Third Street Stuff & Coffee: A Cornerstone of Community, Creativity, and Kindness in Lexington, KY

For over a decade, Third Street Stuff & Coffee has been more than just a coffee shop to me – it’s been a vibrant refuge and a home away from home. Nestled in downtown Lexington’s north side, this colorful, funky cafe immediately lifts your spirits as soon as you walk through the.

I remember countless afternoons sinking into a cozy couch at Third Street Stuff, latte in hand, feeling the worries of the day melt away in the warmth of its eclectic atmosphere. Whether I was escaping a long work shift with their budget-friendly happy hour coffee or meeting up with friends on the lively patio, Third Street Stuff always offered comfort, creativity, and a sense of belonging. It’s the kind of place where strangers strike up friendly conversations, local art adorns every surface, and the air is filled with the inviting aroma of locally roasted, fair-trade coffee.

In a city filled with great hangouts, Third Street Stuff stands out as a beacon of community and kindness, and it has woven itself into the fabric of my life and the lives of many Lexingtonians- myself included.

An Art-Filled Haven with a Funky Vibe

“Pat has created a visual space that makes people happy. You can’t come into a place with this color and not feel lifted,”

(Inside Third Street Stuff & Coffee, vibrant colors and social justice art (like portraits of George Floyd and Breonna Taylor) fill the walls, reflecting its creative and inclusive spirit.)

Walking into Third Street Stuff & Coffee feels like stepping into a living work of art. Every wall, surface, and corner bursts with colorful, whimsical decor crafted or curated by the owner herself, Pat Gerhard. “Pat has created a visual space that makes people happy. You can’t come into a place with this color and not feel lifted,” one longtime barista observed.

The interior is a joyful collage of painted furniture, murals, and even interactive art – one wall is covered in magnetic poetry tiles, inviting patrons to play and create, while the community bulletin board becomes an ever-changing kaleidoscope of local happenings. Gerhard intentionally designed the space for interaction and inspiration: “I wanted people to be able to play… I love to see things expressed,” she shares, envisioning even a wall of changing graffiti to celebrate spontaneous creativity.

From the mismatched chairs splashed with bright paint to tabletops bearing positive messages, every inch of Third Street Stuff radiates personality. This funky vibe isn’t just for show – it’s a reflection of the cafe’s heart. In fact, Third Street Stuff was recognized by Business Insider as the Best Coffee Shop in Kentucky specifically for its “colorful, funky vibe” where you can sip espresso while browsing art and handmade novelty items created by the owner. The exterior of the shop is just as unique, often adorned with murals and a rainbow of hues that beckon passersby to come in and experience the magic inside.

Beyond aesthetics, the ambiance is welcoming and comfortably quirky. You’ll often find students hunched over novels or laptops, local artists chatting about their next projects, neighborhood regulars catching up, and curious tourists snapping photos of the vibrant decor. The shop’s layout offers a little something for everyone: soft couches and armchairs for those who want to lounge for hours, cafe tables for working or meeting, and an outdoor seating area perfect for soaking in the Lexington streetscape on a sunny day. The vibe manages to be both energetic and relaxing – “an oasis–a pulsating beacon of color and life” that feels like a shared community living room for the East End (quoted from neighborhoodneighborlyway.wordpress.com.)

It’s no wonder that Third Street Stuff has become a place where many beautiful memories are made, whether it’s falling in love over coffee, brainstorming the next big idea, or simply finding a moment of peace amid a busy day.

Brewing Community and Inclusivity, One Cup at a Time

Third Street Stuff & Coffee isn’t merely a spot to grab a great cup of joe – it’s truly interwoven in the cultural fabric of the community. From day one, Pat Gerhard wanted her business to be “more than a local food spot,” and she succeeded: Third Street Stuff has evolved into a meaningful neighborhood hub with its own one-of-a-kind vibe. Walk in at any given time and you might see an impromptu meet-up of activists planning their next initiative, a group of retirees gathering for morning coffee, artists trading ideas, or parents with kids enjoying a treat after school. The beauty of this space is how naturally it brings together people from all walks of life.

As Gerhard puts it, “People need a place to meet when they’re out. So, people meet each other here. Connections happen because they came into a space they share”. Age, race, profession, and socio-economic status don’t matter inside Third Street Stuff’s walls – it’s a true melting pot. Regulars affectionately call it “Third Street,” and describe it as a place that contains “a lot of energy” yet feels welcoming to all. A local patron once told me that at Third Street Stuff, “we might have 10 lawyers or 10 kids and they can all use the place… each person can utilize Third Street according to their own style.”

In other words, everyone belongs here.

“We are staying safe here in Lexington and supporting human rights and making a safe space. We love our community,”

Crucially, Third Street Stuff prides itself on being a safe, inclusive space. The shop was even officially designated an LGBTQ+ Safe Zone, signaling publicly that all are welcome and respected. The staff and regulars cultivate an atmosphere where diversity is celebrated – you’ll often notice pride flags, social justice art, and community resource flyers on display. Gerhard and her team have been outspoken supporters of human rights and equality; “We are staying safe here in Lexington and supporting human rights and making a safe space. We love our community,” the shop shared in a public facebook post. During Lexington’s annual Pride festival or other social justice events, Third Street Stuff goes out of its way to show solidarity – from hosting gatherings of LGBTQ+ youth poetry readings to simply offering a friendly haven for anyone who needs it.

This coffeehouse is also deeply embedded in local activism and charity. In its nearly 20 years of operation, Third Street Stuff has leveraged its space and customer goodwill to support countless causes. Buy a cup of coffee here, and you might also end up contributing to a winter coat drive or a food bank. In fact, patrons often “give back with their morning cup of joe.” The cafe recently held a coat drive in partnership with a historically Black church in the neighborhood (St. Paul AME), filling a need for warmth in the community. Just inside the entrance, you’ll find a donation box for knitted hats as part of a “Knit It Forward” initiative to help those in need.

These are not isolated events – community support is built into the mission of Third Street Stuff. The shop’s website proudly lists local organizations it has contributed to, from youth shelters and arts programs to hunger relief and social justice groups. Every year they participate in city-wide charity events like AVOL’s “Dine Out for Life,” where proceeds help fight HIV/AIDS. And when devastating tornadoes struck Western Kentucky, Third Street Stuff rallied support through groups like the Sunrise Movement to assist with relief. This consistent generosity shows how community-minded the business is – they’re always looking for ways to pour something back into Lexington and beyond. Gerhard sums it up simply: her drive to help others “lines up with her desire to help the community and her passion for human rights.”

The walls of Third Street Stuff tell the story of this advocacy too. Among the shop’s famously vibrant murals are social justice-inspired artworks painted by Pat Gerhard herself. In recent years, Gerhard’s art has prominently featured portraits of racial justice figures like Breonna Taylor and George Floyd, making bold statements in bright colors that this space stands firmly on the side of equality and change. She believes art and conversation go hand-in-hand. As you sip your latte, you might find yourself reflecting on a thought-provoking quote painted on a chair, or discussing a community issue sparked by a flyer on the bulletin board. Third Street Stuff actively encourages these dialogues – it’s not uncommon to find grassroots organizations hosting meet-ups here or to stumble upon a sign-up sheet for the next volunteer event.

The cafe’s contagious approach to blending creativity, business, and shared space has even been credited for inspiring broader positive changes in the neighborhood. Neighbors often point to Third Street Stuff as “ground zero” for community revitalization on North Limestone, proving how one welcoming space can spark a ripple effect of connection and innovation.

Locally Roasted Coffee and Lovingly Crafted Treats

Of course, none of this would matter as much if Third Street Stuff didn’t also excel at the basic mission of any cafe: serving delicious coffee and goodies. Thankfully, it does – and then some. The shop offers a full menu of espresso drinks, brewed coffee, teas, and blended concoctions, all made with beans that are locally roasted and Certified Fair Trade Organic. This commitment to ethical sourcing means you can feel good about every cup – each latte or cold brew is “serving the community and the world, one cup at a time,” as their motto goes.

Regulars know they can count on a consistently great brew with robust flavor (personally, the iced vanilla lattes here have fueled many of my productive afternoons). The baristas, often sporting creative flair themselves, are friendly and skilled, taking pride in crafting the perfect drink whether it’s your basic morning coffee or a whimsical seasonal special.

To complement the drinks, Third Street Stuff features locally baked goods and treats that are just as beloved. From giant chocolate chip cookies and vegan muffins to savory quiches, there’s always something tasty in the pastry case (and yes, the brownies are as addictive as rumor has it). What’s special is that many of these treats come from local kitchens and bakeries, reinforcing the café’s dedication to supporting local producers. And while you wait for your latte, you can browse the gift shop section of the cafe – a delightful array of quirky art, crafts, and novelty items, many of which are handmade by Pat Gerhard or other local artisans. Need a funky painted postcard, a tie-dye t-shirt with a positive slogan, or a colorful mug as a souvenir? It’s all there, adding to the one-of-a-kind experience of Third Street Stuff. Every item has a story, just like the cafe itself.

It’s no exaggeration to say that Third Street Stuff & Coffee has garnered a loyal following thanks to this high-quality, homegrown goodness. The shop has earned numerous accolades, voted “Best Cup of Coffee” in town multiple times by the local Ace Weekly’s Best of Lex awards. Perhaps even more impressively, Business Insider named it the “Best Coffee Shop in Kentucky,” highlighting its great coffee and unforgettably funky atmosphere. Third Street Stuff has certainly put Lexington on the map for coffee lovers – visitors often seek it out after hearing about its reputation, and they leave as fans.

Yet despite such recognition, the vibe remains humble and genuine. Pat Gerhard often says she learns as much from her customers as they learn from her; in her words,

“I do a lot of listening. Young people are wonderful teachers.”

This openness to feedback even influenced the cafe’s operations – for example, early on, when environmentally conscious patrons suggested switching from disposable cups to reusable mugs for in-house drinks, Pat readily embraced the idea to make the business more sustainable. That progressive, community-influenced mindset means the shop is always evolving and improving while staying true to its core values of quality and kindness.

Pat Gerhard: The Visionary Artist Behind It All

At the heart of Third Street Stuff & Coffee is its owner, Pat Gerhard, a woman whose creativity, resilience, and generosity have shaped every inch of the business. Pat is not only an entrepreneur but also a lifelong artist and community activist – a truly “multi-dimensional and inspiring woman,” as one friend describes her. From her vibrant wardrobe to the murals she paints on the cafe walls, Pat exudes the same funky, colorful spirit that defines Third Street Stuff. But her journey to build this beloved institution wasn’t straightforward; it’s a story of passion, perseverance, and reinvention.

Gerhard’s roots in activism and art go back to her youth in the 1960s, when she was already protesting for civil rights and women’s rights and surrounding herself with artists and change-makers. After moving to Lexington in the 1970s, getting married, and earning a degree in visual art from the University of Kentucky, Pat found herself, like many young artists, looking for a way to make a living through creativity. In the 1980s, while raising her son, she started a craft business from her apartment – weaving textiles and making handmade items to sell at Kentucky’s craft fairs. She worked tirelessly, eventually hiring a few weavers and selling goods to stores nationwide.

When mass-produced imports undercut that venture, Pat didn’t give up; she went “back to the drawing board” (or rather, back to the loom) and pivoted to new artistic projects. She began painting on anything she could get her hands on – from earrings and postcards to wooden clocks – and opened a small gift shop called Third Street Stuff in the mid-90s to sell her lively creations. The name came from the location (West Third Street) and the eclectic “stuff” she was making. Pat jokes that the shop and her art were like an ongoing collage, constantly evolving with pieces added here and there.

It was in 2004 that Pat made the bold leap to turn Third Street Stuff into the coffeehouse we all know and love today. She had moved the store to a quirky old building on North Limestone (at the corner of Third Street and Limestone) – a spot many cautioned her against because, at the time, the area was a bit run-down, with a disused bus station and a drive-thru liquor store as neighbors. But Pat saw potential and loved the community in this neighborhood. Still, the gift shop alone wasn’t drawing the diverse crowds she envisioned; she wanted to create a true gathering place, a space buzzing with life and conversations. Inspiration struck: why not add coffee into the mix? Coffee has a way of bringing people together, and Pat knew it could be the perfect complement to art. Starting a café was a huge undertaking – the storefront needed major TLC and Pat was essentially reinventing her business – but she poured her heart into it. Sure enough, when Third Street Stuff expanded into a coffeehouse, “the place became full of life, and business blossomed.”

Nearly 20 years later, that leap of faith has paid off many times over. Pat’s shop not only survived but thrived, even as trends in coffee and the cityscape changed around it.

Through the years, Pat Gerhard has overcome obstacles with a blend of creativity and determination. Economic recessions, the rise of corporate coffee chains, even the COVID-19 pandemic – Third Street Stuff weathered them all, often by doubling down on community spirit. In one instance, when a string of vandalism struck several local businesses (including Third Street Stuff’s own windows) in 2021, Pat responded with trademark positivity and humor. She teamed up with fellow coffee shop owners to create a tongue-in-cheek “Broken Glass Coffee Shop Tour 2021” T-shirt listing all the affected shops, turning misfortune into a fundraiser to help cover repair cost. As Pat quipped while waiting for her new windowpane, “I'll be glad to have glass again to see through”, but her focus remained on community solidarity rather than anger. This resilience in the face of challenges has only strengthened the love that Lexington has for Pat and her business.

Ask anyone who knows her, and they’ll tell you Pat leads with her heart. She’s the kind of owner who might quietly pay it forward when someone can’t afford their coffee, or who notices a struggling local artist and offers them a corner of the shop to display their work. Her philosophy is deeply rooted in kindness and empowerment. “I like to think there have been revolutions planned here,” Pat once said with a smile, referring to the spirited discussions her cafe hosts. “I like that people come here, sit at a table and make plans to change the world.” Undoubtedly, Third Street Stuff has been the birthplace of many grassroots ideas and collaborations. That’s exactly how Pat wants it. As a patron, it’s inspiring to see how she integrates her personal style, her business, and her community activism all together into one seamless vision. It’s not just a coffee shop – it’s an extension of who Pat Gerhard is, and an invitation for others to express themselves and feel safe.

Her generous spirit has earned her quiet accolades and a place as a local hero in Lexington’s small business scene. But if you compliment her on creating such a beloved institution, she’ll likely deflect the credit. “I learn so much from the people who come in here… I do a lot of listening,” Pat insists, emphasizing that Third Street Stuff is a collaborative creation with the community. Perhaps this humility and openness are the secret ingredients behind the cafe’s enduring success.

A Lasting Legacy of Love and Community

Third Street Stuff & Coffee is more than just a spot to grab a caffeine fix – it’s a living testament to what a local business can mean to a community. It shows that a coffee shop with a big heart can become a safe haven, an art gallery, a meeting ground, and a force for good, all while serving up the best cup of coffee in town. I’ve often thought that if Lexington ever wrote a love letter to its favorite places, Third Street Stuff would feature prominently as a cherished friend to all. The feelings this place inspires – warmth, belonging, creativity, hope – are woven into countless stories. Maybe it’s a teenager finding acceptance at an open-mic poetry night, or an elderly neighbor feeling less lonely after their daily chat with the barista. Maybe it’s someone discovering a passion for art because the colorful walls showed them what’s possible, or simply a tired worker (like I once was) finding the strength to carry on after a friendly smile and an affordable pick-me-up coffee. These little moments add up to something truly special.

“This place has soul- I like that it’s old and mixed up. I do a lot of collage work, and this place is like a collage.”

As Lexington continues to grow and change, Third Street Stuff remains a cornerstone of downtown life – proof that the old, funky building on North Limestone, with its patchwork of paint and love, has a soul that resonates with people. “This place has soul,” Pat says. “I like that it’s old and mixed up. I do a lot of collage work and this place is like a collage.”

In that collage, each of us who has walked through the door becomes a piece of the art. We leave a bit of ourselves (a conversation, a laugh, a new idea scribbled in a notebook) and we take with us the indelible feeling of being welcomed and valued.

In an era where shops come and go, Third Street Stuff & Coffee endures as a shining example of community-driven success. It’s the kind of place that makes you proud to live in Lexington, knowing such inclusive and positive spaces exist. If you’ve never been, consider this an open invitation to stop by and experience it. Grab a fair-trade latte and a seat among the rainbow-colored tables, strike up a chat with a friendly stranger or simply soak in the creative energy humming in the air. You’ll see why so many of us have fallen in love with this little coffee shop that dares to be different and dares to care. Third Street Stuff is, at its heart, about love – love of art, love of people, love of community – and every day it quietly proves that a business can succeed by being as human as the people it serves.

In celebrating Third Street Stuff & Coffee, we celebrate the best of Lexington: a city made kinder, warmer, and more vibrant by this one-of-a-kind place and the amazing woman behind it.

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Sources: 

Third Street Stuff official site thirdststuff.comthirdststuff.com;

Spectrum News 1 (Jan 3, 2023) spectrumnews1.comspectrumnews1.com;

Smiley Pete Publishing – Creative Types: Pat Gerhard smileypete.comsmileypete.com;

The Neighborly Way blog (2012) neighborlyway.wordpress.comneighborlyway.wordpress.com;

Business Insider (Aug 6, 2014)businessinsider.com;

LEX18 Newslex18.comlex18.com.