Country Inn & Suites By Carlson, Lexington, KY

CHEVY CHASE. Brightly painted and adorned with bold art, this little eatery delivers classic Cajun fare at incredibly...

CHEVY CHASE. Brightly painted and adorned with bold art, this little eatery delivers classic Cajun fare at incredibly reasonable prices. Entrees ring up at $6.50 each, which is an amazing bargain considering the zesty, well-portioned dishes you get. Jambalaya often goes fast, thick with sausages and chicken, but you can also indulge in gumbo, red beans, crawfish, etouffee, and more. A half-dozen options stay on the menu, supplemented by daily specials. If you want to try a couple of different items, they'll supply you with two half-orders for just $7.50.

Hours: Mon-Sat 11am-10pm

Payment Methods: Visa , Master Card , Discover , American Express , Diner's Club

CHEVY CHASE. Simple and laid-back, this local joint takes pride in its Western Kentucky-style barbecue, which is...

CHEVY CHASE. Simple and laid-back, this local joint takes pride in its Western Kentucky-style barbecue, which is slow-cooked pork shoulder, pulled from the bone, chopped and sauced up, and often served on grilled bread. It's good alright, but they also do beef brisket, mutton (a local, robust delicacy), baby back ribs, and will even serve you chicken or a burger if you so desire. Sandwiches and plates can both be had, and you'd do well to add in some Mexican corn bread or an order of "frickles" (deep-fried pickles, for the uninitiated!).

Hours: Mon-Sat 11am-10pm, Sun 11:30am-9pm

Payment Methods: Visa , Master Card , American Express , Diner's Club

CHEVY CHASE. Although Ramsey's has several locations in town, this one ­ set in a big, white house ­ is the...

CHEVY CHASE. Although Ramsey's has several locations in town, this one ­ set in a big, white house ­ is the original. Everything's casual, nothing matches, and folks love it that way. People come from all over to indulge in big portions of incredible, home-cooked food, and the much-loved signature dish is the hot brown: toast, turkey, bacon, tomato, and cream sauce, broiled to perfection. You can also sample old-school fare like chicken and dumplings, pot roast, and plenty of good vegetables. Brunch is a weekend tradition in the area, and hot biscuits and frosty, bottled Cokes are reason enough to visit.

Hours: Mon-Fri 11am-11pm; Sat-Sun 9am-11pm

Payment Methods: Visa , Master Card , Discover , American Express , Diner's Club

DOWNTOWN. South Indian food is fresh-made on the premises at this family-owned restaurant, and careful attention to...

DOWNTOWN. South Indian food is fresh-made on the premises at this family-owned restaurant, and careful attention to spices and to balanced flavors make the place a popular stop-off. The vegetarian-friendly menu includes plenty of options, from satays and samosas to entrees centered around lamb, goat, chicken, seafood, and vegetables. Take, for example, mango chicken, fish curry, hot and spicy shrimp, and pan-fried goat as representative dishes. Lots of build-your-own dosas can also be had, along with mild, exotic desserts. Great lunch buffet too.

Hours: Wed-Mon 11:30am-10pm

Payment Methods: Visa , Master Card , Discover , American Express , Diner's Club

DOWNTOWN. Locally known as "the Ho," this UK campus mainstay is one of Lexington's best bets for a hearty...

DOWNTOWN. Locally known as "the Ho," this UK campus mainstay is one of Lexington's best bets for a hearty breakfast any time of day. A favorite with college kids, the place also appeals to folks from all walks of life, from blue-bloods to blue-collar. Loaded omelets, packed breakfast sandwiches and pancakes satisfy early-risers or hungry night owls.

Hours: Daily Open 24 Hours

Payment Methods: Visa , Master Card , Discover , Diner's Club

AIRPORT - LEX. Native sons, high school friends, and CIA compatriots from way back, Abe Lansdale and Graham Waller own...

AIRPORT - LEX. Native sons, high school friends, and CIA compatriots from way back, Abe Lansdale and Graham Waller own and operate this easygoing enterprise. While the bar/restaurant concept is familiar, these guys kick things up a substantial notch with their experienced take on down-home comfort foods. From fried catfish to chicken livers, almond-crusted trout to barbecued pork, all your soul-soothing favorites are here ­ along with that Lexington mainstay, the cheese-laden hot brown. Friendly bar scene too.

Hours: Mon-Sat 8am-1am; Sun 8am-11pm

Payment Methods: Visa , Master Card , Discover , American Express , Diner's Club

AIRPORT - LEX. If you're concerned about how food is raised and the environment is maintained ­ or even if you just...

AIRPORT - LEX. If you're concerned about how food is raised and the environment is maintained ­ or even if you just enjoy fresh, local ingredients ­ you'll like this cafe. Dedicated to healthy foods and given only to a light tread on the planet, the enterprise delivers the best in natural, unadulterated foodstuffs. You'll find organic coffees, smoothies, and juices that are the ultimate in quality, along with salads, sandwiches, sushi, and hot dishes for carnivores and vegetarians alike. Available for eat-in or take-out.

Hours: Daily 8am-10pm

Payment Methods: Visa , Master Card , Discover , American Express , Diner's Club

AIRPORT - LEX. To immerse yourself in the excitement and busy-ness of Keeneland and Lexington's horse industry, make it...

AIRPORT - LEX. To immerse yourself in the excitement and busy-ness of Keeneland and Lexington's horse industry, make it a point to visit the Track Kitchen. This onsite restaurant caters to folks affiliated with equine pursuits, so you're likely to dine in the midst of jockeys, groomers, owners, and the like. Breakfast is a cafeteria-style excursion into country goodness and includes home fries, bacon and eggs, creamy grits, waffles, biscuits and gravy, and a variety of lighter options. Affordable prices are as good as the food.

Hours: Daily 6am-11:30am

Payment Methods: Visa , Master Card , Discover , American Express , Diner's Club

If you've got a hankering for good, old-fashioned comfort food, you'd be hard-pressed to find any better than that...

If you've got a hankering for good, old-fashioned comfort food, you'd be hard-pressed to find any better than that served at Cantuckee. Unpretentious and friendly, the place offers country cooking galore. Chicken and dumplings, meatloaf, fried catfish, country ham, barbecue, and fried chicken all hold places of prominence on the menu; they come with scrumptious homemade yeast rolls and wonderful side dishes of cole slaw, greens, mashed potatoes, and green beans. Desserts are also a treat, and if you can't make it for one meal, rest easy and know that another one waits just around the corner!

Hours: Sun-Thu 7:30am-9pm; Fri-Sat 7:30am-10:30pm

Payment Methods: Visa , Master Card , Discover , American Express , Diner's Club