Brunch in Lexington, KY is more than just a mid-morning meal—it’s practically a sport, and you’ll want to show up hungry. Whether you’re craving a Southern feast, a plant-filled hideaway, or a biscuit bigger than your ambitions, we’ve rounded up the city’s best brunch spots to turn your weekend into a winning streak. Dig in and discover why Lexington locals never skip the most important (and delicious) meal of the day.
Carson’s Food & Drink | Kentucky Elegance, Butt-Kicking Brunch
If you think brunch is a flimsy excuse to have eggs at noon, prepare to be proven wrong. At Carson’s, every bite feels like a celebration of Kentucky craft and genuine warmth.
Start with those house-made waffles piled high under a crispy chipotle honey fried chicken thigh. Add a bottomless prohibition cocktail or a handcrafted mixer from the full bar to keep the good times rolling. Generous portions mean you might sneak leftovers in the car on your way home.
The Shrimp N’ Grits pack a punch of spice and cream while the California Benedict lives up to its sunny name. Outdoor seating brings people-watching to an art form amid heirloom brick and buzzing conversation. Gluten-free and vegan options are so good, even skeptics change their tune.
Reservations are wise since word of this place spread fast and it’s landed on OpenTable’s national lists year after year. When comfort meets swagger it feels like a celebration you never want to end. peek at the brunch menu and plan your next serious indulgence.
DV8 Kitchen – broadway | Brunch for a Cause
Croissant-style cinnamon rolls and all-day breakfast sandwiches might be enough to get me through a Monday, but DV8 Kitchen has more up its sleeve. This is comfort food with purpose. The kitchen team includes people rebuilding lives, and you would never guess they’re learning on the job.
Their Southern eggs Benedict overlays perfectly poached eggs on tender biscuits smothered in hollandaise. The breakfast Reuben sneaks in unexpected flavor while the house burger poses a delicious risk. Portion sizes are generous without tipping into wasteful.
DV8’s dining room doesn’t demand you buy into trendy farm jargon. Kids tug on cupcakes, grandparents nod along, and the sun-warmed patio welcomes all. Vegetarian and gluten-free plates slip seamlessly into a menu that’s honest and affordable.
You won’t need a reservation, but be ready for a short mental tug-of-war when you stare at the menu. In the end, the only line you’ll regret skipping is the one for seconds. Check out the menu that makes everyone a regular.
OBC Kitchen | For Bourbon Brunchers
You know brunch is serious business when you find “Bacon in a Glass” on the appetizer list. OBC Kitchen isn’t playing around with Southern comfort. Every recipe arrives with a bourbon twist and a firm handshake.
Rustic barn wood and leather booths hint at old Kentucky charm without feeling dusty. The Crab Cake Benedict pairs savory seafood with perfectly poached eggs. If you have room, crème brûlée French toast beckons with a caramelized crown you’ll envy.
Securing a reservation is smart, but spontaneous visits can score a coveted patio table too. An OBC Bloody Mary in hand under the open sky feels like a masterclass in brunch rituals. Kids run free and gluten-free diners cheer when options arrive as thoughtfully as the bourbon aficionados’ cocktails.
Whether you’re here for the rich mashups or the lively setting, OBC Kitchen knows how to turn a meal into an event. Get ready to linger. Dive into their menu here.
Kentucky Native Café | The Secret Garden Brunch
If your version of brunch involves soft crepes instead of screens and plants instead of polished wood, Kentucky Native Café is your retreat. Nestled behind a florist shop, this greenhouse hideaway feels like stumbling into a secret garden.
Savory and sweet crepes share space with Bavarian pretzels swimming in beer cheese. Seasonal salads shine with herbs snipped from nearby beds. Nature’s soundtrack comes courtesy of real birdsong and hushed excitement over finding the place.
Drinks highlight local breweries and wineries, each glass tipping its hat to Kentucky makers. The patio fills with dogs as soon as the sun peeks out, so bring your furry friend. Menus rotate with the seasons, guaranteeing surprises on every visit.
No reservations. When tables fill up, grab a bench and sip a house beer while you wait. In a town where brunch can feel loud, this leafy haven whispers good taste. Secure your spot in Lexington’s prettiest hideaway here.
Minton’s | Southern Comfort Gets Artsy
Brunch at Minton’s is not a syrupy parade of eggs Benedict and endless mimosas. It’s Southern comfort with a creative spark that makes you wonder why nobody tried these mashups sooner.
The “Little Brother” sandwich stacks mac and cheese on pan-fried smoked sausage, creating a savory tower of delight. Peanut butter pancakes arrive drizzled with candied cayenne bacon and bananas foster, daring you to question tradition. Even coffee feels like part of the show.
The new two-tier patio expands your seating options, though the inside retains its diner-like coziness. Large portions mean you might need a nap afterward. Vegetarian and vegan choices arrive with the same inventiveness as everything else.
Be prepared to wait for a table. The payoff is every bite of imaginative cooking that celebrates Southern flavors in unexpected combinations. Minton’s is the place to go when classic brunch just won’t cut it. stalk their latest menu moves here.
Josie’s Restaurant | Scratch-Made Southern Comfort
Imagine walking into a place where biscuits bake in a cast-iron oven behind the counter. Everyone greets you like family, and conversations drift around the horseshoe-shaped bar. The award-winning sausage gravy arrives heated to perfection, smothering crispy biscuits beneath.
Decide if you’re a Dad Omelet person or a pancakes devotee. The Chevy Chase Special offers a tour through all the classics. Don’t let the word “side” fool you when the breakfast potatoes arrive.
Be prepared for a weekend wait. There are no reservations here on a first-come, first-served basis. Grab a friend and settle into the covered patio if weather allows.
While you wait you’ll find enough hot coffee to fuel a small army. Kid-friendly energy helps the minutes fly by. Embrace the bustle because the payoff is a comforting brunch worth every second in line. see if you can conquer their breakfast menu.
Merrick Inn Restaurant | Southern Brunch in a Manor
Step through the front door of this historic manor and you might feel like you’ve walked into a Southern novel. The atmosphere balances stately charm with genuine coziness. It is the kind of place where a Pineapple Martini arrives polished glass in hand.
Crystal chandeliers mingle with original hardwood floors and heirloom furniture. Soft sunlight filters through tall windows, lending each table an inviting glow. It feels refined without ever becoming stuffy.
Fried chicken and waffles deserve their own landmark on any guidebook. Each waffle is crisp edged and chicken perfectly juicy.
Upgrade to the Crab Cake Benedict if you want something that feels indulgent and refined. The menu also offers classic brunch staples if you want a more familiar choice.
The sprawling patio often earns top marks for people-watching. Just be careful not to spill your Strawberry Bourbon Smash when the scene gets lively.
Portions feel generous even with a slightly higher price tag than bottomless mimosa spots. Reservations are wise unless you’re willing to gamble on a walk-in table. Brunch like Southern royalty and peep their menu here.
Corto Lima | Latin Flavors, No Reservations
This modern cantina welcomes you with bold flavors that wander from Mexico to the American Southwest. Standing on the sidewalk while you wait becomes part of the ritual. There is nothing clichéd about dishes that feel authentic and unexpected.
Imagine sipping a prickly pear Limosa with a real kick. A Bloody Maria here has genuine bite unlike any watered-down version. Both arrive in striking glasses that hint at the delicious experience ahead.
Inside, worn wood tables partner with steel accents and bright textiles to create an inviting artful vibe. It feels like a stylish art teacher’s living room where every element has been thoughtfully curated.
The menu turns simple brunch staples on their head. Jalapeno-honey drizzles the fluffy blue corn waffles.
Brunch arepas and real-deal breakfast burritos provide hearty comfort. Vegetarian and vegan options here actually satisfy rather than feel like an afterthought.
Remember this is first-come, first-served. Weekends only. Sidewalk seating and a margarita in hand make your wait feel like part of the fun. see what’s making early risers out of night owls.
First Watch | Best for Brunch Traditionalists (and Their Gluten-Free Friends)
Bright light and chatter fill this spot where pumpkin pancakes share menu real estate with power bowls and vegan toast. Everything feels designed to lift your spirits. Whether you want a classic eggs Benedict or a nutrient-packed bowl, the choice is entirely yours.
Do not be surprised if the line snakes out the door on a Saturday. Locals and visitors flock here to tame hangovers or kick-start a happy morning. The team works with lightning speed and the coffee always arrives hot and strong.
Seating inside feels open and bright, with modern finishes that never feel cold. It strikes the perfect balance between trendy and welcoming.
Gluten-free and vegan guests receive actual options worth eating. Try the A.M. Superfoods Bowl and see what all the fuss is about.
If you can grab an outdoor table, soak up some vitamin D alongside your mimosas. Portions run generous and prices stay reasonable. Parking here can handle an entire brunch crew. Check out the menu that made them a staple.
Stella’s Kentucky Deli | Farm-to-Table Classic
Stepping inside feels more like dropping in at a friend’s charming old home. Every detail hints at genuine hospitality and serious Southern comfort. It is impossible not to notice the talent behind each dish.
The focus stays on seasonal local ingredients with plenty of vegetarian and vegan options. You can satisfy your craving for a Hot Brown without missing out on ethical fare.
Do not leave without trying the Fried Green Tomato BLT or the surprisingly tasty Lentil Burger. Cap it all off with a slice of Lemon Ice Box Pie if black coffee does not suffice.
Staff here clearly enjoys feeding families, early birds, and the occasional 2 pm mimosa sipper. The relaxed pace means you will rarely feel rushed even if your schedule is unpredictable.
Inside seating feels cozy while the patio offers a bit more fresh air. Street parking sits just outside, making this place a neighborhood favorite. It would not be surprising to find half of Lexington already here when you arrive. Stalk the menu here.
Tudor’s Biscuit World | Biscuits Bigger Than Your Head
If you crave a brunch that doubles as a comfort-food feast, this spot delivers in a big way. Their biscuits are colossal, made to be stuffed Thundering Herd-style with sausage, hash browns, eggs, and cheese or smothered in gravy and potatoes on the Big Tator Platter. Each bite practically dares you to save room for anything else.
The atmosphere is all business: order at the counter, grab a seat, and settle in among locals who know a solid deal when they see one. Expect the occasional chorus of hungry kids pleading for extra syrup before you’ve even finished your hot coffee.
No reservations here, which makes life easy—just swing by before 2 PM any day. Friendly prices and generous portions mean you get more bang for your brunch buck. Gluten-free friends aren’t left out either. If you’d rather skip the parking lot traffic, the drive-through has your name on it. Go let their biscuits boss you around.
Dudley’s On Short | Classic Brunch With Real Tablecloths
If you imagine brunch as an elegant affair, this place hits the mark. White tablecloths and polished servers set the scene in a historic building that’s hosted more Eggs Benedict than you’ll likely try in a lifetime.
Speaking of that classic dish, it truly earns its reputation. You’ll want to reserve a table in advance, then sit back and people-watch while anticipating a perfectly poached egg and hollandaise worthy of the moment.
The menu balances beloved brunch staples with inspired twists. Malted Waffles have a hint of nostalgia, while Shrimp & Grits feel thoughtfully modern. Cocktails and fresh, locally sourced ingredients keep things interesting, and substitutions are welcomed if you like to customize.
Brunch service runs Friday through Sunday, so don’t plan to pop in on a random weekday. Dress a bit nicer than your go-to coffee shop attire and book early. It fills up fast, and for good reason. Scope out the menu and justify those white tablecloth vibes.
