Great food, I had a pimento cheeseburger and it was truly a southern treat. I devoured it. A friend and I shared a piece of the raw derby pie and it was super good. I'm used to eating a mostly vegetarian diet so the burger was a lot for me to handle, it was nice to have a dessert I felt a little better about eating ;) The staff was friendly and patient, as we had come in from out of town and took FOREVER deciding what we wanted, and then adding drinks and desserts and everything. They were closing for the afternoon by the time we finished eating, but not once did they try to rush us out, they just let us talk and finish up at our own pace. I wish I lived closer and could try more items on the menu!
(5)
Jess F.
I've eaten here for years, and I've always been a happy customer. In the past year though it seems like every time I come something else has changed. And not for the better. The local chicken sandwich is no longer on the menu, the buns have changed, my favorite sour cream dill salad dressing is gone, and you don't even get a piece of wheat bread with your meal anymore. Did they get new owners or a new chef? Because it's just not as good as it used to be. Bummer.
(2)
Harmonie T.
This was one of the more vegan-friendly places I've visited while in Lexington. But make no mistake, this place is meateater friendly too. And vegetarian friendly. So vegans will still have to do a bit of investigating when in comes to ordering. But I was grateful that our waitress was knowledgeable about what is vegan and what is not. If our waitress was unsure, she would say "I can find out for you" then scurried off to the kitchen. With the recommendation of a vegetarian in our party who is a regular at Alfalfa, I ordered the Hoppin' John. When I asked the waitress what they do to make it vegan, she said they basically don't include cheese. Fair enough. Although I was secretly hoping that they had Daiya cheddar as a substitute. Regardless, this mix of black-eyed peas, brown rice, onions, green peppers and Creole tomato sauce was simple, tasty and filling. bit.ly/16BP0jX I wanted to get a side of soup but the one I was interested in was not vegan so I defaulted to a side salad with a super delicious miso dressing. bit.ly/1sIGCnk The BF ordered the meatloaf (which I was secretly wishing was a vegan "meatloaf") and he seemed to be happy with his dish. Hoping to end the meal with something sweet, their offerings sounded really yummy but sadly they didn't have any vegan desserts the night we were there :( ...but I won't hold that against them :) Like I said, this was the most vegan-friendly place I've visited while in a town where my options were limited. Awesome location in downtown Lexington and plenty (paid) parking in the structure across the street. This place has a good vibe and I would absolutely eat here again!
(4)
Alyson H.
Great atmosphere. Staff are very friend and welcoming. The food on the other hand, is at best edible. Absolutely tasteless and bland. I got the Spanish omelet and it tasted like hospital food. Great place for food that is mediocre but a great atmosphere.
(2)
Amy R.
I like that there's a restaurant that serves food which is different than the norm. Alfalfa's offers a unique variety of foods and drinks suitable for even vegetarians and vegans. They serve many flavorful soups and a good selection of sandwiches and salads. They are also open for breakfast. Try the squash soup at some point. It's like everything you love about autumn, but in your mouth. Delicious!
(4)
Jason H.
Oh Alfalfa, where is your hippie powers that you discovered in the 70s that hit off with UK fans before moving downtown. We came here for New Year's Day brunch and we were totally disappointed about several issues: (1) Hostess probably partied way too much and looked high, was taken aback by our simple request to relocate tables. She came back later, I thought maybe to take in drink orders, but no she stared at us and said the waitress would do it. (2) The restaurant actually told us that there are no clean knives???? How do we butter our bread? With our feet? You can not simply run a place expecting it to be sanitary, if the kitchen or dishwashing folks can't do basic tasks. (3) We were offered substitutions for bacon or whatever, and later to find out that it will cost us more. (4) On the menu, the omelet comes with bread, but later on we didn't get it and was told that we HAD TO request them. (5) My girlfriend had hair in her potatoes and I don't see a manager coming over to offer sincere apologies. While Alafafa will go through renovations, they need to rediscover the flower power that they discover from the 70's or otherwise, it will be a revolving disappointing experience. Oh, the Beatles, can you sing flower power songs for this place to grow and improve?
(2)
Brooke M.
I have a love hate relationship with this place. I want to love it because they are great about serving vegetarian food. Maybe it's just when I'm there, but there's usually a crowd, and very few servers. Other than that, the breakfast burrito is awesome.
(5)
George H.
Hippie place with good food. Good place to go when you're not in a hurry. Today they were on a wait with plenty of open tables but they didn't have enough menus.
(4)
Becky F.
Really enjoyed my meal here. I love that they use such fresh ingredients. whahnderlust.wordpress.c…
(5)
Jeremiah A.
Alfalfa Restaurant has an interesting vegetarian red beans and rice. I thought it would be bland without the traditional pork. It was delicious. Start with the red beans and rice topped with cheese and a side of slaw with their house vinaigrette and you've got a great lunch.
(4)
Joseph O.
I wanted to like this place more than I did. For many years, I'd heard of Alfalfa, or "Alfalfa's" as I'd heard it called. I know it started out as basically a hippie-run place in the '70's near UK campus, but it had moved downtown some time back. For a place that is supposed to be a Lexington tradition and dang near legend, I had high hopes. Well, I went there for lunch earlier this week. On the good side, the food was fairly tasty and my server was friendly. The atmosphere was a tad quirky and showed hints of the old-school hippie heritage the place has. They also use locally sourced meats and vegetables, which I considered a plus. On the bad side, service was slow and it took quite a while for our server to get to us, the food took a while to come out and was dang near cold when it came out, and the price was pretty high for what the food was. Also, the portion sizes left a little to be desired, especially given the costs. In summary, I just didn't feel it. It was okay for what it was, but in the crowded lunch market of downtown Lexington, I just don't see anything that makes them stand out other than the fact they've a locally owned place that has been open for over 40 years. If they clean up their service and are faster with taking orders and providing food, maybe I could cope more with the prices and portion sizes.
(2)
A O.
We came here for brunch. Lots of vegetarian options and fresh, local ingredients. They need to use salt for the eggs and less cooking time to keep them from drying out.
(2)
Phil P.
For the record, I have loved Alfalfa for quite some time, that said... -horrible coffee, cigarette butt and week-old bong water would be better. -dreadful service. Got our order incorrect, twice. Waited a long time at the front desk to be seated. Hostess was lost. -food just doesn't taste as good as it used to. Come on Alfalfa. Get your act together!
(2)
Heather P.
After noticing a wagon toting farm fresh eggs at the local farmers market reading "follow me to Alfalfa", I wanting to love this place. That is the main reason that I've been back several times. I love the atmosphere, but the food...not so much. The last time that I went, I tried the Hoppin' John, it wasn't what I was expecting. With black eyed peas and rice as the main ingredients, I would not recommend it. My dinner experiences have been basically similar. This place is not southern at all, but is probably very appealing to a vegetarian. They have to be doing something right though, they've been in business since 1973.
(3)
Matthew H.
Great fresh ingredients, very friendly knowledgable staff. Food was brought out promptly, and it was cooked correctly. Cool environment, laid back and clean. The food was a little under-seasoned but pricing and presentation were great. Loved my blueberry buckwheat pancakes.
(4)
Robert K.
We were looking for a healthy dinner and found it at Alfalfa. Great service, a filling black bean quinoa burger (with avocado slices) and some local beer. Very casual atmosphere and was glad to see families, students and older couples alike all enjoying their meals. This is not a pinkie-out kind of place, so swing by for an easy-going meal.
(4)
Gary R.
One more visit here and I'm sure I'd redo this review at 5 stars. No question. Not that there was anything at all wrong with my experience but I have to be careful dishing out 5 stars all the time cause people will start thinking I'm really not paying attention or something. But, pssst, this might just be 5 star worthy!! If only I could have gotten my requested bloody mary! (apparently they aren't permitted to offer alcohol like that - DARN!) Since it was a late breakfast for us, I didn't order coffee (already had my fill). If I had, then I'd feel secure in making the total rating based on that as well. Next time I'll have coffee and revisit this review. But, let's pretend I'm at 4 stars now. The place is quaint, cute, friendly, with great service, delightful breakfast choices, and specials on a blackboard. I saw the pancakes of the day listed as " cranberry walnut, blueberry oatmeal, and spearmint chocolate". I know. Who would ever think of THAT? So, torn with what to choose from the enticing menu, I opted for The Gravel Switch - 3 pancakes, sausage, toast, one egg, and cheese grits. I know, it's a lot to eat but it was a LATE breakfast and maybe I could skip lunch? Make sense? Well, it was TOO much to eat but I powered on and left with a full belly and contentment over my face. The server asked which of the pancakes I wanted with my order and when I paused, she said, oh, you can get one of each type. WHAT??? Man, did I jump on that!!! And let me tell you friends, don't for one minute scoff at fresh mint with dark chocolate chips cooked up nice and hot inside some tasty pancake batter. Might have been the best pancake I ever ate - and that's saying something. The mint was distinct but not overpowering. Refreshing and a great compliment to the dark chocolate chips that melted and filled the pancake holes like lava oozing into caves. What a delightful concept and it was even better than I could have ever imagined it could be! Plus, with the mint, I left feeling like my mouth was minty fresh and I could leave without worrying about when I next had to brush my teeth! A must visit kind of place. I'll see you there on my next trip to Lexington!
(4)
Danielle D.
Of all the things I miss about Lexington, Alfalfa is high on the list. Their brunch menu items are on point -- which the coffee isn't always the best, their omelettes are easily my favorite in Lexington and their mimosas are always tasty. Service is generally swift. I love their focus on local foods!
(5)
M C.
I had an amazing breakfast with my family at this restaurant. Very homey feel. The atmosphere and service can't be beat. I ordered the biscuits and gravy, and it was heavenly. Everyone enjoyed their meal. Portions were huge and the coffee was good too.
(5)
Drew E.
One of Lexington's best restaurants. Every Wed in the spring is a different cultural menu. They keep a short and dynamic menu that is always fresh and creative. A strong recommendation from me!
(5)
Peggy B.
I stopped by right before closing time and picked up a take out salad and coffee for a late lunch. I am just here for a couple days on business, and I look for restaurants that have gluten-free, dairy-free items on their menu. The service was wonderful, and the coffee was fresh and delicious and my salad was memorable because the tomatoes had to be fresh from someone's garden, it had nutrient-rich sunflower seeds and great miso dressing. My 3 star review is based more on my own personal opinion that places ought to have a d-f g-f offering every day if they mention g-f at all on the menu. I will try them again tomorrow and re- rate if I can. Ps....lovely vibe there....
(3)
Hang T.
I've heard of healthy restaurants, but I think this place is a little too far out there for me. Their food or at least the set up is not what you would find at traditional breakfast places. They have huge portions which is a plus, but it doesn't help when the food is not what you expect. With my eggs benedict I got toast instead of English muffins. I guess that was fine, but I was really looking forward to a traditional one. The ham and bacon were yummy though. We received a hearty portion of both. They are known for their blueberry pancakes. My husband ordered the pancake sandwich and by default it comes with the blueberry pancakes. It was not a good mix, at least for him. When we asked for traditional pancakes, they said it would cost more. Weird that it cost more to take out an ingredient. The prices are higher than other breakfast places that I've tried for the type of food we ordered. I don't think we are going to go back. Too strange for me.
(2)
Nick W.
I'm not sure if I jut caught them on a bad day or if the stars just poorly aligned, but we did not have a very good experience here. There was going to be a long wait to get seated, which is not a big deal in and of itself. The issue is that they completely forgot about us and did't get us a table until I went and complained. When we did get seated it was in a cramped area. The service wasn't very good, and our food took so long to come out that they had to comp us some fruit so the kids wouldn't tear the place up. You would think if your food takes more then 30 minutes to come out, you'd see your waitress more then 3 times. You'd be wrong. Then when the food arrived, it was cold. Ridiculous. The manager said that they had just had a big rush and couldn't handle it all at once, hence the delay. If the hold up was that our good wasn't ready, then why was it cold when it got to the table? When the manager has to come to your table and apologize twice for two completely separate issues, you know there's a problem.
(1)
Nina H.
Fantastic brunch! Ordered the Popeye omlette, the breakfast burrito and the blueberry buckwheat pancake and it was all great! Ended up eating the entire pancake myself...fluffy and sweet, no syrup needed! Wish I had room for dessert...
(5)
W L.
Farmers market omelet ($10.75, special) and the egg scrambles ($8.75, on the regular menu) were light and flavorful. Buckwheat pancakes were fluffy, crispy around the edge, and the best in recent memories. Pretty good coffee although the first cup was luke warm. The house fried potatoes that come as a free side item were soft and not crispy at all. I like them for the flavor and don't mind the texture, but my husband did not. The bread (used for toasts) were store bought and tasteless. I wish they would serve homemade or at least artisan bread. Store bought bread loaded with preservatives and other chemicals and tasted stale seem inconsistent with the restaurants' philosophy of serving fresh local food. Service is friendly and reasonably at tentative. Given the overall experience and that it is one of the few places offering brunch in LEX, we will probably return.
(4)
Shanley C.
My suggestion to you is: don't come hungry. My group came for breakfast on a Sunday morning and I expected to wait as usually this is a busy time. Little did I know it would take two hours to get our food. I ordered the Peter and Jake, consisting of two eggs, bacon, toast and home fries. I also ordered the Buttermilk Blueberry Buckwheat Pancake - due to my extreme hunger. The food was decent, the bacon was locally-sourced pork and probably the best thing on my plate. The bad news? My blueberry pancake was $4.25 and it was TINY. For one pancake to be over $4 I expected a nice sized cake. Not the case at Alfalfa. So disappointed. Maybe if I had a few hours to kill and no appetite I would try this place again. For now, I'll stick with other breakfast spots.
(2)
Stan D.
Our family dined at Alfalfa on a Saturday night. Place was moderately busy and had a nice casual atmosphere. Like other reviews, we found the humus a bit bland. Our Chai tea was tasty but only lukewarm at best. My soup was lukewarm and our salads were overloaded with dressing. Main dishes were nicely prepared but my daughters was served with cream sauce and she ordered a vegan preparation. They remade it for her but we were finished by the time they served her. There was really nothing exciting about the food nor the service.
(2)
Ron M.
Egg Benedict Arnold!! That's all it have I say about that!!!! Liquor license and bloody Mary's would finish this place off...
(5)
scott r.
The service was excellent and they have a good coffee press. The food was obviously fresh but the lack of any flavor was disappointing. Hate to say it because I really wanted to like the place. The food I had was simply bland and mediocre. I'd prob try it one more time just to be sure. Very nice people
(2)
A A.
Was expecting more. Hoppin John is okay. Needs salt and more sauce from blackeye peas. Side salad is lettuce & sprinkle of I think what was sunflower seeds? Really? Oh well. Next.
(3)
Carolyn H.
Gave this a shot at opening time on a Saturday morning, it was pretty good. I ordered the tofu scramble which was rich with veggies and not too heavy on the oil at all. My toast was not very toasty but the coffee was pretty darn good and service was prompt - I liked our server! Another friend tried the blueberry buckwheat pancake and asked that they add 'nanners on top. I polished it off for her and I can attest it was worth it! Very affordable, quaint, yes they can accomodate a group but I would call ahead if you can. They also sold vegan snacks like fruit and nut bars so if you're looking for something to go, this is a great spot. I'd go again!
(4)
Sarah V.
I've eaten at Alfalfa a handful of times over the past several years, and every time I feel like they charge too much for average food in small portions. Today I went for lunch and got the Indonesian Tofu Pita with a side of fruit. The fruit was good, though there were four orange slices (not wedges, just thin slices), maybe six slices of banana (definitely not a whole banana), a few slices of apple (again, thin slices not wedges), and five grapes. So not a lot of fruit, especially since there's an extra charge for getting fruit instead of their default side. The pita itself was very disappointing. It was listed as being served with a peanut sauce. I expected chunks of peanuts in a sauce, but what I got instead was creamy JIF. Really, it tasted exactly like creamy peanut butter. Besides that, it was slathered heavily over everything: the pita, the spinach leaves, the carrots, and the tofu. I felt like an archaeologist, excavating bits of tofu and carefully scraping off peanut butter. The spinach I gave up on because it was really limp and damp from being coated in peanut butter. The pita I scraped at and was able to eat some of. The tofu had no discernable flavor other than peanut butter.
(2)
Sarah W.
Yum. Fresh ingredients. Lots of choices for brunch. Snickerdoodle pancakes were amazing. The country ham sliders with berry compote will leave me forever with a new craving in my craving armamentarium. So simple and delicious. Also tried the hoppin john which was the perfect combination of rice, cheese, beans, green peppers, onions and tomato sauce. Not a trace of grease. Will definitely be back for more. My only criticism is the price of a side of sausage 3.95$ for two little anorexic links? I mean they were tasty but half the price of my entree.
(4)
Rob C.
This place is great! I started going there when it first opened on North Limestone and when it was run by a bunch of sketchy hippies who were awesome cooks. New downtown location is great with the same healthy, hearty food. It has maintained about 80% of it's quirky, anti-establishment, let's-start-a-commune feeling from it's original location.
(5)
Lisa W.
Excellent service and food! We stopped here on our road trip going through Kentucky. They let us eat even though we arrived five minutes before the kitchen was closing and were so friendly. We ordered two dishes including the huevos rancheros and the Peter and Jake. Both were amazing! I highly suggest stopping in for brunch.
(5)
Warren M.
This is a great place for out of the ordinary healthy food. They're located in the middle of downtown. Park at the library, or ride the free downtown Trolly. The portions are not large, and the prices are reasonable but on the high side. It is a good value considering the quality of the food. Every time I eat here, the food is great. The staff are very efficient and super friendly. It is reminiscent of a down home hippie joint. I don't think they are hippies- just down home healthy and earth conscious folks. They are a refreshing change from the norm. They're low keyed, quiet, folks. Oh, and I like that they don't bother me while I eat. If I could, I'd give the a seven out of five stars rating.
(5)
Matthew C.
By far one the the most kick brunch spots (nationwide). The staff is super friendly and accommodating. I had the Kentucky hot brown eggs benny special and it was awesome. Luke with the hoodie was an outstanding waiter and I would ask for him by name
(5)
Dorthy D.
This is a great spot that emphasizes fresh, local ingredients and the service was fast and friendly. I had one of the 3 egg omelets, it was light and fluffy and stuffed full of ham and cheese. My only complaint was the very small portion of alfafries (sliced, fried potatoes), they were really yummy, I just wanted more of them! My husband got one of the versions of eggs Benedict. The eggs were perfectly poached, the hollandaise sauce was ok, but not the best I've had. Overall I liked it, but the smaller sized portions left me wanting more.
(4)
Jennifer W.
The food is always a wonderful experience here. I've been with friends a handful of times now. The most delightful part of dining here is the chalkboard menu. I'd recommend any of the dishes they put on there. The ingredients are always fresh and the dishes well-put together. The only downsides I'll mention is that if you go in groups, sometimes the tables get a little crowded along the wall. I've been in the mornings for brunch and had groups occupying the tables on either side of us and you get the awkward let-me-squeeze-into-my-seat moment where you have to ask other people to move their seats closer to the table. The ambience is something you need to be a match for.
(4)
John F.
Expected much better food. Service was good. Tomato bisque soup not hot enough. Greek salad is unique but potatoes were undercooked and green beans over cooked - surprising for a vegetarian specialty. The Hoppin John, house signature entree, was bland probably because the imbalance between brown rice and the black eyed peas and tomatoes - needed a better balance of ingredients and a lot of hot sauce. The side salad was very good with the herb dressing. Very disappointing meal.
(3)
Ashley L.
Love this place! The food is always unique and delicious. They change the menu often and I love that! I love all of the fresh and unique choices. The staff is always super friendly and accommodating too.
(5)
Laura L.
It's hard to be a West Coast foodie in the middle of America, luckily, places like Alfalfa have cropped up in the past decade that makes visiting family a bit more bearable. We've now been here twice for brunch/lunch and both times we've had a good meal. I appreciate the fresh ingredients, and the attempt for innovation. I had the Phoenix Salad this time, and my only quarrel was the large pieces of apple and cucumber required more knifing than forking. Also, there were a bit too many raisins and sunflower seeds. Balance! Other than that, the salad was delicious, requiring very little dressing. The sweet pumpkin soup was like eating pumpkin pie in soup form, delicious, but perhaps too sweet for my tastes. I like the vibe and the staff, and my 10 month son was totally welcome (it helps that he's cute and mostly well behaved). My review is really more 3.5 stars, and I'm definitely up for trying it again when next I'm in town.
(3)
Josh M.
Don't like flavored coffee or cream, but everyone knows tigers don't like Cinnamon. Alfalfa Cinnomon coffee is mouth pleasure. Breakfast burritos with the Add's, some times all some times just some. Tip them they work hard!!
(5)
Rachael G.
We came here for Saturday morning breakfast this past weekend. I haven't spent much time in Lexington, but I have spent quite a bit of time eating breakfast on Saturday mornings, and I can safely say that I thoroughly enjoyed this place. We sat at a table right by the front window so I was able to people watch (another favorite brunch-time activity) while I waited for my food. With a mimosa, of course, Both my breakfast date and I got the tofu burritos (I'm a sucker for a good breakfast burrito) with the Alfafries on the side. Everything was very tasty, including the mimosa, and I was happily satisfied.
(4)
Stephanie W.
I was in town for my uncle's funeral =( It is interesting- I have gone to and from Lexington every other weekend most of my life, and I had never eaten anywhere local. (My family prefers the chains). I was in need of some soul food. Nutrition should not be compromised. I knew there would be something downtown. So we started marching toward the tall buildings, until we saw the sign for Alfalfa's. They had a fish special for hand-breaded fish and homemade hush puppies. DELISH! Exactly what I had been craving- and the breading was made with some sort of nut-flour combo- sooooo yummy! I also had the cold cucumber soup, and had the pleasure of tasting my boyfriend's broccoli salad- this is a side dish I have found myself craving. Service took a while, but we weren't in a hurry; the only reason I took one star away. But everyone was very nice and they were busy, so, no worries.
(4)
Hombre S.
We stopped by Lexington for the drive home and we saw an ad for this restaurant and we went there. It was surprising to find this type of restaurant downtown, but there were families there as well as business people. It was definitely my kind of place, with a lot of local ingredients, including eggs. Relaxed atmosphere. There was a GREAT selection of vegetarian options and all the things that we had were great. Even our 2 year old ate all his food! If we lived in Lexington, we would definitely be regulars!
(4)
Sandra R.
Relax/Clean environment, we went for bunch and the service was fast and the food was fresh/good. Ate the avocado omelet and added ham which was very good. Lots of avocado which I loved! The smoothie was yummy too, the honey gave it a great taste. The only thing is a better choice of coffee brew for my taste. Overall a good experiences.
(4)
Jane E.
What a gem of a place in the middle of Lexington. I did not think I would find a place with such history and ingredients in the middle of Lexington. The service is wonderful and the artsy interior makes you feel right at home. The food is wonderful if not a bit bland. However, they make up for the blandness with enough hot sauce and condiments. I had the Hoppin John, which was a great hardy dish. I enjoyed it while at the restaurant, however, after a while it looses flavor and because it looks so healthy it is not appetizing later on. I like the fact that the menu changes based on local ingredients and they make a point of showing the source of the meat and the vegetables. It is a great business to support for all the right reasons and for the delicious food!
(4)
David Z.
On our way to the Red River Gorge for rock climbing, my friends and I stopped in Lexington for dinner. We yelped the area for recommendations, and found Alfalfa. It was awesome! I had the meatloaf, which came with my choice of several tasty sides. I chose the pumpkin cornbread, which turned out to be a huge hunk of delicious corny goodness. The meatloaf was also very good. Negs: The salad (also complimentary with any entree) was a little disappointing, and the way they serve pre-meal bread (a boring slice of wheat sandwich bread on a small plate) was quite strange. It's also a tad pricey ($15), but fully worth it. Really nice, cozy ambiance, too.
(4)
Hans R.
A locally-oriented menu in a downtown-turned-quirky space. It almost feels more like eating in your neighbor's house than a restaurant. The Alfa Burger and Tomato Bisque are prime. Expect smiling 20-something staff and a purposefully unpolished aesthetic.
(4)
Jeremiah R.
Traveling through Lexington, and desiring Sunday brunch, I tried Alfalfa. The serving size is just right; and the emphasis is on the quality of ingredients vs ambition of the menu. My omelette of Feta, Olives, and Spinach was well prepared; the eggs were on the fluffy side, and the ingredients of a good quality. The toast was a whole grain, higher quality sliced bread (although a little too toasted), and the alfalfa fries were actually red potatoes cooked, until somewhat mushy, with onions and celery. These were served with a small side of baby greens. As you can tell, this isn't greasy at all. Hence; you don't feel weighed down.
(4)
Luke P.
Great food, long wait. I had the cousin Benedict. Eggs were done perfect, hollandaise was cash. Country ham was thin and crisp, great way to start a Sunday! Nice little art gallery across the way, good way to kill some time while waiting for a table. Would've been 5 stars, but man was that wait long
(4)
Seth B.
Family was visiting Lexington during Thanksgiving and some of them have diet restrictions (vegetarian, leaning towards vegan) so the first place I thought about for Saturday lunch- after Indian food- was Alfalfa. They were disappointed. The hoppin' john was bland (as I remembered), as was the red beans & rice and tofu burrito. They're from the real south, where these are staple dishes- and easy to make well. But my eggs Benedict were great.
(2)
Emily D.
Alfalfa's is lovely. Don't expect to be seated immediately after arrival, especially if you're there for the weekend breakfast/brunch, but the wait is worth it. Normally you wait for a table next door in the Lexington Art Gallery, where you're free to stroll through and check out the current exhibit while sipping some free coffee (all free trade, organic, and locally roasted). The restaurant itself is cute. Big windows with stained glass at the front, a huge exposed brick wall, high ceilings, fresh flowers, mismatched coffee mugs and utensils. It's charming, though I would not suggest it for larger groups (6+) because the seating is fairly limited. The food is delicious, with a focus on local/seasonal Kentucky produce. If you ask, the source of most of the ingredients is available. They usually have a quiche and omelet special on the weekends with ingredients from the Lexington Farmers' Market, which is ~200 yards down the road. This time around, I had the day's quiche with Alfafries (a sort of hashbrown-homefries mixture), and it was delicious. The meals are pretty light. Expect to leave satisfied, but not stuffed. It's not hangover food.
(4)
Kirk H.
I returned to Alfalfa for dinner recently. After an underwhelming brunch experience, my daughter wanted red beans and rice from Alfalfa. The red beans and rice were tasty. I had the Chicken Talese. Delicious, local pastured chicken pan fried and topped with swiss cheese sauce over spinach. It was very good, but used to be served with a side dish. A side of rice or noodles or something would have been appropriate. A salad was included (house salad made with cabbage, lots of brown cabbage in mine). I left still hungry. Service was inattentive and distracted, as usual.
(2)
J D.
"Boring and Bland.." - I admit it was a couple years ago when i ate here last.. But the Special tomato bisque tasted like it came out of a cold soup can. The Hummus tasted like a cheap off the shelf variety. I know w few stores in town that have off the shelf hummus that is quite appealing actually though.. Will try again, but the service was very bland as well.. If you want good food.. then reread the name i just typed and figure it out.. You may like this place.. If you do can you please tell me what you ordered and bring me a bite..
(2)
Kristen W.
One of my favorite brunch places; I try to go every time I'm in Lexington. My standard order is the Eggs Benedict Arnold (eggs benedict with country ham and avocado), but I've tried almost everything on the menu, and many specials and have never been disappointed with a meal. I've only been for dinner once, but it was great as well, and we even considered having them cater our wedding!
(5)
Kristen S.
I went to this place yesterday for lunch before 1pm. Parking is a pain during the day, it was even raining so I thought we'd have better luck but nope. We walked in, it wasnt really what i was expecting since I had read the reviews. I felt it was just an upscale coffee cafe of sort. We were seated, there were a few other people there. It was really quiet. Or waitress was nice, just was soft spoken, and was hard to hear. I felt bad for having to ask her to repeat herself. I had the house chai tea, it was awesome! I also had an omelet with avocado, ham, and white cheddar, comes with toast. The omelet was fluffy, and a fairly decent size. My toast came a while after my omelet, which was strange, waitress said they were toasting it. I wish they hadnt toasted it so much, it came with the edges burnt. I just ate around those parts. The omelet was good, however it did not come with that much avocado, since you only get 2 items in your omelet, i paid an additional $.75 to have another. So that was disappointing. I also wish it came with another side, i couldve eaten more. My bf had the egg, avocado, bacon & tomato sandwich on potato bread, which was really good. He did get a lot of avocado on his sandwich, which he felt was too much, so i gladly took some for myself. It came with a side 'salad' (use that term loosely) you choose from either lettuce or cabbage. You basically get a small bowl/dish of lettuce with your choice of dressing...that's it. Seriously. But okay. The price is meh, for what you get. It's a tad bit overpriced, but it's nice to support a business that does have fresh ingredients and gets it from the local farmers, etc. I get that. I'd be willing to give it another go, eventually. I think I'm still in awe over my weekend brunch from another place. I feel Alfalfa's could be much more, maybe it was an off day? I almost want to put 3 stars bc i wasnt feeling it, but it's better than that.
(4)
Matt H.
Burger tasted...odd, to say the least. The pineapple gazpacho was excellent, but that's about all this place had going for it. Not a bad meal, but I wouldn't go back.
(2)
Gordon F.
Overpriced and with a weird menu. When I went I had a buy one get one free coupon, and I still didn't think it was that good of a deal. The quality is there, and the sandwich I got was tasty, but portions were small and I would probably not consider going back unless the menu prices were dropped by around 30%.
(2)
Nikki H.
My family of 4 is always pleased with our breakfast at Alfalfa, the Eggs Benedict Arnold is our favorite and the french toast is also GREAT! If you go on the weekend (which we do) definitely be prepared to wait a little bit for a table as the place is small and cozy. We like to walk around the art museum next door and they have coffee and plenty of chairs to sit in while you wait as well as coloring books and crayons to distract the kids. The only drawback for us has been, we like to have mimosas with brunch and they can't start serving alcohol until 11:00, but that hasn't stopped us from hitting this restaurant up frequently!
(4)
Pam C.
I'm not very familiar with Lexington, and my date suggested this place after a recommendation from one of his co-workers. Being as it was both our first time here, I don't think we knew what to expect. While both of our dishes were good, it wasn't something we were both into. It was pretty loud so in conversation I felt like I was yelling trying to talk to him. Maybe I'd go back eventually but not anytime soon.
(3)
Sam L.
I had their quiche of the day and a delicious cup of black coffee. It was a nice little breakfast spot, and I would definitely recommend it to anyone visiting Lexington!
(4)
Adam H.
It is often a rarity that I find myself awake before 9am on a Saturday. There are no longer good cartoons on that early, so what's the point? If you are in Lexington and are awake during the am breakfast hours then check out Alfalfa. This is a very popular weekend morning place, and judging from the reviews it is pretty hopping during other times of the day. I have only been there during breakfast and each time the place was jumping. Since there were only two of us we didn't have to wait long, if you have a larger group I would suggest getting there early or possibly phoning ahead. If you don't mind the wait you can wait in the atrium like hallway next door and drink coffee. Lets just say that there is a reason that people congregate to this place. The most recent dish that I sunk my teeth into was the Eggs Benedict Arnold. I am not going to lie, I was a tad nervous about ordering a dish named after the treasonous villain who almost surrendered West Point to the British, however, this was one of the better breakfast dishes that I ever had. It consisted of pouched eggs, toast, avocado, city ham (basic ham and not as salty as country ham) and some of the best tomatoes that I have ever had. The tomatoes were so good that they gave off a cool fresh minty taste that stayed with you with each bite, and I mean every bite with or without a tomato. I literally consumed every bite of this delicious dish and even consider licking the plate, but I think that would have been a little too much. The cons are the tea and price. My tea cost 1.50 for a skimpy tea bag and hot water. Instead order the cinnamon coffee. My girlfriend is a coffee snob and she loved it. In addition they gave her a free to go cup. In regards to the price be prepared to drop anywhere from 10-15 per person, which for what I had was extremely reasonable. I however cannot afford to eat there everyday and am a little bit envious. When my disposable income increases then I will update it to five stars. Again if you are in Lexington and want a great breakfast then head over to Alfalfa.
(4)
David B.
I was surprised that $30 for a single meal got me such mediocre food. The hummus was dry and the combination of flavors in the entree was confusing. If the food ever steps up to their level of service there is hope however. Such nice people.
(2)
TL C.
Alfalfa Restaurant located at 141 E. Main Street, Lexington, Kentucky is a restaurant that focuses on serving local foods in its recipes. They have an interesting menu with a nice range of vegetarian options as well as options for meat eaters. The restaurant is welcoming and relaxing. The cold cucumber soup was good. The red beans were delicious and filling. The cheesecake was also tasty. All four of us enjoyed our food. The waitress was helpful, friendly, and energetic. I would definitely eat at Alfalfa again!
(5)
John H.
The food is actually pretty good, however we waited close to 45 minutes for our food. Server went about 30 minutes without even touching the table or checking on us. For a restaurant that seats under 100 people, that's inexcusable. Had to rush my meal to get to work. Don't recommend unless you're willing to wait a good amount of time.
(1)
L T.
We ate here fairly often since it serves up good local vegetarian and meat friendly dishes, and we've never been disappointed. My favorite time to go here is breakfast, because they have a great breakfast menu (recommend the Eggs Benedict Arnold), and you can sit and enjoy a coffee next door while you're waiting for a table. Tip for out-of-towners - if you're looking for parking, you can park right across the street in the police annex garage for free on the weekends and weekdays after 6.
(4)
P K.
Don't bother. I have NO idea why this place gets the good reviews it gets. I notice a lot of the glowing reviews are for breakfast and maybe that is when to go, but absolutely don't bother for dinner. First of all the waitress couldn't be bothered. Most of the time she spent sitting by the cash register looking at her phone. The food was over seasoned yet tasteless at the same time. The fried green tomatoes were THE worst I have every had, and I have eaten fried green tomatoes at a lot of places. The quiche my friend had was barely edible. The only good thing we had were the falafals. Beyond that I would never consider eating here again nor would I advise anyone to eat here.
(1)
Gade M.
The food's ok and the decor is fun. Breakfast is the time to go however expect to wait for a long time (sometimes upwards of and hour or two) on the weekends. Parking is sometimes a problem as it is downtown Lexington and street parking is hard to come by and garage parking is pay per hour and a few blocks away. Other wise good place to eat.
(3)
Laura G.
This place was actually recommended to us from a gal who served us brunch at another restaurant in town. One thing I have to say that I love about Lexington is that you can eat so well for so cheap! I had eggs, fries, juice, coffee, and a short stack and it was about 13 bucks. My bro had the breakfast burrito which looked really yummy and my friend got the buckwheat pancake sandwich which we were all amazed that he even got halfway through haha. The cinnamon and blueberry pancakes were a hit but the buttermilk ones missed the mark, they were heavy and chewy so if you want a pancake get adventurous and try one with a flavor!
(3)
Sarah C.
Going to Alfalfa's for the first time I had no previous notion besides they had "great red beans and rice" and "pretty awesome wheat pancakes". Now having had the pleasure of experiencing it for myself I can honestly attest that it is a unique dining experience. The name suggests organic, free trade, and wheat grass, which I am sure are all true and can be found there; however, my dining experience there left me completely satisfied. The restaurant is located off of Main St. in downtown Lexington, across from the Lexington Public Library Downtown Branch. Parking is free after 5:00 p.m. in the Annex garage next to the County Clerk's office. Upon entering the restaurant for the first thing that I noticed was the laid back atmosphere. The exposed brick walls covered in local photographer's pieces added to the overall hippie vibe. The wait staff and service was excellent. The dinner menu was based upon Creole dishes and full vibrant healthy meals. The food was very good. Make sure to check out the specials on the chalk boards when you walk in, they have some interesting dishes on there as well. I would definitely recommend going again if not for dinner than for breakfast!
(4)
Jess S.
Alfalfa's opens at 9 and was packed at 9:15 The Cinnamon Swirl French Toast Special was awesome!! I had great service and great atmosphere for a wonderful breakfast.
(5)
Kristina P.
If there's a vegetarian in your life, you should take them here! It's by far the best vegetarian place in the city. It isn't exactly my style, and the meat-based fare can be scarce, but the food is always fresh and fairly straightforwardly prepared. It's got a sort of hippie atmosphere and the live music can be of questionable quality. Parking can be difficult as it is in the middle of downtown, but if you know your way around the parking garages you can find a cheap spot to stow your car. The place is very clean. It's a change of pace for sure.
(3)
Jeff R.
I have no idea why serving eggs on the weekend translates into long waits, but it does, and Alfalfa is yet another place you wait in line for eggs. You have to ask yourself: does anybody do eggs so well that it's worth an hour wait? No. But we wait. I've only done a weekend breakfast, and it was good. We see them buying their goods down the street at the farmers market. Still haven't tried dinner yet.
(4)
Julie F.
In try to hit this place up anytime I spend a weekend in Lex! My favorite brunch but getting there before 10am is optimal for quick seating. If you arrive later, be prepared to wait, but for a good reason. At least you get free coffee while you wait!!
(5)
Lucy U.
Finally tried Alfalfa and love it! Every time I visit my parents in Lexington, I am on the search for good food and especially for brunch. This place has great coffee, pancakes, oatmeal and vegan dishes. Their baked goods are delicious! Lexington seems to lack on quality brunch places, but this place is by far the best and reminded me of an NYC brunch. I will definitely be back on my next visit to KY.
(5)
Sean B.
Good, but not great, breakfast or brunch place in downtown Lexington.
(3)
Nilsen S.
My girlfriend and I had a thoroughly lackluster experience here. It started off well enough. The restaurant is joined with an art center so we were able to browse the gallery while we waited for our table. Once we were seated however, the experience went downhill. We had gone to Alfalfa with empty stomachs and were pretty hungry. we began to get a bit confused as multiple patrons who had been seated before us were getting their meals and ours had not been brought out. After waiting a half an hour, our waitress informed us that one of our meals has "slipped through the cracks" and that it would be out shortly. Another ten minutes later our food arrived and was cold. The hollandaise sauce on my eggs Benedict had formed a skin and started to congeal in a very unpleasant way and the bread it was served on was thoroughly soggy. It was a weekend morning and quite busy, yet I still felt like our server was rather short with us the whole meal. On the way out the door she dropped two extremely stale cookies on the table to compensate for our wait. needless to say, this gesture did not win me over. The really unfortunate part of this story is that Alfalfa seemed like the type of place that I would usually like. They use high quality ingredients and have a pretty decent menu. They even serve real maple syrup which is nearly impossible to find in the region. I would like to hope that my experience is a deviation from the norm here, but I am compelled to rate this restaurant on the one rather unpleasant experience I had here.
(2)
Daniel R.
When I lived in Lexington this was my go-to brunch spot. The vegetarian options are excellent and the specials are always excellent. The Hoppin' John and the red beans and rice are top notch.
(4)
Liz T.
My husband and I came in around 10am on a Saturday. Got seated right away. If it wasn't 10am on a Saturday I would have been tempted by the yummy looking baked goods at the counter including vegan blondies! We both got spiced iced tea which was basically cold chai, very good. My husband ordered the Eggs Benedict Arnold. He said the Hollandaise sauce was very good. I ordered the Popeye omelet - 3 eggs (or egg beaters), fresh spinach, kalamata olives and feta cheese. Very good! I had my choice of potatoes or cheese grits and I went with the grits. They bring you an enormous amount covered in a mild white cheese. They were also good, and had a smokey flavor that I've never had with cheese grits before. The only downside was our server. She took or drink order and then our food and that was it. She never came back to check on us. There were tables on either side of us she waited on but she just kind of bypassed us for the rest of the meal. It was odd. Overall pretty good though, we'd definitely go back. I'll just cross my fingers for a different server!
(5)
Krissy R.
I ate here with my husband when we decided to take an impromptu trip to Lexington one weekend. This was the first place we ate at while in town and saw it when we drove through town the night before on our way to our hotel. The service was great and the food was fresh and unique. I ordered an omelet with fruit and my husband ordered the red beans and rice and was in heaven. He also got a side of oatmeal and said the red beans and rice was the best he'd ever eaten. The open feel of the restaurant made it fun, and we sat by a wall of windows and had a perfect view of the sidewalk for people-watching. If we visited town again we would likely go back to Alfalfa.
(4)
Mary M.
Popped in on my lunch break this afternoon and was very disappointed. I was by myself and in a hurry since I only have 30 min. After sitting for over 5 min, I was greeted with an "I'll be right back". Then was asked if I knew what I wanted. No friendly salutation or mention of specials, which I am aware are on a chalkboard, but was out of my sight. I guess I could have gotten up, but didn't want to be missed when the server came back. So I ordered a BLT with a side of fruit. My work is very close, so I thought I would have ample time for a "lunch place" to provide lunch for me (and other busy professionals who work near by). Unfortunately, my meal came with 10 min to gulp it down, pay, and get back to work. I actually pulled out my cash before even receiving anything other than tea. Oh, I forgot to mention, I was brought the wrong side within a few minutes of ordering which was taken back. When I finally got my sandwich, there was maybe 2 pieces of bacon (not that I need a pound of bacon, but it IS the star of the sandwich, not the L or the T)! And, there was NO MAYO! I noticed on the menu, one of the sandwiches mentions asking for mayo or mustard, but I assumed a BLT would come with mayo as a standard. The server could have mentioned that to me or offered some; I'm sure I'm not the only one who likes mayo on a BLT. I ordered it on wheat bread which was SO toasted, the roof of my mouth STILL hurts! And the side of fruit was LITERALLY 5 red grapes, 3 slices of green apple which were about 1/8", 2 slices of orange which were about 1/2", and ONE, yes ONE slice of banana! I'm not exaggerating!! The iced tea was fine, it was just plain unsweetened, so you really can't mess that up. This is the 2nd time I have eaten here (the first was breakfast which everyone seems to think is better, and its been too long to review, but I do remember a long wait, cold eggs and a dining companion who agreed that we wouldn't return). I tried again, but was once again very disappointed. I can honestly say, it was the worst BLT I have ever eaten. As I understand, they cater to many vegetarians, so maybe this review is null and void for those patrons, but for carnivores like me, a bad BLT really speaks volumes!!
(1)
adam C.
I really have no idea why this place is so popular. Most of the dishes are very haphazard in design (i.e. the egg and avocado sandwich), or else just aren't executed well at all (red beans and rice/hoppin john - both completely tasteless and usually cold). I've probably eaten there 7 or 8 times in the past year because everyone at work likes it, and every time I've left completely underwhelmed. The only dish that is decent is the tomato bisque. There are much better options downtown than this.
(2)
Sean S.
It's as if a Bay Area counter order restaurant was lifted whole cloth off Oakland's College Avenue or SF's Haight Street such was the relaxed, vegetable oriented vibe of this venue in the not ironically said "thriving downtown". Parking is this neighborhood after dark reminded me of the Bay Area hotspots as well, thankfully the pricing on the food nor the garage were of comparable costs, this place was inexpensive. The food choices for this vegetarian were thankfully numerous. Sadly I can't say the tastiness or crispness was there but it gets an A for effort.
(4)
Deepta G.
good vegetarian and vegan options has a good book collection for babies and adults alike
(4)
Denika C.
bohemian guys with unkempt hair tend to serve here. they have really good food and it's a place a vegetarian could meat up with a carnivorous friend for brunch or lunch. nice staff. clean bathrooms. candle light dining. brick walls. a business that puts people above profit. whenever i want to take a friend out to dinner, this is a place that comes to mind always to suggest. decent prices. if you are a parent, you could take your child out for a meal without a hassle as they have a children's menu as well . if you're on a tight budget as a university student, just meet up with a friend or dating prospect for under $2.00 & forgo the meal instead by opting for a drink out. whether you like organic soy milk or apple mango pomegranate juice, they have something for everyone. cheers!
(5)
David K.
Best place to eat in Lexington and we have been going there for over 25 years. Very consistent, uses local produce and eggs, makes their own bread and has unique recipes for special events. Their brunch is a regular staple for us. Food is great and service is better with the owners regularly mixing with the diners. We love the Red Beans and Rice for dinner and the Blueberry Buckwheat griddle cakes and Tofu Burritos at brunch. Every meal has something interesting and delicious. Parking is convenient with street parking in front and free garage parking evenings and weekends right across the street at the municipal garage or the library.
(5)
Braxton H.
Good, interresting food. I've only been here for breakfast but 8 have always had a new experience. Great healthy, natural food.
(4)
Lesley M.
One of my favorites. Great seasonal menu and the best red beans and rice you have ever tasted. They also serve a nice brunch.
(5)
Shal J.
This was one of the only places in downtown Lexington that had a line for Sunday Brunch. We all know that's a good sign, so we took our place in the queue. There are lots of veg options, which is rare in this town, so that alone made it worth it. However, do not eat here if you are in any kind of a rush or have some place to be after you eat. There will likely be a wait for a table (I believe you can call ahead to have your name put down - we did that for our very large group). Things are very slow-paced here, and no one really cares if you're in a rush. Two of us tried to order just before we sat down, to get things rolling (had a flight to catch): "uh, I dunnoooooo". Ok. We sit down. Can we order? "uhhhhhhhhhhh..." Finally, a young man who appeared to be on top of things took over, took our order and things were moving. The breakfast burrito was great - it's actually 2 large soft tacos, but whatever. I added onions and mushrooms. The onions were large pieces that had barely been cooked, but the mushrooms added nice flavor. I recommend it. The options for good food in downtown Lex are limited, so I can see why this place does well. Bring a crossword puzzle or someone with a lot of stories.
(4)
Christina R.
Very cozy little place with good food and a relaxing atmosphere. I recommend not going here if you're in a hurry, but if you've got friends you enjoy and time to kill then stop in. I highly recommend the Chicken Talese and the Caribbean Jerk Pork Roast. The chai is excellent as is the cinnamon coffee.
(4)
AM M.
In a city which seems to thrive on meat and junk food, Alfalfa is a refreshing option. Greatly appreciated the whole wheat bread to begin the meal. The salad was fresh, although could have been chopped more into bite-sized pieces. Chicken sandwich was bland but juicy. I was looking forward to the quiche, but was disappointed. The bites with roasted red pepper were decent, but the rest seemed like a scrambled egg loaf with very little flavor. The crust left much to be desired as it was somewhat soggy and the bottom was as difficult to cut as plastic wrap. The iced tea was tasty and refreshing. We went here on a Saturday evening after the Woodland art festival around 6pm. We were seated immediately and the environment was clean, casual and relaxed. We waited several minutes until a waitress greeted us and took our drink order although after that everything was very timely. Everything was reasonably priced, especially with the bread and salad which accompanied the meal. This was one we had been aiming to try. Glad we did, probably won't be first choice in future but might go back if downtown and in the mood for fresh and healthy.
(3)
Georgina V.
I would recommend this place to anyone is either a vegetarian or for Sat. & Sunday brunch. I love the Hoppin' John and the Griddlecakes (especially when the have the lemon-poppyseed - a rare menu item) but be warned you have almost a 50-50 chance of having bad service thus the 4 stars instead of 5 - I do wish they would hire a more experienced wait staff.
(4)
Sarah B.
I was visiting from out of town but I got lucky in Kentucky , going to a place, with a delish breakfast. First of all order the Cinnamon coffee, it's an excellent way to get your caffeine fix. Next order the pancake sandwich: 1 egg , 2 blueberry buckwheat pancakes, and your choice of meat, I got it w/ country ham b/c the waiter told me it was better than 'city' ham, and it was excellent. Seriously good. Very affordable.
(4)
N. S.
Great service, creative flavorful food in just-right portions. I get spoiled by Chicago's great restaurants, and am often disappointed when traveling. This place looks so simple from the outside, and I was worried that it might be one of those places that survives merely on the fact that it's the only veg-friendly joint for miles around, but I was pleasantly wrong. It was really good, and the wait staff was helpful with making food/bev recommendations, and at not rushing us, even though we were there until after closing time.
(5)
Ernie S.
Tofu and patchouli reminds me of home. The food really isn't that amazing but their burritos are fine for this area. It is fun to hit the place after a seeing at the Kentucky Theatre.
(4)
WOODY B.
Always good. Their Hoppin' John is one of my favorite dishes of any restaurant in America.
Takes Reservations : No Delivery : No Take-out : Yes Accepts Credit Cards : Yes Good For : Brunch Parking : Street Bike Parking : Yes Wheelchair Accessible : Yes Good for Kids : Yes Good for Groups : Yes Attire : Casual Ambience : Hipster Noise Level : Average Alcohol : Beer & Wine Only Outdoor Seating : No Wi-Fi : No Has TV : No Waiter Service : Yes Caters : Yes
Brooke R.
Great food, I had a pimento cheeseburger and it was truly a southern treat. I devoured it. A friend and I shared a piece of the raw derby pie and it was super good. I'm used to eating a mostly vegetarian diet so the burger was a lot for me to handle, it was nice to have a dessert I felt a little better about eating ;) The staff was friendly and patient, as we had come in from out of town and took FOREVER deciding what we wanted, and then adding drinks and desserts and everything. They were closing for the afternoon by the time we finished eating, but not once did they try to rush us out, they just let us talk and finish up at our own pace. I wish I lived closer and could try more items on the menu!
(5)Jess F.
I've eaten here for years, and I've always been a happy customer. In the past year though it seems like every time I come something else has changed. And not for the better. The local chicken sandwich is no longer on the menu, the buns have changed, my favorite sour cream dill salad dressing is gone, and you don't even get a piece of wheat bread with your meal anymore. Did they get new owners or a new chef? Because it's just not as good as it used to be. Bummer.
(2)Harmonie T.
This was one of the more vegan-friendly places I've visited while in Lexington. But make no mistake, this place is meateater friendly too. And vegetarian friendly. So vegans will still have to do a bit of investigating when in comes to ordering. But I was grateful that our waitress was knowledgeable about what is vegan and what is not. If our waitress was unsure, she would say "I can find out for you" then scurried off to the kitchen. With the recommendation of a vegetarian in our party who is a regular at Alfalfa, I ordered the Hoppin' John. When I asked the waitress what they do to make it vegan, she said they basically don't include cheese. Fair enough. Although I was secretly hoping that they had Daiya cheddar as a substitute. Regardless, this mix of black-eyed peas, brown rice, onions, green peppers and Creole tomato sauce was simple, tasty and filling. bit.ly/16BP0jX I wanted to get a side of soup but the one I was interested in was not vegan so I defaulted to a side salad with a super delicious miso dressing. bit.ly/1sIGCnk The BF ordered the meatloaf (which I was secretly wishing was a vegan "meatloaf") and he seemed to be happy with his dish. Hoping to end the meal with something sweet, their offerings sounded really yummy but sadly they didn't have any vegan desserts the night we were there :( ...but I won't hold that against them :) Like I said, this was the most vegan-friendly place I've visited while in a town where my options were limited. Awesome location in downtown Lexington and plenty (paid) parking in the structure across the street. This place has a good vibe and I would absolutely eat here again!
(4)Alyson H.
Great atmosphere. Staff are very friend and welcoming. The food on the other hand, is at best edible. Absolutely tasteless and bland. I got the Spanish omelet and it tasted like hospital food. Great place for food that is mediocre but a great atmosphere.
(2)Amy R.
I like that there's a restaurant that serves food which is different than the norm. Alfalfa's offers a unique variety of foods and drinks suitable for even vegetarians and vegans. They serve many flavorful soups and a good selection of sandwiches and salads. They are also open for breakfast. Try the squash soup at some point. It's like everything you love about autumn, but in your mouth. Delicious!
(4)Jason H.
Oh Alfalfa, where is your hippie powers that you discovered in the 70s that hit off with UK fans before moving downtown. We came here for New Year's Day brunch and we were totally disappointed about several issues: (1) Hostess probably partied way too much and looked high, was taken aback by our simple request to relocate tables. She came back later, I thought maybe to take in drink orders, but no she stared at us and said the waitress would do it. (2) The restaurant actually told us that there are no clean knives???? How do we butter our bread? With our feet? You can not simply run a place expecting it to be sanitary, if the kitchen or dishwashing folks can't do basic tasks. (3) We were offered substitutions for bacon or whatever, and later to find out that it will cost us more. (4) On the menu, the omelet comes with bread, but later on we didn't get it and was told that we HAD TO request them. (5) My girlfriend had hair in her potatoes and I don't see a manager coming over to offer sincere apologies. While Alafafa will go through renovations, they need to rediscover the flower power that they discover from the 70's or otherwise, it will be a revolving disappointing experience. Oh, the Beatles, can you sing flower power songs for this place to grow and improve?
(2)Brooke M.
I have a love hate relationship with this place. I want to love it because they are great about serving vegetarian food. Maybe it's just when I'm there, but there's usually a crowd, and very few servers. Other than that, the breakfast burrito is awesome.
(5)George H.
Hippie place with good food. Good place to go when you're not in a hurry. Today they were on a wait with plenty of open tables but they didn't have enough menus.
(4)Becky F.
Really enjoyed my meal here. I love that they use such fresh ingredients. whahnderlust.wordpress.c…
(5)Jeremiah A.
Alfalfa Restaurant has an interesting vegetarian red beans and rice. I thought it would be bland without the traditional pork. It was delicious. Start with the red beans and rice topped with cheese and a side of slaw with their house vinaigrette and you've got a great lunch.
(4)Joseph O.
I wanted to like this place more than I did. For many years, I'd heard of Alfalfa, or "Alfalfa's" as I'd heard it called. I know it started out as basically a hippie-run place in the '70's near UK campus, but it had moved downtown some time back. For a place that is supposed to be a Lexington tradition and dang near legend, I had high hopes. Well, I went there for lunch earlier this week. On the good side, the food was fairly tasty and my server was friendly. The atmosphere was a tad quirky and showed hints of the old-school hippie heritage the place has. They also use locally sourced meats and vegetables, which I considered a plus. On the bad side, service was slow and it took quite a while for our server to get to us, the food took a while to come out and was dang near cold when it came out, and the price was pretty high for what the food was. Also, the portion sizes left a little to be desired, especially given the costs. In summary, I just didn't feel it. It was okay for what it was, but in the crowded lunch market of downtown Lexington, I just don't see anything that makes them stand out other than the fact they've a locally owned place that has been open for over 40 years. If they clean up their service and are faster with taking orders and providing food, maybe I could cope more with the prices and portion sizes.
(2)A O.
We came here for brunch. Lots of vegetarian options and fresh, local ingredients. They need to use salt for the eggs and less cooking time to keep them from drying out.
(2)Phil P.
For the record, I have loved Alfalfa for quite some time, that said... -horrible coffee, cigarette butt and week-old bong water would be better. -dreadful service. Got our order incorrect, twice. Waited a long time at the front desk to be seated. Hostess was lost. -food just doesn't taste as good as it used to. Come on Alfalfa. Get your act together!
(2)Heather P.
After noticing a wagon toting farm fresh eggs at the local farmers market reading "follow me to Alfalfa", I wanting to love this place. That is the main reason that I've been back several times. I love the atmosphere, but the food...not so much. The last time that I went, I tried the Hoppin' John, it wasn't what I was expecting. With black eyed peas and rice as the main ingredients, I would not recommend it. My dinner experiences have been basically similar. This place is not southern at all, but is probably very appealing to a vegetarian. They have to be doing something right though, they've been in business since 1973.
(3)Matthew H.
Great fresh ingredients, very friendly knowledgable staff. Food was brought out promptly, and it was cooked correctly. Cool environment, laid back and clean. The food was a little under-seasoned but pricing and presentation were great. Loved my blueberry buckwheat pancakes.
(4)Robert K.
We were looking for a healthy dinner and found it at Alfalfa. Great service, a filling black bean quinoa burger (with avocado slices) and some local beer. Very casual atmosphere and was glad to see families, students and older couples alike all enjoying their meals. This is not a pinkie-out kind of place, so swing by for an easy-going meal.
(4)Gary R.
One more visit here and I'm sure I'd redo this review at 5 stars. No question. Not that there was anything at all wrong with my experience but I have to be careful dishing out 5 stars all the time cause people will start thinking I'm really not paying attention or something. But, pssst, this might just be 5 star worthy!! If only I could have gotten my requested bloody mary! (apparently they aren't permitted to offer alcohol like that - DARN!) Since it was a late breakfast for us, I didn't order coffee (already had my fill). If I had, then I'd feel secure in making the total rating based on that as well. Next time I'll have coffee and revisit this review. But, let's pretend I'm at 4 stars now. The place is quaint, cute, friendly, with great service, delightful breakfast choices, and specials on a blackboard. I saw the pancakes of the day listed as " cranberry walnut, blueberry oatmeal, and spearmint chocolate". I know. Who would ever think of THAT? So, torn with what to choose from the enticing menu, I opted for The Gravel Switch - 3 pancakes, sausage, toast, one egg, and cheese grits. I know, it's a lot to eat but it was a LATE breakfast and maybe I could skip lunch? Make sense? Well, it was TOO much to eat but I powered on and left with a full belly and contentment over my face. The server asked which of the pancakes I wanted with my order and when I paused, she said, oh, you can get one of each type. WHAT??? Man, did I jump on that!!! And let me tell you friends, don't for one minute scoff at fresh mint with dark chocolate chips cooked up nice and hot inside some tasty pancake batter. Might have been the best pancake I ever ate - and that's saying something. The mint was distinct but not overpowering. Refreshing and a great compliment to the dark chocolate chips that melted and filled the pancake holes like lava oozing into caves. What a delightful concept and it was even better than I could have ever imagined it could be! Plus, with the mint, I left feeling like my mouth was minty fresh and I could leave without worrying about when I next had to brush my teeth! A must visit kind of place. I'll see you there on my next trip to Lexington!
(4)Danielle D.
Of all the things I miss about Lexington, Alfalfa is high on the list. Their brunch menu items are on point -- which the coffee isn't always the best, their omelettes are easily my favorite in Lexington and their mimosas are always tasty. Service is generally swift. I love their focus on local foods!
(5)M C.
I had an amazing breakfast with my family at this restaurant. Very homey feel. The atmosphere and service can't be beat. I ordered the biscuits and gravy, and it was heavenly. Everyone enjoyed their meal. Portions were huge and the coffee was good too.
(5)Drew E.
One of Lexington's best restaurants. Every Wed in the spring is a different cultural menu. They keep a short and dynamic menu that is always fresh and creative. A strong recommendation from me!
(5)Peggy B.
I stopped by right before closing time and picked up a take out salad and coffee for a late lunch. I am just here for a couple days on business, and I look for restaurants that have gluten-free, dairy-free items on their menu. The service was wonderful, and the coffee was fresh and delicious and my salad was memorable because the tomatoes had to be fresh from someone's garden, it had nutrient-rich sunflower seeds and great miso dressing. My 3 star review is based more on my own personal opinion that places ought to have a d-f g-f offering every day if they mention g-f at all on the menu. I will try them again tomorrow and re- rate if I can. Ps....lovely vibe there....
(3)Hang T.
I've heard of healthy restaurants, but I think this place is a little too far out there for me. Their food or at least the set up is not what you would find at traditional breakfast places. They have huge portions which is a plus, but it doesn't help when the food is not what you expect. With my eggs benedict I got toast instead of English muffins. I guess that was fine, but I was really looking forward to a traditional one. The ham and bacon were yummy though. We received a hearty portion of both. They are known for their blueberry pancakes. My husband ordered the pancake sandwich and by default it comes with the blueberry pancakes. It was not a good mix, at least for him. When we asked for traditional pancakes, they said it would cost more. Weird that it cost more to take out an ingredient. The prices are higher than other breakfast places that I've tried for the type of food we ordered. I don't think we are going to go back. Too strange for me.
(2)Nick W.
I'm not sure if I jut caught them on a bad day or if the stars just poorly aligned, but we did not have a very good experience here. There was going to be a long wait to get seated, which is not a big deal in and of itself. The issue is that they completely forgot about us and did't get us a table until I went and complained. When we did get seated it was in a cramped area. The service wasn't very good, and our food took so long to come out that they had to comp us some fruit so the kids wouldn't tear the place up. You would think if your food takes more then 30 minutes to come out, you'd see your waitress more then 3 times. You'd be wrong. Then when the food arrived, it was cold. Ridiculous. The manager said that they had just had a big rush and couldn't handle it all at once, hence the delay. If the hold up was that our good wasn't ready, then why was it cold when it got to the table? When the manager has to come to your table and apologize twice for two completely separate issues, you know there's a problem.
(1)Nina H.
Fantastic brunch! Ordered the Popeye omlette, the breakfast burrito and the blueberry buckwheat pancake and it was all great! Ended up eating the entire pancake myself...fluffy and sweet, no syrup needed! Wish I had room for dessert...
(5)W L.
Farmers market omelet ($10.75, special) and the egg scrambles ($8.75, on the regular menu) were light and flavorful. Buckwheat pancakes were fluffy, crispy around the edge, and the best in recent memories. Pretty good coffee although the first cup was luke warm. The house fried potatoes that come as a free side item were soft and not crispy at all. I like them for the flavor and don't mind the texture, but my husband did not. The bread (used for toasts) were store bought and tasteless. I wish they would serve homemade or at least artisan bread. Store bought bread loaded with preservatives and other chemicals and tasted stale seem inconsistent with the restaurants' philosophy of serving fresh local food. Service is friendly and reasonably at tentative. Given the overall experience and that it is one of the few places offering brunch in LEX, we will probably return.
(4)Shanley C.
My suggestion to you is: don't come hungry. My group came for breakfast on a Sunday morning and I expected to wait as usually this is a busy time. Little did I know it would take two hours to get our food. I ordered the Peter and Jake, consisting of two eggs, bacon, toast and home fries. I also ordered the Buttermilk Blueberry Buckwheat Pancake - due to my extreme hunger. The food was decent, the bacon was locally-sourced pork and probably the best thing on my plate. The bad news? My blueberry pancake was $4.25 and it was TINY. For one pancake to be over $4 I expected a nice sized cake. Not the case at Alfalfa. So disappointed. Maybe if I had a few hours to kill and no appetite I would try this place again. For now, I'll stick with other breakfast spots.
(2)Stan D.
Our family dined at Alfalfa on a Saturday night. Place was moderately busy and had a nice casual atmosphere. Like other reviews, we found the humus a bit bland. Our Chai tea was tasty but only lukewarm at best. My soup was lukewarm and our salads were overloaded with dressing. Main dishes were nicely prepared but my daughters was served with cream sauce and she ordered a vegan preparation. They remade it for her but we were finished by the time they served her. There was really nothing exciting about the food nor the service.
(2)Ron M.
Egg Benedict Arnold!! That's all it have I say about that!!!! Liquor license and bloody Mary's would finish this place off...
(5)scott r.
The service was excellent and they have a good coffee press. The food was obviously fresh but the lack of any flavor was disappointing. Hate to say it because I really wanted to like the place. The food I had was simply bland and mediocre. I'd prob try it one more time just to be sure. Very nice people
(2)A A.
Was expecting more. Hoppin John is okay. Needs salt and more sauce from blackeye peas. Side salad is lettuce & sprinkle of I think what was sunflower seeds? Really? Oh well. Next.
(3)Carolyn H.
Gave this a shot at opening time on a Saturday morning, it was pretty good. I ordered the tofu scramble which was rich with veggies and not too heavy on the oil at all. My toast was not very toasty but the coffee was pretty darn good and service was prompt - I liked our server! Another friend tried the blueberry buckwheat pancake and asked that they add 'nanners on top. I polished it off for her and I can attest it was worth it! Very affordable, quaint, yes they can accomodate a group but I would call ahead if you can. They also sold vegan snacks like fruit and nut bars so if you're looking for something to go, this is a great spot. I'd go again!
(4)Sarah V.
I've eaten at Alfalfa a handful of times over the past several years, and every time I feel like they charge too much for average food in small portions. Today I went for lunch and got the Indonesian Tofu Pita with a side of fruit. The fruit was good, though there were four orange slices (not wedges, just thin slices), maybe six slices of banana (definitely not a whole banana), a few slices of apple (again, thin slices not wedges), and five grapes. So not a lot of fruit, especially since there's an extra charge for getting fruit instead of their default side. The pita itself was very disappointing. It was listed as being served with a peanut sauce. I expected chunks of peanuts in a sauce, but what I got instead was creamy JIF. Really, it tasted exactly like creamy peanut butter. Besides that, it was slathered heavily over everything: the pita, the spinach leaves, the carrots, and the tofu. I felt like an archaeologist, excavating bits of tofu and carefully scraping off peanut butter. The spinach I gave up on because it was really limp and damp from being coated in peanut butter. The pita I scraped at and was able to eat some of. The tofu had no discernable flavor other than peanut butter.
(2)Sarah W.
Yum. Fresh ingredients. Lots of choices for brunch. Snickerdoodle pancakes were amazing. The country ham sliders with berry compote will leave me forever with a new craving in my craving armamentarium. So simple and delicious. Also tried the hoppin john which was the perfect combination of rice, cheese, beans, green peppers, onions and tomato sauce. Not a trace of grease. Will definitely be back for more. My only criticism is the price of a side of sausage 3.95$ for two little anorexic links? I mean they were tasty but half the price of my entree.
(4)Rob C.
This place is great! I started going there when it first opened on North Limestone and when it was run by a bunch of sketchy hippies who were awesome cooks. New downtown location is great with the same healthy, hearty food. It has maintained about 80% of it's quirky, anti-establishment, let's-start-a-commune feeling from it's original location.
(5)Lisa W.
Excellent service and food! We stopped here on our road trip going through Kentucky. They let us eat even though we arrived five minutes before the kitchen was closing and were so friendly. We ordered two dishes including the huevos rancheros and the Peter and Jake. Both were amazing! I highly suggest stopping in for brunch.
(5)Warren M.
This is a great place for out of the ordinary healthy food. They're located in the middle of downtown. Park at the library, or ride the free downtown Trolly. The portions are not large, and the prices are reasonable but on the high side. It is a good value considering the quality of the food. Every time I eat here, the food is great. The staff are very efficient and super friendly. It is reminiscent of a down home hippie joint. I don't think they are hippies- just down home healthy and earth conscious folks. They are a refreshing change from the norm. They're low keyed, quiet, folks. Oh, and I like that they don't bother me while I eat. If I could, I'd give the a seven out of five stars rating.
(5)Matthew C.
By far one the the most kick brunch spots (nationwide). The staff is super friendly and accommodating. I had the Kentucky hot brown eggs benny special and it was awesome. Luke with the hoodie was an outstanding waiter and I would ask for him by name
(5)Dorthy D.
This is a great spot that emphasizes fresh, local ingredients and the service was fast and friendly. I had one of the 3 egg omelets, it was light and fluffy and stuffed full of ham and cheese. My only complaint was the very small portion of alfafries (sliced, fried potatoes), they were really yummy, I just wanted more of them! My husband got one of the versions of eggs Benedict. The eggs were perfectly poached, the hollandaise sauce was ok, but not the best I've had. Overall I liked it, but the smaller sized portions left me wanting more.
(4)Jennifer W.
The food is always a wonderful experience here. I've been with friends a handful of times now. The most delightful part of dining here is the chalkboard menu. I'd recommend any of the dishes they put on there. The ingredients are always fresh and the dishes well-put together. The only downsides I'll mention is that if you go in groups, sometimes the tables get a little crowded along the wall. I've been in the mornings for brunch and had groups occupying the tables on either side of us and you get the awkward let-me-squeeze-into-my-seat moment where you have to ask other people to move their seats closer to the table. The ambience is something you need to be a match for.
(4)John F.
Expected much better food. Service was good. Tomato bisque soup not hot enough. Greek salad is unique but potatoes were undercooked and green beans over cooked - surprising for a vegetarian specialty. The Hoppin John, house signature entree, was bland probably because the imbalance between brown rice and the black eyed peas and tomatoes - needed a better balance of ingredients and a lot of hot sauce. The side salad was very good with the herb dressing. Very disappointing meal.
(3)Ashley L.
Love this place! The food is always unique and delicious. They change the menu often and I love that! I love all of the fresh and unique choices. The staff is always super friendly and accommodating too.
(5)Laura L.
It's hard to be a West Coast foodie in the middle of America, luckily, places like Alfalfa have cropped up in the past decade that makes visiting family a bit more bearable. We've now been here twice for brunch/lunch and both times we've had a good meal. I appreciate the fresh ingredients, and the attempt for innovation. I had the Phoenix Salad this time, and my only quarrel was the large pieces of apple and cucumber required more knifing than forking. Also, there were a bit too many raisins and sunflower seeds. Balance! Other than that, the salad was delicious, requiring very little dressing. The sweet pumpkin soup was like eating pumpkin pie in soup form, delicious, but perhaps too sweet for my tastes. I like the vibe and the staff, and my 10 month son was totally welcome (it helps that he's cute and mostly well behaved). My review is really more 3.5 stars, and I'm definitely up for trying it again when next I'm in town.
(3)Josh M.
Don't like flavored coffee or cream, but everyone knows tigers don't like Cinnamon. Alfalfa Cinnomon coffee is mouth pleasure. Breakfast burritos with the Add's, some times all some times just some. Tip them they work hard!!
(5)Rachael G.
We came here for Saturday morning breakfast this past weekend. I haven't spent much time in Lexington, but I have spent quite a bit of time eating breakfast on Saturday mornings, and I can safely say that I thoroughly enjoyed this place. We sat at a table right by the front window so I was able to people watch (another favorite brunch-time activity) while I waited for my food. With a mimosa, of course, Both my breakfast date and I got the tofu burritos (I'm a sucker for a good breakfast burrito) with the Alfafries on the side. Everything was very tasty, including the mimosa, and I was happily satisfied.
(4)Stephanie W.
I was in town for my uncle's funeral =( It is interesting- I have gone to and from Lexington every other weekend most of my life, and I had never eaten anywhere local. (My family prefers the chains). I was in need of some soul food. Nutrition should not be compromised. I knew there would be something downtown. So we started marching toward the tall buildings, until we saw the sign for Alfalfa's. They had a fish special for hand-breaded fish and homemade hush puppies. DELISH! Exactly what I had been craving- and the breading was made with some sort of nut-flour combo- sooooo yummy! I also had the cold cucumber soup, and had the pleasure of tasting my boyfriend's broccoli salad- this is a side dish I have found myself craving. Service took a while, but we weren't in a hurry; the only reason I took one star away. But everyone was very nice and they were busy, so, no worries.
(4)Hombre S.
We stopped by Lexington for the drive home and we saw an ad for this restaurant and we went there. It was surprising to find this type of restaurant downtown, but there were families there as well as business people. It was definitely my kind of place, with a lot of local ingredients, including eggs. Relaxed atmosphere. There was a GREAT selection of vegetarian options and all the things that we had were great. Even our 2 year old ate all his food! If we lived in Lexington, we would definitely be regulars!
(4)Sandra R.
Relax/Clean environment, we went for bunch and the service was fast and the food was fresh/good. Ate the avocado omelet and added ham which was very good. Lots of avocado which I loved! The smoothie was yummy too, the honey gave it a great taste. The only thing is a better choice of coffee brew for my taste. Overall a good experiences.
(4)Jane E.
What a gem of a place in the middle of Lexington. I did not think I would find a place with such history and ingredients in the middle of Lexington. The service is wonderful and the artsy interior makes you feel right at home. The food is wonderful if not a bit bland. However, they make up for the blandness with enough hot sauce and condiments. I had the Hoppin John, which was a great hardy dish. I enjoyed it while at the restaurant, however, after a while it looses flavor and because it looks so healthy it is not appetizing later on. I like the fact that the menu changes based on local ingredients and they make a point of showing the source of the meat and the vegetables. It is a great business to support for all the right reasons and for the delicious food!
(4)David Z.
On our way to the Red River Gorge for rock climbing, my friends and I stopped in Lexington for dinner. We yelped the area for recommendations, and found Alfalfa. It was awesome! I had the meatloaf, which came with my choice of several tasty sides. I chose the pumpkin cornbread, which turned out to be a huge hunk of delicious corny goodness. The meatloaf was also very good. Negs: The salad (also complimentary with any entree) was a little disappointing, and the way they serve pre-meal bread (a boring slice of wheat sandwich bread on a small plate) was quite strange. It's also a tad pricey ($15), but fully worth it. Really nice, cozy ambiance, too.
(4)Hans R.
A locally-oriented menu in a downtown-turned-quirky space. It almost feels more like eating in your neighbor's house than a restaurant. The Alfa Burger and Tomato Bisque are prime. Expect smiling 20-something staff and a purposefully unpolished aesthetic.
(4)Jeremiah R.
Traveling through Lexington, and desiring Sunday brunch, I tried Alfalfa. The serving size is just right; and the emphasis is on the quality of ingredients vs ambition of the menu. My omelette of Feta, Olives, and Spinach was well prepared; the eggs were on the fluffy side, and the ingredients of a good quality. The toast was a whole grain, higher quality sliced bread (although a little too toasted), and the alfalfa fries were actually red potatoes cooked, until somewhat mushy, with onions and celery. These were served with a small side of baby greens. As you can tell, this isn't greasy at all. Hence; you don't feel weighed down.
(4)Luke P.
Great food, long wait. I had the cousin Benedict. Eggs were done perfect, hollandaise was cash. Country ham was thin and crisp, great way to start a Sunday! Nice little art gallery across the way, good way to kill some time while waiting for a table. Would've been 5 stars, but man was that wait long
(4)Seth B.
Family was visiting Lexington during Thanksgiving and some of them have diet restrictions (vegetarian, leaning towards vegan) so the first place I thought about for Saturday lunch- after Indian food- was Alfalfa. They were disappointed. The hoppin' john was bland (as I remembered), as was the red beans & rice and tofu burrito. They're from the real south, where these are staple dishes- and easy to make well. But my eggs Benedict were great.
(2)Emily D.
Alfalfa's is lovely. Don't expect to be seated immediately after arrival, especially if you're there for the weekend breakfast/brunch, but the wait is worth it. Normally you wait for a table next door in the Lexington Art Gallery, where you're free to stroll through and check out the current exhibit while sipping some free coffee (all free trade, organic, and locally roasted). The restaurant itself is cute. Big windows with stained glass at the front, a huge exposed brick wall, high ceilings, fresh flowers, mismatched coffee mugs and utensils. It's charming, though I would not suggest it for larger groups (6+) because the seating is fairly limited. The food is delicious, with a focus on local/seasonal Kentucky produce. If you ask, the source of most of the ingredients is available. They usually have a quiche and omelet special on the weekends with ingredients from the Lexington Farmers' Market, which is ~200 yards down the road. This time around, I had the day's quiche with Alfafries (a sort of hashbrown-homefries mixture), and it was delicious. The meals are pretty light. Expect to leave satisfied, but not stuffed. It's not hangover food.
(4)Kirk H.
I returned to Alfalfa for dinner recently. After an underwhelming brunch experience, my daughter wanted red beans and rice from Alfalfa. The red beans and rice were tasty. I had the Chicken Talese. Delicious, local pastured chicken pan fried and topped with swiss cheese sauce over spinach. It was very good, but used to be served with a side dish. A side of rice or noodles or something would have been appropriate. A salad was included (house salad made with cabbage, lots of brown cabbage in mine). I left still hungry. Service was inattentive and distracted, as usual.
(2)J D.
"Boring and Bland.." - I admit it was a couple years ago when i ate here last.. But the Special tomato bisque tasted like it came out of a cold soup can. The Hummus tasted like a cheap off the shelf variety. I know w few stores in town that have off the shelf hummus that is quite appealing actually though.. Will try again, but the service was very bland as well.. If you want good food.. then reread the name i just typed and figure it out.. You may like this place.. If you do can you please tell me what you ordered and bring me a bite..
(2)Kristen W.
One of my favorite brunch places; I try to go every time I'm in Lexington. My standard order is the Eggs Benedict Arnold (eggs benedict with country ham and avocado), but I've tried almost everything on the menu, and many specials and have never been disappointed with a meal. I've only been for dinner once, but it was great as well, and we even considered having them cater our wedding!
(5)Kristen S.
I went to this place yesterday for lunch before 1pm. Parking is a pain during the day, it was even raining so I thought we'd have better luck but nope. We walked in, it wasnt really what i was expecting since I had read the reviews. I felt it was just an upscale coffee cafe of sort. We were seated, there were a few other people there. It was really quiet. Or waitress was nice, just was soft spoken, and was hard to hear. I felt bad for having to ask her to repeat herself. I had the house chai tea, it was awesome! I also had an omelet with avocado, ham, and white cheddar, comes with toast. The omelet was fluffy, and a fairly decent size. My toast came a while after my omelet, which was strange, waitress said they were toasting it. I wish they hadnt toasted it so much, it came with the edges burnt. I just ate around those parts. The omelet was good, however it did not come with that much avocado, since you only get 2 items in your omelet, i paid an additional $.75 to have another. So that was disappointing. I also wish it came with another side, i couldve eaten more. My bf had the egg, avocado, bacon & tomato sandwich on potato bread, which was really good. He did get a lot of avocado on his sandwich, which he felt was too much, so i gladly took some for myself. It came with a side 'salad' (use that term loosely) you choose from either lettuce or cabbage. You basically get a small bowl/dish of lettuce with your choice of dressing...that's it. Seriously. But okay. The price is meh, for what you get. It's a tad bit overpriced, but it's nice to support a business that does have fresh ingredients and gets it from the local farmers, etc. I get that. I'd be willing to give it another go, eventually. I think I'm still in awe over my weekend brunch from another place. I feel Alfalfa's could be much more, maybe it was an off day? I almost want to put 3 stars bc i wasnt feeling it, but it's better than that.
(4)Matt H.
Burger tasted...odd, to say the least. The pineapple gazpacho was excellent, but that's about all this place had going for it. Not a bad meal, but I wouldn't go back.
(2)Gordon F.
Overpriced and with a weird menu. When I went I had a buy one get one free coupon, and I still didn't think it was that good of a deal. The quality is there, and the sandwich I got was tasty, but portions were small and I would probably not consider going back unless the menu prices were dropped by around 30%.
(2)Nikki H.
My family of 4 is always pleased with our breakfast at Alfalfa, the Eggs Benedict Arnold is our favorite and the french toast is also GREAT! If you go on the weekend (which we do) definitely be prepared to wait a little bit for a table as the place is small and cozy. We like to walk around the art museum next door and they have coffee and plenty of chairs to sit in while you wait as well as coloring books and crayons to distract the kids. The only drawback for us has been, we like to have mimosas with brunch and they can't start serving alcohol until 11:00, but that hasn't stopped us from hitting this restaurant up frequently!
(4)Pam C.
I'm not very familiar with Lexington, and my date suggested this place after a recommendation from one of his co-workers. Being as it was both our first time here, I don't think we knew what to expect. While both of our dishes were good, it wasn't something we were both into. It was pretty loud so in conversation I felt like I was yelling trying to talk to him. Maybe I'd go back eventually but not anytime soon.
(3)Sam L.
I had their quiche of the day and a delicious cup of black coffee. It was a nice little breakfast spot, and I would definitely recommend it to anyone visiting Lexington!
(4)Adam H.
It is often a rarity that I find myself awake before 9am on a Saturday. There are no longer good cartoons on that early, so what's the point? If you are in Lexington and are awake during the am breakfast hours then check out Alfalfa. This is a very popular weekend morning place, and judging from the reviews it is pretty hopping during other times of the day. I have only been there during breakfast and each time the place was jumping. Since there were only two of us we didn't have to wait long, if you have a larger group I would suggest getting there early or possibly phoning ahead. If you don't mind the wait you can wait in the atrium like hallway next door and drink coffee. Lets just say that there is a reason that people congregate to this place. The most recent dish that I sunk my teeth into was the Eggs Benedict Arnold. I am not going to lie, I was a tad nervous about ordering a dish named after the treasonous villain who almost surrendered West Point to the British, however, this was one of the better breakfast dishes that I ever had. It consisted of pouched eggs, toast, avocado, city ham (basic ham and not as salty as country ham) and some of the best tomatoes that I have ever had. The tomatoes were so good that they gave off a cool fresh minty taste that stayed with you with each bite, and I mean every bite with or without a tomato. I literally consumed every bite of this delicious dish and even consider licking the plate, but I think that would have been a little too much. The cons are the tea and price. My tea cost 1.50 for a skimpy tea bag and hot water. Instead order the cinnamon coffee. My girlfriend is a coffee snob and she loved it. In addition they gave her a free to go cup. In regards to the price be prepared to drop anywhere from 10-15 per person, which for what I had was extremely reasonable. I however cannot afford to eat there everyday and am a little bit envious. When my disposable income increases then I will update it to five stars. Again if you are in Lexington and want a great breakfast then head over to Alfalfa.
(4)David B.
I was surprised that $30 for a single meal got me such mediocre food. The hummus was dry and the combination of flavors in the entree was confusing. If the food ever steps up to their level of service there is hope however. Such nice people.
(2)TL C.
Alfalfa Restaurant located at 141 E. Main Street, Lexington, Kentucky is a restaurant that focuses on serving local foods in its recipes. They have an interesting menu with a nice range of vegetarian options as well as options for meat eaters. The restaurant is welcoming and relaxing. The cold cucumber soup was good. The red beans were delicious and filling. The cheesecake was also tasty. All four of us enjoyed our food. The waitress was helpful, friendly, and energetic. I would definitely eat at Alfalfa again!
(5)John H.
The food is actually pretty good, however we waited close to 45 minutes for our food. Server went about 30 minutes without even touching the table or checking on us. For a restaurant that seats under 100 people, that's inexcusable. Had to rush my meal to get to work. Don't recommend unless you're willing to wait a good amount of time.
(1)L T.
We ate here fairly often since it serves up good local vegetarian and meat friendly dishes, and we've never been disappointed. My favorite time to go here is breakfast, because they have a great breakfast menu (recommend the Eggs Benedict Arnold), and you can sit and enjoy a coffee next door while you're waiting for a table. Tip for out-of-towners - if you're looking for parking, you can park right across the street in the police annex garage for free on the weekends and weekdays after 6.
(4)P K.
Don't bother. I have NO idea why this place gets the good reviews it gets. I notice a lot of the glowing reviews are for breakfast and maybe that is when to go, but absolutely don't bother for dinner. First of all the waitress couldn't be bothered. Most of the time she spent sitting by the cash register looking at her phone. The food was over seasoned yet tasteless at the same time. The fried green tomatoes were THE worst I have every had, and I have eaten fried green tomatoes at a lot of places. The quiche my friend had was barely edible. The only good thing we had were the falafals. Beyond that I would never consider eating here again nor would I advise anyone to eat here.
(1)Gade M.
The food's ok and the decor is fun. Breakfast is the time to go however expect to wait for a long time (sometimes upwards of and hour or two) on the weekends. Parking is sometimes a problem as it is downtown Lexington and street parking is hard to come by and garage parking is pay per hour and a few blocks away. Other wise good place to eat.
(3)Laura G.
This place was actually recommended to us from a gal who served us brunch at another restaurant in town. One thing I have to say that I love about Lexington is that you can eat so well for so cheap! I had eggs, fries, juice, coffee, and a short stack and it was about 13 bucks. My bro had the breakfast burrito which looked really yummy and my friend got the buckwheat pancake sandwich which we were all amazed that he even got halfway through haha. The cinnamon and blueberry pancakes were a hit but the buttermilk ones missed the mark, they were heavy and chewy so if you want a pancake get adventurous and try one with a flavor!
(3)Sarah C.
Going to Alfalfa's for the first time I had no previous notion besides they had "great red beans and rice" and "pretty awesome wheat pancakes". Now having had the pleasure of experiencing it for myself I can honestly attest that it is a unique dining experience. The name suggests organic, free trade, and wheat grass, which I am sure are all true and can be found there; however, my dining experience there left me completely satisfied. The restaurant is located off of Main St. in downtown Lexington, across from the Lexington Public Library Downtown Branch. Parking is free after 5:00 p.m. in the Annex garage next to the County Clerk's office. Upon entering the restaurant for the first thing that I noticed was the laid back atmosphere. The exposed brick walls covered in local photographer's pieces added to the overall hippie vibe. The wait staff and service was excellent. The dinner menu was based upon Creole dishes and full vibrant healthy meals. The food was very good. Make sure to check out the specials on the chalk boards when you walk in, they have some interesting dishes on there as well. I would definitely recommend going again if not for dinner than for breakfast!
(4)Jess S.
Alfalfa's opens at 9 and was packed at 9:15 The Cinnamon Swirl French Toast Special was awesome!! I had great service and great atmosphere for a wonderful breakfast.
(5)Kristina P.
If there's a vegetarian in your life, you should take them here! It's by far the best vegetarian place in the city. It isn't exactly my style, and the meat-based fare can be scarce, but the food is always fresh and fairly straightforwardly prepared. It's got a sort of hippie atmosphere and the live music can be of questionable quality. Parking can be difficult as it is in the middle of downtown, but if you know your way around the parking garages you can find a cheap spot to stow your car. The place is very clean. It's a change of pace for sure.
(3)Jeff R.
I have no idea why serving eggs on the weekend translates into long waits, but it does, and Alfalfa is yet another place you wait in line for eggs. You have to ask yourself: does anybody do eggs so well that it's worth an hour wait? No. But we wait. I've only done a weekend breakfast, and it was good. We see them buying their goods down the street at the farmers market. Still haven't tried dinner yet.
(4)Julie F.
In try to hit this place up anytime I spend a weekend in Lex! My favorite brunch but getting there before 10am is optimal for quick seating. If you arrive later, be prepared to wait, but for a good reason. At least you get free coffee while you wait!!
(5)Lucy U.
Finally tried Alfalfa and love it! Every time I visit my parents in Lexington, I am on the search for good food and especially for brunch. This place has great coffee, pancakes, oatmeal and vegan dishes. Their baked goods are delicious! Lexington seems to lack on quality brunch places, but this place is by far the best and reminded me of an NYC brunch. I will definitely be back on my next visit to KY.
(5)Sean B.
Good, but not great, breakfast or brunch place in downtown Lexington.
(3)Nilsen S.
My girlfriend and I had a thoroughly lackluster experience here. It started off well enough. The restaurant is joined with an art center so we were able to browse the gallery while we waited for our table. Once we were seated however, the experience went downhill. We had gone to Alfalfa with empty stomachs and were pretty hungry. we began to get a bit confused as multiple patrons who had been seated before us were getting their meals and ours had not been brought out. After waiting a half an hour, our waitress informed us that one of our meals has "slipped through the cracks" and that it would be out shortly. Another ten minutes later our food arrived and was cold. The hollandaise sauce on my eggs Benedict had formed a skin and started to congeal in a very unpleasant way and the bread it was served on was thoroughly soggy. It was a weekend morning and quite busy, yet I still felt like our server was rather short with us the whole meal. On the way out the door she dropped two extremely stale cookies on the table to compensate for our wait. needless to say, this gesture did not win me over. The really unfortunate part of this story is that Alfalfa seemed like the type of place that I would usually like. They use high quality ingredients and have a pretty decent menu. They even serve real maple syrup which is nearly impossible to find in the region. I would like to hope that my experience is a deviation from the norm here, but I am compelled to rate this restaurant on the one rather unpleasant experience I had here.
(2)Daniel R.
When I lived in Lexington this was my go-to brunch spot. The vegetarian options are excellent and the specials are always excellent. The Hoppin' John and the red beans and rice are top notch.
(4)Liz T.
My husband and I came in around 10am on a Saturday. Got seated right away. If it wasn't 10am on a Saturday I would have been tempted by the yummy looking baked goods at the counter including vegan blondies! We both got spiced iced tea which was basically cold chai, very good. My husband ordered the Eggs Benedict Arnold. He said the Hollandaise sauce was very good. I ordered the Popeye omelet - 3 eggs (or egg beaters), fresh spinach, kalamata olives and feta cheese. Very good! I had my choice of potatoes or cheese grits and I went with the grits. They bring you an enormous amount covered in a mild white cheese. They were also good, and had a smokey flavor that I've never had with cheese grits before. The only downside was our server. She took or drink order and then our food and that was it. She never came back to check on us. There were tables on either side of us she waited on but she just kind of bypassed us for the rest of the meal. It was odd. Overall pretty good though, we'd definitely go back. I'll just cross my fingers for a different server!
(5)Krissy R.
I ate here with my husband when we decided to take an impromptu trip to Lexington one weekend. This was the first place we ate at while in town and saw it when we drove through town the night before on our way to our hotel. The service was great and the food was fresh and unique. I ordered an omelet with fruit and my husband ordered the red beans and rice and was in heaven. He also got a side of oatmeal and said the red beans and rice was the best he'd ever eaten. The open feel of the restaurant made it fun, and we sat by a wall of windows and had a perfect view of the sidewalk for people-watching. If we visited town again we would likely go back to Alfalfa.
(4)Mary M.
Popped in on my lunch break this afternoon and was very disappointed. I was by myself and in a hurry since I only have 30 min. After sitting for over 5 min, I was greeted with an "I'll be right back". Then was asked if I knew what I wanted. No friendly salutation or mention of specials, which I am aware are on a chalkboard, but was out of my sight. I guess I could have gotten up, but didn't want to be missed when the server came back. So I ordered a BLT with a side of fruit. My work is very close, so I thought I would have ample time for a "lunch place" to provide lunch for me (and other busy professionals who work near by). Unfortunately, my meal came with 10 min to gulp it down, pay, and get back to work. I actually pulled out my cash before even receiving anything other than tea. Oh, I forgot to mention, I was brought the wrong side within a few minutes of ordering which was taken back. When I finally got my sandwich, there was maybe 2 pieces of bacon (not that I need a pound of bacon, but it IS the star of the sandwich, not the L or the T)! And, there was NO MAYO! I noticed on the menu, one of the sandwiches mentions asking for mayo or mustard, but I assumed a BLT would come with mayo as a standard. The server could have mentioned that to me or offered some; I'm sure I'm not the only one who likes mayo on a BLT. I ordered it on wheat bread which was SO toasted, the roof of my mouth STILL hurts! And the side of fruit was LITERALLY 5 red grapes, 3 slices of green apple which were about 1/8", 2 slices of orange which were about 1/2", and ONE, yes ONE slice of banana! I'm not exaggerating!! The iced tea was fine, it was just plain unsweetened, so you really can't mess that up. This is the 2nd time I have eaten here (the first was breakfast which everyone seems to think is better, and its been too long to review, but I do remember a long wait, cold eggs and a dining companion who agreed that we wouldn't return). I tried again, but was once again very disappointed. I can honestly say, it was the worst BLT I have ever eaten. As I understand, they cater to many vegetarians, so maybe this review is null and void for those patrons, but for carnivores like me, a bad BLT really speaks volumes!!
(1)adam C.
I really have no idea why this place is so popular. Most of the dishes are very haphazard in design (i.e. the egg and avocado sandwich), or else just aren't executed well at all (red beans and rice/hoppin john - both completely tasteless and usually cold). I've probably eaten there 7 or 8 times in the past year because everyone at work likes it, and every time I've left completely underwhelmed. The only dish that is decent is the tomato bisque. There are much better options downtown than this.
(2)Sean S.
It's as if a Bay Area counter order restaurant was lifted whole cloth off Oakland's College Avenue or SF's Haight Street such was the relaxed, vegetable oriented vibe of this venue in the not ironically said "thriving downtown". Parking is this neighborhood after dark reminded me of the Bay Area hotspots as well, thankfully the pricing on the food nor the garage were of comparable costs, this place was inexpensive. The food choices for this vegetarian were thankfully numerous. Sadly I can't say the tastiness or crispness was there but it gets an A for effort.
(4)Deepta G.
good vegetarian and vegan options has a good book collection for babies and adults alike
(4)Denika C.
bohemian guys with unkempt hair tend to serve here. they have really good food and it's a place a vegetarian could meat up with a carnivorous friend for brunch or lunch. nice staff. clean bathrooms. candle light dining. brick walls. a business that puts people above profit. whenever i want to take a friend out to dinner, this is a place that comes to mind always to suggest. decent prices. if you are a parent, you could take your child out for a meal without a hassle as they have a children's menu as well . if you're on a tight budget as a university student, just meet up with a friend or dating prospect for under $2.00 & forgo the meal instead by opting for a drink out. whether you like organic soy milk or apple mango pomegranate juice, they have something for everyone. cheers!
(5)David K.
Best place to eat in Lexington and we have been going there for over 25 years. Very consistent, uses local produce and eggs, makes their own bread and has unique recipes for special events. Their brunch is a regular staple for us. Food is great and service is better with the owners regularly mixing with the diners. We love the Red Beans and Rice for dinner and the Blueberry Buckwheat griddle cakes and Tofu Burritos at brunch. Every meal has something interesting and delicious. Parking is convenient with street parking in front and free garage parking evenings and weekends right across the street at the municipal garage or the library.
(5)Braxton H.
Good, interresting food. I've only been here for breakfast but 8 have always had a new experience. Great healthy, natural food.
(4)Lesley M.
One of my favorites. Great seasonal menu and the best red beans and rice you have ever tasted. They also serve a nice brunch.
(5)Shal J.
This was one of the only places in downtown Lexington that had a line for Sunday Brunch. We all know that's a good sign, so we took our place in the queue. There are lots of veg options, which is rare in this town, so that alone made it worth it. However, do not eat here if you are in any kind of a rush or have some place to be after you eat. There will likely be a wait for a table (I believe you can call ahead to have your name put down - we did that for our very large group). Things are very slow-paced here, and no one really cares if you're in a rush. Two of us tried to order just before we sat down, to get things rolling (had a flight to catch): "uh, I dunnoooooo". Ok. We sit down. Can we order? "uhhhhhhhhhhh..." Finally, a young man who appeared to be on top of things took over, took our order and things were moving. The breakfast burrito was great - it's actually 2 large soft tacos, but whatever. I added onions and mushrooms. The onions were large pieces that had barely been cooked, but the mushrooms added nice flavor. I recommend it. The options for good food in downtown Lex are limited, so I can see why this place does well. Bring a crossword puzzle or someone with a lot of stories.
(4)Christina R.
Very cozy little place with good food and a relaxing atmosphere. I recommend not going here if you're in a hurry, but if you've got friends you enjoy and time to kill then stop in. I highly recommend the Chicken Talese and the Caribbean Jerk Pork Roast. The chai is excellent as is the cinnamon coffee.
(4)AM M.
In a city which seems to thrive on meat and junk food, Alfalfa is a refreshing option. Greatly appreciated the whole wheat bread to begin the meal. The salad was fresh, although could have been chopped more into bite-sized pieces. Chicken sandwich was bland but juicy. I was looking forward to the quiche, but was disappointed. The bites with roasted red pepper were decent, but the rest seemed like a scrambled egg loaf with very little flavor. The crust left much to be desired as it was somewhat soggy and the bottom was as difficult to cut as plastic wrap. The iced tea was tasty and refreshing. We went here on a Saturday evening after the Woodland art festival around 6pm. We were seated immediately and the environment was clean, casual and relaxed. We waited several minutes until a waitress greeted us and took our drink order although after that everything was very timely. Everything was reasonably priced, especially with the bread and salad which accompanied the meal. This was one we had been aiming to try. Glad we did, probably won't be first choice in future but might go back if downtown and in the mood for fresh and healthy.
(3)Georgina V.
I would recommend this place to anyone is either a vegetarian or for Sat. & Sunday brunch. I love the Hoppin' John and the Griddlecakes (especially when the have the lemon-poppyseed - a rare menu item) but be warned you have almost a 50-50 chance of having bad service thus the 4 stars instead of 5 - I do wish they would hire a more experienced wait staff.
(4)Sarah B.
I was visiting from out of town but I got lucky in Kentucky , going to a place, with a delish breakfast. First of all order the Cinnamon coffee, it's an excellent way to get your caffeine fix. Next order the pancake sandwich: 1 egg , 2 blueberry buckwheat pancakes, and your choice of meat, I got it w/ country ham b/c the waiter told me it was better than 'city' ham, and it was excellent. Seriously good. Very affordable.
(4)N. S.
Great service, creative flavorful food in just-right portions. I get spoiled by Chicago's great restaurants, and am often disappointed when traveling. This place looks so simple from the outside, and I was worried that it might be one of those places that survives merely on the fact that it's the only veg-friendly joint for miles around, but I was pleasantly wrong. It was really good, and the wait staff was helpful with making food/bev recommendations, and at not rushing us, even though we were there until after closing time.
(5)Ernie S.
Tofu and patchouli reminds me of home. The food really isn't that amazing but their burritos are fine for this area. It is fun to hit the place after a seeing at the Kentucky Theatre.
(4)WOODY B.
Always good. Their Hoppin' John is one of my favorite dishes of any restaurant in America.
(4)