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Dudley's on Short, Lexington, KY

Dudley's on Short

4.8 (2743)
$31 to $50
American
259 W. Short St., Lexington, KY 40507

Make a reservation

2 people
7:00 PM
Booked 28 times today
Experiences are available.

About this restaurant

  • Good for business meals
  • Charming
  • Good for special occasions
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

  • Dudley's Rooftop Roundup

    $100.00 per person

    Prepaid

    Jul 22, 2025 only
    6:00 PM
    Join us as we honor Bobby Miller with a cowboy themed 3-course dinner party on our rooftop! Dust off your cowboy hats & come enjoy a curated dinner from Chef Bradley Hoffmann and sip on the infamous "Bobby Margarita!" Cash Bar will be offered throughout the night for guests enjoyment. Event will be ticketed, more info to come! (21+ only)
    Dudley's Rooftop Roundup Photo

  • Dudley's All Grown Up!

    $50.00 per person

    Prepaid

    Aug 26, 2025 only
    6:00 PM
    Calling all millennials!! Chef Bradley Hoffmann will be cooking up some of our favorite snacks from our childhood in this rooftop cocktail party. More info to come! (21+ only)

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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 2,743 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
                                                        • 4.7Food
                                                        • 4.9Service
                                                        • 4.9Ambience
                                                        • 4.5Value

                                                        Noise • Moderate

                                                        Loved For

                                                        • Central Kentucky

                                                          Best Service

                                                        • Central Kentucky

                                                          Best Ambiance

                                                        • Lexington

                                                          Best Overall

                                                        • Lexington

                                                          Best Service

                                                        • Lexington

                                                          Best Ambiance

                                                        • Lexington

                                                          Great for brunch

                                                        • Lexington

                                                          American

                                                        Review summary

                                                        AI-generated from verified diner reviews
                                                        Dudley's on Short offers a sophisticated and welcoming atmosphere with "superb food" and "phenomenal service." Known for its "seasonal and local offerings with a Southern spin," it remains a favorite in Lexington. The rooftop dining experience is "intimate and unique," making it perfect for special occasions.
                                                        2,743 Reviews

                                                        1. Paul VIP

                                                          Indiana6 reviews

                                                          3.0

                                                          Dined 1 day ago

                                                          1. Overall 3
                                                          2. Food 5
                                                          3. Service 3
                                                          4. Ambience 3
                                                          Really disappointed to write this review. Maybe our expectations were to high based on the 4.8 rating on 2000+ reviews. But I have to say this was a very ordinary experience. From the beginning, the front door opens into the bar area with tables spread in all directions, TV's on, etc. Not seeming a big deal, but certainly not a good first impression. We walked back to our table, which was in the smaller, golden painted, dining room on the left. We immediately enjoyed the quiet atmosphere, and comfortable table. The waiter greeted us, and let us know we would have water and bread, and we said we would think about a cocktail. Seemed good, but he returned to take a drink order after several minutes, but still no water or bread. He apologized, and re-appeared with the water. Bread came another couple of minutes later. Heath's Old Fashioned was solid, and the wine-by-the-glass menu had something for everyone. The Apps were good...I had the deviled eggs, but they were very small. She had oysters which were fresh and tasty...but nothing outstanding by any means. The Entree's were also good, but nothing too special either...Tornedos Maxwell (a specialty?) and Steak Frites. Both plates luke warm, and small portions. Desert, however, was AWESOME as we had "The Smore". We were leery to order, but it was a GREAT presentation. But then the Port Wine menu was very disappointing, with the 20 yr Tawny being the premium selection (my girlfriend who was with me is Portuguese, living in Lisbon, so we know good port). Should have a 30 yr option at a minimum. As I said, overall good, but not what we were looking for. We will try the other higher rated restaurants in the area (Lockbox, Distilled, J Alexander's, Giusepe's, etc.) before coming back.

                                                          Is this helpful?

                                                        2. David VIP

                                                          Central Kentucky2 reviews

                                                          5.0

                                                          Dined 3 days ago

                                                          1. Overall 5
                                                          2. Food 5
                                                          3. Service 5
                                                          4. Ambience 5
                                                          Nice ambiance, efficient and attentive service from server Si. Brunch selections were varied and well prepared. We will definitely return for dinner.

                                                          Is this helpful?

                                                        3. Paula VIP

                                                          Central Kentucky32 reviews

                                                          5.0

                                                          Dined 7 days ago

                                                          1. Overall 5
                                                          2. Food 5
                                                          3. Service 5
                                                          4. Ambience 5
                                                          Wonderful rooftop experience. Great service from Ty. As always, the food was great. We love Dudleys!

                                                          Is this helpful?

                                                        4. William VIP

                                                          New York City4 reviews

                                                          5.0

                                                          Dined on June 28, 2025

                                                          1. Overall 5
                                                          2. Food 5
                                                          3. Service 5
                                                          4. Ambience 5
                                                          Perfect experience -- as always! Clearly one of the best restaurants in Lexington.

                                                          Is this helpful?

                                                        5. Brittany

                                                          Columbus11 reviews

                                                          5.0

                                                          Dined on June 27, 2025

                                                          1. Overall 5
                                                          2. Food 5
                                                          3. Service 5
                                                          4. Ambience 5
                                                          Sooooo delicious! I would totally eat here again!

                                                          Is this helpful?

                                                        6. Letitia VIP

                                                          Central Kentucky31 reviews

                                                          5.0

                                                          Dined on June 25, 2025

                                                          1. Overall 5
                                                          2. Food 5
                                                          3. Service 5
                                                          4. Ambience 5
                                                          Always, fantastic in every way! Bar atmosphere is the best!

                                                          Is this helpful?

                                                        7. Lisa

                                                          Miami - Dade1 review

                                                          5.0

                                                          Dined on June 24, 2025

                                                          1. Overall 5
                                                          2. Food 5
                                                          3. Service 5
                                                          4. Ambience 5
                                                          My most favorite spot in Lexington! Perfect place to experience the vibe of Lexington, Kentucky!!!💗🐴

                                                          Is this helpful?

                                                        8. Matthew

                                                          Central Kentucky18 reviews

                                                          5.0

                                                          Dined on June 24, 2025

                                                          1. Overall 5
                                                          2. Food 5
                                                          3. Service 5
                                                          4. Ambience 5
                                                          Dudley’s never disappoints. Great food and great wine and great service.

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                                                        9. Jonathan

                                                          Central Kentucky6 reviews

                                                          5.0

                                                          Dined on June 20, 2025

                                                          1. Overall 5
                                                          2. Food 5
                                                          3. Service 5
                                                          4. Ambience 5
                                                          Great restaurant! Drinks were good and food was delicious. The rolls are amazing and the ny steak was perfectly cooked

                                                          Is this helpful?

                                                        10. Jeffrey VIP

                                                          London38 reviews

                                                          5.0

                                                          Dined on June 16, 2025

                                                          1. Overall 5
                                                          2. Food 5
                                                          3. Service 5
                                                          4. Ambience 5
                                                          Outstanding as always! You can’t go wrong with anything on the menu!
                                                          Dudley's on ShortResponded on June 17, 2025
                                                          Thanks Jeffrey! It's great that you enjoyed your dining experience with us so much!

                                                          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 4.8 stars by 2743 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 28 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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