Lexington Distillery District Taps History While Becoming Entertainment Hub For Lexington, KY
The Lexington Distillery District has a motto, “History is Brewing.” This 25-acre property has a rich history, in addition to the broader general area. The historic James E. Pepper Distillery began making bourbon in 1879, however the site was completely abandoned in 1958. Fast-forward to 2008, when local entrepreneurs had a vision, and the Distillery District Lexington, KY revitalization began. Now a lively downtown destination full of entertainment is thriving once again.
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Lexington KY Distillery District Attractions
James E. Pepper Distillery
The James E. Pepper Distillery was abandoned for fifty years, but they have returned to the site of their historic limestone well. Now you can also take a stroll through history and see where their Kentucky limestone water originates, and even follow it as it gets distilled into whiskey.
Barrel House Distillery
Barrel House Distillery resides in the barreling house the original distillery property. There you can observe traditional distilling methods on a tour. Upon finishing your experience, you can enjoy a specialty drink in the lounge and taproom.
SEE ALSO: Best Bourbon Gifts for Every Occasion
Lexington Distillery District Restaurants & Food
You can find several restaurants in the Distillery District Lexington KY downtown area from pizza to more chef-driven dining.
Below we outline those restaurants near the Distillery District Lexington, KY hotspot.
Goodfellas Pizzaria
Goodfellas Pizzeria in the Distillery District may be one of the top locations in the country. That’s just from architectural uniqueness, or their cocktail menu. Yes, they have phenomenal giant pizza pies as well! This downtown Lexington staple is the perfect fit in this area. Quick bites of New York-Style pizza and superb craft cocktails, keeps this option atop everyone’s shortlist.
When’s the last time you’ve visited a pizza spot with over 200 varieties of bourbon? Moreover, one that has a private room built from remnants of an old smokestake that doubles as a spiral staircase? Upstairs features a mezzanine with pool tables and couches for a cozy overlooking escape. Outside includes bocce ball and string lights alongside Town Branch banks.
Middle Fork
Middle Fork was named one Open Table’s “100 Hottest Restaurants for 2016.” The award-winning restaurant gets its name from the middle fork of the Elkhorn River, significant to the founding of Lexington itself. Head Chef Mark Jensen offers a seasonal menu with local ingredients.
Crank & Boom Ice Cream Lounge
Crank & Boom Ice Cream Lounge is one of the most popular ice cream shops in all of Kentucky. They use 100% Kentucky dairy, berries from local farmers, and everything else is made in house from scratch. They even offer ice cream cocktails with bourbon.
Elkhorn Tavern
Elkhorn Tavern is more of an intimate lodge-style bar and restaurant. Here you can find craft cocktails that incorporate spirits distilled in-house. Also, they offer the classic Bluegrass dish, burgoo! If you’re new in town or still wondering what is burgoo, we’ve outlined it’s history in a prior post.
Food Trucks
Depending on when you’re visiting, you can sometimes find food trucks lining the venues with more food options.
SEE ALSO: Lexington Burger Week Has The Best Burgers in Town for $6
Bars & Breweries
Ethereal Brewing
Ethereal Brewing is the only brewery in Lexington with a dedicated yeast lab. They also feature guest taps here, occasionally host a taco stand, and allows you to bring your fury friends.
Fusion Brewing
Fusion Brewing is the new kid on the block in the Lexington brewery scene. It is located adjacent to Ethereal, within the Pepper Richouse.
The Break Room
The Break Room is a local watering hole alongside Town Branch Creek. The patio is a perfect space to sprawl out nearby firepits and an outdoor stage.
Wise Bird Cider Co.
Wise Bird Cider Co. is also located in the 100-year old Pepper Rickhouse but also features a patio overlooking Town Branch Creek. They feature hard ciders from heirloom apples.
Live Music, Concerts, Event Venues
The Burl
The Burl is a live music venue with an intimate floorplan. It was originally built in 1926 as a train depot. Now it’s carrying the sounds of local acts and attracting national bands traveling through town. Outside you can get some fresh air and potentially food truck snacks alongside firepits.
Manchester Music Hall
Manchester Music Hall was originally telling stories via the bourbon notes it was tuning up in this Old Tarr Distillery warehouse. Nowadays, a mere 200 years later, it serves as one of the Bluegrass region’s premier event and concert venues.
As the district got its second lease on life, Manchester Music Hall put the concept on its back as the first business to jumpstart the area. It also serves as an event space while not being used for mid-level and legacy acts across all genres of music.
Things to Do
The Burl Arcade
The Burl Arcade is basically nostalgia on overdrive. Think of it as stepping back into time, 1980s arcade games, pinball machines, video games, and of course skee-ball. Oh, they have a full bar also to add to the fun. Essentially, the perfect place for adults to feel like kids again.
Relic Lexington
Relic offers an opportunity to shop local Kentucky style. They offer vintage, rustic, and reclaimed “stuff” that they’ve found. That ranges from old signage, strange oddities, and of course bourbon barrels. You are in the heart of bourbon country, what else would you expect? Additionally, they offer products made in Kentucky. Moreover, made in Kentucky for Kentucky folk!
Battle Axes
Battle Axes offers an axe throwing experience for casual outings or more competitive league play. Snack foods and over 70 canned beers are offered in addition to wine and cocktails.
Hotels Near Distillery District Lexington KY
There are several hotels near Distillery District Lexington, KY. Most of these options are easy options for nearby events as well as the Kentucky Horse Park.
- Holiday Inn Express
- 21C Museum Hotel Lexington
- Hilton Lexington Downtown
- Marriott and Residence Inn
