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Zim's Cafe, Lexington, KY

Zim's Cafe

4.4
4.4
482 Reviews
$30 and under
American

Make a reservation

2 people
7:00 p.m.
Booked 9 times today
  • Great for brunch
  • Charming
  • Neighbourhood gem
Ouita Michel’s newest restaurant - located in downtown Lexington, Ky. is a cornerstone of the Historic Courthouse Square. Zim’s Cafe features delicious sandwiches, Kentucky classics, fresh salads & innovative bites from executive chef Ethan Bowling. Order a cocktail, bourbon, or local beer from The Thirsty Fox, the bar component across the atrium with a cozy atmosphere!

Order delivery or takeout

Additional information

  • Dining style
    Casual Dining
  • Price
    $30 and under
  • Cuisines
    American, Café, Regional American (Southern)
  • Hours of Operation
    Sun 9:00 am–9:00 pm
  • Phone number
    (859) 785-3690
  • Payment Options
    AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
  • Dress code
    Casual Dress
  • Executive Chef
    Paul Hieb
  • Private party facilities
    Looking for a private event space? We rent out The Thirsty Fox. Email zimscafeky@gmail.com for more information.
  • Neighbourhood
    Lexington
  • Cross Street
    Located between Short and Main Streets at Upper Street.
  • Parking details
    There are paid lots on Short Street as well as paid parking garages on Main and Short. Street parking is free after 5:00 on weekdays and all day on weekends and federal holidays.
  • Additional
    Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cafe, Cocktails, Full Bar, Happy Hour, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Takeout, View, Weekend Brunch, Wheelchair Access, Wine

What 482 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

4.4
4.4 based on recent ratings
  • 4.3Food
  • 4.3Service
  • 4.3Ambience
  • 4.3Value

NoiseModerate

Loved For

  • Central Kentucky

    Great for brunch

  • Lexington

    Great for brunch

  • Lexington

    Healthy

Review summary

AI-generated from verified diner reviews
Zim's Cafe offers a delightful dining experience with "amazing food" and "great service." It's a perfect spot for a brunch or casual meal before a show at the Opera House. While some guests have noted service inconsistencies, the standout dishes like shrimp and grits make it worth a visit.

482 Reviews
  1. Wendy

    Detroit

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on December 21, 2024

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 4
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    It was great! We sat across from the restaurant in a bar area...

    Is this helpful?

  2. Benjamin

    Philadelphia

    3 reviews

    4.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on December 7, 2024

    1. Overall 4
    2. Food 4
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 4
    Our waitress was awesome-friendly, fast and on top of things, like coffee refills. I think her name was Angela C? Kudos to her!

    Is this helpful?

  3. Bonnie

    VIP

    Louisville

    8 reviews

    3.0

    8 reviews

    Dined on November 29, 2024

    1. Overall 3
    2. Food 2
    3. Service 3
    4. Ambience 3
    Let me say that I’ve been there before and enjoyed it very much. But this time….It was just not good. The restaurant was half empty. Service was very slow. Not good. The waitress was pleasant. Food was sub par at best. Catfish was not golden brown and was lukewarm. Slaw was half cabbage and half red onions. Yuk. Hushpuppies were soggy with oil. Fries were over salted. Sweet potato fries were spicy. Why do that? $50 for food that left me hungry and disappointed. Ugh

    Is this helpful?

  4. Kim

    Louisville

    8 reviews

    5.0

    8 reviews

    Dined on November 27, 2024

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 4
    4. Ambience 5
    Really good experience and food was good. Love the decor

    Is this helpful?

  5. Philip

    Louisville

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on November 27, 2024

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 4
    Outstanding food and service, but a little noisy.I will eat there again.

    Is this helpful?

  6. Mike

    VIP

    Houston

    42 reviews

    5.0

    42 reviews

    Dined on November 17, 2024

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 4
    Good brunch menu. The food was well prepared and portion sizes were perfect. Service was excellent. Drinks were refilled quickly and the food came out quickly.

    Is this helpful?

  7. Yolanda

    Western NC

    6 reviews

    5.0

    6 reviews

    Dined on November 8, 2024

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 4
    Great food for the price! A great place for a casual meal. Zim's never disappoints.

    Is this helpful?

  8. Bonnie

    VIP

    Louisville

    8 reviews

    4.0

    8 reviews

    Dined on November 2, 2024

    1. Overall 4
    2. Food 4
    3. Service 3
    4. Ambience 5
    Food was delicious. Music was relaxing. Service was a bit slow.

    Is this helpful?

  9. Simone

    VIP

    Orlando

    10 reviews

    1.0

    10 reviews

    Dined on October 20, 2024

    1. Overall 1
    2. Food 1
    3. Service 2
    4. Ambience 2
    Of all the restaurants I have visited owned by Chef Michel, this is by far a disappointment. The food was not what I hoped for. Quite sad since Wallace Station and some of the others are so great. Service was also sub par.

    Is this helpful?

  10. Cas

    Louisville

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on October 18, 2024

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    I love Zim’s! Every time my friends and I come we always have a great time. The food is top quality and the service is very friendly and attentive.

    Is this helpful?

FAQs

Zim's Cafe offers takeout which you can order by calling the restaurant at (859) 785-3690.

Zim's Cafe is rated 4.4 stars by 482 OpenTable diners.

Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.

Make a reservation

2 people
7:00 p.m.
Booked 9 times today

Order delivery or takeout

Google Map for Zim's Cafe

215 W Main St, Lexington, KY 40507

Additional information

  • Cross Street
    Located between Short and Main Streets at Upper Street.
  • Neighbourhood
    Lexington
  • Hours of Operation
    Sun 9:00 am–9:00 pm
  • Price
    $30 and under
  • Cuisines
    American, Café, Regional American (Southern)
  • Dining style
    Casual Dining
  • Dress code
    Casual Dress
  • Parking details
    There are paid lots on Short Street as well as paid parking garages on Main and Short. Street parking is free after 5:00 on weekdays and all day on weekends and federal holidays.
  • Payment Options
    AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
  • Executive Chef
    Paul Hieb
  • Additional
    Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cafe, Cocktails, Full Bar, Happy Hour, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Takeout, View, Weekend Brunch, Wheelchair Access, Wine
  • Phone number
    (859) 785-3690
  • Private party facilities
    Looking for a private event space? We rent out The Thirsty Fox. Email zimscafeky@gmail.com for more information.
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  • Terms of Use
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