50 Best American Restaurants in Lexington

“I can't say enough good things about Carson's. The atmosphere is always warm and welcoming. The service is as good as it gets, the food and drink quality and selection are truly amazing. A bit pricy for most, but well worth it.“

“One of our favorite restaurants we have ever been to while home or traveling. The food is amazing, the place is exciting and the service is exceptional! One of the key staff members is Shelby. We always request her as our server. Shelby has excellent bourbon and food knowledge, provides first class service and makes every dinner fun and enjoyable. She is half the reason we go to OBC Kitchen. Shelby is simply amazing. Thank you Shelby!“

“Love the food at this place! When I go in I always ask to be seated in Jessica James section she is absolutely the best! She hands down goes the extra mile being attentive to your needs, and her personality is vivacious! If you go in ask for her!“

“Agave & Rye is the best taco restaurant in Lex! They have the tastiest, most extravagant tacos! This is a great environment to try something new and have a few drinks with friends. Highly recommend ordering their Epic Queso Dip, the best queso dip in town!“

“I cannot recommend this place enough, every thing was amazing from the moment you walk through the door. This was my first time so I wasn't sure what I what I wanted but our waiter was so good and she explained everything so well and really sold us on the specialty drinks. We sat inside and loved the feel of the restaurant the decor felt homey, and welcoming. I had the bone in pork chop it was absolutely amazing! I truly love this place and will be back again.“

“Agave & Rye is the best taco restaurant in Lex! They have the tastiest, most extravagant tacos! This is a great environment to try something new and have a few drinks with friends. Highly recommend ordering their Epic Queso Dip, the best queso dip in town!“

“This place is great no matter what you get. A few weeks ago I had the banana pudding French toast for brunch. Today I had the buffalo chicken grilled cheese for lunch. Both of my visits have been outstanding to say the least. I can just tell these guys know what the hell they’re doing when they get in the kitchen so if you are a foodie like me this is the place to be.If the weather is good like it was today, you can grab a seat on the patio and enjoy the sun! Check it out…… you will not be disappointed!“

“We loved our location in Georgetown and wish they would come back! Great gluten-free options including pancakes. Prices have increased and that is the only reason I don’t give Josie’s 5 stars. Coffee is $3.50. Selections and portions are above average. Would like to see seasonal or weekly specials. I chose the grilled pork chops on this visit. If I’m going to spend almost $20 on breakfast with water for one person I might as well get my money’s worth. Generous portion of meat and potatoes. Felt like one of the few choices priced appropriately.Dietary restrictions: Gluten free pancakes“

“Hidden Gem alert!! First off- the prices are an incredible value. My son and I stopped by early to watch the horses train and stumbled across this amazing place.The staff are so friendly and the food is exactly what you want on a crisp spring morning.They are here to provide food for the many folks of Keenland, but we were welcomed and felt right at home dining.If you are a horse aficionado or just a novice the restaurant had picture of horses and jockeys scattered on the walls and a rich history of Keenland.Don't let the nice price fool ya...this is southern cooking at its finest!!Vegetarian options: They have different options.Dietary restrictions: They make orders fresh so this is easy to accommodateParking: East parking access.Kid-friendliness: They are kiddo friendly and have high chairs.Wheelchair accessibility: Standard accessibility“

“Visiting the area from Austin, Texas and was lucky enough to stumble across this place by pure chance. Walking in the joint, I knew I was in for something special. Old school hospitality paired with amazing food had me contemplating moving. The meatloaf with green beans, potatoes and cornbread was delicious, and the burgers were tasty. Unfortunately I didn't leave room for dessert, but they looked really good. Thank to the kitchen staff for making such delicious food - you can taste the talent and experience of the crew. Thank you a great lunch in Lexington.“

“Great service and top speed. If you need to have a nice dining experience in a short amount of time, this is your place. Every first watch I have visited actually performs at high level and always delicious food. Great atmosphere. My favorite was Waffles with blueberry compote. I also had an omlete. On another visit and it was a 10/10.Vegetarian options: Great options for vegans. Healthy option.“

“Food was good. Service ok. An hour after we were there open table emailed me saying Malone’s cancelled our reservation. That’s funny because we were THERE. Had to ask for a couple things couple times before waiter brought. Maybe struggling to find good help just like all other businesses.Parking: Had to park in a little grass/gravel lot.“

“We have been to Ramsey's many times since it opened the new location off Leestown Rd. We have yet to have something we don't like. Pie, drinks, breakfast, dinner; it's all been lovely. It's a place we enjoy going again and again.“

“My husband and I have only ate here twice, but both times were successful. The quality of the food is worth the drive from Winchester to eat here. We enjoy the casual atmosphere with the food that burst with wonderful flavors. The only downside is the bathrooms are really small and not as clean as one would want. But that never stopped me from coming back for the second time, nor will it anymore. Give them a try!“

“This is the BEST place for brunch in Lexington! The menu for brunch is great. I can no longer eat eggs and I’m not a huge pancake/French toast person so brunch places can be difficult for me. They have just enough non-breakfast choices to choose from and they’re all fantastic instead of being hit or Miss. Also, if cocktails with brunch are your thing (like mine) the bottomless choices and prices cannot be beat in this town!“

“We loved this local family owned diner! Service was excellent, and they have a lot on their menu. We shared the breakfast board which was fantastic! And at a very reasonable price. The place is small, but they do have a nice patio with a garage door that has more seating outside. Can't wait to go back and enjoy their lunch!“

“We had dinner with another couple. Front/bar was super noisy so we opted for a booth in the back in order to have a conversation. Service was very good. Husband and I ordered the ravioli and the chicken Ceasar salad to share. All good but salad was very small for the price. I'm not a big eater but left feeling hungry even though we had chocolate torte for dessert.“

“Stop by for breakfast they did not disappoint. My Shrimp and grits was flavorful with charred sun-dried tomatoes, andouille sausage! My husband got his usual 3 eggs over easy, sausage links, potatoes and toast with coffee. Service was attentive and pleasant.“

“One of our favorite restaurants we have to go to when we are in town! Never disappoints!Our server was amazing, his name starts with a T (sorry I really asked and forgot). Great personality and just a cool guy.Still a great stop before or after getting to Cincinnati for some 3 Way and Coney“

“The food is fantastic. We tried the chicken wings and soft pretzels to start and both were delicious. I am super picky about my pretzels and these really were spot on. Just a slight crunch with a soft, chewy inside!All of our burgers were very good sized, perfectly cooked, and incredibly juicy. ?To top things off, our server was friendly and made sure our experience was great.“

“My favorite breakfast place ever and so delicious. Very accommodating to my allergies! Even though the menu might look limited to dietary restrictions, substitutions are very flexible and they are so caring. Quick service even when busy. 5⭐️!“

“My wife and I had dinner at Favor last night and both of us said afterwards that it was the best meal we've had in Lexington in a LONG time. Every single dish was amazing and prepared absolutely perfect. We started off with the mushroom rangoon dish which exploded with the most spectacular tastes in our mouths. We were sure that couldn't be topped, but when we got the Pork Chop and Snapper dishes we were wrong. Watching Wyatt prepare the dishes in front of us also added to the experience, seeing all the love and prep that went into them. He truly is a food genius. We ended it with the cookie dessert which was the perfect ending for a meal that we are still talking about today. Kudos to Wyatt for such an amazing experience and culinary delight. Would highly recommend Favor to anyone looking for a very different meal experience in Lexington that won't disappoint.“

“Extensive bourbon and whiskey lists, delicious cocktails, and tasty food makes this place a must visit. Recommend trying the bread sticks, meatballs, bourbon glazed salmon, and any of the burgers. The only regret was not trying their pizza!Parking: Large parking lotWheelchair accessibility: Ramp access available“

“THE VERY BEST!!! (I'M WORTH IT!!!)??6?❤️KEENELAND Spring Meet is coming up!!!PLAN on taking a buddy, loved one, family or even just YOUR CLASSY SELF for a GENUINE, FINE dining, clubby experience!!! (Locals ALWAYS DO!!!)MAKE A RESERVATION NOW for Post Keeneland festivities, Pre is fun as well!!! (Order on the site!!! Pick UP curbside!!! FORGET delivery drivers +tip!!!) Surprise a buddy or loved one!!!PLAN on ALL DAY Sunday classy "slumming!!!" FORGET those OVERPRICED "fake steakhouses." You know who they are . . . where a hamburger meal is $70.00?!?! ?‍????THIS IS THE GENUINE ORIGINAL place in Lex to perfectly dine on the finest steak and EVERYTHING on their fresh, delicious, hand crafted menu!!! ? ? ? ?????Locals EAT & solid slum, chill here for a PERFECT HAPPY HOUR!!! CAN'T WAIT FOR THE PATIO TO OPEN!!! Join the BEST!!! Well done, classy, funny & a family (adult) affair!!! JOIN THE REAL CLUB!!! ??❤️AND the PERFECT selection of Bourbons & DELICIOUS crafted mixed drinks! GET an appetizer to share!!! BRING your date/friend/buddy/hubby? YOU WILL ALWAYS BE TREATED to the FINEST, CLASSIEST, FRIENDLIEST, 6? SERVICE, EVERY SINGLE TIME!!! (I LEGIT DO!!!) WORD!!! ???Parking: ConvenientWheelchair accessibility: No problem“

“One of our regular spots in Lexington! Pizzas are great stone-fired right in front of you, topping selection is great, and they do it right for dine-in or takeout. Salads and cheese bread are delish! Outdoor area next door is lovely in the summer as well.“

“I had the Cobb Salad. The greens were fresh and of good quality, the chicken was fried well, the remaining veggies were fresh and the blue pimento cheese was delicious. I had blue cheese dressing instead of the suggested dressing. I definitely will order it again.“

“This is amazing! Lexington residents are so fortunate! If you are a vegetarian, so many wonderful options. One of the best meals I have ever eaten. The delicious sweet and savory combination s is the pimento cheese fritters. A wonderful beat and brussel sprout salad and then the gnocchi - just these wonderful pillows of deliciousness. Great staff too. Such a great place. When Im back in town, staying next door again.“

“Date night! We started off with the best crab cake I have ever eaten and a baked goat cheese laden with local lavender honey and pistachios hot in a skillet. For entrees we had the duck and tournedos. The cook on both was why Dudley's gets a four instead of five. The duck was slightly overcooked but the fat hadn't been rendered enough. That being said, the confit duck in rice and accompanying veg were delish! The tournedos with crab meat were slightly more well than medium; however again, accompanying mashed potatoes and sauce were stunning. The ambience is perfect for a date night. It's in a beautiful spot on downtown with plenty of street parking , lot parking and garage parking nearby. On this day in particular, because the weather was so nice, the doors were also wide open allowing for beautiful fresh air during our meal. Service was excellent and quick. We will be back especially for that delicious decadent crab cake. Truly the best we've had in town!“

“This place is great!! If you stop by the Lexington, KY location, make sure you have Chloe as your waitress. She is so patient and kind. As if she serving her own family. Very attentive and ensuring everyone has exactly what they needed. If she ever leaves, this will be an asset you’ll never get back. You need to double or even triple her salary.“

“Had lunch 3/28/24. I had the salmon salad. Large, thick blackened filet on a bed of salad fixings. Husband had buffalo chicken sandwich with cheddar tots. Both from lunch special menu. Two large unsweetened teas. Excellent. Perfectly cooked salmon. $37.44 prior to tip. Such a deal!“

“Excellent 3 course horsing specialty dinner with really generous portions of brisket and pork chop. The brisket was smoky and tender & paired great with the corn cake and slaw. The pork chop was cooked so well and was delicious. The drunken goat cheese farro was amazing. The citrusy orange cream cake was excellent! Service was outstanding! And it was a beautiful evening to eat outside on the patio!!“

“Tackhouse Pub is my brunch haven, and the hot brown dish is nothing short of a culinary masterpiece. The combination of flavors left me speechless, and I usually reserve that for important things like brunch. The cozy atmosphere and impeccable service make it a must-visit. Tackhouse Pub, where every bite of the hot brown is a step closer to brunch nirvana!“

“The food was absolutely delicious! I had the BLT on white bread with a Liquid Marijuana and without a doubt it was the best BLT I had ever laid my lips on. 10 out of 10 I would recommend this little hole in the wall right off the interstate!“

“This is a good Waffle House (some are just passable). The staff were very responsive and it is jammed on Sunday morning...always a good sign. The fried egg sandwich is my 'go to' and if you can get them to make it, try the chili cheese omelet. You will not regret it.“

“Very friendly very nice atmosphere the KJ is very super nice she's always friendly and very helpful and picking selecting songs I really like it here a lotParking: There are lots of parking spots in the plaza and there are about eight parking spots up front“

“On a SUPER busy Valentines Day, my wife and I experienced a FANTASTIC dinner. Our server Mariah (sorry if I misspell your name) did an amazing job. Our glasses were never empty and the food was amazing. Easily the best BBQ ribs in Lexington. Also, if heaven had a taste, it’ll taste like the carrot cake you have.“

“If I could give this place 10 Stars I would! My husband and I were traveling back home to Michigan after our trip to Mammoth Cave National Park. We had a fun afternoon of burbon drinking after camping and Desperately needed something to eat. Unfortunately, it was so late everything was closed. In a last ditch effort we spontaneously asked a passing local of ANY WHERE we could eat He immediately pointed us to Minglewood. We arrived an hour before close and quickly and apologetically ordered a couple cocktails and some food. I had the pimento hamburger and GIRL LEMME TELL YOU!!! Iv never had a hamburger more delicious in my entire life! It doesn’t stop there, we then had the absolute pleasure of meeting the LADY BOSS (maybe the owner? I was pretty tipsy by then lol) She was AMAZING and after bonding of chef life and hearing how much I love chicken wings, she suggested they had the BEST and proceeded to make us an order HERSELF even tho they were pretty much closed! OH. MY. ACTUAL. GOSH…SHE WAS NOT WRONG! I can’t tell you how serious I am when I tell you these were the BEST wings Iv ever had!! We are going to be camping in Smoky Mountains National Park for New Years weekend and have planned our trip specifically to include a stop here again for those wings! Do your mouth a favor and eat here. -Rose & Todd“

“If you're downtown trying to avoid overpriced drinks and just okay entrees, then check this little dive out. Was near the hotel and sadly found it the last night in town. Could've saved some money had it been the regular spot a few days earlier. Good burgers, sandwiches and daily specials. 24oz PBR only $3. You get a ton of fries, but mine were a little floppy.“

“My Family and I were in town in March and all visited the Sage Rabbit for an afternoon event. John and his staff were great and their service was spot on. Their burger, noodle salad and homemade tortellini were fantastic and each of us loved our meal and time at his restaurant. I would highly recommend visiting, saying hello to the Team and enjoying one heck of a meal.“

“The best Lamb Chops & BBQ bacon wrapped Shrimp EVER. Such a beautiful place. I’m a four generation restaurant family and it was absolutely spot on. We have ordered Lamb ten times in the last month, European vacation and this was the very best and locally sourced. Can’t wait for the next visit. Our server Cade was fabulous as well. Must see the new Bourbon Bar !!!“

“My first time to Banners… Outstanding burger! I’m a cheeseburger nut, and that was a really good burger. And, the house chips were the perfect side for me. And, our server, Aaron, couldn’t have been better. Cheers! Will definitely be back soon!“

“What a great neighborhood bar! The regulars and bartenders are friendly, interesting and funny. The karaoke is fantastic. I stopped by while in Lexington for a week of appts at UK MED. It was just what I needed. You'll meet no strangers here. Cheers!“

“the new dining room on N. Forbes does not have the same class as the previous location; more like eating in a basement. But! The food is still great and fast, friendly service. Don't let the location fool you, still the same great food.“

“I had never been out on St. Patrick's Day. I went to O'Neills with a friend and we had a great great time. They had karaoke and a live band and I was really surprised at all the people that were there and the food they were serving was on one sheet of paper. This made sense because it was so crowded. You couldn't make all that food off of the regular menu so that was a good idea. They did good there.“

“We arrived 15 minutes before our reservation and were seated immediately. The service was fantastic - fast and friendly. The food was delicious as always. We try to have dinner here whenever we are in the area and have never been disappointed.“

“If sams has 1000 fans i am one, if sams has 100 fans i am one, if sams has 1 fans i am one, if sams has 0 fans im dead.Good dogs for a food price, the hours are tricky because sometimes i wanna get a late night weenie and SAMS IS CLOSED. Usually open until 1 on weekends but sometimes they close early and it makes me sad.“

“The best of the best in Lexington. The freshest and local ingredients coupled with the mind of a top gourmet chef result in a perfect complexity to pair with any beer. The flavor, texture, aroma, all come together for a meal you will remember.“

“I just left and our meal was delicious. Service was excellent, and the place was clean & tidy. Our waitress was great, our meal slipped off the big tray as they were bringing it through the crowd, nobody's fault, nobody injured or got food on them. She apologized profusely. Staff had it cleaned up and gone in minutes. We were worried we'd have to wait a while for new food but within 10 minutes we had piping hot replacements. Management and staff couldn't have done better on a busy Friday night and we will definitely be returning. Thank you Suttons!“

“I loved Drake's! My friend and her husband had us go here for dinner as it's one of her favorites. I understand why! I love a menu that brings in options, from wings, salads, burgers to sushi rolls! Not featured in my photos was my amazing bbq burger. I ate the entire burger and fries. Best to say I was full! To back track: we had the pretzels to start off which were nice and soft. Loved the dipping sauces. I had one of their special salmon rolls and I was very happy with it. They had a lot of good options - it was hard to pick. Honestly so pleased, our server Katelyn was super friendly and prompt. I would recommend for those who like various options of great food!“

“I’m a big foodie, and no lie, this place is one of the best I’ve had. We’ve only been here once so far, but the pulled pork was great, the burger was AMAZING. As were the Brussel sprouts and vinegar slaw. The Korean chicken appetizer had the perfect amount of heat and flavor. Very very good and will be back 110%.“