The concept of tapas, small plates of appetizers typically accompanied by wine, originated in Spain, but has expanded to include appetizers created from a variety of culinary traditions. The city of Lexington is home to a small number of establishments that offer tapas or small plates. These establishments provide visitors a place to stop for a light meal and drinks during a day of seeing the city's sites like the Lexington History Museum, Keeneland and the Kentucky Horse Park.
Azur Restaurant & Patio gets it name from a variation of the color azure, a dark blue, which is reflected in the color scheme used throughout its modern, open space. Established in 2005, the restaurant has previously won awards for having "Best Seafood Entree" at the Kentucky Great American Seafood Cook-Off and being the "Best Fine Dining Restaurant" in Lexington according to the readers of "Ace Weekly." In addition to nightly featured specials, the tapas list includes lobster crepes, green tomato tempura and rock shrimp ceviche. The chef strives to use local produce and meats in the dishes at Azur whenever possible. The wine list features around 50 selections, and the bar specializes in bourbons. More than 15 varieties are featured as well as flights that allow diners to sample small servings of three different types of the spirit. Azur Restaurant & Patio serves lunch Mondays through Saturdays and dinner nightly. Reservations are highly recommended. Casual attire is acceptable. The restaurant features live blues, pop, Motown, classical and other types of music on weekends. Outdoor seating is available on the restaurant's brick patio. The nearest parking is along the street.
Azur Restaurant & Patio
3070 Lakecrest Circle
Lexington, KY 40513
859-296-1007
azurrestaurant.com
Skybar is located on the top story of a high-rise building in downtown Lexington, providing views of the surrounding neighborhood from its windows. Among the tapas featured on the menu are beef and lamb carpaccio and the shrimp cocktail made with tiger prawns and a house-made sauce spiked with Chardonnay. The wine list includes around 90 selections from around the world, and the bar specializes in martinis, of which it offers 13 signature types. Skybar is open at lunchtime Tuesdays through Fridays and for dinner Tuesdays through Saturdays. The restaurant closes Sundays and Mondays. Dressy casual attire is appropriate. Each evening, the restaurant features live piano music. Reservations are accepted. Both street and garage parking are available nearby.
Skybar
269 West Main St. # 900
Lexington, KY 40507
859-368-7411
skybarlex.com
DeVassa Bar & Cafe is in the Shoppes at Victorian Square, an upscale shopping and entertainment complex situated in a historic building in downtown Lexington constructed during the 1880s and refurbished in 1958. The menu features 24 tapas, such as guacamole with banana chips and risoles pastries stuffed with seafood or meat. The signature small plate dish is the seafood and cheese dip, accompanied by warm bread. The bar offers more than 30 bottled beers, including imports and ales brewed in Kentucky. Latin and Caribbean cocktails are the restaurant's specialty, such as mojitos and caipirinhas. DeVassa Bar & Cafe serves lunch and dinner daily. Reservations are not required. Dressy casual attire is the norm.
DeVassa Bar & Cafe
401 West Main St.
Lexington, KY 40507
859-455-9139
devassa.net
