50 Best American Restaurants in Lexington

“Best steak and salad I’ve had at any restaurant! Waiter was great too!“

“Brady made our lunchtime with friends extra special today. We’ve always loved this restaurant for many reasons but having him take care of us was an added bonus we won’t forget. We hope he stays on board so we can see him again when we return which will be soon! Thanks alot Brady 😋🙌“

“I LOVE WALT'S FAVORITE SHRIMP. I TELL ALL MY FRIENDS THE STORY OF WALT.“

“We ate for the first time at the Andover location and had the best meal we’ve had in a long time. Service was excellent. We both had the chopped wedge salad, wagyu burger, broccoli topped with smoked Gouda sauce, macaroni with smoked Gouda, and shared a slice of peanut butter pie. Every bit of our meal was amazing! We can’t wait to go back and try something else on the menu.“

“Tammy McNew was great! Best server ever. Food was good too. 😎“

“I love it bc the people are nice“

“The food was fresh and so good. We had crab cakes, mahi mahi and chicken marsala. The portions were generous. We sat at the bar and had phenomenal service from Carrie. She is a Rockstar! The drinks were so different from what I had had anywhere else. Definitely going back!“

“Cozy setting, wonderfully helpful staff, and the food is glorious! French toast, the fish sandwich, and the brisket sausage are must tries on your first visit!“

“Food came out fast, the portions were huge and our server Emily was fantastic!“

“A great place to eat in the middle of the beautiful backdrop of Keeneland. Good food with frequent specials, plus a short order menu. One of the better breakfast joints around. Another plus is that you’re going to eat for about $10 or less. Great value and big servings.“

“First time dining at Winchell's. Let me say this, I will be back. The food was fresh and flavorful. I had the Gourmet chopped burger and it was seasoned so well. We will definitely be back to try more menu items.“

“This place has the best steak you will ever put in your mouth.! Thank you Smitty for all the great food and fun times we had there with my late cousin Mark Sugg“

“A detour off of I-75 brought me thought some of the most beautiful horse properties I have seen in a long while! In the mist of rolling horse land stand a little market, more of a mom and pop dinner, lovely people and great pie! Don’t just drive by, stop in enjoy the view and relax!“

“Harry’s Twin Filets (+ side) is hard to beat for the price ($27.99). Somehow the food seems to get better with each visit. Had the pleasure of being served by Caleb tonight, awesome UK student working his second straight year for BHG. Also worth noting: you can order from both the Harry’s & Malone’s menus while dining at Harry’s!“

“Great salad and shrimp flatbread was yummy. Prices are great. I felt comfortable and safe dining alone (traveling through).“

“You know a restaurant is good when you crave it the next day“

“We ate for the first time at the Andover location and had the best meal we’ve had in a long time. Service was excellent. We both had the chopped wedge salad, wagyu burger, broccoli topped with smoked Gouda sauce, macaroni with smoked Gouda, and shared a slice of peanut butter pie. Every bit of our meal was amazing! We can’t wait to go back and try something else on the menu.“

“Great start with our waitress Kimberly. Kimberlee. She was absolutely the best. This was my first steak at Ted's. I would rate it as the best steak I have had in a longtime. Forget get the high priced steak houses in Lexington as this was far and away the most perfectly cook steak ever. Adding to the perfect meal were wonderful onion rings. They were as close to perfection as you can get. My compliments to the chef. we were too full to try the deserts but I am sure they would have been great. We will make Ted's a regular stop for a great meal.“

“Harry’s Twin Filets (+ side) is hard to beat for the price ($27.99). Somehow the food seems to get better with each visit. Had the pleasure of being served by Caleb tonight, awesome UK student working his second straight year for BHG. Also worth noting: you can order from both the Harry’s & Malone’s menus while dining at Harry’s!“

“its a laid back place with people you enjoy being around and the celeoateis remarkable i love going to oneils you never know whats going to come up thank you all“

“2nd time here and I can’t say enough about the pecan crusted pork tenderloins!!! Have to try this dish when I return home. Desserts were huge! Loved the carrot cake!“

“First timing trying this place. Fill place, feels like a neighborhood spoke with some unique dishes on the menu.

I got the Lumberjack burger. It came out raw, ordered it medium. They took it back I expected a new burger, the simply further cooked the burger. This time it was well done. Not a big deal flavor was still there, juicy and well seasoned. However, I think much of the Beer cheese had cooked off.

We got the salad with orange vinaigrette and it was very good. The squash soup was also nice on a snowy day.

Service was excellent and enjoyed the experience. The only negative was the burger cook and the not getting a new burger. Just kind of pointless to ask for how I’d like it cooked.

Would eat here again though“

“One of the best restaurants in KY. We had a great experience and the food was awesome. Our son fell out of his chair and the manager came right over and checked on him and cheered him up with a cookie and ice cream on the house. Thank you so much.“

“Wow! If you love bourbon… if you love craft cocktails and craft beer… B&R is a MUST!!! We had a perfectly balanced sour, a spirit forward old fashioned (smoked peel!) and their Coffee & Smoke which is a fun twist on a Manhattan with their own smoky flair. We arrived too late for their full menu, but their bar bites definitely did not disappoint…. The wings!!!! We will be back every time we’re in Lexington!“

“Love this place! One of our favorites in Lexington!“

“On July 5, 2025 we were visiting KY from OH searching for a great place to eat since the hotel kitchen closed at 11:00 p.m. When I tell you this is the perfect spot! Our server was Mathew and on a scale of 1-10 we give him 20 stars! If I had a business I’d definitely want him working there! He went above and beyond his job description! Thank you for finding a charger for me; I really appreciated that! Next time there’s going to be more in our group because we definitely spread the word! We hate we missed the band! Food, pricing and drinks excellent!“

“Liam's Restaurant has a little bit of everything. Make a request, they aim to please ,“

“Sam's downtown is more than a hot dog stand. Way more. It's a Cheers of sorts. It's an easy place to just stop by and fill your tummy, or feel welcomed. It's even an artsy place! They welcome you in, take your order and share a smile or two. All sorts of customers frequent Sam's downtown. From those who live in the hood to those who work in the Suits buildings ;). They even have turkey dogs! Plus they are a COKE place ;). A trip to Sam's downtown is always a good way to start your day/afternoon.“

“My son and I had an impromptu late lunch today 7/7/2022. It’s been a long time since we’ve experienced service like this that was topped off with awesome food! The medium cooked burger with extra bacon was incredible, cooked to perfection, it was huge! The pulled pork sandwich topped with small onion rings was an unexpected tasty surprise. The French Fry’s were seasoned, served HOT and crisp just like the sandwich’s, I mean, where in Lexington do you get that?! The staff was exceptionally cordial and our food was presented before we had filled our fountain drinks. Out the door just stuffed full for $30, that’s value! My son and I had a quick debate on the way home, monthly or weekly stop 😂 Weekly for the win! Can’t wait to try breakfast!!“

“We had dinner tonight at the bar. What a wonderful expert. Our bartender/waitress was Bethany. What a delight, so ground willing to help. Extremely knowledgeable with the menu and so happy to help us with our meal selection What a wonderful meal, the ribs, salad and potato were perfect. She was so attentive and personably, a t treat. We will be back Thanks Brittany for a wonder evening out Lance and Maryann“

“Absolutely! The food is fantastic #1, and the staff is even better!! There’s a girl there named Anna that always goes above and beyond! BEST customer service skills ever!“

“Everything was great and my family enjoyed our meal. Staff was friendly and the dining room was clean. My only issue was the gluten free bun. It wasn't the greatest but I know its not really their fault, most gluten free breads aren't that good. I still ate the burger though.“

“During our visit to Kentucky’s Bourbon Country, we had the distinct pleasure of dining at what has quickly become our favorite restaurant in the area. From start to finish, the experience was exceptional. The food was nothing short of outstanding—flavorful, expertly prepared, and perfectly paired with a diverse and impressive collection of bourbons. What truly set this restaurant apart, however, was the warm and welcoming atmosphere, which made it feel like more than just a meal out, but rather an experience shared with friends. The staff’s hospitality and dedication to making every guest feel at home contributed to what was undoubtedly a memorable evening. We are already eagerly anticipating our next visit and look forward to enjoying another fantastic meal, discovering more exceptional bourbons, and sharing the experience with some great friends. Highly recommended for anyone visiting the Bourbon Country region—whether you're a bourbon enthusiast or simply someone who appreciates great food and service.“

“Hands down one of the best dining experiences I’ve had! Quick & exceptional service. Every employee I came in contact with was friendly and helpful! Highly recommended!“

“Everything was great! Very tasty!“

“Everything at Honeywoood is done with such beautiful intentionality, like all of a Ouita Michel’s creations. It is no accident that you feel surrounded by Kentucky history, agriculture and the arts when you enter any of her establishments. The food is no exception. While she could not possibly be in all restaurants at the same time, she selects the best team members to represent her vision and values. We loved every part of our experience at Honeywood. Food: creamy grits and polenta, slow cooked greens, risotto, local beef and quail, fresh seasonal vegetables, crispy country ham, deviled eggs stuffed with lump crab???? AND those damn sweet potato beignets!!! Never disappoint. service is top notch, without all the fanfare of a fine dining restaurant. Wine list and craft cocktails are legit. Anything goes and we felt comfortable in fancy duds and blue jeans with a T-shirt (which you can purchase in any of her places as well as her cookbook). Thank you, Ouita, and her cool a** hubby, Chris.“

“The steak, potatoes and broccoli were AMAZING! Compliments to chef Rena!! The bartender/server Tyler was really great too. Overall an awesome experience! Very happy I decided to come here for dinner.“

“I loved going to the market to get to try new foods with my children IT WAS A BLAST!“

“So this is now called Atrium Bar & Grill. I stop in a few times a year, Jessica took great care of me this time. The crab cakes were good last stay, but I saw the pork chops and had to try it this time. Delicious. Friendly service and good food right inside of Doubletree. Enjoy!“

“Me and my boyfriend were referred to Mama Dee's by family and I'm so blessed they did ! Mama Dee is so friendly and she cooks the best food! And best part about it is everything comes from a homemade recipe so it's original and delicious! When you walk in someone greets you as you walk into a really nice clean cafe. The food doesn't take long and like I said very good customer service! very laid back but exceptional.. makes you feel right at home! Needless to say I would recommend to everyone and I'm now addicted to this place and food ! lol 😆 especially the fried chicken salad! It's my favorite and my boyfriend lives their cheeseburgers! thanks for everything Mama Dee's and we will be seeing you on the regular! 😋😋“

“Our stay was wonderful! The only hotel I’ve stayed where the refrigerator is actually COLD!“

“We always enjoy sitting outside at Palmers! Wonderful food and fantastic service!!!“

“The taco flights (The Filthy Fajita, The Smokeshow and The Gangsta) were Amazing as was our appetizer (Shrimp Rangoon Bites)!! Strawberry Bombshell on the rocks was definitely the bomb! Speaking of being the bomb, gotta give it up to our server Tonni and the general manager Nick who were both so nice, helpful and accommodating!! We will definitely be repeat customers! Thank you for a wonderful experience!!“

“We were in Lexington for a concert and searched restaurants near our hotel. Nic & Norman's menu looked good, and we appreciated the photos of each menu item. We made a reservation and had the best dinner from the food to the service. Everyone we enteracted with was so genuinely kind. I had the meatloaf and my husband had the BBQ pork burger. The meatloaf was amazing and completely made in house. The atmosphere is cozy industrial with exposed brick. If you are in doubt, this is your place for dinner.“

“Cole’s is a beautiful dining experience with educated staff and a lovely menu!“

“It was very busy. Our waiter was very friendly and attentive to our needs. The food is amazing. I had the Honey truffle chicken with mashed potatoes and asparagus. It was delicious. The cheesecake in my opinion is amazing!! Will be going back“

“BOMB MILKSHAKES, burgers and quesadillas. Fast and friendly service every time“

“Our waiter was amazing! The quality in service and her great personality made me want to come back. My husband and i havent had Cheddards in 6 years and Juliette was just so amazing we enjoyed the food and appetizers were so delicious and the cedar alcohol drinks were so good. Thank you again Juliette 💓“

“My husband and I just ate at the Lexington location. 10 out of 10 recommend!!! Great service and great food. We will be back next time we come to town.“