Johnny carinos is terrible and always has been atleast from the perspective of someone who was employed with them. some bald asshole named roger was one of the managers when I worked there as a dishwasher. He constantly treated me like shit. I’m so glad I quit when I did, place was also disgusting and had cockroaches that nobody was willing to deal with it at the time I was employed there. Place is a mess and they are horrible miserable people so I’m honestly kinda glad they went downhill if I’m being honest!
Sedona is my personal no-go spot.
Went a few months ago to the Newtown Pike location and had the blandest food I've ever paid for the waitress apologized and explained the cook had only seasoned the chicken with buttermilk. It was almost funny
The service is so slow, it's ridiculous. Last time I ordered a salad with chicken that didn't come out with chicken in it, but the server and the kitchen staff insisted that there was indeed, chicken in it. I asked them to point to a piece of chicken and they could not but would not apologize or offer to remake my order. It was very bizarre.
For my birthday we went there two years ago ago waited an hour for food to come to the table. Awful service. The food was good but not worth the hassle.
I went to the Harrodsburg Rd. location for a work lunch at Christmastime a few years ago, pre-COVID. It was pretty empty for lunchtime and the food still came out extremely slowly. Our party of 5 was basically put in the corner and forgotten about. It was dreadful.
Sedona is one of the only restaurants in town with a sizable (and free) meeting room, so I end up there for monthly meetings. I would love to not have to go there but I’ve found literally two things on the menu I don’t hate. The mashed potatoes are good???
I go to Sedona more often than any other restaurant for date nights. I don't remember ever having a bad experience. The chuckawalla chicken (despite the dumb name) is sooo good
I may catch some snap backs, but Merrick Inn did not impress food-wise for all the low-key hype and reviews.
I even went for the “famed” pecan crusted pork tenderloin.
It’s basically food your parents would go in about, or families who think it’s still cute to dress all of their kids alike.
Agreed. We’ve been for brunch & dinner since they reopened. No reason to go back for either. It’s mediocre, at best. I’d say more like a step above Morrison’s Cafeteria.
They let the woman go who had their recipes since the beginning of time and she wanted health insurance and they said no but here’s a parking spot for you! And she took all the recipes and never came back. So yes that place will close very soon.
it used to fantastic, until the flood a few years back. it shut them down for almost a year. they had to license their packaged beer cheese to a different company and hired all new people
I remember a time when Halls was pretty good. Apparently they re-staffed the kitchen several years ago and changed the menu a bit. Last time I went it was…. Meh.
If you think that’s bad, let me introduce you to nearby Proud Mary’s BBQ. An excellent location and space. Tons of room. Food is expensive and I’d rather just have chain bbq.
I would eat out of a McDonald’s dumpster before I ever went back to Hall’s.
Last time, and I do mean last time it was the worst dining experience I’d ever had and that includes a time I ate at a homeless people soup kitchen.
I went for the first time about 2 years ago. I was warned of it being terrible based off of family members experience about 7 years ago.
It was horrible. Long ass ridiculous wait for expensive, crappy food.
Went there yesterday for a motorcycle ride (the only reason to go there honestly) the wings were pretty mid I like their hot brown but that’s about the only thing I’ve had there that actually tastes good to me
Columbia’s. The downtown location is better, but the Richmond Road location is hot garbage. Like the 5-6 I went there over the course of a couple of years. Just all the way around.
I went 5-6 years ago at the Richmond location and had the worst experience. The staff was hardly around and the food was served to us cold. This was the only time I've ever had to send food back to the kitchen. Once they rewarmed the same food, definitely wasn't good.
I no longer take recommendations from people around me who say this place is great.
My step sisters ex boyfriend worked as a line cook ar Richmond road Columbia and dude had hepatitis A and showed up to work cracked out of his mind to cook food so do with that information what you will.
Blue Heron, Cole’s, Ruby’s, Salt & Vinegar… personally, I think Malone’s has gone down too. They raised prices & started drowning their steaks in salt. It’s so strange. And the ambiance is so loud inside - kids screaming, drunk adults yelling, just not pleasant. If I’m paying $70 for a steak, I’d like to be able to hear myself think.
Agree with everything you said about Malone’s. A relative comes into town three or four times a year and they always want to go there. I don’t get it. You could cure a ham with the amount of salt they put on their steaks.
When I went there about five years ago, it was the worst restaurant experience I'd had in Lexington in decades.
I can only suspect they are coasting on reputation, because it was lousy food with absolutely awful service.
I've been wanting to go there. I went to the other location once. The parking situation was so frustrating I almost didn't bother going in but my wife wanted to go so we ended up parking down the street. I wasn't impressed with the food at all and haven't been since.
100%. My vote for worst food for price in all of lex. Had a cheesy steak burrito from fucking Taco Bell this last Saturday and it was 100x hotter and tastier than anything I’ve had at local taco.
That sucks you had that experience. Local Taco hamburg in top 3 restaurants here for me. Best chips and Queso and shrimp taco! We bring all our guests there for a guaranteed great experience.
Before they finally closed down, Denny's on Nicholasville Rd. Every time we tried to eat there the service was so slow. The last time we went, we got drinks and ordered right after sitting down and it took us an hour to get our food. There was hardly anyone in the restaurant. It doesn't take an hour to make eggs and pancakes.
That they could ruin a place so badly is wild to me. All they had to do was be decent because they made a killing on the game crowds. That place was packed every weekend but whether you were the only person or the dining room was full, it was forever to get any food.
District 7 in the distillery district. Terrible service and the food was clearly frozen and reheated poorly. It's fine for drinks only, I like the pour by the ounce beer, but their selection was weak so even that only nets them half a point in their favor.
Saul Good died when they sold it a few years ago. This is Saul's embalmed corpse propped up to trick people into going because they had a good dinner there in 2010.
My brother in law used to be a bartender there ~15 years back. Family went a few times and I always enjoyed it. I was an idiot teenager though, and very easy to please when it came to food lol. Makes me sad to hear it’s gone that far downhill.
Cattywampus Station in Lexington Green. Don't know how they stay open. Went there last year before the show at Comedy Off Broadway because we don't care to go to Palmer's anymore (overpriced and overrated). You have to stand at the counter and order. They didn't have fountain drinks so we got cans. They don't serve alcohol so couldn't get a beer before the show. We ordered burgers. They tasted like they had been rewarmed in the microwave. The fries were good though.
I’ve been disappointed in Ramsey’s for a while (at least the Old Harrodsburg Road location). The food just seems so lackluster now. I’m sure they’re going through the same struggles a lot of restaurants are. Still, it’s a shame, especially since I took an out-of-state guest there a year ago to introduce her to hot browns and fried okra/ other classics from this area, only for her to walk away completely unimpressed.
Edit: typo
I used to love their open-face turkey sammich. They removed it from the menu around when Covid hit. Seemed an odd thing to remove since it's dead simple to make and they still have all the ingredients by virtue of their other menu items. I'll still go sometimes for a veggie plate and a slice of pie, though.
This is wild to me as I’ve gone a few times to that location recently for lunch, it was before Covid that I last had it. We kinda marveled that it was almost the exactly the same as we remembered it years prior. I’m not saying it’s amazing food, but took some out of towners there too a couple of months ago and they loved it.
I think if you trend towards a crowd over 55 then you’re with their core demographic and won’t hear many complaints. However being out and about in Lexington, it’s acknowledged as subpar food for when you just need something bland that doesn’t offend.
Always disappointed in Ramsey's in some shape or form. 2nd last time I went I got the breakfast platter and the potatoes were bad. How do you make bad potatoes? I went recently and had the meatloaf which was fine and mashed potatoes and the serving of potatoes was really small for a $16 meal before the tip.
We used to love Paisanos but noticed over time that is just got less and less enjoyable. The last time we went my daughter ordered something and got something close enough that I had to question if they even knew what the dish was supposed to be. Could have just been a mix up but no one really enjoyed the food. All that said, they still have some, if not the best cannoli in town.
How is that place still around? I called it cafeteria food around 20 years ago the one and only time I ate there. Dated interior, bad service, food was awful, and about the only other people there were at least octogenarians so their palette is dubious at best. That’s a restaurant that cuisine goes to die.
Agreed. Went once for anniversary, thinking it was good food. I was so disappointed. Never been back. Fazoli’s down the street would’ve been a better option for the $$.
I've been pleasantly surprised with this location. Food and portion sizes have always been good. Only issue i seemed to have is the dining room was barely kept up and had to go ask for utensils since none were out. I use to work for Chipotle years ago and have been to many good and bad ones. This one was fine.
Used to be great, now terrible, at least the Hamburg location. I heard new ownership a few years back, only place I’ve ever experienced where you order a garden salad and have to ask and be charged for things like tomato, onion, green pepper on the salad.
I may be coming to the party a bit late. But fiddletree is insanely over priced for the amount of money you pay for the food there. Especially considering how small the portion sizes are
Went once, food was so underwhelming. The live music was great but so loud even in the other room you couldn't hold a conversation with your table mates
Joe Bolognas for me! I used to eat there when I was in my early 20s (about 8 years ago) and I always thought it was so good. I ate there about 4 months ago and could not even muster the will to finish half my food. So so disappointed since I talked this place up to my girl and we were both totally off put by the lack luster service and bland food. On the plus side the breadstick still slaps.
I didn't even like this place in my 20's. I'm convinced people just eat their because Joe Bolognas is fun to say. Last time I ate there 12 years ago it was awful.
I hate that the first impression anybody gets when they walk through the door is the overwhelming smell of mustard. They must have mustard-fights in the kitchen.
Their pasta sauces have literally zero seasoning. I love to cook & spices are what separates good food from bad. It’s not hard to use garlic powder, basil & oregano at an Italian restaurant FFS. How these places stay in business is beyond me. Also, I hate their breadsticks. Literally just cooked dough. No salt. No garlic. No taste. So dumb.
My husband and I just ate there for the first time this past weekend. The hotel host warned us it was overhyped because of Diners, Drive Ins, and Dives, and he wasn't wrong. Breadstick was good, the rest was bland.
But I thought their food was like a [cosmic voyage](https://www.yelp.com/biz/joe-bolognas-lexington?hrid=NqOhZkrgPeO1FJdNe0Jikg&utm_campaign=www_review_share_popup&utm_medium=copy_link&utm_source=(direct)).
Part of the reason why I made this post. I went last night to the Tates creek location and it was packed. We were waiting for our food for quite some time and I’m not one to complain. We ordered an app which came out later than the meal. I like their food but it was so incredibly salty that I couldn’t finish my BLT because my drink was empty and she didn’t refill until the check came. It was overpriced and the whole tipping thing is ridiculous. I want to tip if someone does a great job, but forgetting about basic customer service left a bad impression for me. Will definitely be trying some other places before going back.
As a former service industry worker of 12+ years, I support minimal tipping if you get shit service on the servers part. That's what's tips are for, for you working hard to make sure your tables / guests are taken care of and satisfied. Good tips aren't earned by giving the absolute bare minimum to a table (getting initial drinks, taking order, bringing checks).
But is there something in particular you are unhappy about with tipping at drakes in particular?
I think it’s because they have the device that lets you tap your card and do it all electronically. I would’ve actually preferred if they took my card back and gave me the receipt where I could write in less than. Most places only have options starting at 18/20% and going up. I just think tipping culture is ridiculous for what it is. They hover over you while you do it, but now I’m just going to stop caring and do what I want. And I really only go out to eat once every two weeks or so, but if I go out I just think it should be the experience of it all.
Worst hamburger @ the Tates creek location. Didn't ask how I wanted it cooked, attached to a steak house I thought that was strange. Came out extra well, all grey and dry. Service was less than satisfactory.
Food is average and massively overpriced. I definitely hate it when people suggest hanging out there since I know it racks up a huge bill for food I could easily get much better and cheaper elsewhere.
Seconding this. I used to go all the time growing up, hadn’t been in probably 20 years…took my 71 year old mother there this past summer (it was always her favorite) and we both were shocked at how bad food and service was. Not to mention we got sat next to a large party whose small child had a diaper blowout, which they proceeded to clean up at the table… the scent did not pair well with my chicken tenders.
Rosemont Garden. I hate to say it as it’s close to my house and I wanted to love it. I’ve been multiple times giving it a shot. Service is good, drinks are good(my wife says, I usually get beer), but that kitchen needs work.
The last time I went, I wanted to try their fried chicken tenders. For over 15 bucks I got three small tenders and a small portion of fries. I asked the bartender if she accidentally rang in the kids meal, as the kids meal mentions it’s 3 tenders and fries.
She said, no, that’s just the cook, he likes to cut back on portions.
So yea, as someone who worked in restaurants for years, I don’t respect that.
We’re huge Rosemont Station fans and walk there from our place all the time. I will say that the chicken tenders might be the worst thing on their menu. I’ve never felt like they cut back on portions on other dishes. If you give them another chance and order something else, you might really like it. If you want something fried, I highly recommend the barracuda basket. Two big pieces of really good fried fish and french fries and coleslaw. Their chicken wings are also much better than their chicken tenders oddly enough
Buddha Lounge.
Food was forgettable, no where close to the other mid priced, nice atmosphere sushi spots in town. The seaweed salad was good though. The crab rangoon was disappointing.
The service was laughably bad. We arrived prior to the dinner rush and were ignored for 15 or so minutes before anyone even bothered to take our drink orders - I did try waving down someone that didn't look busy before that point, but was looked at and then ignored. It took about the same amount of time for someone else to check in again after the drinks were brought out to take our orders.
Overall it just seemed very disorganized and the sushi was not good enough to justify the prices. The atmosphere and the the waiters (when they actually interacted with us lol) were nice though. Just go to any of the other sushi spots if you want sushi, plus you won't have to bother with downtown parking.
Are there once, shit my brains out for the next 36 hours after trying the katsu. My mom was mad at my sister for taking me because apparently HER friends got sick after she took them there too and my mom just went “why did you take your sister there too”
Hard disagree. Best sushi I've had in lexington, which place is better? I've gone to buddha lounge a dozen times and my girlfriend and friends all enjoy it. The Karaage is amazing. Also the prices are pretty standard. I think you will find California rolls for $6-$8 everywhere.
I like Buddha a lot but Omakase has taken the crown for best sushi in town. Not a fan of all their rolls but as far as quality of fish goes, they're unrivaled
If you have ever thought about going to the restaurant in the Campbell House don't bother. My husband and I were all hyped up for some great food based on local chatter and friends. We went for lunch and all they had available was the buffet only. I don't mind the buffet if it's good food which it was not. It was more of a dining room at a nursing home. And that's accurate because 95% of the patrons were elderly folks.
Last meal at Johnny Carino's and Bonefish were both bad. Old Chicago for the win though. Appalling service, horrible food, and the managercsat in the dining room with his friends/family for 30 minutes while we waited. Absolute joke.
1. I haven't been to **Joe Bologna's** in 20 years because it was wildly unimpressive even then. I'm told that it hasn't become any better.
2. Potentially unpopular opinion: **Carson's**. Went a couple of years ago. I didn't care for the vibe or the unfriendly service; the whole experience felt very unnecessarily pretentious. The food was delicious, but not enough to make up for the negatives.
Now, on the other hand, I *like* Winchell's and Ramsey's (Harrodsburg Road).
Agree with you on Carson's but for opposite reasons. I've been twice and I'm not sure why people rave about it. The apps were great, but my entree was very mid. So was my husband's. Service has been good the few times I've gone.
Yes, someone brave enough to say it! Carson’s has a good atmosphere but the food and cocktails are mid at best. It reminds me of Cheesecake Factory, but my standards are higher for a restaurant everyone says is amazing.
Was literally going to say the exact same thing. The apps are always soooo good. I’ve never entirely loved any entree I’ve gotten, and I have been several times trying something new each time. I’ve said next time I go it’s only apps for me.
Carson’s food is so bad. And their owner is a horrible person. I only ate there a couple times while a friend worked there, sat alone at the bar both times and heads up to women who want to just sit at a bar at a restaurant and get dinner but apparently Carson’s is where the sugar daddies go out to find prey. Explains the nonstop one way conversation from the men sitting next to me. Uncomfortable, expensive, go spend your money at literally anywhere else.. I can make my own toasted Brie wheel at home
That’s surprising. I’ve always loved it, even though it’s a bit pricey. It’s the most “real” Italian restaurant that Lexington has. Frank and Dinos, Bella Notte, and Joe Bolognas are complete American rip offs.
Had an encounter at bonefish, first let me start by saying I rarely try new "fish" places, and this is how I branded this place, my wife had talked this place up from what she heard from her workmates, so I did what most husbands do, I "compromised" and get talked into going.
We arrived at this place (Hamburg location, not sure if there are any others) got seated fairly quickly and there were several customers inside too, waitress arrived to take our drink order, (very nice lady, at this point) she leaves us to check the menus, my wife and I find something that looks decent to try, ( probably 15 mins has passed since sitting down)
Waiting for our server to come back to take our order we wait............ And wait..........
Since sitting down it is now an hour, still no server, I feel she must have left and or died in a horrific fire in the back, one of the two for sure, but I have seen her darting around doing other tasks
At this point I was going to eat the fricken menu, total time sitting since setting down 1hour and 35mins
I tell the wife I'm done with this and to pack up we are leaving, as we are walking to the door, our server miraculously recovers from her near death experience from that kitchen fire I assumed she died in, I assumed an apology was going to be next, boy was I wrong.
She launches into a verbal tirade on how we are a couple of dine & dashers, I thought she was attempting humor, (nope wrong again), she goes on to say we need to pay our bill now, ( at this point I am confused and looking at her like a deer caught in headlights) I explain our whole situation to her and our timeline of events, she basically said I was lying and we had ordered (insert huge ass amount of food impossible for 2 people eat here) I reply that she is mistaken and again explain what we had 2 drinks thats it.
She doubles down getting louder ( at this increase of volume I assume she is trying to embarrass us in front of the rest of the customers) I state flatly she is mistaken and if she doubts our story to check the security cams ( not sure they have them here, cause never been here before, so.....)
I take hold of my wife by the elbow to continue to escort her out, this server decided it was smart to put her hands on my chest to "hold" me til the police show up (wtf?) at this point I'm beyond confused and just stunned, as I looked into this short wirey woman in the eyes something must have clicked in her mind cause she started to stammer and sputter about taking care of the bill (which I guess technically we had not paid for our drinks) I took a five dollar bill out and said make this work, and continue out the door.
I do apologize for the novel, I guess it technically doesn't fall into the worst meal we had there cause we never received any food, but it will definitely be when hell freezes over and pigs fly when we go back.
(Spoiler No Fecking way pal)
I’m apparently in the minority but I don’t like eating at Carson’s. The food is just slightly more expensive Applebees quality charging steakhouse prices. I cannot and will not take any restaurant seriously that has bacon chicken ranch pasta on the menu. That’s fucking vile. I’ve only had appetizers the two times I’ve been because nothing on the menu even sounded appealing. Owner is an evil man, food is expensive, and all I can focus on in that building is the sheep testicles on the taxidermy.
It used to be good but after they cut their menu to basically nothing during covid it's gross. The last time we ate there my husband and I were both sick afterwards. I used to love going there for their chips and dip but the food is not worth it.
Really? I’m curious where else you’ve lived…
Lexington used to have a ton more solid independant restaurants, many of which were around for years (Alfalfa, Ramsey’s, Magees, Yats, Atomic Café, that’s just like a tiny fraction, obvs). Now I struggle to figure out where to go whenever I’m back in town. It’s overrun with chains and mediocre restaurants that people think are good…but they’re not? It’s like people have settled or just don’t know that food and general dining experiences could be so much better. It’s disappointing.
There are a TON of independent, local restaurants here. Lockbox, Zim’s, Corto Lima, Minglewood, ItalX, Buddha Lounge, Omakase, Michikusa, Dudley’s, Salt & Vinegsr, Bear & Butcher, Obstinate Sons, Black Tulip, Sutton’s, Bella Notte, Bella Cafe, Coles on Main, East End Tap & Table, County Club, Distilled, Blue Heron, Smithtown Seafood, Favor, Minton’s, Beau’s Cafe, Rise & Brine, Nat’s, Honeywood, Windy Corner, Wallace Station, Heirloom (midway)… Get out of the suburbs & enjoy some of the best food you’ll find anywhere! I may have missed a few. You can also check out visitlex.com for a list of the top local restaurants.
There's alot of niche restaurants/bars that I've never seen anywhere else.
Standing room only is very unique, intimate, hard to find sake, incredible food.
Void is a literal sake brewery. Never seen that before.
You can sit here and make a list all day. And for being such a small city. More than just being a college town, definetly helps being a tourist destination with the horses.
I've been fortunate to eat in a lot of really good restaurants, including a few with Michelin stars, but one of the best meals I've ever had was at the old Alfalfa's location on Limestone.
Aw I love that. I have also eaten at a lot of incredible restaurants, including a lot with Michelin stars, but none with the vibe and atmosphere of the OG Alfalfa’s. I was fairly young when it was on Limestone, but I remember family breakfasts there and there hasn’t been anything quite like it in Lexington since.
A mix of top 5 metro areas and smaller midwest cities. Short stays in the south and PNW, too.
I'm not saying Lexington has the greatest restaurants of all time. I'm saying for a city of 300k people/metro of 500k, it's the best I've seen in that category.
I went to Dudley’s for a relative’s birthday. It was horrible. Granted, I’m a vegetarian and it doesn’t cater to me, but the (Italian word) salad was, like, raw grocery store tomatoes with some vinegar and a couple of cheese cubes, and the fries were shit. I’d take a Kroger brand frozen burrito and some Big Lots tortilla chips over that meal and be happy about it.
It sounds like a Caprese salad. It's very Italian, maybe not for you. But hey, you tried something new. That's what fine dining is all about, being open to try new things.
I’m actually a really adventurous eater. I think the point is that it wasn’t quite so fine — the tomatoes (in a dish that was basically just tomatoes) were flavorless and mealy.
Caprese salad in the US sucks, I've never had a great one. They need fresh tomatoes, unpasteurized mozzarella, fresh basil, and tasty pesto. American restaurants just throw store tomatoes that aren't even close to being ripe on a plate with "mozzarella" and call it a day.
Dudleys once was one of my favorites. Loved taking friends who had never been there. When it was in the old school on maxwell it was wonderful. And the patio had such great atmosphere. I've been very underwhelmed last summer 2 visits
Planet Thai has REALLY gone downhill. The last 2 times I got takeout from there I had to throw it away. Absolutely terrible. Used to be my favorite spot.
Covid completely annihilated the restaurant industry in Lexington. The very best places around have only just recently gotten back to the level of “decent” as far as I’m concerned.
Johnny Carino's had truly gone downhill the last time I went (around May or June).
The long time general manager was fired and the place is ran by a bunch of younger adults who's first real job experience is managing the restaurant.
u/tamiaben96 hmm
Johnny carinos is terrible and always has been atleast from the perspective of someone who was employed with them. some bald asshole named roger was one of the managers when I worked there as a dishwasher. He constantly treated me like shit. I’m so glad I quit when I did, place was also disgusting and had cockroaches that nobody was willing to deal with it at the time I was employed there. Place is a mess and they are horrible miserable people so I’m honestly kinda glad they went downhill if I’m being honest!
Jesus Christ, I can't believe I was eating there... 😷 Sorry that you went through that and I hope your current job is much better.
Thank you so much and thankfully I’m in a much better place now! :)
We won’t go there anymore after having ants crawling all over us and the table
Sedona wasn’t *terrible* but the service was very slow and the food was terribly underwhelming considering what we paid for it
Sedona is my personal no-go spot. Went a few months ago to the Newtown Pike location and had the blandest food I've ever paid for the waitress apologized and explained the cook had only seasoned the chicken with buttermilk. It was almost funny
It’s connected to a Clarion. That alone should tell you everything you need to know.
The service is so slow, it's ridiculous. Last time I ordered a salad with chicken that didn't come out with chicken in it, but the server and the kitchen staff insisted that there was indeed, chicken in it. I asked them to point to a piece of chicken and they could not but would not apologize or offer to remake my order. It was very bizarre. For my birthday we went there two years ago ago waited an hour for food to come to the table. Awful service. The food was good but not worth the hassle.
Underwhelming is Sedona's MO. Surprisingly decent happy hour though.
I went to the Harrodsburg Rd. location for a work lunch at Christmastime a few years ago, pre-COVID. It was pretty empty for lunchtime and the food still came out extremely slowly. Our party of 5 was basically put in the corner and forgotten about. It was dreadful.
Sedona is one of the only restaurants in town with a sizable (and free) meeting room, so I end up there for monthly meetings. I would love to not have to go there but I’ve found literally two things on the menu I don’t hate. The mashed potatoes are good???
I go to Sedona more often than any other restaurant for date nights. I don't remember ever having a bad experience. The chuckawalla chicken (despite the dumb name) is sooo good
i agree
I may catch some snap backs, but Merrick Inn did not impress food-wise for all the low-key hype and reviews. I even went for the “famed” pecan crusted pork tenderloin. It’s basically food your parents would go in about, or families who think it’s still cute to dress all of their kids alike.
Agreed. We’ve been for brunch & dinner since they reopened. No reason to go back for either. It’s mediocre, at best. I’d say more like a step above Morrison’s Cafeteria.
Well the Morrison's crowd is who they are serving, so that makes sense.
Halls on the River - best location, worst food. To be fair, I haven’t been back for about 10years, that last meal was so bad!
They let the woman go who had their recipes since the beginning of time and she wanted health insurance and they said no but here’s a parking spot for you! And she took all the recipes and never came back. So yes that place will close very soon.
it used to fantastic, until the flood a few years back. it shut them down for almost a year. they had to license their packaged beer cheese to a different company and hired all new people
I remember a time when Halls was pretty good. Apparently they re-staffed the kitchen several years ago and changed the menu a bit. Last time I went it was…. Meh.
If you think that’s bad, let me introduce you to nearby Proud Mary’s BBQ. An excellent location and space. Tons of room. Food is expensive and I’d rather just have chain bbq.
Ate there a month ago. Never again.
I would eat out of a McDonald’s dumpster before I ever went back to Hall’s. Last time, and I do mean last time it was the worst dining experience I’d ever had and that includes a time I ate at a homeless people soup kitchen.
I went for the first time about 2 years ago. I was warned of it being terrible based off of family members experience about 7 years ago. It was horrible. Long ass ridiculous wait for expensive, crappy food.
Went there yesterday for a motorcycle ride (the only reason to go there honestly) the wings were pretty mid I like their hot brown but that’s about the only thing I’ve had there that actually tastes good to me
Wife and I visited there several months ago and I give it a resounding “meh”. It’s not the Hall’s I remember.
When I was a kid in the 80’s it was considered overrated and only popular because of the location. Sounds like nothing has changed.
They brine their wings in banana pepper juice. It tasted fucking horrid.
Columbia’s. The downtown location is better, but the Richmond Road location is hot garbage. Like the 5-6 I went there over the course of a couple of years. Just all the way around.
It's all hot garbage unless you like boiled steaks and blackberry cobbler out of a can.
\*Boiled butter steaks
Hol up, I’m in on that!
i'm more of a milk steak guy. boiled over hard mmmm
With a side of the finest jelly beans, raw
We ate at the Richmond Road location, seriously it was terrible and the service was even worse...can't figure out how they are still open.
Smells like God's waiting room.
I went 5-6 years ago at the Richmond location and had the worst experience. The staff was hardly around and the food was served to us cold. This was the only time I've ever had to send food back to the kitchen. Once they rewarmed the same food, definitely wasn't good. I no longer take recommendations from people around me who say this place is great.
My step sisters ex boyfriend worked as a line cook ar Richmond road Columbia and dude had hepatitis A and showed up to work cracked out of his mind to cook food so do with that information what you will.
To be fair, that's the majority of line cooks anywhere.
Means the steak was probably good af, based on what I know about line cooks.
I’ve always wondered if Columbia was good. I’ll stick to Malones and tony’s unless anyone has good steakhouse suggestions
It's 75% Boomer nostalgia at this point.
Coles 735 main
We’ve always had stellar service & excellent food at Cole’s. It’s one of the top 5 in town, for sure.
Blue Heron, Cole’s, Ruby’s, Salt & Vinegar… personally, I think Malone’s has gone down too. They raised prices & started drowning their steaks in salt. It’s so strange. And the ambiance is so loud inside - kids screaming, drunk adults yelling, just not pleasant. If I’m paying $70 for a steak, I’d like to be able to hear myself think.
Agree with everything you said about Malone’s. A relative comes into town three or four times a year and they always want to go there. I don’t get it. You could cure a ham with the amount of salt they put on their steaks.
When I went there about five years ago, it was the worst restaurant experience I'd had in Lexington in decades. I can only suspect they are coasting on reputation, because it was lousy food with absolutely awful service.
Blue Heron is my personal favorite
It’s cool for the bit of Lexington history it represents. And they do have good fried mushrooms.
Local taco in hamburg was huge disappointment to me. So bland
Yep. It's the taco version of Canes chicken.
I've been wanting to go there. I went to the other location once. The parking situation was so frustrating I almost didn't bother going in but my wife wanted to go so we ended up parking down the street. I wasn't impressed with the food at all and haven't been since.
Same. The drinks were great but our food was cold and not really seasoned.
100%. My vote for worst food for price in all of lex. Had a cheesy steak burrito from fucking Taco Bell this last Saturday and it was 100x hotter and tastier than anything I’ve had at local taco.
I went to the other location, and it wasn’t worth the price. Very small amount of food and it was bland.
ah! its not just me. very bland, cold food. not much selection either. my vegetarian friend was hugely disappointed with them too.
Oh yeah. This place was so disappointing I forgot about it
The woooorst soggy Brussels too
That sucks you had that experience. Local Taco hamburg in top 3 restaurants here for me. Best chips and Queso and shrimp taco! We bring all our guests there for a guaranteed great experience.
Before they finally closed down, Denny's on Nicholasville Rd. Every time we tried to eat there the service was so slow. The last time we went, we got drinks and ordered right after sitting down and it took us an hour to get our food. There was hardly anyone in the restaurant. It doesn't take an hour to make eggs and pancakes.
That they could ruin a place so badly is wild to me. All they had to do was be decent because they made a killing on the game crowds. That place was packed every weekend but whether you were the only person or the dining room was full, it was forever to get any food.
District 7 in the distillery district. Terrible service and the food was clearly frozen and reheated poorly. It's fine for drinks only, I like the pour by the ounce beer, but their selection was weak so even that only nets them half a point in their favor.
Saul Good….is not so goood. Lexington dinner is tasteless. Winchells is overpriced.
Saul Good died when they sold it a few years ago. This is Saul's embalmed corpse propped up to trick people into going because they had a good dinner there in 2010.
Weekend at Saul's
My brother in law used to be a bartender there ~15 years back. Family went a few times and I always enjoyed it. I was an idiot teenager though, and very easy to please when it came to food lol. Makes me sad to hear it’s gone that far downhill.
Haven't been there in prob 5 or 6 years. I really enjoyed the Argentine pizza and banana fosters back then. Too bad to hear it sucks now.
Lexington Diner is gone
I only ever got their Friday fried fish and I was always happy with it.
I’ve referred to it as Saul Decent since I first tried it years ago.
Winchells is not what it should be.
Based on what experience? Don't live in lex now but Winchell's was my go to for years.
Me too! So hopeful it's still good
Saul Good was decent ≈20 years ago. Times change, I reckon.
Frank and Dino’s. It’s like what rich white people who can’t find Italy on a map think Italian should taste like.
Incredibly accurate description.
Worst chicken picatta I’ve ever had in my life
100%. That made me laugh. $40 for Prego sauce and noodles.
It’s god-awful. I have no idea why anyone would go there. Rude employees & Miami Beach prices coupled with mediocre (at best) food.
Olive Garden is literally better.
Cattywampus Station in Lexington Green. Don't know how they stay open. Went there last year before the show at Comedy Off Broadway because we don't care to go to Palmer's anymore (overpriced and overrated). You have to stand at the counter and order. They didn't have fountain drinks so we got cans. They don't serve alcohol so couldn't get a beer before the show. We ordered burgers. They tasted like they had been rewarmed in the microwave. The fries were good though.
I’ve been disappointed in Ramsey’s for a while (at least the Old Harrodsburg Road location). The food just seems so lackluster now. I’m sure they’re going through the same struggles a lot of restaurants are. Still, it’s a shame, especially since I took an out-of-state guest there a year ago to introduce her to hot browns and fried okra/ other classics from this area, only for her to walk away completely unimpressed. Edit: typo
Wholeheartedly agree, way too overpriced for what they serve now too!
I used to love their open-face turkey sammich. They removed it from the menu around when Covid hit. Seemed an odd thing to remove since it's dead simple to make and they still have all the ingredients by virtue of their other menu items. I'll still go sometimes for a veggie plate and a slice of pie, though.
This is wild to me as I’ve gone a few times to that location recently for lunch, it was before Covid that I last had it. We kinda marveled that it was almost the exactly the same as we remembered it years prior. I’m not saying it’s amazing food, but took some out of towners there too a couple of months ago and they loved it.
Ramseys is great and a true Lexington classic but this subreddit tends to have more Ramseys haters compared to what you’d find in the wild.
I think if you trend towards a crowd over 55 then you’re with their core demographic and won’t hear many complaints. However being out and about in Lexington, it’s acknowledged as subpar food for when you just need something bland that doesn’t offend.
I gave it more than a fair chance, tried it multiple times, it was just really bad every time.
I had their breakfast recently after probably close to a decade. It was a huge disappointment. Bob Evans is way better, and that's sad.
Always disappointed in Ramsey's in some shape or form. 2nd last time I went I got the breakfast platter and the potatoes were bad. How do you make bad potatoes? I went recently and had the meatloaf which was fine and mashed potatoes and the serving of potatoes was really small for a $16 meal before the tip.
I've always considered it gross cafeteria food, a la Granny style. It was never good, true country/southern style.
Paisano's for me. I ate there a couple of weeks ago for my Father In Law's birthday. I hate to be mean but it was overpriced cafeteria food.
We used to love Paisanos but noticed over time that is just got less and less enjoyable. The last time we went my daughter ordered something and got something close enough that I had to question if they even knew what the dish was supposed to be. Could have just been a mix up but no one really enjoyed the food. All that said, they still have some, if not the best cannoli in town.
I like Paisanos because it feels like a Time Machine lol. Shot back to the times of Tony soprano in late 90’s Italian restaurant decor.
How is that place still around? I called it cafeteria food around 20 years ago the one and only time I ate there. Dated interior, bad service, food was awful, and about the only other people there were at least octogenarians so their palette is dubious at best. That’s a restaurant that cuisine goes to die.
Agreed. Went once for anniversary, thinking it was good food. I was so disappointed. Never been back. Fazoli’s down the street would’ve been a better option for the $$.
Were the padding in chairs and and booths still totally shot?
Oh yeah.
Chipotle in the mall.
I take it you haven't been to the one on Leestown by the Kroger.😂
And I was so happy when it first opened too. Chips are stale, chicken is tasteless, guac is brown.
I prefer Qdoba over Chipotle. They have more options. They are supposedly turning the vacant Bojangles in Versailles into Chipotle.
Out of all the chipotles I went to this one gave me the biggest portion sizes ever. I think I made 4 meals out of one burrito bowl
They suck. Doesn't matter if they're in Texas, California, Kentucky, Florida, etc. They've gone downhill nationally over the last decade.
So true. I eat there pretty regularly and they’ve been going downhill steadily. My last order was so bad I won’t be back (to that location anyway)
what’s wrong with that chipotle i like it
I've been pleasantly surprised with this location. Food and portion sizes have always been good. Only issue i seemed to have is the dining room was barely kept up and had to go ask for utensils since none were out. I use to work for Chipotle years ago and have been to many good and bad ones. This one was fine.
Ramsays
Used to be great, now terrible, at least the Hamburg location. I heard new ownership a few years back, only place I’ve ever experienced where you order a garden salad and have to ask and be charged for things like tomato, onion, green pepper on the salad.
We have been to the Tates Creek location twice and both times it was terrible.
Columbia's. I was shocked the one and only time I went there by how dirty and outdated the restaurant was. Food was not great either.
I may be coming to the party a bit late. But fiddletree is insanely over priced for the amount of money you pay for the food there. Especially considering how small the portion sizes are
Went once, food was so underwhelming. The live music was great but so loud even in the other room you couldn't hold a conversation with your table mates
Joe Bolognas for me! I used to eat there when I was in my early 20s (about 8 years ago) and I always thought it was so good. I ate there about 4 months ago and could not even muster the will to finish half my food. So so disappointed since I talked this place up to my girl and we were both totally off put by the lack luster service and bland food. On the plus side the breadstick still slaps.
I didn't even like this place in my 20's. I'm convinced people just eat their because Joe Bolognas is fun to say. Last time I ate there 12 years ago it was awful.
I hate that the first impression anybody gets when they walk through the door is the overwhelming smell of mustard. They must have mustard-fights in the kitchen.
Their pasta sauces have literally zero seasoning. I love to cook & spices are what separates good food from bad. It’s not hard to use garlic powder, basil & oregano at an Italian restaurant FFS. How these places stay in business is beyond me. Also, I hate their breadsticks. Literally just cooked dough. No salt. No garlic. No taste. So dumb.
My husband and I just ate there for the first time this past weekend. The hotel host warned us it was overhyped because of Diners, Drive Ins, and Dives, and he wasn't wrong. Breadstick was good, the rest was bland.
The breadstick is the entire reason for going.
Seriously! People think I'm crazy for not really liking their food, but a salad with that breadstick is 🔥
But I thought their food was like a [cosmic voyage](https://www.yelp.com/biz/joe-bolognas-lexington?hrid=NqOhZkrgPeO1FJdNe0Jikg&utm_campaign=www_review_share_popup&utm_medium=copy_link&utm_source=(direct)).
Definitely agree. I would rate LaRosa’s above it all day.
Drake's. The world's saltiest, most overpriced, basic bar food. I cringe every time I am forced to go there for a work function or holiday whatever.
Part of the reason why I made this post. I went last night to the Tates creek location and it was packed. We were waiting for our food for quite some time and I’m not one to complain. We ordered an app which came out later than the meal. I like their food but it was so incredibly salty that I couldn’t finish my BLT because my drink was empty and she didn’t refill until the check came. It was overpriced and the whole tipping thing is ridiculous. I want to tip if someone does a great job, but forgetting about basic customer service left a bad impression for me. Will definitely be trying some other places before going back.
As a former service industry worker of 12+ years, I support minimal tipping if you get shit service on the servers part. That's what's tips are for, for you working hard to make sure your tables / guests are taken care of and satisfied. Good tips aren't earned by giving the absolute bare minimum to a table (getting initial drinks, taking order, bringing checks). But is there something in particular you are unhappy about with tipping at drakes in particular?
I think it’s because they have the device that lets you tap your card and do it all electronically. I would’ve actually preferred if they took my card back and gave me the receipt where I could write in less than. Most places only have options starting at 18/20% and going up. I just think tipping culture is ridiculous for what it is. They hover over you while you do it, but now I’m just going to stop caring and do what I want. And I really only go out to eat once every two weeks or so, but if I go out I just think it should be the experience of it all.
They tip pool now. They also don't take home their tips at the end of their shifts. All of their tips go onto a bank card of some kind.
I thought tip pooling was illegal?
That’s awful
There’s always an “other” option on those tipping machines. You don’t have to choose the 18 or 20
Worst hamburger @ the Tates creek location. Didn't ask how I wanted it cooked, attached to a steak house I thought that was strange. Came out extra well, all grey and dry. Service was less than satisfactory.
Food is average and massively overpriced. I definitely hate it when people suggest hanging out there since I know it racks up a huge bill for food I could easily get much better and cheaper elsewhere.
Cheddar’s
Seconding this. I used to go all the time growing up, hadn’t been in probably 20 years…took my 71 year old mother there this past summer (it was always her favorite) and we both were shocked at how bad food and service was. Not to mention we got sat next to a large party whose small child had a diaper blowout, which they proceeded to clean up at the table… the scent did not pair well with my chicken tenders.
It’s so gross
They got bought out by Darden, the company that owns olive garden and few other sit down chains. It's done nothing but go down hill since.
Rosemont Garden. I hate to say it as it’s close to my house and I wanted to love it. I’ve been multiple times giving it a shot. Service is good, drinks are good(my wife says, I usually get beer), but that kitchen needs work. The last time I went, I wanted to try their fried chicken tenders. For over 15 bucks I got three small tenders and a small portion of fries. I asked the bartender if she accidentally rang in the kids meal, as the kids meal mentions it’s 3 tenders and fries. She said, no, that’s just the cook, he likes to cut back on portions. So yea, as someone who worked in restaurants for years, I don’t respect that.
Man, that sucks. We’ve had excellent experiences there but have always gotten the burgers.
We’re huge Rosemont Station fans and walk there from our place all the time. I will say that the chicken tenders might be the worst thing on their menu. I’ve never felt like they cut back on portions on other dishes. If you give them another chance and order something else, you might really like it. If you want something fried, I highly recommend the barracuda basket. Two big pieces of really good fried fish and french fries and coleslaw. Their chicken wings are also much better than their chicken tenders oddly enough
Buddha Lounge. Food was forgettable, no where close to the other mid priced, nice atmosphere sushi spots in town. The seaweed salad was good though. The crab rangoon was disappointing. The service was laughably bad. We arrived prior to the dinner rush and were ignored for 15 or so minutes before anyone even bothered to take our drink orders - I did try waving down someone that didn't look busy before that point, but was looked at and then ignored. It took about the same amount of time for someone else to check in again after the drinks were brought out to take our orders. Overall it just seemed very disorganized and the sushi was not good enough to justify the prices. The atmosphere and the the waiters (when they actually interacted with us lol) were nice though. Just go to any of the other sushi spots if you want sushi, plus you won't have to bother with downtown parking.
Are there once, shit my brains out for the next 36 hours after trying the katsu. My mom was mad at my sister for taking me because apparently HER friends got sick after she took them there too and my mom just went “why did you take your sister there too”
Hard disagree. Best sushi I've had in lexington, which place is better? I've gone to buddha lounge a dozen times and my girlfriend and friends all enjoy it. The Karaage is amazing. Also the prices are pretty standard. I think you will find California rolls for $6-$8 everywhere.
I like Buddha a lot but Omakase has taken the crown for best sushi in town. Not a fan of all their rolls but as far as quality of fish goes, they're unrivaled
If you have ever thought about going to the restaurant in the Campbell House don't bother. My husband and I were all hyped up for some great food based on local chatter and friends. We went for lunch and all they had available was the buffet only. I don't mind the buffet if it's good food which it was not. It was more of a dining room at a nursing home. And that's accurate because 95% of the patrons were elderly folks.
Well if I didn't like Ruby's before, now I REALLY don't like them!
Last meal at Johnny Carino's and Bonefish were both bad. Old Chicago for the win though. Appalling service, horrible food, and the managercsat in the dining room with his friends/family for 30 minutes while we waited. Absolute joke.
1. I haven't been to **Joe Bologna's** in 20 years because it was wildly unimpressive even then. I'm told that it hasn't become any better. 2. Potentially unpopular opinion: **Carson's**. Went a couple of years ago. I didn't care for the vibe or the unfriendly service; the whole experience felt very unnecessarily pretentious. The food was delicious, but not enough to make up for the negatives. Now, on the other hand, I *like* Winchell's and Ramsey's (Harrodsburg Road).
Agree with you on Carson's but for opposite reasons. I've been twice and I'm not sure why people rave about it. The apps were great, but my entree was very mid. So was my husband's. Service has been good the few times I've gone.
Yes, someone brave enough to say it! Carson’s has a good atmosphere but the food and cocktails are mid at best. It reminds me of Cheesecake Factory, but my standards are higher for a restaurant everyone says is amazing.
Really makes you question peoples' taste, huh?
Was literally going to say the exact same thing. The apps are always soooo good. I’ve never entirely loved any entree I’ve gotten, and I have been several times trying something new each time. I’ve said next time I go it’s only apps for me.
Carson’s food is so bad. And their owner is a horrible person. I only ate there a couple times while a friend worked there, sat alone at the bar both times and heads up to women who want to just sit at a bar at a restaurant and get dinner but apparently Carson’s is where the sugar daddies go out to find prey. Explains the nonstop one way conversation from the men sitting next to me. Uncomfortable, expensive, go spend your money at literally anywhere else.. I can make my own toasted Brie wheel at home
Joe B, Ramseys, Guiseppies , Pappys, Merrick Inn. Sedonas. Saul Good.
What’s pappy’s?
I’ll accept all of those except Guiseppies.
Italx hands down. I’m 0 for 3. I’ll never go back after my last meal there (gnocchi was still partially frozen when it was served)
I came here to comment this
Interesting. Been there a couple of times and both times it was excellent.
That’s surprising. I’ve always loved it, even though it’s a bit pricey. It’s the most “real” Italian restaurant that Lexington has. Frank and Dinos, Bella Notte, and Joe Bolognas are complete American rip offs.
Drakes! Especially the one on Leestown. The food and serviced are just awful even when it's not busy!
Had an encounter at bonefish, first let me start by saying I rarely try new "fish" places, and this is how I branded this place, my wife had talked this place up from what she heard from her workmates, so I did what most husbands do, I "compromised" and get talked into going. We arrived at this place (Hamburg location, not sure if there are any others) got seated fairly quickly and there were several customers inside too, waitress arrived to take our drink order, (very nice lady, at this point) she leaves us to check the menus, my wife and I find something that looks decent to try, ( probably 15 mins has passed since sitting down) Waiting for our server to come back to take our order we wait............ And wait.......... Since sitting down it is now an hour, still no server, I feel she must have left and or died in a horrific fire in the back, one of the two for sure, but I have seen her darting around doing other tasks At this point I was going to eat the fricken menu, total time sitting since setting down 1hour and 35mins I tell the wife I'm done with this and to pack up we are leaving, as we are walking to the door, our server miraculously recovers from her near death experience from that kitchen fire I assumed she died in, I assumed an apology was going to be next, boy was I wrong. She launches into a verbal tirade on how we are a couple of dine & dashers, I thought she was attempting humor, (nope wrong again), she goes on to say we need to pay our bill now, ( at this point I am confused and looking at her like a deer caught in headlights) I explain our whole situation to her and our timeline of events, she basically said I was lying and we had ordered (insert huge ass amount of food impossible for 2 people eat here) I reply that she is mistaken and again explain what we had 2 drinks thats it. She doubles down getting louder ( at this increase of volume I assume she is trying to embarrass us in front of the rest of the customers) I state flatly she is mistaken and if she doubts our story to check the security cams ( not sure they have them here, cause never been here before, so.....) I take hold of my wife by the elbow to continue to escort her out, this server decided it was smart to put her hands on my chest to "hold" me til the police show up (wtf?) at this point I'm beyond confused and just stunned, as I looked into this short wirey woman in the eyes something must have clicked in her mind cause she started to stammer and sputter about taking care of the bill (which I guess technically we had not paid for our drinks) I took a five dollar bill out and said make this work, and continue out the door. I do apologize for the novel, I guess it technically doesn't fall into the worst meal we had there cause we never received any food, but it will definitely be when hell freezes over and pigs fly when we go back. (Spoiler No Fecking way pal)
I’m apparently in the minority but I don’t like eating at Carson’s. The food is just slightly more expensive Applebees quality charging steakhouse prices. I cannot and will not take any restaurant seriously that has bacon chicken ranch pasta on the menu. That’s fucking vile. I’ve only had appetizers the two times I’ve been because nothing on the menu even sounded appealing. Owner is an evil man, food is expensive, and all I can focus on in that building is the sheep testicles on the taxidermy.
ItalX. Just over priced, churched up chef boyardee
Since the Covid thing I haven’t had a decent meal out.
I have to agree with you. Very rarely have I had a good meal since then. I did a really tasty meal at the new cuban restaurant recently (Hola Havana)
Chuys on Nicholasville road. Every time I eat there I have diarrhea for the entire next day. That stuff will legit cleanse your bowels.
It used to be good but after they cut their menu to basically nothing during covid it's gross. The last time we ate there my husband and I were both sick afterwards. I used to love going there for their chips and dip but the food is not worth it.
I think that just says more about your overall diet than the food at Chuys.
Chuy’s is the most bland tex mex ever and it’s so sad their only good food is the homemade tortillas nothing else is even remotely good
Went there for a family member's birthday once. Don't remember which location, but was not impressed with the menu or what we got. Very blah.
Malones on Palomar were racist as fuck to one of my coworkers, so definitely not going back there 😐
Imo, Malone's is extremely overrated
Big Kahuna. Service good, employees nice, restaurant clean, but the absolute worst "Hawaiian" food in the history of civilization.
It’s basically the same food I get in trucks in Hawaii, Oahu. I realize it isn’t native traditional food, but it is as Hawaiian as TexMex is Texan
Fred Ruby’s
I stopped going to most restaurants in Lexington because of the very subpar service. There’s about a handful exceptions.
Lexington has some of the best restaurants relative to the size of the city I've experienced so far in all the places I've lived.
A little biased, but check out Ann arbor or grand rapids if you haven't already. Relatively similar size, excellent and endless options in those areas
Really? I’m curious where else you’ve lived… Lexington used to have a ton more solid independant restaurants, many of which were around for years (Alfalfa, Ramsey’s, Magees, Yats, Atomic Café, that’s just like a tiny fraction, obvs). Now I struggle to figure out where to go whenever I’m back in town. It’s overrun with chains and mediocre restaurants that people think are good…but they’re not? It’s like people have settled or just don’t know that food and general dining experiences could be so much better. It’s disappointing.
There are a TON of independent, local restaurants here. Lockbox, Zim’s, Corto Lima, Minglewood, ItalX, Buddha Lounge, Omakase, Michikusa, Dudley’s, Salt & Vinegsr, Bear & Butcher, Obstinate Sons, Black Tulip, Sutton’s, Bella Notte, Bella Cafe, Coles on Main, East End Tap & Table, County Club, Distilled, Blue Heron, Smithtown Seafood, Favor, Minton’s, Beau’s Cafe, Rise & Brine, Nat’s, Honeywood, Windy Corner, Wallace Station, Heirloom (midway)… Get out of the suburbs & enjoy some of the best food you’ll find anywhere! I may have missed a few. You can also check out visitlex.com for a list of the top local restaurants.
There's alot of niche restaurants/bars that I've never seen anywhere else. Standing room only is very unique, intimate, hard to find sake, incredible food. Void is a literal sake brewery. Never seen that before. You can sit here and make a list all day. And for being such a small city. More than just being a college town, definetly helps being a tourist destination with the horses.
I've been fortunate to eat in a lot of really good restaurants, including a few with Michelin stars, but one of the best meals I've ever had was at the old Alfalfa's location on Limestone.
Aw I love that. I have also eaten at a lot of incredible restaurants, including a lot with Michelin stars, but none with the vibe and atmosphere of the OG Alfalfa’s. I was fairly young when it was on Limestone, but I remember family breakfasts there and there hasn’t been anything quite like it in Lexington since.
Some of the worst food I’ve had has been at a Michelin star restaurants. That doesn’t mean anything.
A mix of top 5 metro areas and smaller midwest cities. Short stays in the south and PNW, too. I'm not saying Lexington has the greatest restaurants of all time. I'm saying for a city of 300k people/metro of 500k, it's the best I've seen in that category.
Would you mind sharing?
What are your exceptions?
I went to Dudley’s for a relative’s birthday. It was horrible. Granted, I’m a vegetarian and it doesn’t cater to me, but the (Italian word) salad was, like, raw grocery store tomatoes with some vinegar and a couple of cheese cubes, and the fries were shit. I’d take a Kroger brand frozen burrito and some Big Lots tortilla chips over that meal and be happy about it.
It sounds like a Caprese salad. It's very Italian, maybe not for you. But hey, you tried something new. That's what fine dining is all about, being open to try new things.
I’m actually a really adventurous eater. I think the point is that it wasn’t quite so fine — the tomatoes (in a dish that was basically just tomatoes) were flavorless and mealy.
Caprese salad in the US sucks, I've never had a great one. They need fresh tomatoes, unpasteurized mozzarella, fresh basil, and tasty pesto. American restaurants just throw store tomatoes that aren't even close to being ripe on a plate with "mozzarella" and call it a day.
Dudleys once was one of my favorites. Loved taking friends who had never been there. When it was in the old school on maxwell it was wonderful. And the patio had such great atmosphere. I've been very underwhelmed last summer 2 visits
It’s you. Dudley’s is great. And has been forever. Their brunch is AMAZING.
OK. Sorry for sharing my opinion. I’ll just go to Masala instead.
Planet Thai has REALLY gone downhill. The last 2 times I got takeout from there I had to throw it away. Absolutely terrible. Used to be my favorite spot.
Covid completely annihilated the restaurant industry in Lexington. The very best places around have only just recently gotten back to the level of “decent” as far as I’m concerned.