“A little party never killed nobody,” and National Provisions helps bring some latenight class to Lexington. 

Walking into National Provisions, located on 710 National Ave., is a clash of modern and refined vintage.

Pulling from European traditions, the location hosts a restaurant, German-style beer garden, French bakery and market. 

National Provision’s restaurant, The Bluegrass Brasserie, has an ever-changing menu of fresh vegetable rich meals, paired with fresh seafood or meats.

The Beer Hall boasts 75 different craft beers, many of which are local, and the complex also partners with local breweries, like Country Boy, for special events. 

The Boulangerie is a French-style bakery that serves delicious tarts, macaroons and coffee. The macaroons are absolutely to die for — soft, flaky and creamy with just the right amount of flavor and sweetness.

Macaroon flavors range from caramel to vanilla, and even citrus mint. Coffee and friends pair perfectly with the rose marble cafe tables, or after-class drinks at the full bar.

The wait staff can be hit or miss, but for as many ordinary restaurant experiences, there are exceptional experiences. If items are unavailable, certain bartenders will refuse to serve a cocktail, and instead make the customer a personal cocktail.

There is a comfort in knowing the restaurant and bar won’t serve an item just to serve it, but instead they care about the quality of the product and the experience they provide. 

One of the glories of National Provisions is the local angle. Dishes are seasonal and often contain locally sourced ingredients. That is certainly comforting and, to be honest, better tasting. 

If dining out isn’t an option, the market side of National Provisions is open daily from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m., and one of the assets to having a unique market is a variety of products that aren’t found on typical shelves.

The market boasts fresh meats, locally made products and hard to find items. Fresh vegetables, fruits, and seafood are available, and the market also offers take home items, like pot pies, for a quick meal. 

The Bluegrass Brasserie serves lunch from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. and reopens for dinner at 4:30 p.m. Late night happy hours are from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. at both the Brasserie and The Beer Hall. 

Prices are high, and National Provisions isn’t a typical meal (an average entree is around $22) for a college budget. But the artistry and the skill are worth it. 

If it’s a celebration, then National Provisions is the perfect place for dinner.

If it’s a meaningful date night, check them out. If quality drinks and a beautiful environment are the end goal, this isn’t just the place to be, it’s a haven for quality. 

Lexington Souers is the features editor of the Kentucky Kernel.

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