The Parkette, Lexington, KY

Enjoy a Poor Boy at Lexington's Favorite Drive-In Restaurant

by Fiona Young-Brown | March 22, 2010

Way back in 1951, when New Circle Road was little more than a dirt road, Joe Smiley decided the city needed a drive-in restaurant. He gave us the Parkette. He also gave us the Poor Boy, a double-decker hamburger. A Lexington landmark was created. A few years later, the famous sign was added—a sign that still stands today.

New Circle Road may have changed. Looking at the old pictures and then at the busy thoroughfare outside, it is hard to imagine a time when this was anything less than lanes of traffic, gas stations, and businesses. But one thing remains a Lexington favorite: the Parkette. A few years ago, rumors that it was on the market and that the venerable tradition might close had locals worried, but the Parkette is still open, and it's just as good as ever. Brothers Randy and Jeff Kaplan bought the business and decided it was time to restore it to its former 1950s glory. A grand reopening was held in August 2009 and business is booming at this retro drive-in where the food is great and the service is always with a smile. In fact, the Parkette's fame is about to grow—just last week Guy Fieri from the Food Network was here to film a segment about the restaurant for his show Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives.

Today, the food at the Parkette is still made using the same fresh ingredients as always. Whether you dine in your car, or go inside to enjoy the 1950s decor, you won't leave hungry. My personal favorite is the Smiley Boy, a deliciously moist, breaded chuckwagon patty in a bun with pickles, cheese, tomato, and lettuce, served with a side of tater tots. Prefer fried chicken? Choose from strips, dark, white, even gizzards or livers. Then there are the seafood boxes, Chicago-style hot dogs, fried bologna sandwiches, and no, I didn't forget the original Poor Boy, which is still as good as it was when old Joe Smiley first introduced it. You'll also want a shake, malt or root beer float to go with that.

During the summer, the Parkette has long been host to car club cruise-ins, and the Kaplan brothers have no plans to change that, so chances are if you come along on a Friday evening or a Saturday, you may also have the chance to browse some rather nice vintage vehicles. The Parkette is a step back in time and the Kaplans have gone out of their way to make sure that it is a family-friendly place, so come on by to enjoy one of Lexington's finest dining traditions.

The Parkette is located at 1230 E. New Circle Road, near Liberty Road. It opens at 11am, Monday through Saturday. Closed Sundays.