A pretty chill and quiet (maybe it was the night we went) place to have a drink. They also have some popcorn that you can have with your beverage. The selection of bourbon was limited. The bartender was friendly and made sure we got our drink. read more

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Got harassed and made fun of by the bouncer who seemed extremely under the influence, worst experience I have ever had in a public space. Legitimately disturbed. Please, never take your loved ones here!!! read more

Showed up to see a friend perform. Turned away at the door because of a perfectly valid, vertical id. Disappointed.

Great bar, cheap drinks, great music venue, close settings, and a free popcorn machine and fireplace. What else could a guy want?

Meh. I love an old dive bar. This was my first visit. Compared to the other bars I visited on this same night, it was fairly dead here. Bartender wasn't friendly. Maybe I am asking too much to have my bartender make a drink recommendation. I wanted to try a unique bourbon. He said, "we have over a hundred, choose one." I had to get out of this little bar before it sucked all the joy out of the night. Maybe it was a bad night, but every other place we popped into had good energy. Maybe I will try again the next time I am in it own. read more

My favorite bar in DT Lexington so far (shhh, don't tell the others!). No really, it's a good time environment with a friendly crowd, really good acoustic musicians, and a team of bartenders who makes sure you never stay dry. Oh, and there's popcorn. I'm not a complicated bar patron - I like beer and wine most of the time, and this place is just an comfy, approachable place to hang out and actually talk to people - no tvs, no fuss. read more

Henry's staff has always been so kind! Rich always makes my friends and I popcorn when we're there!

The liquor prices are a little on the higher side compared to other bars near by. There is no food but there is endless free popcorn. There are TVs for the game. There is live music. There was a classic rock band playing that night. The bartender was friendly. There was a good draft selection. read more

Henry Clay's Public House - Decent pour. - Pubs Near Me - Lexington, Kentucky

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Thursday evening and the place was empty. Not sure why. It is a lovely bar and there was live music. And an endless supply of really salty popcorn to keep you thirsty and drinking. Our bartender was an old pro and was fun to chat with, though he needs a bit of a lighter hand with the simple syrup in the Old Fashioned -- or perhaps go with the muddled sugar cube instead to moderate the sweetness. We stopped by here after being financially abused at Bluegrass Tavern and were ecstatic to have some Rock Hill Farms bourbon for $10 when they were charging $40 at Bluegrass. Next time I am in Lexington, I will definitely stop in again. read more

One of the worst experiences at a bar in Lexington. As a huge blues fan I came to this bar for the first time to see the Nick Stump Blues Band and the waiter was a huge a**hole. He was very aggressive and treated young women much better than the other patrons. My girl friend went to talk to him and he yelled at her and told her to pay and leave. I will never come back again, despite the good music. I would not recommend this place given the plenty of great bars downtown. read more

Henry Clay's Public House - Aggressive disrespectful bartender who really cares less for customer service. Wouldn't recommend getting drinks from him - Pubs Near Me - Lexington, Kentucky

The music was too loud the band don't know how to play the bartender/owner was rude and disrespectful and acted like he was better than everybody else the other bartender assisted on going around collecting numbers from the women customers that were in the bar with no regards all if they were married or had a boyfriend or what just assisted on collecting numbers just so he could sleep around the bartender stash owner works the female bartender to the point where she can't take any breaks all in all this bar is not a very good place to go their egos over way the customers joy and respect I give this bar a zero out of 10 for the fact of these people don't care anything about the customers and a customer's rights they insist on making drinks that make people sick and when people have the slightest problem no matter how small or how big only wants to do is kick him out bantam or threaten to take him out back and find him these people are not professional at all in my opinion I think this bar needs to be closed down permanently read more

Great LEX bar - friendly staff and $17 for an old fashioned and a Knob Creek on the rocks. Plus free popcorn. You can't go wrong

I have been playing music here since the place opened, so I have an appreciation for this place on a level that others may not. First of all, this place fills a niche that was badly needed in Lexington in that it provides a very laid back, music-driven approach to the bar scene, without trying too hard. For the general public, the lack of a cover charge means this is one of the most accessible, non-pretentious places downtown. As a result, there will never be the same crowd here twice. If you're looking for a place where everyone looks just like you, turn around and walk out the door. There is no rhyme or reason to who will be here on any given night. That's one of my favorite things about this place is that you may find yourself hanging out with people that aren't just like you. Refreshing. The beer selection is good, and I hear the cocktails are as well, though I don't drink liquor. The popcorn is extremely salty but you just can't resist it, and everyone behind the bar is going to get you what you want, but be prepared to wait a couple minutes on busy nights....they're doing all they can. As a musician, the room is one of the best sounding in Lexington, and the PA system is excellent. There's always a good band playing, and though most of them tend to slant towards the classic rock era, there is usually something for everyone. Try this place out and see for yourself. If you're looking for good drinks and good music without a lot of diversions, then you're in luck. This is going to be your place. read more

We were the only ones there, early on a Saturday evening. The band hadn't yet arrived, but the bartender (sorry that I can't remember his name) explained about the multiple bands and musicians. He also explained a bit of the history of the building. The law firm or the lawyer with the office upstairs, owns the building but not the bar that's managed and owned by the same people who own Redmond's and several other local bars. Although this bar hasn't been there for long, the building has and it has an older, historical feel to it... perfect name. The bartender mentioned that he has worked for the owner at other of their bars, for many years. He was quite awesome. I always ask questions and try to interact with the bartender when it's possible. If they're busy and if you don't acknowledge that you want interaction, or if you go and the bartender is too busy and it's crowded, you may not get the experience that I did. Two things that will forever stick out in my memory are the free popcorn and the bourbon. Awe, the bourbon! They have 75-80 different bourbons. I can't comment on the crowd, because we were the only ones there. Not knowing the music scene either, both means I'll be back. They better keep up on their game and I'll update my review. The only downside is the parking. I've not figured that one out yet. Because the street/metered parking is scarce and usually occupied, parking can be a an issue, but that is common in downtown Lexington. But if you're coming to enjoy and consume the bourbon, you should be taxiing it anyways, right? My husband and I usually trade off on dates and take turns on who will drink and who will drive, never a combination. Maybe soon will check out one of the pink mustache taxi cars going around a lot lately. read more

Henry Clay's Public House - Pubs Near Me - Lexington, Kentucky

We strolled by at the end of a Thursday night and ventured in, none of us having been to HCPH. A strange acrid smell accompanied by that of popcorn wafted through the door. It's a dive-y bar. There was a 3-man band playing some good blues music, but it was so loud it was difficult to have a conversation. We didn't stay long, maybe a half hour. There were about a dozen people that seemed happy to be there. It's just not my kind of place. read more

I have only been here once and it was during one of their live music nights. The place was packed and extremely loud. It took forever to get to the bar to get a drink and then they were doing construction outside and had a chain link fence shoved up against the sidewalk making it necessary to squish in like sardines. I don't like people that much. Especially annoying drunks blowing smoke in my face. The bartender was nice and friendly when I made it up there and let me buy 2 instead of just one. That will hold me over while I get to the door for sure. I will stop back by when the construction is finished and I have a reason to be in that area. Then I might update the review so don't hate. read more

They always have great live music on the weekends! The service is friendly and the drinks are reasonably priced. As another reviewer stated, there is even free popcorn! This isn't a college bar. You will see people of all ages hanging out. The décor is a great reflection of the historic building that it is located in. It's classy, but decorated very simply. read more

This is literally the worst place in Lexington. I have been there twice and I have been treated like trash twice. One time the owner pushed me out of the place for no reason; then the second time a bartender shoved me out of the way for no reason. If you want to be treated as a respectable customer then do not go there, they act like they run the Lexintonian Mob read more

Always laid back. Great entertainment. Could not be better.

There isn't a lot of diversity to this place, almost entirely preppy, which I guess can be implied by the name, not an entirely bad thing if you are in the mood. I can always appreciate a guy in a suit, even if it is hemmed a half inch to short, and he is a little too sloppy.. like all day sloppy sloppy. Know what I mean? Pretty loud in here, aside from the live music, which is awesome btw! Not a lot of places in Lexington have it in the area. And it is an interesting layout- a pretty long bar, so you can choose to be in the midst of things (the music and people) or be in a completely different area (the front/middle) and have your own thing going on. I would try this place a little earlier in the evening, maybe for a drink or tasting before dinner, as it gets very crowded later at night, but seating at the bar would be nice for a tasting. There was a line- one in one out, when I came through.. pretty wack to be honest. read more

We were visiting from Cincinnati and Henry Clay's had great vibrations with live music and kind people. Will be back!

Hands down this is my favorite spot in Lexington. The drinks are strong, the staff is so nice, and the popcorn is free! read more

Man.. just came in for some music and was treated like someone off the street for ordering water while I decided on a drink. The staff and owner were so disrespectful. Ended up leaving within 5 minutes to go somewhere else. Unreal. Especially for Lexington. read more

This is my favorite bar downtown. Great music and drinks. Richard one of the bartenders is a great guy. In fact he is my favorite in downtown Lexington. In fact we very rarely miss a Thursday night. Drink prices are very reasonable. A great night out in downtown. read more

This is the best bar in Lexington. Richard, Beckham, Barbara and David take such good care of us every time we walk in. I have never been treated with anything but kindness and respect at this establishment. Free music, free popcorn, great crowd and great bartenders--come one, come all to Henry Clay's! You'll have a great time. read more

This place is awesome! I usually choose to visit this bar over others because they make the best white Russians, it's clean, staff is friendly, they have live music (excellent live music), and the crowd is of mixed ages. I never feel as if I've stumbled into a frat party, nor do I feel too young. People dress in everything from jeans to suits, so it's very welcoming to everyone. Oh, and they have free popcorn! read more

A friend and I went here for Thursday night live a couple weeks ago. They had a great drink selection and the staff were very knowledgeable when it came to the mix drinks. Also free popcorn. read more

Bartenders and managers are very rude, horrible service and will destroy any good mood you may be in. Too many people have had terrible experience with the awful bartender guys... I recommend you do not go here and tell everyone else not to go. Two of two times I've been there horrible experience.... read more

Great beer selection and ambiance. Great live music as well. Would love to go back another time for HH or after dinner drinks.

If you have the time, come in and see Richard. He's a phenomenal bartender. He gave us great history of the city, great recommendations for dinner and he's a fabulous conversationalist. We'll definitely be back to visit him and get more history of Lexington! read more

Historic location and reasonably priced alcohol. If the bartender isn't busy (early in the evening), ask him to tell you about the building. The wood floor is original, wide planks and so is the fireplace - very cool! This bar is like stepping back in time a 150 years or so. TIP: if you start here early in the evening, you can bar-hop around the area and return to this pub when the bands start playing around 10 p.m. read more

Never been to an alcohol only pub... Can't do that in Philly. Jay, the bartender, is a champ. Dude has gone out of the way to help us try new bourbon and get good food. Stop in and meet a world class Lexington embassador. read more

Great old building. Ask about the tunnels underneath! Have a pumpkin ale with a cinnamon and sugar coating on the glass rim! Crazy good!!

This is one of my favorite new bars (opened Summer 2012) in Lexington. The Public House (ie "pub") typically has a more mature crowd than the college hot-spots of McCarthy's and Tin Roof. Catering to this, the drink selection is better and the music is quieter. Looks small from the streetfront, but sufficiently big inside. Strategic seating and bar placement makes the interior easy to navigate, and the high ceilings keep it from getting stuffy. Frequent live music acts keep the atmosphere varied and lively. Bar staff is friendly, with a sufficient yet not overbearing amount of quirkiness. read more

I will always and forever love the employees here. The bar, music, and popcorn bring a variety of crowds. I'm 21 and this is one of my favorite bars, my brother is 30 and this is also one of his favorites. read more

Looking to kill some time between Bourbon tasting and dinner we stumbled upon this little gem. We were the only people in sight, but enjoyed chatting with the friendly and knowledgeable bartender. As I guess I would expect, the man knew his bourbon. And as a bonus, the popcorn you get at the bar was really really good. I wish I lived closer as this could be my Cheers. read more

Great place to come after work for happy hour. It does get very crowded on the weekends (not really a bad thing - unless you just aren't in the mood for a packed house) They have great live music and are such a prime location - close to everything downtown. Don't let the construction of 21c fool you, they are definitely still open and still serving free popcorn! read more

My favorite place for drinks in Lexington. Richard the bartender knows his wall of bourbon and was fun to talk booze with. If you're visiting from out of town let him be your guide to bourbon nirvana. Plus, there's free popcorn and the drinks are priced just right. If you're looking for a good old fashioned pub experience where your bartender asks your name and tells you to make yourself at home this is the place for you. Enjoy the hospitality with some great live music. read more

Great selection of beers on tap, nice stage for live music..however staff is hit or miss. Not my top pick but I'm willing to give it a try.

Went about 5:00pm on a Thursday, and it was a very light crowd. Fantastic Bourbon selection, and the bartender Richard was great. No food, but fresh popcorn was all we needed. Dog friendly bar which was pretty cool. Current construction in front, so a little hard to find, but don't let that stop you. read more