Kentucky Native Café
The Kentucky Native Cafe Portal to Calm
Tucked just outside downtown Lexington, Kentucky Native Café is a shaded outdoor oasis where food and lush greenery feed the soul. On a pleasant day, there’s nothing better than sinking into this calm, leafy retreat with fresh, high-quality dishes that leave you feeling light and satisfied.
You can count on the usual pretzels, hummus, and cheese plates, but main entrees rotate frequently, making each visit a tasty surprise. As often as I have been, I have never had the same meal twice. The only way to confirm the day’s menu before arriving is to call, but the food is healthy, so I am content to be surprised. I know I’ll eat well.
Craft beer and quality wines are available, and non-drinkers can choose from house-made sodas and spritzers in addition to coffee and tea. Gelato and other desserts are also available.
I love the quiet, gentle atmosphere; it is easy to converse with your friends because you can talk without battling the acoustics to be heard. When you enter, you step into a portal of peace, which opens your senses to the food and experience.
Since this is outdoors, people will sometimes bring their well-behaved dogs, which always makes me happy. Children are welcome, and I find that, unlike most other restaurants, the open space lets kids be kids without disturbing other patrons.
Kentucky Native Café is part of Michler’s, a family business rooted in Lexington for generations. In addition to the café, it includes a florist, greenhouse, and bakery. They created Kentucky Native Café as a place to serve food as well as provide an open space for community events. I have not visited the bakery yet, but it is on my list.
I make it a point to only go when the weather is nice, so I have never tried this, but they do have greenhouse seating during inclement weather. Learn more about the logistics of eating at Kentucky Native Café at the Michler’s website.
