Business Details
8 Years
experience
Farm-to-Table Dining in Lexington's Historic Courthouse
Zims Cafe was founded in 2018 with a mission to honor the legacy of Great-Grandpa Zim, whose garden-fresh cooking and storytelling traditions inspire our approach to food and hospitality. Our menu celebrates Kentucky's agricultural bounty, featuring farm-to-table ingredients from local producers across breakfast, brunch, lunch, and dinner service. We combine this culinary focus with a commitment to community through curated Kentucky folk art displays and a welcoming atmosphere in downtown Lexington's historic Courthouse.With over 15 years of combined experience in the hospitality industry, our team prioritizes creating memorable dining experiences through carefully crafted menus, attentive service, and a dedication to showcasing regional flavors. We maintain rigorous quality standards in our kitchen operations and strive to make every visit an opportunity for connection through food, art, and storytelling.
Services
Brunch Menu
Coffee & Pastries
Kentucky Wine List
Folk Art Exhibits
Cocktail Bar
Private Events
Takeout Service
Breakfast Specials
Dinner Entrees
Late Night Bites
Details
- Year established: 2018
Highlights and features
- We source ingredients directly from Kentucky farms for fresh, seasonal menus
- Our historic Courthouse location combines modern comfort with original architecture
- We offer a curated Kentucky folk art experience alongside dining
- Our bar program features 100+ bourbons and craft cocktails
- We maintain consistent hours for reliable dining seven days a week
Services
Farm-to-Table Dining
Our menus feature ingredients sourced directly from Kentucky farms, with daily offerings that highlight seasonal produce and regional specialties. From breakfast to late night bites, every dish reflects our commitment to fresh, locally-sourced ingredients prepared with culinary expertise. The rotating specials showcase different Kentucky growers and producers throughout the year.
Coffee & Pastry Bar
We serve freshly baked goods from Midway Bakery alongside specialty coffee drinks made with locally roasted beans. Our baristas prepare classic and inventive coffee beverages using professional equipment, while the pastry case features both traditional and innovative Kentucky-inspired baked goods daily.
Kentucky Folk Art Program
Zims Cafe curates rotating folk art displays featuring works by established and emerging Kentucky artists. The program includes carvings, paintings, and mixed media pieces that reflect the state's cultural heritage. Each artwork includes artist biographies and information about traditional Appalachian techniques and contemporary interpretations.
Cocktail & Bourbon Bar
The Thirsty Fox bar offers 100+ bourbon selections and craft cocktails using local ingredients. Our bartenders create both classic and innovative drinks featuring Kentucky distilleries' products. The menu includes signature cocktails developed by our mixologists alongside beer, wine, and non-alcoholic beverage options.
Private Events
We accommodate special events in our historic Courthouse space with customizable menus for groups. Our event coordinators assist with table arrangements, menu selections, and audiovisual requirements. The venue combines architectural character with modern amenities for weddings, corporate events, and private celebrations.
People
Ouita Michel
Co-Founder
Award-winning restaurateur with 25+ years experience promoting Kentucky agriculture through dining. Founded Holly Hill Inn and six other Lexington restaurants before launching Zims Cafe in 2018.
Chris Michel
Co-Founder
Hospitality industry veteran with expertise in wine program development and sustainable restaurant operations. Co-founded Holly Hill Inn with Ouita Michel and helped establish its nationally recognized wine list.
Julianna Santo
Co-General Manager
Wine director responsible for curating Zims Cafe's approachable wine list featuring Kentucky producers. Previously managed beverage programs for multiple Holly Hill restaurant concepts.
Questions
What makes Zims Cafe different from other Lexington restaurants?
We uniquely combine farm-to-table Kentucky cuisine with curated folk art exhibits in a historic Courthouse setting.
Do you offer vegetarian or vegan menu options?
Yes, our menu includes multiple vegetarian and vegan dishes clearly marked with 've' and 'vg' designations.
Can I purchase gift cards for Zims Cafe?
Yes, we offer both physical and electronic gift cards available for purchase through our website.
Are reservations required for dining?
Reservations are recommended for weekends but not required. We accept walk-ins during all operating hours.
Do you host private events or catering services?
Yes, our Courthouse location accommodates private events and we offer customized catering menus for off-site events.
What are your current operating hours?
We serve Monday-Friday 8am-9pm, Saturday-Sunday 9am-9pm with late night bar service until 11pm Thursday-Saturday.
Reviews (4)
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)!
