in Places, Kentucky, Lexington-Fayette

13 Lexington Bars You Should Check Out

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Lexington, Kentucky, is the “Horse Capital of the World” and is known for its bourbon and bluegrass.

enjoying beer at bars in Lexington-Fayette Kentucky

Whether you’re coming to town for the Keeneland annual horse races or simply wanting to bar hop for the bourbon and bluegrass scene, you should know that the city is home to several bars, each with its unique atmosphere.

Check out some of the best bars in Lexington-Fayette, Kentucky so you know where to get a drink next time you’re in town.

Soundbar

208 S Limestone, Lexington, KY 40508
Phone: (859) 523-6338
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Soundbar is a favorite local nightclub that features DJ sets, karaoke nights, and a range of other events. Their events make the bar one of the most fun places to go out.

Located near Phoenix Park, I love frequenting Soundbar on the weekends when I want to let loose, drink a dirty martini (or two), and dance all night.

I also love going on Wednesdays for karaoke nights and Sundays for trivia.

The Beer Trappe

811 Euclid Ave, Lexington, KY 40502
Phone: (859) 309-0911
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If you’re looking for a cool place to drink a beer in person and take beer to go when you’re done, The Beer Trappe has you covered.

It’s a bar and beer store in one and has one of the most friendly atmospheres of any space near Woodland Park. They have delicious pumpkin ales in the fall and Imperial Stouts year-round.

Tee Dee’s Lounge

266 E 2nd St, Lexington, KY 40507
Phone: (859) 576-7772
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Tee Dee’s Lounge is a local gem — cheerful, friendly, jazzy, and cool all at once! This Downtown lounge is one of the best bars to go for live music, especially live jazz music, on Monday nights.

I almost hate writing about it because I don’t want it to get too crowded, but if you end up going, make sure to bring cash and thank me later!

The Burl

375 Thompson Rd, Lexington, KY 40508
Phone: (859) 225-4073
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The Burl, located in Melrose/Oakpark near McConnell Springs, is another excellent live music venue and bar.

In addition to live music, this local favorite is full of entertainment, from the arcade games to the skeeball area, to the porches where you can simply sit, chat, and drink your favorite beers by the firepit.

The Green Lantern

497 W 3rd St, Lexington, KY 40508
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The Green Lantern, near Coolavin Park, is one of the best bars in Lexington-Fayette, Kentucky, because they feature great local bands of various genres, including punk, country, metal, folk, bluegrass, and EDM.

Additionally, The Green Lantern is one of the most fun places to get drinks because they have pool tables, karaoke nights, and great prices on all of their drinks, so you’re sure to have a great time!

Arcadium Bar

574 N Limestone, Lexington, KY 40508
Phone: (859) 317-9712
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It should come as no surprise that a bar called Arcadium Bar offers a range of classic arcade games!

This friendly watering hole with a cozy vibe is located near Duncan Park and offers exceptional craft beer, wine, and bar snacks.

It’s a great place for dog owners, too, because dogs seem to love the environment of the patio as much as humans do!

OleHookers Bait and Tackle

203 S Limestone, Lexington, KY 40508
Phone: (859) 317-9547
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OleHookers Bait and Tackle, near Phoenix Park, is one of my favorite bars due to its intimate space and eclectic, artsy decor.

Beyond its appearance, the bartenders are always so friendly, making it a go-to spot for after-work drinks and to let off some steam.

Chevy Chase Inn

833 Euclid Ave, Lexington, KY 40502
Phone: (859) 266-9422
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Chevy Chase Inn has a no-politics policy, so you can be sure to encounter much less drama than you might be used to at other bars.

This historic local bar also plays great music on the weekends but is a relatively quiet and relaxed place to have a friendly conversation on the weekdays while drinking affordable beer and spirits.

Creaux

310 W Short St, Lexington, KY 40507
Phone: (859) 469-8960
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If you’re hoping to find a hip and trendy bar in Lexington-Fayette, you’re in luck! Creaux, near the Explorium of Lexington, is one of the most stylish bars in town, which inspires a lovely atmosphere.

I like going to their New Orleans-inspired bar for beignets, lobster, live jazz music, and of course, Hurricane cocktails that are dangerously delicious.

Barrel House Distilling Co

1200 Manchester St, Lexington, KY 40504
Phone: (859) 259-0159
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Near The Burl mentioned earlier, Barrel House Distilling Co is undoubtedly one of the best distilleries in the area.

Bourbon is their specialty, but they have a nice selection of vodka and rum as well. I recommend taking a distillery tour and trying out samples of all their tasty and well-aged spirits.

Marikka’s Restaurant & Bier Stube

411 Southland Dr, Lexington, KY 40503
Phone: (859) 275-1925
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Marikka’s Restaurant & Bier Stube is a popular German restaurant and bar in Picadome. Ordering schnitzel along with a variety of German beers is the move here.

It’s fun to go for a beach volleyball game or to simply chill and drink on the patio with a group of friends.

Drake’s Lexington

3347 Tates Creek Rd, Lexington, KY 40502
Phone: (859) 977-2488
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Drake’s Lexington, near Lansdowne Merrick Park, is another restaurant and bar combo where you can order delicious craft beers while enjoying a range of food, from burgers to bar snacks and even sushi!

It may sound crazy to say that ordering a beer and their tater tots is my favorite thing to do here, but you have to try their tater tots — then you’ll understand!

McCarthy’s Irish Bar

117 S Upper St, Lexington, KY 40507
Phone: (859) 258-2181
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In my opinion, every town needs a good Irish bar, and in Lexington-Fayette, that spot belongs to McCarthy’s.

McCarthy’s Irish bar, by Phoenix Park, is the perfect place to go for old-school Irish beer, pub grub, and various food and drink specials. I like to start my nights early there and get their Irish coffee or a Jameson.

Final Thoughts

The best bars in Lexington, Kentucky, tend to have a unique atmosphere that makes them stand out from the rest.

Whether you’re looking for a place to get drinks with friends or dance to bluegrass music after a day of horse riding, you can find a great bar in town.

Have you been to any of these Lexington bars? Let us know your opinion of them in the comments!

Best Bars in Lexington

  1. Soundbar
  2. The Beer Trappe
  3. Tee Dee’s Lounge
  4. The Burl
  5. The Green Lantern
  6. Arcadium Bar
  7. OleHookers Bait and Tackle
  8. Chevy Chase Inn
  9. Creaux
  10. Barrel House Distilling Co
  11. Marikka’s Restaurant & Bier Stube
  12. Drake’s Lexington
  13. McCarthy’s Irish Bar
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Please drink responsibly, be fully accountable with your alcohol consumption, and show others respect.

Written by Paul Kushner

I have always had a deep interest in the restaurant and bar industry. My restaurant experience began in 1997 at the age of 14 as a bus boy. By the time I turned 17 I was serving tables, and by 19 I was bartending/bar managing 6-7 nights a week.

In 2012, after a decade and a half of learning all facets of the industry, I opened my first restaurant/bar. In 2015, a second location followed, the latter being featured on The Food Network’s Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives.

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