We ate here for the first time for our anniversary. We had a 5:30 reservation which was a perfect time because it started getting a bit crowded when we left. I ordered the pasta option which was excellent. My husband had the fish recommendation and liked it as well. There were several bread options...the bread with olives is awesome. It is a bit expensive but well worth the occasional splurge. An excellent downtown location as well.
(5)
Ed M.
I travel to Lexington often for work and this is my favorite place to eat, whether with associates or alone. During the racing season or equine sales, it can be quite crowded, but the wait, if there is one, is well worth it. The bar is small but there is an upstairs bar away from all the hubbub. The brussels sprouts salad is great! I have had almost every entree they have to offer over the years and have never been disappointed. This restaurant is very convenient to the Hilton or Hyatt downtown hotels. I would suggest making a reservation if your coming in on a Thursday thru Saturday.
(5)
Ben S.
Went for brunch with extended family and one parent when I moved down here for a job. This was one of my first dining places in Lex and it was exceptional. Staff was great, food was well done and while I haven't eaten dinner here...I have been to the bar a couple times and made poor purchasing decisions on glasses of stuff not offered elsewhere in this town....because hey...18 year old single malts are awesome or something...idk. Point is, place has great ambiance, great atmosphere and its great to bring a date for drinks and small plates to enjoy the people walking by. Need to get here for dinner, but it feels better as a date night for a special occasion rather than a regular place to hit up. For my one time eating, I've not had much better. Dudley's and Coles remain, in my opinion, the best places in town for an upscale fine dining experience.
(5)
Emily Q.
Service, atmosphere and food were all exceptional!! Dined for brunch! The spicy Bloody Mary was one of the best I've had! Those potatoes with the eggs Benedict though... Oh my!!! Definitely my top choice for a classic and CLASSY brunch!
(5)
Namarazzi N.
This review doesn't need to be long. The food is absolutely delicious. The atmosphere is nice. The staff is friendly.The other patrons here are regulars and love it and so do I. I don't often give 5 stars. This place deserves it.
(5)
Bob D.
Maybe I'm spoiled. Maybe I got them on an off night but... uninspired would be good way to describe my meal at Dudley's. I ate by myself the first night in Lexington and I should have paid better attention to the TA and Yelp reviews. I started with wilted brussel sprout salad... salad was very basic, exhibiting none of the richness or deliciousness this dish can have. It is priced at $10 but I am not griping about the price. If you are going to do something - do it well. I had short rib with grits as my second dish, if anything this was worse than the brussel sprouts. The boneless short rib was grey, There was no effort to brown or caramelize the meat before simmering, and sadly there was a ton of fat left on the plate, meaning that the cooking time/method did not allow for the fat to render. Anyway, this restaurant took two "no miss" dishes and made them poorly. I give Dudley's two stars because of the food. The service and atmosphere were excellent. Sorry to have to write this review. To the owners - do better.
(2)
Rachel I.
I have been here twice, once for lunch and again for a private lunch event. Dudleyed eggs are tasty, good Bloody Mary, great service from Suzie the first visit. Second visit presented some service issues, not terrible, but not very professional when it came to clearing and distributing plates and wine service. Over all good food. I will be back.
(4)
Emily B.
My husband and I went here for a lunch date and it was solid, but I honestly expected better from its reputation. The food was consistently good and seemed consistent with the fine dining experience they seem to be aiming for. The service started out good, but then rapidly declined. We were there for just under an hour, and by the end of our lunch, our water glasses were empty for about 10 minutes and it took almost 20 minutes to get our check and pay. The location is good and the tables and rooms are very pretty, but they had a large TV on which seems inconsistent with fine dining, and the largest annoyance was that their phone was turned up REALLY loud and started ringing about 10 times during our lunch, often ringing 5 or 6 times before anybody answered it. Each time it rang, my husband and I had to stop our conversation as it was impossible to hear each other over it without shouting. For a restaurant that seems to target business meals and/or dates, this was obnoxious. Dudley's has a great reputation in town and I did think their food was good (but not exceptional), so my experience may have been a fluke. However, when I'm spending about $15 per person on lunch (not counting drinks or a tip), I do expect better.
(3)
Justin G.
Ate at Dudleys last night for about the 100th time. I have never been disappointed in this place, but had also never known that they had a roof top patio until last night. It was great! Cozy, shaded, perfect breeze and of course, excellent food. As always, the staff was great, professional, and made some solid recommendations for both dinner and wine. Will continue to go there and introduce as many people as I can to that place.
(5)
Greg B.
I've always had excellent food and service at Dudley's. There's something on the menu to suit everyone's pallet. Weather permitting, the rooftop is the best place to dine in downtown Lexington.
(5)
Clara H.
Fantastic southern cuisine. Brunch is my favorite time to go. The huevos rancheros are my favorite!
(5)
Megan M.
The atmosphere is truly beautiful at Dudley's. The dining experience is lovely. Expect to pay but is worth it. The last time I went we just got a bunch of appetizers to share and it was such a fun experience.
(5)
Mark W.
Majorly overpriced and the food is nothing to speak of. Atmosphere is decent and location is right down town so u can walk somewhere to eat after you leave.
(2)
Linda C.
I decided to give Dudley's a try after reading the other Yelp reviews. While attending a conference it was nice to try a local find. I dined alfresco since it was a beautiful day. The service was friendly and efficient, and the food is worth the visit. I was here for Sunday brunch and all of the selections seemed great. I had the eggs benedict on crab cakes and fried green tomatoes with smashed pan seared potatoes. Really delicious combination. They also come by with the most amazing selections of scones and biscuits. Will definitely come back next time I'm in Lexington.
(4)
Steve B.
When my girlfriend spent a summer working in Lexington in law school, she told me that Dudley's was a place we had to eat when I came to visit her. I can see why it was so highly recommended! Dudley's really embodied a lot of what I enjoyed so much about being in Lexington when I visited her there: the wonderful mix of refined, old-school charm, and southern/midwestern laidback attitude. Dudley's occupies a beautiful space but the service was completely laidback, welcoming, and homey. As for the food, it was delicious! Early into your meal they bring by a bread basket with tons of delcious choices and let you choose what bread you'd like for your meal. When we visited the choices ranged from sweet like white chocolate raspberry muffins to savory like cheddar biscuits. I would have taken one of each choice of bread if I could have. I was actually unsure if it was in bad taste to ask for seconds but when my girlfriend later returned there for a farewell lunch with her summer coworkers, she informed me that yes, you can definitely ask for more bread, or, just ask to be served two items when they bring the bread over for you to choose. I also have to recommend their duck breast. When I had it, it was served seared and sliced over a bed of hominy with pesto. It was clever and delicious! I wasn't sure if hominy and pesto and duck would go together but boy did they ever! Each of the components was perfectly cooked too- the duck was seared off just right with crispy skin, the pesto wasn't greasy but was full of flavor and the hominy was chewy but not too firm. The duck at Dudley's ranks as probably one of the all time best duck dishes I've ever had, and probably the best seared duck breast I've ever had. My girlfriend had their filet and ranked it highly too. She's pretty picky when it comes to filet mignon and has eaten at her share of great restaurants, so when she says a filet is done right, she definitely means it. In all Dudley's was a perfect time for both us. Classy, romantic, fun, laidback, delicious, hearty- I could go through more positive adjectives but I'll keep it simple: if you're in Lexington, don't think twice, you gotta go!
(5)
Alex C.
Impeccable service. Excellent food. Very much enjoyed the attentiveness of the staff. Filet was done perfectly.
(5)
dhaval s.
Dudley's is a place that is a secret with several east coast and west coast cognoscenti. There is a whole legend about this place - and I refrained from writing about this place because it's a secret... But the secret's out. The owner hand selects every little piece of the place. The pieces of wood you walk past to the upstairs place are chosen for how they might suggest to you a romantic evening - but ever so subtly. The fare is toothsome, the cellar is deep and well represented - This is the best place you have not heard of - it's good enough to fly into the town for.
(5)
Kim S.
We had a retirement lunch at Dudley's yesterday. It was the first time I had been, since they were at their old location. Oh my goodness...I was just in love with the atmosphere and renovation of this building! We had a fairly large party and our service was EXCELLENT. Almost everyone ordered something different and let me tell you it was all great looking and delicious. Two people had the hot brown-wow an absolutely beautiful looking dish! They both said they would order it again. I will be back!
(5)
John R.
My wife suggested Dudley's for her birthday dinner. I made a reservation via their online system and put "It is her birthday" in the special comments box. Arrived and was placed at a 2-top near the back by the server's work area and the hallway to the bathroom. It was crowded (a Wednesday night) so it was ok. The noise level was acceptable. For an appetizer, we got the warm brie and pesto. The pesto was great. The brie had been warm at some point in the recent past as it had melted onto the plate. However, by the time it was served to us, it was back to room temperature and mostly hard. I also got a special appetizer of swordfish ceviche. The fish was nice, but that was about all there was. Very little cilantro, no citrus fruit, no onion/shallot for a crunch, etc. It came with some local corn chips which were on the salty side. When the server came back and asked how I liked the ceviche, I told him exactly what I said here. He said "Great". I'm not sure he listened at all. For an entree, my wife got the filet well-done (and they did a good job at that). It normally comes with a slab of bread pudding (and a veggie) but she asked to substitute some crispy potatoes that were with one of the specials. The server said "No problem". It arrived with the bread pudding. We had to ask for the potatoes again. They did take $5 off the bill. I got the duck breast special. It came with a kind of dumpling that you would normally see at a Chinese DimSum place. It was very good but the flavors fought with the duck breast. The duck was cooked just right although I expected a larger portion for the money. And at this point, I was expecting them to bring some dessert with candle for the birthday. But, nope, that forgot that too. We skipped dessert there, finished our wine, and went elsewhere for dessert. Their wine list is very nice and they have a good selection of 1/2 bottles that are way cheaper than by-the-glass plus it is freshly opened.
(4)
Sara B.
Great food, great atmosphere, you can never go wrong. I had dined at Dudley's multiple times and I cannot remember one single day that I didn't like what I've ordered. I think with the decline of other "upscale" restaurants in Lexington (had a bad experience in a couple lately that used to be great), Dudley's is in a level of his own, now. Oh, and for beer drinkers who like their beer very very cold, Dudley's is also the best place. And the wine list is the best in town.
(5)
Lee G.
I had a true Lexington experience last night. The service was wonderful and the food selection was great. As a Kentuckian, I appreciate establishments who serve locally grown foods.
(4)
Kevin T.
I had the pleasure of dining at Dudley's the other night with three colleagues. All of us were impressed with the service, the food, the wine, and the ambiance. We sat upstairs, outdoors, on the patio--an excellent spot. The kale salad and the Brussels sprout salad are both fantastic. I didn't try another entree, but my lamp chops were some of the best I've ever had. Service was excellent--attentive and well-paced. This is Lexington's best...
(5)
Carla M.
Very cranky, gum cracking bartender. Trying not to listen but being the only ones at the bar couldn't help overhearing explanation of why someone was fired. Very unprofessional. Not at all welcoming or inviting.
(2)
Heather H.
My review is probably more like 3.5 stars. Overall, the menu is nothing unique but the food was consistently good and the dining room is stunning. Like having dinner in a beautiful home. Very high ceilings, wainscotting, perfectly lit. We started with Brie and Baguette appetizer and Pacific Oysters. The oysters had a citrusy finish and were great. I am NOT a fan of brie, so I was suprised when I almost scarfed down the entire chunk of brie. Very good. Not too bitter, and the roasted garlic on the plate was so tasty. For my entree, I had the Tournedos Maxwell. Perfectly cooked medium rare. Thought it was a little to heavy on the sauce, but still really liked it. My friends had a steak special and Pike Valley Chicken and really liked both dishes. Service was great. Offered suggestions when needed but not overly invasive. For dessert we decided to split this chocolate brownie concotion. Should have skipped it. My friends really were peeved at the way it was presented in this sundae glass that made it difficult to eat. I was really freaked out by the overwhelming amount of sea salt in the dessert. (1) because I like my desserts crazy sweet and (2) because it was just weird.
(4)
Aimee H.
Everything was A-OK - service, food and ambiance!
(3)
Chug N.
Great place for a business dinner with fine service in a nice setting. Food was delicious and the sea bass was perfection!! Also loved the warm brussel sprout salad -- something different from the usual salad fare and I highly recommend it. This is a don't miss if you're an out-of-towner.
(4)
Becc W.
Ate here for the 1st time on the 20th. It was my mom's 60th birthday. The waiter, Brad, truly made this exceptional. He was patient and attentive. The food was the best in Lexington for dinner service. So good we are going back tomorrow for New Year's Eve.
(5)
Josh M.
Last time in the meal was on point! Service is good. Also have one of the coldest glasses for a beer in town! Takes me a long way.
(3)
Heather W.
I had diner here last night with a group of girlfriends. I was in town visiting from Boston. Great atmosphere and service. However I agree with some of the other reviewers that for the price point the food is not that spectacular.
(3)
Mark R.
Dudley's was better in its old location. It just was.... That being said, I wish I could give Dudley's a better review, because it has the most beautiful dining room in town. I had the Chicken fricasee dish which had a beautiful presentation, but the cream sauce was weak in its seasoning, almost insipid. The salad was good, far too small for the price (This is Lexington, after all). My dinner was good, but it was not excellent. For my entree, salad, and a glass of wine, the price was $40. I think this is slightly too much for the Lexington market. And it was way too much for a good (as opposed to an excellent) meal. Oh, and the bread tray was a great touch, but the rolls were not freshly made. Some of the menu items were a bit too exotic for me. Ostrich in Lexington, Kentucky? Who are we kidding? I could barely hide my smile. All I could say was, "Is it free range?" The night I there, there was not much business at 6:00 PM on a Friday, but the clientele was mixed. One family came in riding outfits, another was in sweatpants. Two ladies sat in back and exchanged Hermes scarves. I will try it again, but like I said, for these prices one wants excellent --not good--food. Figure on at least $40 per person with an entree, salad, and wine.
(3)
Randall G.
This was recommended as a must-do for drinks in Lexington. We enjoyed drinks at the bar, split a pizza and salad just for a light dinner after a long drive into town. Neat stuff all over for fellow horse racing lovers like us, comfortable although I felt a bit of a second class citizen at the bar. Efficient service and excellent food. I'd like to come back to "do it right" for a big dinner at a table in the dining room.
(5)
John B.
C and I went here the night before the big race in early May, 2011, but I forgot to write a review, so here it is, albeit belated. Everything! was spectacular. Impeccable service, beautiful and delicious cuisine, fantastic ambiance. I can't think of any improvements. This is a model restaurant in my book.
(5)
N S.
Expensive, but decent food (not sure it's worth the NYC prices though). A very pleasant atmosphere. The overpowering fish odor other review commented on, I can agree with (seafood + carpet??). Dinner was very good. AND the unexpected surprise for dessert for my birthday was a wonderful ending to a great night! Service was excellent.
(4)
S W.
Everything was great here, except the entree. That said, I'd go back. Nice place, nice atmosphere, great service. The Kale salad was excellent, had a citrus style dressing with nuts, dried cherries, perfect. The steak looked good, the ahi tuna looked good, I messed up and ordered the Duck. In fairness, the duck itself may have been prepared ok, just the meat was subpar. But the whole dish was off with bitter herbs, a strong slice of cheese. The dumpling saved it, but steer clear of this dish.
(3)
Michael B.
Very disappointing. Was by myself so ate at the bar. I heard all about the waitresses' pathetic love lives and weird relationships with their fathers. Not what you want I hear about while you eat. Management should be fired. Food was salty as if prepared by a middle schooler. I won't be back.
(1)
Melissa W.
Was in Lexington for business and I was walking around downtown wondering where to go. I found Dudley's on Short and I decided it must be delicious as I stared as people happily enjoying cocktails and food on the patio. I walked in and shyly greeted the hostess telling them I was in town on business, had seen the place off the street and wondered if they could accommodate me and my food allergies. They were so nice, seated me right away and I was greeted by a very attentive waiter. I had an amazing Caesar salad, delicious lamb chops and some amazing mashed potatoes. It was a great meal, the service was terrific and I would go back in a heart beat. The waiter accommodated my food allergies, inquired with the chef to ensure I would be able to enjoy my meal. I would definitely go back. Great!
(5)
Jim G.
Great meal, great service. The ambience is traditional--dark, soft, comfortable, candlelit, etc.--but the menu is relatively inventive. It's a classic place without being stuffy or tied down to old things. My wife and I picked and chose from around the menu, splitting the steak frites for our entree, but each having a different salad and splitting the "ham gritters" appetizer, which may have been the highlight. I'll return without hesitation.
(5)
Pushkar D.
Just ok...way overpriced, food was burnt and not tasty at all. The only good thing they served were the chocolate and coconut muffins. They were awesome, and earned them the 2 stars! If you're looking for great food at a more reasonable price, go next door to the Village Idiot.
(2)
Rick F.
Always great food and a great atmosphere. Thanks Deb!
(5)
Beth G.
Had a very nice meal, great service and a good wine list. One of the best soft shell crab dishes I ever had. Nicely prepared. Peanut Butter cup dessert was tasty - but the chocolate "cup" was too thick to break up and eat.
(4)
Angela S.
This restaurant is more classy looking than classy. I've been to a lot of nice restaurants and never has a weird kid with a booger in his nose held a bottle of wine like some sort of piece of fine art and asked me if I would like a glass. I also found it very unnecessary that they gave everybody 2 wine glasses and then asked which wine you would like... then take all of the unused glasses off the table. It was wasteful... Anyways... as for the sections, it was an attempt at original, but slightly odd choices. I ran into confusion with the salad options. The entrees were fantastic though! and my drink was always full. It was overall a great ambiance and meal. Just a few small issues.
(3)
Paul K.
I was extremely impressed with Dudley's. It is a great upscale restaurant serving New American style food. We sat in the back and the atmosphere was perfect. In the back they deftly blended local color into the formal decorations creating a perfectly comfortable atmosphere. The service was friendly, answering our many questions with expertise. Their varied menu has something for everyone; duck, mussels, steak, and some fusion dishes. The food itself was tasted great and the portions were good. Some caveats. The front of the restaurant is more casual and I'd only sit there if it is the only option. Their steak could have been better. It was good but not great, a real missed opportunity. I'd thoroughly recommend Dudley's if you're looking for a place to impress. It was the perfect setting for a meal with my parents and girlfriend. I'd also recommend it for a formal business dinner.
(4)
Megan C.
A recent trip to Lexington and a taste-search for a rehearsal dinner location led us to lunch on the patio at Dudley's recently. The service was exceptional-maybe they just weren't very busy on this particular Monday, but my water glass was always full and our waiters were friendly. I ordered one of the specials-a pappardelle pasta-which was fantastic. Others at the table ordered the fruit plate with accompanying chicken salad and banana bread and the tuna salad sandwich (yellowfin with avocado. yum). Everyone was very pleased and also enjoyed the vast bread selection (several different bread products including savory toasts and sweet muffins). Definitely a contender!
(4)
Jim B.
Was in town for a conference and stumbled upon this place. Had great food and can't complain one bit. Steak was cooked perfectly and they have a great wine list to choose from. Would highly recommend it to anyone. Only rated service as very good as we had a newer server. Excellent overall.
(5)
Joy G.
I always have a good meal here with good service. The rooftop area is very cool for entertaining guests or chilling with friends. The food is consistent and delicious. This restaurant is ideal for treating out of town guests.
(4)
Paige F.
So good. Had my first hot brown -ish type dish and it was delicious. Reasonably priced during lunch. If I lived here, I could see this on my lunch rotation list.
(4)
Jeff R.
I wasn't too impressed with Dudley's. The brussels sprouts salad was under-seasoned. The lamb entree was also under-seasoned. The four small chops did not shine in any way. The crunchy salad underneath was unimpressive. The tore was rich and tasty. Overall, I expected a lot more. Dishes were not exciting and were not prepared exceptionally well for the price. The $32 lamb dish was a big disappointment. For the decor and price, I'd rather go to Jonathan's where dishes aren't terribly exciting either, but far better executed.
(2)
Olivia W.
I really enjoyed Dudley's when I went. The food was great and so was the atmosphere. I made a reservation and was seated promptly when we arrived. It was for a birthday dinner and it was delicious. It was the first time I went and I could not have had a better time. The service was great and the food was better, though I already mentioned the food was great. It is a cute place and I love how they open it up when it is warm out. It was very clean and they had a nice drink selection.
(4)
Jeff B.
The last two times I have been here it was excellent. The patio is really nice!
(5)
Cinimod S.
Smeh. A lot of hype. I want some flavor if I am paying that much for food. They meal was pretty and nice. The desserts and the salad were the high points. The entree was a good piece of fish with a good sauce. Nothing to write home about. I asked for a drink list and was given a wine by the bottle menu. My bourbon was watery when it arrived at the table. The servers were nice, but seemed like they were instructed to be overly accommodating and reserved. The layout of the place was very confusing. Its popular with the horse owning crowds, and seems like it has a storied history, but maybe thats because its in an old school house. Next time I will save my cash.
(3)
Joycelyn N.
We went to Dudley's for their Sunday brunch. And it was hold-on-to-your-Bloody-Mary fabulous! We were greeted with the breadboy (is that a sexist word I wonder?) who doled out our choice of biscuit or a blueberry muffin. I went for the muffin and my family had biscuits. The muffin was warm, soft with fresh blueberries and a slightly crunchy top with a cinnamony finish. It was about the best muffin I've ever had. The fam gave rave reviews for their biscuit. We spent the rest of the meal trying to chase down the breadboy. We're a little pathetic like that. I ordered the Eggs Charles (I think). It was perfectly done eggs over easy on a bed of black beans with rice that had bits of smoky Tasso ham in it, anchored by four shrimps. The whole thing was covered with a delicious, smooth creamy sauce that had minced jalapenos in it. It was simply divine and I'm trying to conjure up a big plate of it now. Oh, for super powers. Hubby had the eggs benedict with crabcakes. I didn't taste his but he assured me it was great. I was too busy scarfing down my own food and being on the lookout for the breadboy to do much else. Had the donunt holes for dessert and it was meh. The dipping sauces were good but I'd rather have had another muffin. Next time we're in Lexington, we promised ourselves to do brunch here again. I don't know about the negative reviews for dinner but definitely give this a try for brunch.
(5)
Søren S.
This is one of the few US restaurants that passes the burger litmus test - i.e., if a restaurant has a burger on the menu, try that first, if they pay attention to a burger, you know the rest of the food is going to be good. Most places, even "five star" expensive places, serves a heated frozen patty. Dudley's must have a meat grinder in the kitchen and makes them up fresh. So, having said that - I used to work in the building and took international business clients to lunch and dinner at Dudley's all the time. Well worth it. Never a complaint, people always loved it. Even large groups of Khazak government ministers on several visits - that were not impressed with other food choices in Lexington. Its a must go when in Lexington - a city with more restaurants per capita than any other in North America (but 90% fast food - look at the local population). Also, the city fits national demographics to a tee, so all national chains test their latest crap out on that market. Lexington has five or six places worthy of going for dinner, Dudley's tops that list. Only one of the top that does not overcharge for what they serve - which is a death wish for restaurants, but most patrons are too dumb to realize. If in Lexington, hit Keenland and Dudley's - don't forget to take a country drive out Old Frankfort Pike and the area around the airport to see some beautiful horses. Don't be stupid and jump the fence to take your picture with them - I hate people who do that and wish I could sit back and fire a shotgun over their heads to get them running.
(5)
Joe L.
I was a little disapointed with Dudley's. With a resturant that sells such an extensive wine list, I would have expected the food to be much better. That also goes with the server. Anyway, it wasn't all bad, just not what I paid for! Go somewhere else.
(3)
Tom Y.
Had dinner there last night after UK game. Understandably busy but staff was ready. Had tile fish which was a special. It was accompanied with a flash fried sticky rice. Outstanding. Butter squash salad is different but excellent.
(4)
MARY H.
The restaurant is lovely and the staff is nice... the food is good but not great.... I had the walnut chicken salad with fruit and nut bread with cream cheese... the portions were small... and the fruit was not the best... really tiny blueberries... my dining partner had a hamburger and fries... the hamburger was hugh and the fries were over cooked... we had dessert which sounded much better on the menu... a peanut butter ice cream dish with a chocolate "dish".. the chocolate was too hard to break apart and eat, the ice cream was not allowed to warm up enough to dish out so we got pieces instead of a formed amount.... the carmel sauce was used sparingly ... the best part of the dish was the peanuts on top.... for $8.00 it should have been a much better dish...The entire bill.. before tip... was $45.00 for lunch... the iced tea was cold and fresh.... the coffee was good .... but I personally did not like the square cups they used for serving coffee.... just me... as for the bread boy... he came around once... the bread and butter was good.... the corn muffin was too dry and simply fell apart as it was eaten. I would go back.... but would probably skip the dessert...
(4)
davis b.
Based on a recent fishwrapper review I ordered the steak and fries $18 for lunch.Ordered medium rare it came very rare , but had decent flavor. The fries were lukewarm and tasted warmed over, and were mostly scraps of potato no bigger than a thumbnail. Just in case I come again I asked my server is this the way the fries are normally served. "Oh yes", he responds, "they are handcut." I showed him the leftover pile and he did offer to bring more, but the meal was over by then. One companion received a tiny portion of the fish special which was ok, and my other more astute friend ordered the burger which he pronounced very good.For the price very good seemed like minimal praise.The new space however is very attractive . Everyone seemed uninterested in going to the trouble to find parking to come again, or even if it wre convenient for that matter. Maybe, once again, its better at night, although if you are going to serve lunch why not make the effort1 '
(2)
Braxton H.
Good food and service, somewhat stuffy atmosphere but the patio is very relaxed. Never a bad choice.
(4)
Lee P.
The best restaurant in Lexington. I visit Lexington several times every year and always eat at Dudley's at least once on every visit. Sadly, Lexington lacks any other restaurants that even come close to what is offered here in the way of wine and food. The wine list is extensive and fairly priced. The bar is lively and attended by excellent mixoligists one of which has been with Dudley's for over 20 years. Dudley's recently moved its location to Short St. and the atmosphere is exquisite.
(5)
Carmen C.
Friday night and what's a girl to do? Well, had a wonderful date at Dudley's. We were seated as we walked in and the place was alive and crowded and pretty full. Of course it was Friday night! Our waiter was a bit busy, but took our wine order and delivered an excellent bottle of Chardonnay!. We enjoyed that while waiting to hear the daily specials. Specials sounded great, but the rack of lamb caught our attention and we both ordered that same entree. The bread was crisp and scrumptious and generous and our time waiting for dinner was appropriate. The lamb was cooked perfectly, a bit crunchy and medium to order. The baby beets and fingerlings potatoes were a perfect accompaniment to the tasty lamb. They even dropped in a couple very tasty black olives--what a surprised! We topped our evening off with the raspberry sorbet and it was plenty for two! Could not find a better place in Lexington to spend a Friday night. It is worth the wait if you can't get in
(5)
Adam A.
Nice place, but don't be an idiot like me and get the portobello sandwich.
(4)
Jeffery S.
I had heard lots of praise for Dudley's new space and checked it out tonight. They did go all out on the interior and it's probably one of the nicest spaces in town, but doesn't have a patio. The prices are on the high end and are unfortunately not justified by the food. Portions are small, so I would expect every element of the plate to be first rate and bursting with flavor. The salad was just okay. The Thai Pizza was very dry with virtually no sauce on the crust, there were too many golden raisins, and the greens on top could have been dressed to balance out an item that was almost too dry to get down. I was left wondering if anybody in the kitchen had ever tried to eat one of these before putting it on the menu! The fried doughnut holes dessert with three dipping sauces the highlight of the meal, but the chocolate sauce tasted like it might have been Hershey's bottle. The table bread they serve is unbefitting of the price point. This was a trial run....we ordered light, on purpose, but at this point, unless I hear the food improves a couple of notches, I won't bust my wallet on a second visit.
(2)
Ross M.
The nicest (as in fancy) meal I had while in Lexington, I'm glad someone else was paying though. Food was rich and filling; nicely plated but taste came before looks. We had the full assortment of several appetizers, an entree each, and several deserts. I don't remember the appetizers or deserts, but the glazed pork chop I ordered was outstanding. It was in the early summer on a nice evening and we sat outside on the patio under the trees. It was a fun evening and I'd do it again (if someone else was paying.)
(5)
paul m.
I was part of a party of seven. We went on a weekday night. The atmosphere was elegant, if not a bit dark. The menu was priced much more expensive than we expected. That was the first letdown, the second was that the service was very bad. If you are going to demand that much money for a meal, the service should do more than just hurriedly take your order, deliver your food and never come back. Patrons shouldn't have to hunt down and wait for their waiter every time they have a small request. Likewise, if you are charging those menu prices, then your food better be of the highest quality. Sadly, 4 of us were very disappointed. My dish (leg of lamb) showed up tepid to the point where the sauces had started to congeal. It was also a bit bland. Worst of all, the portions were so small that it drew some snickers when the waiter set it in front of me. I think small plates/portions can be entirely satisfactory, but this was minuscule and just not at all satisfactory. But, probably the worst issue that I had with this restaurant is that when I complained to the waiter, he responded by looking somewhat annoyed and disappearing for the rest of the night. hmmm. I would really rather just voice my concerns in the restaurant. Sniping on a review post won't help my meal experience, any, but I tried. So, now I'm letting others know about my experience. This restaurant needs to drastically improve, slash their menu prices by a half or go out of business. I won't be going back.
(2)
Jenna T.
Seriously the best steak I have ever had. We love Malones but this was 5xs better. Make sure to make a reservation in advance for their rooftop patio!
It would be quite incongruous to dine in Lexington, Kentucky and not be surrounded by an equestrian theme. This is thoroughbred country, and although UK basketball may be number one in the city, everything to do with "horse" is the foundation of blue grass country. Dudley's on Short does not disappoint. There are horse portraits, racing colors, winning trophies, and the very epitome of the "horsey set" all around you. The well scrubbed diners, impeccably dressed, show off their pedigree. The woman dress in St. John knits, and the silver tressed gentleman all don Ralph Lauren. They all looked so smart, that my wife and I felt best sitting at the bar, away from the tables. Perhaps our plebeian manner would be less obtrusive at the small bar, let alone my New York accent. Yankees may not be welcome. I am quite aware that certain aspects of the Civil War are not forgotten here in the South. Dudley's is not for trendy or innovative dining. The conservative patrons want the familiar and I must say everything we ate tasted real good, and there were no surprises. The bartender was perfectly lovely and she made excellent suggestions and actually laughed at my Yankee humor. We struck up a conversation with two engaging women at the bar, and by the end of the meal, I almost thought of becoming a jockey. Dudley's was perfectly pleasant and fits the needs of their patrons. If you have the proper expectations you will have a wonderful time, eating good food, and watching the cotillion around you. "My darlin, may I please have a Pappy's on the rocks, so very neat."
(4)
Lauren M.
I took some clients here for a business dinner. Brussels sprouts salad was fantastic. Seared Tuna with black rice was incredible. Everyone in my party of 6 enjoyed their meals, appetizers, and drinks. The service was top notch.
(4)
Jim F.
Used yelp map to get there and it sent is I te opposite direction for 3 blocks, they should review this for people to visits. The service was outstanding. I has theSeared Tuna ', it was perfect. Make sure you get the CB salad if u like bacon. If you like a quit setting them asked to be seated upstairs.
(4)
Benjamin P.
The Tournedos Maxwell was pretty darn delectable. The calamari quite good. The ceasar just ok. The Bourbon selection expansive. The Roof-top dining amazing. And general experience worth enjoying! Do it. Cheers
(5)
Sohini R.
Had a really perfect meal here with colleagues during a work trip. The service was really attentive; although the ambience is sort of old school (leather booths, white tablecloths), I liked it, down to the waiter saying "To good health" when he brought over our bourbon. Do yourself a favor and have a bourbon; my hosts recommended the Four Roses Single Barrel, which was perfect. We shared tuna poke as a starter, then I had the local Bibb and Humboldt Fog salad as a main and a side of dudleyed eggs (deviled, a la the chef). The poke was very good - served on sweet potato, with spicy homemade hot sauce. The pickled ginger and wasabi were on the side and quite spicy - I didn't understand what they added to the dish given the hot sauce. Seemed like an afterthought. But overall a special dish. I enjoyed the salad a lot - the squash and fennel and blue cheese with vinaigrette were very harmonious. The low point for me were the deviled eggs, which started out awesome and mustardy, but I think the kitchen scooped out some of the white to make them look more spherical. I needed more egg white to reduce the richness of the eggs; I had to share the last half with one of my fellow diners. The high point of dinner was the Black Tie Sundae, and thank goodness the waiter told me I could order a half sundae, because that was the right size. The brownie and fudge and vanilla ice cream were amazing. The best sundae I've had in long time! I recommend Dudley's for a nice dinner out with work friends or family; save some room in your stomachs for dessert!
This was a very big surprise because I had always heard Dudley's was great. The atmosphere was about the only thing that was great. The staff and service were ok, not the best. The bread server came around only one time and when I asked the waitress for more she said she'd tell him, he never came back. There were only a select number of items in which to order for dinner. None sounded appetizing and when we did get our food it was just as bad as it sounded. I could have cooked chicken better than that ... It had a fancy title but was basically a baked half of a chicken with a very odd tasting sauce. The potatoes were bland and the greens underneath the chicken had no taste at all. We spent $80.00 including tip which is fine if the food is worth the price...ours was NOT! Afterward we wished we had just gotten a hotdog at the concert.
(1)
Namarazzi N.
This review doesn't need to be long. The food is absolutely delicious. The atmosphere is nice. The staff is friendly.The other patrons here are regulars and love it and so do I. I don't often give 5 stars. This place deserves it.
(5)
Bob D.
Maybe I'm spoiled. Maybe I got them on an off night but... uninspired would be good way to describe my meal at Dudley's. I ate by myself the first night in Lexington and I should have paid better attention to the TA and Yelp reviews. I started with wilted brussel sprout salad... salad was very basic, exhibiting none of the richness or deliciousness this dish can have. It is priced at $10 but I am not griping about the price. If you are going to do something - do it well. I had short rib with grits as my second dish, if anything this was worse than the brussel sprouts. The boneless short rib was grey, There was no effort to brown or caramelize the meat before simmering, and sadly there was a ton of fat left on the plate, meaning that the cooking time/method did not allow for the fat to render. Anyway, this restaurant took two "no miss" dishes and made them poorly. I give Dudley's two stars because of the food. The service and atmosphere were excellent. Sorry to have to write this review. To the owners - do better.
(2)
Emily B.
My husband and I went here for a lunch date and it was solid, but I honestly expected better from its reputation. The food was consistently good and seemed consistent with the fine dining experience they seem to be aiming for. The service started out good, but then rapidly declined. We were there for just under an hour, and by the end of our lunch, our water glasses were empty for about 10 minutes and it took almost 20 minutes to get our check and pay. The location is good and the tables and rooms are very pretty, but they had a large TV on which seems inconsistent with fine dining, and the largest annoyance was that their phone was turned up REALLY loud and started ringing about 10 times during our lunch, often ringing 5 or 6 times before anybody answered it. Each time it rang, my husband and I had to stop our conversation as it was impossible to hear each other over it without shouting. For a restaurant that seems to target business meals and/or dates, this was obnoxious. Dudley's has a great reputation in town and I did think their food was good (but not exceptional), so my experience may have been a fluke. However, when I'm spending about $15 per person on lunch (not counting drinks or a tip), I do expect better.
(3)
Justin G.
Ate at Dudleys last night for about the 100th time. I have never been disappointed in this place, but had also never known that they had a roof top patio until last night. It was great! Cozy, shaded, perfect breeze and of course, excellent food. As always, the staff was great, professional, and made some solid recommendations for both dinner and wine. Will continue to go there and introduce as many people as I can to that place.
(5)
Rachel I.
I have been here twice, once for lunch and again for a private lunch event. Dudleyed eggs are tasty, good Bloody Mary, great service from Suzie the first visit. Second visit presented some service issues, not terrible, but not very professional when it came to clearing and distributing plates and wine service. Over all good food. I will be back.
(4)
Heather P.
We ate here for the first time for our anniversary. We had a 5:30 reservation which was a perfect time because it started getting a bit crowded when we left. I ordered the pasta option which was excellent. My husband had the fish recommendation and liked it as well. There were several bread options...the bread with olives is awesome. It is a bit expensive but well worth the occasional splurge. An excellent downtown location as well.
(5)
Ed M.
I travel to Lexington often for work and this is my favorite place to eat, whether with associates or alone. During the racing season or equine sales, it can be quite crowded, but the wait, if there is one, is well worth it. The bar is small but there is an upstairs bar away from all the hubbub. The brussels sprouts salad is great! I have had almost every entree they have to offer over the years and have never been disappointed. This restaurant is very convenient to the Hilton or Hyatt downtown hotels. I would suggest making a reservation if your coming in on a Thursday thru Saturday.
(5)
Steve B.
When my girlfriend spent a summer working in Lexington in law school, she told me that Dudley's was a place we had to eat when I came to visit her. I can see why it was so highly recommended! Dudley's really embodied a lot of what I enjoyed so much about being in Lexington when I visited her there: the wonderful mix of refined, old-school charm, and southern/midwestern laidback attitude. Dudley's occupies a beautiful space but the service was completely laidback, welcoming, and homey. As for the food, it was delicious! Early into your meal they bring by a bread basket with tons of delcious choices and let you choose what bread you'd like for your meal. When we visited the choices ranged from sweet like white chocolate raspberry muffins to savory like cheddar biscuits. I would have taken one of each choice of bread if I could have. I was actually unsure if it was in bad taste to ask for seconds but when my girlfriend later returned there for a farewell lunch with her summer coworkers, she informed me that yes, you can definitely ask for more bread, or, just ask to be served two items when they bring the bread over for you to choose. I also have to recommend their duck breast. When I had it, it was served seared and sliced over a bed of hominy with pesto. It was clever and delicious! I wasn't sure if hominy and pesto and duck would go together but boy did they ever! Each of the components was perfectly cooked too- the duck was seared off just right with crispy skin, the pesto wasn't greasy but was full of flavor and the hominy was chewy but not too firm. The duck at Dudley's ranks as probably one of the all time best duck dishes I've ever had, and probably the best seared duck breast I've ever had. My girlfriend had their filet and ranked it highly too. She's pretty picky when it comes to filet mignon and has eaten at her share of great restaurants, so when she says a filet is done right, she definitely means it. In all Dudley's was a perfect time for both us. Classy, romantic, fun, laidback, delicious, hearty- I could go through more positive adjectives but I'll keep it simple: if you're in Lexington, don't think twice, you gotta go!
(5)
Alex C.
Impeccable service. Excellent food. Very much enjoyed the attentiveness of the staff. Filet was done perfectly.
(5)
dhaval s.
Dudley's is a place that is a secret with several east coast and west coast cognoscenti. There is a whole legend about this place - and I refrained from writing about this place because it's a secret... But the secret's out. The owner hand selects every little piece of the place. The pieces of wood you walk past to the upstairs place are chosen for how they might suggest to you a romantic evening - but ever so subtly. The fare is toothsome, the cellar is deep and well represented - This is the best place you have not heard of - it's good enough to fly into the town for.
(5)
Kim S.
We had a retirement lunch at Dudley's yesterday. It was the first time I had been, since they were at their old location. Oh my goodness...I was just in love with the atmosphere and renovation of this building! We had a fairly large party and our service was EXCELLENT. Almost everyone ordered something different and let me tell you it was all great looking and delicious. Two people had the hot brown-wow an absolutely beautiful looking dish! They both said they would order it again. I will be back!
(5)
John R.
My wife suggested Dudley's for her birthday dinner. I made a reservation via their online system and put "It is her birthday" in the special comments box. Arrived and was placed at a 2-top near the back by the server's work area and the hallway to the bathroom. It was crowded (a Wednesday night) so it was ok. The noise level was acceptable. For an appetizer, we got the warm brie and pesto. The pesto was great. The brie had been warm at some point in the recent past as it had melted onto the plate. However, by the time it was served to us, it was back to room temperature and mostly hard. I also got a special appetizer of swordfish ceviche. The fish was nice, but that was about all there was. Very little cilantro, no citrus fruit, no onion/shallot for a crunch, etc. It came with some local corn chips which were on the salty side. When the server came back and asked how I liked the ceviche, I told him exactly what I said here. He said "Great". I'm not sure he listened at all. For an entree, my wife got the filet well-done (and they did a good job at that). It normally comes with a slab of bread pudding (and a veggie) but she asked to substitute some crispy potatoes that were with one of the specials. The server said "No problem". It arrived with the bread pudding. We had to ask for the potatoes again. They did take $5 off the bill. I got the duck breast special. It came with a kind of dumpling that you would normally see at a Chinese DimSum place. It was very good but the flavors fought with the duck breast. The duck was cooked just right although I expected a larger portion for the money. And at this point, I was expecting them to bring some dessert with candle for the birthday. But, nope, that forgot that too. We skipped dessert there, finished our wine, and went elsewhere for dessert. Their wine list is very nice and they have a good selection of 1/2 bottles that are way cheaper than by-the-glass plus it is freshly opened.
(4)
Sara B.
Great food, great atmosphere, you can never go wrong. I had dined at Dudley's multiple times and I cannot remember one single day that I didn't like what I've ordered. I think with the decline of other "upscale" restaurants in Lexington (had a bad experience in a couple lately that used to be great), Dudley's is in a level of his own, now. Oh, and for beer drinkers who like their beer very very cold, Dudley's is also the best place. And the wine list is the best in town.
(5)
Lee G.
I had a true Lexington experience last night. The service was wonderful and the food selection was great. As a Kentuckian, I appreciate establishments who serve locally grown foods.
(4)
Kevin T.
I had the pleasure of dining at Dudley's the other night with three colleagues. All of us were impressed with the service, the food, the wine, and the ambiance. We sat upstairs, outdoors, on the patio--an excellent spot. The kale salad and the Brussels sprout salad are both fantastic. I didn't try another entree, but my lamp chops were some of the best I've ever had. Service was excellent--attentive and well-paced. This is Lexington's best...
(5)
Carla M.
Very cranky, gum cracking bartender. Trying not to listen but being the only ones at the bar couldn't help overhearing explanation of why someone was fired. Very unprofessional. Not at all welcoming or inviting.
(2)
Jenna T.
Seriously the best steak I have ever had. We love Malones but this was 5xs better. Make sure to make a reservation in advance for their rooftop patio!
It would be quite incongruous to dine in Lexington, Kentucky and not be surrounded by an equestrian theme. This is thoroughbred country, and although UK basketball may be number one in the city, everything to do with "horse" is the foundation of blue grass country. Dudley's on Short does not disappoint. There are horse portraits, racing colors, winning trophies, and the very epitome of the "horsey set" all around you. The well scrubbed diners, impeccably dressed, show off their pedigree. The woman dress in St. John knits, and the silver tressed gentleman all don Ralph Lauren. They all looked so smart, that my wife and I felt best sitting at the bar, away from the tables. Perhaps our plebeian manner would be less obtrusive at the small bar, let alone my New York accent. Yankees may not be welcome. I am quite aware that certain aspects of the Civil War are not forgotten here in the South. Dudley's is not for trendy or innovative dining. The conservative patrons want the familiar and I must say everything we ate tasted real good, and there were no surprises. The bartender was perfectly lovely and she made excellent suggestions and actually laughed at my Yankee humor. We struck up a conversation with two engaging women at the bar, and by the end of the meal, I almost thought of becoming a jockey. Dudley's was perfectly pleasant and fits the needs of their patrons. If you have the proper expectations you will have a wonderful time, eating good food, and watching the cotillion around you. "My darlin, may I please have a Pappy's on the rocks, so very neat."
(4)
Lauren M.
I took some clients here for a business dinner. Brussels sprouts salad was fantastic. Seared Tuna with black rice was incredible. Everyone in my party of 6 enjoyed their meals, appetizers, and drinks. The service was top notch.
(4)
Heather H.
My review is probably more like 3.5 stars. Overall, the menu is nothing unique but the food was consistently good and the dining room is stunning. Like having dinner in a beautiful home. Very high ceilings, wainscotting, perfectly lit. We started with Brie and Baguette appetizer and Pacific Oysters. The oysters had a citrusy finish and were great. I am NOT a fan of brie, so I was suprised when I almost scarfed down the entire chunk of brie. Very good. Not too bitter, and the roasted garlic on the plate was so tasty. For my entree, I had the Tournedos Maxwell. Perfectly cooked medium rare. Thought it was a little to heavy on the sauce, but still really liked it. My friends had a steak special and Pike Valley Chicken and really liked both dishes. Service was great. Offered suggestions when needed but not overly invasive. For dessert we decided to split this chocolate brownie concotion. Should have skipped it. My friends really were peeved at the way it was presented in this sundae glass that made it difficult to eat. I was really freaked out by the overwhelming amount of sea salt in the dessert. (1) because I like my desserts crazy sweet and (2) because it was just weird.
(4)
Aimee H.
Everything was A-OK - service, food and ambiance!
(3)
Chug N.
Great place for a business dinner with fine service in a nice setting. Food was delicious and the sea bass was perfection!! Also loved the warm brussel sprout salad -- something different from the usual salad fare and I highly recommend it. This is a don't miss if you're an out-of-towner.
(4)
Becc W.
Ate here for the 1st time on the 20th. It was my mom's 60th birthday. The waiter, Brad, truly made this exceptional. He was patient and attentive. The food was the best in Lexington for dinner service. So good we are going back tomorrow for New Year's Eve.
(5)
Josh M.
Last time in the meal was on point! Service is good. Also have one of the coldest glasses for a beer in town! Takes me a long way.
(3)
Heather W.
I had diner here last night with a group of girlfriends. I was in town visiting from Boston. Great atmosphere and service. However I agree with some of the other reviewers that for the price point the food is not that spectacular.
(3)
S W.
Everything was great here, except the entree. That said, I'd go back. Nice place, nice atmosphere, great service. The Kale salad was excellent, had a citrus style dressing with nuts, dried cherries, perfect. The steak looked good, the ahi tuna looked good, I messed up and ordered the Duck. In fairness, the duck itself may have been prepared ok, just the meat was subpar. But the whole dish was off with bitter herbs, a strong slice of cheese. The dumpling saved it, but steer clear of this dish.
(3)
Michael B.
Very disappointing. Was by myself so ate at the bar. I heard all about the waitresses' pathetic love lives and weird relationships with their fathers. Not what you want I hear about while you eat. Management should be fired. Food was salty as if prepared by a middle schooler. I won't be back.
(1)
Søren S.
This is one of the few US restaurants that passes the burger litmus test - i.e., if a restaurant has a burger on the menu, try that first, if they pay attention to a burger, you know the rest of the food is going to be good. Most places, even "five star" expensive places, serves a heated frozen patty. Dudley's must have a meat grinder in the kitchen and makes them up fresh. So, having said that - I used to work in the building and took international business clients to lunch and dinner at Dudley's all the time. Well worth it. Never a complaint, people always loved it. Even large groups of Khazak government ministers on several visits - that were not impressed with other food choices in Lexington. Its a must go when in Lexington - a city with more restaurants per capita than any other in North America (but 90% fast food - look at the local population). Also, the city fits national demographics to a tee, so all national chains test their latest crap out on that market. Lexington has five or six places worthy of going for dinner, Dudley's tops that list. Only one of the top that does not overcharge for what they serve - which is a death wish for restaurants, but most patrons are too dumb to realize. If in Lexington, hit Keenland and Dudley's - don't forget to take a country drive out Old Frankfort Pike and the area around the airport to see some beautiful horses. Don't be stupid and jump the fence to take your picture with them - I hate people who do that and wish I could sit back and fire a shotgun over their heads to get them running.
(5)
Joe L.
I was a little disapointed with Dudley's. With a resturant that sells such an extensive wine list, I would have expected the food to be much better. That also goes with the server. Anyway, it wasn't all bad, just not what I paid for! Go somewhere else.
(3)
Tom Y.
Had dinner there last night after UK game. Understandably busy but staff was ready. Had tile fish which was a special. It was accompanied with a flash fried sticky rice. Outstanding. Butter squash salad is different but excellent.
(4)
MARY H.
The restaurant is lovely and the staff is nice... the food is good but not great.... I had the walnut chicken salad with fruit and nut bread with cream cheese... the portions were small... and the fruit was not the best... really tiny blueberries... my dining partner had a hamburger and fries... the hamburger was hugh and the fries were over cooked... we had dessert which sounded much better on the menu... a peanut butter ice cream dish with a chocolate "dish".. the chocolate was too hard to break apart and eat, the ice cream was not allowed to warm up enough to dish out so we got pieces instead of a formed amount.... the carmel sauce was used sparingly ... the best part of the dish was the peanuts on top.... for $8.00 it should have been a much better dish...The entire bill.. before tip... was $45.00 for lunch... the iced tea was cold and fresh.... the coffee was good .... but I personally did not like the square cups they used for serving coffee.... just me... as for the bread boy... he came around once... the bread and butter was good.... the corn muffin was too dry and simply fell apart as it was eaten. I would go back.... but would probably skip the dessert...
(4)
N S.
Expensive, but decent food (not sure it's worth the NYC prices though). A very pleasant atmosphere. The overpowering fish odor other review commented on, I can agree with (seafood + carpet??). Dinner was very good. AND the unexpected surprise for dessert for my birthday was a wonderful ending to a great night! Service was excellent.
(4)
Mark R.
Dudley's was better in its old location. It just was.... That being said, I wish I could give Dudley's a better review, because it has the most beautiful dining room in town. I had the Chicken fricasee dish which had a beautiful presentation, but the cream sauce was weak in its seasoning, almost insipid. The salad was good, far too small for the price (This is Lexington, after all). My dinner was good, but it was not excellent. For my entree, salad, and a glass of wine, the price was $40. I think this is slightly too much for the Lexington market. And it was way too much for a good (as opposed to an excellent) meal. Oh, and the bread tray was a great touch, but the rolls were not freshly made. Some of the menu items were a bit too exotic for me. Ostrich in Lexington, Kentucky? Who are we kidding? I could barely hide my smile. All I could say was, "Is it free range?" The night I there, there was not much business at 6:00 PM on a Friday, but the clientele was mixed. One family came in riding outfits, another was in sweatpants. Two ladies sat in back and exchanged Hermes scarves. I will try it again, but like I said, for these prices one wants excellent --not good--food. Figure on at least $40 per person with an entree, salad, and wine.
(3)
Randall G.
This was recommended as a must-do for drinks in Lexington. We enjoyed drinks at the bar, split a pizza and salad just for a light dinner after a long drive into town. Neat stuff all over for fellow horse racing lovers like us, comfortable although I felt a bit of a second class citizen at the bar. Efficient service and excellent food. I'd like to come back to "do it right" for a big dinner at a table in the dining room.
(5)
John B.
C and I went here the night before the big race in early May, 2011, but I forgot to write a review, so here it is, albeit belated. Everything! was spectacular. Impeccable service, beautiful and delicious cuisine, fantastic ambiance. I can't think of any improvements. This is a model restaurant in my book.
(5)
Melissa W.
Was in Lexington for business and I was walking around downtown wondering where to go. I found Dudley's on Short and I decided it must be delicious as I stared as people happily enjoying cocktails and food on the patio. I walked in and shyly greeted the hostess telling them I was in town on business, had seen the place off the street and wondered if they could accommodate me and my food allergies. They were so nice, seated me right away and I was greeted by a very attentive waiter. I had an amazing Caesar salad, delicious lamb chops and some amazing mashed potatoes. It was a great meal, the service was terrific and I would go back in a heart beat. The waiter accommodated my food allergies, inquired with the chef to ensure I would be able to enjoy my meal. I would definitely go back. Great!
(5)
Jim G.
Great meal, great service. The ambience is traditional--dark, soft, comfortable, candlelit, etc.--but the menu is relatively inventive. It's a classic place without being stuffy or tied down to old things. My wife and I picked and chose from around the menu, splitting the steak frites for our entree, but each having a different salad and splitting the "ham gritters" appetizer, which may have been the highlight. I'll return without hesitation.
(5)
Pushkar D.
Just ok...way overpriced, food was burnt and not tasty at all. The only good thing they served were the chocolate and coconut muffins. They were awesome, and earned them the 2 stars! If you're looking for great food at a more reasonable price, go next door to the Village Idiot.
(2)
Rick F.
Always great food and a great atmosphere. Thanks Deb!
(5)
Beth G.
Had a very nice meal, great service and a good wine list. One of the best soft shell crab dishes I ever had. Nicely prepared. Peanut Butter cup dessert was tasty - but the chocolate "cup" was too thick to break up and eat.
(4)
Angela S.
This restaurant is more classy looking than classy. I've been to a lot of nice restaurants and never has a weird kid with a booger in his nose held a bottle of wine like some sort of piece of fine art and asked me if I would like a glass. I also found it very unnecessary that they gave everybody 2 wine glasses and then asked which wine you would like... then take all of the unused glasses off the table. It was wasteful... Anyways... as for the sections, it was an attempt at original, but slightly odd choices. I ran into confusion with the salad options. The entrees were fantastic though! and my drink was always full. It was overall a great ambiance and meal. Just a few small issues.
(3)
Paul K.
I was extremely impressed with Dudley's. It is a great upscale restaurant serving New American style food. We sat in the back and the atmosphere was perfect. In the back they deftly blended local color into the formal decorations creating a perfectly comfortable atmosphere. The service was friendly, answering our many questions with expertise. Their varied menu has something for everyone; duck, mussels, steak, and some fusion dishes. The food itself was tasted great and the portions were good. Some caveats. The front of the restaurant is more casual and I'd only sit there if it is the only option. Their steak could have been better. It was good but not great, a real missed opportunity. I'd thoroughly recommend Dudley's if you're looking for a place to impress. It was the perfect setting for a meal with my parents and girlfriend. I'd also recommend it for a formal business dinner.
(4)
Megan C.
A recent trip to Lexington and a taste-search for a rehearsal dinner location led us to lunch on the patio at Dudley's recently. The service was exceptional-maybe they just weren't very busy on this particular Monday, but my water glass was always full and our waiters were friendly. I ordered one of the specials-a pappardelle pasta-which was fantastic. Others at the table ordered the fruit plate with accompanying chicken salad and banana bread and the tuna salad sandwich (yellowfin with avocado. yum). Everyone was very pleased and also enjoyed the vast bread selection (several different bread products including savory toasts and sweet muffins). Definitely a contender!
(4)
Jim B.
Was in town for a conference and stumbled upon this place. Had great food and can't complain one bit. Steak was cooked perfectly and they have a great wine list to choose from. Would highly recommend it to anyone. Only rated service as very good as we had a newer server. Excellent overall.
(5)
Joy G.
I always have a good meal here with good service. The rooftop area is very cool for entertaining guests or chilling with friends. The food is consistent and delicious. This restaurant is ideal for treating out of town guests.
(4)
Paige F.
So good. Had my first hot brown -ish type dish and it was delicious. Reasonably priced during lunch. If I lived here, I could see this on my lunch rotation list.
(4)
Jeff R.
I wasn't too impressed with Dudley's. The brussels sprouts salad was under-seasoned. The lamb entree was also under-seasoned. The four small chops did not shine in any way. The crunchy salad underneath was unimpressive. The tore was rich and tasty. Overall, I expected a lot more. Dishes were not exciting and were not prepared exceptionally well for the price. The $32 lamb dish was a big disappointment. For the decor and price, I'd rather go to Jonathan's where dishes aren't terribly exciting either, but far better executed.
(2)
Olivia W.
I really enjoyed Dudley's when I went. The food was great and so was the atmosphere. I made a reservation and was seated promptly when we arrived. It was for a birthday dinner and it was delicious. It was the first time I went and I could not have had a better time. The service was great and the food was better, though I already mentioned the food was great. It is a cute place and I love how they open it up when it is warm out. It was very clean and they had a nice drink selection.
(4)
Jeff B.
The last two times I have been here it was excellent. The patio is really nice!
(5)
Cinimod S.
Smeh. A lot of hype. I want some flavor if I am paying that much for food. They meal was pretty and nice. The desserts and the salad were the high points. The entree was a good piece of fish with a good sauce. Nothing to write home about. I asked for a drink list and was given a wine by the bottle menu. My bourbon was watery when it arrived at the table. The servers were nice, but seemed like they were instructed to be overly accommodating and reserved. The layout of the place was very confusing. Its popular with the horse owning crowds, and seems like it has a storied history, but maybe thats because its in an old school house. Next time I will save my cash.
(3)
Lee P.
The best restaurant in Lexington. I visit Lexington several times every year and always eat at Dudley's at least once on every visit. Sadly, Lexington lacks any other restaurants that even come close to what is offered here in the way of wine and food. The wine list is extensive and fairly priced. The bar is lively and attended by excellent mixoligists one of which has been with Dudley's for over 20 years. Dudley's recently moved its location to Short St. and the atmosphere is exquisite.
(5)
Joycelyn N.
We went to Dudley's for their Sunday brunch. And it was hold-on-to-your-Bloody-Mary fabulous! We were greeted with the breadboy (is that a sexist word I wonder?) who doled out our choice of biscuit or a blueberry muffin. I went for the muffin and my family had biscuits. The muffin was warm, soft with fresh blueberries and a slightly crunchy top with a cinnamony finish. It was about the best muffin I've ever had. The fam gave rave reviews for their biscuit. We spent the rest of the meal trying to chase down the breadboy. We're a little pathetic like that. I ordered the Eggs Charles (I think). It was perfectly done eggs over easy on a bed of black beans with rice that had bits of smoky Tasso ham in it, anchored by four shrimps. The whole thing was covered with a delicious, smooth creamy sauce that had minced jalapenos in it. It was simply divine and I'm trying to conjure up a big plate of it now. Oh, for super powers. Hubby had the eggs benedict with crabcakes. I didn't taste his but he assured me it was great. I was too busy scarfing down my own food and being on the lookout for the breadboy to do much else. Had the donunt holes for dessert and it was meh. The dipping sauces were good but I'd rather have had another muffin. Next time we're in Lexington, we promised ourselves to do brunch here again. I don't know about the negative reviews for dinner but definitely give this a try for brunch.
(5)
davis b.
Based on a recent fishwrapper review I ordered the steak and fries $18 for lunch.Ordered medium rare it came very rare , but had decent flavor. The fries were lukewarm and tasted warmed over, and were mostly scraps of potato no bigger than a thumbnail. Just in case I come again I asked my server is this the way the fries are normally served. "Oh yes", he responds, "they are handcut." I showed him the leftover pile and he did offer to bring more, but the meal was over by then. One companion received a tiny portion of the fish special which was ok, and my other more astute friend ordered the burger which he pronounced very good.For the price very good seemed like minimal praise.The new space however is very attractive . Everyone seemed uninterested in going to the trouble to find parking to come again, or even if it wre convenient for that matter. Maybe, once again, its better at night, although if you are going to serve lunch why not make the effort1 '
(2)
Braxton H.
Good food and service, somewhat stuffy atmosphere but the patio is very relaxed. Never a bad choice.
(4)
Carmen C.
Friday night and what's a girl to do? Well, had a wonderful date at Dudley's. We were seated as we walked in and the place was alive and crowded and pretty full. Of course it was Friday night! Our waiter was a bit busy, but took our wine order and delivered an excellent bottle of Chardonnay!. We enjoyed that while waiting to hear the daily specials. Specials sounded great, but the rack of lamb caught our attention and we both ordered that same entree. The bread was crisp and scrumptious and generous and our time waiting for dinner was appropriate. The lamb was cooked perfectly, a bit crunchy and medium to order. The baby beets and fingerlings potatoes were a perfect accompaniment to the tasty lamb. They even dropped in a couple very tasty black olives--what a surprised! We topped our evening off with the raspberry sorbet and it was plenty for two! Could not find a better place in Lexington to spend a Friday night. It is worth the wait if you can't get in
(5)
Adam A.
Nice place, but don't be an idiot like me and get the portobello sandwich.
(4)
Jeffery S.
I had heard lots of praise for Dudley's new space and checked it out tonight. They did go all out on the interior and it's probably one of the nicest spaces in town, but doesn't have a patio. The prices are on the high end and are unfortunately not justified by the food. Portions are small, so I would expect every element of the plate to be first rate and bursting with flavor. The salad was just okay. The Thai Pizza was very dry with virtually no sauce on the crust, there were too many golden raisins, and the greens on top could have been dressed to balance out an item that was almost too dry to get down. I was left wondering if anybody in the kitchen had ever tried to eat one of these before putting it on the menu! The fried doughnut holes dessert with three dipping sauces the highlight of the meal, but the chocolate sauce tasted like it might have been Hershey's bottle. The table bread they serve is unbefitting of the price point. This was a trial run....we ordered light, on purpose, but at this point, unless I hear the food improves a couple of notches, I won't bust my wallet on a second visit.
(2)
Ross M.
The nicest (as in fancy) meal I had while in Lexington, I'm glad someone else was paying though. Food was rich and filling; nicely plated but taste came before looks. We had the full assortment of several appetizers, an entree each, and several deserts. I don't remember the appetizers or deserts, but the glazed pork chop I ordered was outstanding. It was in the early summer on a nice evening and we sat outside on the patio under the trees. It was a fun evening and I'd do it again (if someone else was paying.)
(5)
paul m.
I was part of a party of seven. We went on a weekday night. The atmosphere was elegant, if not a bit dark. The menu was priced much more expensive than we expected. That was the first letdown, the second was that the service was very bad. If you are going to demand that much money for a meal, the service should do more than just hurriedly take your order, deliver your food and never come back. Patrons shouldn't have to hunt down and wait for their waiter every time they have a small request. Likewise, if you are charging those menu prices, then your food better be of the highest quality. Sadly, 4 of us were very disappointed. My dish (leg of lamb) showed up tepid to the point where the sauces had started to congeal. It was also a bit bland. Worst of all, the portions were so small that it drew some snickers when the waiter set it in front of me. I think small plates/portions can be entirely satisfactory, but this was minuscule and just not at all satisfactory. But, probably the worst issue that I had with this restaurant is that when I complained to the waiter, he responded by looking somewhat annoyed and disappearing for the rest of the night. hmmm. I would really rather just voice my concerns in the restaurant. Sniping on a review post won't help my meal experience, any, but I tried. So, now I'm letting others know about my experience. This restaurant needs to drastically improve, slash their menu prices by a half or go out of business. I won't be going back.
(2)
Jim F.
Used yelp map to get there and it sent is I te opposite direction for 3 blocks, they should review this for people to visits. The service was outstanding. I has theSeared Tuna ', it was perfect. Make sure you get the CB salad if u like bacon. If you like a quit setting them asked to be seated upstairs.
(4)
Benjamin P.
The Tournedos Maxwell was pretty darn delectable. The calamari quite good. The ceasar just ok. The Bourbon selection expansive. The Roof-top dining amazing. And general experience worth enjoying! Do it. Cheers
(5)
Megan M.
The atmosphere is truly beautiful at Dudley's. The dining experience is lovely. Expect to pay but is worth it. The last time I went we just got a bunch of appetizers to share and it was such a fun experience.
(5)
Mark W.
Majorly overpriced and the food is nothing to speak of. Atmosphere is decent and location is right down town so u can walk somewhere to eat after you leave.
(2)
Sohini R.
Had a really perfect meal here with colleagues during a work trip. The service was really attentive; although the ambience is sort of old school (leather booths, white tablecloths), I liked it, down to the waiter saying "To good health" when he brought over our bourbon. Do yourself a favor and have a bourbon; my hosts recommended the Four Roses Single Barrel, which was perfect. We shared tuna poke as a starter, then I had the local Bibb and Humboldt Fog salad as a main and a side of dudleyed eggs (deviled, a la the chef). The poke was very good - served on sweet potato, with spicy homemade hot sauce. The pickled ginger and wasabi were on the side and quite spicy - I didn't understand what they added to the dish given the hot sauce. Seemed like an afterthought. But overall a special dish. I enjoyed the salad a lot - the squash and fennel and blue cheese with vinaigrette were very harmonious. The low point for me were the deviled eggs, which started out awesome and mustardy, but I think the kitchen scooped out some of the white to make them look more spherical. I needed more egg white to reduce the richness of the eggs; I had to share the last half with one of my fellow diners. The high point of dinner was the Black Tie Sundae, and thank goodness the waiter told me I could order a half sundae, because that was the right size. The brownie and fudge and vanilla ice cream were amazing. The best sundae I've had in long time! I recommend Dudley's for a nice dinner out with work friends or family; save some room in your stomachs for dessert!
This was a very big surprise because I had always heard Dudley's was great. The atmosphere was about the only thing that was great. The staff and service were ok, not the best. The bread server came around only one time and when I asked the waitress for more she said she'd tell him, he never came back. There were only a select number of items in which to order for dinner. None sounded appetizing and when we did get our food it was just as bad as it sounded. I could have cooked chicken better than that ... It had a fancy title but was basically a baked half of a chicken with a very odd tasting sauce. The potatoes were bland and the greens underneath the chicken had no taste at all. We spent $80.00 including tip which is fine if the food is worth the price...ours was NOT! Afterward we wished we had just gotten a hotdog at the concert.
(1)
Linda C.
I decided to give Dudley's a try after reading the other Yelp reviews. While attending a conference it was nice to try a local find. I dined alfresco since it was a beautiful day. The service was friendly and efficient, and the food is worth the visit. I was here for Sunday brunch and all of the selections seemed great. I had the eggs benedict on crab cakes and fried green tomatoes with smashed pan seared potatoes. Really delicious combination. They also come by with the most amazing selections of scones and biscuits. Will definitely come back next time I'm in Lexington.
(4)
Ben S.
Went for brunch with extended family and one parent when I moved down here for a job. This was one of my first dining places in Lex and it was exceptional. Staff was great, food was well done and while I haven't eaten dinner here...I have been to the bar a couple times and made poor purchasing decisions on glasses of stuff not offered elsewhere in this town....because hey...18 year old single malts are awesome or something...idk. Point is, place has great ambiance, great atmosphere and its great to bring a date for drinks and small plates to enjoy the people walking by. Need to get here for dinner, but it feels better as a date night for a special occasion rather than a regular place to hit up. For my one time eating, I've not had much better. Dudley's and Coles remain, in my opinion, the best places in town for an upscale fine dining experience.
(5)
Emily Q.
Service, atmosphere and food were all exceptional!! Dined for brunch! The spicy Bloody Mary was one of the best I've had! Those potatoes with the eggs Benedict though... Oh my!!! Definitely my top choice for a classic and CLASSY brunch!
(5)
Greg B.
I've always had excellent food and service at Dudley's. There's something on the menu to suit everyone's pallet. Weather permitting, the rooftop is the best place to dine in downtown Lexington.
(5)
Clara H.
Fantastic southern cuisine. Brunch is my favorite time to go. The huevos rancheros are my favorite!
Sorry, Store hours have not been updated. If you are the owner of this restaurants. Please update the store hours.
Specialities
Takes Reservations : Yes Delivery : No Take-out : Yes Accepts Credit Cards : Yes Good For : Dinner Parking : Street Bike Parking : Yes Wheelchair Accessible : Yes Good for Kids : No Good for Groups : Yes Attire : Dressy Ambience : Upscale Noise Level : Average Alcohol : Full Bar Outdoor Seating : Yes Wi-Fi : No Has TV : No Waiter Service : Yes Caters : No
Heather P.
We ate here for the first time for our anniversary. We had a 5:30 reservation which was a perfect time because it started getting a bit crowded when we left. I ordered the pasta option which was excellent. My husband had the fish recommendation and liked it as well. There were several bread options...the bread with olives is awesome. It is a bit expensive but well worth the occasional splurge. An excellent downtown location as well.
(5)Ed M.
I travel to Lexington often for work and this is my favorite place to eat, whether with associates or alone. During the racing season or equine sales, it can be quite crowded, but the wait, if there is one, is well worth it. The bar is small but there is an upstairs bar away from all the hubbub. The brussels sprouts salad is great! I have had almost every entree they have to offer over the years and have never been disappointed. This restaurant is very convenient to the Hilton or Hyatt downtown hotels. I would suggest making a reservation if your coming in on a Thursday thru Saturday.
(5)Ben S.
Went for brunch with extended family and one parent when I moved down here for a job. This was one of my first dining places in Lex and it was exceptional. Staff was great, food was well done and while I haven't eaten dinner here...I have been to the bar a couple times and made poor purchasing decisions on glasses of stuff not offered elsewhere in this town....because hey...18 year old single malts are awesome or something...idk. Point is, place has great ambiance, great atmosphere and its great to bring a date for drinks and small plates to enjoy the people walking by. Need to get here for dinner, but it feels better as a date night for a special occasion rather than a regular place to hit up. For my one time eating, I've not had much better. Dudley's and Coles remain, in my opinion, the best places in town for an upscale fine dining experience.
(5)Emily Q.
Service, atmosphere and food were all exceptional!! Dined for brunch! The spicy Bloody Mary was one of the best I've had! Those potatoes with the eggs Benedict though... Oh my!!! Definitely my top choice for a classic and CLASSY brunch!
(5)Namarazzi N.
This review doesn't need to be long. The food is absolutely delicious. The atmosphere is nice. The staff is friendly.The other patrons here are regulars and love it and so do I. I don't often give 5 stars. This place deserves it.
(5)Bob D.
Maybe I'm spoiled. Maybe I got them on an off night but... uninspired would be good way to describe my meal at Dudley's. I ate by myself the first night in Lexington and I should have paid better attention to the TA and Yelp reviews. I started with wilted brussel sprout salad... salad was very basic, exhibiting none of the richness or deliciousness this dish can have. It is priced at $10 but I am not griping about the price. If you are going to do something - do it well. I had short rib with grits as my second dish, if anything this was worse than the brussel sprouts. The boneless short rib was grey, There was no effort to brown or caramelize the meat before simmering, and sadly there was a ton of fat left on the plate, meaning that the cooking time/method did not allow for the fat to render. Anyway, this restaurant took two "no miss" dishes and made them poorly. I give Dudley's two stars because of the food. The service and atmosphere were excellent. Sorry to have to write this review. To the owners - do better.
(2)Rachel I.
I have been here twice, once for lunch and again for a private lunch event. Dudleyed eggs are tasty, good Bloody Mary, great service from Suzie the first visit. Second visit presented some service issues, not terrible, but not very professional when it came to clearing and distributing plates and wine service. Over all good food. I will be back.
(4)Emily B.
My husband and I went here for a lunch date and it was solid, but I honestly expected better from its reputation. The food was consistently good and seemed consistent with the fine dining experience they seem to be aiming for. The service started out good, but then rapidly declined. We were there for just under an hour, and by the end of our lunch, our water glasses were empty for about 10 minutes and it took almost 20 minutes to get our check and pay. The location is good and the tables and rooms are very pretty, but they had a large TV on which seems inconsistent with fine dining, and the largest annoyance was that their phone was turned up REALLY loud and started ringing about 10 times during our lunch, often ringing 5 or 6 times before anybody answered it. Each time it rang, my husband and I had to stop our conversation as it was impossible to hear each other over it without shouting. For a restaurant that seems to target business meals and/or dates, this was obnoxious. Dudley's has a great reputation in town and I did think their food was good (but not exceptional), so my experience may have been a fluke. However, when I'm spending about $15 per person on lunch (not counting drinks or a tip), I do expect better.
(3)Justin G.
Ate at Dudleys last night for about the 100th time. I have never been disappointed in this place, but had also never known that they had a roof top patio until last night. It was great! Cozy, shaded, perfect breeze and of course, excellent food. As always, the staff was great, professional, and made some solid recommendations for both dinner and wine. Will continue to go there and introduce as many people as I can to that place.
(5)Greg B.
I've always had excellent food and service at Dudley's. There's something on the menu to suit everyone's pallet. Weather permitting, the rooftop is the best place to dine in downtown Lexington.
(5)Clara H.
Fantastic southern cuisine. Brunch is my favorite time to go. The huevos rancheros are my favorite!
(5)Megan M.
The atmosphere is truly beautiful at Dudley's. The dining experience is lovely. Expect to pay but is worth it. The last time I went we just got a bunch of appetizers to share and it was such a fun experience.
(5)Mark W.
Majorly overpriced and the food is nothing to speak of. Atmosphere is decent and location is right down town so u can walk somewhere to eat after you leave.
(2)Linda C.
I decided to give Dudley's a try after reading the other Yelp reviews. While attending a conference it was nice to try a local find. I dined alfresco since it was a beautiful day. The service was friendly and efficient, and the food is worth the visit. I was here for Sunday brunch and all of the selections seemed great. I had the eggs benedict on crab cakes and fried green tomatoes with smashed pan seared potatoes. Really delicious combination. They also come by with the most amazing selections of scones and biscuits. Will definitely come back next time I'm in Lexington.
(4)Steve B.
When my girlfriend spent a summer working in Lexington in law school, she told me that Dudley's was a place we had to eat when I came to visit her. I can see why it was so highly recommended! Dudley's really embodied a lot of what I enjoyed so much about being in Lexington when I visited her there: the wonderful mix of refined, old-school charm, and southern/midwestern laidback attitude. Dudley's occupies a beautiful space but the service was completely laidback, welcoming, and homey. As for the food, it was delicious! Early into your meal they bring by a bread basket with tons of delcious choices and let you choose what bread you'd like for your meal. When we visited the choices ranged from sweet like white chocolate raspberry muffins to savory like cheddar biscuits. I would have taken one of each choice of bread if I could have. I was actually unsure if it was in bad taste to ask for seconds but when my girlfriend later returned there for a farewell lunch with her summer coworkers, she informed me that yes, you can definitely ask for more bread, or, just ask to be served two items when they bring the bread over for you to choose. I also have to recommend their duck breast. When I had it, it was served seared and sliced over a bed of hominy with pesto. It was clever and delicious! I wasn't sure if hominy and pesto and duck would go together but boy did they ever! Each of the components was perfectly cooked too- the duck was seared off just right with crispy skin, the pesto wasn't greasy but was full of flavor and the hominy was chewy but not too firm. The duck at Dudley's ranks as probably one of the all time best duck dishes I've ever had, and probably the best seared duck breast I've ever had. My girlfriend had their filet and ranked it highly too. She's pretty picky when it comes to filet mignon and has eaten at her share of great restaurants, so when she says a filet is done right, she definitely means it. In all Dudley's was a perfect time for both us. Classy, romantic, fun, laidback, delicious, hearty- I could go through more positive adjectives but I'll keep it simple: if you're in Lexington, don't think twice, you gotta go!
(5)Alex C.
Impeccable service. Excellent food. Very much enjoyed the attentiveness of the staff. Filet was done perfectly.
(5)dhaval s.
Dudley's is a place that is a secret with several east coast and west coast cognoscenti. There is a whole legend about this place - and I refrained from writing about this place because it's a secret... But the secret's out. The owner hand selects every little piece of the place. The pieces of wood you walk past to the upstairs place are chosen for how they might suggest to you a romantic evening - but ever so subtly. The fare is toothsome, the cellar is deep and well represented - This is the best place you have not heard of - it's good enough to fly into the town for.
(5)Kim S.
We had a retirement lunch at Dudley's yesterday. It was the first time I had been, since they were at their old location. Oh my goodness...I was just in love with the atmosphere and renovation of this building! We had a fairly large party and our service was EXCELLENT. Almost everyone ordered something different and let me tell you it was all great looking and delicious. Two people had the hot brown-wow an absolutely beautiful looking dish! They both said they would order it again. I will be back!
(5)John R.
My wife suggested Dudley's for her birthday dinner. I made a reservation via their online system and put "It is her birthday" in the special comments box. Arrived and was placed at a 2-top near the back by the server's work area and the hallway to the bathroom. It was crowded (a Wednesday night) so it was ok. The noise level was acceptable. For an appetizer, we got the warm brie and pesto. The pesto was great. The brie had been warm at some point in the recent past as it had melted onto the plate. However, by the time it was served to us, it was back to room temperature and mostly hard. I also got a special appetizer of swordfish ceviche. The fish was nice, but that was about all there was. Very little cilantro, no citrus fruit, no onion/shallot for a crunch, etc. It came with some local corn chips which were on the salty side. When the server came back and asked how I liked the ceviche, I told him exactly what I said here. He said "Great". I'm not sure he listened at all. For an entree, my wife got the filet well-done (and they did a good job at that). It normally comes with a slab of bread pudding (and a veggie) but she asked to substitute some crispy potatoes that were with one of the specials. The server said "No problem". It arrived with the bread pudding. We had to ask for the potatoes again. They did take $5 off the bill. I got the duck breast special. It came with a kind of dumpling that you would normally see at a Chinese DimSum place. It was very good but the flavors fought with the duck breast. The duck was cooked just right although I expected a larger portion for the money. And at this point, I was expecting them to bring some dessert with candle for the birthday. But, nope, that forgot that too. We skipped dessert there, finished our wine, and went elsewhere for dessert. Their wine list is very nice and they have a good selection of 1/2 bottles that are way cheaper than by-the-glass plus it is freshly opened.
(4)Sara B.
Great food, great atmosphere, you can never go wrong. I had dined at Dudley's multiple times and I cannot remember one single day that I didn't like what I've ordered. I think with the decline of other "upscale" restaurants in Lexington (had a bad experience in a couple lately that used to be great), Dudley's is in a level of his own, now. Oh, and for beer drinkers who like their beer very very cold, Dudley's is also the best place. And the wine list is the best in town.
(5)Lee G.
I had a true Lexington experience last night. The service was wonderful and the food selection was great. As a Kentuckian, I appreciate establishments who serve locally grown foods.
(4)Kevin T.
I had the pleasure of dining at Dudley's the other night with three colleagues. All of us were impressed with the service, the food, the wine, and the ambiance. We sat upstairs, outdoors, on the patio--an excellent spot. The kale salad and the Brussels sprout salad are both fantastic. I didn't try another entree, but my lamp chops were some of the best I've ever had. Service was excellent--attentive and well-paced. This is Lexington's best...
(5)Carla M.
Very cranky, gum cracking bartender. Trying not to listen but being the only ones at the bar couldn't help overhearing explanation of why someone was fired. Very unprofessional. Not at all welcoming or inviting.
(2)Heather H.
My review is probably more like 3.5 stars. Overall, the menu is nothing unique but the food was consistently good and the dining room is stunning. Like having dinner in a beautiful home. Very high ceilings, wainscotting, perfectly lit. We started with Brie and Baguette appetizer and Pacific Oysters. The oysters had a citrusy finish and were great. I am NOT a fan of brie, so I was suprised when I almost scarfed down the entire chunk of brie. Very good. Not too bitter, and the roasted garlic on the plate was so tasty. For my entree, I had the Tournedos Maxwell. Perfectly cooked medium rare. Thought it was a little to heavy on the sauce, but still really liked it. My friends had a steak special and Pike Valley Chicken and really liked both dishes. Service was great. Offered suggestions when needed but not overly invasive. For dessert we decided to split this chocolate brownie concotion. Should have skipped it. My friends really were peeved at the way it was presented in this sundae glass that made it difficult to eat. I was really freaked out by the overwhelming amount of sea salt in the dessert. (1) because I like my desserts crazy sweet and (2) because it was just weird.
(4)Aimee H.
Everything was A-OK - service, food and ambiance!
(3)Chug N.
Great place for a business dinner with fine service in a nice setting. Food was delicious and the sea bass was perfection!! Also loved the warm brussel sprout salad -- something different from the usual salad fare and I highly recommend it. This is a don't miss if you're an out-of-towner.
(4)Becc W.
Ate here for the 1st time on the 20th. It was my mom's 60th birthday. The waiter, Brad, truly made this exceptional. He was patient and attentive. The food was the best in Lexington for dinner service. So good we are going back tomorrow for New Year's Eve.
(5)Josh M.
Last time in the meal was on point! Service is good. Also have one of the coldest glasses for a beer in town! Takes me a long way.
(3)Heather W.
I had diner here last night with a group of girlfriends. I was in town visiting from Boston. Great atmosphere and service. However I agree with some of the other reviewers that for the price point the food is not that spectacular.
(3)Mark R.
Dudley's was better in its old location. It just was.... That being said, I wish I could give Dudley's a better review, because it has the most beautiful dining room in town. I had the Chicken fricasee dish which had a beautiful presentation, but the cream sauce was weak in its seasoning, almost insipid. The salad was good, far too small for the price (This is Lexington, after all). My dinner was good, but it was not excellent. For my entree, salad, and a glass of wine, the price was $40. I think this is slightly too much for the Lexington market. And it was way too much for a good (as opposed to an excellent) meal. Oh, and the bread tray was a great touch, but the rolls were not freshly made. Some of the menu items were a bit too exotic for me. Ostrich in Lexington, Kentucky? Who are we kidding? I could barely hide my smile. All I could say was, "Is it free range?" The night I there, there was not much business at 6:00 PM on a Friday, but the clientele was mixed. One family came in riding outfits, another was in sweatpants. Two ladies sat in back and exchanged Hermes scarves. I will try it again, but like I said, for these prices one wants excellent --not good--food. Figure on at least $40 per person with an entree, salad, and wine.
(3)Randall G.
This was recommended as a must-do for drinks in Lexington. We enjoyed drinks at the bar, split a pizza and salad just for a light dinner after a long drive into town. Neat stuff all over for fellow horse racing lovers like us, comfortable although I felt a bit of a second class citizen at the bar. Efficient service and excellent food. I'd like to come back to "do it right" for a big dinner at a table in the dining room.
(5)John B.
C and I went here the night before the big race in early May, 2011, but I forgot to write a review, so here it is, albeit belated. Everything! was spectacular. Impeccable service, beautiful and delicious cuisine, fantastic ambiance. I can't think of any improvements. This is a model restaurant in my book.
(5)N S.
Expensive, but decent food (not sure it's worth the NYC prices though). A very pleasant atmosphere. The overpowering fish odor other review commented on, I can agree with (seafood + carpet??). Dinner was very good. AND the unexpected surprise for dessert for my birthday was a wonderful ending to a great night! Service was excellent.
(4)S W.
Everything was great here, except the entree. That said, I'd go back. Nice place, nice atmosphere, great service. The Kale salad was excellent, had a citrus style dressing with nuts, dried cherries, perfect. The steak looked good, the ahi tuna looked good, I messed up and ordered the Duck. In fairness, the duck itself may have been prepared ok, just the meat was subpar. But the whole dish was off with bitter herbs, a strong slice of cheese. The dumpling saved it, but steer clear of this dish.
(3)Michael B.
Very disappointing. Was by myself so ate at the bar. I heard all about the waitresses' pathetic love lives and weird relationships with their fathers. Not what you want I hear about while you eat. Management should be fired. Food was salty as if prepared by a middle schooler. I won't be back.
(1)Melissa W.
Was in Lexington for business and I was walking around downtown wondering where to go. I found Dudley's on Short and I decided it must be delicious as I stared as people happily enjoying cocktails and food on the patio. I walked in and shyly greeted the hostess telling them I was in town on business, had seen the place off the street and wondered if they could accommodate me and my food allergies. They were so nice, seated me right away and I was greeted by a very attentive waiter. I had an amazing Caesar salad, delicious lamb chops and some amazing mashed potatoes. It was a great meal, the service was terrific and I would go back in a heart beat. The waiter accommodated my food allergies, inquired with the chef to ensure I would be able to enjoy my meal. I would definitely go back. Great!
(5)Jim G.
Great meal, great service. The ambience is traditional--dark, soft, comfortable, candlelit, etc.--but the menu is relatively inventive. It's a classic place without being stuffy or tied down to old things. My wife and I picked and chose from around the menu, splitting the steak frites for our entree, but each having a different salad and splitting the "ham gritters" appetizer, which may have been the highlight. I'll return without hesitation.
(5)Pushkar D.
Just ok...way overpriced, food was burnt and not tasty at all. The only good thing they served were the chocolate and coconut muffins. They were awesome, and earned them the 2 stars! If you're looking for great food at a more reasonable price, go next door to the Village Idiot.
(2)Rick F.
Always great food and a great atmosphere. Thanks Deb!
(5)Beth G.
Had a very nice meal, great service and a good wine list. One of the best soft shell crab dishes I ever had. Nicely prepared. Peanut Butter cup dessert was tasty - but the chocolate "cup" was too thick to break up and eat.
(4)Angela S.
This restaurant is more classy looking than classy. I've been to a lot of nice restaurants and never has a weird kid with a booger in his nose held a bottle of wine like some sort of piece of fine art and asked me if I would like a glass. I also found it very unnecessary that they gave everybody 2 wine glasses and then asked which wine you would like... then take all of the unused glasses off the table. It was wasteful... Anyways... as for the sections, it was an attempt at original, but slightly odd choices. I ran into confusion with the salad options. The entrees were fantastic though! and my drink was always full. It was overall a great ambiance and meal. Just a few small issues.
(3)Paul K.
I was extremely impressed with Dudley's. It is a great upscale restaurant serving New American style food. We sat in the back and the atmosphere was perfect. In the back they deftly blended local color into the formal decorations creating a perfectly comfortable atmosphere. The service was friendly, answering our many questions with expertise. Their varied menu has something for everyone; duck, mussels, steak, and some fusion dishes. The food itself was tasted great and the portions were good. Some caveats. The front of the restaurant is more casual and I'd only sit there if it is the only option. Their steak could have been better. It was good but not great, a real missed opportunity. I'd thoroughly recommend Dudley's if you're looking for a place to impress. It was the perfect setting for a meal with my parents and girlfriend. I'd also recommend it for a formal business dinner.
(4)Megan C.
A recent trip to Lexington and a taste-search for a rehearsal dinner location led us to lunch on the patio at Dudley's recently. The service was exceptional-maybe they just weren't very busy on this particular Monday, but my water glass was always full and our waiters were friendly. I ordered one of the specials-a pappardelle pasta-which was fantastic. Others at the table ordered the fruit plate with accompanying chicken salad and banana bread and the tuna salad sandwich (yellowfin with avocado. yum). Everyone was very pleased and also enjoyed the vast bread selection (several different bread products including savory toasts and sweet muffins). Definitely a contender!
(4)Jim B.
Was in town for a conference and stumbled upon this place. Had great food and can't complain one bit. Steak was cooked perfectly and they have a great wine list to choose from. Would highly recommend it to anyone. Only rated service as very good as we had a newer server. Excellent overall.
(5)Joy G.
I always have a good meal here with good service. The rooftop area is very cool for entertaining guests or chilling with friends. The food is consistent and delicious. This restaurant is ideal for treating out of town guests.
(4)Paige F.
So good. Had my first hot brown -ish type dish and it was delicious. Reasonably priced during lunch. If I lived here, I could see this on my lunch rotation list.
(4)Jeff R.
I wasn't too impressed with Dudley's. The brussels sprouts salad was under-seasoned. The lamb entree was also under-seasoned. The four small chops did not shine in any way. The crunchy salad underneath was unimpressive. The tore was rich and tasty. Overall, I expected a lot more. Dishes were not exciting and were not prepared exceptionally well for the price. The $32 lamb dish was a big disappointment. For the decor and price, I'd rather go to Jonathan's where dishes aren't terribly exciting either, but far better executed.
(2)Olivia W.
I really enjoyed Dudley's when I went. The food was great and so was the atmosphere. I made a reservation and was seated promptly when we arrived. It was for a birthday dinner and it was delicious. It was the first time I went and I could not have had a better time. The service was great and the food was better, though I already mentioned the food was great. It is a cute place and I love how they open it up when it is warm out. It was very clean and they had a nice drink selection.
(4)Jeff B.
The last two times I have been here it was excellent. The patio is really nice!
(5)Cinimod S.
Smeh. A lot of hype. I want some flavor if I am paying that much for food. They meal was pretty and nice. The desserts and the salad were the high points. The entree was a good piece of fish with a good sauce. Nothing to write home about. I asked for a drink list and was given a wine by the bottle menu. My bourbon was watery when it arrived at the table. The servers were nice, but seemed like they were instructed to be overly accommodating and reserved. The layout of the place was very confusing. Its popular with the horse owning crowds, and seems like it has a storied history, but maybe thats because its in an old school house. Next time I will save my cash.
(3)Joycelyn N.
We went to Dudley's for their Sunday brunch. And it was hold-on-to-your-Bloody-Mary fabulous! We were greeted with the breadboy (is that a sexist word I wonder?) who doled out our choice of biscuit or a blueberry muffin. I went for the muffin and my family had biscuits. The muffin was warm, soft with fresh blueberries and a slightly crunchy top with a cinnamony finish. It was about the best muffin I've ever had. The fam gave rave reviews for their biscuit. We spent the rest of the meal trying to chase down the breadboy. We're a little pathetic like that. I ordered the Eggs Charles (I think). It was perfectly done eggs over easy on a bed of black beans with rice that had bits of smoky Tasso ham in it, anchored by four shrimps. The whole thing was covered with a delicious, smooth creamy sauce that had minced jalapenos in it. It was simply divine and I'm trying to conjure up a big plate of it now. Oh, for super powers. Hubby had the eggs benedict with crabcakes. I didn't taste his but he assured me it was great. I was too busy scarfing down my own food and being on the lookout for the breadboy to do much else. Had the donunt holes for dessert and it was meh. The dipping sauces were good but I'd rather have had another muffin. Next time we're in Lexington, we promised ourselves to do brunch here again. I don't know about the negative reviews for dinner but definitely give this a try for brunch.
(5)Søren S.
This is one of the few US restaurants that passes the burger litmus test - i.e., if a restaurant has a burger on the menu, try that first, if they pay attention to a burger, you know the rest of the food is going to be good. Most places, even "five star" expensive places, serves a heated frozen patty. Dudley's must have a meat grinder in the kitchen and makes them up fresh. So, having said that - I used to work in the building and took international business clients to lunch and dinner at Dudley's all the time. Well worth it. Never a complaint, people always loved it. Even large groups of Khazak government ministers on several visits - that were not impressed with other food choices in Lexington. Its a must go when in Lexington - a city with more restaurants per capita than any other in North America (but 90% fast food - look at the local population). Also, the city fits national demographics to a tee, so all national chains test their latest crap out on that market. Lexington has five or six places worthy of going for dinner, Dudley's tops that list. Only one of the top that does not overcharge for what they serve - which is a death wish for restaurants, but most patrons are too dumb to realize. If in Lexington, hit Keenland and Dudley's - don't forget to take a country drive out Old Frankfort Pike and the area around the airport to see some beautiful horses. Don't be stupid and jump the fence to take your picture with them - I hate people who do that and wish I could sit back and fire a shotgun over their heads to get them running.
(5)Joe L.
I was a little disapointed with Dudley's. With a resturant that sells such an extensive wine list, I would have expected the food to be much better. That also goes with the server. Anyway, it wasn't all bad, just not what I paid for! Go somewhere else.
(3)Tom Y.
Had dinner there last night after UK game. Understandably busy but staff was ready. Had tile fish which was a special. It was accompanied with a flash fried sticky rice. Outstanding. Butter squash salad is different but excellent.
(4)MARY H.
The restaurant is lovely and the staff is nice... the food is good but not great.... I had the walnut chicken salad with fruit and nut bread with cream cheese... the portions were small... and the fruit was not the best... really tiny blueberries... my dining partner had a hamburger and fries... the hamburger was hugh and the fries were over cooked... we had dessert which sounded much better on the menu... a peanut butter ice cream dish with a chocolate "dish".. the chocolate was too hard to break apart and eat, the ice cream was not allowed to warm up enough to dish out so we got pieces instead of a formed amount.... the carmel sauce was used sparingly ... the best part of the dish was the peanuts on top.... for $8.00 it should have been a much better dish...The entire bill.. before tip... was $45.00 for lunch... the iced tea was cold and fresh.... the coffee was good .... but I personally did not like the square cups they used for serving coffee.... just me... as for the bread boy... he came around once... the bread and butter was good.... the corn muffin was too dry and simply fell apart as it was eaten. I would go back.... but would probably skip the dessert...
(4)davis b.
Based on a recent fishwrapper review I ordered the steak and fries $18 for lunch.Ordered medium rare it came very rare , but had decent flavor. The fries were lukewarm and tasted warmed over, and were mostly scraps of potato no bigger than a thumbnail. Just in case I come again I asked my server is this the way the fries are normally served. "Oh yes", he responds, "they are handcut." I showed him the leftover pile and he did offer to bring more, but the meal was over by then. One companion received a tiny portion of the fish special which was ok, and my other more astute friend ordered the burger which he pronounced very good.For the price very good seemed like minimal praise.The new space however is very attractive . Everyone seemed uninterested in going to the trouble to find parking to come again, or even if it wre convenient for that matter. Maybe, once again, its better at night, although if you are going to serve lunch why not make the effort1 '
(2)Braxton H.
Good food and service, somewhat stuffy atmosphere but the patio is very relaxed. Never a bad choice.
(4)Lee P.
The best restaurant in Lexington. I visit Lexington several times every year and always eat at Dudley's at least once on every visit. Sadly, Lexington lacks any other restaurants that even come close to what is offered here in the way of wine and food. The wine list is extensive and fairly priced. The bar is lively and attended by excellent mixoligists one of which has been with Dudley's for over 20 years. Dudley's recently moved its location to Short St. and the atmosphere is exquisite.
(5)Carmen C.
Friday night and what's a girl to do? Well, had a wonderful date at Dudley's. We were seated as we walked in and the place was alive and crowded and pretty full. Of course it was Friday night! Our waiter was a bit busy, but took our wine order and delivered an excellent bottle of Chardonnay!. We enjoyed that while waiting to hear the daily specials. Specials sounded great, but the rack of lamb caught our attention and we both ordered that same entree. The bread was crisp and scrumptious and generous and our time waiting for dinner was appropriate. The lamb was cooked perfectly, a bit crunchy and medium to order. The baby beets and fingerlings potatoes were a perfect accompaniment to the tasty lamb. They even dropped in a couple very tasty black olives--what a surprised! We topped our evening off with the raspberry sorbet and it was plenty for two! Could not find a better place in Lexington to spend a Friday night. It is worth the wait if you can't get in
(5)Adam A.
Nice place, but don't be an idiot like me and get the portobello sandwich.
(4)Jeffery S.
I had heard lots of praise for Dudley's new space and checked it out tonight. They did go all out on the interior and it's probably one of the nicest spaces in town, but doesn't have a patio. The prices are on the high end and are unfortunately not justified by the food. Portions are small, so I would expect every element of the plate to be first rate and bursting with flavor. The salad was just okay. The Thai Pizza was very dry with virtually no sauce on the crust, there were too many golden raisins, and the greens on top could have been dressed to balance out an item that was almost too dry to get down. I was left wondering if anybody in the kitchen had ever tried to eat one of these before putting it on the menu! The fried doughnut holes dessert with three dipping sauces the highlight of the meal, but the chocolate sauce tasted like it might have been Hershey's bottle. The table bread they serve is unbefitting of the price point. This was a trial run....we ordered light, on purpose, but at this point, unless I hear the food improves a couple of notches, I won't bust my wallet on a second visit.
(2)Ross M.
The nicest (as in fancy) meal I had while in Lexington, I'm glad someone else was paying though. Food was rich and filling; nicely plated but taste came before looks. We had the full assortment of several appetizers, an entree each, and several deserts. I don't remember the appetizers or deserts, but the glazed pork chop I ordered was outstanding. It was in the early summer on a nice evening and we sat outside on the patio under the trees. It was a fun evening and I'd do it again (if someone else was paying.)
(5)paul m.
I was part of a party of seven. We went on a weekday night. The atmosphere was elegant, if not a bit dark. The menu was priced much more expensive than we expected. That was the first letdown, the second was that the service was very bad. If you are going to demand that much money for a meal, the service should do more than just hurriedly take your order, deliver your food and never come back. Patrons shouldn't have to hunt down and wait for their waiter every time they have a small request. Likewise, if you are charging those menu prices, then your food better be of the highest quality. Sadly, 4 of us were very disappointed. My dish (leg of lamb) showed up tepid to the point where the sauces had started to congeal. It was also a bit bland. Worst of all, the portions were so small that it drew some snickers when the waiter set it in front of me. I think small plates/portions can be entirely satisfactory, but this was minuscule and just not at all satisfactory. But, probably the worst issue that I had with this restaurant is that when I complained to the waiter, he responded by looking somewhat annoyed and disappearing for the rest of the night. hmmm. I would really rather just voice my concerns in the restaurant. Sniping on a review post won't help my meal experience, any, but I tried. So, now I'm letting others know about my experience. This restaurant needs to drastically improve, slash their menu prices by a half or go out of business. I won't be going back.
(2)Jenna T.
Seriously the best steak I have ever had. We love Malones but this was 5xs better. Make sure to make a reservation in advance for their rooftop patio!
(5)Shane W.
Service was friendly, atmosphere was nice. Ambient temp was a bit on the warm side. We began with fried Oysters and Mussels; the oysters were just OK but the mussels were amazing. For main courses, we chose some absolutely outstanding sea scallops (perhaps the best I've ever had) served in a corn / vegetable succotash and tournedos of steak served with sautéed green beans and potatoes. We enjoyed a bottle of wine from their huge selection. For dessert, we had a brownie truffle hot fudge Sunday; it tasted good but the brownies were too hard. All-in-all, it was very good and I would come back.
(4)Denny C.
It would be quite incongruous to dine in Lexington, Kentucky and not be surrounded by an equestrian theme. This is thoroughbred country, and although UK basketball may be number one in the city, everything to do with "horse" is the foundation of blue grass country. Dudley's on Short does not disappoint. There are horse portraits, racing colors, winning trophies, and the very epitome of the "horsey set" all around you. The well scrubbed diners, impeccably dressed, show off their pedigree. The woman dress in St. John knits, and the silver tressed gentleman all don Ralph Lauren. They all looked so smart, that my wife and I felt best sitting at the bar, away from the tables. Perhaps our plebeian manner would be less obtrusive at the small bar, let alone my New York accent. Yankees may not be welcome. I am quite aware that certain aspects of the Civil War are not forgotten here in the South. Dudley's is not for trendy or innovative dining. The conservative patrons want the familiar and I must say everything we ate tasted real good, and there were no surprises. The bartender was perfectly lovely and she made excellent suggestions and actually laughed at my Yankee humor. We struck up a conversation with two engaging women at the bar, and by the end of the meal, I almost thought of becoming a jockey. Dudley's was perfectly pleasant and fits the needs of their patrons. If you have the proper expectations you will have a wonderful time, eating good food, and watching the cotillion around you. "My darlin, may I please have a Pappy's on the rocks, so very neat."
(4)Lauren M.
I took some clients here for a business dinner. Brussels sprouts salad was fantastic. Seared Tuna with black rice was incredible. Everyone in my party of 6 enjoyed their meals, appetizers, and drinks. The service was top notch.
(4)Jim F.
Used yelp map to get there and it sent is I te opposite direction for 3 blocks, they should review this for people to visits. The service was outstanding. I has theSeared Tuna ', it was perfect. Make sure you get the CB salad if u like bacon. If you like a quit setting them asked to be seated upstairs.
(4)Benjamin P.
The Tournedos Maxwell was pretty darn delectable. The calamari quite good. The ceasar just ok. The Bourbon selection expansive. The Roof-top dining amazing. And general experience worth enjoying! Do it. Cheers
(5)Sohini R.
Had a really perfect meal here with colleagues during a work trip. The service was really attentive; although the ambience is sort of old school (leather booths, white tablecloths), I liked it, down to the waiter saying "To good health" when he brought over our bourbon. Do yourself a favor and have a bourbon; my hosts recommended the Four Roses Single Barrel, which was perfect. We shared tuna poke as a starter, then I had the local Bibb and Humboldt Fog salad as a main and a side of dudleyed eggs (deviled, a la the chef). The poke was very good - served on sweet potato, with spicy homemade hot sauce. The pickled ginger and wasabi were on the side and quite spicy - I didn't understand what they added to the dish given the hot sauce. Seemed like an afterthought. But overall a special dish. I enjoyed the salad a lot - the squash and fennel and blue cheese with vinaigrette were very harmonious. The low point for me were the deviled eggs, which started out awesome and mustardy, but I think the kitchen scooped out some of the white to make them look more spherical. I needed more egg white to reduce the richness of the eggs; I had to share the last half with one of my fellow diners. The high point of dinner was the Black Tie Sundae, and thank goodness the waiter told me I could order a half sundae, because that was the right size. The brownie and fudge and vanilla ice cream were amazing. The best sundae I've had in long time! I recommend Dudley's for a nice dinner out with work friends or family; save some room in your stomachs for dessert!
(5)Amy W.
Looking for a romantic place to woo a beautiful lady? Wine and dine her at Dudley's! The atmosphere in the dining room downstairs, and especially the more private area upstairs, where my party sat, is elegant. On the recommendation of my server, I had the Tournedos Maxwell, a steak with lump crab and béarnaise atop it. Melt in your mouth delicious and savory from the first bite! Although I ordered my steak well done, it arrived medium rare. After the first bite, I didn't even bother sending it back, it was so good.
(5)Kathy J.
This was a very big surprise because I had always heard Dudley's was great. The atmosphere was about the only thing that was great. The staff and service were ok, not the best. The bread server came around only one time and when I asked the waitress for more she said she'd tell him, he never came back. There were only a select number of items in which to order for dinner. None sounded appetizing and when we did get our food it was just as bad as it sounded. I could have cooked chicken better than that ... It had a fancy title but was basically a baked half of a chicken with a very odd tasting sauce. The potatoes were bland and the greens underneath the chicken had no taste at all. We spent $80.00 including tip which is fine if the food is worth the price...ours was NOT! Afterward we wished we had just gotten a hotdog at the concert.
(1)Namarazzi N.
This review doesn't need to be long. The food is absolutely delicious. The atmosphere is nice. The staff is friendly.The other patrons here are regulars and love it and so do I. I don't often give 5 stars. This place deserves it.
(5)Bob D.
Maybe I'm spoiled. Maybe I got them on an off night but... uninspired would be good way to describe my meal at Dudley's. I ate by myself the first night in Lexington and I should have paid better attention to the TA and Yelp reviews. I started with wilted brussel sprout salad... salad was very basic, exhibiting none of the richness or deliciousness this dish can have. It is priced at $10 but I am not griping about the price. If you are going to do something - do it well. I had short rib with grits as my second dish, if anything this was worse than the brussel sprouts. The boneless short rib was grey, There was no effort to brown or caramelize the meat before simmering, and sadly there was a ton of fat left on the plate, meaning that the cooking time/method did not allow for the fat to render. Anyway, this restaurant took two "no miss" dishes and made them poorly. I give Dudley's two stars because of the food. The service and atmosphere were excellent. Sorry to have to write this review. To the owners - do better.
(2)Emily B.
My husband and I went here for a lunch date and it was solid, but I honestly expected better from its reputation. The food was consistently good and seemed consistent with the fine dining experience they seem to be aiming for. The service started out good, but then rapidly declined. We were there for just under an hour, and by the end of our lunch, our water glasses were empty for about 10 minutes and it took almost 20 minutes to get our check and pay. The location is good and the tables and rooms are very pretty, but they had a large TV on which seems inconsistent with fine dining, and the largest annoyance was that their phone was turned up REALLY loud and started ringing about 10 times during our lunch, often ringing 5 or 6 times before anybody answered it. Each time it rang, my husband and I had to stop our conversation as it was impossible to hear each other over it without shouting. For a restaurant that seems to target business meals and/or dates, this was obnoxious. Dudley's has a great reputation in town and I did think their food was good (but not exceptional), so my experience may have been a fluke. However, when I'm spending about $15 per person on lunch (not counting drinks or a tip), I do expect better.
(3)Justin G.
Ate at Dudleys last night for about the 100th time. I have never been disappointed in this place, but had also never known that they had a roof top patio until last night. It was great! Cozy, shaded, perfect breeze and of course, excellent food. As always, the staff was great, professional, and made some solid recommendations for both dinner and wine. Will continue to go there and introduce as many people as I can to that place.
(5)Rachel I.
I have been here twice, once for lunch and again for a private lunch event. Dudleyed eggs are tasty, good Bloody Mary, great service from Suzie the first visit. Second visit presented some service issues, not terrible, but not very professional when it came to clearing and distributing plates and wine service. Over all good food. I will be back.
(4)Heather P.
We ate here for the first time for our anniversary. We had a 5:30 reservation which was a perfect time because it started getting a bit crowded when we left. I ordered the pasta option which was excellent. My husband had the fish recommendation and liked it as well. There were several bread options...the bread with olives is awesome. It is a bit expensive but well worth the occasional splurge. An excellent downtown location as well.
(5)Ed M.
I travel to Lexington often for work and this is my favorite place to eat, whether with associates or alone. During the racing season or equine sales, it can be quite crowded, but the wait, if there is one, is well worth it. The bar is small but there is an upstairs bar away from all the hubbub. The brussels sprouts salad is great! I have had almost every entree they have to offer over the years and have never been disappointed. This restaurant is very convenient to the Hilton or Hyatt downtown hotels. I would suggest making a reservation if your coming in on a Thursday thru Saturday.
(5)Steve B.
When my girlfriend spent a summer working in Lexington in law school, she told me that Dudley's was a place we had to eat when I came to visit her. I can see why it was so highly recommended! Dudley's really embodied a lot of what I enjoyed so much about being in Lexington when I visited her there: the wonderful mix of refined, old-school charm, and southern/midwestern laidback attitude. Dudley's occupies a beautiful space but the service was completely laidback, welcoming, and homey. As for the food, it was delicious! Early into your meal they bring by a bread basket with tons of delcious choices and let you choose what bread you'd like for your meal. When we visited the choices ranged from sweet like white chocolate raspberry muffins to savory like cheddar biscuits. I would have taken one of each choice of bread if I could have. I was actually unsure if it was in bad taste to ask for seconds but when my girlfriend later returned there for a farewell lunch with her summer coworkers, she informed me that yes, you can definitely ask for more bread, or, just ask to be served two items when they bring the bread over for you to choose. I also have to recommend their duck breast. When I had it, it was served seared and sliced over a bed of hominy with pesto. It was clever and delicious! I wasn't sure if hominy and pesto and duck would go together but boy did they ever! Each of the components was perfectly cooked too- the duck was seared off just right with crispy skin, the pesto wasn't greasy but was full of flavor and the hominy was chewy but not too firm. The duck at Dudley's ranks as probably one of the all time best duck dishes I've ever had, and probably the best seared duck breast I've ever had. My girlfriend had their filet and ranked it highly too. She's pretty picky when it comes to filet mignon and has eaten at her share of great restaurants, so when she says a filet is done right, she definitely means it. In all Dudley's was a perfect time for both us. Classy, romantic, fun, laidback, delicious, hearty- I could go through more positive adjectives but I'll keep it simple: if you're in Lexington, don't think twice, you gotta go!
(5)Alex C.
Impeccable service. Excellent food. Very much enjoyed the attentiveness of the staff. Filet was done perfectly.
(5)dhaval s.
Dudley's is a place that is a secret with several east coast and west coast cognoscenti. There is a whole legend about this place - and I refrained from writing about this place because it's a secret... But the secret's out. The owner hand selects every little piece of the place. The pieces of wood you walk past to the upstairs place are chosen for how they might suggest to you a romantic evening - but ever so subtly. The fare is toothsome, the cellar is deep and well represented - This is the best place you have not heard of - it's good enough to fly into the town for.
(5)Kim S.
We had a retirement lunch at Dudley's yesterday. It was the first time I had been, since they were at their old location. Oh my goodness...I was just in love with the atmosphere and renovation of this building! We had a fairly large party and our service was EXCELLENT. Almost everyone ordered something different and let me tell you it was all great looking and delicious. Two people had the hot brown-wow an absolutely beautiful looking dish! They both said they would order it again. I will be back!
(5)John R.
My wife suggested Dudley's for her birthday dinner. I made a reservation via their online system and put "It is her birthday" in the special comments box. Arrived and was placed at a 2-top near the back by the server's work area and the hallway to the bathroom. It was crowded (a Wednesday night) so it was ok. The noise level was acceptable. For an appetizer, we got the warm brie and pesto. The pesto was great. The brie had been warm at some point in the recent past as it had melted onto the plate. However, by the time it was served to us, it was back to room temperature and mostly hard. I also got a special appetizer of swordfish ceviche. The fish was nice, but that was about all there was. Very little cilantro, no citrus fruit, no onion/shallot for a crunch, etc. It came with some local corn chips which were on the salty side. When the server came back and asked how I liked the ceviche, I told him exactly what I said here. He said "Great". I'm not sure he listened at all. For an entree, my wife got the filet well-done (and they did a good job at that). It normally comes with a slab of bread pudding (and a veggie) but she asked to substitute some crispy potatoes that were with one of the specials. The server said "No problem". It arrived with the bread pudding. We had to ask for the potatoes again. They did take $5 off the bill. I got the duck breast special. It came with a kind of dumpling that you would normally see at a Chinese DimSum place. It was very good but the flavors fought with the duck breast. The duck was cooked just right although I expected a larger portion for the money. And at this point, I was expecting them to bring some dessert with candle for the birthday. But, nope, that forgot that too. We skipped dessert there, finished our wine, and went elsewhere for dessert. Their wine list is very nice and they have a good selection of 1/2 bottles that are way cheaper than by-the-glass plus it is freshly opened.
(4)Sara B.
Great food, great atmosphere, you can never go wrong. I had dined at Dudley's multiple times and I cannot remember one single day that I didn't like what I've ordered. I think with the decline of other "upscale" restaurants in Lexington (had a bad experience in a couple lately that used to be great), Dudley's is in a level of his own, now. Oh, and for beer drinkers who like their beer very very cold, Dudley's is also the best place. And the wine list is the best in town.
(5)Lee G.
I had a true Lexington experience last night. The service was wonderful and the food selection was great. As a Kentuckian, I appreciate establishments who serve locally grown foods.
(4)Kevin T.
I had the pleasure of dining at Dudley's the other night with three colleagues. All of us were impressed with the service, the food, the wine, and the ambiance. We sat upstairs, outdoors, on the patio--an excellent spot. The kale salad and the Brussels sprout salad are both fantastic. I didn't try another entree, but my lamp chops were some of the best I've ever had. Service was excellent--attentive and well-paced. This is Lexington's best...
(5)Carla M.
Very cranky, gum cracking bartender. Trying not to listen but being the only ones at the bar couldn't help overhearing explanation of why someone was fired. Very unprofessional. Not at all welcoming or inviting.
(2)Jenna T.
Seriously the best steak I have ever had. We love Malones but this was 5xs better. Make sure to make a reservation in advance for their rooftop patio!
(5)Shane W.
Service was friendly, atmosphere was nice. Ambient temp was a bit on the warm side. We began with fried Oysters and Mussels; the oysters were just OK but the mussels were amazing. For main courses, we chose some absolutely outstanding sea scallops (perhaps the best I've ever had) served in a corn / vegetable succotash and tournedos of steak served with sautéed green beans and potatoes. We enjoyed a bottle of wine from their huge selection. For dessert, we had a brownie truffle hot fudge Sunday; it tasted good but the brownies were too hard. All-in-all, it was very good and I would come back.
(4)Denny C.
It would be quite incongruous to dine in Lexington, Kentucky and not be surrounded by an equestrian theme. This is thoroughbred country, and although UK basketball may be number one in the city, everything to do with "horse" is the foundation of blue grass country. Dudley's on Short does not disappoint. There are horse portraits, racing colors, winning trophies, and the very epitome of the "horsey set" all around you. The well scrubbed diners, impeccably dressed, show off their pedigree. The woman dress in St. John knits, and the silver tressed gentleman all don Ralph Lauren. They all looked so smart, that my wife and I felt best sitting at the bar, away from the tables. Perhaps our plebeian manner would be less obtrusive at the small bar, let alone my New York accent. Yankees may not be welcome. I am quite aware that certain aspects of the Civil War are not forgotten here in the South. Dudley's is not for trendy or innovative dining. The conservative patrons want the familiar and I must say everything we ate tasted real good, and there were no surprises. The bartender was perfectly lovely and she made excellent suggestions and actually laughed at my Yankee humor. We struck up a conversation with two engaging women at the bar, and by the end of the meal, I almost thought of becoming a jockey. Dudley's was perfectly pleasant and fits the needs of their patrons. If you have the proper expectations you will have a wonderful time, eating good food, and watching the cotillion around you. "My darlin, may I please have a Pappy's on the rocks, so very neat."
(4)Lauren M.
I took some clients here for a business dinner. Brussels sprouts salad was fantastic. Seared Tuna with black rice was incredible. Everyone in my party of 6 enjoyed their meals, appetizers, and drinks. The service was top notch.
(4)Heather H.
My review is probably more like 3.5 stars. Overall, the menu is nothing unique but the food was consistently good and the dining room is stunning. Like having dinner in a beautiful home. Very high ceilings, wainscotting, perfectly lit. We started with Brie and Baguette appetizer and Pacific Oysters. The oysters had a citrusy finish and were great. I am NOT a fan of brie, so I was suprised when I almost scarfed down the entire chunk of brie. Very good. Not too bitter, and the roasted garlic on the plate was so tasty. For my entree, I had the Tournedos Maxwell. Perfectly cooked medium rare. Thought it was a little to heavy on the sauce, but still really liked it. My friends had a steak special and Pike Valley Chicken and really liked both dishes. Service was great. Offered suggestions when needed but not overly invasive. For dessert we decided to split this chocolate brownie concotion. Should have skipped it. My friends really were peeved at the way it was presented in this sundae glass that made it difficult to eat. I was really freaked out by the overwhelming amount of sea salt in the dessert. (1) because I like my desserts crazy sweet and (2) because it was just weird.
(4)Aimee H.
Everything was A-OK - service, food and ambiance!
(3)Chug N.
Great place for a business dinner with fine service in a nice setting. Food was delicious and the sea bass was perfection!! Also loved the warm brussel sprout salad -- something different from the usual salad fare and I highly recommend it. This is a don't miss if you're an out-of-towner.
(4)Becc W.
Ate here for the 1st time on the 20th. It was my mom's 60th birthday. The waiter, Brad, truly made this exceptional. He was patient and attentive. The food was the best in Lexington for dinner service. So good we are going back tomorrow for New Year's Eve.
(5)Josh M.
Last time in the meal was on point! Service is good. Also have one of the coldest glasses for a beer in town! Takes me a long way.
(3)Heather W.
I had diner here last night with a group of girlfriends. I was in town visiting from Boston. Great atmosphere and service. However I agree with some of the other reviewers that for the price point the food is not that spectacular.
(3)S W.
Everything was great here, except the entree. That said, I'd go back. Nice place, nice atmosphere, great service. The Kale salad was excellent, had a citrus style dressing with nuts, dried cherries, perfect. The steak looked good, the ahi tuna looked good, I messed up and ordered the Duck. In fairness, the duck itself may have been prepared ok, just the meat was subpar. But the whole dish was off with bitter herbs, a strong slice of cheese. The dumpling saved it, but steer clear of this dish.
(3)Michael B.
Very disappointing. Was by myself so ate at the bar. I heard all about the waitresses' pathetic love lives and weird relationships with their fathers. Not what you want I hear about while you eat. Management should be fired. Food was salty as if prepared by a middle schooler. I won't be back.
(1)Søren S.
This is one of the few US restaurants that passes the burger litmus test - i.e., if a restaurant has a burger on the menu, try that first, if they pay attention to a burger, you know the rest of the food is going to be good. Most places, even "five star" expensive places, serves a heated frozen patty. Dudley's must have a meat grinder in the kitchen and makes them up fresh. So, having said that - I used to work in the building and took international business clients to lunch and dinner at Dudley's all the time. Well worth it. Never a complaint, people always loved it. Even large groups of Khazak government ministers on several visits - that were not impressed with other food choices in Lexington. Its a must go when in Lexington - a city with more restaurants per capita than any other in North America (but 90% fast food - look at the local population). Also, the city fits national demographics to a tee, so all national chains test their latest crap out on that market. Lexington has five or six places worthy of going for dinner, Dudley's tops that list. Only one of the top that does not overcharge for what they serve - which is a death wish for restaurants, but most patrons are too dumb to realize. If in Lexington, hit Keenland and Dudley's - don't forget to take a country drive out Old Frankfort Pike and the area around the airport to see some beautiful horses. Don't be stupid and jump the fence to take your picture with them - I hate people who do that and wish I could sit back and fire a shotgun over their heads to get them running.
(5)Joe L.
I was a little disapointed with Dudley's. With a resturant that sells such an extensive wine list, I would have expected the food to be much better. That also goes with the server. Anyway, it wasn't all bad, just not what I paid for! Go somewhere else.
(3)Tom Y.
Had dinner there last night after UK game. Understandably busy but staff was ready. Had tile fish which was a special. It was accompanied with a flash fried sticky rice. Outstanding. Butter squash salad is different but excellent.
(4)MARY H.
The restaurant is lovely and the staff is nice... the food is good but not great.... I had the walnut chicken salad with fruit and nut bread with cream cheese... the portions were small... and the fruit was not the best... really tiny blueberries... my dining partner had a hamburger and fries... the hamburger was hugh and the fries were over cooked... we had dessert which sounded much better on the menu... a peanut butter ice cream dish with a chocolate "dish".. the chocolate was too hard to break apart and eat, the ice cream was not allowed to warm up enough to dish out so we got pieces instead of a formed amount.... the carmel sauce was used sparingly ... the best part of the dish was the peanuts on top.... for $8.00 it should have been a much better dish...The entire bill.. before tip... was $45.00 for lunch... the iced tea was cold and fresh.... the coffee was good .... but I personally did not like the square cups they used for serving coffee.... just me... as for the bread boy... he came around once... the bread and butter was good.... the corn muffin was too dry and simply fell apart as it was eaten. I would go back.... but would probably skip the dessert...
(4)N S.
Expensive, but decent food (not sure it's worth the NYC prices though). A very pleasant atmosphere. The overpowering fish odor other review commented on, I can agree with (seafood + carpet??). Dinner was very good. AND the unexpected surprise for dessert for my birthday was a wonderful ending to a great night! Service was excellent.
(4)Mark R.
Dudley's was better in its old location. It just was.... That being said, I wish I could give Dudley's a better review, because it has the most beautiful dining room in town. I had the Chicken fricasee dish which had a beautiful presentation, but the cream sauce was weak in its seasoning, almost insipid. The salad was good, far too small for the price (This is Lexington, after all). My dinner was good, but it was not excellent. For my entree, salad, and a glass of wine, the price was $40. I think this is slightly too much for the Lexington market. And it was way too much for a good (as opposed to an excellent) meal. Oh, and the bread tray was a great touch, but the rolls were not freshly made. Some of the menu items were a bit too exotic for me. Ostrich in Lexington, Kentucky? Who are we kidding? I could barely hide my smile. All I could say was, "Is it free range?" The night I there, there was not much business at 6:00 PM on a Friday, but the clientele was mixed. One family came in riding outfits, another was in sweatpants. Two ladies sat in back and exchanged Hermes scarves. I will try it again, but like I said, for these prices one wants excellent --not good--food. Figure on at least $40 per person with an entree, salad, and wine.
(3)Randall G.
This was recommended as a must-do for drinks in Lexington. We enjoyed drinks at the bar, split a pizza and salad just for a light dinner after a long drive into town. Neat stuff all over for fellow horse racing lovers like us, comfortable although I felt a bit of a second class citizen at the bar. Efficient service and excellent food. I'd like to come back to "do it right" for a big dinner at a table in the dining room.
(5)John B.
C and I went here the night before the big race in early May, 2011, but I forgot to write a review, so here it is, albeit belated. Everything! was spectacular. Impeccable service, beautiful and delicious cuisine, fantastic ambiance. I can't think of any improvements. This is a model restaurant in my book.
(5)Melissa W.
Was in Lexington for business and I was walking around downtown wondering where to go. I found Dudley's on Short and I decided it must be delicious as I stared as people happily enjoying cocktails and food on the patio. I walked in and shyly greeted the hostess telling them I was in town on business, had seen the place off the street and wondered if they could accommodate me and my food allergies. They were so nice, seated me right away and I was greeted by a very attentive waiter. I had an amazing Caesar salad, delicious lamb chops and some amazing mashed potatoes. It was a great meal, the service was terrific and I would go back in a heart beat. The waiter accommodated my food allergies, inquired with the chef to ensure I would be able to enjoy my meal. I would definitely go back. Great!
(5)Jim G.
Great meal, great service. The ambience is traditional--dark, soft, comfortable, candlelit, etc.--but the menu is relatively inventive. It's a classic place without being stuffy or tied down to old things. My wife and I picked and chose from around the menu, splitting the steak frites for our entree, but each having a different salad and splitting the "ham gritters" appetizer, which may have been the highlight. I'll return without hesitation.
(5)Pushkar D.
Just ok...way overpriced, food was burnt and not tasty at all. The only good thing they served were the chocolate and coconut muffins. They were awesome, and earned them the 2 stars! If you're looking for great food at a more reasonable price, go next door to the Village Idiot.
(2)Rick F.
Always great food and a great atmosphere. Thanks Deb!
(5)Beth G.
Had a very nice meal, great service and a good wine list. One of the best soft shell crab dishes I ever had. Nicely prepared. Peanut Butter cup dessert was tasty - but the chocolate "cup" was too thick to break up and eat.
(4)Angela S.
This restaurant is more classy looking than classy. I've been to a lot of nice restaurants and never has a weird kid with a booger in his nose held a bottle of wine like some sort of piece of fine art and asked me if I would like a glass. I also found it very unnecessary that they gave everybody 2 wine glasses and then asked which wine you would like... then take all of the unused glasses off the table. It was wasteful... Anyways... as for the sections, it was an attempt at original, but slightly odd choices. I ran into confusion with the salad options. The entrees were fantastic though! and my drink was always full. It was overall a great ambiance and meal. Just a few small issues.
(3)Paul K.
I was extremely impressed with Dudley's. It is a great upscale restaurant serving New American style food. We sat in the back and the atmosphere was perfect. In the back they deftly blended local color into the formal decorations creating a perfectly comfortable atmosphere. The service was friendly, answering our many questions with expertise. Their varied menu has something for everyone; duck, mussels, steak, and some fusion dishes. The food itself was tasted great and the portions were good. Some caveats. The front of the restaurant is more casual and I'd only sit there if it is the only option. Their steak could have been better. It was good but not great, a real missed opportunity. I'd thoroughly recommend Dudley's if you're looking for a place to impress. It was the perfect setting for a meal with my parents and girlfriend. I'd also recommend it for a formal business dinner.
(4)Megan C.
A recent trip to Lexington and a taste-search for a rehearsal dinner location led us to lunch on the patio at Dudley's recently. The service was exceptional-maybe they just weren't very busy on this particular Monday, but my water glass was always full and our waiters were friendly. I ordered one of the specials-a pappardelle pasta-which was fantastic. Others at the table ordered the fruit plate with accompanying chicken salad and banana bread and the tuna salad sandwich (yellowfin with avocado. yum). Everyone was very pleased and also enjoyed the vast bread selection (several different bread products including savory toasts and sweet muffins). Definitely a contender!
(4)Jim B.
Was in town for a conference and stumbled upon this place. Had great food and can't complain one bit. Steak was cooked perfectly and they have a great wine list to choose from. Would highly recommend it to anyone. Only rated service as very good as we had a newer server. Excellent overall.
(5)Joy G.
I always have a good meal here with good service. The rooftop area is very cool for entertaining guests or chilling with friends. The food is consistent and delicious. This restaurant is ideal for treating out of town guests.
(4)Paige F.
So good. Had my first hot brown -ish type dish and it was delicious. Reasonably priced during lunch. If I lived here, I could see this on my lunch rotation list.
(4)Jeff R.
I wasn't too impressed with Dudley's. The brussels sprouts salad was under-seasoned. The lamb entree was also under-seasoned. The four small chops did not shine in any way. The crunchy salad underneath was unimpressive. The tore was rich and tasty. Overall, I expected a lot more. Dishes were not exciting and were not prepared exceptionally well for the price. The $32 lamb dish was a big disappointment. For the decor and price, I'd rather go to Jonathan's where dishes aren't terribly exciting either, but far better executed.
(2)Olivia W.
I really enjoyed Dudley's when I went. The food was great and so was the atmosphere. I made a reservation and was seated promptly when we arrived. It was for a birthday dinner and it was delicious. It was the first time I went and I could not have had a better time. The service was great and the food was better, though I already mentioned the food was great. It is a cute place and I love how they open it up when it is warm out. It was very clean and they had a nice drink selection.
(4)Jeff B.
The last two times I have been here it was excellent. The patio is really nice!
(5)Cinimod S.
Smeh. A lot of hype. I want some flavor if I am paying that much for food. They meal was pretty and nice. The desserts and the salad were the high points. The entree was a good piece of fish with a good sauce. Nothing to write home about. I asked for a drink list and was given a wine by the bottle menu. My bourbon was watery when it arrived at the table. The servers were nice, but seemed like they were instructed to be overly accommodating and reserved. The layout of the place was very confusing. Its popular with the horse owning crowds, and seems like it has a storied history, but maybe thats because its in an old school house. Next time I will save my cash.
(3)Lee P.
The best restaurant in Lexington. I visit Lexington several times every year and always eat at Dudley's at least once on every visit. Sadly, Lexington lacks any other restaurants that even come close to what is offered here in the way of wine and food. The wine list is extensive and fairly priced. The bar is lively and attended by excellent mixoligists one of which has been with Dudley's for over 20 years. Dudley's recently moved its location to Short St. and the atmosphere is exquisite.
(5)Joycelyn N.
We went to Dudley's for their Sunday brunch. And it was hold-on-to-your-Bloody-Mary fabulous! We were greeted with the breadboy (is that a sexist word I wonder?) who doled out our choice of biscuit or a blueberry muffin. I went for the muffin and my family had biscuits. The muffin was warm, soft with fresh blueberries and a slightly crunchy top with a cinnamony finish. It was about the best muffin I've ever had. The fam gave rave reviews for their biscuit. We spent the rest of the meal trying to chase down the breadboy. We're a little pathetic like that. I ordered the Eggs Charles (I think). It was perfectly done eggs over easy on a bed of black beans with rice that had bits of smoky Tasso ham in it, anchored by four shrimps. The whole thing was covered with a delicious, smooth creamy sauce that had minced jalapenos in it. It was simply divine and I'm trying to conjure up a big plate of it now. Oh, for super powers. Hubby had the eggs benedict with crabcakes. I didn't taste his but he assured me it was great. I was too busy scarfing down my own food and being on the lookout for the breadboy to do much else. Had the donunt holes for dessert and it was meh. The dipping sauces were good but I'd rather have had another muffin. Next time we're in Lexington, we promised ourselves to do brunch here again. I don't know about the negative reviews for dinner but definitely give this a try for brunch.
(5)davis b.
Based on a recent fishwrapper review I ordered the steak and fries $18 for lunch.Ordered medium rare it came very rare , but had decent flavor. The fries were lukewarm and tasted warmed over, and were mostly scraps of potato no bigger than a thumbnail. Just in case I come again I asked my server is this the way the fries are normally served. "Oh yes", he responds, "they are handcut." I showed him the leftover pile and he did offer to bring more, but the meal was over by then. One companion received a tiny portion of the fish special which was ok, and my other more astute friend ordered the burger which he pronounced very good.For the price very good seemed like minimal praise.The new space however is very attractive . Everyone seemed uninterested in going to the trouble to find parking to come again, or even if it wre convenient for that matter. Maybe, once again, its better at night, although if you are going to serve lunch why not make the effort1 '
(2)Braxton H.
Good food and service, somewhat stuffy atmosphere but the patio is very relaxed. Never a bad choice.
(4)Carmen C.
Friday night and what's a girl to do? Well, had a wonderful date at Dudley's. We were seated as we walked in and the place was alive and crowded and pretty full. Of course it was Friday night! Our waiter was a bit busy, but took our wine order and delivered an excellent bottle of Chardonnay!. We enjoyed that while waiting to hear the daily specials. Specials sounded great, but the rack of lamb caught our attention and we both ordered that same entree. The bread was crisp and scrumptious and generous and our time waiting for dinner was appropriate. The lamb was cooked perfectly, a bit crunchy and medium to order. The baby beets and fingerlings potatoes were a perfect accompaniment to the tasty lamb. They even dropped in a couple very tasty black olives--what a surprised! We topped our evening off with the raspberry sorbet and it was plenty for two! Could not find a better place in Lexington to spend a Friday night. It is worth the wait if you can't get in
(5)Adam A.
Nice place, but don't be an idiot like me and get the portobello sandwich.
(4)Jeffery S.
I had heard lots of praise for Dudley's new space and checked it out tonight. They did go all out on the interior and it's probably one of the nicest spaces in town, but doesn't have a patio. The prices are on the high end and are unfortunately not justified by the food. Portions are small, so I would expect every element of the plate to be first rate and bursting with flavor. The salad was just okay. The Thai Pizza was very dry with virtually no sauce on the crust, there were too many golden raisins, and the greens on top could have been dressed to balance out an item that was almost too dry to get down. I was left wondering if anybody in the kitchen had ever tried to eat one of these before putting it on the menu! The fried doughnut holes dessert with three dipping sauces the highlight of the meal, but the chocolate sauce tasted like it might have been Hershey's bottle. The table bread they serve is unbefitting of the price point. This was a trial run....we ordered light, on purpose, but at this point, unless I hear the food improves a couple of notches, I won't bust my wallet on a second visit.
(2)Ross M.
The nicest (as in fancy) meal I had while in Lexington, I'm glad someone else was paying though. Food was rich and filling; nicely plated but taste came before looks. We had the full assortment of several appetizers, an entree each, and several deserts. I don't remember the appetizers or deserts, but the glazed pork chop I ordered was outstanding. It was in the early summer on a nice evening and we sat outside on the patio under the trees. It was a fun evening and I'd do it again (if someone else was paying.)
(5)paul m.
I was part of a party of seven. We went on a weekday night. The atmosphere was elegant, if not a bit dark. The menu was priced much more expensive than we expected. That was the first letdown, the second was that the service was very bad. If you are going to demand that much money for a meal, the service should do more than just hurriedly take your order, deliver your food and never come back. Patrons shouldn't have to hunt down and wait for their waiter every time they have a small request. Likewise, if you are charging those menu prices, then your food better be of the highest quality. Sadly, 4 of us were very disappointed. My dish (leg of lamb) showed up tepid to the point where the sauces had started to congeal. It was also a bit bland. Worst of all, the portions were so small that it drew some snickers when the waiter set it in front of me. I think small plates/portions can be entirely satisfactory, but this was minuscule and just not at all satisfactory. But, probably the worst issue that I had with this restaurant is that when I complained to the waiter, he responded by looking somewhat annoyed and disappearing for the rest of the night. hmmm. I would really rather just voice my concerns in the restaurant. Sniping on a review post won't help my meal experience, any, but I tried. So, now I'm letting others know about my experience. This restaurant needs to drastically improve, slash their menu prices by a half or go out of business. I won't be going back.
(2)Jim F.
Used yelp map to get there and it sent is I te opposite direction for 3 blocks, they should review this for people to visits. The service was outstanding. I has theSeared Tuna ', it was perfect. Make sure you get the CB salad if u like bacon. If you like a quit setting them asked to be seated upstairs.
(4)Benjamin P.
The Tournedos Maxwell was pretty darn delectable. The calamari quite good. The ceasar just ok. The Bourbon selection expansive. The Roof-top dining amazing. And general experience worth enjoying! Do it. Cheers
(5)Megan M.
The atmosphere is truly beautiful at Dudley's. The dining experience is lovely. Expect to pay but is worth it. The last time I went we just got a bunch of appetizers to share and it was such a fun experience.
(5)Mark W.
Majorly overpriced and the food is nothing to speak of. Atmosphere is decent and location is right down town so u can walk somewhere to eat after you leave.
(2)Sohini R.
Had a really perfect meal here with colleagues during a work trip. The service was really attentive; although the ambience is sort of old school (leather booths, white tablecloths), I liked it, down to the waiter saying "To good health" when he brought over our bourbon. Do yourself a favor and have a bourbon; my hosts recommended the Four Roses Single Barrel, which was perfect. We shared tuna poke as a starter, then I had the local Bibb and Humboldt Fog salad as a main and a side of dudleyed eggs (deviled, a la the chef). The poke was very good - served on sweet potato, with spicy homemade hot sauce. The pickled ginger and wasabi were on the side and quite spicy - I didn't understand what they added to the dish given the hot sauce. Seemed like an afterthought. But overall a special dish. I enjoyed the salad a lot - the squash and fennel and blue cheese with vinaigrette were very harmonious. The low point for me were the deviled eggs, which started out awesome and mustardy, but I think the kitchen scooped out some of the white to make them look more spherical. I needed more egg white to reduce the richness of the eggs; I had to share the last half with one of my fellow diners. The high point of dinner was the Black Tie Sundae, and thank goodness the waiter told me I could order a half sundae, because that was the right size. The brownie and fudge and vanilla ice cream were amazing. The best sundae I've had in long time! I recommend Dudley's for a nice dinner out with work friends or family; save some room in your stomachs for dessert!
(5)Amy W.
Looking for a romantic place to woo a beautiful lady? Wine and dine her at Dudley's! The atmosphere in the dining room downstairs, and especially the more private area upstairs, where my party sat, is elegant. On the recommendation of my server, I had the Tournedos Maxwell, a steak with lump crab and béarnaise atop it. Melt in your mouth delicious and savory from the first bite! Although I ordered my steak well done, it arrived medium rare. After the first bite, I didn't even bother sending it back, it was so good.
(5)Kathy J.
This was a very big surprise because I had always heard Dudley's was great. The atmosphere was about the only thing that was great. The staff and service were ok, not the best. The bread server came around only one time and when I asked the waitress for more she said she'd tell him, he never came back. There were only a select number of items in which to order for dinner. None sounded appetizing and when we did get our food it was just as bad as it sounded. I could have cooked chicken better than that ... It had a fancy title but was basically a baked half of a chicken with a very odd tasting sauce. The potatoes were bland and the greens underneath the chicken had no taste at all. We spent $80.00 including tip which is fine if the food is worth the price...ours was NOT! Afterward we wished we had just gotten a hotdog at the concert.
(1)Linda C.
I decided to give Dudley's a try after reading the other Yelp reviews. While attending a conference it was nice to try a local find. I dined alfresco since it was a beautiful day. The service was friendly and efficient, and the food is worth the visit. I was here for Sunday brunch and all of the selections seemed great. I had the eggs benedict on crab cakes and fried green tomatoes with smashed pan seared potatoes. Really delicious combination. They also come by with the most amazing selections of scones and biscuits. Will definitely come back next time I'm in Lexington.
(4)Ben S.
Went for brunch with extended family and one parent when I moved down here for a job. This was one of my first dining places in Lex and it was exceptional. Staff was great, food was well done and while I haven't eaten dinner here...I have been to the bar a couple times and made poor purchasing decisions on glasses of stuff not offered elsewhere in this town....because hey...18 year old single malts are awesome or something...idk. Point is, place has great ambiance, great atmosphere and its great to bring a date for drinks and small plates to enjoy the people walking by. Need to get here for dinner, but it feels better as a date night for a special occasion rather than a regular place to hit up. For my one time eating, I've not had much better. Dudley's and Coles remain, in my opinion, the best places in town for an upscale fine dining experience.
(5)Emily Q.
Service, atmosphere and food were all exceptional!! Dined for brunch! The spicy Bloody Mary was one of the best I've had! Those potatoes with the eggs Benedict though... Oh my!!! Definitely my top choice for a classic and CLASSY brunch!
(5)Greg B.
I've always had excellent food and service at Dudley's. There's something on the menu to suit everyone's pallet. Weather permitting, the rooftop is the best place to dine in downtown Lexington.
(5)Clara H.
Fantastic southern cuisine. Brunch is my favorite time to go. The huevos rancheros are my favorite!
(5)