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Dudley's on Short, Lexington, KY

Dudley's on Short

4.7
4.7
2412 Reviews
$31 to $50
American
Dudley's Restaurant has been a mainstay on the Lexington dining scene since 1981. Dudley's offers delicious modern American cuisine with an impressive wine list to match.

Make a reservation

2 people

7:00 PM


Booked 38 times today

Order delivery or takeout

Additional information

  • Dining style
    Casual Elegant
  • Price
    $31 to $50
  • Cuisines
    American
  • Hours of operation
    Brunch Fri–Sun 11:00 am–2:30 pm Lunch Fri–Sun 11:00 am–2:30 pm Dinner Mon–Thu, Sun 5:00 pm–10:00 pm Fri, Sat 5:00 pm–11:00 pm Bar Mon–Thu, Sun 5:00 pm–10:00 pm Fri, Sat 5:00 pm–11:00 pm
  • Phone number
    (859) 252-1010
  • Payment options
    AMEX, Mastercard, Visa
  • Dress code
    Business Casual
  • Executive chef
    Mark Richardson
  • Private party facilities
    We have the ability seat 20- 60 guests in our private dining rooms. They are eloquently appointed and located on the second floor. A bar is available adjacent to the rooms.
  • Neighborhood
    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, Full Bar, Indoor Fireplace, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Takeout, Weekend Brunch, Wheelchair Access, Wine

What 2,412 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
  • 4.7Service
  • 4.7Ambience
  • 4.5Value

NoiseModerate

Loved For

  • Lexington

    Great for brunch

  • Lexington

    Great for fine wines

  • Lexington

    American

2,411 Reviews
  1. KatieR

    Nashville

    6 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    6 reviews

    Dined 6 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    The BEST in Lexington. Always consistently excellent.

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  2. NotafoodieLex

    New York Area

    25 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    25 reviews

    Dined 7 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    It was my first time here and it was soooo good! Food and service was excellent!

    Is this helpful?

  3. DonaldF

    Denver

    19 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    19 reviews

    Dined 7 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    One of our favorite places for a special meal. Excellent service, excellent food! Great menu.

    Is this helpful?

  4. RobS

    Louisville

    3 reviews

    3.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on November 29, 2023

    1. Overall 3
    2. Food 3
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 4
    My wife's steak was cold. My steak was fine and my meal was good

    Is this helpful?

  5. Harold

    Louisville

    54 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    54 reviews

    Dined on November 26, 2023

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    As always, Dudley’s did not disappoint us The food, service and cocktails were fantastic

    Is this helpful?

  6. Flipper

    Louisville

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on November 21, 2023

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Was a late meal for us but still fantastic! Per usual. Love revisiting when I’m in town for work!

    Is this helpful?

  7. OpenTable Diner

    Exclusive

    5 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on November 20, 2023

    1. Overall 4
    2. Food 4
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Highly recommend: Baked Goat Cheese(amazing), Korean cauliflower, Tournedos Maxwell(excellent) Just okay: Hay-roasted chicken(dry), Brussel sprouts salad, Caesar salad(extra fishy). Overall, great atmosphere and incredible service! Also, prices were exceptionally reasonable, great value for the experience.

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  8. KarlS

    San Francisco

    2 reviews

    3.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on November 20, 2023

    1. Overall 3
    2. Food 4
    3. Service 1
    4. Ambience 5
    The food was great as always. We showed up for our reservation and there were only two or three tables filled. We did not get water or have a waiter come over for an extended period. In the meantime there was a trainee with a manger following doing the tables next to us. Maybe if the manager looks at all of customers it would help. I was very dissatisfied with the service which is unusual.

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  9. JosieJo

    Louisville

    5 reviews

    5.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on November 18, 2023

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 4
    As usual, Dudley's remains one of our favorite places for a special dinner out. The only thing I would change is the noise level. We have sometimes decided not to go there because of it. Surely something can be done.

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  10. TomS

    Louisville

    5 reviews

    5.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on November 17, 2023

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Always a pleasure to dine at Dudley’s. Thank you.

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  11. AS29

    Kansas City

    1 review

    vip
    3.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 16, 2023

    1. Overall 3
    2. Food 3
    3. Service 4
    4. Ambience 3
    The appetizers were nice, but the meat in the main dishes was tough.

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  12. LeslieS

    San Diego

    10 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    10 reviews

    Dined on November 16, 2023

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 4
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Always a great place to dine! One of our favorite spots when visiting Kentucky.

    Is this helpful?

  13. RobertS

    Louisville

    17 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    17 reviews

    Dined on November 12, 2023

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Superb service, excellent food with generous portions. Moroccan braised lamb shank will be 2-3 meals. Tasty cocktails fairly priced.

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  14. PAllison

    Chicago

    10 reviews

    vip
    2.0

    10 reviews

    Dined on November 11, 2023

    1. Overall 2
    2. Food 1
    3. Service 2
    4. Ambience 3
    Food was very bland, and pork chop was all fat. There was sewage smell in the bathroom, I know they are having a problem with this but I’m surprised they are keeping the bathroom open. Just disappointing.

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  15. LindaA

    Nashville

    2 reviews

    4.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on November 10, 2023

    1. Overall 4
    2. Food 4
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 4
    Arrived just before our reservation but since staff still going through meeting was asked to sit at bar until table ready. When seated at table, server was quick to acknowledge us and take drink order. Food was good and came quickly. I ordered Dudley's Pasta which was angle hair in sauce along with had pickled onions, which I had never had with pasta. I ended up only eating about 1/8 of the entire dish as the pickled onions/vinegar were a turn off for me. Didn't feel dish was that bad to order another, but will definitely not order that dish again. Have not crossed Dudley's off list of places to eat in Lexington, just need to read the menu carefully and ask questions.

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  16. JohnE

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 10, 2023

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Great food. Always a great place to visit in Lexington.

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  17. KelleyM

    Dallas

    22 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    22 reviews

    Dined on November 9, 2023

    1. Overall 4
    2. Food 2
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    This is the first time we were disappointed with our meal. My fish dish was extremely salty and my husband’s steak was very undercooked, had a strange green sauce on it, it was served with French onion soup )for dipping according to the waiter) and a potato side that I could barely swallow. On a good note, the salads were amazing, the crab cake and goat cheese appetizer is incredible and the rolls will make you melt. Hoping our next visit will be better. Just seems as if someone in the kitchen got a little too creative. Lastly, our wait staff and support wait staff were incredibly welcoming.

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  18. silviam

    Louisville

    7 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    7 reviews

    Dined on November 5, 2023

    1. Overall 4
    2. Food 4
    3. Service 4
    4. Ambience 5
    Very nice ambiance. Food is ok. Elegant and quiet

    Is this helpful?

  19. ALTX

    Cincinnati

    2 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on November 3, 2023

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    It was a wonderful experience from the beginning to the end! Food was amazing and service was very good too. Dessert selections could have been a little better

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  20. KristiS

    Louisville

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on October 29, 2023

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Very nice and cozy place. Food is excellent. Must try the vanilla beans crème brûlée.

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  21. LisaM

    San Francisco

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on October 28, 2023

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Our son goes to UK and we loving coming here when we visit!! Our favorite! In such a cute area of town too !

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  22. Wanderer

    Washington DC

    82 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    82 reviews

    Dined on October 22, 2023

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Dudley's on Short was a great find. I'd read some of the reviews and it sounded good but was even better in person. The restaurant is very comfortable and one of those places where you can relax. I was there for brunch on Sunday. The menu had a lot of choices. I had the classic Eggs Benedict with home fries. Beautifully presented but, more importantly, perfectly cooked. I was a bit skeptical of the scone that came out while I was struggling to decide on the main. The scone was as good as those I've had in the UK. I finished with the cake of the day. I can't recall the name but it was an Italian cake with tons of nuts and the best icing. And service was perfect -- attentive but not intrusive. I would have gone back the next day but had to fly home.

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  23. Victoria

    Louisville

    26 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    26 reviews

    Dined on October 22, 2023

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Another great meal at Dudley’s. Delicious food and drinks. The service is attentive without being overbearing. The atmosphere is lively. It was a perfect brunch before the show.

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  24. OpenTable Diner

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on October 22, 2023

    1. Overall 4
    2. Food 3
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Overall the good was delicious, however we had one person in our group whose meal was quite cold. He did not want to send it back and interrupt our meal, so he kept it to himself. I’m sure the staff would have gladly made things right if asked.

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  25. BrianB

    Coastal Georgia

    2 reviews

    4.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on October 20, 2023

    1. Overall 4
    2. Food 4
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    It was our first time eating here. It was chosen due to ratings and location to Lexington Opera House. Convenient paid parking in close vicinity. The menu was well rounded and the food was good. There were a few details on the steak that could be improved to make the food 5 star. The bone-in pork chop was excellent. Overall great experience and would go again.

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  26. ConnieW

    St. Louis

    13 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    13 reviews

    Dined on October 19, 2023

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    The food delicious and the service attentive. The Kentucky Hot Brown did not disappoint and the wine list was varied in offerings and prices. We visited on the recommendation of friends and were not disappointed. When we told them we were from St. Louis, the chef, who was also from St. Louis ,came out to chat with us. A very personal touch. We will definitely go back on our next visit to Lexington.

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  27. Carolyn

    Chicago

    24 reviews

    5.0

    24 reviews

    Dined on October 17, 2023

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Excellent food cocktails and service! A wonderful experience!

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  28. Bfoster

    Louisville

    4 reviews

    2.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on October 10, 2023

    1. Overall 2
    2. Food 3
    3. Service 1
    4. Ambience 2
    Loud. Poor service. Mediocre food. Not the Dudley’s of old, which is fine, but nothing special.

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  29. NickS

    Fort Lauderdale

    20 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    20 reviews

    Dined on October 7, 2023

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    A triumph! Great food and great service. I recommend.

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  30. Downtown2017

    Philadelphia

    80 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    80 reviews

    Dined on October 7, 2023

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    We were warmly greeted upon arrival to the restaurant. Our server, Javan was excellent. Rolls were served immediately along with our drink order. Our appetizer selection which we thoroughly enjoyed was calamari. My husband ordered the Ky. Hot Brown for his entree. I ordered the salmon with bourbon sauce. I really liked the salmon. I had the peach cobbler with ice cream for dessert. My husband had a frozen tiramisu drink. We would definitely visit the restaurant again when we are in the area.

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  31. Jeff

    Alabama

    15 reviews

    5.0

    15 reviews

    Dined on October 7, 2023

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Great food with great service, would highly recommend.

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  32. larryh

    Louisville

    15 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    15 reviews

    Dined on October 4, 2023

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    We sat on the upstairs outside patio. The space is beautiful, the food was great, and the service was excellent. Already looking forward to our next visit!

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  33. MaraH

    Seattle

    6 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    6 reviews

    Dined on October 2, 2023

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 4
    I love this restaurant and will come again. The food is wonderful, the service is great. We had some noisy patrons not far from us that were very loud which was annoying, but it couldn’t take away from the lovely experience of this fine restaurant. We will be back.

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  34. OpenTable Diner

    Chicago

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on October 1, 2023

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 4
    4. Ambience 4
    Great salads , great angel hair pasta!!! Nice ambiance!!

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  35. DavidJ

    Chicago

    23 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    23 reviews

    Dined on October 1, 2023

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Always great service, food and atmosphere. Look forward to next time!

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  36. OpenTable Diner

    Orange County

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on October 1, 2023

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Great food, terrific atmosphere. Restaurant opened their french doors to the sidewalk so an open air feel was part of the atmosphere. Great hospitality.

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  37. BobT

    Chicago

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on September 28, 2023

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 4
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 4
    While in Lexington, we wanted a place that was quiet and elegant (it was my wife's birthday). Dudley's fit the bill. Excellent, attentive service. Excellent food.

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  38. MollieM

    Richmond

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on September 24, 2023

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    I took my daughter to Dudley’s at the end of UK Family weekend after reading online recommendations. We ate on the second floor patio. It was a beautiful night and the setting was exceptional. Service was attentive and knowledgeable. Food was NEXT level, layers of flavor. Highly recommend!

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  39. MarkK

    Louisville

    21 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    21 reviews

    Dined on September 24, 2023

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Dudley's brunch is always a treat. Consistent, high quality food at a fair price. Our favorite waiter, Steven, did an awesome job.

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  40. Funwfriends

    Atlanta Metro

    15 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    15 reviews

    Dined on September 24, 2023

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Dudley's was fabulous for a wonderful dinner. Atmosphere was amazing.

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Safety precautions

  • Cleaning & sanitizing

    • Surfaces sanitized between seatings
    • Common areas deep-cleaned daily
    • Sanitizer or wipes provided for customers
  • Physical distancing

    • Limited number of seated diners
    • Distancing maintained in common areas
    • Extra space between tables
  • Protective equipment

    • Waitstaff wear masks
    • Diners must wear masks unless eating or drinking
  • Screening

    • Sick staff prohibited in the workplace

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 2412 OpenTable diners.

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

Make a reservation

2 people

7:00 PM


Booked 38 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
  • Neighborhood
    Lexington
  • Hours of operation
    Brunch Fri–Sun 11:00 am–2:30 pm Lunch Fri–Sun 11:00 am–2:30 pm Dinner Mon–Thu, Sun 5:00 pm–10:00 pm Fri, Sat 5:00 pm–11:00 pm Bar Mon–Thu, Sun 5:00 pm–10:00 pm Fri, Sat 5:00 pm–11:00 pm
  • Price
    $31 to $50
  • Cuisines
    American
  • Dining style
    Casual Elegant
  • Dress code
    Business Casual
  • Parking details
    Valet is available on Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights
  • Payment options
    AMEX, Mastercard, Visa
  • Executive chef
    Mark Richardson
  • Additional
    Banquet, Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Full Bar, Indoor Fireplace, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Takeout, Weekend Brunch, Wheelchair Access, Wine
  • Phone number
    (859) 252-1010
  • Private party facilities
    We have the ability seat 20- 60 guests in our private dining rooms. They are eloquently appointed and located on the second floor. A bar is available adjacent to the rooms.
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