Lexington, Kentucky, October 16, 2025
News Summary
Lexington, Kentucky, is celebrating its culinary achievements as three locally-owned restaurants have been recognized among the top eateries on Yelp for October. Dad’s Favorites Deli, Maria’s Mexican Cuisine, and Big Kahuna have received high marks for their exceptional service and unique offerings. These establishments reflect the city’s commitment to quality food and strengthen the local dining culture by prioritizing community connection and authentic culinary experiences.
Lexington, Kentucky, is gaining recognition for its unique dining experiences as three of its locally-owned restaurants have been ranked among the top eateries in the state on Yelp for October. The featured establishments reflect the city’s commitment to quality food and exceptional customer service, defining the local culinary landscape.
Leading the List: Dad’s Favorites Deli
Ranked as the No. 1 restaurant in Kentucky for October is Dad’s Favorites Deli, located in the Garden Springs Shopping Center at 820 Lane Allen Road. This establishment has garnered over 460 reviews and boasts a near-perfect rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars on Yelp. Celebrated for its hospitable service, the deli offers daily specials and is famous for its sandwich, the Rushmore, which features a homemade chipotle cheddar spread, roast beef, bacon, and a beer cheese dipping sauce. Recently, Dad’s Favorites Deli marked its 15th anniversary and has been recognized in 2024 as one of the top 10 best independent restaurants in the country. The deli operates Monday to Friday for four hours each day, totaling 20 hours a week.
Maria’s Mexican Cuisine: A Tasty Tradition
Coming in at No. 5 among Kentucky’s popular restaurants is Maria’s Mexican Cuisine, situated at 1079 East New Circle Road. With a total of 228 reviews and a rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars, Maria’s is known for serving “the best tamales in town.” The restaurant, previously referred to as Farm Market, has been a staple in the community for over a decade. Owner Maria Gonzalez focuses on quality, ensuring that every dish served is something she would eat herself. Customers frequently enjoy a wide array of dishes, including tacos, ceviche, and chicken with mole sauce, while engaging in jigsaw puzzles during their meals. The establishment is open Monday to Saturday from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Sundays from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Big Kahuna: Hawaiian Barbecue Delight
Ranked No. 4 among Kentucky’s popular restaurants is Big Kahuna, offering Hawaiian barbecue at two locations—904 Liberty Road and 3101 Clays Mill Road. With over 360 reviews and a rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars, Big Kahuna attracts customers with its laid-back atmosphere and focus on value. Owner Harrison Ginsberg highlights the katsu plate as a customer favorite, featuring a panko-fried pork cutlet served with spicy mayo, sweet soy, sticky rice, and macaroni salad. Teriyaki chicken is another popular offering, priced around $10. Big Kahuna is open Tuesday to Sunday from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. and is closed on Mondays.
Supporting Lexington’s Distinct Dining Scene
The recognition of Dad’s Favorites Deli, Maria’s Mexican Cuisine, and Big Kahuna illustrates Lexington’s vibrant dining scene, which thrives on local ownership and a commitment to authentic culinary experiences. These restaurants not only serve delicious food but also foster community connections by treating customers like family and enhancing the local culture through their unique offerings. As diners increasingly seek out local flavors over corporate chains, these establishments stand as testaments to what Lexington has to offer.
FAQ
What restaurants from Lexington are ranked among the top in Kentucky for October?
Dad’s Favorites Deli, Maria’s Mexican Cuisine, and Big Kahuna are the three restaurants recognized among the top eateries in Kentucky on Yelp for October.
What is the rating of Dad’s Favorites Deli on Yelp?
Dad’s Favorites Deli has a near-perfect rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars based on over 460 reviews.
What hours is Maria’s Mexican Cuisine open?
Maria’s Mexican Cuisine operates Monday to Saturday from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. and on Sunday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
What is the signature dish at Big Kahuna?
The katsu plate is among the favorites at Big Kahuna, featuring panko-fried pork cutlet, spicy mayo, sweet soy, sticky rice, and macaroni salad.
Comparison of Top Restaurants
| Restaurant Name | Rank | Location | Yelp Rating | Popular Dish | Operating Hours |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dad’s Favorites Deli | No. 1 | 820 Lane Allen Road | 4.8 | Rushmore Sandwich | Mon-Fri: 4 hrs/day |
| Maria’s Mexican Cuisine | No. 5 | 1079 East New Circle Road | 4.7 | Tamales | Mon-Sat: 11am-8pm, Sun: 11am-3pm |
| Big Kahuna | No. 4 | 904 Liberty Road & 3101 Clays Mill Road | 4.7 | Katsu Plate | Tue-Sun: 11am-9pm, Closed Mon |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
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Additional Resources
- Kentucky.com: Lexington Restaurants Ranked
- Wikipedia: Restaurant
- Fox56 News: Restaurant Mixing Sri Lankan & Kentucky Cuisine
- Google Search: Lexington Restaurants
- PR Newswire: Chicken Salad Chick in Lexington
- Google Scholar: Kentucky Restaurants
- Kentucky.com: New Restaurant Article
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Kentucky Culinary Scene
- Fox56 News: Firefighters Team Up with Restaurant
- Google News: Lexington Restaurants
- Kentucky.com: Restaurant Article 312482963
Author: STAFF HERE LEXINGTON KY STAFF
The LEXINGTON STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERELexingtonKY.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Lexington, Fayette County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Woodland Art Fair, Crave Food and Music Festival, and Railbird Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like Commerce Lexington and Blue Grass Community Foundation, plus leading businesses in education, manufacturing, and technology that power the local economy such as University of Kentucky, Toyota Motor Manufacturing, and Lexmark. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBowlingGreen.com and HERELouisville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Kentucky's dynamic landscape.
