A Visit to NoLi

Photography by Marie Pullen Photography

Nestled inside a small, cinder block edifice on North Limestone near 7th Street, you will discover a wonderful sandwich shop known as Mintons 760. Owners Chef Ashley and her husband, Brad have designed this cozy spot to seat about 20 people inside and another eight or so on the little back porch. With a longtime presence in Lexington’s trendy NoLi (North Limestone) neighborhood, I’m here to tell you, Mintons is a hidden gem.

Dining outside when the weather is right!

Raised in a military family, Ashley has lived in many places around the U.S. However, her southern roots have taken firm hold, as evidenced in her outstanding cooking and baking expertise. Ashley graduated with the first Sullivan class in Lexington and to the delight of our culinary senses, we locals are tickled she has chosen to remain.

Ashley and Brad catered for several years before settling into their brick-and-mortar home. As a former liquor store front, the building has undergone a great transformation. The Mintons have installed new flooring, lighting, cabinetry, and of course renovated the cozy kitchen area.

Seems everyone loves Mintons!

Pierre (Cook Extraordinaire) and Sheila (Ashley’s Mother)

Equipped with her dear grandmother’s flavorful recipes (several tasty items named after brother, Nick), Ashley serves the kind of creative fare you’ll never find in the everyday, chain restaurant. Her helpful mother, Sheila and other brother, Dan play major roles as well in the success of this fine establishment. With Ashley’s inspired offerings, the family love is palatable.

Enjoy a hot beverage in a locally made Kentucky mug by local potter, Carl Wagoner

Menu items include juicy Pulled Jerk Chicken crunched with Corn Cakes and served with fresh slaw. The Sweet Potato Hash is to die for, not to mention the tantalizing Hot Ham, Apple & Brie Sandwich. Slice into the aromatic Josh Omelet and oh, there are so many more scrumptious choices including salads and black bean burger! Many tempting vegetarian and vegan options are also available.

Pictured here the Pulled Jerk Chicken crunched w/Corn Cakes and Brunch on a Bun!

Pictured here the Ham, Apple and Brie with side of Mac. You can add flavors to your Mac n Cheese… Whaahh?!! It’s true, choose from Buffalo Chicken, Pesto, Goat Cheese, Bacon Jam or Sriracha!

Virtually every savory treat is made in-house such as the killer jams and marmalades sold in recyclable, glass jars. Sample unique flavors like the unassuming Apple Butter (spiced with a secret ingredient – Red Hots!), delectably creamy Pumpkin Butter and zesty Peach Ginger Jam. Share some of your favorites to perk up dinner and needless to say, Mintons 760’s prized selections make awesome gifts!

The delicious Birthday Cake baked fresh every day!

Once you have your tummy full of Minton’s goodness, pop right around the corner to Rock House Brewery, it is, after all Beer Week from May 11th through the 20th! To celebrate, the guys at Rock House have paired with Nates Coffee to create several coffee beers. It’s easy to try them all when you choose a flight.

Rock House gets its name sake as the tasting room was formerly an office for Lexington Quarry built in 1923 and is one of the most unique tasting rooms in the area. Rock House now has a warehouse where you’ll find ping pong and bocci ball. Sit outside when the weather is nice and just soak in the atmosphere. Come on over where you’ll often find the owners, Jon Brown- head brewer, Danny Haddad, Kevin Richey and Billy Hacker, a former group of craft brewers who met through the BOCK (Brewers of Central Kentucky) out making and tasting their creations

Inside you’ll find lots of fun games to enjoy with friends.

One more thing before you head home, down just a couple doors is Kentucky for Kentucky. Their mission is to promote all things Kentucky and is just a hoot when shopping their extensive wares, ranging from apparel to household goods to jewelry. The NoLi Night-Market is open as well, be sure to venture out for a great time. Upcoming 2018 markets are June 1st, July 6th, Aug 3rd, Sept 7th, Oct 5th, Nov 7th and Dec 7th!