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Dudley's on Short, Lexington, KY

Dudley's on Short

4.8
4.8
2645 Reviews
$31 to $50
American

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2 people
19:00
Booked 33 times today
  • Good for special occasions
  • Charming
  • Good for business meals
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

Order delivery or takeout

Additional information

  • Dining style
    Casual Elegant
  • 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
  • Phone number
    (859) 252-1010
  • Website
    http://www.dudleysonshort.com/
  • Payment Options
    AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
  • Dress code
    Business Casual
  • Executive Chef
    Bradley Hoffman
  • Private party facilities
    We have the ability seat up to 30 guests in each of our private dining rooms, or 60 if both rooms are requested. They are eloquently appointed and located on the second floor. A service bar is available adjacent to the rooms, and there is a ramp and elevator access to the second floor.
  • Location
    259 W. Short St., Lexington, KY 40507
  • Area
    Lexington
  • Cross Street
    259 West Short Street #125
  • Parking details
    Valet is available on Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights
  • Additional
    Banquet, Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Indoor Fireplace, Kosher, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Takeaway, Vegan, Weekend Brunch, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Featured in

Menu

Dinner Menu

Snacks & Starters

  • JC HOUSE FRIESUS$7.00

    smoked aioli, serrano-dill mayo

    • DUDLEY EGGS OR SMOKED KY TROUT DUDLEYS EGGSUS$7.00

      paprika, chives

      • MARINATED OLIVESUS$9.00

        mixed olives, orange, thyme, paprika, hazelnuts

        • TARTINEUS$18.00

          changes daily

          • BAKED GOAT CHEESEUS$16.00

            lavender hot honey, pistachio, za'atar spice, crispy flatbread

            • MEAT & CHEESEUS$25.00

              artisanal cured meats, cheeses, house pickles, mustard

              • 1/2 DOZEN OYSTERS ON THE HALFSHELLUS$18.00

                fresh horseradish, mignonette, lemon

                • CRISP CALAMARIUS$15.00

                  garlic, herbs, sweet & spicy mayo

                  • TUNA TARTAREUS$22.00

                    black pepper sauce, sesame, soy cured egg yolk, rice cracker

                    • KOREAN FRIED CAULIFLOWERUS$15.00

                      gochujang, sesame, lime

                      • PEI MUSSELSUS$22.00

                        white wine, chorizo, parsley, crostini

                        • CRAB CAKEUS$24.00

                          creamy andouille weisenberger grits, holy trinity, lobster cream

                          • JUMBO SHRIMP COCKTAILUS$21.00

                            cocktail sauce, lemon

                            Salads

                            • GOLDEN ENDIVE & GARBANZO SALADUS$16.00

                              cucumber, piquillo peppers, mint, tahini vinaigrette

                              • ARTICHOKE SALADUS$15.00

                                couscous, arugula, feta, herbs, spring peas, caper vinaigrette

                                • TG SALADUS$11.00

                                  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$44.00

                                        mushroom farrotto, bread & butter zucchini, arugula pesto

                                        • BONE-IN DUROC PORK CHOPUS$48.00

                                          ham cured, red beans with kale & country ham, molasses BBQ

                                          • CRISPY CONFIT RABBITUS$46.00

                                            herb couscous, peas, fava beans, spring pea puree

                                            • DUCK 2-WAYSUS$48.00

                                              seared duck breast, confit dirty rice, spinach, blood orange, black fig demi glace

                                              • 16oz BONE-IN RIBEYEUS$60.00

                                                patate el forno, calabrian chile butter

                                                • TOURNEDOS MAXWELLUS$43.00

                                                  petite filets, crab, potato puree, house made béarnaise

                                                  • STEAK FRITESUS$29.00

                                                    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: 21 May 2024

                                                          What 2,645 people are saying

                                                          Overall ratings and reviews

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

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

                                                          Noise • Moderate

                                                          Loved For

                                                          • Central Kentucky

                                                            Romantic

                                                          • Lexington

                                                            Best Service

                                                          • Lexington

                                                            Best Ambience

                                                          • Lexington

                                                            Great for fine wines

                                                          • Lexington

                                                            Romantic

                                                          • Lexington

                                                            American

                                                          Review summary

                                                          AI-generated from verified diner reviews
                                                          Dudley's on Short offers a delightful dining experience in Lexington, with "superb service," "incredible food," and a "charming atmosphere." Guests enjoy the rooftop dining, quality cocktails, and diverse menu options. While some dishes occasionally miss the mark, Dudley's remains a "favorite" for its excellent wine list and welcoming staff.

                                                          2,645 Reviews

                                                          1. B

                                                            Louisville

                                                            2 reviews

                                                            5.0

                                                            2 reviews

                                                            Dined 1 day ago

                                                            1. Overall 5
                                                            2. Food 5
                                                            3. Service 5
                                                            4. Ambience 5
                                                            Food solid as always. *Top notch* service. A Lexington institution.

                                                            Is this helpful?

                                                          2. Marsha

                                                            Louisville

                                                            33 reviews

                                                            vip
                                                            2.0

                                                            33 reviews

                                                            Dined 7 days ago

                                                            1. Overall 2
                                                            2. Food 2
                                                            3. Service 4
                                                            4. Ambience 2
                                                            Disappointing evening. We were seated next to servers area. A table of young ladies across from us continually shrieked and screamed. I’m all for having a good time but we asked to either be moved or have someone ask them to be courteous. Neither happened. My scallops were at $47 so over salted they were not enjoyable. The rolls were delicious, as was the sundae for desert. Certainly not worth the anticipation we had in dining there.

                                                            Is this helpful?

                                                          3. Beth

                                                            Mobile

                                                            4 reviews

                                                            5.0

                                                            4 reviews

                                                            Dined 7 days ago

                                                            1. Overall 5
                                                            2. Food 5
                                                            3. Service 5
                                                            4. Ambience 5
                                                            Our server was very professional and helpful in deciding our entrees. Very nice atmosphere! We enjoyed our meal and time with good friends in your lovely restaurant! We would highly recommend!!

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                                                          4. Leeds

                                                            Louisville

                                                            26 reviews

                                                            vip
                                                            5.0

                                                            26 reviews

                                                            Dined on 15 November 2024

                                                            1. Overall 5
                                                            2. Food 3
                                                            3. Service 5
                                                            4. Ambience 5
                                                            Cocktails excellent Soup special was flavorless Hot brown a sold B Service and ambience are A+

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                                                          5. CB54

                                                            Louisville

                                                            3 reviews

                                                            5.0

                                                            3 reviews

                                                            Dined on 9 November 2024

                                                            1. Overall 5
                                                            2. Food 5
                                                            3. Service 5
                                                            4. Ambience 5
                                                            Brunch was delicious! I recommend the chicken salad plate. The bread service was an unexpected treat and our waiter was so nice.

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                                                          6. Roberta

                                                            Louisville

                                                            51 reviews

                                                            vip
                                                            4.0

                                                            51 reviews

                                                            Dined on 8 November 2024

                                                            1. Overall 4
                                                            2. Food 3
                                                            3. Service 5
                                                            4. Ambience 5
                                                            Always enjoy being at Dudley’s - we sit in the bar area for the vibe (although it was a bit cold last night due to the big glass door at the street being open…We started with martinis (huge :)) and raw oysters (Buckley Is., BC). We have oysters a LOT. These were *not fresh-tasting, thus, not enjoyable. Mentioned to server, who had hostess/manager visit. She said she’d heard those comments from others and gave us 50% off - nice touch. The 2 of us split the special 16-oz bone-in ribeye, which we asked to be medium rare. Was *really rare, so they cooked it some more. Unfortunately, we didn’t enjoy the cut: it didn’t taste like a ribeye, was tough; fat was concentrated in just some spots, not sort of marbled throughout; not the buttery feel and taste of a normal ribeye. Not sure where D’s gets their meat, but we’ve had issues before with toughness. Salad was the frisée - very good. We weren’t really up for dessert, but server (who was great - but can’t remember her name and can’t find the receipt) handed us menus without asking if we were interested, and i saw limoncello, so…YAY. She said they make it on site - it was great.

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                                                          7. Barbara

                                                            Charlotte

                                                            63 reviews

                                                            vip
                                                            5.0

                                                            63 reviews

                                                            Dined on 3 November 2024

                                                            1. Overall 5
                                                            2. Food 4
                                                            3. Service 5
                                                            4. Ambience 5
                                                            Innovative menu and service was excellent. The only knock I have is that it’s pretty difficult for someone with celiac to order from the menu without bailing out with a salad. Luckily one of the specials was GF. On a brunch menu, you do expect to see a basic omelette or egg dish. I probably won’t be able to enjoy brunch again because my husband is so sensitive, and it’s frustrating when a salad is generally the only option.
                                                            Dudley's on ShortResponded on 6 November 2024
                                                            We are sorry to hear that your husband could not find something gluten-free on the menu. In the future, we can always make accommodations to best suit his diet. We want to ensure that each guest has the same dining experience regardless of dietary restrictions. Thank you so much for taking the time to leave this feedback. We will follow up with our Brunch staff to ensure that they are more familiar with Gluten-Free alternatives.

                                                            Is this helpful?

                                                          8. Missi

                                                            Louisville

                                                            18 reviews

                                                            5.0

                                                            18 reviews

                                                            Dined on 2 November 2024

                                                            1. Overall 5
                                                            2. Food 5
                                                            3. Service 5
                                                            4. Ambience 5
                                                            One of the best menus in town, but the specials are always just that: very special. Our server was terrific, too. (Bradley?)
                                                            Dudley's on ShortResponded on 6 November 2024
                                                            It's great to know how much you enjoyed everything! Bradley is such a fantastic addition to our team! Thanks for taking the time to leave such a nice review.

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                                                          9. BluegrassMD

                                                            Indiana

                                                            8 reviews

                                                            5.0

                                                            8 reviews

                                                            Dined on 2 November 2024

                                                            1. Overall 5
                                                            2. Food 5
                                                            3. Service 5
                                                            4. Ambience 4
                                                            On this visit I had my 6 year old granddaughter as my date. The staff could not have been nicer.
                                                            Dudley's on ShortResponded on 6 November 2024
                                                            It is so lovely to hear you and your granddaughter had such a good time with us! I remember your server talking about the princess in her section & how sweet she was! We can't wait to see you again soon!

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                                                          10. Elizabeth

                                                            Louisville

                                                            1 review

                                                            4.0

                                                            1 review

                                                            Dined on 1 November 2024

                                                            1. Overall 4
                                                            2. Food 5
                                                            3. Service 5
                                                            4. Ambience 4
                                                            So delicious, lovely staff, sweet and fun birthday treat for my husband. Very loud.

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                                                          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 4.8 stars by 2645 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 33 times today

                                                          Order delivery or takeout

                                                          Google Map for Dudley's on Short

                                                          259 W. Short St., Lexington, KY 40507

                                                          Additional information

                                                          • Cross Street
                                                            259 West Short Street #125
                                                          • Area
                                                            Lexington
                                                          • 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
                                                          • Price
                                                            $31 to $50
                                                          • Cuisines
                                                            American, Vegetarian / Vegan, Wine Bar
                                                          • Dining style
                                                            Casual Elegant
                                                          • 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
                                                          • Additional
                                                            Banquet, Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Indoor Fireplace, Kosher, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Takeaway, Vegan, Weekend Brunch, Wheelchair Access, Wine
                                                          • Website
                                                            http://www.dudleysonshort.com/
                                                          • Phone number
                                                            (859) 252-1010
                                                          • Private party facilities
                                                            We have the ability seat up to 30 guests in each of our private dining rooms, or 60 if both rooms are requested. They are eloquently appointed and located on the second floor. A service bar is available adjacent to the rooms, and there is a ramp and elevator access to the second floor.

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