Diners' Choice: Lively restaurants in Lexington

OpenTable

Updated September 05, 2024

Looking for restaurants that have the most vibrant bar scenes in Lexington? You’re in the right place. Each month, OpenTable analyzes nearly 2 million global diner reviews from the past four months. We sort the results by location and category to help you discover new favorite restaurants. It's a great partnership: you reserve, eat, and review. We listen...and deliver the results for all to benefit. Enjoy!

BRU Burger Bar - Lexington

4.9

4.9 (444)

$30 and under

Burgers

Lexington

About the restaurant

The hamburger is over 100 years old. It’s a classic, purely American, and an icon. The hamburger is the people’s sandwich, everyman’s food. BRU is an ode to our love….the Burger. Paired with a beer, we can’t imagine what could be much better. Join us at BRU Burger Bar. We look forward to serving you! BRU Burger Bar is proudly operated by Cunningham Restaurant Group.

Welcome to BRU Burger Bar.

Top review

Carolynvip

Dined on Sep 6, 2024

Good food but service a bit slow on this night. Several bigger parties near us so maybe that was the problem. Still, a good experience and will keep going back!

OBC Kitchen

4.9

4.9 (4195)

$31 to $50

American

Lexington

About the restaurant

OBC Kitchen is a local, chef-driven restaurant that houses an extremely rare bourbon collection, eclectic craft beer selection and extensive wine list. Centuries-old local barn wood surrounds guests as they enjoy high quality, distinctive dishes in a pub like atmosphere. Indulge in chef-driven dishes and seasonal favorites. Celebrate the weekend with $5 Happy Hour features each Friday. Enjoy brunch favorites, bloody marys and mimosas on Saturday and Sunday.

The passionate staff fosters a spirit of hospitality and Kentucky heritage. OBC Kitchen was named after the counties that eventually became Kentucky; “Old Bourbon County” was stamped on bourbon barrels that floated down the Mississippi from Kentucky and became synonymous with the best bourbon in the U.S.

Top review

OpenTable Diner

Dined 5 days ago

Our first experience dining here and we loved it. Food was delicious, service was spot on and our seating area was perfect. 10/10

Carson's on Main

4.8

4.8 (5981)

$30 and under

American

Lexington

About the restaurant

Carson's Food & Drink features new and exciting chef-driven recipes and cocktails that combine rustic refinement with classic Kentucky elegance in a casual, yet comfortable atmosphere.

One of Lexington Kentucky's finest restaurants; Multi Year Winner of OpenTable's "Diners' Choice" (2017,18,19,20,21,22) and included in RestaurantNews 'Top 100 Restaurants in America 2018'.

We can't wait to welcome you!

Top review

OpenTable Diner

Dined 2 days ago

We loved this place so much that we went for dinner and brunch the next day! Amazing food, drinks, and service! Try the ribs app! Highly recommend!

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Ice Cream Sundae Martini

Blue Sushi Sake Grill - Lexington

4.8

4.8 (168)

$30 and under

Sushi

Lexington

About the restaurant

Blue Sushi Sake Grill unites creative ingredients with energetic vibes, premium cold sake with happy moments to give you a fresh and fun new way to experience sushi. Our sushi and grill menus allow you to explore your sushi favorites in new and unexpected ways. We like to say that sushi is for sharing, and our menu encourages it. Order a spread of all your maki, nigiri and sashimi favs from the sushi bar, and throw in a few orders of starters from the grill. We'll stagger your plates so you can savor it all bite-by-bite, and maximize the sushi experience you've been craving all week. If you're not sure where to start, tour the menu during Happy Hour, where all our guest favorites — from our sushi, grill and drink menus — are available at an amazing value. We offer Happy Hour every day of the week at Blue Sushi Sake Grill!

Top review

OpenTable Dinervip

Dined 7 days ago

One of Lexingtons best! Delicious food, great service, solid Happy Hour, runs all day Sunday.

Honeysuckle Dining and Bourbon House

4.7

4.7 (196)

$30 and under

Contemporary American

Berea

About the restaurant

Honeysuckle Dining and Bourbon House is the fusion of all things Southern with hints of modern and world influences. Come visit us and share in the experience.

Our specialty is delicious cuisine created with ingenuity and passion. We take great pride in improving upon your favorite dishes and using the best ingredients available. Select our Bourbon House for a unique and memorable Kentucky experience.

Top review

OpenTable Diner

Dined on Sep 3, 2024

The food was very good and the service was excellent. The restaurant was beautiful inside and out. We can't wait to return.

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Infinity: A Skybar & Café

4.5

4.5 (149)

$30 and under

American

Lexington

About the restaurant

Infinity: A Rooftop Restaurant and Bar is a rooftop restaurant and lounge serving handcrafted cocktails, developed by our very own Bartenders, that pair perfectly with the modern American cuisine. Enjoy the open air when weather permits!

*Party must arrive within 15 minutes of scheduled reservation time, or reservation will be canceled.

Top review

OpenTable Diner

Dined on Sep 1, 2024

They serve brunch till 3 PM which we were disappointed to find out. We really wanted there regular burger for lunch @1 but they said they serve brunch till 3pm

La Cosa Nostra

4.5

4.5 (28)

$30 and under

Italian

Danville

About the restaurant

Welcome to "Our thing" La Cosa Nostra! Come enjoy an evening in Danville, KY with phenomenal dishes, cocktails if you wish, a fun and upbeat atmosphere, and leave happy. Everything from your classics like Spaghetti & Meatballs to our signature Chicken Saltimbocca. Your experience will be one to remember that's full of flavor start to finish. You can also request to dine in our refinished bank vault!

Top review

MichaelR

Dined on Aug 9, 2024

Great food, and large portions! Great value for time and money spent. I eat here every time I visit Danville.

Jean Farris Winery & Bistro

4.4

4.4 (2388)

$31 to $50

Farm-to-table

Lexington

About the restaurant

Situated on an historic Old Richmond Road Farm, we at Jean Farris strive to bring you the best experience Horse Country has to offer. Whether you’re looking to escape or gather, Jean Farris can provide your rustic, picturesque backdrop.
Established in 2003, this family run farm has consistently provided a deep sense of connection amongst wine lovers, horse lovers, and of course bourbon lovers alike. Rooted and deeply inspired in and by southern comfort cuisine, this truly farm to fork restaurant will give you the perfect canvas to explore your culinary palette. Please come as you are and don’t mind the lack of white tablecloth, we want you to relax when you dine with us.

Top review

Teresa

Dined on Sep 5, 2024

Perfect meeting place for fine dining. Reservations were a breeze. Courteous welcome upon arrival. Drink menu is perfect- not limited to JF wines and the cocktails are wonderful. We started with the charcuterie board which had in house made crackers, sausage, variety of cheeses and some chutney which was delicious. We all had a different entree and none of us left anything Portions are moderate in size and easy to consume. Others came and left while we were there- some to dine some to just have a drink and sit outside. The chef came out personally to check on us which was a lovely personal touch. This is a great place to eat. Personal attention is given to all patrons. We never felt rushed in fact they were so kind we had no idea we had stayed for over three hours.

Lost Palm

4.4

4.4 (105)

$31 to $50

Cocktail Bar

Lexington

About the restaurant

Seven stories up and an oasis above Lexington, a rooftop nod to sultry South Florida. Embrace an experience filled with small bites, big hats, and inspired tropical drinks. Lost Palm welcomes you!

Reservations are highly encouraged, however we accept walk-ins on a first-come, first-served basis. Find us at The Manchester Hotel in the Distillery District, with valet services at your convenience. Street and paid parking options are available. All visitors must be 21 or older, with ID verification upon entry. For those with underage guests, please contact our restaurant Granddam.

Reservations are available indoors or outdoors. We'll try our best to accommodate, but we cannot guarantee swapping indoor/outdoor reservations. For groups over 6, please call (859)-785-3906. Our kitchen welcomes you from 4-10PM daily. For cabana rentals, email twetzel@themanchesterky.com.

Enjoy an unforgettable visit to Lost Palm, where leisure and luxury blend seamlessly.

Top review

David

Dined on Sep 4, 2024

Every aspect of our request ahead of time for a Cabana to the point-in-time service by our waitress caused everyone to comment on how special the time was.

33 Staves

4.3

4.3 (199)

$30 and under

Contemporary American

Lexington

About the restaurant

33 Staves, located inside the beautiful Origin Hotel Lexington at The Summit. 33 Staves is a modern southern-inspired restaurant and bar. We take pride serving a seasonally crafted menu comprised of handpicked local ingredients. Our bar offers a wide range of craft cocktails and bourbons.

Top review

VPD7

Dined on Aug 9, 2024

We really enjoyed our meals here - catfish, black bean burger and their version of chicken sandwich with pimento cheese. The restaurant is the lobby if a nice hotel, good vibe overall. If not many diners it can feel odd sitting there eating but it's a good option in the summit.

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