Known for vegetarian fare, this casual establishment near the UK also satisfies carnivores with its menu's wide-ranging scope. For more than a generation, the place has offered healthy alternatives to favorite dishes, serving everything from quiche to chicken and salmon, not to mention plenty of vegetable accompaniments and side dishes. Desserts are available, and theme nights are held regularly, expanding the menu and the fun. You'll also find a terrific weekend brunch and occasional live entertainment.

With expansive windows looking out on Triangle Park, this comfortable hotel restaurant attracts downtown professionals and folks frequenting Rupp Arena. Greenery and brass accents enliven the airy space, which is as good for a business lunch as a romantic dinner. Lunch offers pastas, salads, and sandwiches (including a delicious hot brown!), along with a weekly pasta bar that pulls in regular crowds. The dinner menu features steaks, seafood, and other hot entrees.They offer a Sunday buffet as well.

Pub ambience colors this local mainstay, especially in the front room, dominated by a large bar, wood paneling, and memorabilia from days past. The back room looks out on the patio and features exposed brick and artwork. Both venues attract frequent downtown crowds, who come for well-prepared pub fare and great draught and bottled beers. Sample a tavern battered halibut sandwich or maybe a smoked turkey reuben or a steak hoagie. Salads, soups, and daily hot entrees make appearances too, along with beef and veggie burgers. Cheapside also boasts an awesome, two-level patio, and live bands play towards the end of each week.

Occupying a one-time school house, this long-lived local favorite sits not far from either downtown or the UK campus and attracts a professional crowd. Along with the cozy dining room, it boasts an outdoor patio, and a great bar. The menu features roasted salmon, coriander-glazed chicken, veal Milanese, Australian lamb rib chops, and grilled pork. Pastas and steaks are also available, and the restaurant serves dinner quite late, a boon to folks with busy schedules. Applauded by many local and regional publications.

If you're concerned about how food is raised and the environment is maintained ­ or even if you just enjoy fresh, local ingredients ­ you'll like this cafe. Dedicated to healthy foods and given only to a light tread on the planet, the enterprise delivers the best in natural, unadulterated foodstuffs. You'll find organic coffees, smoothies, and juices that are the ultimate in quality, along with salads, sandwiches, sushi, and hot dishes for carnivores and vegetarians alike. Available for eat-in or take-out.