It’s a hot one out there. Whenever the Dog Days of Summer roll around, we’re hitting the streets in search of something sweet to help us cool down. Fortunately, there are countless local eateries, bars, and coffee shops that offer that sweet relief we’re seeking. Here are a few of our favorite options. Found something incredible? Come share your finds on our Facebook page!
J. Render’s Southern Table & Bar
3191 Beaumont Center Cir. • jrendersbbq.com
What’s more Southern than nanner puddin’? Nancy’s Banana Pudding promises to be just like grandma used to make for family picnics: vanilla wafers layered with bananas and a creamy vanilla pudding mixture.
Graze at the Woodlands
111 Woodland Ave. • grazeky.com
The Prickly Pear is sure to be one of your new favorites. It features lime and prickly pear juice with Milagro Reposado tequila, fresh lemon and egg white foam, accented with a Tajin salt rim and lime
OBC Kitchen
3373 Tates Creek Rd. • obckitchen.com
If you’re dreaming of an upscale summer picnic, try The Banana Pudding Cheesecake! It comes topped with salted caramel and vanilla whipped cream, all nestled in a wafer cookie crust.
Carson’s Food & Drink
362 E. Main St. • carsonsfoodanddrink.com
You can’t beat a classic. Enjoy Carson’s ice cream of the day, with chocolate and caramel drizzle, topped with whipped cream, powdered sugar, mint, and candied pecans.
Sorella Gelateria
591 W. Short • Find them on Facebook
Their hand-crafted, small-batch Italian gelatos and sorbettos are absolutely can’t-miss Lexington fare. While their menu changes seasonally, we recently swooned for their PB pretzel and strawberry swirl.
El Rancho Tapatio
144 Burt Rd. • elranchotapatio.com
If it’s a Tuesday, it’s time to head to El Rancho Tapatio for 2x1 lime margaritas! Sweet and tangy, these are the perfect summer sip.
Tony’s
401 W. Main St. • tonysoflexington.com
If you’re downtown and looking for a sweet sip, try Tony’s White Peach Sangria, with pinot grigio, peach schnapps, lemon juice and fresh fruit. It’s the perfect way to cap off a hot Lexington evening.
Panchito’s Ice Cream
481 W. New Circle Rd. #155 • Find them on Facebook
From their Churro Sundae to the Mangonada – mango sorbet with chamoy, tagin, mango chunks and a tamarind candy stick – their menu is full of delicious flavors unlike anything else in town. Milkshakes, popsicles and fun snacks make this a must for your summer evenings.
Martine’s Pastries
400 E. Third St. • martinespastries.com
The Martine’s Pastries case has lots of decadent treats, but none stands out in the summertime quite like their Key Lime Tart. Bright, sunny and the perfect little finish to any summertime picnic.
Kona Ice
kona-ice.com
Shaved ice is a delightful summer treat. Kona Ice trucks bring them to events and stops all over town. This franchise started in Northern Kentucky and has become a perennial favorite for kids of all ages.
Jeff Ruby’s Steakhouse
101 W. Vine St. • jeffruby.com
If you have somehow room after your meal at Jeff Ruby’s, try the Strawberry Shortcake Ice Cream Torte, with fresh strawberries, whipped cream, and shortcake crunch. It feels perfect for the summertime.
Steel City Pops
The Summit at Fritz Farm • steelcitypops.com
Popsicles are a classic hot weather treat. Steel City’s Strawberry Mango Pineapple pop is like summer on a stick. They also have fantastic classic floats to make everyone in your household happy (and cool!)
Inebriated Baker
101 W. Loudon Ave. • inebriatedbaker.com
What could be more fun than a boozy cupcake? The Bahama Mama features vanilla cake filled with a boozy coconut cream and a fluffy pineapple cherry buttercream frosting. It’s finished with shredded coconut, a grenadine drizzle, and a moonshine-soaked cherry!
Brontë Bistro
161 Lexington Green Cir. • josephbeth.com/bronte
For literary types, Brontë Bistro is the perfect stop. Peruse your purchase from Joseph-Beth while you sip a glass of Irish Lemonade, featuring Jameson Irish Whiskey, lemonade, simple syrup and Gosling’s Ginger Beer
Mi Pequeña Hacienda
Lansdowne & Brannon Crossing • mipequenahacienda.com
If you want a little decadence this summer, try the Chimi Cheesecake: rich, creamy cheesecake wrapped in a pastry tortilla, deep-fried until flaky and dusted with cinnamon sugar, then served alongside vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, and a drizzle of caramel.
Pies & Pints
The Square • piesandpints.net
If you’re looking for a great sip, stop by for a great summery beer or cider, such as Blake’s Triple Jam, Ciderboys Tropical Wave or the Founders Barrel Aged Series: Mas Agave Clasica Prickly Pear.
Backroads Bakery
109 W. Sixth St. • backroadsbakerylex.com
If you like piña coladas... Backroads has you covered! Their Piña Colada Cheesecake is a pineapple cheesecake topped with crushed pineapple, coconut, whipped cream, and cherries.
