The Campbell House (And The Newest Rackhouse Tavern): A Lexington Tradition

If you're looking for somewhere to visit, stay, or eat at in Lexington, look no further! The Lexington Campbell House is a property right in the heart of Lexington, located on South Broadway. It's close to campus, downtown, Rupp Arena, and a good local for traveling to venues farther out such as Keeneland. If you live here, you've probably driven past it multiple times, wondering what the gorgeous white buildings were for (I know I have). This property, which used to be a horse farm, has had multi-million dollar renovations, turning it into a beautiful hotel with one of the best restaurants I've ever eaten at.

The Campbell House is a Kentucky Tradition of sort. The hotel has an equestrian theme, fitting well with Lexington itself. It has long been the choice hotel of anyone having to do with the races, from jockeys to owners. Many visitors of Lexington return year after year to stay here, and feel like it's become their home away from home.

The new renovations truly show in how absolutely gorgeous the entire place is. There is tons of open light and beautiful accents everywhere. My favorite part was the multiple cozy spaces with couches and tables set up for guests to spend evening relaxing.

THE RACKHOUSE TAVERN:

While everything about the hotel is great, the amazing restaurant was my personal favorite. First off, they have a crazy extensive bourbon list (something I think should be required of every Kentucky establishment LOL). They even became a stop on the KY bourbon trail this year. Second, they had one of the most gorgeous patios. Definitely in my top 10 patios in Lexington. It was so open and managed to be bright while shaded enough to keep the sun off of you. The open doors make even the inside feel like part of this beautiful patio.

While they have a limited menu right now because of COVID, it was still an amazing one, and it's actively expanding. The dip was great, and I was so excited that there was enough to take some home after. Obviously the beer cheese was my favorite, but the hummus was definitely close. The poutine was INCREDIBLE, so much so that my table saved any extra sauce that fell off the fries and used our entree fries to get every last bit (pro tip right there y'all).

This place was full of Kentucky staples. My entrée: The hot brown on the left, and look at all the layers on that thing. There was so much of it that I ended up taking half of this home as well and it was great for lunch the next day. I'm sure you could finish it if you really tried, but I had to save room for what was coming next..

BOURBON CREAM CHEESECAKE, Y'ALL! The dessert options at the place were to. die. for. They base menu options off of what they have fresh and in stock, so in addition to this beauty, there was a peach cobbler you could get, as well as a few other options.

Since my first visit, I've already returned to this restaurant twice! Every group I've take has absolutely loved it as much as I do, and it has definitely become a Kentucky tradition for me!

Below I added a few more pictures of the hotel area that I didn't include above!