NORM'S DINING GUIDE
CRITIC'S NOTE:
There are many places to dine in and around Lexington. However, the ones I have listed here are those which I have found to be above the rest and most consistent. These are also the restaurants that Barbara and I go to as often as possible, not only to dine out, but to also check to see they are maintaining their consistency. I have listed them from the most casual up to the most intimate setting. If you are going to dine out during your stay, I suggest you choose from my list of recommended restaurants and hope you enjoy them!
P.S. I have just added a section on restaurants a little out of the area.
PIZZA & SUBS
Salerno's 115 S. Jefferson St., Downtown Lexington. 540-463-5757. Mon-Sat 10:3 am-9:30pm. Eat in or carry out, beer and wine.
"Salerno's makes great New Jersey style pizza and subs (the half subs are the size of most other's whole subs!) as well as soups, salads and full dinners with daily specials. If you dine there in the warmer weather try the outside deck. It is especially nice on a warm summer day or evening."
Frank's Pizza & Subs 511 E. Nelson St. (Rt. 60) just east of downtown. 540-463-7911. Open 7 days for lunch & dinner, eat in or carry out, beer & wine.
"This is the oldest pizza place in the area and Frank's specializes in New York style thin crust pizza. Subs and other Italian dishes are also available."
VERY CASUAL
The Palms 101 W. Nelson St. (corner of Jefferson), Downtown Lexington. 540-463-7911. Open seven days for lunch and dinner.
"This is one of the institutions in Lexington and has been operating for over 25 years. I would call it a college-type place with a full service bar. However, folks of all ages frequent the Palms. They offer a very extensive menu from burgers, sandwiches and salads to pasta, steak and seafood dishes. It may tend to get a little noisy at times but that's part of the atmosphere and the service is usually brisk even during busy times."
Blue Heron Café E. Washington St. Down Lexington. 540-463-2800. Mon-Thurs for lunch, Fri-Sat for lunch & dinner.
"This is a vegetarian restaurant and everyone says it is wonderful. The Blue Heron uses freshly harvested local organic produce prepared daily yielding very creative cuisine. The atmosphere is simple. Of course, no smoking is allowed and they do not take credit cards."
Don Tequila Mexican Restaurant 455 E. Nelson St., just east of downtown. 540-463-3289. Open 7 days for lunch & dinner. (Reviewed 4/04)
"Now I've never had an interest in Mexican food. In fact, this is the first Mexican restaurant I've ever set foot in. Boy was I surprised! The food is really good, the menu is extensive and the service is quick and friendly. There are dishes for every taste from mild to spicy. This is the real thing as all the owners and staff are from south of the border. If you want to heat up your taste buds, give this place a try!"
CASUAL
Southern Inn Restaurant 35 N. Main St., Downtown Lexington. 540-463-3612 or 888-427-7979. Open 7 days for lunch and dinner. Reservation suggested Friday and Saturday nights.
"The Southern Inn is my pick as one of the best overall restaurant in the area. It is a Lexington landmark established in 1932 and has the only neon sign (grandfathered) in town, a large, old fashion design that runs up the front of the building. The restaurant offers casual, upscale American cuisine and the area's most diversified wine list. There are lunch and dinner menus (you may dine from the lunch menu at night also) and the wait staff is very professional and knowledgeable, something that is lacking in this area. There are usually beef, chicken and fish entrees and nightly specials. The presentation and accompanying vegetables and salads are wonderful and the deserts are all home made. The Southern Inn is a little pricey for Downtown Lexington but I think it's worth it. There is also a pub next door that has live music occasionally on the weekends."
Bistro On Main 8 N. Main St., Downtown Lexington. 540-464-4888. Open Tues-Sat for lunch (11:30-3) & dinner (5-9) (Reviewed 4/04). "Casual dining with a Southwestern flair".
"This is one of Lexington's newest restaurants. It is small and comfortable but can be a tad noisy when full. The menue is an interesting array of items which includes buritos, quesadillas, burgers, salmon, steaks, soups and salads. Everything is nicely presented and the staff is friendly. You can dine from either the lunch or dinner menus in the evening. Try the organic burgers - they are the best burgers I've ever had. There really is a difference!"
Sheridan Livery Inn Restaurant (Rev. 4/4/02) 37 N. Main St., Downtown Lexington. 540-464-1887. Open 7 days for lunch and dinner, reservations suggested.
"This restaurant has now become one of the best in Lexington. We have dined there often and have never been disappointed. The food is consistently good with wonderful presentation and healthy portions, and the service is fairly professional and attentive. The Sheridan offers American cuisine consisting of steaks, poultry and seafood. Their seafood dishes are probably the best in the area. You can dine inside or outside in pleasant weather and there is also a lounge."
Café Michel 640 Rt. 11 North, just over the bridge north of Lexington. 540-464-4119. Open Mon-Sat for dinner from 5p.m. Reservations a MUST! (Reviewed 7/04)
"IT'S FINALLY HAPPENED - CAFE MICHEL HAS MOVED TO LEXINGTON!!! This is the best restaurant in the whole area. After operating in Clifton Forge since 1979, chef/owner Michel, who has experience from all over the world including France, the Caribbean and the Homestead Resort up in Hot Springs, Virginia, has moved his wonderful restaurant into the former Franco's location. Michel prepares French and American cuisine dishes that are fabulous and his pastries are out of this world. The wine list is extensive, carefully chosen but expensive. Everything from appetizers to deserts is wonderful and the service is friendly and attentive. Café Michel is a little pricey but well worth it for any occasion."
INTIMATE DINING
Willson-Walker House 30 N. Main St. Downtown Lexington. 540-463-3020. Open Tues- Sat for lunch and dinner. Reservations requested, especially on weekends. (Reviewed 7/04) CLOSED
"This is probably the most well known restaurant in Lexington. It is located in one of the old historic buildings in downtown and the atmosphere is dark and intimate. Willson-Walker offers "creative American cuisine with regional influences". The food is almost always good but once in awhile can be inconsistent. You may even find buffalo on the menu! The presentation is nice and the combinations can be unusual. This is a great place to celebrate that special occasion and although the dress is casual, I feel it is nice place to get dressed up for. On Wednesdays, Willson-Walker offers a Lime Kiln Theater dinner package that is a really good deal. Try the front porch for dining at lunchtime or on a warm summer evening it can be really very pleasant!"
Maple Hall Dining Room 3111 N. Lee Hwy (RT.11), about 4-5 miles North of Lexington. 540-463-4666 or 877-463-2044. Open 7 days for dinner, 5:30-9:00pm. Reservations preferred.
"Maple Hall is a lovely restored country inn with a full service restaurant. The atmosphere is romantic and comfortable. The food is American cuisine and the service is normally good. Once in awhile we get mixed reviews (heard that before?) but mostly everyone has a nice meal there."
RESTAURANTS A LTTLE WAYS OUT (NEW SECTION)!
Original Italian Restaurant 2055 Magnolia Ave., Buena Vista 540-261-7992 6 miles east (take Rt.60 east) of Lexington. Open 7 days for lunch and dinner.
"The Original is a family-style restaurant with absolutely no atmosphere. However, the food is really good, the portions are large and the prices are cheap! They serve thin-crust pizza, subs and the normal array of pasta dishes. Many Lexingtonians travel over to this little storefront gem."
