Location: Lexington
Top Restaurants in Lexington
Top Things to do in Lexington
- 1. Virginia Military Institute
- 2. Lee Chapel and Museum
- 3. Washington and Lee University
- 4. George C. Marshall Museum
- 5. Stonewall Jackson House
- 6. Stonewall Jackson Grave
- 7. Visitor Center of Lexington
- 8. Stonewall Jackson Memorial Cemetery
- 9. Virginia Horse Center
- 10. Devils Backbone Outpost Brewery
Countries
Virginia, United States Food Guide: 10 American food Must-Eat Restaurants & Street Food Stalls in Lexington
Reviews on American food in Lexington, Virginia, United States. Lexington, Virginia, is a college town rich with history, charm and natural wonders. Surrounded by the breathtaking beauty of the Shenandoah Valley, its bustling downtown offers unique restaurants, artisan shops and galleries. Outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy mountain vistas on a walk along the Woods Creek trail or on a drive along the Blue Ridge Parkway. History buffs can follow the Civil War and visit the final resting places of iconic figures like Robert E. Lee and Stonewall Jackson.
Things to do in Lexington
10. Haywood's Piano Bar
Overall Ratings
4 based on 140 reviews
Haywood's offers casual fine dining at the center of historic downtown Lexington. The menu focuses on fresh grilled meats and produce from local farms, fish from our clear mountain rivers and seafood from Virginia coastal waters. Guests enjoy live piano m
Reviewed By joe-d
We chose Haywoodâs based on recommendations and reviews. The cuisine was outstanding; best pork belly we have ever tasted. Anywhere. The staff â in particular Stephanie â were top-notch. And extra kudos to the chef, who took the time to visit with all tables. Butâ¦WHEN YOU HAVE TO TALK LIKE THIS TO BE HEARD BY YOUR PARTNER, WHO IS LESS THAN 2 FEET ACROSS THE TABLE, SOMETHING IS VERY WRONG.Sadly but necessarily, the remainder of this critique must join those (many) who have noted the ambiance (lack thereof) being dominated -- no, letâs say destroyed -- by piano music that overwhelms what could be a cozy dining room. Acoustically speaking, a baby grand piano placed in a room we estimate at 20â x 20â at best (and this includes a bar area) is recipe for an ear-shattering, conversation-stifling atmosphere. Such is the case at Haywoodâs.And not meaning to pile on, but there was a large chasm between menu offerings on the website vs. the limited fare presented on the menu upon being seated. I suppose this is due to the pressures of being sold out during multiple graduations in Lexington, and I get it that restaurants have overhead to deal with. Still, one does not like to feel âchanneledâ into limited choices. Thankfully, the exquisite pork belly â and a nice white wine â softened the blow.Another pique: We had asked, due to being delayed in horrendous traffic, to have our reservation moved back, slightly. The reply was a straight âNo.â Again the graduation card was played. The problem with that is there were several tables left vacant while we were dining amidst the din.Most troubling â we have heard from multiple sources that Haywoodâs owner could not care less about what folks say about the restaurant. The owner encourages those oft-put by the insufferable piano playing to dine elsewhere. Well, although we would miss the pork bellies we would be happy to adhere to the ownerâs advice. Sorry, Haywoodâs, and absolutely no reflection on cuisine and service, but all of us who have dined at risk of hearing loss would agree â P-ersistently I-ncessantly A-nnoyingly N-umbingly O-ffensively loud music does not engender an enjoyable dining experience. âHear ye, Hear ye. Or at least try to.â
9. Macado's
Overall Ratings
4 based on 349 reviews
Reviewed By TanyaF657
We always stay in Lexington, VA on our way to OBX. Decided to stop here since our last experience went so well last year. First, it is still slow, just like last time. However, this time the service was lacking in attention. We had to continuously ask for refills, she continuously forgot to bring things we asked for and she left dirty plates on our table the entire time and never cleared them away. Second, everything we ordered was good, and good size portions. Between us all we had Ruebenâs, and steak sandwiches and wings. All was good. We decided to get the Madison for dessert again since we enjoyed it so much last time but we were very disappointed. It had very little ice cream and an extremely hard brownie and more whipped cream than anything. Someone else at our table had strawberry cheese cake and they really enjoyed it. We donât know if it was just an off day for our server but we probably will visit somewhere else next year.
8. Taps
Overall Ratings
4 based on 99 reviews
TAPS is the lobby lounge of The Georges, the boutique hotel in the center of historic downtown Lexington, Va. It features craft beers, creative cocktails, soups, salads, sandwiches, snacks and desserts, all made from scratch with many of our favorite ingr
Reviewed By Hokie67
We were touring downtown Lexington's First Friday's and took a break to have a drink here. It's a cozy, comfy bar room with a separate dining room. Bill greeted us and we took a seat by the window.They have a nice selection of craft beers, wine and liquor, but there cocktail list is innovative with some traditionals include. And... they make use of the VMI theme here, which is befitting the owners. My wife had an Aviation... gin with a few additives... that colored the drink to match the color of her painted toe nails from her pedicure earlier in the week. We all thought that was interesting.I had a Sazerac... made with their top end Rye... Whistle Pig. It's worth the upgrade charge if you can get a Manhattan or Sazerac with WP. It's one of the best sipping Ryes in the world, although Pikesville gives it a run.Great atmosphere. Interesting people watching. A fun place to have a drink. Thank you for leaving a review of your experience at TAPS. Bill and Jessica love to match your expectations for "out of the ordinary" cocktails to suit your mood of the moment. Every day is a good day to visit TAPS, try the restaurant too, next time, welcome back!
7. The Red Hen
Overall Ratings
4 based on 379 reviews
Reviewed By IAmEve7
Here because daughter and beau recommended it. High-priced dinner, arranged in an artful way. Small restaurant, small menu, tight tables. We couldn't help but overhear two tables' conversation over ours. I chose the steak which wasn't memorable, although tender. We didn't appreciate our server's attitude when we questioned a few menu choices. Seemingly off-put. The raspberry dessert was good.We agreed that Red Hen in all aspects certainly didn't hold a candle to our ever-favorite on Main Street.
6. Foothill Momma's Bbq Juke Joint
Overall Ratings
4 based on 186 reviews
Reviewed By Hokie67
We stopped here for lunch on our recent visit to Lexington... after reading all the rave reviews on TA. The atmosphere is great and what you expect from a BBQ joint. Great background music, great 'joint' decor... and lots of hungry people. The service very friendly and very efficient... as Krystina saw to that.Add in the smoky aroma of the place... and this should be a lights out place... except if you're a BBQ snob like me. I'm 73 and I've been eating BBQ most of those years... all over the South... and beyond. I've gotten to know quite a few award winners. This should/would be a five pip rating across the board, but my wife and I made the mistake of having the pulled pork. On the BBQ scale... it's the least unique of the genre. And that's unfortunate, because it's either great or it's just OK. Brisket, ribs, chicken and sausage BBQ expand the scale.So... the pulled pork. I had the Cubano... thinking that it would be a smoky version of the traditional sandwich that's made with ham and roast pork. The ham on this Cubano was too heavily smoked and sliced too thick... and smoked pork was simply sliced before it became pulled pork. The creole mustard was flavorful, but lost in smoke. But... if you're a big eater and are totally into 'smoke', you'd like it. I'm more into the seasonings of roast pork that's eventually pulled. And this was lacking. My wife had a pulled pork Quesadilla, which was a huge portion, but the same quandry with the 'smoke'. Plus... the sauces available were all sweet with no vinegar/pepper sauce to be seen.I've been eating collards as long as I've been eating BBQ. And the collards that I make are pure heaven. The greens that I got here were 5 pips... lots of vinegar and lots of pepper... with some smoky pulled pork added to the cooking process.We'd certainly go back here, because it's a great atmosphere... with great portions... but I'd pass on the pulled pork... and got for the one of the other BBQ offerings.
5. Blue Sky Cafe
Overall Ratings
4 based on 111 reviews
Reviewed By AJ H
Everything is well prepared, delicious and reasonably priced. With the friendliest staff anywhere. Were it not the best soup and sandwich shop in the Shenandoah then why would our tour company maneuver a 21st Century 45 foot charter bus around the narrow 19th Century streets of Lexington to pick up 40 individually prepared box lunches whenever we pass by Lexington?
4. Sheridan Livery Restaurant
Overall Ratings
4 based on 264 reviews
Serving lunch and dinner 6 days a week, our dining room offers a varied American menu, full bar, and plenty of space to stretch out and relax. Seating is available in our main dining room or our patio when weather permits. Large parties welcome. Please vi
Reviewed By Perkypaws
Cosy little restaurant tucked away from busy Main Street with fabulous views from the big windows. But it was mostly empty when we arrived, and bearing in mind previous reviews I understand why.Service is a little ragged, but that wasn't a big deal. What was extremely annoying was the sticky table that had my eating utensils glued to the surface. It was so bothersome that I asked the server to wipe the table, but it did no good. I felt that I was eating at a cheap diner the entire time.No specialty cocktails, and the bar makes basic drinks like you would at home--nothing exciting here. Inflated prices for the limited wine selections. The menu is heavily weighted to seafood. Hubby ordered the surf and turf--scallops and a filet. I had the French Onion soup and crab cakes. Hubby's salad was pedestrian; nothing exciting. My soup was very good. Hubby liked his entree, and I thought the crab cakes were tasty. I asked for some dressing to perk up the greens that garnished my cakes. We got one roll each and had to ask for more. Sides were mashed potatoes and green beans--let's get some life in here!I see that they get pretty good reviews for lunch. So maybe that is their strength. But the Southern Inn is killing them for the same prices for far superior food. Would not go back.
3. The Palms Restaurant
Overall Ratings
4 based on 518 reviews
Reviewed By Peter M
This is a very casual, almost diner-like establishment. The menu selections are quite varied. For example, I chose a fried chicken sandwich on a waffle. Not your typical chicken and waffle; a real sandwich. They offer several craft beers on tap as well as full bar service. The food arrived quickly and the servers were polite. Not gourmet, but we weren't looking for that.
2. Bistro on Main
Overall Ratings
4 based on 642 reviews
Upscale Casual Dining in the Heart of Downtown Lexington, Virginia.Featuring local products with a Southern flair. Intimate, casual atmosphere. Serving Brunch, Lunch and Dinner. Also offers catering. Reservations Recommended!
Reviewed By Janet S
Great Cauliflower, carrot over egg noodles. The staff was friendly. Service was well paced. Would recommend.
Most Popular Healthy food in Lexington, Virginia, United States
1. Southern Inn
Overall Ratings
4 based on 1301 reviews
Relax with family & friends in the casual elegance of Southern Inn. Enjoy local offerings from our contemporary American menu, as well as classic dishes complemented by local wine and beer. Southern Inn is located in the heart of historical downtown Lexin
Reviewed By cachevalley1
This is a restaurant that produces excellent food. We were so pleased with our dinner selections. However, we found the service on the sketchy side. Our waiter was ok, but we really got the minimal amount of service and attention. And, if you're looking for fine dining in a lovely, relaxing atmosphere, you will be disappointed.
Where to eat Cafe food in Lexington: The Best Restaurants and Bars
