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. Order a cocktail, bourbon, or local beer from The Thirsty Fox, the bar component across the atrium with a cozy atmosphere!
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.
Zim's Cafe reviews from people who’ve dined at this restaurant. Based on recent rating.
Overall ratings and reviews
Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant
4.6
4.6 based on recent ratings
4.5Food
4.5Service
4.4Ambience
4.5Value
Noise • Moderate
Diners' Choice Awards
Lexington
Great for brunch
Lexington
Neighbourhood gem
Review summary
AI-generated from verified diner reviews
Zim's Cafe offers a charming dining experience in a historic setting, featuring delicious southern comfort food. Guests rave about the "amazing service" and "outstanding food," particularly the shrimp and grits. While some experienced slow service, the friendly staff and vibrant atmosphere make it a "great place to dine."
502 Reviews
T
Tess VIP
Cincinnati37 reviews
5.0
Dined 4 days ago
Overall 5
Food 5
Service 5
Ambience 5
Brunch was great and Edward was awesome, even squeezed fresh grapefruit juice for our mimosas!
Zim's CafeResponded 3 days ago
Thank you for your 5 star review, Tess! Edward is a great asset to our team and we are glad you enjoyed his service. We hope to see you again, soon!
Julianna
co-General Manager & Beverage Director
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J
Jason
San Francisco1 review
5.0
Dined 6 days ago
Overall 5
Food 5
Service 4
Ambience 4
Great food, some unique items that were great as well. Fresh
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OT
OpenTable Diner
Louisville5 reviews
4.0
Dined on 9 March 2025
Overall 4
Food 4
Service 5
Ambience 5
Food was very good. The hot brown wasn’t the best I ever had, but still good. Our server was amazing, friendly and knowledgeable.
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P
Paul
Charleston1 review
5.0
Dined on 2 March 2025
Overall 5
Food 5
Service 5
Ambience 5
Excellent food and drink selections! Wait staff seemed overwhelmed on a Sunday evening. Artichoke fritters were great-staff tried twice to give us other table's order of them-we might have accepted after the third time! Our server noticed our food was delivered after later arriving tables and comped us a drink-very nice gesture-we'll certainly come back.
Zim's CafeResponded on 4 March 2025
Hi Paul,
Thank you for your great review! We are glad you came in and enjoyed yourselves. Hope to see you soon!
Julianna
co-General Manager & Beverage Director
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OT
OpenTable Diner
E. Tennessee3 reviews
5.0
Dined on 2 March 2025
Overall 5
Food 4
Service 5
Ambience 5
The waitress was amazing and made great recommendations from the menu. Bar had an amazing bourbon selection including allocated pours. Artichoke fritters were delicious. White mocha was 🔥🔥🔥, no cap. Eggs Bene was a great flavor combo, but overcooked yolk. 🥲 That runny yolk on that bad boy woulda been the chef's kiss. Definitely recommend Zim's!
Zim's CafeResponded on 4 March 2025
Thank you for your 5 star review! We appreciate you coming in and hope to see you again!
Julianna
co-General Manager & Beverage Director
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G
Gina VIP
Cincinnati9 reviews
5.0
Dined on 1 March 2025
Overall 5
Food 4
Service 5
Ambience 5
Zim’s has a bright interior and great food! The service is outstanding!
Zim's CafeResponded on 6 March 2025
Thank you for your 5 star review, Gina. We are glad you enjoyed the dining area and the food. We hope to see you soon!
Julianna
co-General Manager & Beverage Director
Zim's Cafe & The Thirsty Fox
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OT
OpenTable Diner
Louisville1 review
5.0
Dined on 28 February 2025
Overall 5
Food 5
Service 5
Ambience 5
Great food and service in a historic setting. Recommended.
Zim's CafeResponded on 6 March 2025
Thank you for your 5 star review. We are so glad you enjoyed the food. Come see us again soon!
Julianna
co-General Manager & Beverage Director
Zim's Cafe & The Thirsty Fox
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L
Leslie
Louisville8 reviews
5.0
Dined on 19 February 2025
Overall 5
Food 5
Service 5
Ambience 4
Everything was good. All the dishes we ordered were very tasty. It was a good value nice wait staff. Recommend
Zim's CafeResponded on 6 March 2025
Thank you for the 5 star review, Leslie! We are so glad you enjoyed your visit. We hope to see you again!
Julianna
co-General Manager & Beverage Director
Zim's Cafe & The Thirsty Fox
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OT
OpenTable Diner
Greater Boston1 review
5.0
Dined on 16 February 2025
Overall 5
Food 5
Service 5
Ambience 5
Being in the old court house is already a unique experience but the food itself is really what makes Zim’s a great place to dine. The shrimp and grits with the greens had flavors that worked so well together and has a nice little kick too. Atmosphere and the people were great as well!
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E
Erin
Philadelphia1 review
4.0
Dined on 15 February 2025
Overall 4
Food 4
Service 4
Ambience 5
Great ambiance. Our drinks were great and staff was very kind.
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FAQs
Zim's Cafe offers takeout which you can order by calling the restaurant at (859) 785-3690.
Zim's Cafe is rated 4.6 stars by 502 OpenTable diners.
Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.
Located between Short and Main Streets at Upper Street.
Area
Lexington
Hours of Operation
Sun 9:00 am–9:00 pm
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.