Pepper Rickhouse
The most prominent landmark in the Distillery District, this building is an old rickhouse used for aging bourbon by the James E. Pepper Distillery. Today, construction on the interior of this building is underway and new local businesses will be popping up soon, including Battle Axes, a venue where you can practice your hatchet-throwing skills (because why not?). Check back for more updates on the exciting renovations.
Water Tower
The Water Tower at the Pepper Campus is preparing to host new, local businesses (including breweries) but it won’t be open for a few months. Stay in the know and check back frequently to see what businesses will call this space home.
The Break Room
This is where you’ll find locals kicking back, sharing laughs and ordering drinks. Running along the Town Branch Creek, the covered patio leads to an outdoor stage for live music and firepits that always draw a crowd. You can usually find a food truck parked outside too, serving everything from tacos to Thai food.
Barrel House Distillery
Located in the barreling house of the Old Pepper distillery in Lexington, Barrel House continues the tradition of old Kentucky distillers by producing quality bourbon with traditional methods. You can take a tour Wednesday through Sunday from 11 a.m. until 5 p.m., with tours starting on the hour and lasting about an hour. End your experience with a specialty drink at the lounge and taproom.
Elkhorn Tavern
This is where you’ll find locals kicking back, sharing laughs and ordering drinks. Running along the Town Branch Creek, the covered patio leads to an outdoor stage for live music and firepits that always draw a crowd. You can usually find a food truck parked outside too, serving everything from tacos to Thai food.
Crank & Boom Craft ice cream
Using the best local ingredients like strawberries, honey, blackberry jam, and of course, bourbon, Crank & Boom has become a favorite destination in Lexington. With inventive seasonal flavors popping up on the regular and fun ice cream cocktails, like the Stout Dreams which features Coffee Stout ice cream and Buffalo Trace bourbon cream, you’ll understand why locals rave about this place.
Middle Fork
Named one of Open Table’s “100 Hottest Restaurants for 2016” this restaurant is named after the middle fork of the Elkhorn River, on which Lexington was founded. Head Chef Mark Jensen’s seasonal menus offer distinct, bold flavors from local ingredients. Try an imaginative small plate like the ground-to-order Beef Tartar or a delicious vegetarian dish like the smoky Sweet Potatoes Breslin.
Ethereal Brewing
Ethereal brews its beer in a revitalized fermentation room and is the only brewery in town with a dedicated yeast lab. They’ve perfected the Belgian farmhouse and American craft beer, sparing no expense on ingredients or their brewing process. Their taproom selection spans from traditional craft staples (IPAs, Saisons, Witbiers) to ambitious out-of-the-norm brews. Head past the taproom to find a wall of dart boards and the occasional taco stand. And bring your pup, too.
Goodfellas Pizzeria
Marvel at the architectural splendor of this renovated distillery space, enjoy a drink from the craft cocktail bar and sink your teeth into a perfect slice of New York-Style pizza. A spiral staircase wraps around an old smokestack adorned with modern hanging lights and seating at the bottom. Upstairs, the mezzanine is complete with a pool table and cozy couches that overlook the restaurant. The impressive bar is stacked with over 200 varieties of bourbon. Outside, you’ll find string lights and bocce ball on an impressive patio alongside the Town Branch. Pizza is sold by the slice and pairs well with the enormous bread sticks. A stop to Goodfellas is a must if you’re in the area.
James E. Pepper Distillery
After lying abandoned for fifty years, this distillery is back. Using filtered limestone water from the Town Branch Creek, this place is one-of-a-kind. Tours are available at $20 per person and include the story of the historic brand, time in the distillery museum, a tour of the working distillery and a tasting of the award-winning whiskeys. You can even taste raw distillate right off the still, known as “White Dog,” and then take your tasting glass home. Be sure to take a look at the limestone well before you leave.
The Burl
Originally built in 1926, this restored train depot is the ideal venue to enjoy live music acts from local and national bands. The natural acoustics and free-flowing vibes are all thanks to the original wood frame and open layout of the space. The intimate floorplan offers standing room only for most shows, with some seating at the full bar. Head outside to the firepit to get fresh air in between shows and keep an eye out for food trucks.
The Burl Arcade
Located in between the Burl and the Burl Arcade you’ll find a doggy daycare that might just become your dog’s happy place. The Local Wag also has self-serve dog wash stations that include hairdryers, dog training lessons and nutrition consultations to keep your pup in shape. It’s a one-stop-shop for you and your furry friend.
The Local wag
Located in between the Burl and the Burl Arcade you’ll find a doggy daycare that might just become your dog’s happy place. The Local Wag also has self-serve dog wash stations that include hairdryers, dog training lessons and nutrition consultations to keep your pup in shape. It’s a one-stop-shop for you and your furry friend.