Kentucky Native is a great place to go and leisurely catch up with friends. The environment is so beautiful and lush - don't be surprised that you have to walk through a nursery to get to the cafe! There is plenty of seating and good thing - they're often packed on a sunny weekend day. The drink and food selection is small, but there's something for everyone. Definitely don't come expecting a whole meal - it's more of a place to grab some nibbles and a few glasses of wine. I do find the drinks to be a little overpriced, but the pours are a good size. read more

Kentucky Native Cafe - Rhubarb prosecco - Cafes Near Me - Lexington, Kentucky

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Kentucky Native Cafe was a really cool place to grab dinner. My wife and I really enjoyed eating out in the garden and the overall chillness of this place. They had some really nice vegetarian options. We really enjoyed the buratta & peaches as well as the roasted red pepper goat cheese sandwich. We also treated ourselves to their hazelnut and tiramisu gelato, which were delicious! Service was pretty quick and everyone who worked there was nice. We're glad we stopped in while traveling! read more

Imagine dining outdoors with friends and neighbors in a beautiful garden where everyone is relaxed and enjoying themselves. Children are playing simple games with each other laughing and giggling. Add in just-picked fresh, delicious food which is quickly plated and served, artisan breads, sparkling drinks, craft beers and crisp wines. You are surrounded by trees sitting under the armature of greenhouse which supports a lovely vine canopy outlined with garden lights. This is what dining here looks like. read more

I found Kentucky Native while searching places to eat in Lexington. The pictures don't do it justice. While not in the most bustling part of the city, it's easy to forget where you are save for a few tall buildings you can spot through the trees. My husband was convinced this place was closed or at the wrong place entirely when we walked up. We came off Maxwell St and it only looks like a greenhouse except for a little sign indicating you are in the right place. We walked through two greenhouses with very low ceilings and started to hear sounds of laughter and talking. The cafe is nestled in among trees and plants with white lights strung everywhere. There are different size tables spread throughout with typically enough space between each to feel like you've got some privacy. It would make a great date place. From what I gathered, the menu changes frequently. Husband ordered a beer, me an apple cider spritzer, and we split the pretzels as well as a pick two (peanut noodle salad and grilled cheese). The food was really tasty, but it really was the ambiance that won us over. If we lived in the area, we'd love to return here. read more

Delicious, unique food, lovely atmosphere, local drinks! Genius to pair a cafe with a plant nursery definitely would recommend a visit read more

Kentucky Native Cafe - Cauliflower soup, mushrooms, beet salad, savory crepe, pretzel, beer - Cafes Near Me - Lexington, Kentucky

I always want to like Kentucky Native. The food is fine and I love the space. However, they are very inefficient when it comes to taking orders. The line gets backed up and it can take 30 minutes to get a drink. You are better off trying to order as many drinks for you and your table when you get to the front of the line. read more

Wonderful ambiance, like an oasis in the middle of the city. It even has an area for children to play while the adults eat, drink, or chat. read more

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Pleasing, comfortable, pretty outdoor spot to have a drink, visit and have vegetarian fare.

Awesome venue. Standing in line to order isn't my fave. Food is good. Fresh. Farm to market. Menu changes daily (and while you're in line). Beer and wine. Dog friendly. Plenty of parking. read more

Such a beautiful atmosphere! Most seating is outdoors in a garden. The tables are split throughout the garden for an intimate setting. In the front of the building, two large greenhouses have plants available for purchase. Order at the counter, and they will call your number when the food is ready. Many delicious options to choose from. They also have a selection of wine. Parking in the front lot is limited. Definitely a must-try restaurant if you are in the Lexington area. read more

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Good Job!! Amazing food! Appreciate you all! Keep it up! I recommend you stop here to eat!

Every town and every neighborhood should have a magical outdoorsy place like this, with its FAIRY LIGHTS and twisty dirt paths. We not only loved the setting, we loved the WINE AND BEER and the small plates were so tasty. The service was friendly and knowledgeable. The wandering around the greenhouses was just the perfect way to spend a Sunday evening. You keep being you, Kentucky Native, and I can't wait to return the next time we visit Lex. read more

Native Cafe is a unique place to have an afternoon drink and a light snack or meal in the area. The beer garden is tucked away behind Michellers florist and if you didn't know it was there would probably never find it. On a warm day I'm not sure you'd find a better spot. They have around 4 local beer options, wine, a few mixed drinks, and a light food menu that is (for me) better for just snacking rather than getting full. I visited on a decently busy day and had to stand in line for a while any time I wanted a drink. There were 3 people behind the counter and, while relatively friendly, didn't seem to be in much of a hurry to clear the line. I wanted to spend more time enjoying my drink and the scenery than waiting in line. read more

Kentucky Native Cafe - Michellerweisse collaboration beer with local brewery West Sixth Brewing - Cafes Near Me - Lexington, Kentucky

Server wasn't nice to us.She thought we didn't hear her nasty comments but we just didn't engaged with her bad behaviour. Although the place is very cozy and peaceful, the experience was ruined by the server before our food was prepared. read more

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

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

My gf and I love it here when we crave what they are: relaxed, chill, and pleasant atmosphere. The food is fine, not bad at all, but just fine. The drinks are good, honestly, and the wine they have is a good selection. Theres a childrens play-area which makes it great for parents to meet up with friends. Only outdoor seating, and the place itself is charming. Its located behind a flower shop, so cannot get more quaint and charming than that. Staff is low-key and friendly. Expect to come and leave relaxed, not a lively outdoor environment. read more

This place has been on my list to visit the next time I was in town. It did not disappoint except for the pretzel. My GF and I were looking forward to the pretzel it looks better than it tasted. It might've been that we got there an hour before they close. The peanut noodle salad was delicious the veggies were a little too crunchy for my preference but it's flavorful. The grilled cheese was the winner for me I love the sweet pickles that balance the cheese. The apple dumplings and the chocolate gelato was a winner! Loved every bite. Will definitely come back next time I'm in town. The staff is friendly and helpful walking you through the menu. This place is perfect for date nights! read more

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

This pace is amazing! Must see stop! My husband asked if this was really a place to eat and he was very pleasantly surprised! We did the wavelane historic site, arboretum walk and then lunch here. Such a cool place! read more

Kentucky Native Cafe - Cafes Near Me - Lexington, Kentucky

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Not many options for dietary restrictions (no gluten free options), ambiance is great (really cool), but food and drink is just alright. The workers kinda seemed dead inside. read more

Kentucky Native Cafe - Cafes Near Me - Lexington, Kentucky

Good, but very weather dependent and seasonal, and after that the hours. There's no indoor seating hardly so make sure it's not gonna rain. When weather's good the best thing going for it is the atmosphere. Never been in a restaurant with so many trees around it! Pretty much surrounded. They have a ping pong table too that I played on once! Another time I went had live music and was very busy. They have decent food options, and decent drink selection both alcohol and non-alcoholic. The menu does change a little though. Good amount of vegetarian/ vegan options. They do run out of menu items as the night goes on. This place def has a niche. read more

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

A gem! Food is fresh and light. Don't expect a heavy or big meal but there is a delicious assortment of fresh salads and sides made daily so the menu is ever changing. The wine was great - I tried the Riesling. There is also a handful of beers which my friends seemed to enjoy quite a bit. It is a friendly, outdoor atmosphere with good social distancing. Very dog friendly! read more

Kentucky Native Cafe - Farro salad, wild mushroom hummus and strawberries - Cafes Near Me - Lexington, Kentucky

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This place has to be seen to be believed. Imagine if there was a restaurant...in Lothlorien. Seriously. Tables are nestled on the ground COMPLETELY surrounded by tree canopy. You order small plates and fun drinks from counter service and then wait for them to call your name. When I was there, the line was really long so it made sense to take a picture of the chalkboard menu -- love a menu that constantly changes with new seasonal treats and inventions! -- so you can study it on your phone from far away as the line advances. The food was really nice, fresh stuff like a crostini with a fish salad made of lox and kohlrabi, or glazed peaches, etc. The kind of thing you'd want at a really creative 'tasting menu' kind of place (they have '2 small plates' and '3 small plates' options). Honestly, this is the kind of place I'd want to go and suffer through lackluster wings or whatever just to enjoy the amazing ambience, so the fact that the food stands up to the incredible surroundings completely seals the deal. If I were local I'd come here as much as I could. read more

Love this little gem of an outdoor cafe. Such a sweet, quiet space. Didn't care too much for the food, but love the holiday market at Christmas. read more

Excellent variety of food, always good! Either outdoors or in the greenhouse during cool weather a awesome place to hang out. You will not be disappointed. read more

This place is the epitome of pretentious café culture. The food is terrible, and everything is priced at 3x what it should be. You'll pay the cost of a steak entre for something like a pretzel (which will also be hard as a brick). As other people have pointed out, they automatically apply a 15% tip for no reason whatsoever. You order at the front, and you pick up your own order -- there's no reason to tip other than to supplement the baristas' incomes, which is *not* my responsibility; I'm a customer, not an employer. Even the "vibes" people are talking about are non-existent. It's a backyard in a residential neighborhood, and most of the area is full of weeds and limestone gravel. read more

10/10 I love this place! I visit it every time I go to Lexington in the summer! It has incredible ambiance & makes me feel like a whimsical fairy princess. I love the feeling it gives of being in thick woods far from civilization but you're in the middle of town. The food is great! It's cold salad food & fresh! I got tuna salad, couscous (DELISH!), & lemon blueberry curd I think they should add in some light garden jazz music & it would be magical read more

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Truly enjoyable play to sit with friends and bite to eat and something to drink. So beautiful and relaxing. Lots of drink options if love coffee, wine, etc. My only desire is that they had more tea options. read more

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One of my favorite spots! Magical atmosphere, great drinks, and delicious soft pretzel. Plus they have an outdoor pingpong table. read more

Kentucky Native Cafe - Cafes Near Me - Lexington, Kentucky

Love this place,BUT they are PAINFULLY SLOW!!! We came earlyish and we brought Fang for the outside seating. My husband order a pretzel and a three item plate. It was fine as an appy, but not a meal for two. I went back for the burata plate which literally took an hour to order and have on our table. The Riesling is very sweet....too sweet!!! We spent over $60.00. It was pricey! Will I be back??? Absolutely, with my Fang monster! read more

Kentucky Native Cafe - Outside - Cafes Near Me - Lexington, Kentucky

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

It was a beautiful day so sitting in the garden for lunch was a huge treat. You stand in line to order but it moves fast. They have great salad choices and we had wine. Nice place. read more

Ambiance is one of the bests in Lexington. Service and food are always really good as well. I really recommend this place's appetizers and coffee. read more

Limited menu but that's the way it should be. Seasonal changes with a little something for everyone. Excellent drink selection (try the rhubarb Prosecco). The location can't be beat. Relaxing but fun, gorgeous tree canopy. You feel like you are in another world. Can't wait to return! read more

An "outdoor garden eatery" doesnt do this space justice. Underneath large trees with a connected nursery you'll find this place. They offer mostly small plates and a casual vibe amonst the trees. Our ordered some of the small bites to share and a beverage each. Come here with good company for a lovely time. read more

Kentucky Native Cafe - Tempranillo - Cafes Near Me - Lexington, Kentucky

I loved this place for its unique concept and atmosphere. When the weather is nice this is the perfect place to hang out. Everything is outdoors, you sit at tables and benches around the green house and gardens. They do serve beer and wine, and some fancy drinks. Drink prices are about normal at $5.50 for a draft beer and a little more than that for a glass of wine. I would have given my review 5 stars because I loved the experience at this place, but I have to add that I went home and had to eat pretty much another dinner even after ordering the 3-item plate for $11.95. Each dish was delicious but it was just a side dish sized helping of each thing. I could have (and wanted to) eaten about 3 plates full. For the price, it definitely could have been more food. Parking is plentiful out back, on the High Street side! read more

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Kentucky Native Café is a super cool and unique spot in Lexington. The original part of the café is in a little garden woodland setting and is a gorgeous and calm escape from the UK student areas around it. They have added a new heated greenhouse, so that they can be open in the colder seasons and it's lovely at night. Small but tasty menu and a good spot to grab a drink day or night. We tried the caramel apple crêpe and a rhubarb Prosecco. The caramel apple crêpe comes with gelato and was plenty dessert for 2 people. The rhubarb Prosecco was perfect and not overly sweet, which I liked. If they have grilled cheese on the menu when you come, make sure to get one! read more

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Charming place, but found the staff 1) smug and 2) classless for asking if I wanted to tip 15% on my already overpriced bill of a beer, latte and pretzel. Asking if you want to leave a tip at the point of purchase is wrong...and the staff frankly didn't do anything yet to deserve a tip. read more