Dudley's on Short

4.8

2652 Reviews

$31 to $50

American

Make a reservation

2 people

Dec 4, 2024

10:00 PM

Booked 24 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 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 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
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

Popular dishes

JC HOUSE FRIES$7.00
smoked aioli, serrano-dill mayo
DUDLEY EGGS OR SMOKED KY TROUT DUDLEYS EGGS$7.00
paprika, chives
MARINATED OLIVES$9.00
mixed olives, orange, thyme, paprika, hazelnuts
TARTINE$18.00
changes daily
BAKED GOAT CHEESE$16.00
lavender hot honey, pistachio, za'atar spice, crispy flatbread
MEAT & CHEESE$25.00
artisanal cured meats, cheeses, house pickles, mustard
1/2 DOZEN OYSTERS ON THE HALFSHELL$18.00
fresh horseradish, mignonette, lemon
CRISP CALAMARI$15.00
garlic, herbs, sweet & spicy mayo
TUNA TARTARE$22.00
black pepper sauce, sesame, soy cured egg yolk, rice cracker
KOREAN FRIED CAULIFLOWER$15.00
gochujang, sesame, lime
PEI MUSSELS$22.00
white wine, chorizo, parsley, crostini
CRAB CAKE$24.00
creamy andouille weisenberger grits, holy trinity, lobster cream
JUMBO SHRIMP COCKTAIL$21.00
cocktail sauce, lemon

Salads

GOLDEN ENDIVE & GARBANZO SALAD$16.00
cucumber, piquillo peppers, mint, tahini vinaigrette
ARTICHOKE SALAD$15.00
couscous, arugula, feta, herbs, spring peas, caper vinaigrette
TG SALAD$11.00
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$44.00
mushroom farrotto, bread & butter zucchini, arugula pesto
BONE-IN DUROC PORK CHOP$48.00
ham cured, red beans with kale & country ham, molasses BBQ
CRISPY CONFIT RABBIT$46.00
herb couscous, peas, fava beans, spring pea puree
DUCK 2-WAYS$48.00
seared duck breast, confit dirty rice, spinach, blood orange, black fig demi glace
16oz BONE-IN RIBEYE$60.00
patate el forno, calabrian chile butter
TOURNEDOS MAXWELL$43.00
petite filets, crab, potato puree, house made béarnaise
STEAK FRITES$29.00
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

What 2,652 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 Ambiance
Lexington
Great for fine wines
Lexington
Romantic
Lexington
American

Review summary

AI-generated from verified diner reviews

Dudley's on Short is a charming Lexington staple offering a "quintessential Kentucky" dining experience. Guests rave about its "beautiful ambiance," "superb food," and "attentive service." The rooftop dining and seasonal menu are highlights. While some items receive mixed reviews, the overall experience is consistently praised as "outstanding" and "highly recommendable."

2,652 Reviews

K
Karol
New York City
2 reviews
4.0
2 reviews
Dined 4 days ago
1. Overall 4
2. Food 3
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
The service was great! The beef grade was between standard and commercial. I was expecting more like prime or choice.
Is this helpful?
L
Laura
Charlotte
3 reviews
5.0
3 reviews
Dined 6 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 4
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
I grew up in Lexington and now live in North Carolina and was in town for Thanksgiving and my sister and I wanted to eat at a great Lex restaurant we remembered. Dudley's was a favorite, we loved the ambiance and several of our old favorites were still on the menu. Staff were super friendly, would recommend for Brunch or special occasions
Is this helpful?
D
Denise
Chicago
16 reviews
vip
5.0
16 reviews
Dined 7 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Beautiful setting. Delicious food and great service!
Is this helpful?
M
M. Scott
Houston
17 reviews
5.0
17 reviews
Dined on November 24, 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Dudley’s is the location of our first date. Every meal there, including this one, have been excellent. We enjoy the slow pacing of our evening, the excellent service, and marvelous food and drinks.
Is this helpful?
R
Rachel
Louisville
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on November 23, 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
A cozy ambiance made me feel at home. Our server was jovial and personable without being over-present. The wilted brussel sprout salad was a delectable starter. We both enjoyed our drinks, an amazing wine selection that would impress a connoisseur and of course our main dishes delighted our palettes. Reasonable prices for a fine dining experience. Noise level was ever so low and we conversed with ease. I look forward to our next visit!
Is this helpful?
J
Jim
Louisville
53 reviews
vip
5.0
53 reviews
Dined on November 23, 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Maddie our server was impeccable. Her recommendations on dinner were on spot. It was a great night.
Is this helpful?
B
B
Louisville
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on November 22, 2024
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?
S
Sally
Cincinnati
15 reviews
vip
5.0
15 reviews
Dined on November 22, 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Always a favorite when we come to Lexington! We told them we were on a time crunch with the UK game and were very accommodating. Thank you!
Is this helpful?
M
Marsha
Louisville
33 reviews
vip
2.0
33 reviews
Dined on November 16, 2024
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?
B
Beth
Mobile
4 reviews
5.0
4 reviews
Dined on November 16, 2024
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!!
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 2652 OpenTable diners.

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

Make a reservation

2 people

Dec 4, 2024

10:00 PM

Booked 24 times today

Order delivery or takeout

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 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, 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.

Dudley's on Short

Make a reservation

Order delivery or takeout

Additional information

22 Central Kentucky Restaurants to Connect In For Mother's Day

79 Louisville Area Restaurants to Love This Valentine's Day

TG Salad

Salmon

Steak Frites

Snacks & Starters

JC HOUSE FRIES$7.00

DUDLEY EGGS OR SMOKED KY TROUT DUDLEYS EGGS$7.00

MARINATED OLIVES$9.00

TARTINE$18.00

BAKED GOAT CHEESE$16.00

MEAT & CHEESE$25.00

1/2 DOZEN OYSTERS ON THE HALFSHELL$18.00

CRISP CALAMARI$15.00

TUNA TARTARE$22.00

KOREAN FRIED CAULIFLOWER$15.00

PEI MUSSELS$22.00

CRAB CAKE$24.00

JUMBO SHRIMP COCKTAIL$21.00

Salads

GOLDEN ENDIVE & GARBANZO SALAD$16.00

ARTICHOKE SALAD$15.00

TG SALAD$11.00

CAESAR SALAD$10.00

WILTED BRUSSELS SPROUT SALAD$10.00

Entrées & Classics

SEARED ORA KING SALMON$44.00

BONE-IN DUROC PORK CHOP$48.00

CRISPY CONFIT RABBIT$46.00

DUCK 2-WAYS$48.00

16oz BONE-IN RIBEYE$60.00

TOURNEDOS MAXWELL$43.00

STEAK FRITES$29.00

PASTA DUDLEY$27.00

KY HOT BROWN$19.00

DA' BURGER$19.00

Overall ratings and reviews

Loved For

Review summary

FAQs

Does Dudley's on Short offer delivery through OpenTable or takeout?

How is Dudley's on Short restaurant rated?

Is Dudley's on Short currently accepting reservations?

Make a reservation

Order delivery or takeout

Additional information

Featured in

22 Central Kentucky Restaurants to Connect In For Mother's Day

79 Louisville Area Restaurants to Love This Valentine's Day