Dudley's On Short

Dudley’s is a place we will return! Staying in Lexington a couple of days and trying new places to eat. This one did not disappoint! Everything about it was a five star. Check this restaurant out when in the area! We’ll be back to check out the rooftop eating area. It was a rainy day and it wasn’t opened but the waiter gave us a tour. Gorgeous!

Our group of four friends enjoyed a night out in Lexington and visited Dudley's on a Friday evening. We were seated and sat for 30 minutes without being greeted by any of the waitstaff. After speaking with management, the situation was immediately made up for by them generously comping our group's drinks and appetizers. We started with calamari and their meat and cheese platter. The calamari was breaded and cooked perfectly. The meat and cheese platter was stellar as well. I ordered from their prix fixe menu for Lexington's restaurant week, opting for the chilled sweet corn bisque, pork tenderloin, and blueberry tart. I don't think I could possibly put how fantastic this meal was into words, but the best I can do is say that the corn bisque had a wonderfully spicy chili oil that set the entire dish off onto another planet. The tenderloin was cooked perfectly and was complemented by the blueberry jam in a way that I would not have thought possible. The blueberry tart was the perfect way to end the meal, not overly heavy, but with a cardamom merengue that sent this dessert to another planet (which is where I'm sure they pulled their executive chef from, because there's nothing like them here on Earth). Overall, Dudley's took what could have been a disastrous start and made the evening memorable for all of the right reasons. This restaurant has my vote for the best in Lexington, and I would gladly visit again the next time I'm in town.

Dudley's is great. Sure, on Google it says it's fancy, and it is terrific, but I came in jeans and a henley and sat at the bar and was treated like a friend. The TG Salad was great. The deviled eggs were not. They were fine but super bland. The cocktails (Manhattan and Old Fashioned) were delicious and the German Chocolate Cake was the size of my head and I couldn't finish it. A great place that was warm, friendly and charming. Thanks to Michael behind the bar and the other staff who I met along the way.

If I could rate our dinner here with a 4.5, I would. We had some absolutely delectable things and others not quite as desirable. The ambiance of the restaurant was nice and we definitely enjoyed our linen covered tablecloth and the table setting as well. My husband LOVED his steak and would give it a five. He rarely gives a steak a five, but he said this one was cooked perfectly and the best one he’s had in a long time. I also loved my halibut and would give it a five, I thought it tasted delectable. We had a difference of opinion on the Wilted Brussel Sprout salad, but he loves Brussel sprouts and I don’t. Our waiter quickly brought me another salad 🥗, however, I’m not a vinaigrette lover and so their salads for me were between a 2 and 3. My husband, however, would give his Wilted Brussel Sprout Salad a five. We LOVED their Shrimp Cocktail and would order it again, it tasted wonderful to us. We both thought their yeast rolls and Creme Brûlée were about a three and weren’t too excited about them. We also both liked their tea, his unsweetened and mine served with a simple syrup and we’d give that a five also. As a whole, it was a very nice dining experience and are thankful we had the opportunity to go.

Went to Dudley's on Short for Lexington Restaurant Week and we were not disappointed. The menu they prepared had lots of great tastes, many of which were new for us. Would come back just for the smoked green olives alone. I'm not an olive guy, but I could have eaten a whole bowl of these! Cucumber & buttermilk soup, perfectly prepared pork chop and coffee cake with vanilla bean ice cream. All were amazing! We had an opportunity to meet the owner and found her to be very welcoming and gracious. Will certainly be returning to this Lexington gem in the future.