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Dudley's on Short, Lexington, KY

Dudley's on Short

4.8 (2731)
$31 to $50
American
259 W. Short St., Lexington, KY 40507

Make a reservation

2 people
7:00 PM
Booked 27 times today
Experiences are available.

About this restaurant

  • Good for business meals
  • Good for special occasions
  • 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 Hoffmann'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

  • Dining style
    Casual Elegant
  • Price
    $31 to $50
  • Cuisines
    American, Vegetarian / Vegan, Wine Bar
  • 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
  • Website
    http://www.dudleysonshort.com/
  • Payment options
    AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
  • Dress code
    Business Casual
  • Executive chef
    Bradley Hoffmann
  • 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
  • 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, Corkage Fee, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Indoor Fireplace, Kosher, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Takeout, Vegan, Weekend Brunch, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Featured in

Experiences

  • Rooftop Rosé Tasting

    $50.00 per person

    Prepaid

    Jun 24, 2025 only
    6:00 PM
    Indulge in rosé wines from around the world and expand your palate. Join us for an evening of wine tasting and education hosted by Advanced Sommelier, Tony Majors, and enjoy appetizers prepared by our very own Chef Bradley Hoffmann. Wines to be featured: Flowers Rosé of Pinot Noir, Sonoma, CA Calafuria Rosé of Negroamaro, Puglia, Italy Lucien Albrecht Crémant d’Alsace Rosé, Alsace, France Domaine Ott, Provence, France Must be 21+ to attend

Menu

Dudley's on Short's menu was last updated on 3/10/2025.

Dinner Menu

Snacks & Starters

  • JC HOUSE FRIES$8.00

    smoked aioli, serrano-dill mayo

    • DUDLEY EGGS OR SMOKED KY TROUT DUDLEYS EGGS$7.00

      paprika, chives

      • MARINATED OLIVES$9.00

        mixed olives, feta, capers, pearl onion, lemon

        • KOREAN FRIED CAULIFLOWER$15.00

          gochujang, sesame, lime

          • BAKED GOAT CHEESE$16.00

            hot honey, dukkah, crushed almond, house lavash

            • MEAT & CHEESE$25.00

              artisanal cured meats, cheeses, house pickles, mustard

              • 1/2 DOZEN OYSTERS ON THE HALFSHELL$20.00

                fresh horseradish, mignonette, lemon

                • JUMBO SHRIMP COCKTAIL$21.00

                  cocktail sauce, lemon

                  • HASH BROWN TARTINE$16.00

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

                    • SALMON TARTARE$22.00

                      basil, capers, lemon, olive oil, foccacia

                      • CRISP CALAMARI$16.00

                        garlic, herbs, sweet & spicy mayo

                        • CRAB CAKE$24.00

                          creamy andouille weisenberger grits, holy trinity, lobster cream

                          Salads

                          • CUCUMBER SALAD$16.00

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

                            • FRISEE SALAD$16.00

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

                              • TG SALAD$13.00

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

                                • CAESAR SALAD$10.00

                                  romaine, garlic & herb croutons, parmesan, white anchovy

                                  • WILTED BRUSSELS SPROUT SALAD$10.00

                                    manchego cheese, pine nuts, aged balsamic

                                    Entrées & Classics

                                    • SEARED ORA KING SALMON$46.00

                                      quinoa, asparagus, spring peas, garlic cream, pistou

                                      • SEARED SEA SCALLOPS$48.00

                                        apple & bacon braised radicchio, farro, paprika cream

                                        • BRAISED LAMB RIBS$46.00

                                          cauliflower tabbouleh, harissa carrots, pomegranate molasses bbq, jus

                                          • CHICKEN IN 40 CLOVES$38.00

                                            wild rice pilaf, zucchini, fennel, tarragon

                                            • 16oz BONE-IN RIBEYE

                                              changes daily, market price

                                              • TOURNEDOS MAXWELL$47.00

                                                petite filets, crab, potato puree, house made béarnaise

                                                • STEAK FRITES$32.00

                                                  8oz ny strip, house fries, herb butter

                                                  • PASTA DUDLEY$27.00

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

                                                    • KY HOT BROWN$19.00

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

                                                      • DA' BURGER$19.00

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

                                                        Last updated: March 9, 2025

                                                        What 2,731 people are saying

                                                        Dudley's on Short reviews from people who’ve dined at this restaurant. Based on recent rating.

                                                        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
                                                        • 4.9Service
                                                        • 4.8Ambience
                                                        • 4.5Value

                                                        Noise • Moderate

                                                        Loved For

                                                        • Lexington

                                                          Best Service

                                                        • Lexington

                                                          Best Ambiance

                                                        • Lexington

                                                          American

                                                        Review summary

                                                        AI-generated from verified diner reviews
                                                        Dudley's on Short is a cherished dining spot in Lexington, celebrated for its sophisticated service and focus on seasonal, local offerings with a Southern twist. Guests rave about its "superb food," "phenomenal service," and "divine atmosphere," making it a must-visit for both special occasions and everyday dining experiences.
                                                        2,731 Reviews

                                                        1. Mike VIP

                                                          Chicago / Illinois98 reviews

                                                          3.0

                                                          Dined 4 days ago

                                                          1. Overall 3
                                                          2. Food 3
                                                          3. Service 3
                                                          4. Ambience 5
                                                          A drop in food quality and serving staff professionalism since our last visit. The Peruvian braised chicken, relatively new to the menu, was an amalgam of weird flavors with no distinctive character. The chicken was very dry and my taste buds were not impressed. The salmon tartare appetizer had very fresh salmon, but was overwhelmed by capers and lacked any other flavorings - dill, chives/onion were not promised and did not show up. The tuxedo sundae was outstanding and the star of the show. Don’t miss this! One other good food note, the filet mignon came out almost raw instead of medium rare. They fixed that promptly but it should have been done properly the first time. The noise was overwhelming on a Monday night with heavy wine drinkers shouting over each other in unrestrained fashion. So, not great for romantic evenings or conversations with friends.

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                                                        2. Dale VIP

                                                          Central Kentucky4 reviews

                                                          5.0

                                                          Dined 7 days ago

                                                          1. Overall 5
                                                          2. Food 5
                                                          3. Service 5
                                                          4. Ambience 5
                                                          Excellent restaurant. Everything you would expect from a fine dining restaurant

                                                          Is this helpful?

                                                        3. Leanne VIP

                                                          Philadelphia County28 reviews

                                                          5.0

                                                          Dined 7 days ago

                                                          1. Overall 5
                                                          2. Food 5
                                                          3. Service 5
                                                          4. Ambience 5
                                                          Dudley’s is one of my favorites in Lexington. Always delicious with excellent, sophisticated service. Focused is on seasonal & local offerings with Southern spin. It’s a must-do when in Lexington.

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                                                        4. Sherri

                                                          Central Kentucky3 reviews

                                                          5.0

                                                          Dined on June 4, 2025

                                                          1. Overall 5
                                                          2. Food 5
                                                          3. Service 5
                                                          4. Ambience 5
                                                          It was our anniversary and we really enjoyed ourselves. Food and drinks were great.

                                                          Is this helpful?

                                                        5. Sue

                                                          Central Kentucky2 reviews

                                                          4.0

                                                          Dined on June 1, 2025

                                                          1. Overall 4
                                                          2. Food 4
                                                          3. Service 5
                                                          4. Ambience 5
                                                          One problem that was quickly rectified and received comp.

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                                                        6. Esther VIP

                                                          Central Kentucky8 reviews

                                                          5.0

                                                          Dined on June 1, 2025

                                                          1. Overall 5
                                                          2. Food 5
                                                          3. Service 5
                                                          4. Ambience 5
                                                          Dudley’s never disappoints. Its elegant decor and quality food makes it one of the Lexington’s gems in hospitality.

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                                                        7. Connie Paul VIP

                                                          Asheville / Western North Carolina45 reviews

                                                          5.0

                                                          Dined on May 27, 2025

                                                          1. Overall 5
                                                          2. Food 5
                                                          3. Service 5
                                                          4. Ambience 5
                                                          Great food and wonderful service!! Will return on our next trip to Lexington.

                                                          Is this helpful?

                                                        8. Suzanne

                                                          Central Kentucky12 reviews

                                                          5.0

                                                          Dined on May 22, 2025

                                                          1. Overall 5
                                                          2. Food 5
                                                          3. Service 5
                                                          4. Ambience 5
                                                          As always a great time. Our waitress was excellent, I try to remember names, hers escapes me. We sat by the window which I asked for & enjoyed watching the band across the street. Food was delicious and we sat and enjoyed our old fashions before we left. We will be back!

                                                          Is this helpful?

                                                        9. Masten

                                                          Unspecified1 review

                                                          5.0

                                                          Dined on May 21, 2025

                                                          1. Overall 5
                                                          2. Food 5
                                                          3. Service 5
                                                          4. Ambience 5
                                                          Best service we have had in a long time. Truly wonderful.

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                                                        10. Diane

                                                          Atlanta1 review

                                                          5.0

                                                          Dined on May 18, 2025

                                                          1. Overall 5
                                                          2. Food 5
                                                          3. Service 5
                                                          4. Ambience 5
                                                          We were a party of 5 and had a great experience. All the food was delicious. Our server, Bailey, was the best! She was very knowledgeable and gave us several recommendations. She was also very personable and had us laughing all night!

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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 2731 OpenTable diners.

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

                                                        1. Home
                                                        2. United States
                                                        3. Central Kentucky
                                                        4. Lexington
                                                        5. Lexington

                                                        Make a reservation

                                                        2 people
                                                        7:00 PM
                                                        Booked 27 times today
                                                        Experiences are available.
                                                        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, 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 Hoffmann
                                                        • 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, Takeout, 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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