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Dudley's on Short, Lexington, KY

Dudley's on Short

4.7
4.7
2701 Reviews
$31 to $50
American

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2 people
19:00
Booked 22 times today
  • Good for special occasions
  • Good for business meals
  • Charming
Dudley's Restaurant has been a mainstay on the Lexington dining scene since 1981. Centered in the heart of downtown Lexington, Dudley's offers delicious modern American cuisine with an award-winning wine list to match. Food Network has featured Dudley's for the classic Tournedos Maxwell and has been awarded "Best of the South" twice by Southern Living Magazine. Dudley's was recently awarded a Lifetime Achievement award from the KY Department of Agriculture for using KY Proud ingredients in Chef Bradley Hoffman's globally inspired menus. Dudley's welcomes guests to enjoy dining in the more casual bar area, formal main dining room, or on the rooftop terrace.*

*Rooftop seating is per guest request, weather permitting, and availability is Wednesday-Sunday for Dinner Only

Additional information

  • Location
    259 W. Short St., Lexington, KY 40507
  • Phone number
    (859) 252-1010
  • Price
    $31 to $50
  • Cuisines
    American, Vegetarian / Vegan, Wine Bar
  • Hours of Operation
    Brunch Fri–Sun 11:00–14:30 Lunch Fri–Sun 11:00–14:30 Dinner Mon–Thu, Sun 17:00–22:00 Fri, Sat 17:00–23:00 Bar Mon–Thu, Sun 17:00–22:00 Fri, Sat 17:00–23:00
  • Dress code
    Business Casual
  • Parking details
    Valet is available on Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights
  • Payment Options
    AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
  • Executive Chef
    Bradley Hoffman

Featured in

Menu

Dinner Menu

Snacks & Starters

  • JC HOUSE FRIESUS$8.00

    smoked aioli, serrano-dill mayo

    • DUDLEY EGGS OR SMOKED KY TROUT DUDLEYS EGGSUS$7.00

      paprika, chives

      • MARINATED OLIVESUS$9.00

        mixed olives, feta, capers, pearl onion, lemon

        • KOREAN FRIED CAULIFLOWERUS$15.00

          gochujang, sesame, lime

          • BAKED GOAT CHEESEUS$16.00

            hot honey, dukkah, crushed almond, house lavash

            • MEAT & CHEESEUS$25.00

              artisanal cured meats, cheeses, house pickles, mustard

              • 1/2 DOZEN OYSTERS ON THE HALFSHELLUS$20.00

                fresh horseradish, mignonette, lemon

                • JUMBO SHRIMP COCKTAILUS$21.00

                  cocktail sauce, lemon

                  • HASH BROWN TARTINEUS$16.00

                    smoked trout roe, dill, pickled red onions, creme fraiche, everything seasoning

                    • SALMON TARTAREUS$22.00

                      basil, capers, lemon, olive oil, foccacia

                      • CRISP CALAMARIUS$16.00

                        garlic, herbs, sweet & spicy mayo

                        • CRAB CAKEUS$24.00

                          creamy andouille weisenberger grits, holy trinity, lobster cream

                          Salads

                          • CUCUMBER SALADUS$16.00

                            arugula, radish, red onion, almond, feta, tonnato vinaigrette

                            • FRISEE SALADUS$16.00

                              pears, bacon lardon, dill, goat cheese foam, creole vinaigrette

                              • TG SALADUS$13.00

                                local bibb lettuce, bleu cheese, tomato, bacon, dijon vinaigrette

                                • CAESAR SALADUS$10.00

                                  romaine, garlic & herb croutons, parmesan, white anchovy

                                  • WILTED BRUSSELS SPROUT SALADUS$10.00

                                    manchego cheese, pine nuts, aged balsamic

                                    Entrées & Classics

                                    • SEARED ORA KING SALMONUS$46.00

                                      quinoa, asparagus, spring peas, garlic cream, pistou

                                      • SEARED SEA SCALLOPSUS$48.00

                                        apple & bacon braised radicchio, farro, paprika cream

                                        • BRAISED LAMB RIBSUS$46.00

                                          cauliflower tabbouleh, harissa carrots, pomegranate molasses bbq, jus

                                          • CHICKEN IN 40 CLOVESUS$38.00

                                            wild rice pilaf, zucchini, fennel, tarragon

                                            • 16oz BONE-IN RIBEYE

                                              changes daily, market price

                                              • TOURNEDOS MAXWELLUS$47.00

                                                petite filets, crab, potato puree, house made béarnaise

                                                • STEAK FRITESUS$32.00

                                                  8oz ny strip, house fries, herb butter

                                                  • PASTA DUDLEYUS$27.00

                                                    angel hair, chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, carrots, fennel, red onion, peas, white wine & butter pan sauce, asiago

                                                    • KY HOT BROWNUS$19.00

                                                      turkey, country ham, bacon, tomato, sourdough, white cheddar mornay

                                                      • DA' BURGERUS$19.00

                                                        double meat, double cheese, LTO, pickle, "secret sauce," house fries

                                                        Last updated: 9 March 2025

                                                        What 2,701 people are saying

                                                        Overall ratings and reviews

                                                        Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

                                                        4.7
                                                        4.7 based on recent ratings
                                                        • 4.6Food
                                                        • 4.8Service
                                                        • 4.7Ambience
                                                        • 4.5Value

                                                        Noise • Moderate

                                                        Loved For

                                                        • Lexington

                                                          American

                                                        Review summary

                                                        AI-generated from verified diner reviews
                                                        Dudley's on Short in Lexington offers a "superb dining experience" with "amazing food and impeccable service." Guests rave about the "cozy atmosphere," "wonderful rooftop," and "creative, delicious dishes." Known for its "excellent brunch," Dudley's consistently impresses, making it a "favorite spot" for both locals and visitors seeking "quality food and an incredible ambiance."

                                                        2,701 Reviews

                                                        1. Amanda VIP

                                                          New York City5 reviews

                                                          4.0

                                                          Dined 2 days ago

                                                          1. Overall 4
                                                          2. Food 4
                                                          3. Service 4
                                                          4. Ambience 4
                                                          Food was good but came out too fast. We ordered and food was out in like 10 min. We wanted to enjoy a night out but felt rushed in and out in 40 min.

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                                                        2. Andy VIP

                                                          Louisville7 reviews

                                                          5.0

                                                          Dined 3 days ago

                                                          1. Overall 5
                                                          2. Food 5
                                                          3. Service 4
                                                          4. Ambience 4
                                                          The fish specials are amazing every time we go to Dudley’s!

                                                          Is this helpful?

                                                        3. P VIP

                                                          Seattle55 reviews

                                                          5.0

                                                          Dined 4 days ago

                                                          1. Overall 5
                                                          2. Food 4
                                                          3. Service 4
                                                          4. Ambience 5
                                                          Great evening as usual. Can never go wrong at Dudley's

                                                          Is this helpful?

                                                        4. Boone

                                                          Dallas1 review

                                                          5.0

                                                          Dined on 22 February 2025

                                                          1. Overall 5
                                                          2. Food 5
                                                          3. Service 5
                                                          4. Ambience 5
                                                          5/5, 10/10, 100/100, whatever system you want to use, Dudley’s will be 100%.
                                                          Dudley's on ShortResponded 7 days ago
                                                          Thank you so much for your terrific review, Boone! We can't wait to have you dine with us again soon!!

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                                                        5. Rachel VIP

                                                          Denver191 reviews

                                                          4.0

                                                          Dined on 22 February 2025

                                                          1. Overall 4
                                                          2. Food 4
                                                          3. Service 4
                                                          4. Ambience 4
                                                          Service was great- friendly and attentive. Food was good..crab cake was as good as we’ve had on the East coast..not too much filler. The Thai soup was really delicious. The rolls are great! We tried the ribs and the special pasta- amatriciana. The ribs fell off the bone and had a nice flavor- very lamb-y. Amatriciana was ok- probably wouldn’t get that again. Nice ambiance overall and a pretty nice wine list.
                                                          Dudley's on ShortResponded 7 days ago
                                                          Rachel, thank you so much for leaving a review! It's nice to hear you enjoyed your dining experience with us. It's always lovely to hear that our staff did a great job and that your meal was enjoyable. We hope to see you again soon!

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                                                        6. Bridget

                                                          Cincinnati7 reviews

                                                          5.0

                                                          Dined on 22 February 2025

                                                          1. Overall 5
                                                          2. Food 5
                                                          3. Service 5
                                                          4. Ambience 5
                                                          The perfect dining experience. Delicious food. Exceptional service!
                                                          Dudley's on ShortResponded 7 days ago
                                                          Thank you so much, Bridget. It's wonderful to know that we provided an outstanding experience for you and your guest. Make sure you come back and see us soon!

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                                                        7. Joseph

                                                          Louisville2 reviews

                                                          2.0

                                                          Dined on 21 February 2025

                                                          1. Overall 2
                                                          2. Food 1
                                                          3. Service 4
                                                          4. Ambience 4
                                                          The food was extremely poor in quality. I’ve never actually had a worse cut of beef. It was largely inedible. I can’t recommend the restaurant as a result of this poor experience.
                                                          Dudley's on ShortResponded 7 days ago
                                                          Joesph, we are sorry to hear that your dining experience with us was not up to our standards. Thank you so much for taking the time to leave us feedback, as we are always looking for ways to improve. We will update our menu soon and hope you will give us another chance to serve you!

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                                                        8. Debbie

                                                          Cincinnati16 reviews

                                                          4.0

                                                          Dined on 18 February 2025

                                                          1. Overall 4
                                                          2. Food 4
                                                          3. Service 5
                                                          4. Ambience 5
                                                          Nice, quiet and quaint. Food was good. Service was good.
                                                          Dudley's on ShortResponded on 3 March 2025
                                                          Debbie, thanks for taking the time to leave a review! We hope to see you again soon!

                                                          Is this helpful?

                                                        9. Carroll

                                                          Louisville8 reviews

                                                          5.0

                                                          Dined on 16 February 2025

                                                          1. Overall 5
                                                          2. Food 5
                                                          3. Service 5
                                                          4. Ambience 5
                                                          Excellent! Excellent! Excellent! Could not have been better! Our guests thought it was great also. Luke, our server, was out of this world!
                                                          Dudley's on ShortResponded on 3 March 2025
                                                          Thank you so much for your kind words, Carroll! We'll also make sure Luke hears your feedback. We hope you come back to see us and request that he serve you again!

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                                                        10. Robert VIP

                                                          Louisville24 reviews

                                                          5.0

                                                          Dined on 15 February 2025

                                                          1. Overall 5
                                                          2. Food 4
                                                          3. Service 5
                                                          4. Ambience 5
                                                          5 of us met for dinner and we had outstanding experience. We ordered drinks were able to chat easily across the table. Our server was outstanding and patient always giving us time without ever feeling pushed. Everyone ordered different entree and ALL were thrilled with their meals! This is Lexington’s premier restaurant!
                                                          Dudley's on ShortResponded on 3 March 2025
                                                          Thank you so much, Robert! We're so pleased that you and your guests enjoyed your evening with us! We hope we have the opportunity to serve you again!

                                                          Is this helpful?

                                                        FAQs

                                                        Dudley's on Short offers takeout which you can order by calling the restaurant at (859) 252-1010.

                                                        Dudley's on Short is rated 4.7 stars by 2701 OpenTable diners.

                                                        Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.

                                                        Make a booking

                                                        2 people
                                                        19:00
                                                        Booked 22 times today
                                                        Google Map for Dudley's on Short

                                                        259 W. Short St., Lexington, KY 40507

                                                        Additional information

                                                        • Phone number
                                                          (859) 252-1010
                                                        • Price
                                                          $31 to $50
                                                        • Cuisines
                                                          American, Vegetarian / Vegan, Wine Bar
                                                        • Hours of Operation
                                                          Brunch Fri–Sun 11:00–14:30 Lunch Fri–Sun 11:00–14:30 Dinner Mon–Thu, Sun 17:00–22:00 Fri, Sat 17:00–23:00 Bar Mon–Thu, Sun 17:00–22:00 Fri, Sat 17:00–23:00
                                                        • Dress code
                                                          Business Casual
                                                        • Parking details
                                                          Valet is available on Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights
                                                        • Payment Options
                                                          AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
                                                        • Executive Chef
                                                          Bradley Hoffman

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