Diners' Choice: Great for outdoor dining restaurants in Central Kentucky

OpenTable

Updated June 05, 2025

Looking for the best restaurants that are great for outdoor dining in Central Kentucky? You’re in the right place. Each month, OpenTable analyzes nearly 2 million global diner reviews from the past four months. We sort the results by location and category to help you discover new favorite restaurants. It's a great partnership: you reserve, eat, and review. We listen...and deliver the results for all to benefit. Enjoy!

The Chalet

4.8

4.8 (360)

$31 to $50

Contemporary American

Somerset

About the restaurant

The Chalet is unique dining experience in a beautiful setting with outdoor (open seating) and indoor (reservations) seating. The Chefs provide 50+ years of culinary experience building flavors using contemporary cooking techniques and the highest quality of ingredients. Our mission is to provide the best service possible combined with delicious foods that will leave a lasting memory of your epicurean journey.

Top review

Wesley

Dined 3 days ago

The food was phenomenal! The host and waiter were outstanding. This was a great dining experience!

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4.8

4.8 (332)

$50 and over

Southern

Frankfort Ave - Crescent Hill

About the restaurant

A Southern restaurant using Japanese technique and style to connect the parallels in culture between Japan and the American South. All service is a la carte and come out as they are prepared to insure they are served at their peak. Share the table with family and friends. We are honored to welcome all guests.

Top review

TimVIP

Dined 2 days ago

Outstanding experience. Excellent food prep, innovative menu, great service.

The Silver Dollar

4.7

4.7 (669)

$31 to $50

American

Butchertown

About the restaurant

Step back in time to the 1950s at The Silver Dollar, a Louisville gem that captures the essence of Southern California honky-tonks. Immerse yourself in the sounds of classic vinyl as you savor Chef Tyler Powell's innovative Southern-meets-Southern-California cuisine. Indulge in craft cocktails and soak up the vibrant atmosphere, whether you're enjoying a lively dinner or a leisurely weekend brunch on the spacious patio. The Silver Dollar, housed in a beautifully restored 1890s firehouse, offers a unique dining experience that blends history, music, and culinary delights. Come discover the charm and flavors that await you at The Silver Dollar.

Top review

Jeff

Dined on Jun 22, 2025

Overall a nice experience, very slow as in attendance for a Sunday Brunch. Quick for food. No fountain drinks but a can of Diet Coke.

Captains Quarters Riverside Grille

4.7

4.7 (519)

$30 and under

American

East Louisville

About the restaurant

Captain's Quarters a historic restaurant in Louisville overlooking the Ohio River at Harrods Creek serving a wide range of seafood, steak, sandwich and salad options. With all of its meats and fish handpicked or market fresh there is plenty of dishes to choose from that will suit anyone's tastes. There is also a full bar that serves a range of cocktails, martinis and wines that will complement the meals at Captain's Quarters. While most popular in the summertime with outdoor decks, the cozy indoor views in the winter can be spectacular.

Top review

Laura

Dined 7 days ago

Once again Captains Quarters did not disappoint. The staff was so accomodating. Great service. Yummy food. One of our favorite restaurants.

Trackside Restaurant and Bourbon Bar

4.6

4.6 (87)

$30 and under

American

Paris

About the restaurant

If reserving on a Sunday please be sure to check our Sunday menu as this is a speciality day and not our full Menu! Thanks and read below about our history!

Trackside Restaurant and Bourbon Bar, LLC, is located in the fully-restored historic 1882 Paris, Kentucky Train Depot. Trackside celebrates everything that makes Paris and Bourbon County great, Horses, History and Hospitality offering seasonal Kentucky fare. Trackside NEW hours are Monday - Saturday - Open at 11 a.m.

We are now open Sunday! This is a Pizza & Wings day only. We cook your pizza artisan style in a real wood fed brick pizza oven! 11-7!

When making an online reservation please add your seating preferences, so we can best accommodate your request! Feel free to call us at 859-340-3010. We offer a comfortable home style Kentucky kitchen fare with reasonable prices and fresh local produce whenever possible.

Top review

JamesVIP

Dined on Jun 12, 2025

A fabulous meal with outstanding service. The only noise was the pleasant sound of a train passing right by our table Don’t miss going to this place!

Palmers Fresh Grill

4.5

4.5 (1837)

$30 and under

Seafood

Lexington

About the restaurant

As the name implies, fresh is the focus at Palmers.

More than just fresh ingredients, Palmers is a fresh twist on what an enjoyable dining experience should provide. A fresh way to please your palate, featuring savory dishes and an evolving menu that spotlights many local ingredients. Palmers also offers weekly specials truly capturing the essence of seasonal flavors.

With a casually sophisticated ambiance, complemented with knowledgeable and friendly service staff, Palmers provides one of Lexington's favorite dining experiences. Enjoy lakeside seating and live music on the spacious patio during warm weather months.

Looking for another reason to raise your glass? With over 100 Bourbons and whiskeys to choose from, paired with our award-winning wine, and cocktail list you are sure to find a lively libation!

Top review

JoshVIP

Dined 2 days ago

Great view amazing server amazing food loved the place will be back

Upland Brewing Co - Jeffersonville

4.5

4.5 (151)

$30 and under

American

Jeffersonville

About the restaurant

Upland Jeffersonville is located right on the Ohio River with a tri-level patio overlooking the Louisville skyline. 20 taps feature Upland classics, seasonals, sour ales, & small-batch innovations. Pair your favorite beverage with a well crafted menu featuring spirited pub classics & creative options for vegetarians.
Soak in the beautiful view from the patio with an accompanying outdoor bar. Well-behaved dogs are welcome outside.

Top review

Don

Dined on Jun 14, 2025

We enjoyed our meal on the patio. The waitstaff was very accommodating and did an excellent job taking care of us! It was a very enjoyable experience!!

Lost Palm

4.5

4.5 (160)

$31 to $50

Cocktail Bar

Lexington

About the restaurant

Seven stories up and an oasis above Lexington, a rooftop nod to sultry South Florida. Embrace an experience filled with small bites, big hats, and inspired tropical drinks. Lost Palm welcomes you!

Reservations are highly encouraged, however we accept walk-ins on a first-come, first-served basis. Find us at The Manchester Hotel in the Distillery District, with valet services at your convenience. Street and paid parking options are available. All visitors must be 21 or older, with ID verification upon entry.

Reservations are available indoors or outdoors. We'll try our best to accommodate, but we cannot guarantee swapping indoor/outdoor reservations. For groups over 6, please call (859)-785-3906. Our kitchen welcomes you from 4-10PM daily. For cabana rentals, email twetzel@themanchesterky.com.

Enjoy an unforgettable visit to Lost Palm, where leisure and luxury blend seamlessly.

Top review

jenniferVIP

Dined 4 days ago

The venue is lovely. If you go on a Thursday before 6.30 the noise level is great for conversation after that it’s over the top and you’re shouting. The food is ok, choices are minimal. Wish there was a desert that at least complimented the food choices. No chocolate or sorbet and no coffee drinks. Our waitress was delightful.

Crust

4.5

4.5 (25)

$30 and under

Pizzeria

Lexington

About the restaurant

Crust by Bella Notte Restaurant Group
Reservations coming soon !

Top review

PeterVIP

Dined on Jun 20, 2025

Delicious Italian food, pizza, etc with nice cocktails and wonderful side patio. Enjoyable experience.

High Stakes Rooftop Grill

4.1

4.1 (154)

$31 to $50

American

West Louisville

About the restaurant

High Stakes is a modern take on the classic American grill showcasing culinary traditions and flavorsome grilling techniques with a dedication to high-quality ingredients. Paying homage to the come-from-behind winners in life, sports, history, and the arts – celebrating all the unimaginable photo finishes, strivers, and unlikely underdog winners that have made this great country what it is today. Here’s to the winners, the higher the stakes, the more you own that moment in time.

Top review

Julie

Dined 2 days ago

Our server, Monique, was amazing! So friendly & a pleasure to be around. Food was amazing as well as the atmosphere!

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Experience

Social Hour

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