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    Kentucky Native Cafe

    4.5 (287 reviews)
    Closed Closed
    Updated 3 months ago

    Kentucky Native Cafe Photos

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    KENTUCKY NATIVE CAFE ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Hipster
    Casual
    Intimate
    Romantic

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    Recommended Reviews - Kentucky Native Cafe

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    Pretzel & Scones
    Diana J.

    Kentucky Native Cafe was a perfect date brunch choice. I'm patting myself on the back cause it was a first time for both of us. I honestly would've drove right by it. I actually walked in and said "uhm I'm looking for...". She said "the cafe?" Yes..... and let me tell you I have found a GEM of a place. After my visit there I guess I'm the last one in the loop because it was busy later. If you love outdoors and you love plants you'll be in heaven just like I was. The aesthetic is perfection. Super cool place to visit. I will most definitely make the drive because the vibe is so me. Even with the rain we had a great time. Bring your camera you can get some great shots. Food wise everything we had was amazing. I ordered the Carrot, Apple and Ginger Soup. My companion had the Chicken & Wild Rice Soup & Herbed Egg Salad. They play music from 12-2 which was wonderful. I'll have to go back and have a beer and pretzel sometime. It's a beautiful space and I can't wait to go back!!!!!

    The Michler Weisse by West 6th Brewery in Lexington
    Brian A.

    I'm always on the lookout for very unique places to dine at and here at the Kentucky Native Cafe you'll find exactly that. Now don't come here expecting to fill up on a meal but rather be genuinely surprised at how lost you'll get exploring this beautiful greenhouse as that is what you'll find yourself truly enjoying here. The menu is a bit limited and does change frequently and you're able to even call ahead if you don't want to be surprised when you arrived. They have a few things to chose from such as various soups and salads but I ended up going with on this trip their Bavarian Pretzels with Chive Obatza in which you'll receive two pretzels. This dish was delicious but outside of the food as I'd mentioned earlier you'll definitely find yourself more pleased with walking around and discovering all of the various plants and maybe even some wildlife as well. The Kentucky Native Cafe is deceptively large as when you enter you'll walk through various plants and more up to a main cabin where you'll order. There are plenty of places to sit even if you find yourself on a very rainy day such as on this day that I made my visit. I went expecting to receive a filling meal but instead got a very nice surprise of how much greenery there happens to be so if that is something you particularly enjoy you won't leave disappointed. I'd say that this is such a pleasant surprise here in Lexington and one I'll find myself returning to for a relaxing time and a quick bite to eat.

    Mushroom hummus
    Lisa M.

    Awesome atmosphere and food! Beautiful scenery-affogato was great! Mushroom hummus must have:)

    Three plants we purchased and a rhubarb prosecco
    Grace E.

    Of course if you put a cafe in a greenhouse you win the ambiance category. Add a bar menu and you know you'll go home with a new plant (or two- see photos of the newly acquired Loretta and Jolene the cactus plant below). You order at the counter and wander around or wait at your table for your food. The menu may be small, but the options are high quality. I got the sweet potato and onion side dish that was amazing. I had a rhubarb prosecco as well which was a fun deviation from the normal OJ pairing. Needless to say, I can't wait till the weather improves to go back again and again.

    Beautiful place to have a beer!
    Rick V.

    Great place to relax and have a beer. Bar service only when we were there. Natural setting in the middle of a garden.

    Jennifer H.

    This was a great experience! The food was amazing and the atmosphere was the best. Perfect spot for me and my daughter to have dinner.

    Hummus bowl, Pick 2 (tomato soup, couscous)
    Erika J.

    Absolutely lovely having lunch surrounded by the sounds of nature and the lush foliage of the adjoining Michler's greenhouse! The kitchen is set up to look like a small cabin, which is also where you place your order at the walk-up window. Friendly & eclectic staff just adds to the vibe. The menu seems to rotate with seasonal local foods, and all the dishes have an imaginative twist. It's more a of a tapas-style restaurant but if you order a few things you can definitely get full! There was a pretty long line on this beautifully sunny Spring Day, so everyone likely had the same idea. However, either the wait wasn't that bad or I was just pleasantly distracted by the dogs & cute kids. Can't wait to return!

    Egg & herb butter sandwich with kale shredded Brussels sprouts salad
    Presley J.

    This was my first time at Kentucky Native Cafe and while everyone raves about this place I wasn't really impressed with the food. Of course the seating area is pretty and I love that it's all outside under the trees. We ordered the egg & herb butter sandwich with kale shredded brussels sprouts salad and the goat cheese & olives plate. The sandwich had maybe 1/4 of a hard boiled egg with one slice of radish. So I felt like I had a ciabatta roll with a salad on the side. Luckily I had the goat cheese to spread on the ciabatta since there was nothing else on the sandwich. The service was good and helpful. I would consider going back to see if they have better food options. It was a nice experience I just wish the food was better.

    Ruth M.

    What an amazing hidden gem! Tucked behind the nursery, this place feels like stepping into a little oasis. On a perfect September afternoon, the weather was just right--cool breeze through the trees, dappled sunlight overhead, and the most inviting outdoor seating under the canopy. The atmosphere is magical. People gathered around, chatting, laughing, and simply enjoying being together--it's the kind of place that makes you want to linger. As for the food? Absolutely delicious. We tried the barada and pear with lavender--so fresh and flavorful. The apricot danish was light, flaky, and perfect, and the salmon on avocado toast was spot-on. Everything felt thoughtfully prepared without being overwhelming. If you're ever in the area and want a relaxing spot to unwind, sip something good, and enjoy a Sunday afternoon surrounded by nature and community, this is the place to go. If we are ever back in Lexington, we'll stop in for a drink and a treat.

    Bill B.

    Such a wonderful place. Love the blend of cafe, coffeehouse and greenhouse. My grandchildren enjoy digging in the dirt and building after they ate.

    Garden center
    Chelsea F.

    This place is a VIBE! Love that this a working garden center & a cafe. The seating is nestled in between trees & gardens. The food is fresh & healthy. They have drink options that are non alcoholic & alcoholic. Such a great place to visit in the middle of the city.

    Joe H.

    Hard to ask for a cooler outdoor hang. Bites are so fresh with personality and I am obsessed with the nitro cold brew

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    1 year ago

    One of my favorites in the city. Hidden gem. High vibrational ambiance. Hella vegan options

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    2 years ago

    Native Cafe is one of my favorite spots in Lexington. Great food is served in a unique setting. Perfect for hungry plant lovers.

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    2 years ago

    One of the biggest gems of Lexington. Great food. Great atmosphere. Spectacular play area for kids. It's always a 10/10 experience.

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    7 years ago

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    2 years ago

    I love this place- also so peaceful and great service. I love that the menu always changes with the seasons- highly recommend

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    3 years ago

    Amazing little cafe tucked into a beautiful garden. They serve wine and beer as well. Prices were great!

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    Page 3 of 8

    Ask the Community - Kentucky Native Cafe

    What do you do when you have found a hideaway where beauty and delicious food collide? Do you tell others about it or keep it to yourself?

    You tell others, otherwise you run the risk that they close due to insufficient revenue

    View All 2 Questions

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    Third Street Stuff & Coffee

    Third Street Stuff & Coffee

    4.3
    (213 reviews)
    0.8 mi
    $

    What a sensational find! Dudley's was recommended, but didn't open until 0800 ( it was 0715!). In…read moreLexington KY for a tandem bike tour with Adventures in Tandem, looking for coffee and breakfast. There was a lovely ( and quite colorful ) woman who said a cheery "good morning!" To us as we walked across the street to Dudley's . We then walked back over, discovered she'd been cleaning up the outdoor seating for 3rd street stuff! What an amazing and super cool place! The artwork on the walls is colorful and expressive! The egg and cheese in everything bagels were divine, and the Secretariat latte ( what else would I order in Lexington???) was delicious - a combo of coffee, cinnamon, maple syrup, and a splash of vanilla The staff was lovely, the place very comfortable and colorful, food and coffee excellent!!! A MUST visit

    Giving this place 5 stars because of how amazing the veggie bagel is. I seriously had this maybe…read moretwo times a week for my last two months of my freshman year. I personally like garlic cream cheese and I add avocado and cucumber for a small extra fee and it's so worth it. I've introduced a good amount of people to this place, I love how unique and homey it feels in a way. Although, I will say I am not a fan of their coffee I've tried around 5 different coffees from here and some are better than others. They do offer other drink options so no big deal to me! I've only ever had one guy be slightly rude to me while ordering but that's not stopping me from the bagel lol.

    Photos
    Third Street Stuff & Coffee
    Veggie Bagel
    Veggie Bagel
    Third Street Stuff & Coffee

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    Kentucky Native Cafe - cafes - Updated June 2026

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