Location: Lexington
Top Restaurants in Lexington
Top 10 restaurants in Lexington, United States
Welcome to Bluegrass Country, the "Horse Capital of the World." But you don't have to be an avid racehorse fan to enjoy the natural beauty, culture and history that this exciting city has to offer. At the Raven Run Nature Sanctuary, for example, hiking trails wend their way through forests, meadows and gentle creeks, taking you past historic landmarks; there's even a nighttime guided walk for stargazing. The best place in the world for raising thoroughbred horses, Lexington has over 500 horse farms. The Kentucky Horse Park features films, horse shows and exhibits. Be sure to tour the American Saddle Horse Museum, dedicated to the native Kentucky breed, and watch races at the lovely Keeneland Race Course in season. Historic sites are plentiful here, including the Waveland State Historic Site, the childhood home of Mary Todd Lincoln and the Ashland estate of famed Kentucky statesman Henry Clay.
Things to do in Lexington
1. Blue Door Smokehouse
Overall Ratings
5 based on 582 reviews
Reviewed By Bill_123 - Timbuktu, Mali
This small (about 7 tables and 4 parking spots) busy hole-in-the-wall BBQ joint provides friendly counter service, does lots of take-out business, and serves the most amazing brisket. Their prices are also very reasonable so go early because as the local that recommended the Blue Door says, they often close early, sometimes as early as 2:30 PM because their smoked goods sell out.
* The brisket sandwich is super moist, tender, and smoky for $5.50, no sides. It was the best brisket we ever had.
* A ½ rack of ribs with two sides was only $15.50. The ribs were very good, tender and smoky, but not as moist and the amazing brisket.
* Their collard greens were quite good and baked beans were OK. The beans, which had a good spicy flavor, could be improved with a little less cooking time, because the beans were approaching a paste like texture.
2. Merrick Inn
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 715 reviews
For nearly 40 years, the Murray family has owned and operated Merrick Inn, located in the immaculately maintained manor house of Merrick Place; for years, one of the finest thoroughbred farms in the Bluegrass region. Merrick Inn is located on Merrick Court,off Tates Creek Road, just inside New Circle Road at the top of the hill in Merrick Place.Visitors to Merrick Inn enjoy superb signature southern cuisine and innovative American dishes, complemented by unparalleled service. Murrays' pride themselves on being the establishment of choice for those in the thoroughbred industry, area residents and visitors to the Commonwealth of Kentucky. Dinner is served Monday through Saturday at 5:30PM. Enjoy cocktails in our lounge after dinner.As weather permits, enjoy lighter fare and entertainment on weekends on one of the most attractive, comfortable and popular patios in the area.
Reviewed By AMP2011
2 of the 3 people in our foursome who ordered the filet thought it was the best steak they ever had. Perfect center cut and prepared medium rare. Unfortunately the 3rd person ordered it medium and it came rare, cold in the middle. It took our server about 10 minutes to return to check on us. The steak was an end cut. The server took it and returned quickly with it cooked thoroughly through. That was the only disappointment. The rest of the food was great. The atmosphere in the bar and dining room is lively but not too loud. Service was great
3. Coles 735 Main
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 310 reviews
Showcasing an inspired mix of eclectic fine dining and familiar Southern consciousness, Coles 735 Main brings a playful sense of variety to Lexington’s dining scene. Lexington Kentucky-born Executive Chef Cole Arimes presents a menu of reinvented American classics, global flavors, and rustic artisan dishes. Set in a tastefully refinished historic landmark in downtown Lexington, Coles 735 Main offers a warm, relaxing atmosphere – ideal for romantic fine dining or spirited get-togethers at the inviting indoor bar and outdoor gazebo.
Reviewed By Nicole G - Lexington, Kentucky
This place never disappoints!! Our family went out to Coles on Saturday for dinner and it was absolutely the best meal! The service was superb, the wine amazing and the food fantastic! This is by far the best place in Lexington! Skip Tony’s & Malone’s, this is the place to go!
4. Tony's Steaks & Seafood
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 449 reviews
Reviewed By SherriEsther
My husband brought me here to celebrate an early Valentines Day. Everything from the atmosphere, service and food was absolutely perfect. Yes, it is pricy, but absolutely out of line for the best steakhouse in Lexington. I highly recommend for any special occasion, or just to show off what Lexington has to offer.
5. Wild Eggs
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 212 reviews
Wild Eggs is a fresh, contemporary breakfast/ lunch spot in Lexington, KY. The friendly service and stellar food have made it one of Big Blue Nation and Lexington's favorite spots.
Reviewed By de-oppresso-liber - Someset, KY
Superior Breakfast. I had the country fried steak with gravy, eggs, grits and an a Everything muffin. The grits were the best of any grits I’ve ever had in my life! They had bacon, cheese, sausage and I’m guessing some type of spicy pepper. Crazy good. The Everything muffin is pretty special too. Savory not sweet. If you like Cracker Barrel you’ll love love love Wild Eggs!
6. Athenian Grill
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 175 reviews
Authentic fresh Greek Food.
Reviewed By leftout - mt. sterling, ky
Saw location on a map, but left our cell phones at home and had a hard time finding it. Not realizing it sat back of a bank's parking lot. Had to ask a couple of people how to find it. Kept telling us across from Starbucks. Their platter was different from the ones I had eaten in Chicago. In Chicago you got the bread and fries. Here you have to pay for the bread(small order) and the lamb was in a liquid on the steamer table- was use to having the lamb carved from the spit and put on the griddle a short time. With the platter, got 1 side(we both took the green beans). The lunch was good, but felt the meat in a juice lost some flavor, Now at least we know how to find it. Was surprised how small the place was. We were the only customer on this Sunday and they had a carry out order while we were eating.
7. Harry’s Hamburg
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 983 reviews
The best of Lexington. Malone's is Bluegrass Hospitality Group's original concept, Malone's is pleased to serve guests at three Lexington locations: Hamburg, Palomar and Lansdowne. Known for USDA Prime Beef, an extensive wine list and a relaxed atmosphere, Malone's is the perfect place for a business luncheon or family celebration. Enjoy a full service lunch or dinner, including rolled to order, fresh sushi from the Aqua sushi bar. Our diverse menu and over-the-top hospitality are sure to make Malone's your premiere dining destination.
Reviewed By Raymond Q - Naperville, Illinois
Great burger & great buffalo chicken sandwich! Topped of with a Lexintonian salad you’ve got a winning late night meal!
8. Malone's
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 267 reviews
The best of Lexington. Malone's is Bluegrass Hospitality Group's original concept, Malone’s is pleased to serve guests at three Lexington locations: Hamburg, Palomar and Lansdowne. Known for USDA Prime Beef, an extensive wine list and a relaxed atmosphere, Malone’s is the perfect place for a business luncheon or family celebration. Enjoy a full service lunch or dinner, including rolled to order, fresh sushi from the Aqua sushi bar. Our diverse menu and over-the-top hospitality are sure to make Malone’s your premiere dining destination.
Reviewed By KentuckyGirl1972 - Lexington, KY
This is my favorite steakhouse in Lexington. The bottomless salad (iceberg lettuce, tons of bacon, tomatoes and ranch dressing all mixed together) is to die for! I seriously LOVE the salad. The crab Rangoon roll is delicious and different. They stopped serving the best crab cake I've ever eaten, and I'm still sad about it. I have had crab cakes all over the U.S., and none have come close to Malones'. I am hoping they will see the error of their way and add it back to the menu. Also, I like the buddy system the waiters use. You have a "main" waiter and a "backup". This makes it nearly impossible for your drink to go unfilled. And, I prefer the Tates Creek location to the Hamburg one. I just feel like it's cozier.
9. Carson's Food & Drink
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 136 reviews
Carson’s Food and Drink welcomes you to enjoy new and exciting chef driven recipes, paired with prohibition style cocktails, hand selected wines, craft beers, Kentucky bourbons and great scotch. It’s our pleasure to serve you in our rustic, elegant and refined atmosphere.
Reviewed By Mark B
The first person you meet walking into a nice restaurant is usually the host or hostess. And they should be friendly, right? A nice smile - thanks for stopping by. Not here. I can’t say out hostess was rude, but she couldn’t have seemed less interested that we were there. She scoffed at us for not having reservations - it was a very early dinner and the place was 1/4 full. She showed us our table with three chairs - but we needed 4 - but did she pull the extra chair over? Nope- we did that too. Just lazy and uncaring if you ask me.
I hoped our food server would be better. No such luck. While I was reading the menu, he plopped a plate right down on top of it and kept on walking. Not interested in me but he was interested in the other waitress he was flirting with.
Food - ribs are fabulous. I highly recommend. French dip - nope. Au Jus was so thick you couldn’t dip in it.
My take - I think Service is important. That’s what I’m paying inflated prices for - a nice smile - a “welcome to Carson’s” - a “let me get that chair”. But you won’t get this type of friendliness here. Not at all.
If you don’t mind being taken for granted- go to Carson’s. You’ll feel right at home.
10. Gumbo Ya Ya
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 372 reviews
Gumbo Ya Ya Fast Casual Cajun Creole is locally owned & operated by Greg and Tressa Todd. Greg started his career in the Cajun restaurant business in 1989 as an assistant manager for New Orleans native Joe Vuskovich (Original founder of Jozo's Bayou Gumbo). Greg worked under Joe V's wing for many years as a prep cook, store manager & co-partner of the original Yats Cajun Creole. After several years in the business, Greg decided to open his own Cajun joint with a “keep it simple” motto & no frills. Thus the chalkboard menu and tax included pricing. The S. Broadway location opened it's doors in January of 2004 and continues to serve up Lexington's finest Cajun cuisine around. Greg takes great pride in knowing every plate of food served in his store is prepared by him using fresh local produce (no preservatives) & that he is dishing up damn good Cajun Creole for a can’t beat it price! So, whether your in the mood for the famous Yatwich, or you need to satisfy your irrepressible urge for Maque Choux, or you just want ya some Red Beans & Rice on Wash day, Ya Ya's has got you covered!
Reviewed By wayne w - Denver, Colorado
I am a long time TripAdvisor member and rely greatly on the reviews. A Certificate of Excellence always gets my attention. So when I saw a highly rated Cajun food place near where I was going to be, I thought it perfect. Not quite.
It's a simple enough place--the menu is posted up on the wall so everyone can see it. And the cashier is patient with his explanations of how it all works. And the prices most reasonable. But that's where it ends...
As I am allergic to chicken, I couldn't eat many of the menu items. But their most in demand item was the Maque Choux which I could eat so I ordered it. Food comes out very quickly (it's not cooked to order--everything is cooked and ready to be spooned onto a plate). And portions are big--both of us brought food home.
But...I didn't enjoy eating it. Even with generous amounts of the spicy hot sauce sprinkled all over it. I hate wasting food. But suspect I won't be eating the leftovers I brought home.
We were told this location (they have another) is the original and about 13-15 years old. It looks like the place hasn't been "freshened up" since it opened. It needs paint and a good cleaning (in some places).
If this place is close to the university, I can understand why it might be popular. It's cheap, fast, and plentiful. Just what students on a budget want and need.
Just for the record: I've been to New Orleans several times over the years and like Cajun food. But not this time. And it was disappointing enough I won't be giving it another chance to impress.
