9 Lexington Eateries Where Country Ham Biscuits Could Shine

Lexington’s food scene offers plenty to love, but country ham biscuits deserve more attention at some local spots.

These flaky, buttery vessels paired with salty, cured ham create a perfect Southern breakfast that speaks to Kentucky’s culinary roots. I’ve rounded up nine local eateries where this classic dish would make an excellent addition to their already impressive menus.

1. Wallace Station Deli & Bakery’s Missing Breakfast Gem

This charming roadside spot already makes incredible sandwiches, but their biscuit game could reach legendary status with a proper country ham offering. Their bakery skills produce some of the fluffiest bread in the region, so imagine those same talented hands crafting buttery, layered biscuits.

The restaurant’s rustic farmhouse setting practically begs for this classic Kentucky staple. Chef Ouita Michel’s commitment to local ingredients would shine through with locally sourced country ham, creating the perfect balance of salty and sweet.

Weekend visitors already line up for their famous sandwiches adding a signature country ham biscuit would give early birds another reason to make the scenic drive to this Versailles-adjacent treasure.

2. Josie’s Restaurant’s Brunch Menu Gap

Weekends at Josie’s mean packed tables and a buzzing atmosphere as Lexington locals vie for their famous breakfast platters. Their scratch-made approach to morning classics has earned them a dedicated following, yet the humble country ham biscuit remains conspicuously absent.

The restaurant’s bright, airy space with exposed brick would provide the perfect backdrop for enjoying this Kentucky classic. Their kitchen already excels at biscuit-making, producing golden-brown beauties that could easily support the rich, salty goodness of quality country ham.

Imagine sipping their excellent coffee while biting into layers of buttery biscuit and thin-sliced country ham. This addition would bridge the gap between their more indulgent breakfast offerings and simpler fare.

3. Alfalfa Restaurant’s Farm-Fresh Potential

Long known for catering to vegetarian palates, Alfalfa might seem an unlikely champion for country ham biscuits. However, their commitment to local sourcing and scratch cooking makes them perfectly positioned to create an artisanal version of this classic.

The restaurant’s bohemian vibe and community-focused approach has made it a Lexington institution. While meat isn’t their main focus, they do offer select dishes featuring responsibly sourced animal products that would make their country ham biscuit stand out. Imagine their house-made biscuits already legendary paired with thin-sliced country ham from a local producer.

They could even offer a signature twist with a side of seasonal jam or local honey, creating a sweet-savory combination that would honor tradition while adding their unique touch.

4. Sage Rabbit’s Gourmet Take Waiting to Happen

This farm-to-table gem could elevate the humble country ham biscuit to new heights with their refined approach to Southern classics. Chef John Foster’s meticulous attention to detail would ensure each component reaches its full potential.

The restaurant’s elegant yet unpretentious dining room already attracts foodies seeking thoughtful cuisine. Their seasonal menu changes regularly, showcasing the best local ingredients, which could include heritage breed pork for an exceptional country ham. Unlike more traditional versions, Sage Rabbit’s interpretation might feature house-made preserves or a delicate herb butter to complement the ham’s saltiness.

This wouldn’t just be breakfast it would be a culinary statement about Kentucky’s food heritage, served on a perfectly flaky biscuit that would make any grandmother proud.

5. Kentucky Coffeehouse’s Morning Menu Showstopper

The aroma of freshly roasted beans greets customers at this beloved coffee spot, but their food menu could benefit from a signature country ham biscuit. Students and professionals alike crowd the tables with laptops and conversations, creating a lively atmosphere perfect for enjoying simple, delicious food.

Their current breakfast offerings include muffins and basic sandwiches, but nothing captures Kentucky’s culinary heritage. A properly executed country ham biscuit would provide substance to pair with their excellent coffee drinks.

The coffeehouse’s casual vibe and community focus make it an ideal setting for introducing visitors to this regional specialty. They could even source ham from nearby farms, creating a hyperlocal experience that tells the story of Kentucky’s food traditions with every savory, satisfying bite.

6. Good Foods Co-op Café’s Local Flavor Showcase

This community-owned grocery and café already champions local producers, making it the perfect place to spotlight a traditional country ham biscuit. Their hot bar and made-to-order counter serve health-conscious options, but there’s room for this heritage dish done right.

The café’s bright, community-focused space attracts a diverse crowd seeking quality ingredients and transparent sourcing. They could partner with a Kentucky ham producer to create a breakfast offering that tells a story about regional food traditions while supporting local farmers.

What would make their version special is attention to quality from organic flour in the biscuits to humanely raised pork for the ham. This wouldn’t be fast food but a thoughtful celebration of Kentucky’s culinary identity, served in a space where people already gather to connect with where their food comes from.

7. Dudley’s on Short’s Upscale Brunch Addition

Housed in a historic bank building with soaring ceilings and elegant decor, Dudley’s represents Lexington fine dining at its best. Their sophisticated brunch menu features classics with creative twists, but lacks a properly executed country ham biscuit that could become their signature morning offering.

The restaurant’s reputation for excellence means they wouldn’t serve just any version of this dish. Picture a made-from-scratch buttermilk biscuit, flaky and golden, paired with paper-thin slices of aged country ham from a heritage breed pig raised on a nearby farm.

Perhaps they’d add a delicate sorghum butter or a bourbon-infused fig jam to balance the ham’s saltiness. This upscale interpretation would honor Kentucky traditions while fitting perfectly with Dudley’s refined approach to Southern cuisine.

8. Chris’s Restaurant’s Home-Style Opportunity

This unassuming family diner has been serving Lexington comfort food for decades. The no-frills approach to breakfast keeps regulars coming back, but a standout country ham biscuit could elevate their morning offerings.

Friendly servers know most customers by name in this cozy spot where breakfast is served all day. The kitchen already makes solid biscuits for their gravy platters, so adding thinly sliced country ham would require minimal effort while maximizing flavor.

What makes Chris’s special is their consistency and fair prices. A properly stacked country ham biscuit here wouldn’t be fancy or pretentious just honest, delicious food that respects tradition while filling bellies without emptying wallets.

9. Doodles Breakfast & Lunch’s Perfect Morning Match

If you’re craving comfort food in Lexington, Doodles already delivers with their hearty breakfast plates. What’s surprising is they haven’t yet embraced the country ham biscuit as a signature item despite their Southern-inspired menu.

Their cozy atmosphere with cheerful yellow walls makes waiting for a weekend table worthwhile. Regulars flock here for favorites like the Hot Brown and biscuits with gravy, but a properly executed country ham biscuit would instantly become a bestseller.

The kitchen’s talent for balancing flavors would ensure the perfect ratio of smoky ham to buttery biscuit. This North Limestone neighborhood favorite could easily become Lexington’s country ham biscuit destination with one menu addition.