Food = excellent Bloody mary= delicious…read more Windows= clean!! Music=roaring 20's Highly recommend

After seeing the online reviews, we decided to check out Carson's for dinner, and this place comes…read morehighly recommended by locals as well! On a Sunday night, there was a wait, but we were able to snag two seats at the bar. The bartenders were great--I wish I remembered their names! They made some excellent food and drink recommendations and were very attentive. We started with a Caesar salad to share, which isn't pictured, and then ordered two pasta dishes that we absolutely devoured. Everything was delicious! The following day, we discovered that many restaurants are closed on Mondays, so we ended up at Carson's again. This time, we decided to check out the back porch. We were expecting a similar menu, but the back porch seemed to focus more on meat and fish options, while we were looking for sandwiches. So, we relocated to the main dining area at Carson's without a reservation. Thankfully, the hostess was able to seat us but let us know that we would need to be finished dining by 7 p.m., which wasn't a problem for us. Our server was great, and we started with the goat cheese appetizer, which was absolutely incredible! Unfortunately, my Buffalo chicken sandwich was drenched in Buffalo sauce to the point that I couldn't really enjoy it. My spouse and I also decided to share sides of the mac and cheese and smoked Gouda broccoli. I was pretty disappointed with both because they were heavily covered in truffle, which I personally don't like. Because of that, I wasn't able to enjoy my second meal here as much as I had hoped. Nonetheless, I would still recommend checking out Carson's. There are plenty of menu options, and our first experience was fantastic. Based on my two visits, though, I would strongly recommend making a reservation if you plan to dine here!

This is our favorite restaurant in Lexington! I love their steaks and the sides are incredible. My…read morewife doesn't order crab cakes at any restaurant but here anymore. Once you have had a Tony's crab cake, nothing else comes close. Their sides are incredible. We have to get the potato wedges every time we go. They are so crispy on the outside, I believe that they are double fried. The cheese crumbles and the aïoli really make them amazing! The sweet potatoes are to die for and brussels sprouts are good. You can't go wrong with their salads either I love the Caesar and the Greek. I always like to try some of the other dishes as well. They have good pasta and seafood, and the short ribs are delicious in summary. Everything is top-notch at this place. We love it.!

The food and service was good as always! I had a smoky rosé cocktail that was very light and…read morerefreshing. My date got the 9 ounce filet mignon and I got the Sea bass. We split the asparagus and truffle wedges. The sea bass need a little more flavor. The sauce that came with it was more sweet, which I was not a huge game of. I would highly recommend the truffle wedges perfect amount of salty and truffle (the truffle is not too overbearing). The service is really good. Our server gave us the specials and a good explanation of all the food. He was friendly and not too distracting. I will say it was dark in there, but it helped to create the ambience. Definitely recommend a reservation. There are lots of people waiting.

I think I've found my newest favorite restaurant in Lexington! Old Bourbon Country (OBC) Kitchen,…read moreis a showstopper! This place is a must for anyone local if you haven't been, and if you're not local, it's seriously worth the trip! There are so many great things I can say about OBC, the service is phenomenal; professional, amazing recommendations, and they go out of their way to give you an unforgettable experience! Their bourbon selection is fantastic; they're guaranteed to have everything you'd want and even some things you haven't tried or been able to find anywhere else. The food is on another level! Starting with with bacon in the glass for the table is a must! This gives you a taste of the quality to come and the peanut butter accompaniment that comes with it works so well! The depth of flavor in the Cola-Braised Short Rib Tacos is unreal & even their rolls are amazing! The Ribeye is cooked to your exact liking; is a very high quality cut, and has a delicious seasoning which is the differentiator for me that makes this one of my favorite steaks I've had in a very long time! I could go on & on, but you need to experience it for yourself!

Nice, casual dining spot with an amazing bourbon selection! Staff were very helpful and hospitable…read more Can't go wrong with the elote dip. Braised short rib was fantastic especially with the Mastadon cocktail - a variation of an old fashioned with walnut bitters.

After a couple days of being underwhelmed by the food scene in Lexington, we wandered across the…read morestreet from our hotel to this quaint pub with pretty low expectations. What a fantastic surprise! The shrimp cocktail was among the best I've had (first time having powdered bacon fat) and the grilled Caesar salad was perfection (delicious creamy dressing and pretzel croutons)! Bangers and mash ... wonderful. Somebody in that kitchen cares deeply about food! We will be back!

Walking into this place from the modern part of downtown Lexington you'd almost think you somehow…read morewalked into a pub in England or Germany. Not fancy by any means, but perfectly fine for a neighborhood pub vibe. Business was pretty brisk for a weeknight and there was just one FoH employee who was taking orders (you order at the bar), bringing out plates and bussing tables. Kudos to him for doing a good job handling all that. The BoH kitchen staff did a good job, too, as it didn't take long for our food order to arrive. The menu here is eclectic, which was a big reason we chose this place for dinner. Unfortunately, one of the items we had hoped to try, the Swabian (German) spaetzle, was sold out by the time we got there for a fairly late dinner. We opted instead for the roesti potato. This is a strange dish that involves what is essentially a shredded hash brown-style fried potato topped with sauerkraut, pickled shallots, cheese and a decent-sized dollop of mustard caviar, all served on a bed of greens. It worked, for the most part. Strange taste combinations, but not bad. We also had the blackened tuna Waldorf salad. This was a little different than expected. The pan-seared ahi tuna was cooked nicely (leaving it a bit underdone inside). But it was chopped into small pieces that were fully mixed into a tartar sauce along with celery, shallots, green apples and red grapes. So it was basically a fancy tuna salad. Fortunately, it was a very tasty tuna salad. I wish all the tuna salads you get in restaurants was this good. It was served over mixed seasonal greens with asparagus tips. All of this went very well together and was a really excellent and innovative twist on a Waldorf salad. The menu of draft beers on tap was pretty varied and voluminous as they have their own brewery (Ethereal Brewing). This restaurant is their public house as they call it. I particularly liked their hefeweizen, but they had a porter that was also good. Overall, an interesting place with good food and beer at decent prices. Not a 5, but definitely a strong 4 at least.

Service from Tay from outstanding! Such a great old school…read morevibe. Bourbon sauce on steak Diane was delicious

We celebrated my daughter's birthday at Jeff Ruby's during UK Parents' Weekend, and it couldn't…read morehave gone better. The service was top-notch from start to finish. Our server, Mark, was attentive without hovering, and every recommendation he made was spot on. The meal was beautifully paced. Each course arrived at just the right moment, and we never felt rushed, which is exactly what you want on a special night. In My steak was cooked to a perfect temperature, and the mac and cheese truly lives up to its award-winning reputation. If you're looking for a place to celebrate in Lexington, especially on a busy weekend, Jeff Ruby's delivers. Thank you, Mark, for helping make my daughter's birthday so memorable!

Old school Lexington insiders with some horse money and some taste might be seen at the wood bar…read morehere on the weekend talking with the owner in this restaurant carved from an old neighborhood brick home. With the upper floor cutaway and its beams used to support the soaring ceiling, you are well positioned to dive into the rich steaks and fish and occasional crab cakes. They know their business. Burgundy soaked mushrooms and glorious steak fries to accompany a 4 Roses bourbon and roquefort wedge salad with thick smoked bacon chunks - maybe overhear a hushed conversation about horse racing - and those that might have known too much back when. Best of Lex with a classic smooth bartender.

An Absolute Standout in Lexington Dining…read more We decided to give Blue Heron Steakhouse a try after noticing it shared a name with another restaurant in a neighboring county--though it quickly became clear this is a completely different (and exceptional) establishment. Encouraged by strong local reviews praising its cozy, rustic, and intimate atmosphere--along with consistently attentive, friendly service--we walked in with high expectations. Blue Heron exceeded them at every turn. From the moment you enter, the original rustic design and softly ambient lighting set the tone for a dining experience that feels warm, inviting, and effortlessly refined. There's an intimacy to the space that makes it ideal for both special celebrations and elevated everyday dining. Service was outstanding, with special recognition going to our server Carlo. He was friendly, knowledgeable, and genuinely invested in making the evening exceptional. The entire staff demonstrated professionalism and confidence, offering thoughtful recommendations and personal touches that enhanced the experience without ever feeling intrusive. The menu reflects a clear commitment to farm-to-table dining, showcasing some of the finest locally sourced ingredients available. Every dish balanced innovation with comfort, allowing the quality of the ingredients to shine. We began with the baked brie, which was luxuriously creamy and indulgent in all the right ways, followed by West Coast oysters--a smart sourcing choice by the owner. They were impeccably fresh, beautifully plated, and delivered that perfect briny finish oyster lovers crave. For the main course, we selected the Porterhouse Steak for Two, which proved to be the most cost-effective option and an outstanding choice overall. Charbroiled to perfection, melt-in-your-mouth tender, and deeply flavorful, the steak was a true centerpiece of the meal. It's served with four sides and accompanied by house steak sauce upon request, with excellent optional additions such as green peppercorn sauce, béarnaise, grilled onions and mushrooms, or bordelaise. The creamed spinach deserves its own praise--it was unlike any we've had before, rich and perfectly executed. The kitchen clearly understands steak preparation at a serious, professional level. Dessert was the perfect finale. Though not typically a carrot cake enthusiast, this version was exceptional--moist, warmly spiced, and beautifully balanced. It was, quite literally, just what the doctor ordered. The cheesecake was equally impressive: silky, restrained in sweetness, and refined. A word of advice: don't forget your wallet. Blue Heron Steakhouse delivers premium quality food and top-tier service, and prices reflect that level of excellence. That said, the experience justifies every dollar. Blue Heron is the kind of restaurant you return to with confidence. Whether marking a milestone or transforming an ordinary Tuesday into something memorable, it consistently delivers. For those who appreciate exceptional steaks, thoughtfully sourced ingredients, impeccable service, and an atmosphere that feels both intimate and elevated, Blue Heron Steakhouse is an absolute must-visit.

I've been coming in a little more frequently and I got to say we really love the place. We've never…read morehad to wait regardless of how busy it is, and the service is always wonderful. Everyone is so nice, welcoming and attentive, it's hard not to come back. Everything we've ordered has been excellent, personally I usually get their surf and turf combinations that come with a good amount of bread and sides. Their cocktails are fancy and well served but the only one I have liked is the pixie stick one. The beer is also great, and so is their dessert. This is definitely the place you want to have a date at, the ambiance is lovely. Overall 10/10!

A nice "all-American" cuisine spot with something to please most palates. Spacious and open,…read moreseating not too close together. Booths large and roomie. Apps include asparagus fries, beef carpaccio, calamari, crab cocktail, shrimp cocktail, shellfish tower, spinach and artichoke dip, hot baked lump crab dip, and fried chicken tenders. We had the lump crab dip and it was indeed hot, savory, rich, and cheesy. Pretty good for this far off the coast. They also have a large sushi collection. A large salad selection as well: steakhouse, blue cheese and apple, caesar, salmon spinach, Thai chicken, kale and quinoa, California Cobb, and Malone's Lexingtonian (mixed greens, bacon, tomato, creamy herb dressing). Large seafood selection, including blue crab linguini, fried fish, chilean seabags, grilled salmon piccata, Atlantic salmon, fried shrimp. They also have chicken linguini, alfredo, pan seared chicken, wraps, and burgers. They have a large selection steaks, including prime center cut sirloin, filet mignon (various sizes), Manhattan strip, and more. I had the 8 oz filet mignon, medium. Cooked perfectly. Perfectly seasoned and tender. The fries were super hot and crispy, well seasoned. The bottomless Lexingtonian salad (we each had one plate, that's it) was creamy and cold, but nothing special. Service was wonderful. They also have an extensive cocktail menu with several delicious cocktails. We tried several and enjoyed each one. Everything from savory to refreshing. They had some sweet options as well, but we didn't opt for those. Great crowd pleaser of a restaurant.

Have no idea what the inside of this place looks like, we had the best seat outside on the…read moresidewalk. The sandwiches were all good the only hiccup was the caesar salads we were served had very little to no dressing at all. But after a quick response by the waitress we were satisfied. Would definitely recommend going here grabbing a beer and a table outside to people watch

The Bear and the Butcher ended up being a pretty average Saturday night out for us. We were a group…read moreof four and started with cocktails, which honestly were the highlight of the whole visit. Good price, good quality. No complaints there. For food, we had a mix at the table: fish, steak, and burgers. The fish was off. The texture was strange, almost like the skin had been left on even though it wasn't, and it had a fishy taste that just wasn't right. The burger, on the other hand, was very good and easily the best value of everything we tried. If I ever go back, that's probably what I'd order. The biggest disappointment was the service. Our server clearly wasn't having a good day, didn't seem interested in us, and let our drinks sit empty long enough that we had to wave him down just to get refills. It really took away from the experience. I'd give the place another shot, but if the next visit ends up feeling like this one, it'll probably fall off my list of places to go.

We really enjoyed our experience at this Texas Day Brazil. The staff was absolutely wonderful. They…read morereally cater to my 12 year old son's dietary needs and his questioning basically everything on the menu. The salad bar was much better than some of the other Brazilian steakhouses I've been to. I also very much appreciated the way they asked how we like our meat cooked and actually served it that way we would definitely go back.

The food was fresh and amazing! Everything was delicious and I have zero complaints. Our server…read moreDennis provided the best service I've had in a restaurant and just all around a great guy!

My wife and I always try to stop by Columbia Steakhouse when we're in town. Today, I'm sure glad we…read moredid. As usual, we both got their Nighthawk special which is a large steak floating in garlic butter, a huge baked potato and a Diego salad. Though my first steak came out a bit overcooked and I had to have them remake it, the final result was fantastic. Both steaks were thick, hot and flavorfu, just as I remember. The potato was not only hot, it came with a quarter stick of butter on the side and a large cup of sour cream on the side - both of which made the very flaky potatoe heavenly. They also have very good rolls which were not real hot today but were still very good. The decor continues to be on the used side with the seats being lumpy, but the food could not have been better. I hope the return again and again to the Columbia Steakhouse.

When a business trip brought my wife and me to Lexington, Kentucky, we needed a restaurant that…read morecould deliver both efficiency and quality--somewhere we could enjoy an excellent meal without lingering for hours. Columbia Steakhouse proved to be exactly what we were looking for, and then some. Located in the heart of Lexington, Columbia Steakhouse exudes an understated elegance that's perfect for business travelers. The atmosphere strikes that ideal balance: upscale enough to feel special, but relaxed enough that you're not overly formal. The lighting is warm and sophisticated, and the noise level allows for easy conversation--a detail that business diners always appreciate. Our server immediately understood our time constraints and moved things along seamlessly without making us feel rushed. This kind of professional service is rare and deeply appreciated when you're on a tight schedule. I ordered the 14-ounce ribeye, cooked medium-rare, and it was a masterclass in steakhouse execution. The exterior had a beautiful char that provided a subtle smoky flavor, while the interior was perfectly pink and remarkably tender. The marbling throughout ensured every bite was rich and flavorful. What impressed me most was the quality of the beef itself--you could tell this was prime cut meat, properly aged and prepared by someone who knows their craft. The steak came with their signature steak butter, a compound butter with herbs that melted luxuriously over the hot meat, adding another layer of richness without overwhelming the beef's natural flavor. My sides were equally impressive: a loaded baked potato with all the fixings, cooked until the skin was crispy and the interior fluffy, and their grilled asparagus, which had a perfect char and snap to it. My wife chose the filet mignon paired with a lobster tail, and from her first bite, I knew she'd made the right choice. The filet was butter-tender--the kind of cut that practically melts on your tongue. Cooked to a perfect medium, it had that delicate, almost velvety texture that only a properly prepared filet can achieve. The peppercorn sauce she added complemented the beef beautifully without overpowering its subtle flavor. The lobster tail was equally outstanding. Perfectly cooked (no easy feat, as lobster can go from perfect to rubbery in seconds), it was sweet, succulent, and generously portioned. It arrived already butterflied and brushed with drawn butter, making it easy to enjoy. She paired her entrée with the garlic mashed potatoes, which were creamy and indulgent, and the Caesar salad, which featured crisp romaine, house-made dressing, and fresh parmesan. Columbia Steakhouse understands that business travelers value efficiency. From appetizer to dessert, our meal was perfectly paced--we never felt rushed, but we also never experienced those frustrating gaps where you're waiting unnecessarily. Despite being on a schedule, we took advantage of their bourbon selection (we were in Kentucky, after all), and the staff provided excellent recommendations. The bread service deserves special mention--warm, crusty rolls with whipped butter arrived promptly and were outstanding. Small touches like this set great steakhouses apart from good ones. While we were focused on our entrées given our time constraints, we couldn't resist sharing their chocolate lava cake for dessert. It arrived warm with a molten center, accompanied by vanilla ice cream--a perfect sweet ending to an exceptional meal. The Bottom Line Columbia Steakhouse demonstrated why it's a Lexington institution. The quality of both our meals was outstanding, the service was professional and attentive, and the restaurant accommodated our business travel timeline without compromising the experience. The prices reflect the premium quality--this is not a budget option--but for a special business dinner or important client meeting, the investment is absolutely worth it. Whether you're a local or just passing through on business, Columbia Steakhouse delivers on every front. We left satisfied, impressed, and already planning a return visit the next time work brings us to the Bluegrass State. Highly recommended for business travelers, special occasions, or anyone who appreciates expertly prepared steak in a refined yet welcoming atmosphere.