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Dudley's on Short, Lexington, KY

Dudley's on Short

4.7 (2723)
$31 to $50
American
259 W. Short St., Lexington, KY 40507

Make a reservation

2 people
SunMonTueWedThuFriSat
9:00 PM
Booked 25 times today

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 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

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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 2,723 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
                                                        • 4.8Service
                                                        • 4.8Ambience
                                                        • 4.5Value

                                                        Noise • Moderate

                                                        Loved For

                                                        • Lexington

                                                          Best Service

                                                        • Lexington

                                                          Best Ambiance

                                                        • Lexington

                                                          Great for fine wines

                                                        • Lexington

                                                          American

                                                        Review summary

                                                        AI-generated from verified diner reviews
                                                        Dudley's on Short is a beloved Lexington dining spot known for its "superb food" and "phenomenal service." With a "classy & understated" ambiance, it's perfect for special occasions. Guests rave about the "creative & refreshing drinks" and "beautifully prepared" dishes. The rooftop patio and welcoming atmosphere enhance the experience further.
                                                        2,723 Reviews

                                                        1. Shelby

                                                          Louisville2 reviews

                                                          5.0

                                                          Dined 2 days ago

                                                          1. Overall 5
                                                          2. Food 5
                                                          3. Service 5
                                                          4. Ambience 5
                                                          Amazing!! Bradley the server is great and the food is soooo good

                                                          Is this helpful?

                                                        2. Michael VIP

                                                          Louisville13 reviews

                                                          5.0

                                                          Dined 2 days ago

                                                          1. Overall 5
                                                          2. Food 5
                                                          3. Service 5
                                                          4. Ambience 5
                                                          Amazing dinner. Great service. Would totally recommend!

                                                          Is this helpful?

                                                        3. Terry VIP

                                                          Pittsburgh2 reviews

                                                          5.0

                                                          Dined 7 days ago

                                                          1. Overall 5
                                                          2. Food 5
                                                          3. Service 5
                                                          4. Ambience 5
                                                          The atmosphere and the service were top notch. Our server, Alex, was outstanding.

                                                          Is this helpful?

                                                        4. Dana

                                                          Cleveland15 reviews

                                                          5.0

                                                          Dined on May 7, 2025

                                                          1. Overall 5
                                                          2. Food 4
                                                          3. Service 5
                                                          4. Ambience 5
                                                          Good venue for dining and private events upstairs. Food selection good and service was attentive. Nice wine by the glass.

                                                          Is this helpful?

                                                        5. James

                                                          Louisville10 reviews

                                                          4.0

                                                          Dined on May 4, 2025

                                                          1. Overall 4
                                                          2. Food 4
                                                          3. Service 4
                                                          4. Ambience 5
                                                          Reliable, high -quality food for lunch/brunch. Today, though, there was a large family gathering at two tables that made the noise level much worse than usual at a fairly staid restaurant.

                                                          Is this helpful?

                                                        6. Dustin VIP

                                                          Louisville30 reviews

                                                          5.0

                                                          Dined on May 3, 2025

                                                          1. Overall 5
                                                          2. Food 5
                                                          3. Service 5
                                                          4. Ambience 5
                                                          It was derby day so the excitement was a little higher than normal but was still great & the place to be to watch the race . The food & service are always top notch . 10/10

                                                          Is this helpful?

                                                        7. Melissa VIP

                                                          Las Vegas4 reviews

                                                          5.0

                                                          Dined on April 30, 2025

                                                          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?

                                                        8. Michelle VIP

                                                          Louisville26 reviews

                                                          5.0

                                                          Dined on April 27, 2025

                                                          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?

                                                        9. Melissa VIP

                                                          Louisville11 reviews

                                                          5.0

                                                          Dined on April 26, 2025

                                                          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?

                                                        10. Gail

                                                          New York City8 reviews

                                                          3.0

                                                          Dined on April 25, 2025

                                                          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?

                                                        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 2723 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

                                                        Booked 25 times today
                                                        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 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.

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