Stella's Kentucky Deli
A charming locavore deli in a historic Victorian home, offering a taste of Kentucky with diverse menu options.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Blue hour photography, calmer galleries
Stella's Kentucky Deli
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A charming locavore deli in a historic Victorian home, offering a taste of Kentucky with diverse menu options.
"Experience the Bluegrass State with comforting dishes and a cozy, inviting atmosphere."
Beat the Brunch Rush
Arrive early on Sundays around 9:30 AM to avoid crowds.
Embrace Local Signatures
Don't miss trying the Hot Brown or Burgoo for a true taste of Kentucky.
Quick Facts
Cuisine
Deli, American
Price
Mid-range
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Charming Victorian Ambiance
Dine in a beautifully renovated Victorian home with a warm, inviting interior and a colorful brick patio.
Authentic Kentucky Flavors
Experience local specialties like the iconic Hot Brown, hearty burgoo, and the Kentucky Burger.
Dietary Inclusivity
A diverse menu thoughtfully caters to gluten-free, vegan, and dairy-free needs.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Menu
Most Popular Items
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Beat the Brunch Rush
Arrive early on Sundays around 9:30 AM to avoid crowds.
Embrace Local Signatures
Don't miss trying the Hot Brown or Burgoo for a true taste of Kentucky.
Service Awareness
Some reviewers mention service inconsistencies; be prepared for potential delays.
Unexpected Surcharges
Be aware of a mandatory 20% service fee added to all orders.
Tips
from all over the internet
Beat the Brunch Rush
Arrive early on Sundays around 9:30 AM to avoid crowds.
Embrace Local Signatures
Don't miss trying the Hot Brown or Burgoo for a true taste of Kentucky.
Service Awareness
Some reviewers mention service inconsistencies; be prepared for potential delays.
Unexpected Surcharges
Be aware of a mandatory 20% service fee added to all orders.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Stella's Kentucky Deli is praised for its charming atmosphere within a historic Victorian home and its commitment to local ingredients. Diners often highlight unique dishes like the Hot Brown and appreciate the accommodating options for dietary needs. However, some guests have experienced service inconsistencies and are surprised by an automatic 20% service charge, which can detract from an otherwise enjoyable meal.
"I am wandering around Lexington, Kentucky doing the mural challenge and wanted to try the hot brown so this was the closest place to one of the mural I went to. I’m glad I stopped by. I enjoyed the hot brown especially the tomatoes in it. I love tomatoes. I also tried the bourbon ball coffee. Since it was a hot day, I opted for the iced vs hot. Just an FYI, they do charge 20% service fee to every orders."
Kay L.
"We both got the Chorizo breakfast burritos with all the sauces on the side and his with the mayo in. It was beautiful and life changing paired with a good coffee."
shelby fox
"GREAT atmosphere here, unfortunately, there’s not much else to love. Me and my partner stopped by while in town for a conference and we were on a bit of a time crunch. We actually came here twice, two days in a row, and were less impressed the second time around. First day we got two sandwiches- a grilled cheese and BLT with tomato soup. To be fair the food the first day was very good, but took a long time to come out- definitively longer than what’s expected for two things that you’re not really having to cook. The food wasn’t the issue this day though- it was the waitress who served us. We were very polite, communicated expectations that we were on a time crunch, and I tipped largely (on top of the mandatory already included gratuity) despite this- the waitress seemed to be in a bad mood. Either way- people have bad days. Unfortunately, when coming back the second day, there was issue after issue. The waitress was there again, still openly glaring at people, being short with customers, etc- the table next to us even mentioned it despite her not being their waitress. Like what is the issue? When we ordered food, we got another BLT and a burger- be aware that they don’t have things like sliced pickles to put onto burgers (lowkey weird but okay,) and you will get a pink in the middle burger (my order was also made wrong). We had wait time issues with the food again and ended up (after sitting for over 40 minutes) needing to leave the restaurant and get our food to go. The, again, weird thing is that they suddenly had all of our food ready to go when my partner went up to tell them we needed to leave, like it had been ready but our waiter didn’t ever come and grab it. The whole staff was a bit off when we communicated that we had the conference and just had run out of time. I will say that there was a guy wearing a hat who was super nice to us the whole time. I think this is such a cute spot and maybe we caught them on a weird week- they have some good items on the menu, but we sadly didn’t have the best experience."
India Greene
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
Signature dishes include the Hot Brown, Burgoo, and the Kentucky Burger, all featuring local ingredients.
Yes, Stella's Kentucky Deli has a diverse menu catering to vegan, vegetarian, gluten-free, and dairy-free diets.
The restaurant has off-street parking, though some reviewers note it can be challenging, especially during construction.
Brunch is served on Saturdays and Sundays from 9 AM to 2 PM.
Stella's Kentucky Deli has a casual atmosphere, so there is no formal dress code.
Reservations are not mentioned as required, but arriving early on Sundays is advised to avoid crowds.
Yes, a 20% service fee is automatically added to all orders, which some customers found surprising.
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The Top Restaurants To Try In Lexington, Kentucky
Tucked inside a renovated, colorful Victorian home, Stella’s Kentucky Deli is a delightful restaurant offering guests a taste of the Bluegrass State. Featuring a warm, inviting interior space, the deli also gives guests the option of dining and drinking, try a refreshing cocktail, on the brick patio, which is shaded by vibrant umbrellas, during the warmer months. Focusing on fresh, local ingredients, the menu offers comforting dishes, such as shrimp and grits with smoked ham and tomato Creole and the slow-roasted, local pork shoulder with Wiesenberger cheese grits, spicy greens, balsamic reduction, plus bourbon BBQ sauce.
Lexington’s favorite, oldest local restaurants still open
Before there was a Jefferson Street food corridor, there was Stella’s Deli. The mustard yellow Victorian-style building with ketchup red awning opened in 1981, and was christened after the owner’s dog, a feisty terrier mix with a less than hospitable attitude. According to a blurb under Stella’s picture on the restaurant wall, she was “not fond of strangers or children and was known occasionally to bite the hand that fed her.
The Best Restaurants in Lexington, Kentucky
Stella’s Kentucky Deli includes the state in its name because it pays tribute to everything that makes Kentucky such a unique state. Stella’s emphasizes fresh and local ingredients (thanks to their many farm partnerships) to produce simple yet high quality foods. This focus is best exemplified by the Kentucky Burger: a local Black Angus patty with lettuce, tomato, onion, dijon, mayo, and ketchup.
What to do in Lexington, Kentucky
Stella’s was serving up the local specialty, burgoo, at the Jefferson Street Soiree and of course we had to taste it!. I hadn’t heard of burgoo before, and it seems to be one of the foods that everyone makes a bit differently. Burgoo is a soup that is usually it is made with with beef and lots of vegetables and it is thick like a stew.
10 Recommended Restaurants in Lexington
Step into Stella’s Kentucky Deli, where local farmers take the spotlight!. Stella supports the community and lets their guests savor the goodness of fresh, local ingredients. Everything is lovingly made from scratch right here in the kitchen, from sandwiches to soups and salads to desserts.
Local Eats: 10 Under $10
Another Lexington staple, Stella’s Kentucky Deli is a lunch must!. Their extensive menu features sandwiches (and more sandwiches!), burgers, and breakfast plates. Enjoy a delicious, locally sourced meal in Stella’s historic building in the heart of downtown Lexington!
Where to Eat in Lexington Kentucky: Downtown’s Top Ten | Ace Magazine
Stella’s Deli at 143 Jefferson Street was the first to blaze a culinary trail on Jefferson, decades ago. Locally-sourced deli fare (soups, sandwiches, etc). Delicate-size portions, but tasty.
Dining – bestoflexingtonky.com
Enjoy a home-cooked meal at our historic downtown location or call us with catering requests. Local food prepared with care. Stella’s Kentucky Deli is dedicated to local farmers and to…
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Stella’s has sandwiches, salads, and soups made with fresh, local ingredients. They also offer locally baked bread, Kentucky bourbon, local beer, and locally roasted coffee.
Highest-rated Southern Restaurants in Lexington by Diners
- Rating: 4.1/5 (426 reviews)- Price level: $$- Address: 143 Jefferson St. Lexington, Kentucky - Categories: Delis, Breakfast & Brunch, Southern- Read more on Yelp
Vegan and vegetarian eats in Lexington
Stella’s Kentucky Deli, 143 Jefferson St. | The vegan options on the menu include a Grilled PB&J sandwich, a Mushroom Rueben, and the Lentil Surpreme Burger.
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from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit