Lexington Nightlife

Lexington, Kentucky travel information

Lexington Nightlife

Lexington nightlife is changing, with the demolition of a downtown block to construct what will be the city’s largest highrise. On any given night, you can typically find live music, a huge college crowd, and a mix of cultural bars to visit.

Most of Lexington’s nightlife is situated downtown between Main street and Short street where there are a scattering of bars and clubs within walking distance.

Lexington Nightlife info:

• Smoking is no longer allowed inside Lexington bars or restaurants. Many pubs and bars have patios with heaters in the winter to accommodate smokers.
• Closing time is usually 02:30am.
• The number for taxi service is (859)231-TAXI or (231-8294)
• The flag fee for taxis is $2.50.

Here are just a few of the Lexington nightlife options:

Lexington Kentucky Bars

Irish Pubs

McCarthys – 117 South Upper st (between Main and Vine) – (859) 258-2181.

• McCarthys is extremely busy on weekends when UK is in session, but relaxed and enjoyable during the week. You will meet Irish, Australians, and English working in the horse business. There is a nice patio. No food.

Molly Brookes – 109 N. Limestone. (across from new courthouse building) – (859) 420-5792

• Molly Brookes is a new Irish pub in Lexington. The sidewalk patio offers a great view of the courthouse plaza and fountains. No food. (Food can be ordered or carried in from Mia’s just 1 block away)

O’Neills – 2051 Richmond Rd # 140 (away from downtown) – (859) 266-4488

• O’neills is away from downtown but an excellent option if you are staying near Richmond Rd or the Doubletree suites. You will find a covered patio, excellent fish-n-chips, and live music. Sundays are best.

Hotspots

Cheapside Bar and Grill – corner of Mill st and Short st – (859) 254-0046

• Cheapside has a large heated patio and offers excellent food. You will find live music on weekends including blues, classic rock, and jazz.

DeVassa – 401 W Main st (across from Triangle Park fountains) – (859) 455-9139

• DeVassa is a new Brazilian bar offering food, tapas, and live music almost nightly. There is an excellent view of the Triangle Park fountains from the patio and it is close to the Hyatt and Radisson hotels downtown.

Harveys – 200 W Main st (at corner of Main st and Upper st) – (859) 226-9333

• Harveys is a nicer bar with large outdoor area and “mood” room. Next door is Hugo’s, an upscale dance club with dress code. The two share a large deck with outdoor bar in the summer.

Chase Tap Room – 135 N. Broadway (corner of Broadway and High street)

• Chase has a huge selection of beers on tap and offers a 50% discount on orders made when a siren is going by outside!  Live music on Wed.  Happy hour 16:00 – 18:00.

College Scene

Two Keys Tavern – 333 S Limestone (on campus) – (859) 254-5000

• Two Keys is the spot to be on campus for 25 and under crowd. A large patio with outdoor music, dance floor with DJ, and drink specials. No food. Tuesday and Thursdays are big.

Pazzo’s Pizza Pub – 385 S Limestone (on campus) – (859) 255-5125

• Pazzo’s is a sprawling, multi-leveled place offering great pizza, multiple bars with TVs, 2 decks, and an outside patio with wall projection TV. They also have an enormous array of beers on tap.

Dance Clubs

Bakers 360 – 201 E Main St, Chase Bank Building, 15th Floor – (859)523-7797

• This classy restaurant and dance club has an incredible view of Lexington and offers some of the best dancing in town (including a stage for women only to dance without being hit on)

The Loft – 401 West Main Street (Victorian Square) – (859) 621-5831

• This massive dance loft plays trance and house music and has an underground/big metro environment with lots of lights and smoke. A very fun place on weekends.  Dress code.  No Patio.

The Moon – 815 E Euclid Ave (on campus) – (859) 268-0001

• This large nightclub offers couches, tables, a big dance floor, and a mixed crowd of college and older. Now open on Thursdays.

Bar Lexington – 367 E Main St (on the edge of downtown going east) – (859) 231-7263

• Bar Lexington is a large club complex with covered outdoor decks, volleyball courts, and live music area. Multiple venues inside. Big dance floor. No food.

Lexington Nightlife for Business Travelers

Bigg Blue Martini – 369 W Vine St (bottom of Radisson / Downtown Lexington hotel) – 859-231-9000

• Bigg Blue Martini is an upscale place offering cocktails and prime location in downtown Lexington. Fenced sidewalk patio. Food served.

DeSha’s Bar and Grill – 101 N Broadway (middle of downtown) – (859) 259-3771

• DeSha’s is another upscale place offering fine dining, Kentucky culture, and a large selection of bourbon. No patio.

Lexington Nightlife

After partying the night away, here are some popular late night food options:

• Tally Ho (Limestone on campus) offers famous burgers and onion rings
• Goodfella’s pizza (Mill st downtown around corner from Cheapside) – giant Italian style pizzas

Check back as we keep adding Lexington nightlife bars and reviews to this page!