Dudley's on Short

4.7 (2717)

$31 to $50

American

259 W. Short St., Lexington, KY 40507

Make a reservation

2 people

May 1, 2025

7:00 PM

Booked 19 times today

About this restaurant

Charming
Good for business meals
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 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

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$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

What 2,717 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

4.7

4.7 based on recent ratings

4.6Food
4.9Service
4.8Ambience
4.5Value

Noise • Moderate

Loved For

Lexington
Best Service
Lexington
American

Review summary

AI-generated from verified diner reviews

Dudley's on Short offers a delightful dining experience with "superb service" and consistently "delicious food." Guests rave about the "welcoming ambiance" and "expertly crafted" drinks. While there are occasional critiques, the restaurant remains a Lexington favorite for its "beautiful decor" and "exceptional service." Don't miss their specials and delectable desserts.

2,717 Reviews

M
Melissa VIP
Las Vegas4 reviews
5.0
Dined 1 day ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Food was delicious! Rooftop was beautiful, intimate and unique. Loved the entire experience!
Is this helpful?
M
Michelle VIP
Louisville26 reviews
5.0
Dined 4 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Our food and the staff were terrific, cocktails were amazing and the atmosphere can’t be beat! Definitely worth every Penny
Is this helpful?
M
Melissa VIP
Louisville11 reviews
5.0
Dined 5 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
We started out with Dudley Eggs, fav appetizer to share. Then both enjoyed the spinach and berry salad, added the grilled salmon. Superb. Wrapped our girl's brunch with the stuffed French toast, festive option for dessert. Lovely meal, helpful staff.
Is this helpful?
G
Gail
New York City8 reviews
3.0
Dined 6 days ago
1. Overall 3
2. Food 3
3. Service 3
4. Ambience 5
Food not great. Menu limited. Beautiful place but would not return
Is this helpful?
M
Mary
New York City4 reviews
5.0
Dined 7 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Dudley's is always one of our favorite dining spots in Lexington! Ambience is classy & understated; wait-staff is highly trained & professional. Drinks are creative & refreshing; wine selection is also very nice. Food is always beautifully prepared and delicious. I highly recommend dining there, especially in the nice weather with rooftop patio & open doors in front dining room! Great for special occasions!
Is this helpful?
S
Suzanne
Louisville11 reviews
5.0
Dined 7 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
We had another great time dining. We sat outside and also enjoyed the music from Thursday night live. A great experience! The food was delicious, and our waitress, Celeste, was amazing.
Dudley's on ShortResponded 6 days ago
It's wonderful to hear you enjoyed your experience with us, Suzanne! I'll make sure Celeste sees this, too!
Is this helpful?
T
Tracy
Tampa1 review
5.0
Dined on April 20, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Our server was amazing! I think her name was Chelsea. Thank you for a great experience!
Dudley's on ShortResponded 6 days ago
Thanks so much for leaving a review, Tracy! I'll make sure your server sees this!
Is this helpful?
S
SHEILA
West Virginia6 reviews
5.0
Dined on April 11, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Our experience for dinner at Dudley‘s on short was exquisite as usual. Table was ready when we got there. Service was fast… server was attentive.
Dudley's on ShortResponded 6 days ago
Shelia, thanks so much for the review! We're happy to know that you enjoyed your dining experience with us!
Is this helpful?
J
Jay VIP
San Diego50 reviews
5.0
Dined on April 10, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 4
I live out of state but have come here many times over the years and it is consistently excellent
Dudley's on ShortResponded on April 14, 2025
Thanks, Jay! We appreciate you dining with us when you're in town, and hope to see you again soon!
Is this helpful?
R
Rachel VIP
San Francisco10 reviews
5.0
Dined on April 10, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Best burgers and steak in town. Love the potato rolls.
Dudley's on ShortResponded 6 days ago
Glad you enjoyed the steak and ribeye! We love the potato rolls!!
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 4.7 stars by 2717 OpenTable diners.

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

Make a reservation

2 people

May 1, 2025

7:00 PM

Booked 19 times today

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

About this restaurant

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$8.00

DUDLEY EGGS OR SMOKED KY TROUT DUDLEYS EGGS$7.00

MARINATED OLIVES$9.00

KOREAN FRIED CAULIFLOWER$15.00

BAKED GOAT CHEESE$16.00

MEAT & CHEESE$25.00

1/2 DOZEN OYSTERS ON THE HALFSHELL$20.00

JUMBO SHRIMP COCKTAIL$21.00

HASH BROWN TARTINE$16.00

SALMON TARTARE$22.00

CRISP CALAMARI$16.00

CRAB CAKE$24.00

Salads

CUCUMBER SALAD$16.00

FRISEE SALAD$16.00

TG SALAD$13.00

CAESAR SALAD$10.00

WILTED BRUSSELS SPROUT SALAD$10.00

Entrées & Classics

SEARED ORA KING SALMON$46.00

SEARED SEA SCALLOPS$48.00

BRAISED LAMB RIBS$46.00

CHICKEN IN 40 CLOVES$38.00

16oz BONE-IN RIBEYE

TOURNEDOS MAXWELL$47.00

STEAK FRITES$32.00

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

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