Welcome to Lexington, home of the University of Kentucky Wildcats. If you’re heading to town to catch a University of Kentucky 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: Mark Stoops
- Stadium: Kroger Field
- Fun Fact: Kroger Field and the surrounding parking areas are located on what was once part of UK’s Experimental Station Farm Grounds.
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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 West Main Street, 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 hip, well-appointed, perfectly located hotel (it’s at The Summit at Fritz Farm, an outdoor area with great shopping and plenty of places to eat!) with gorgeous interiors, tasty food, and an impressive bourbon collection.
The Campbell House Lexington
1375 South Broadway, Lexington, KY 40504 • (859) 255-4281
With a stay at The Campbell House Lexington, you know you are in the “Horse Capital.” The overall theme of Southern luxury features equestrian-themed decor. Plus, the hotel is within walking distance of the UK campus.
The Manchester Hotel
941 Manchester St, Lexington, KY 40508
Head to The Manchester Hotel for a gem in the midst of Kentucky’s historic Distillery District. Clawfoot tubs and moody interiors abound, and there’s a great rooftop, too!
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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.
Carson’s Food & Drink
362 East Main Street, Lexington, KY 40507 • (859) 309-3039
Carson’s Food & Drink serves dinner, but it also has an over-the-top Sunday brunch. The fantastic selection of Benedicts and chicken and waffles makes it tough to choose only one dish!
Josie’s
821 Chevy Chase Place, Lexington, KY 40502 • (859) 523-8328
Consistently deemed the best breakfast in Lex, fuel up for game day at Josie’s. The funky breakfast and lunch eatery is just a mile from the stadium.
Drake’s Lexington
3347 Tates Creek Road, Lexington, KY 40502 • (859) 335-6500
Drake’s is a great place to stop if you’re looking for a late-night bite. The eatery serves up a rather odd combo of beer, burgers, and fresh sushi. And people love it.
Local Taco
315 South Limestone, Lexington, KY 40508 • (859) 523-3700
If you’re looking for some fast, casual, good Tex-Mex, look no further than Local Taco, where you can score quality tacos and fajitas.
Merrick Inn
1074 Merrick Drive, Lexington, KY 40502 • (859) 269-5417
If you have the opportunity for an extended stay, dining at Merrick Inn — a historic manor-turned-top-rated restaurant — is a must! They’re known for doing traditional Southern dishes very, very well.
Liquor Barn Express
866 East High Street, 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 market for a pre- or post-game drink, here are a few hotspots to check out — equally well-suited to celebrating or drowning your sorrows.
Centro
113 Cheapside Park, Lexington, KY 40507 • (859) 368-7972
If craft cocktails and draft beer are your drinks of choice, consider a visit to Centro. The bar is located in a renovated historic 1819 building. It also offers a beautiful patio space that overlooks downtown Lexington.
Harvey’s Bar & Beer Garden
200 West Main Street, 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 North Upper Street, 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.
The Rosebud Bar
121 North Mill Street, Lexington, KY 40507 • (859) 254-1907
For a taste of local culture and flavor, The Rosebud Bar is a beloved off-beat spot with eclectic interiors, well-priced libations, and jukebox tunes.
Tin Roof
303 South 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, as there are bottomless mimosas from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
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WHERE TO TAILGATE IN LEXINGTON
When it comes to UK tailgating, you have options — and who doesn’t love options?
- REVELxp: The University of Kentucky is partnered with REVELxp, which offers several packages. They’ll set up tailgates just a short walk from the stadium.
- Tailgating on your own: If you wish to tailgate on your own, you can set up tents in parking lots or try out one of these three solid choices:
- The Bowl, located between the tennis courts and Cooper Drive
- Gluck Equine Center at the stadium entrance on Nicholasville Road
- Wildcat Refuge on the southwest corner of the stadium
SB TIPS:
You can help pick the songs played during pregame by downloading the Rockbot app and selecting from a pre-selected list. Also, when in Lexington, look for some Burgoo, a Kentucky special!
Go Cats!
Click HERE for the complete SEC City Guide!
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