I really enjoy Coles for both the atmosphere and the food. It's a small quaint restaurant with great service. Our server made great recommendations and when she took a little longer to take our drink menus, she gave us complementary bread. We started with the jalapeño hoecakes ($16). They were good, but the whole cakes were a little dry to me. We split the New York strip ($58) with brussels sprouts and macaroni and cheese ($10) as the sides. The steak was juicy with lots of flavor. Of course, we had to get the chocolate chip cookies to go! They have the best cookies and straight out of the oven. read more

Food was excellent I ordered pork chop it was delicious Brussel sprouts were very good also. read more

Service was great! Ambiance was nice. Food was slow from the kitchen and mediocre, at best. Three of our party ordered the Blackened Chicken Mushroom Pasta. We all agreed that the chicken was not the least bit blackened. Some of the chicken was not completely cooked. Minimal amount of sauce. Noodles were extremely dense and chewy. The dish was very much under-seasoned. Also, one of our party had the Sea Bass. Portion was a bit on the small size and was not seasoned well. The side sauces were good. read more

Came for restaurant week but ordered the ahi tuna special and Greek salad. Greek salad was ok but the ahi tuna was phenomenal! One of best I've ever had not only because the tuna was great but because of the extras of bok choy, chanterelle mushrooms, dikon radish and caramelized onion. Absolutely delicious and huge portion. Always have great food here and great service read more

Wow, I had the pleasure of having dinner last night at coles 735 Main and I can say with confidence as a Chef and transplant from Southern California that Cole's is right up there with the best food and service experience I have had so far in the 2 months I have been here. The Cucumber / Melon Gazpacho was so good and the small Filet Mignon was over the top . But Just a good as the food was the service -- our server John was one of the most knowledgeable and kind servers I have ever met. I will be back again very soon Thank you for a great experience Chef Patrick read more

Service was very slow. The restaurant was barely full and the food was cold when it reached us. Great taste with sub par service for the price. Our service almost refused to see us. We saw them 4 times in almost 2 hours. please don't waste your time or money. Go to carson's or tony's instead for the price. read more

It's just an amazing place with fresh food without being pretentious. If you're a foodie - go! read more

Coles 735 Main - Amazingly fresh cobia fish - New American Near Me - Lexington, Kentucky

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10/10 service & ambiance! We came for the food, but left thinking about these silly lil cat mugs The Cajun Shrimp appetizer with sourdough was a sweeter take on a light gumbo and was amazing. The bread service--amazing. The filet, dare I say, amazing. Our server was SOO sweet. An unforgettable birthday date night. Coles is worth the stop y'all!! read more

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This was my first time eating at Coles and unfortunately will be my last. This was our anniversary dinner. What was great: Waiter Atmosphere Drinks and appetizers - Brie & Spanakopita What was disappointing: Main course (Duck and Cobia) - Duck was so so. Of course I'm used to the way it's prepared in Asia so maybe not a fair comparison. - Cobia - was good, the jasmine rice was crunchy and over cooked. Not as flavorful as expected. Fish was prepared well. Sides: leek au gratin - was dry and not as flavorful as hoped. Overall, food was overpriced for what we experienced. read more

Blackened chicken and mushroom pasta was kind of mid. Mashed potatoes were good. Grilled Caesar was good. Bread service was great but wish it was free. Ambiance was nice - cozy but elevated. read more

Service was impeccable in restaurants. Calling for reservations was a problem. Ambiance was subtle. Food was great quality. Lobster bisque could use some crab but the large portion was great! Mashed potatoes good, not great. Desert cookies are fantastic. read more

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This is the best restaurant we've been to in Lexington thus far, excelling in all areas (food, service, and atmosphere). We appreciated their attention to detail in the dishes and drinks, their communication and attentiveness in service, and the calm, cozy environment that was neither loud nor rushed. read more

Food is excellent. We had the beef shoulder and scallops, both were fantastic. Service was friendly and attentive. Neat space with art and eclectic seating. read more

Wonderful drink selection for bourbon drinkers. Ambiance is different but nice. Don't recall any music playing so you can have a conversation and the servers were present but not overbearing. Food was great. The duck is exquisite and so was the beef shoulder tender. read more

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. read more

Coles 735 Main - Inside - New American Near Me - Lexington, Kentucky

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Splitting the Brussel Sprouts and bacon salad was an excellent start Had a lovely steak dinner. The bourbon sauce on the strip steak special and wagyu butter was insanely delicious. The grits tater tots added bit of whimsy. Drinks were boozy Service struggled a bit but apologized and gave us a free beer. read more

One of the best meals I've had in a while. Servers and team were so lovely. It really felt like a true neighborhood upscale dining experience. Perfect for dinner with parents. Many diners were dressed up, a few men in sport coats. Enjoyed a Beautiful cooked fish and the desert cookies are not to be missed. read more

Came here with friends during my stay in KY. We sat out under their large tent. Started with a Kentucky Vesper cocktail which was delicious. They have us a bread bowl with mini cracked pepper biscuits, rolls, and butter. Very tasty! Thought the biscuits were a nice touch. They were a great texture with a slight crunch on the outside but fluffy on the inside. I have to say what blew me away was the scallop entree! Three massive scallops over some coconut rice, grilled spring onions and yuzu miso sauce. Delicious!!! My friends enjoyed their duck apricot meatballs and French dip. A great local restaurant in Lexington with amazing food. Staff was friendly and patient with our questions. Highly recommend! read more

Coles 735 Main - Kentucky vesper - New American Near Me - Lexington, Kentucky

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My wife and I had an early dinner here last night. We've frequently tried to go but couldn't get a reservation. We got there at 5:30 and the place steadily filled up. For good reason... it's delicious! She got the fillet, I got the duck breast. We cleaned our plates! The fillet was served with grits pressed and fried into cubes. The duck with sweet potatoes pressed and fried into Jenga-like bricks. Each made the presentation really nice and added a layer of crispiness that doesn't typically apply to grits or sweet potatoes. Both proteins were perfectly prepared, juicy and flavorful. Good cocktail and wine list, as well. Our server, Levi, was on point. We look forward to return visits. read more

Coles 735 Main - The aftermath. Should've takes a before shot. Both dishes were beautiful. - New American Near Me - Lexington, Kentucky

I made a reservation for my wife and I this weekend. She was really wanted to go but I see that your health inspection score is 89. That is pretty sad considering the price of your meals. I'm sure your food is excellent and I don't mind paying the price but you really need to get the that score way up. That's not fair to the consumer. We will dine there when its above 95. Good luck read more

What a little wonder in Lagrange! I met a friend in a Friday for lunch and was surprised it wasn't busier. From fried green tomatoes to start, to chicken salad sandwich and a fried fish sandwich- all was wonderful! They recommend def the pretzel pie (I love sweet and salty). It thought it was overly sweet and not salty enough. Also for the price $8, the slice was very small. But overall, food was delish and the server was stellar. We will be back! read more

I can't believe I've not reviewed here yet, I've been here 3 times and every single time is 5/5 for me. They really just get it, your greeted at the door within smiling faces that get you seated immediately. The staff is always super friendly and attentive, they have the right balance of checking in on me and chatting with me just enough that I get to know them and the place but also get to enjoy and be with my guests. The food well is nothing short of amazing. I couldn't find all the food from when I've been but I have posted pictures from my last trip for restaurant week. I choose steak every time I come here as my entree just about and they've always been flavorful and cooked perfectly. I would put theirs up against any others in Lexington. The restaurant week filet was in a bourbon creme and if I was home I may have licked the plate clean because it was the perfect flavor with the compound butter and rub on the steak. They nailed the seasoning and the cook was exactly how I expected medium rare. It was just all amazing. I need to remember this place more often! read more

Coles 735 Main - a steak with mushrooms and gravy - New American Near Me - Lexington, Kentucky

Have been here several times... never disappoints, if it's a weekday, weekend, from server to different server it's always superb! Incredible food dishes, great service, and of course a lovely atmosphere. read more

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We've eaten at quite a few local establishments and have come away disappointed. Tonight was NOT the case! If I could rate Coles 735 Main, I would give them a seven star rating! The food was delectable and very flavorful! Our service was fantastic and the atmosphere was very warm and cozy! If you're looking for a spot to enjoy a quiet, romantic experience, look no further! I highly recommend Coles! read more

Coles 735 Main - Beef Shoulder Tender with side of Kenny's White Cheddar & Leek Potato Gratin - New American Near Me - Lexington, Kentucky

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On our way to a concert, the Fat Man stopped at Coles 735 Main in Lexington, KY. Coles is an eclectic, locally sourced New American cuisine served in a circa-1938 restaurant space. @coles735main We both decided on the same drink, the Black-eyed Buffalo. This libation is made with Buffalo Trace, Gifford Mure blackberry liqueur, Domaine Canton, ginger liqueur and lemon. It is Bourbon up front but is mellowed by the blackberry, ginger, and lemon finish the drink. It has a good balance, but the ginger liqueur gives it a slightly watery taste. We started with the Pork Tostadas, which come with braised pork, corn tortillas, toasted poblano sour cream, iceberg lettuce, pickled red onion, cotija cheese, and cilantro. The tortilla is very crunchy; the pork is juicy, tender, and flavorful with some slight heat. A squeeze of lime gives it a nice fresh bite. The lettuce cuts through the heat, the pickled red onion adds a vinegar bite with texture, and the cheese adds a saltiness. I tried the special of the day; Pastrami Braised Short Ribs. This is prepared with house-made kimchi, wasabi-washed mashed potatoes, mustard demi-glace, and charred Broccolini. The short ribs are heavily pepper crusted with good flavor and smoke; some bites are dry, while others are very juicy. The Broccolini is crunchy and seasoned well, the potatoes are very smooth, but I do not get the wasabi flavor, and the kimchi is very acidic and salty with a decent heat. It is powerful but fits well with the short ribs. The mustard reduction has a good flavor, but I wanted more mustard pop with a larger serving. My fiancé tried the center cut Filet Mignon, red pepper roasted Weisenberger grits, and house-made compound butter. The grits are presented tater tot style, flavorful with a slight crunch and velvety smooth on the inside and a touch of heat; the butter adds a lovely silkiness to the steak, but the steak was so tender it was the very definition of melt-in-your-mouth.. Coles offers a handcrafted menu with several starters, salads, and entrées. I recommend a reservation. The service was not bad. The Fat Man says Coles 735 Main is Fat Man Approved with 2 chins. read more

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Absolutely delicious great service always a pleasure to eat here ! The people here are so welcoming. Great job !5 stars Filet is spectacular! read more

AMAZING dinner experience! Our waiter Tristan was awesome. This was our first time in Kentucky and one of two dinner restaurants we went out to. HIGHLY Recommend! The freight, avocado, and pork flautas were SO GOOD. we also had the beef shoulder and pork chop special, these folks have a VERY talented kitchen! The Woodford Reserve Creme brûlée and pecan cookies were simply MAGICAL! We seriously can't wait to come back and visit Lexington and come back to this special place. The wife and I were celebrating our wedding anniversary and they made it a special evening. Thank you! read more

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Where do I start? Drinks: my friend's Bloody Mary was watered down tomato juice and a bit of vodka. My old fashion left much to be desired. Salads: the "blue cheese" dressing was watery and had a vinegar taste. Entrees: my beef was tough and salty, my friends both commented of over salting and neither cared for their dishes. Last but not least, service: our waiter was slow getting to us and was no where to be seen most of the time. She, finally, said she needed to leave and handed us over to a somewhat more capable waiter. The whole experience was disappointing and my friend's birthday dinner was a bust. read more

Service was great and the food was great! Not the best food I have ever had, but would certainly go back anytime. I love the fact they have a gluten free menu to accomodate my needs. read more

My husband and I have had Cole's on our list to try for a while and finally made it over for dinner this past weekend! Cole's is located where Richmond turns into Main, in between chevy chase area and downtown. I definitely recommend making a reservation! Ours was for 7:15 on a Friday and it was a full house. The decor is kind of equine/french countryside; which makes it a very cozy atmosphere- perfect for a date night. Our server was Andrea and she knew the menu inside and out. All the specials sounded really appetizing, so we started with the sweet potato cakes which were delicious! For our mains Mike had the filet with weisenberger grits and a side of mac-n-cheese. I was impressed with all the veggie options! I chose the grilled pear salad and the marinated cauliflower steaks- both of which I really enjoyed. The dishes here are all very inventive and feature creative flavor combinations. The service was terrific as well! Andrea came to check on us frequently, as well as other staff members to make sure we were having a great dinner. Dining at Cole's is pricey, but I would absolutely suggest dining here for a special dinner out! read more

Coles 735 Main - Marinated Cauliflower Steaks - New American Near Me - Lexington, Kentucky

We were in town for races & made reservations in advance as one of hottest spots in Lexington to dine at. It did not disappoint...as lived up to all the hype ! The staff was very attentive. Food was delicious from bread / spanakolpita for appetizer....filet was tender sessoned perfectly & my friend raved about the pasta primavera....she loved her old fashion with rye burbon. I highly reccommend mac & cheese .... Unfortunately, my cell was dead & unable to take pix but will for sure next time . Highly reccommend dining here for birthday..anniversary or just a date nite. read more

What an amazing restaurant find! It's so cute inside with such personality. The staff were able to get us a last minute reservation in the bar area. Our server/bartender was absolutely amazing! I wish I remembered her name but she had a cool heart tattoo on her chest. She recommended an off the menu drink which was fabulous! And gave us the daily specials. The food was so flavorful! Every bite of something had amazing flavors. I can't wait to go back and try the other dishes. read more

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Oh my goodness. I've driven by this place MULTIPLE times and keep thinking I need to go. The end of Restaurant Week is as good of an excuse as any, right?! Parking: their lot fills up quickly, but there is street parking and they do have signs posted that you can park in the school board lot after dark. Walk in and enjoy this lovely decor (farmhouse rustic?). Turn and go to the bar if you're waiting on people - thank me later once you've had the Basil Jane or Green Velvet for something herbaceous or the Black Eyed Baker for a bourbon cocktail. Food wise - I got the chicken and warm brussels with bacon salad. That bacon salad was delicious, chicken was juicy, and the ambiance is wonderful. The dessert (assorted sweets) are dangerous. I'll be back for those black pepper biscuits! read more

Coles 735 Main - Full bar (they even smoke gin in-house)! - New American Near Me - Lexington, Kentucky

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Great experience at Coles! David was a great server. Everything we ate was delicious. If you're not a fan of coconut, don't get the Cobia, but if you are it was fresh and delicious. The beef shoulder was cooked perfectly. All of the drink were great. The patio was a great place to sit- it is covered by a tent so it's not too hot. Definitely recommend! read more

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My first experience at Cole's exceeded my expectation between the service and the quality of food. Our server, Austin, was very knowledgeable about the menu and recommended us the delicious Baked Brie appetizer. He was very attentive to make sure we were taking care of during our dinner. The filet mignon was cooked to perfection, topped with flavorful housemaid butter. To top the night off, I would highly suggest the brownie dessert. It's not your basic brownie, they use a very light peanut butter ice cream and top it with candied pecans, it's to die for! Thank you Cole 735 for your hospitality and amazing food! read more

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One of my favorite places to dine in Lexington. The atmosphere is fantastic & the service/staff are friendly & pleasant! The food is phenomenal & I encourage you to come try out their food! read more

Coles 735 Main - Baked Brie and Tostadas - New American Near Me - Lexington, Kentucky

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I visited Coles for dinner with a friend and we both very much enjoyed the experience :-) We were hungry and in no particular hurry, so we shared everything family style.  We got three different mains (the Bone in Filet, the Scottish Salmon, and the Sautéed Duck Breast).  While all three selections were good, the Sautéed Duck Breast was unquestionably the star of the show - it was nothing short of exceptional! The service was good, though our waiter was a bit too aloof for our taste. The prices at Coles are on the high side; but the quality of the food made it worth the expense. read more

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We absolutely loved our dinner here!!! The ambience is fantastic, from the cute quirky decor and lively atmosphere. The food was to die for an so vegan friendly! Drinks were amazing-mine was a mezcal margarita and I crave it-and very generously sized. We loved the shishito pepper appetizer special and the vegan "crab cakes." The vegan meatloaf was awesome too!! Wish we could have come back every night of our trip! read more

Coles 735 Main - Vegan Impossible Meatloaf - New American Near Me - Lexington, Kentucky

We had reservations on Saturday evening at 6:15. We were promptly seated and shortly after greeted by our server who took our drink order. After delivering our drinks we placed our dinner order. At 7:40 we asked him how much longer before our dinner would arrive He said he would check and be right back. He never returned and at 8:05 we went to the desk and asked to speak with the manager. She apologizes and says she can have our dinners done in 4 minutes. We tell her we need to leave. (We were out with another couple and one has a challenging health issue that makes getting out of the house very difficult) We were going to treat them to a nice dinner. The manager said she would reach out to us on Monday and speak with us. It will be a week tomorrow and no call from the manager. We are beyond disappointed with the waiter and management! Our dinner treat to our friends was an all round disaster!! If I could give zero stars I would. read more

Really, really, REALLY good food and fantastic service. Great choice for special occasions.