Walked in with a party of six at5:00 and was told by the hostess that they wouldn't have an opening for a party that size until 9:30. We were on a two hour time frame because we were going to an event. I didn't think much of it at the moment but after having a few minutes think about it, I was left feeling like she was shewing us away because we didn't fit her client profile. We were dressed blue collar and I failed to realize that this was white collar casual so yeah we looked out of place. I'm a blue collar guy who was just looking for something better than your run of the mill Texas Roadhouse experience. I get it we may have not fit the bill with me in my Jim beam tee and my wife in an Ariat hoodie, but I would have spent whatever money needed to ensure we had a good experience. I'm just a normal guy who was try to take my family out for a nice dinner to celebrate my oldest daughter's and father in-laws birthday. If she'd told me over an hour I wouldn't have thought anything of it but no she said 4.5. Seamed shady to me but it looked like a nice place, maybe I'm just really underestimating its popularity! read more

It's one of those places that never goes wrong. Every single thing we have tried, we have liked. Latest was the steak and fries and subbed for mashed potato's. Very good. read more

On a business trip, alone, went to J Alexander for dinner. Sat at the bar. When I arrived, there were 4 people behind the bar and 8 other patrons at the bar. One bartender, past me twice while putting guests checks in shot glasses, yet couldn't acknowledge me or make eye contact. After a couple minutes, she only said, "are you dining?". I said yes. She said "do you know what you want" as she gave me a menu. I asked for a moment. A couple minutes later, I flagged her down and ordered a signature cocktail and a shrimp app. She nodded without a word. She placed my cocktail, a glass of water and silver roll in front of me without a word. A couple minutes later a food runner dropped off my appetizer to a couple who had just sat next to me. The shrimp we good but in-memorable. I had finished my cocktail and my water about half way through my appetizer. I never was asked if I wanted another drink or more water or if I was satisfied with the dish. Once I finished the shrimp, I decided I was not going to get an entree. I flagged down the bartender again, handed her my credit card and asked for my check. Again, no words were spoken by her until she dropped off the credit card slip, then she said "thanks". Ten Words! It is probably close to a record of least words spoken. I left, had an entree and cocktail at another restaurant in the complex. read more

I decided to meet up with some friends here on a random weekday. I was wearing jeans and a t-shirt when I walked in and then felt like I looked like a hobo compared to the rest of the diners. I didn't exactly expect that from a chain restaurant. Thankfully, we still received great service. While we wait for the rest of our party to make it through the traffic, the hubby and I ordered a couple of cocktails. They were delicious. We also ordered the deviled eggs. They were ok, but not my favorite. I like a creamier filling and this filling was lumpy and stiff. Our friends arrived wearing jeans and t-shirts and they too felt under dressed. I ended up ordering the prime rib with Mac n cheese. The hubby got steak and fries. So let me just say, the prime rib is delicious. When I start craving prime rib this is where I am heading. In the end, the hubby and I dropped a bill ($100) on a week night dinner. Keep that in mind as you venture out looking for food in the summit. read more

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Fathers Day lunch brought us to this lovely establishment while visiting Lexington. We sat in the bar and our service was attentive and friendly. We both chose the pork chops and were blown away! As we are driving back to Texas we are still trying to figure out what was in the marinade so we can replicate it at home. Even better than our main dish was our appetizer. I mean, holy deviled eggs, Batman! We could have easily eaten multiple plates and left with elated tastebuds and no regrets. Kudos as well to maintaining a relaxed atmosphere during a bustling holiday lunch rush! read more

Perfectly rare !!!!! They also pay close attention to any dietary restrictions. We will definitely go back. read more

J. Alexander's - New York strip - New American Near Me - Lexington, Kentucky

The restaurant is very nice. The staff is very polite and attentive. They have the BEST carrot cake, its warm you should definitely try it. The food is always tasty and comes in huge portions. read more

My husband and in-laws dined here over the weekend and I was very impressed with their food, service, and Covid precautions! We had a reservation and were instructed to text upon arrival and we would receive a confirmation text when they were ready for us to go in the restaurant to be seated. Every staff member was wearing a mask. Once we were seated, I noticed there were partitions between every booth. The menus were available for viewing via a QR code, to keep things as "contact-less" as possible. We ordered the deviled eggs as an appetizer. They were delicious! For dinner, I ordered the 10oz filet with smashed potatoes and it came with béarnaise. My husband ordered the crab cakes with fries and cole slaw and ate every single bite. Ha! We were celebrating two birthdays, and the waitstaff brought two complimentary pieces of their famous carrot cake to celebrate. So thoughtful and so delicious! Already looking forward to returning! read more

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Food is usually great but pricey. The service is very good and they're well trained. The setting is dark and cozy.

Always consistent quality of food and service. Love the fact you can bring your own bottle of wine and there is no corkage fee.

This was my first time at J. Alexander's. My wife and I went out to eat for a birthday meal and it was great. The atmosphere is nice and warm feeling which was great considering it's January and it's a bit cold out. I got the New York Strip medium well and it was cooked perfectly. It had a nice char and the butter on it was pretty good. I didn't like how the steak automatically with their NYO Mac and Cheese. I'd rather have a baked potato but wasn't willing to pay extra for it. It doesn't come with a salad either and that was a $5 add on. I had several friends tell me how great the carrot cake was so I gave it a shot. Granted, carrot cake is not my favorite desert but it was pretty decent. Comes out warm and the icing was good on top of it. Overall I was impressed. I would rather go to Malone's but I would recommend it if you're not wanting to spend as much on a good steak. read more

J. Alexander's - New American Near Me - Lexington, Kentucky

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All I'm looking for in a restaurant is a few things I really like. If you can do that, I'm in. For me, at J Alexander it's the pork tenderloin. I can eat that every time I go there, and I do. The carrot cake is lethal in a good way. I also typically order deviled eggs. It's a nice place. Nice ambience. Good for dates and special occasions. I've been there about 10 times in the past few years and I've never had a bad experience. It's also not too crowded so getting a reservation isn't too difficult. read more

Our first experience at J. Alexander's, and it wasn't quite all we had expected. The inside of the restaurant was beautiful, very nice ambiance. Our party of five was seated at a booth that could easily fit 10-12, this lead to difficulty in hearing our server or each other, let alone reaching things in the middle of the table. It was vey cold inside, even sitting near the kitchen, which took away from the experience. The food was just ok, if I'm honest. The ribs looked incredible, but the meat to bone ratio meant there was very little meat on them. The slaw had no flavor and the fries were very salty. The pork tenderloin was smoky which was delicious, but the apricot horseradish sauce detracted from the overall flavor. I believe the sauce would be delicious on its own, or on an unsmoked piece of pork, but the flavors of the two did not mesh well. The prime rib was very good, the mashed potatoes were well seasoned. The sirloin was undercooked in the center, but had a nice flavor, and the Mac and cheese was pretty much your ordinary Mac and cheese. Overall it was a bit underwhelming for what we had hoped. Not a bad experience but, I probably would not go out of my way to return. read more

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I'm a little late to the party when it comes to J. Alexander's. Only a mile or so from home, for some reason it took me a couple of years to give it a try. But, better late than never and I've been making up for it, having dined/carried out there several times in the last four weeks. To start, I was initially surprised at the warm ambiance of the restaurant, it being located in one of Lexington's busiest/trendiest developments. Not sure what I expected, but rather than feeling like you're about as far from downtown Lexington as you can be without entering Jessamine County, it has a very cozy, yet metropolitan design and feel. While metropolitan in design, I was struck by how friendly the staff was as they interacted with regulars, many of whom were referred to by first name. And many of the regulars interacted among themselves, clearly familiar with each other. The kind of place you can wander in knowing no one and leaving, having met and conversed with several interesting staff members and diners. We decided to start with the recommended Calamari, which was easily in the top of handful of best-evers. The Alex Salad was also a great experience, fresh, fresh, fresh and the bleu cheese dressing was very bold and absolutely delicious. Be sure and ask for bread, specifically the herbed yeast rolls topped with Parmesan/Asiago (?), which beautifully complemented the salad. Next came the Maui Ribeye which had been well-marinated in soy/pineapple/garlic (for a couple of days per the server). Easily one of the best steaks in town, that, while superior, might remind you of The Bristol's tasty classic Filet Mandarin. Having read lots of great Yelp reviews about the Carrot Cake, dessert was an easy choice. We ordered a scoop of vanilla and the two paired marvelously. Just an impeccable experience from top to bottom and a new go-to dining spot for me from now on! read more

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My husband and I were very excited to try this place out. I suggest dressing up a bit, although some people were dressed on the more casual side. We both had fish entrees (the salmon was good) and they both came with a rice/veggie side which was refreshing. Our server Miles was very helpful and offered suggestions. The one thing that left a bad taste in our mouth was my husband's silverware was dirty and we had to ask for a replacement and our server wasn't around. We kind of expected more from a highly rated place as this. read more

J. Alexander's - Grilled Atlantic Salmon* Pear Martini - New American Near Me - Lexington, Kentucky

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Very good food. I had the prime rib. Deviled eggs are delicious. Carrot cake excellent. Service was good too

Just pleeeeeeease stop with the over salting!! You all use good enough ingredients to not do that!! Drinks are great and so are apps but STOP with the over salt!! read more

Our waitress was great! Very accommodating and polite. We both got the prime rib. Which was excellent. For the amount of food we got it was definitely overpriced. read more

We had a wonderful dinner. Started with a bourbon cocktail and a dirty martini. Both were large pours and tasted great. I had Ahi Tuna Steak medium rare with Mac n cheese. Perfection. I normally don't order mac n cheese but this on point. James ordered Steak Frites. Again, perfect seasoning and temperature. The service was friendly and polite. A great date night dinner! read more

Honestly, wasn't expecting to be blown away. Sometimes steakhouses have good reputations but when you go there it's like...okay, it was good but whatever. J. Alexander's surprised me in the best way. First, thanks to Yelp because that helped me make my food choices. The Doppelgänger is a great drink for those who like amaretto sours. My main dish was the crab cakes. Literally so freaking good, and it was mostly crab, beautiful delicious chunks of crab. The fries are skinny and perfectly fried. And the NYO mac n cheese...get it. No one likes cole slaw anyway. Totally worth every penny. read more

J. Alexander's - Crab cakes, fries, Mac n cheese. - New American Near Me - Lexington, Kentucky

With laser-like focus, I had to try J. Alexander's specifically for the French Dip. You see, I'm a french dip snob. It is what it is. I got spoiled early on by a restaurant where I grew up that made perfect, freshly shaved prime rib french dips. There are a few locations across the US (Hillstone Restaurant Group), but outside of those gems, I found quality french dips are hard to come by. Then there was J. Alexander's. Success! A perfect French Dip! (My husband ordered a steak and it was cooked perfectly, too.) The service was on-point. Can't wait to come back! read more

J. Alexander's - French Dip - New American Near Me - Lexington, Kentucky

Incredible service. Delicious food. Great price point. It's not often when you find a chain restaurant that operates like a well oiled machine. J.Alexander's is just such a place. read more

My husband and I went to dinner tonight our meal was wonderful and our waiter Rian was absolutely wonderful

If you love BBQ, this restaurant is a must ! Ever time my husband and I go to this restaurant we have a Fantastic meal! The burnt ends are awesome. The stew oh my goodness and the Reuben sandwich is the best I've ever had. Love you guys there.! read more

Great food great service great ambience. Love the location so much to get done in one spot.

This is one of the best steakhouses in town!!! If you're going to splurge on a nice dinner with an elegant environment it should be here!!! Our waitress was phenomenal in anticipating our needs and keeping our glasses full with sweet tea!! While they don't offer a free desert for your bday. The food is plentiful enough and will fill you up as they are generous portions!! Very upscale dining experience and I definitely recommend to new visitors of Lexington and current residents of the city who are looking for something new and inviting ambiance. First we started off with the deviled eggs with sugar cured bacon for an appetizer. Then we orders steaks with sides!!! The steaks were cooked to our liking and were superb!!! Visit the summit for fine dining and upscale shopping!!! You won't be disappointed. read more

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Always consistently good food and great service. Great meal options with fresh ingredients.

Great food and friendly service. Definitely one of my favorite local places. Their smoked salmon dip just wow

Thankful for this place to be in Lexington now. The service is always amazing and the food is always right and when it isn't they fix it and handle the situation perfectly. My favorite is to get the calamari and the prime rib sandwich Cajun style which is basically a slice of prime rib! read more

I received great friendly service in a nice atmosphere. The 12 oz prime rib was well trimmed and cooked perfectly. It truly was the best prime rib I've ever eaten and the grilled asparagus were perfect as well. read more

Great place to dine at. They do casual American food.. as I call it.. really well! I've only tried their seafood so can't comment on the steaks etc. For starters, the margarita pizza was great. The salad was fresh and very filling! Then for my main course, had the grilled salmon with rice and arzo. It was fabulous!! Fresh and tasty... just perfect! The only thing that could've been better was the size... lol....their portions are huge! Personally, I don't like a mountain of food on my plate... but I know some will go there for precisely that fact! For dessert, tried the carrot cake... it was ok. It's a sort of dressy place which I like. So don't go wandering in your jeans and T because u will feel under dressed Cost-wise, in the expensive side. Ambiance was nice, with music n all. read more

This is a chain restaurant but it's definitely a five star place. The lighting and decor are very well suited to a pleasant dining experience. The service is excellent and so is the food. The Mexico City spinach con queso comes plentiful and is very creamy and delicious. The Margherita pizza is made on an artisan oven and is good. The chicken pasta soup is everything! It is warm and comforting and tasty. I've had the brasserie chicken which is panko crusted chicken with a lemon butter sauce. It is a large portion and the chicken is delicious. I asked for the Not Your Ordinary Mac and cheese instead of the mashed potatoes it usually comes with. The Mac was cheesy and yummy. I had the '859' cocktail. It was good but maybe I'll try something else the next time. The carrot cake is delectable. I think it is the best carrot cake I've ever had! 'The very best' chocolate cake is a bundt cake and comes with a giant scoop of organic vanilla ice cream. I think their desserts are perfection! Do you sense a pattern here? Yes, the food is outstanding and you have to go try it for yourselves. read more

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This is our go to! My wifes favorite restaurant by far. We have never had a bad experience. The service and the food is always on point. The carrot cake is DIVINE with french pressed coffee and Shot of Bailys read more

Never actually ate there. 3:30 in the afternoon. The back of the restaurant empty, we were told they only had two seats at the bar left, barstools. My husband is older and can't get up on a barstool with no back. Must be saving the tables for the "real" dinner crowd. Won't be trying this place again. read more

I love J's. My first experience with J Alexander's was in the late 90's. Since then, it has become my favorite restaurant. The food never fails, the service is fantastic and the prices are reasonable. The dining room is appropriate for a date night, a nice family dinner out or an evening entertaining clients. Do yourself a favor and visit a J Alexander's. read more

Delicious food - pork chops are amazing. Great carrot cake! Average service. Nice environment for a date night.

I love JA's deck, and we were hoping to settle in there. It was closed due to the rain, so we were accommodated inside. What to have? I selected the pimento cheeseburger. It had two generous pieces of bacon, a beautiful slice of tomato, a slice of lightly grilled onion and arugula, all on a broche bun. A perfect burger. A too large pile of fries, very thin and crisp accompanied it. Service was on point even though it was a busy night. I tasted my tablemates dessert -- a slab of warm carrot cake covered in cream cheese icing. Share it. read more

J. Alexander's - Pimento cheeseburger with bacon, and fries. - New American Near Me - Lexington, Kentucky

Steak has almost unable to be eaten it was so very salty. My son and I were there celebrating our birthdays and it was incredibly disappointing. I didn't eat most of it. My other son said his fries were also very salty. We are not a salt sensitive family either. Not sure what happened in the kitchen with the salt shaker... read more

First of all I must say that I am stunned to see a place like this in Lexington. I've been to the J. Alexanders many times in Louisville and just thought it was a place to be there. I went here to celebrate a milestone birthday with my bestie! We were 4 couples that all arrived at different times and had a variety of drink and food orders. The server was knowledgeable and attentive without being overbearing. Food was enjoyed by all, drinks were quickly refilled. It was a great a memorable event...my hubby's comment was this was surreal that this place is in Lexington. LOL read more

I really enjoyed J. Alexander's. I went in knowing it was pricey, so the final check wasn't too shocking. I wouldn't suggest going here unless you're willing to drop around $40-$60 for two. I ordered the New York Strip (medium rare) with Mac & Cheese (even though I'm lactose intolerant, their Mac & Cheese looked too good to pass up.) The strip came out perfect and in good time. It was juicy and flavorful. It didn't feel like I was chewing on rubber. The Mac & Cheese was good too. It was nicely baked to give it that crusted top layer, allowing a little bit of crunch. No regrets for the aftermath that came. Everything was overall delicious. The servers were nice, quick, and came back to check on me at appropriate times. By far one of the better 'fancy' restaurant experiences I've had. read more