Sidebar is a hole-in-the-wall type place, and the food is what is often the case at these types of spots: freakin' fabulous. The black bean burger was made in-house and was super (and I order them at a lot of different places). It had a nice, spicy kick, but wasn't ridiculously spicy by any means. The bun was fresh and toasted perfectly. The sweet potato fries were awesome. My companion's burger was excellent and she liked the homemade dill potato chips that accompanied the burger. Service was top-shelf. Our gal took great care of us and every request was met with a cheerful, "of course," or "sure." The next time I'm jonesing for a burger, Sidebar will be at the top of my list. read more

Sidebar Grill - One of the better black bean burgers I've had (and I order them at a lot of places) and awesome sweet potato fries - New American Near Me - Lexington, Kentucky

Best homemade black bean burger in town! Fun & quirky spot right across from the courthouse downtown! Great food and drinks, always a few local beers on tap! read more

First night in for Rolex 3 day. Staying st Hyatt so this was a close place to try. It was wed night and they had a live guitar guy. Really good. It was busy. This is a like a local dive bar. I ordered the fish and chips - I thought it was way too greasy!!!! Friend pickle was good :) A few select micro brew beers! read more

Sidebar Grill - Fried pickles - New American Near Me - Lexington, Kentucky

See all

I love everything about this place, I walked in because it has a great laid back grunge hipster type of look, very nice relaxed vibe. The bartender is very nice, he recommended The Sidebar Steak dinner... MAN! this is one of the best steaks I've had in my life! The salad was crisp and the blue cheese I ordered was the real deal. Then the steak arrives with a side of fries, I am not kidding when I say that this is one of the best steaks you will have! The icing on was the live music, super chill acoustic classic rock. Nothing loud, just perfect to enjoy my dinner while I'm having an awesome experience. I will be thinking about this place until I visit Lexington again!!! you MUST try it! read more

This was a great find with a few flaws that made it just average. The atmosphere and ambiance are awesome. It is small and quaint with funky wall decorations to make you feel groovy! They have a small staff, so service can be a little slow, but some of the food is well worthy the wait. The beer selection is extensive and there's something to fit everyone's palette. Also they have a full bar if you aren't a real beer drinker. We ordered the fried pickles as an appetizer... They forgot, but got it right out to us after our entree. I had the steak and Brie because those are two of my favs... Take my advise, don't! The pickles, yup some of the best I've ever had. My friends ordered the grilled chicken and grilled sausage sandwiches. They were both awesome. I'd surely go for either of those next time. My sweet potato fries were also amazing! read more

Sidebar Grill - Great beer selection! - New American Near Me - Lexington, Kentucky

See all

A good place to get affordable everything before you go get the more expensive stuff. Good fries!

As long as you take Sidebar at face value and don't try to make it more than it is, it's a great little hole in the wall. Facing the courthouses on Limestone, it's basically smack dab in the middle of downtown, making it an easy walk from almost anywhere. Their menu has anything you could possibly crave from a greasy spoon or neighborhood grill, and I'm big fan of the burger, especially when they put the thick slab of brie on there. YUM! Now that I think about it, I've never had anything but the burger. It's that good. The decor is, dare I say, not suitable for children so if you're out and about at lunch with little ones, go somewhere else. Otherwise it has a bar atmosphere at night and a couple patio tables during nice weather. My only qualm is the lack of cider/sour selections, aside from the stereotypical (and sickly sweet) Angry Orchard, but their bar has all the domestics and liquor that would satisfy less discerning drinkers. Did I mention they're affiliated with Break Room? That's the only detail that makes me wish the crafts were more abundant. read more

Sidebar Grill - Burger with BRIE - New American Near Me - Lexington, Kentucky

The burgers are fantastic, one of the best. The fries are on a whole other level of amazing! I have done take out curbside several times niw and each time they were consistantly great. They quickly have become one of my favorites in town!!! read more

I had to give it a 5. It lives up to the dive bar and grill fame. It definitely is not flashy when you come in but that's what makes it special. The food is awesome. The fried pickles are the best. The burgers are hand pattied and the meat is tasty. One of the best burgers I've had in a restaurant. They have a good bourbon section as well. The service was excellent and fast as well. Don't expect flashy. read more

Sidebar Grill - New American Near Me - Lexington, Kentucky

The hole in the wall bar with some amazing drink deals and affordable fried grubs. You will find some delicious and suprising sandwiches, like the sidebar dinner sandwich that is a flat iron steak with sautéed onions. So good!!! Couple that with a 24oz PBR and Jameson shot (for $6) and you got yourself a good time. ;) read more

Sidebar Grill - Mmmmm - New American Near Me - Lexington, Kentucky

Happened upon this fantastic little tavern in the heart of Lexington while on a college visit. They had the best burger and hand cut fries. Definitely recommend the Sidebar for friendly service and great food. read more

Second, or is third time.... no idea. Still a great local bar to get a brew and bite. No uppity bullshit. I'll be back. read more

This place had a lot of interesting posters on the wall. It was really small but we didn't feel crowded. The food was great. I had the cheese burger. I will go back. read more

Sidebar Grill - New American Near Me - Lexington, Kentucky

I ordered a cheese burger medium but there was no pink at all. It was REALLY good though. They grilled the bun, used baby greens and the tomato was incredible. Overall, I was really impressed with the food considering the bar setting. The music was a bit loud for dinner conversation though. Everyone was incredibly nice as well. I'll definitely be eating here again. read more

Sidebar Grill - Cheeseburger with a hefty portion of fries. - New American Near Me - Lexington, Kentucky

See all

A smaller hole-in-the-wall bar, and absolutely amazing! The food is your standard bar food; burgers and apps and fries, etc. What sets this place apart would be the AMAZING burgers - the beef and brie was absolutely fabulous. The staff is friendly and the service is quick. The art is a bit risque and very fun! If we visit Lexington again we will be coming back! read more

Decor is oddly entertaining. I got the burger and it was cooked perfectly. Tv's all around if you need to watch a game. Plenty of seating available. The restaurant is pretty loud so more of a social group. read more

Sidebar is a great local restaurant with some of the best fries in the city! They also have great chips that are served warm and a variety of flavors. There is have an awesome homemade black bean burger for vegetarians. My friend and I ate there the other day and she ordered a hamburger and said it was one of the best hamburgers she had ever eaten. The sweet potato fries are also amazing! They also serve a mixed green salad instead of just iceberg lettuce. It's a small place full of art and charm & I highly recommend it read more

Great beer with a relaxed environment. Their burgers are tasty. The music helped to keep the environment cool

If you're tired of fighting the crowds and the mainstream Lexington crowds, this is the place to come to get away. It's my personal escape on an increasingly regular basis. There are no weekly specials, no bud lite, no bros, no problems. It's a popular hang out for roller derby girls, motorcyclists, bartenders, and the general tattooed public. Grab a seat outside, some fried pickles, and beer right out in front of the courthouse and say hello to the guy with the mustache. read more

Sidebar Grill - New American Near Me - Lexington, Kentucky

What could be a great restaurant with an awesome vibe and pretty decent food is far outweighed by the fact that it took an hour and a half for 2 cheeseburgers. The fact that it was the "lunch rush" is the only thing saving it from 2 stars. The cheeseburger was pretty good, not great. Personally though, I'm not a fan of charging extra for cheese, include it in the price. Also, if you're going to take that long to give me my food, at least make sure it comes out hot. The meat itself was warm, but the bun was cold. Overall, if you're driving down I-75 and wondering if this place is worth getting off the beaten path a bit...keep driving. read more

Can you say GREAT!!!!! Food, location, staff, everything, was great!!!! Burgers are a must, one of the best I have ever had! Grilled cheese was yummy and perfect for light fare! Overall- definitely will go back and strongly recommend! read more

I've heard of sidebar ever since we moved to Lexington and was excited to meet up with friends for drinks and dinner on Friday. Whoever organized a large group of us to meet here obviously did not do their research, LOL. This place is pretty small with only one large table and a handful of smaller tables. The bartender seemed cool and I bet he makes some really great drinks but I only ordered Malibu and pineapple. The food took a while and I thought the burger was decent but it was awfully small and I wasn't a big fan of the sweet potato fries. They are too big and not crispy. I think this place is probably known more for their drinks than for their food. They did have a cool ambience with a laid-back vibe. The bartender and waitstaff were really cool and did a good job in accommodating our large group. Next time I come back it will be with a smaller group and only for drinks. read more

Amazing! Small little bar/restaurant with amazing burgers and fries. If you like local, non-chain restaurants this is one you should not miss. Owner was on site and actually our server. We will be back for sure! read more

Sidebar Grill - New American Near Me - Lexington, Kentucky

First time at Sidebar last night. The wife and I REALLY liked our burger and fries. The burger was cooked perfectly and the fries are the hand cut kind that go really well with malt vinegar. My absolute favorite! We will definitely be back to try more of the menu! read more

Great burgers! Ground sirloin. Homemade chips. Family owned and operated. My favorite restaurant in Lexington.

Loved the hipster/punk atmosphere and decor. Staff was polite and offered useful suggestions. I went with the grilled sausage, and enjoyed it. The menu is fairly limited, but everything they do seemed to be done with care and attention. I also had a side of dill chips and would definitely recommend those. We came in during a Cats game day because everything was so packed by Rupp. Definitely not a sports atmosphere, but I enjoyed that aspect because it wasn't typical of everything by the stadium. read more

They are famous for their burger, but they should be famous for their tuna melt too! One of my fave hole in the wall restaurants. Be sure to try the fried pickles. read more

Love this place! An awesome hole in the wall dive bar downtown. For starters, the fried pickles are a must get. Hand battered and made to order every time (scalding hot so beware! Haha). You can't go wrong with getting a burger for a meal, but the fish and chips is also phenomenal. Also be sure to check out the white board for the special of the day. If you're downtown on a Saturday, you've got to stop by for the Cajun menu. Gumbo, jambalaya, YUM! read more

It was good enough. The black bean burger and BBQ sandwich satisfied us, but it wouldn't be enough to bring us back. They have a very unique decor and overall the service was good. If you find yourself nearby then it's worth a try. read more

Sidebar Grill - BBQ and fries - New American Near Me - Lexington, Kentucky

We come here all the time and the food is AMAZING. Seriously. Try the burgers. They're amazing. I keep saying amazing. Best word to describe this place. Further, the fish and chips are to DIE FOR. But better bring an appetite or split 'em with a friend -- the portions are ginormous. Not that I'm complaining! read more

Great burgers. Interesting beers (but limited selection). Small but cool little place. read more

Sidebar Grill - New American Near Me - Lexington, Kentucky

The only reason I didn't give this a 5 star os because of the limited seating . This place is small but fabulous ! Don't be fooled when you go in . I read reviews and decided to go with my husband . He wasn't so sure once we got there and thought about leaving . The atmosphere is very worn . I reminded him of the reviews and we stayed . I had the chicken tenders and sweet potato fries and my husband had the big burger and fries . The food is made right there at the bar in a tiny kitchen by one man . OMG so good . The sweet potatoes are huge wedge cut deep fried served with a butter cinnamon brown sugar dip yummy .The tenders are hand breaded and oh so tender . Sirloin burger made to order and delicious . Servings are very generous . Skip the clique places and try this little gem . read more

A small place that is pretty cool. Enter from sidewalk and there are a few lower eating table on either side. About 10 feet in, the bar is on the left. Directly across from the bar are a few 2 person high too tables. Red is the dominant color, but the walls are covered with all kinds of pictures, drawings, and signs. The bar top is an older wooden surface with a classic rail. Bar face is mainly stickered. 4-5 padded stools with back support. Behind the bar is a wreck. One half contains the kitchen and of the cook burns or creates smoke, the entire bar will know it. A couple TVs that were surprising tuned to sports. Surprising since the sidebar looks more anti-organized anything. Fun crowd and good service. read more

See all

I cannot speak to Sidebar's quality as an actual bar (I am a square and therefore don't drink). I also cannot speak to the quality of Sidebar's entire menu, as I have only ever ordered one thing there. Sidebar deserves five stars for one simple fact: it has the best burger in Lexington. This is especially true if you go at night, as the girl who works the grill after lunch has a magical ability to make the burger at once well-cooked, tender, and incredibly juicy. I have never had a medium-well burger (call me a wimp if you like: I never order a burger under medium) that is as juicy and delicious as the one at Sidebar. The burger really benefits from the fact that they use buns that are soft and fluffy, as well as actual lettuce (which actually tastes like something instead of just being cold and crunchy like romaine). There is no other burger like it in the city. They make their own potato chips, which I absolutely love in a restaurant. Their french fries are well-seasoned and very tasty (but a little soft, so beware if you only like very crispy fries). And if you are lucky, they will have cupcakes that you can enjoy for a little post-burger sweet treat. The downside to Sidebar? It can be kind of hard to find a parking space if you don't live nearby, and the beef stew didn't really bowl me over. Honestly, that's about it. read more

On the upside the service was great and the food didn't take to long to get to me. On the downside the burger was very bland it was almost as if no seasoning went into. The sweet potato fries I ordered weren't cooked all the way and I ended up not even finishing them. read more

Very cool hole in the way, no joke the boys room has a Glory hole!! Its fake and a joke and funny to me! I have a pics I should put up. Fan of the Black Bean Burger!! Not many places to get one. Very cool little find read more

Sidebar Grill - It's fake but real funny! - New American Near Me - Lexington, Kentucky

I was in town on business and didn't think I would find much in the way of great eats but I was so happy with Sidebar Grill! Quaint, no BS and a good vibe. read more

Sidebar is very small but quaint place with limited food menu but I've always been treated good here by the staff and the food has always been good. I love their home made chips! They also have live music from time to time and can become quite full rather easy but get there early and grab a table and you will be fine. read more

Good food, no frills-just what we were looking for! Had a cup of the homemade veg soup and the chicken salad sandwich. Soup was loaded with good tomatoey flavor and small dice veggies. Chicken salad was traditional - as the menu says, "no nuts, no fruit" - on whole wheat and toasted. Served with dill chips that appeared to be house made. We got it to go, but the bar had a good vibe. Service was spot on. read more

Love this hole in the wall bar. Great food , booze, and service. Sweet potatoe fries are to die for. Must stop by when in the area.