The House of Blue

Let's help this guy out, guys. Thx.

Meant to respond this morning and got sidetracked on some other content items for the site. I guess it kind of depends on what you're into, as far as type of scene. It's a shame South Carolina isn't rolling into town a week later because Keeneland horse racing track is an absolute must. Best thing going on gorgeous fall days.

That said, the downtown Lexington scene has really started to boom, with what seems like a new and different style bar/restaurant opening every week. There are no fewer than about 15 different places all within walking distance of each other and that cater to all different ages, crowds, etc. on the weekends. You also can't go wrong at some local joints like Merrick Inn, Drake's, Harry's (several locations), Malone's (a bit more upscale), Shamrock's, etc. that are a bit away from campus (although everything is within about 10-15 minute drive).

If you don't care to venture a little bit outside of Lexington you always have the different bourbon tours, etc. but they take a bit, so may not have time.

*Food*
-Steakhouse - I recommend Malone's.....prices are very reasonable for what you get. Drakes and Harry's the usually the bars/burger joints attached to Malone's. You can eat off any menu and they're all great.
-Pizza - Joe Bologna's, Pazzo's are good local jts. There's also the Mellow Mushroom's of the world......and Old Chicago which as the name implies is more Chicago based.
-Burgers - Five Guys Burgers and Fries, Smashburger, Hugh Jazz Burgers

*Musts*
-Sample some bourbon.....it's a must.
-wouldn't worry about BBQ......you have much better options in SC
-Downtown is nice to hang out and hit sports bars.....there are options downtown and around campus

*Options*
-Visit a local winery, distillery, or orchard.....there are many to chose from

Will put in my vote for Pazzo's great pizza and beer selection!

Lots of cool places to eat and drink around Lexington.

To mention a few that haven't been mentioned:

Drinks: Lynaugh's (good burger as well); McCarthy's Irish Bar; Trust (upscale club scene); Cheapside (also good food)

Eats: The Local Taco; Johnathan at Gratz Park (fine dining); Sav's (African); Azure (more fine dining)

Tailgating around Commonwealth is generally a good time. If you're going to miss Keeneland, I second a bourbon tour somewhere, and even just a drive around to see the horse farms in and around Lex is a good time if you're wanting something quick and free.

The brisket tacos are amazing. All of their tacos are great, but don't miss out on that.

Thanks for all the great suggestions! Damn the SEC for screwing up the schedule not only do we have to play LSU, Georgia gets to play Ole Miss, but I was looking forward to the races and gambling. It would be awesome to party with Yall when I get up there. It's just me and my buddy so we probably won't put together a tailgate with all the effort and we are driving 7 hours. We will probably hit up a bar close by. Keep the ideas coming!

Thanks for your help!

The local paper just released it's extensive bar guide. It will give you a general idea of the types of atmospheres you'll find at each place mentioned already in this thread plus everything else Lexington has to offer: http://www.kentucky.com/2012/08/22/2307515/welcome-to-our-third-lexington.html

If you want to look for a low effort but wide selection of bars I recommend two spots:

(1) Limestone Street between Euclid and High Street. This is the closest bar scene to campus, so you will get a strong co-ed crowd. It also home/adjacent to a lot of places already mentioned food wise (Local Taco, Sav's and Pazzo's). Quite a few bars but I can't tell you too much about them since I spent my undergrad days outside of Lexington.

(2) The Pavilion Downtown (AKA Cheapside Park). Within a block and a half in any direction from the pavilion there are at least 15-16 bars and all with their own unique feel. Pavilion area itself is always filled to the brim with people on the weekends since about 7-8 bars are either on the pavilion or right across the street. Notable Pavilion bars and others close by listed below:

Rosebud (a local favorite dive bar and institution);
Cheapside (also an institution; live music)
Bluegrass Tavern (good selection of bourbon)
Dudley's (High end bar; great restaurant if you don't mind spending a pretty penny)
Parlay Social (Huge selection of bourbon; speak easy vibe; new to the scene)
McCarthey's (Irish bar; generally a college crowd)
Molly Brooke's (Irish bar; young professional crowd)
Redmond's (Live country music)

I haven't lived in Lexington in several years but visit it frequently, so descriptions should be decently accurate. Hopefully if any corrections need to be made, somebody will oblige. I genuinely hope you enjoy your trip to the Bluegrass region but I genuinely hope the Cats stomp the Cocks!

Well, you could hit the Bourbon Trail pretty hard.

Talking of new spots, my goal the next time in Lexington is to try out the newly opened Village Idiot. Cocky, I don't know if you are craft beer guy but the Village Idiot apparently has something like 20+ rotating taps and it's a half block from the aforementioned Pavilion area.

Shakespeare and Co. looks very cool. Looks like a good time and right in the heart of downtown.

If you like doing ziplines and stuff like that I'd check out some of the various ones in KY. I did the Red River Gorge zipline and it was a blast. http://www.redrivergorgezipline.com/