Zim's Cafe honors Great-Grandpa Zim, who fed his family with vegetables from his garden, and found fun around every corner. He captivated me with tall tales and whimsical rhymes. Share stories with loved ones at Zim's, and let us serve you from a menu inspired by the bounty from Kentucky farms. Now partnering with Delivery Co-op, a non-profit cooperative and an entirely new way to deliver food!
One that's owned and operated by local restaurants and the drivers serving as an extension of our teams. We hope you join as your $25/mo membership enables free on-demand delivery, and all restaurants can maintain quality of service, the integrity of our menu pricing, and our commitment to supporting local agriculture.
One that's owned and operated by local restaurants and the drivers serving as an extension of our teams. We hope you join as your $25/mo membership enables free on-demand delivery, and all restaurants can maintain quality of service, the integrity of our menu pricing, and our commitment to supporting local agriculture.
Services
The Thirsty Fox is open at the corner of Short St & Upper St. Join us for a craft cocktail, local beer, bourbon, bourbon flights, and Kentucky proud bites from Zim's Cafe. One of the top destination distilleries in Bardstown, Willett Distillery has continuously evolved as a family owned business over the past 85 years.
Zim's Omelette Roasted red peppers, caramelized onions, Stone Cross Farm sausage and white Cheddar. Served with grits and a simple salad. Zim's Breakfast Platter Your choice of bacon, sausage or country ham served with two eggs cooked how you like, fresh fruit, Midway Bakery toast, and your choice of crispy home fries or Weisenberger Mill white Cheddar grits.
Sliced pickles rolled in seasoned Weisenberger flour and fried, with our smoked tomato ranch dressing for dipping. Baby jars of pimento cheese, beer cheese, and benedictine with carrots, celery, crackers, sliced sourdough, baguette, and shaved country ham. Bowl of chili fully dressed with sour cream, grated white Cheddar and sliced green onions.
Zim's Cafe, The Thirsty Fox and all of Ouita Michel's restaurants create a dining experience that reflects Kentucky's culture with delicious food and unsurpassed hospitality. We welcome applicants with a strong work ethic who value creating such memorable dining experiences, too. Zim's Cafe and The Thirsty Fox are in the former Fayette County Courthouse, 215 West Main Street in downtown Lexington, which is served by public transportation.
Reviews (29)
James T.
Jan 01, 2022
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Went there for New Year's Eve. We where looking for a nice atmosphere, good food and service for the evening at reasonable prices. Check, Check and Check. Awesome food. We had the fried pickles. And vegan chili to start both where servers hot and tasted fantastic. For entries we had beet burger, salmon, chicken fingers and the hot brown. All where on point and prepared perfectly served hot and tasted great. The service while starting slow ended up being great with our waiter being ver engaging and offering great suggestions. Great prices , food and drinks. Dinner for four with cocktails appetizers
Cynthia Campbell
Dec 21, 2021
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We love Zim's and the Thirsty Fox! This experience was one of our favorites because of the Christmas Bazaar in the atrium. Atmosphere was perfect with live music and Christmas decorations. My husband started with the Baked Brie appetizer and it was delicious! Covered in blueberries and served with toasted bread. Because of my diet, I am looking for GF and DF options. The menu has lots to choose from. I had a fantastic Greek Salad with grilled chicken. My husband had the catfish platter. Remolaude sauce is outstanding!
Jeremy C.
Dec 18, 2021
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Very cute place. Service was very good. Nice, helpful and always made sure my water was full. But for the food it was not our favorite. We came in for brunch, got the the bluegrass Benedict and the cure. Both meals were very salty and bland, neither of us could finish our meal. There was even salt in the simple salad I substituted for my side. Still decent food and good atmosphere but don't think we would come back.
Lisa Lui
Dec 13, 2021
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Second visit. Finally made it to brunch and loved the Bluegrass Benedict. The egg was beautifully poached and the country ham with it was delicious. The home fries were nice and crispy. The veggie of the day was bok choy and it was wonderful. Definitely recommend this dish for brunch (and our waitress recommended it too)!
Caroline B.
Dec 13, 2021
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Superb brunch! Stopped in for Saturday brunch after visiting the farmer's market and maker's market. They were able to accommodate us right away which was a lovely surprise.
We were taken to a huge and comfy booth. Very friendly and welcoming service. I had the bluegrass benedict and it was phenomenal. Came with perfectly crispy potatoes and the veggie of the day which was bok choy. Not usually a fan of bok choy but it was delicious!! Cannot wait to return!
We were taken to a huge and comfy booth. Very friendly and welcoming service. I had the bluegrass benedict and it was phenomenal. Came with perfectly crispy potatoes and the veggie of the day which was bok choy. Not usually a fan of bok choy but it was delicious!! Cannot wait to return!
G. Ed
Nov 28, 2021
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I went there because I saw a picture of their Shrimp and Grits on a neighborhood magazine and they didn't disappoint me. The server was polite and attentive and the dish was delectable. I haven't had good shrimp and grits in a long time and I am glad I ventured out there this evening. I loved their driftwood and artsy bird decor. They weren't busy at all when I walked in but patrons began to come in by the time I was ready to leave. I was there for rather early dinner. I shall return when I have cravings for their Shrimp and Grits. :)
Jeff S.
Nov 07, 2021
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SHunt
Nov 04, 2021
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Susan Quam
Nov 01, 2021
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I almost didn't come here for lunch because it was part of the visitor's center and I was afraid it would have that visitor Center vibe. But the bar was so inviting I had to go in! I had a quick lunch there and it was delicious. I had the Bourbon trail chili. I had the Zim cocktail which was a perfect vacation lunch cocktail. The food was excellent, the service was great, and I really enjoyed the atmosphere. It's in the visitor center so make sure you're looking for the visitor center and not a small restaurant called Zim's!
Tony D.
Oct 29, 2021
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Mela P.
Oct 12, 2021
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Visited from San Francisco and stopped by for dinner. The cocktails were good although my Spanish gin and tonic was served in the wrong type of glass. It also mysteriously was garnished with lime slice, lemon peel, juniper berries and a celery stick.
I ordered the grazing board for $14.99 per the menu:
Zim's Grazing Board Baby jars of pimento cheese, beer cheese, and benedictine with carrots
I ordered the grazing board for $14.99 per the menu:
Zim's Grazing Board Baby jars of pimento cheese, beer cheese, and benedictine with carrots
Brianna M.
Aug 21, 2021
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Went here after the farmers market for brunch, we got the Bluegrass Benedict and the quiche. The Benedict was soooo good! I normally don't order eggs Benedict but the reviews on here convinced me to get it. The ham & the pimento cheese on it just make it so delicious! The only thing not so great was that the bacon we ordered came out ice cold and seemed old.
Jeremy M.
Aug 21, 2021
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Went to Zumba for brunch after previously trying them out for lunch. While they don't directly have liquor, they also own Thirsty Fox so they are kind of combined. We picked up the mimosa "pitcher" which is a full bottle of champagne with assorted juices (orange, grapefruit, cranberry). Being able to pour your own was perfect for the group.
Side note, I also ordered a Bloody Mary, which unfortunately may have been the worst I've had in town. It had a weird sweetness and thickness for my tastes, almost like a vodka laden red sauce.
All of the food that our table ordered was
Side note, I also ordered a Bloody Mary, which unfortunately may have been the worst I've had in town. It had a weird sweetness and thickness for my tastes, almost like a vodka laden red sauce.
All of the food that our table ordered was
Jack I.
Jul 11, 2021
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Ouita's restaurants are typically wonderful southern gems and I figured this place would garner a review similar to Windy Corner or Wallace Station considering they have many of the same menu items.
First off I did like the historic building in downtown Lex, but I found the service and layout to be lacking. Running food etc across the building from kitchen to the patrons location inside a bar and outdoors. Sadly I found this stretched the already short staff establishment and caused service to be very slow. I give them props for trying but they definitely needed some help.
The food was
First off I did like the historic building in downtown Lex, but I found the service and layout to be lacking. Running food etc across the building from kitchen to the patrons location inside a bar and outdoors. Sadly I found this stretched the already short staff establishment and caused service to be very slow. I give them props for trying but they definitely needed some help.
The food was
Courtney C.
Jul 01, 2021
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Elaine D.
Jun 01, 2021
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Drove downtown to have lunch with a friend. Zim's came to mind. We ate outside on the patio. Weather permitting, al fresco is always my choice. I ordered the California Club --- turkey, bacon. ppperJack cheese, lettuce, tomato and chipotle mayo on wheat. The bread was stale or a failed attempt at toasting. Either way, it took away from the sandwich, which is why I'm giving my lunch 3-stars. Also, a bag of chips on the side doesn't cut it for me. Housemade from scratch maybe. Hope for better next time.i
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Kaitlyn K.
May 31, 2021
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We went to Zim's for brunch one morning before we headed to the downtown Farmer's Market. You honestly can't beat this location - such a neat spot. The setup is a little strange, you can't really tell it's a restaurant when you walk in. And there either is no hostess, or the hostess wasn't around when we came - so we were pretty confused about seating. But once we got settled it in we really enjoyed our meal. My husband got the steak and eggs. It was good, quite substantial for the price, but nothing too special. The Bluegrass Benedict, however, was to die for. Eggs
MaryLinda W.
May 27, 2021
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We came here to pick up my copy of Ouita Michel's cookbook "Just a Few Miles South," and have it signed by the author herself! Since my birthday is tomorrow, we are having dinner too, and checking off another of her legendary restaurants.
We went early and few tables were filled when we arrived. The staff are still wearing masks, although the Governor has lifted the mask mandate for vaccinated people. Before we left, all of the booths were full, plus a few of the tables.
We started with water for me, and Hubby's usual unsweetened iced tea with lots of lemon. All of the
We went early and few tables were filled when we arrived. The staff are still wearing masks, although the Governor has lifted the mask mandate for vaccinated people. Before we left, all of the booths were full, plus a few of the tables.
We started with water for me, and Hubby's usual unsweetened iced tea with lots of lemon. All of the
Kaylyn E.
Apr 30, 2021
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I love Zim's.
1. In the old courthouse building it gives so a fun atmosphere and location if you are walking around downtown or checking out the farmers market.
2. You can buy more then food. They have cute loca items you can buy as gifts such as jam and honey.
3. Food is so unique to this location and yummy. I love the breakfast burrito from their brunch menu.
4. Very clean, and service is fast and great.
1. In the old courthouse building it gives so a fun atmosphere and location if you are walking around downtown or checking out the farmers market.
2. You can buy more then food. They have cute loca items you can buy as gifts such as jam and honey.
3. Food is so unique to this location and yummy. I love the breakfast burrito from their brunch menu.
4. Very clean, and service is fast and great.
Diana W.
Apr 05, 2021
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If you like Windy Corner or Wallace Station, you will like Zim's Cafe. It is a combination of both menus with the added benefit of table service and a full bar (as they also own the Thirsty Fox across the atrium). The food is consistent with the other locations and the staff is friendly. I had the shrimp and grits nightly special last night and it was DELICIOUS.
A huge benefit of this location is that they will take reservations! So, definitely take advantage of that if you can. Note that they use the Thirsty Fox as an overflow location for the restaurant, so you may be seated there when
A huge benefit of this location is that they will take reservations! So, definitely take advantage of that if you can. Note that they use the Thirsty Fox as an overflow location for the restaurant, so you may be seated there when
Lori N.
Mar 26, 2021
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Stopped in during their lunch hour on a weekday, place was decently packed and spaced out nicely, which allowed us to have a nice conversation without feeling the need to raise our voices. We both ordered the Santa Anita burger, I had mine without guacamole and red onions (as preference). This definitely has been the best burger I have had in a while. The sweet, spiced chipotle mayo with the savory bacon are perfect additions to the burger. We both opted for fries instead of potato chips and are both definitely glad we had made that decision. The burger felt even more complete with the complementary
Pamela Code
Feb 22, 2021
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Elizabeth Hedges
Feb 18, 2021
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The food was good, and the server was friendly. The restaurant itself is tucked away in an old courthouse building and right next to the local farmer's market. If you happen to be in the area it's a nice place to stop for a bite but I dont think I would go out of my way to eat here if I wasnt already close by.
Alex B.
Feb 14, 2021
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We've been talking about coming here for a while and decided a cold Valentines Day was the perfect time. The atmosphere is great inside the newly renovated old court house. Very clean and modern feel with a calm vibe.
I ordered the Bluegrass Benedict. This was the best Benedict I've ever had. I could literally drink the Hollandaise sauce. The country ham and pimento cheese was the perfect combination of salty and savory. I will absolutely come back for this again.
I ordered the Bluegrass Benedict. This was the best Benedict I've ever had. I could literally drink the Hollandaise sauce. The country ham and pimento cheese was the perfect combination of salty and savory. I will absolutely come back for this again.
Olwen C.
Dec 06, 2020
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Wow, the Sunday brunch is wonderful. I hadn't really thought of coming here for brunch, but I was scrolling thru the Toast Takeout app and trying to decide what to use my promo code on, when I saw the eggs Benedict here. I was sold on the pimento cheese eggs Benedict. It was a sunny day (but chilly) so when I got here to pick it up, I decided to sit and eat on the little patio out front. My husband ordered the smoked salmon eggs Benedict and we shared our food. The to-go packaging was great, good portions, delicious food. I love that they include green beans or some kind of veggie with the
Nicholas Cicale
Oct 24, 2020
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Highly recommend! Everything looked amazing and we had a hard time deciding. Started with the fried banana peppers and my friend had the cuban, I had the hot brown. It was delicious and the service was fantastic. My only problem was it was hard to find. Its in an old stone white building, reminds me of an old courthouse. We couldn't find a street number or sign outside. We had to call and ask.
Melody A.
Oct 23, 2020
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Thanks to one of the workers leaving ItalX this morning for the recommendation of Zim's Cafe this morning. We were looking for brunch and would never have guessed the old Courthouse building would be home to this little gem. My only wish is that they offered more breakfast options but we were well satisfied with what they do offer. We had the artichoke fritters which were absolute perfection, the steak and potatoes salad, breakfast burrito with a side of eggs and pimento cheese macaroni salad. Everything was fresh and delicious. Very nice outdoor seating on a perfectly beautiful morning!
Nicholas K.
Sep 17, 2020
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Mask up and head in to this Covid-prepared venue. Plenty of outdoor seating to enjoy the tasty wares and not breathe anyone else's air. Look at those Eggs Benedict! We split portions so we could enjoy both. It was so good, I could have put my mask on just to trap the flavors. The Chai Latte was one of the smoothest tasting in Ky, and I'm a Chai lover who's tried over 25 different Chai beverage spots across Ky.
Shannon Ashley
Nov 20, 2018
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