This is a unique place. One of a kind atmosphere. An experience that keeps you reminiscent.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Eduardo Bezerra
A great Japanese spot to enjoy a drink or two, paired with delicious appetizers and small plates. The food is excellent, and the warm, friendly atmosphere makes it an inviting place to relax. Kudos to the owners!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Xavier
The Lemon Chuhai was very refreshing, and the Yuzu Cooler was also very tasty. I haven't had much sake before, but I also tried a sake flight to get a sampling of some of their sake, and it was the best sake I've ever had. We tried a few of their snacks as well, and they were perfect complements to the drinks. This place has a very comforting atmosphere, and the owners were extremely friendly. Also, no kids allowed, so this is a great spot for a unique date night, or for hanging out and having conversations with other adults. Highly recommend. Tonight was our first time there, and we definitely plan on going back because it was a very enjoyable experience.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Brian Stout
First time visiting. Very relaxing environment. The snacks and sake were excellent. The owners were kind and professional. Planning to become regulars.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Eleanor Krause
Everything I’ve ever eaten here is delicious! We’re grateful to live nearby, but it’s definitely worth the trek if you’re not in the neighborhood.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Eugene Shin
They offer great small dishes, including some of the freshest sashimi you can get in Kentucky. Although my favorite drink is an ice-cold bourbon highball, there's also a wide and thoughtful selection of Japanese sake — offering a deep and authentic taste of Japan in the heart of the South.
SRO isn’t just a casual dining spot (though it might be the most casual place around); it’s a shared space where strangers quickly become friends. The atmosphere is warm, relaxed, and refined — a place where conversations flow freely between guests and the chefs, and where food and drinks are often passed around the room. With no assigned seats, everyone shares the space — the floor, the table, the dishes, and their stories. That said, don’t worry if you’re not in the mood to chat — it’s just as easy to mind your own business and enjoy your meal in peace. I say all this to express just how welcoming and comfortable the atmosphere truly is.
SRO is like a small portal to Japan, where Kentucky’s southern hospitality blends beautifully into something truly unique. The room is always full of good people, good energy, and an inviting air that quietly encourages connection. It was a real joy to see the lovely owners again. I hold fond memories of SRO from when I lived in Lexington, and my recent quick visit brought it all back. Happy 7th anniversary to SRO — I look forward to returning for more stories soon.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Chris King
Just so you all know, no kids allowed, no exceptions, not even babies. Tried to meet up with a friend who was in town but was kicked out so we decided to go to another bar. I know they’re within their rights to have this rule but I wished there was some mention of this in their description or in any of their social media pages which is why I’m writing this.
Emily Hutchinson
Absolutely incredible atmosphere. All of the food is unbelievably fresh, flavorful, and delicious. We split about 6 different plates between 3 people and could have had more. I can’t believe how special and unique this spot is and this is just my first time coming. We can’t wait to come back for some great drinks and food!
PDX Hood
Great Sakes.
Chad Fenner
This was such a unique experience that I would recommend to anyone that likes drinking, conversation, and small plates. Everything was nicely priced, well prepared, and delicious. My brother and I were recommended to visit this bar when we first drove through Lexington, and it was well worth the stop in on the way back through.
You should go. Stand with new friends, drink some fantastic sake, and eat some amazing food.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Brian L. Frye
I absolutely adore this bar/restaurant! It’s a Japanese standing bar, for drinking sake & eating bar food. The owners are incredibly nice & chill, the sake is amazing & imported from Japan & the food is exquisite. Everything changes all the time, so every visit is different. I love the AOR soundtrack as well. This is such a unique place & a gem to have in an unexpected small city like Lexington. Not to be missed!!!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Chilled Cucumber
Elliot Cornett
This place slaps
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Isabel Shech
Incredible place - it’s unique to have such an authentic and carefully crafted experience of Japan in Lexington! The small plates are simply outstanding, the sake is selected with care and the proprietors are a sweet, friendly and hardworking couple. We visited a few times during our time visiting Lex and hands down recommend!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Japanese Omelette, Octopus, Bride of the Fox Sake, Mackerel
Knife & Fork Farm, Gravel Switch KY Berenstern
This is truly a great experience! I suggest you let the bartender and chef guide you to make the most your evening. Come with an adventurous spirit and be respectful that this is not a restaurant but a immersive experience to enjoy and appreciate beverages the reward for that is amazing food to compliment the beverages.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Octopus, Custom Sake Tasting, Hot Sake
This is a unique place.
One of a kind atmosphere.
An experience that keeps you reminiscent.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
A great Japanese spot to enjoy a drink or two, paired with delicious appetizers and small plates. The food is excellent, and the warm, friendly atmosphere makes it an inviting place to relax. Kudos to the owners!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
The Lemon Chuhai was very refreshing, and the Yuzu Cooler was also very tasty. I haven't had much sake before, but I also tried a sake flight to get a sampling of some of their sake, and it was the best sake I've ever had. We tried a few of their snacks as well, and they were perfect complements to the drinks. This place has a very comforting atmosphere, and the owners were extremely friendly. Also, no kids allowed, so this is a great spot for a unique date night, or for hanging out and having conversations with other adults. Highly recommend. Tonight was our first time there, and we definitely plan on going back because it was a very enjoyable experience.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
First time visiting. Very relaxing environment. The snacks and sake were excellent. The owners were kind and professional. Planning to become regulars.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Everything I’ve ever eaten here is delicious! We’re grateful to live nearby, but it’s definitely worth the trek if you’re not in the neighborhood.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
They offer great small dishes, including some of the freshest sashimi you can get in Kentucky. Although my favorite drink is an ice-cold bourbon highball, there's also a wide and thoughtful selection of Japanese sake — offering a deep and authentic taste of Japan in the heart of the South.
SRO isn’t just a casual dining spot (though it might be the most casual place around); it’s a shared space where strangers quickly become friends. The atmosphere is warm, relaxed, and refined — a place where conversations flow freely between guests and the chefs, and where food and drinks are often passed around the room. With no assigned seats, everyone shares the space — the floor, the table, the dishes, and their stories. That said, don’t worry if you’re not in the mood to chat — it’s just as easy to mind your own business and enjoy your meal in peace. I say all this to express just how welcoming and comfortable the atmosphere truly is.
SRO is like a small portal to Japan, where Kentucky’s southern hospitality blends beautifully into something truly unique. The room is always full of good people, good energy, and an inviting air that quietly encourages connection. It was a real joy to see the lovely owners again. I hold fond memories of SRO from when I lived in Lexington, and my recent quick visit brought it all back. Happy 7th anniversary to SRO — I look forward to returning for more stories soon.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Just so you all know, no kids allowed, no exceptions, not even babies. Tried to meet up with a friend who was in town but was kicked out so we decided to go to another bar. I know they’re within their rights to have this rule but I wished there was some mention of this in their description or in any of their social media pages which is why I’m writing this.
Absolutely incredible atmosphere. All of the food is unbelievably fresh, flavorful, and delicious. We split about 6 different plates between 3 people and could have had more. I can’t believe how special and unique this spot is and this is just my first time coming. We can’t wait to come back for some great drinks and food!
Great Sakes.
This was such a unique experience that I would recommend to anyone that likes drinking, conversation, and small plates. Everything was nicely priced, well prepared, and delicious. My brother and I were recommended to visit this bar when we first drove through Lexington, and it was well worth the stop in on the way back through.
Parking: Can park up and down the street.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Shochu Flight, Quail Eggs, Sake Flight
Restaurantji Recommends
You should go. Stand with new friends, drink some fantastic sake, and eat some amazing food.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
I absolutely adore this bar/restaurant! It’s a Japanese standing bar, for drinking sake & eating bar food. The owners are incredibly nice & chill, the sake is amazing & imported from Japan & the food is exquisite. Everything changes all the time, so every visit is different. I love the AOR soundtrack as well. This is such a unique place & a gem to have in an unexpected small city like Lexington. Not to be missed!!!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Chilled Cucumber
This place slaps
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Incredible place - it’s unique to have such an authentic and carefully crafted experience of Japan in Lexington! The small plates are simply outstanding, the sake is selected with care and the proprietors are a sweet, friendly and hardworking couple. We visited a few times during our time visiting Lex and hands down recommend!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Japanese Omelette, Octopus, Bride of the Fox Sake, Mackerel
This is truly a great experience! I suggest you let the bartender and chef guide you to make the most your evening. Come with an adventurous spirit and be respectful that this is not a restaurant but a immersive experience to enjoy and appreciate beverages the reward for that is amazing food to compliment the beverages.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Octopus, Custom Sake Tasting, Hot Sake
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