel / Blind Harry’s
Fun, unique spot with a patio offering regional favorites like pork belly sandwiches, mac and cheese, and bread pudding.
Address: 224 N. Gratz St., Midway, KY
Hours: Mon–Sun: 11:00 AM – 9:30 PM
Contact: (859) 403-2003 | thebrownbarrel.com
Dining in Lexington
A sampling of favorite spots in Lexington's vibrant food scene. Advance reservations are strongly recommended for most locations (marked with [R]).
Dudley’s on Short [R]
35-year fine dining mainstay in a historic bank building. Named Best Restaurant in the South by Southern Living.
Address: 259 W. Short St., Lexington, KY
Hours: Mon–Thu: 5:00 PM – 10:00 PM | Fri–Sat: 11:00 AM – 11:00 PM | Sun: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Contact: (859) 252-1010 | dudleysonshort.com (Rooftop dining available upon request at arrival)
Carson’s Food & Drink [R]
Rustic Bluegrass atmosphere with live weekend jazz. Diners' Choice Award winner.
Address: 362 Main St., Lexington, KY (Newer second location at 3450 Todd’s Road)
Hours: Mon–Thu: 11:30 AM – 10:00 PM | Fri–Sat: 10:00 AM – 11:00 PM | Sun: 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Contact: (859) 309-3039 | carsonsfoodanddrink.com
Tony’s of Lexington [R]
Classic American steakhouse on The Square featuring white tablecloths and valet parking.
Address: 401 W. Main St., Lexington, KY
Hours: Sun–Thu: 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM | Fri–Sat: 5:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Contact: (859) 955-8669 | tonysoflexington.com
Distilled on Jefferson Street [R]
Elevated Southern cuisine by Chef Mark Womble in a refined setting.
Address: Jefferson Street, Lexington, KY
Hours: Tue–Sun: 5:30 PM – 10:00 PM | Sat–Sun Brunch: 10:30 AM – 2:00 PM | Mon: Closed
Contact: OpenTable Booking
Malone’s [R]
Top-ten rated steakhouse with a varied menu. The closest location to A Storybook Inn Bed and Breakfast is in Palomar Centre.
Address: 3735 Palomar Centre Dr., Lexington, KY (3 locations across Lexington)
Hours: Mon–Sun: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Contact: (859) 977-2620 | bluegrasshospitality.com
The Merrick Inn [R]
A Lexington fine dining institution for over 40 years. By reservation only.
Address: 1074 Merrick Drive, Lexington, KY 40502
Hours: Mon–Thu: 4:00 PM – 11:00 PM | Fri–Sat: 4:00 PM – 12:00 AM | Sun: Closed
Contact: (859) 269-5417 | themerrickinn.com
Giuseppe’s Ristorante Italiano & Bar [R]
Long-standing, popular fine Italian dining on the outskirts of Lexington.
Address: 4456 Nicholasville Rd., Lexington, KY
Hours: Sun–Thu: 4:00 PM – 9:00 PM | Fri–Sat: 4:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Contact: (859) 272-4269 | giuseppeslexington.com
Jeff Ruby's [R]
High-energy, elegant fine dining focused on premium steaks and impeccable service.
Address: 101 West Vine Street, Lexington, KY
Hours: Mon–Thu: 5:00 PM – 10:00 PM | Fri–Sat: 4:30 PM – 11:00 PM | Sun: 4:30 PM – 9:00 PM
Contact: (859) 554-7000 | jeffruby.com/lexington
Coles 735 Main [R]
Eclectic, locally sourced American cuisine set inside a historic 1938 building.
Address: 735 E. Main St., Lexington, KY
Hours: Tue–Thu: 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM | Fri–Sat: 5:00 PM – 10:00 PM | Sun–Mon: Closed
Contact: (859) 266-9000 | coles735main.com
OBC Kitchen [R]
Updated chef-driven Southern fare, extensive bourbon list, craft beers, and wine in a pub-like setting.
Address: 3373 Tates Creek Rd., Lexington, KY
Hours: Mon–Thu: 3:00 PM – 10:00 PM | Fri: 3:00 PM – 11:00 PM | Sat: 10:00 AM – 11:00 PM | Sun: 10:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Contact: (859) 977-2600 | obckitchen.com
Crank and Boom Ice Cream
Craft ice cream featuring flavors like bourbon honey and coffee stout, plus boozy floats in the Distillery District.
Address: 1210 Manchester St., Lexington, KY
Hours: Sun–Thu: 12:00 PM – 9:00 PM | Fri–Sat: 12:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Contact: (859) 288-2176 | crankandboom.com