Kentucky Native Café

This place is absolutely wonderful! Beautiful plants all around, even running up the walls. The greenhouse is amazing, and the entire place is filled with clean, fresh air. The service is lovely and attitudes are friendly. Overall, very inviting atmosphere.

This was an experience unlike anything I’ve ever had! From the farm to table food, live music, greenhouses, and feeling tucked away within in a forest in the heart of Lexington- it was truly surreal!

We ordered the hummus with roasted red pepper, white fish on toast, butternut squash soup, and a salad. It was all good- but I definitely cannot stop thinking about the warm butternut squash soup!

I came here with a recommendation by my girlfriend and wow was this nice. I came in the winter, there was snow on the ground outside but inside was warm, plants are flowering and they had a ton of plants I’ve never seen before. The food was really good. You have to wait in a long line for service but that’s just because of how popular this place is. It’s a definite must see and I want to come back in the summer when everything outside is as green as inside. I’m a sucker for a good soft pretzel and they didn’t disappoint. I would definitely recommend the Native Cafe.

Absolutely magical, whimsical, and mystical place to grab a drink or bite at. I’ve never been to a place that captures the essence of greenery so perfectly, walking through a greenhouse to go into a little forested area hiding a wooden cafe is so amazing. Many parks can hardly capture this beauty and it’s lovely to see it in the middle of a city like this! The people working here are fantastically nice and caring as well, be sure to tip them well :-)

We were so impressed with this spot! We went for a night cap, so can’t speak to the food, but it was a great spot to wind down with a drink after a long day. Such a unique and calming space!

I've only ever ordered coffee or an alcoholic drink. I'm gluten free and they did not have the means to offer me anything I could eat... there is no table to table service... you order at a section where employees stand behind a counter, they take your order, you carry it back to your table. Your environment is inside a greenhouse, but, there is outdoor seating as well (I have never sat in the outside areas...yet). I personally found it to be very pleasing and calming, and for me, there is the intrigue with all the different plants they grow inside for your viewing pleasure. I don't believe they open the greenhouse for meals or table seating during the summer months, however... it would just be too uncomfortably warm inside.

Lox in Sep. 2023- very nice! Maybe the best atmosphere in Lexington. Love it so much. There are always nice plates to share, like rotating fruit and pastry dishes, fish, creative exotic veggies, some permanent staples like hummus and Bavarian pretzels, rotating prosecco (rhubarb or blackberry), the Michlerweisse is always good. Great place for the littles to play in sand with dump trucks, shovels, and a water pump.

I absolutely love this beautiful treasure of a place. We go every year for the Christmas market, and several times throughout the year. Their limited selection of food, desserts, and drinks are always fresh, unique, and delicious. There are so many delightful plants, and the trees make you feel almost like you are in the forest. There has been good live music every time I've been. There is a fun spot for kids to play as well. Truly one of Lexington's gems.

One of my favorite things to do on a warm day is to eat at Kentucky Native. There is something pleasant about being in a garden in the middle of the city. It's a peaceful escape from the cookie cutter vibes of other Lexington establishments.

The food is great. They heavily focus on vegetarian menu items, which is super refreshing. KY Native shines with baked goods like the Pretzels, boureka, and sandwiches. I love their couscous salad, hummus, and crepes.

Occasionally, you get something that is disappointing, but never disgusting. My major criticism of KY Native is when they use sweetness. Some items like the green beans, beet salad, and anything with maple syrup are unbalanced. A touch of sweetness goes a long way.

I highly recommend going if you just discovered this place. There is a reason why people line up every day to get lunch or dinner here.

Today, I stopped by this charming establishment for the first time. I absolutely adore the atmosphere and all KNC has to offer! I ordered the pretzels&beer cheese and the nitro brew coffee, both of which are fabulous. The outdoor seating is spacious and comfortable; the overhead trees offer a cozy, beautiful environment. The staff is very friendly and made the experience even more enjoyable. The logo is so pretty that I bought a glass. Thank you for existing! I’ll be back soon!

The place is fantastic. The food was great and the gelato was perfect. The seating is all outside but it is beautiful. There are a lot of trees and so there are a lot of shady places. My favorite was the green beans and the burrata. The potato salad and cauliflower were also very good. We stopped here on our way to our destination and plan on stopping here on our way beach just so we can try more things on the menu.

Transported to a beautiful, isolated forest with delicious food. Menu changes regularly. Gluten free options are generally available but they don't cater specifically to allergies. A lot of items contain bread and they wouldn't sub out for vegetables.

Unique restaurant nestled in the back of a florist shop. Wonderful food and great vibes.

really interesting dishes with lots of vegetarian options. Not huge portions but we don't leave hungry. Love the atmosphere, especially in the warmer weather when you can't eat outside. Easy to forget you're in the middle the city.

First stop in Lexington for a music festival and our trip couldn’t have started off any better here! Incredible, fresh local vegetarian options and large pours of craft beer! Best part was walking through the greenhouses and dining in a gorgeous private patio setting surrounded by gardens. Made our delicious food taste even better in that atmosphere! Can’t wait to go back!!!

Loved this place! The food was healthy with amazing unique flavors. Light yet filling for a summer day outdoors.
Gelato (we got almond, coconut, hazelnut) was nice but not strong flavors. Location wasnt what I expected. A tiny secret garden forest in the middle of residential area coming from Maxwell St side. Definitely will come back but next time I'll wear some mosquito/bug spray.

Definitely going back! They have a limited menu but everything on it is great! Their pretzels and beer cheese are addictive. They have seating outside or in the shed which is heated by a wood burning stove. It's so cozy! I'll be returning once the garden starts to bloom. I can't wait!

This place brings me so much joy. Especially at night or in winter, there is something about sharing a meal or drinks inside the cosily lit glasshouse with candlelight here. All of their food is so fresh and nourishing and their drinks and gelato are delicious. The most unique dining experience in Lexington.

Did not know places like this existed in Kentucky! Went to a similar greenhouse cafe in Oxfordshire a few months ago and would say this is even nicer! Very tasty food made with care in a beautiful and warm setting. Perhaps the nicest restaurant I have been to in Kentucky ever.

11/10 for cool atmosphere! This place had live music, warm ambiance, dining among plants in a greenhouse space, and the menu selections looked amazing as well