50 Best American Restaurants in Lexington

“Best food, portions, price and service.“

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

“One team member said: "The Obstinate Sons is by far one of my favorite restaurants! They have an incredible vintage whiskey selection and an incredible menu. Their deviled egg (and I don't say this lightly) was the best deviled egg I've ever had in my life. They also have very solid portions and an incredibly nice staff!"“

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

“One team member said: "Winchell's Restaurant and Bar is a Lexington classic sports bar with people-pleasing food for the entire crew. Whether it's game day snacks and drinks or a big family breakfast, this busy restaurant offers big portions, great service, and is a Lexington staple for a reason. "“

“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!“

“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“

“Your Son in heaven says Merry Christmas Mom & Pop... and son raised by another man now that he's gone...“

“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.“

“Took the early morning tour with Jan. Very informative! Got to see the horses exercising on the track! Definitely worth your time!“

“Best food, portions, price and service.“

“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!“

“An absolute gem outside of Lexington! This place had generous portions, and a homey feel, but what really put it over the edge was the absolutely amazing staff! They were so friendly and personable, and it felt completely sincere. Right in the heart of horse country, this place is a must-see when visiting the area!“

“First time trying Agave & Rye...wow! Everything we tried was fresh & exploding with flavor! So delicious! Cannot wait to go again!“

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

“Food is always amazing with excellent service.“

“The folks working at Agave and Rye are super friendly and very helpful. The food was fantastic.“

“Excellent food cooked perfectly. Everyone loved their meals, but the strawberry cobbler and the warm Brussels salad were the biggest hits. Great drinks and the service was impeccable. The only thing I would have changed was the location of the table as seating was super tight and in a corner where one couldn't leave the table without others having to get up.“

“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“

“This makes no sense for a hot dog restaurant to be this good in kentucky is crazy. Straight dog n bun is good all the way up! I love candied japs and that's all I could think to make it any better than it is. 10 out of 10 and somewhat safe end of town. Must have in Lexington!“

“We just got done having Burgers at Dovas for lunch and they were the best I’ve had in a LONG time. The staff is kind and clearly cares. The restaurant is clean and beautiful. Get the lamb burger if you are considering it. It was amazing!“

“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“

“Perfect Vibe for after work relaxation and grab an amazing meal.“

“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“

“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!“

“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!“

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

“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!“

“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!!“

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

“I have eaten at Ramsey’s many times, most of my orders are to go during the winter months and spring and summer I eat inside. Sometimes there is a wait time for seating but it is worth waiting for. The food was great! The staff was great and the prices were acceptable. I didn’t wait too long for my food and it was delicious! It was enough to fill me up and then I had enough to take home. I tell people at work if you want great food, go to Ramsey’s! I recommend this restaurant! Thank you B.“

“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!“

“We had such a great experience. Our server Amoni was so thorough, attentive, and just a pleasure all around. Super helpful is us picking the best dishes and checked in regularly. The food was great! We got the steak salad (recommended by Amoni) and the chicken tenders which were both perfect!“

“I had a wonderful time here at culvers, i was greeted at the door buy a young man named Reese. He took my order and was very patient (this was my second time here) i got my single deluxe while i was grabbing napkins before sitting down, the burger was perfect, the cheese wasn't quite melted but overall this experience was good!“

“Great place for breakfast/ brunch.!!!! Lots of great choices!! Come to Mississippi please 😄“

“Mackenzie was our server and she was the best. Very attentive and so so sweet. Definitely recommend!“

“Would want to give shout out to young lady working front counter at 11am, she took my order noticed that I was a veteran called for manager so she could put in discount. Thank you Thank you also to manager for Thanking me for my service. Great place!“

“It was an outstanding experience with a very good friend! The food was perfect and the atmosphere chill. I look forward to another visit.“

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

“Great atmosphere, the staff is spot on. Mother fries are the bomb! Oysters and shrimp cocktail was very good! My wife and I both had the “ prime rib” recently. I’m not a butcher but what we had was not “prime rib”. It was I believe a $28 “chuck roast”.“

“Great food! Great decor and atmosphere. very clean, service was great. Highly recommend for brunch. I dined at the Hamburg location. Try it you'll like it 🤗“

“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.“

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

“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.“

“We live in a rural area, so only get to this location about once every 6-7 weeks. EVERY TIME, we visit here, we are constantly impressed with the friendliness and excellent customer service we receive. No matter who waits on it, always great service!!“

“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.“

“the best. Best service. tasty dishes. friendly staff.“

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