A visit to Virginia’s Shenandoah Valley is all about rolling countryside, charming small towns, and a rich sense of history. At the heart of it all, Lexington offers a perfect mix of past and present, where historic streets lined with brick buildings lead to fascinating landmarks like Washington and Lee University and the Virginia Military Institute. A stroll on these quaint downtown streets reveals independent shops, galleries, and museums that tell the story of this region’s deep-rooted history. There, you’ll also find some of the best places to eat in Lexington, VA!
Like just about everywhere around our Shenandoah Valley Bed and Breakfast, Lexington’s food scene is top-notch. Lexington, VA restaurants offer something for every palate, and many of them work closely with local farms, ensuring fresh, seasonal menus that reflect the valley’s agricultural bounty. The same commitment to quality extends to the region’s breweries, where craft beer enthusiasts can sample everything from hoppy IPAs to rich stouts.
Beyond what you’ll find in downtown Lexington, the area is rich with opportunities for adventure, natural beauty, and exploration. Head to nearby Natural Bridge State Park for a stunning walk through this limestone gorge, or take to your car and head further afield to explore the top attractions in Shenandoah National Park or Blue Ridge Parkway. The region offers endless opportunities for hiking, biking, paddling, fishing, eating, drinking, and more. The best part of exploring the Shenandoah Valley? You’ll enjoy sweeping views that define this part of Virginia everywhere you turn.
Add an elevated, authentic touch to your getaway by staying with us at Steeles Tavern Manor, the top-rated Bed and Breakfast near Lexington. Our Inn offers beautifully appointed guest rooms in the main manor house and private cabins with hot tubs and mountain views for a more secluded retreat. Located between Lexington and Staunton, it’s the ideal base for exploring the region while enjoying luxurious amenities and personalized hospitality, capturing the best of what the Shenandoah Valley offers. Book your stay today!
Our Favorite Places to Eat in Lexington Right Now
Lexington’s food scene shines with a commitment to quality and creativity, similar to the attention to detail you’ll find during breakfast at our Lexington Bed and Breakfast. Chefs here are passionate about showcasing regional flavors, offering a range of dishes that span from comforting classics to modern, artfully crafted plates. There are plenty of places to eat in Lexington, each bringing its own unique flair to the table.
The creativity at Lexington, VA restaurants makes every meal exciting and deeply connected to the region’s history. It’s a forward-thinking approach to dining, and we absolutely love it. Below is a short list of our favorite restaurants in Lexington.
- When it comes to finding hidden gems among Lexington, VA restaurants, don’t miss the chance to dine at Pure Eats. Not only are their donuts to die for, but this spot also has great burgers and beer. It is pet-friendly and has an awesome outdoor patio, perfect for warm summer days.
- If you’re looking for elevated places to eat in Lexington, VA, head to Haywoods at The Georges. The food is sophisticated and high-quality, but our favorite feature of this restaurant is the live piano music accompanying your dinner.
- Another spot inside The Georges is Taps. This gastropub is the perfect blend of cozy and upscale. Known for craft cocktails and their signature TAPS Burger with onion-bacon jam and pimiento cheese, it’s a favorite for happy hour or a relaxed evening out.
- For true farm-to-fork food in Lexington, don’t miss the woman-owned Globowl Cafe. The food is delicious regardless of any dietary preferences you may have, but this is the top choice for vegans in Lexington!
- One of the newer restaurants in Lexington is Hardens, a gastropub that has earned plenty of rave reviews locally! It’s a family-owned spot that recently celebrated its first anniversary. Their menu offers a full bar, plenty of small plates, and delicious mains.
- For a touch of American comfort food in a cool vintage setting, head to The Palms. The menu is casual, with plenty of sharable plates, sandwiches, burgers, and pizzas – but it’s always a good time.
- A somewhat surprising choice for great places to eat in Lexington, VA, is Matsumoto Sushi. Tucked away in a quieter stretch of town, this authentic Japanese restaurant features some of the freshest sushi in the area. We highly recommend you ask for the chef’s special roll of the day!
- Finally, hands down, Sweet Treats Bakery is the best place to get baked treats in Lexington. But it’s not all about the sugary treats here. They also offer delicious soups, quiche, and sandwiches, making it one of the top places to eat in Lexington for lunch.
Wash it Down With Local Craft Beer
The craft beer scene in Lexington, VA has experienced an exciting surge in creativity and quality. Local brewers take pride in blending traditional techniques with modern innovations to create a range of brews that cater to craft beer lovers of all types.
Across town, intimate taprooms and community-focused spaces invite guests to relax, socialize, and enjoy live events or casual tasting flights. Whether you’re discovering a new favorite ale or savoring a well-crafted lager, the commitment to excellence is evident in every pour. We’ve listed our five favorite breweries in Lexington – some of which also happen to be fantastic places to eat!
- Heliotrope Brewery is one of the best breweries in Lexington. The brewery often collaborates with nearby farms and foragers to create truly unique flavors. They specialize in small-batch beers crafted with regional malts and house-cultured, locally foraged microflora – including a wild yeast strain from Rockbridge County that is used in all their farmhouse and sour beers. Their artisan pizzas and salads perfectly complement their brews, making this spot a welcome respite for more than great beer.
- Devils Backbone Outpost Tap Room & Kitchen, just outside Lexington, is an expansive 15,000-square-foot brewery that serves as the second outpost for the renowned Devils Backbone Brewing Company. Visitors can enjoy flagship offerings alongside unique seasonal brews in a spacious taproom setting.
- Great Valley Farm Brewery & Winery near Natural Bridge is a unique establishment that functions as both a brewery and a winery. They specialize in Belgian-style farmhouse ales, often incorporating ingredients from their own farm and other local sources. The venue is kid- and pet-friendly, making it an excellent spot for the whole family. The breathtaking views of Natural Bridge and southern Rockbridge County from the brewery are as delightful as their beverages.
- Rockbridge Vineyard & Brewery in Raphine, midway between Lexington and Staunton, is a family-owned establishment with a woman brewer and is absolutely the best brewery in the area. The tasting room provides a cozy atmosphere in which to sample their diverse offerings. They host live music events on Sunday afternoons during the spring and summer. It’s one of our favorite places to kick back and relax!
- For something a little different, with plenty of diversity for everyone, head to Brew Ridge Taps in Downtown Lexington. This spot offers 18 rotating taps of craft beer from around the United States, including many Virginia-made brews. With 199+ bottled beers lining the wall, there’s always something new to try. Their ‘wafflewiches’ make for a hearty meal, and live music on weekends adds to the vibrant atmosphere.
These breweries in Lexington are part of the popular Shenandoah Valley Beerwerks Trail, where we have no doubt you’ll discover what we already know – this area is home to some of the best craft beer in the country. These Lexington Breweries may be enough to wet your whistle, but if you’re looking for more great craft beer within an easy drive, consider one of these top-notch Staunton Breweries just down the road!
Above all else, give yourself plenty of time to eat, drink, and enjoy this incredible area. Book your stay at our top-rated Bed and Breakfast near Lexington, VA today!
