Zim's Cafe

Name: Zim's Cafe
Address: 215 W Main St, Lexington, KY, United States, 40507
Telephone: (859) 785-3690
Price range: $30 and under
Rating: 4.2

4.2

395 Reviews

$30 and under

American

Top Tags:

Ouita Michel’s newest restaurant - located in downtown Lexington, Ky. is a cornerstone of the Historic Courthouse Square. Zim’s Cafe features delicious sandwiches, Kentucky classics, fresh salads & innovative bites from executive chef Ethan Bowling. Order a cocktail, bourbon, or local beer from The Thirsty Fox, the bar component across the atrium with a cozy atmosphere!

Make a reservation

Party Size

2 people

DateTime

Dec 9, 2023

7:00 PM

Booked 12 times today

Order delivery or takeout

Additional information

Dining style
Casual Dining
Price
$30 and under
Cuisines
American, Café, Southern
Phone number
(859) 785-3690
Website
http://www.zimscafe.com/
Payment options
AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
Dress code
Casual Dress
Executive chef
Paul Hieb
Private party facilities
Looking for a private event space? We rent out The Thirsty Fox. Email zimscafeky@gmail.com for more information.

Location
215 W Main St, Lexington, KY 40507
Neighborhood
Lexington
Cross street
Located between Short and Main Streets at Upper Street.
Parking details
There are paid lots on Short Street as well as paid parking garages on Main and Short. Street parking is free after 5:00 on weekdays and all day on weekends and federal holidays.
Additional
Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cafe, Cocktails, Full Bar, Happy Hour, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Takeout, View, Weekend Brunch, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Popular dishes

What 395 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

4.2

4.2 based on recent ratings

4.3Food
4Service
4.3Ambience
4.2Value

Noise • Moderate

Loved For

Central Kentucky
Great for brunch
Lexington
Great for brunch

395 Reviews

KC
KitchenCINC
Alabama
4 reviews
5.0
4 reviews
Dined 6 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
The service at Zim’s is friendly yet professional. The food is always top notch and made from fresh, local ingredients. On this visit I had the hot brown and it was delicious. Highly recommend. .
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OT
OpenTable Diner
Louisville
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on December 1, 2023
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Fantastic server, Cassie, was delightful and very knowlegeable about the menu and attentive. The food was excellent and the atmosphere relaxing and fun. What more could you want?
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j
jay2020
Columbus
9 reviews
vip
3.0
9 reviews
Dined on November 19, 2023
1. Overall 3
2. Food 3
3. Service 4
4. Ambience 5
I’ve been to Zims multiple times by myself, but today I brought my family for my 8yo’s birthday. It started great with the hostess, and the waitress, but after placing our food orders, we sat for 45 min waiting for food. By the time our food arrived, it was all cold and most dishes overcooked. Very disappointing.
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SD
SarahD
Louisville
2 reviews
4.0
2 reviews
Dined on November 18, 2023
1. Overall 4
2. Food 5
3. Service 3
4. Ambience 5
Amazing food and a cool location, but terrible service.
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m
mklsimpson
Seattle
2 reviews
2.0
2 reviews
Dined on November 18, 2023
1. Overall 2
2. Food 4
3. Service 1
4. Ambience 4
Overall, our food was good and I liked the ambiance & location. Our service was terrible. We were seated for 45 minutes before we even ordered our drinks. The only reason we didn't leave is that where else do you go at 6:00pm on a Saturday night in Lexington and not have to wait? What we thought was going to be an hour dinner turned into almost 3 hours. When we did finally get our food it was really good and the service got more attentive once the food actually arrived. But the nearly 2 hour gap between our arrival and getting our food is unaccepatable. I love Ouita's restaurants and hope Zim's can figure out their service issue.
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JK
JK2chefs
Charleston
12 reviews
4.0
12 reviews
Dined on November 17, 2023
1. Overall 4
2. Food 4
3. Service 4
4. Ambience 4
Good Old-Fashioned cocktail. Good Reuben sandwich. Caesar salad was ok but could have been better.
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JP
JohnP
Nashville
4 reviews
5.0
4 reviews
Dined on November 14, 2023
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
It was a first time experience that proved to be a terrific quick night out. Service was extremely crisp and courteous. We told our server that it was our first time and asked for menu recommendations. She enthusiastically gave us six choices that were here favorites. I had the Cubano while my wife had the patty melt. Both had great plate presentation and were very tasty. We will definitely be back.
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TR
TinaRenee
Louisville
27 reviews
vip
5.0
27 reviews
Dined on November 14, 2023
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 4
4. Ambience 5
The food was delicious as always! Our server checked in on and provided service. Sadly our drinks were subpar… so that was a bit of a disappointment… however it’s a favorite spot and will go back!!
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J
Jess
Columbus
2 reviews
3.0
2 reviews
Dined on November 11, 2023
1. Overall 3
2. Food 3
3. Service 4
4. Ambience 3
Took my husband here for a birthday brunch. He ordered chicken & waffles, delicious. However, I ordered the breakfast skillet, a weekend special. Sounded so filling but when it arrived it was very small, mostly filled with potatoes. Also, no red bell peppers or onions like described. When I told the waitress they offered to make me something else but my husband was already almost done with his food. Little disappointed and won’t be back. Husband was happy and it was his bday so we have going!
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w
wendyp
Dallas
5 reviews
vip
3.0
5 reviews
Dined on November 10, 2023
1. Overall 3
2. Food 4
3. Service 2
4. Ambience 3
like most places these days, they seemed short staffed. We were at the table with just water for over 30 minutes before our Cocktails came out and I finally got up and asked someone to please take our dinner order. Thankfully the food was good. I had the chili and actually it was delicious! I think everyone enjoyed their food, and once we switched servers, she took very good care of us…it was just a slow start. They brought us a complementary dessert at the end and the chocolate bourbon pecan pie was great!
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RF
RedsFan
Cincinnati
70 reviews
5.0
70 reviews
Dined on November 10, 2023
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 3
4. Ambience 5
Food is good and prepared to order. They had a cook quit which delayed getting our food
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OT
OpenTable Diner
New York Area
3 reviews
1.0
3 reviews
Dined on November 4, 2023
1. Overall 1
2. Food 1
3. Service 1
4. Ambience 1
Table was dirty … we opted not to have food ..bc The experience from the ft door to the table was ridiculous …
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j
jenniw
Cincinnati
8 reviews
5.0
8 reviews
Dined on October 28, 2023
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Great location downtown. Friendly atmosphere, great food, and reasonably priced. What definitely dine here again
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OT
OpenTable Diner
Louisville
4 reviews
5.0
4 reviews
Dined on October 26, 2023
1. Overall 5
2. Food 4
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
I love this place, the food in general is unique and fresh. The atmosphere is perfect and the drinks are strong. That being said I was completely underwhelmed by the Pork Schnitzel and just thought it was not in line with the other high quality offerings so avoid.
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W
Wic7410
E. Tennessee
5 reviews
4.0
5 reviews
Dined on October 22, 2023
1. Overall 4
2. Food 5
3. Service 4
4. Ambience 5
Positive experience overall. Really great food and drinks. Service was a smidge chaotic. Loved the setting though.
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CB
CatherineB
Wilmington
12 reviews
vip
4.0
12 reviews
Dined on October 21, 2023
1. Overall 4
2. Food 3
3. Service 4
4. Ambience 3
Short staffed but manager and waitress were great and helpful
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RH
RogerH
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on October 18, 2023
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
The only problem we had was actually finding Zim's Cafe...we wandered around the street for a little while. The signs outside are not that good. But once we found the place, WE LOVED IT!!
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j
jojo
Columbus
28 reviews
vip
2.0
28 reviews
Dined on October 10, 2023
1. Overall 2
2. Food 2
3. Service 3
4. Ambience 2
Disappointing; heard so much about this group of restaurants…so was excited to go! Shrimp and grits were mediocre at best, fried shrimp were good but fries were not crisp. Asked for horseradish or cocktail sauce, not available! Tortilla soup was bland and served warm, not hot. The club sandwich had the best flavor of anything that we got! It was Tuesday evening and the place was empty… maybe 5 tables of customers. Not impressed!
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OT
OpenTable Diner
Louisville
13 reviews
vip
5.0
13 reviews
Dined on October 1, 2023
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
We loved the outdoor dining for brunch. Our waitress was so accommodating. We brought our service dog. She gave him water & was very nice. The Mimosa Sunday special is a great value. The Breakfast Burrito & Chicken Salad plate were delicious.
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MS
MonicaS
New York Area
9 reviews
vip
5.0
9 reviews
Dined on September 29, 2023
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 4
Really delicious food! Such a great selection on the menu. Service was really fast and staff were so nice. Highly recommend zim’s Cafe!
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MJ
MelissaJ
Indiana
3 reviews
vip
4.0
3 reviews
Dined on September 29, 2023
1. Overall 4
2. Food 3
3. Service 3
4. Ambience 3
Our dinner entrees were very good. Surprisingly good, actually. Many options for the vegetarian in our party too. The biggest disappointment were the desserts. Bland and hard. The Smores bar was a brick and my friend didn't finish it. I had the chocolate pecan bourbon pie. Not much flavor compared to others I've had elsewhere and the crust was so hard you couldn't cut it. Another friend had strawberry caje and he said itcwas average. I know if we go back in the future to NOT spend the extra money on dessert
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GC
GloriaC
Louisville
3 reviews
5.0
3 reviews
Dined on September 28, 2023
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
It was my 2nd time eating and a 1st for my 2 girlfriends who enjoyed their meal!
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JB
JohnB
Louisville
1 review
4.0
1 review
Dined on September 24, 2023
1. Overall 4
2. Food 4
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Was disappointed that the table menu was not as extensive as the website menu. Went in knowing what I wanted but not available this Sunday. Seco d choice was exalent.
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G
Gigi
1 review
2.0
1 review
Dined on September 24, 2023
1. Overall 2
2. Food 2
3. Service 2
4. Ambience 5
We love Zim’s but our brunch experience lessened our desire to go back. They were out of quiche and the cinnamon rolls. The $1.99 piece of toast was barely toasted and came unbuttered even though the request was for buttered toast. We were not asked if we would like a second cup of coffee or tea. And the food was average.
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OT
OpenTable Diner
Louisville
10 reviews
1.0
10 reviews
Dined on September 23, 2023
1. Overall 1
2. Food 1
3. Service 1
4. Ambience 1
Zero atmosphere, awful service and I’ve been sick all night after eating here
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JN
JenniferN
Louisville
46 reviews
vip
2.0
46 reviews
Dined on September 17, 2023
1. Overall 2
2. Food 2
3. Service 2
4. Ambience 3
Disappointing to say the least. From the service to the food it was lack luster. Since there aren’t that many brunch places in Lexington we thought we would give Zim’s a try, but, it was the first and last time. Service was slow, orders were wrong, food was cooked improperly, and the menu was inaccurate as one of the items ordered they don’t make anymore, the server failed to tell us upon ordering and came back 10 minutes later to notify us and see what else we wanted to eat and one of the sides that came with the dishes they apparently don’t provide anymore and we weren’t notified until after the food was already delivered, then the cinnamon roll that was ordered wasn’t brought and we were asked if we still wanted it, which we did, but, we were told it would just be packed in a to-go box, I guess that’s since we were halfway through the food we did get.
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d
danells
Chicago
2 reviews
4.0
2 reviews
Dined on September 8, 2023
1. Overall 4
2. Food 4
3. Service 4
4. Ambience 4
Zim's Cafe has well prepared southern comfort food and Thirsty Fox next door provides the cocktails and wine. If you have children go to Zim's. If you don't and are having drinks go to Thirsty Fox. Both recommended.
1 person found this helpful
OT
OpenTable Diner
New Orleans
4 reviews
5.0
4 reviews
Dined on September 4, 2023
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Out of the burrata but everything else was great!
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OT
OpenTable Diner
Chicago
6 reviews
5.0
6 reviews
Dined on August 30, 2023
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Great atmosphere and menu ! Food was delicious! Visit the Kentucky welcome center too or eat outside - great all around !!
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CD
ChefDavid
Louisville
16 reviews
vip
5.0
16 reviews
Dined on August 27, 2023
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 4
4. Ambience 4
Really good food. I had the Turkey Rachel and my guest had the Cuban sandwich. The side salad was just enough and the fries were hot. Some big parties so the noise level was up there. Overall all a nice dining experience.
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DD
DanD502
Los Angeles
24 reviews
vip
5.0
24 reviews
Dined on August 26, 2023
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 4
Great food as always with a Ouita Michels restaurant! Highly recommend.
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PH
PaigeH
Louisville
8 reviews
5.0
8 reviews
Dined on August 18, 2023
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
This is a great place to eat downtown. You can usually find a table, the food is reasonably priced and delicious, and the drinks are good. It is a cool downtown option.
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MT
MsTN
New York Area
13 reviews
vip
1.0
13 reviews
Dined on August 17, 2023
1. Overall 1
2. Food 3
3. Service 1
4. Ambience 3
Normally we love going to Zims, but our last trip was very disappointing. We arrived 5 mins late for our reservation, but were sat immediately, and there were plenty of open tables. We then waited for 25 minutes and no one came to take a drink order, or even acknowledge that we were there. A table came in after us and had drinks within a few minutes. Three servers all walked by us multiple times and no one stopped to say we will be with you soon or anything. We ended up leaving due to lack of service. Like I said this is our first negative experience here and we have been coming for a few years now. But was truly disappointed by this visit.
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GC
GloriaC
Louisville
3 reviews
5.0
3 reviews
Dined on August 5, 2023
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Each person enjoyed their meal, server was attentive, atmosphere was low key and enjoyed music selection
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LW
LW502
Louisville
6 reviews
vip
2.0
6 reviews
Dined on August 4, 2023
1. Overall 2
2. Food 1
3. Service 2
4. Ambience 1
My mother and I stopped in for lunch on a Friday afternoon. There was only one other table which should have been an indication of what we were about to experience. Our server was friendly overall but not present. The food was very disappointing. My falafel was old and tough, no dressing in the wrap and my rosti was overcooked and room temperature…all the food was room temperature. My mother’s barbecue looked like it had seen better days and her corn cake was stale and dry. The soup beans had no seasoning and no flavor. The coleslaw was just average. Very disappointed in our first experience with a Chef Ouita Michel’s restaurant. The server did give us a 50% discount but I would much rather have had an enjoyable lunch out. I usually do not complete restaurant reviews but this experience was so very disappointing I feel compelled to do so.
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OT
OpenTable Diner
Louisville
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on July 30, 2023
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
First time at Zim’s cafe and will definitely be back. The service was exceptional, and the food was great!! Really enjoyed the brunch, and look forward to trying other items off the regular menu.
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l
lexingtongirl1
Atlanta Metro
17 reviews
5.0
17 reviews
Dined on July 24, 2023
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Great meal.....wonderful atmosphere........Good fo small or large group.....Definately will use again
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DL
DorothyL
Nashville
8 reviews
vip
5.0
8 reviews
Dined on July 23, 2023
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Third time here, second this week. Really enjoyed the brunch. Place was busy, but service was great. Food always delicious.
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OT
OpenTable Diner
Louisville
6 reviews
vip
5.0
6 reviews
Dined on July 21, 2023
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Zims was a always a great place to go. You can’t go wrong with just about anything on the menu. The shrimp and grits are so delicious.
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SN
ShannonN
Louisville
3 reviews
5.0
3 reviews
Dined on July 17, 2023
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
I am always impressed with Chef Ouita Michaels restaurants and Zim's is no exception. This unique gem provides guests with plenty of Kentucky based dishes which was ideal for our guests visiting from California! The service was excellent and the atmosphere was perfect for our party of 8 who was catching up with each other. Thank you Chef Michaels for so many great spots!
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Safety precautions

Cleaning & sanitizing
- Surfaces sanitized between seatings
- Digital, disposable or sanitized menu provided
- Sanitizer or wipes provided for customers

FAQs

You can order delivery directly from Zim's Cafe using the Order Online button. Zim's Cafe also offers takeout which you can order by calling the restaurant at (859) 785-3690.

Zim's Cafe is rated 4.2 stars by 395 OpenTable diners.

Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.

Make a reservation

Party Size

2 people

DateTime

Dec 9, 2023

7:00 PM

Booked 12 times today

Order delivery or takeout

215 W Main St, Lexington, KY 40507

Additional information

Cross street
Located between Short and Main Streets at Upper Street.
Neighborhood
Lexington
Price
$30 and under
Cuisines
American, Café, Southern
Dining style
Casual Dining
Dress code
Casual Dress
Parking details
There are paid lots on Short Street as well as paid parking garages on Main and Short. Street parking is free after 5:00 on weekdays and all day on weekends and federal holidays.
Payment options
AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
Executive chef
Paul Hieb
Additional
Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cafe, Cocktails, Full Bar, Happy Hour, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Takeout, View, Weekend Brunch, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Website
http://www.zimscafe.com/
Phone number
(859) 785-3690
Private party facilities
Looking for a private event space? We rent out The Thirsty Fox. Email zimscafeky@gmail.com for more information.

Zim's Cafe

Make a reservation

Order delivery or takeout

Additional information

Popular dishes

Chocolate Bourbon Pecan Pie

Blackened Catfish

Toast

Menu

What 395 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Loved For

Safety precautions

Cleaning & sanitizing

FAQs

Does Zim's Cafe offer delivery through OpenTable or takeout?

How is Zim's Cafe restaurant rated?

Is Zim's Cafe currently accepting reservations?

Make a reservation

Order delivery or takeout

Additional information