5 Best Burger Spots in Lexington that Locals Rave About

Lexington is bourbon and basketball country, but the burger game is quietly excellent too.

Between cozy bars, chef‑driven spots, and old‑school grills, locals are fiercely loyal to a handful of places.

These five names pop up constantly when Lexington folks talk about the best burgers in town.

1. Pazzo’s Pizza Pub

Pazzo’s is technically a pizza pub, but ask any UK alum and they’ll rave about the burgers almost as fast as the beer list. The vibe is classic college‑town hangout—brick walls, TV’s everywhere, a big tap list, and a menu built for late‑night cravings.

Burgers here are hefty, juicy, and built on soft buns that hold up to sauce and toppings. You’ll see classics with cheddar, Swiss, or pepper jack, plus house creations stacked with bacon, mushrooms, jalapeños, and signature sauces. Fries come crisp and salty, and if you’re really hungry, locals will tell you to add a side of wings or cheese bread and make it a full spread. It’s the kind of burger that’s just messy and satisfying enough to feel like a little event every time.

2. Bru Burger Bar (Lexington)

Bru is a small regional chain, but Lexington locals treat this location like a go‑to for reliably great, slightly cheffy burgers. The room feels modern and casual: lots of wood, big bar, and an “upscale burger joint” vibe without being stuffy.

The burger list is huge and very dialed‑in. Popular picks include:

• A blue‑cheese‑and‑bacon situation for people who like funk and smoke.
• A gooey, mushroom‑Swiss combo with roasted mushrooms and garlic aioli.
• A spicy option with jalapeños, pepper jack, and chipotle mayo.

Patties are cooked to a proper pink (if you want), buns are buttery brioche‑style, and everything feels thoughtful—from pickles to sauces. Pair it with onion rings, fries, or their loaded tots and a beer or cocktail and you’ve got a very solid burger night.

3. Mirror Twin Brewing / Rolling Oven

Mirror Twin is one of Lexington’s favorite breweries, but if you know, you know: their food program—often run with Rolling Oven or similar kitchen partners—turns out a mean burger. This is very much a brewery‑hang vibe: picnic tables, high‑tops, board games, and lots of locals working through a flight.

The burgers usually lean smash‑style: thin patties with caramelized edges, stacked double or single with American cheese, pickles, and special sauce on a soft bun. You might see rotating specials with bacon jam, house‑made sauces, or spicy toppings. Wash it down with one of their IPAs or hazy pale ales and it hits that perfect “beer and burger” sweet spot that people come back for weekly.

4. The Local Taco – Lexington

You’d think “taco” from the name, but regulars know The Local Taco also sneaks in a seriously underrated burger. The space is bright, laid‑back, and comfortable—part neighborhood taqueria, part bar.

Their burger usually leans Southwestern: think chipotle mayo or aioli, pepper jack cheese, maybe roasted peppers or green chile, all on a toasted bun. The patty is juicy, often with a good sear, and portions are generous without being coma‑inducing. Grab queso or street corn on the side and you’ve got a burger meal with a little extra personality.

5. Oscar Diggs

Oscar Diggs is a downtown gastropub that treats burgers like a centerpiece rather than an afterthought. The place feels cozy and urban: small space, chalkboard menu, craft beer, and a rotating set of chef‑driven specials.

Their house burger—usually a thick, well‑seasoned patty cooked medium/medium‑rare—is dressed up with high‑quality cheese, crispy bacon, and house‑made sauces or pickles. They often run inventive burger specials (think bourbon‑infused onions, pimento cheese, or funky cheeses) that locals watch for on social media. Fries are hand‑cut and crisp, and everything feels like it was actually cooked to order, not just assembled.