I went as a guest at the hotel and wanted try out the hotel bar. I know there is a parking garage for people. This is located downtown in the Hilton. I ordered a turtle brownie which I thought would be a nice dessert. The brownie was more like sponge cake which is not my taste. They didn't have an ice cream scooper so I got a spoon of ice cream. I decided that it wasn't for my taste. I prefer firm, brownie tasting brownies. I decided not to try anything else. I did grab a drink. The staff was nice. It was not really crowded so plenty of room to sit and enjoy the ambiance. read more

BBM - Turtle brownie - Bars Near Me - Lexington, Kentucky

See all

I stayed at the Hilton for work and visited BBM twice - once for a quick dinner and drink after arriving and the next night for drinks with my colleagues. Service was quick and friendly, food was good, and I liked my drinks. I enjoyed my chicken quesadilla and Old Fashioned, but the star of the show is the Bourbon Espresso Martini! So good! Love the patio with the very comfortable big blue chairs and views of Triangle Park. read more

We had our insurance industry group in Lexington for a conference and all of us were staying at the Hilton Downtown. I reserved part of BBM for our cocktail reception on Thursday evening. The staff at the hotel and BBM were great to work with and were attentive to our needs. The space was perfect for our group and everyone enjoyed BBM. read more

BBM - Bars Near Me - Lexington, Kentucky

See all

This bar is located in the Hilton in downtown Lexington. Ambiance is great. Food is wonderful. I've eaten the hamburger and spinach dip which were great! Service is great as well. Everyone is friendly. read more

We stayed at the hotel and grabbed a late dinner after the basketball game at Rupp arena. Selections were nice for a hotel restaurant. Would definitely eat here again. I had the ceaser salad and my husband had the tacos. Our server was good and they have a nice selection at their bar. read more

It was busy but the waitress was on it. I had the filet & Old Fashion. My wife had a quesadilla & The Tandem Bike. We were both pleased with our choices. read more

The service here was NOT awesome. I was staying at the hotel and came down to the bar to get a glass of wine. Before I had made it into the seat, the bartender asked me what I wanted. I asked if he had a drink menu. He dropped one off and walked away. I ordered a glass of wine, he asked me if I was going to get food, I told him I wasn't going to do dinner but I may order a snack. He again walked away, complained to his coworker at the end of the bar how tired he was, and then just dropped off my check. I took the hint. I paid and took the rest of my wine to my room. I thought maybe it was just me, until talking to my coworker the next day, he said he went down to get dinner and felt like he was bothering the bartender. read more

My bf and I decided to stop in on NYE eve and grab a drink and snack. They were busy with only a handful of staff but we got seated right away. Our server took a while to get our food orders, but I think she was just overwhelmed. Our old fashioneds were tasty and our food was good. Would definitely go back to hang out in downtown Lex. Such a nice view. read more

BBM - Chicken Club on Focaccia with fries - Bars Near Me - Lexington, Kentucky

I had not been here in 10+years. This place has gone way down hill. Sat at the bar for a few mins and saw how dirty everything was. It grossed me out. No one even acknowledged we were there. read more

I know everyone goes for the drinks but because I don't drink and had already ate I decided to stop in for dessert. The Kentucky Derby pie was amazing. I got a huge piece (Thank you for whoever cut my piece). Derby pie isn't the same all over Kentucky but this one is in my top 5. When we went we were able to sit outside which was nice an beautiful next to Triangle park. The only negative was the service. There were maybe 3 guests in the restaurant when we visited and between the dessert and drink that was ordered the wait time was really long, no refills on the water, and the server came quick to collect the check. The fastest we've seen him move all night. But I would go back to try another dessert and maybe get it to go. read more

Hotel bar that will meet your drinking and hunger needs. Monday the food orders stopped at 10pm and could have used something. read more

BBM - Bar - Bars Near Me - Lexington, Kentucky

Great location, food was great. It would have been 5 stars if we had a service provider that paid attention to our request. No avocado on the sandwich and can you change the channel to ESPN. She was so busy socializing with her coworkers that at some point during our time dining we didn't matter. She was also on her phone texting. S. F would have gotten a great tip but no ma'am not today. Also the biggest flag was she kept playing in her hair. read more

Second time here while staying at the Hilton, they have a great staff , Carisa is an awesome bartender and offers the best spirits and is a great sport as well Food was great as well a must try is the quesadilla's you won't be disappointed Thank you for making us feel welcomed read more

Sat down at the bar and didn't think I'd have anything but a glass of wine pre-dinner reservation down the street. However, Jason the bartender boasted he makes the best old fashioned in town so I figured it's worth a try. Let me just say... I'm a straight bourbon girl and didn't think I'd enjoy it but true to his word, Jason created "a balanced cocktail through and through". Can't speak to the food and with so many amazing restaurants in walking distance, not sure I'll give the kitchen here a chance. read more

BBM - Old Fashioned with a spritz of grand mariner - Bars Near Me - Lexington, Kentucky

Came with my brothers and cousins and were surprised how empty the place was. My cousin talked about how packed it could get. Not on Memorial Day! Drinks were good but my cousin pointed out the lack of bourbon cocktails on the menu. In the middle of Bourbon Country! The waitress smoothly responded by handing over a full menu of Bourbons. read more

Very attractively decorated bar and lounge. I've never had the experience of ordering a drink here because over my past three visits I've been ignored by the bar staff. No one has offered to take my drink order in my visits to the bar. It may be a good bar but I don't know since I'm ignored when I try to order. Perhaps a sign saying who you do and don't serve would prevent some of us from wasting our time expecting to place a drink order or receive service.. read more

I've been coming here for years for events in Lexington. Don't think I've ever been let down by the quality, but you can rack up a large bill quick! Hey, that's martinis! Yolo and always get 1 (or 3) read more

EXCELLENT service from Jay and DELICIOUS food and drinks here! I overdid it for one person and I got the charcuterie board, the beet and arugula salad, and the roasted Brussels sprouts. Everything from start to finish was top notch! Jay is a rockstar and is VERY good at his job. I love interacting with people who are good at what they do! Great job! read more

See all

While staying at the Hilton for a week, we ate here a few times. It's got some decent food options and better drink choices but we only ate here out of convenience. My coworker got a steak one night and didn't really care for it. Theres literally about 20 other choices in walking distance, several that we left for and was well worth the short walk.... read more

See all

The place is very convenient if you're going to a concert and you'd like to have a cocktail prior to. I don't recommend the food. It wasn't great, but it sufficed. read more

After a long day of travelling, and a very hot and humid tour of a great distillery, we wanted to have a cocktail before we headed back to the hotel for the night. We looked around online since we're not from here and were pretty skeptical reading reviews of The Bigg Blue Martini. But she really wanted to try a Bigg Blue Martini so here we came! It was jam packed as there was what appeared to be a pretty big deal concert at the arena around the corner. We walked in and thought there would be no way this was happening. We immediately ran into Amy, who pointed to a couple open tables and enthusiasticly said, and I quote, "Sit wherever makes you happy!" So we grabbed a table and hoped for the best. As it turned out, Amy took care of us. And took care of us she did!! We ordered the obligatory Bigg Blue Martini for her. . .and Captain and Coke for me, with extra lime. She ran off and was back in just a few minutes with our drinks. While we enjoyed our beverages, we watched and everyone that was working was running around like chickens with their legs cut off, (Note the reference to Hudson and Landry), everyone was attentive and we saw no one just standing around . We noticed that Amy was keeping an eye on us, out of the corner of her eye, the whole time and we were never in need of service! This woman is the definition of why people would come back! She was friendly, very attentive, fun, and energetic! We had a few drinks and we ordered food to go for later and she took care of it straight away! Once she even asked us from across the room, using aircraft hand signals, if we needed another round, while she took care of about seven other tables. I say, come here, look for Amy and enjoy a Big Blue Martini!!! read more

BBM - Bars Near Me - Lexington, Kentucky

For an evening, I went to the Bigg Blue Martini for a quick drink and snack while staying in the Hilton Lexington. Kentucky is known for Kentucky Derby Pie, which includes pecans and chocolate. The pie was drizzled with chocolate and caramel and also came with a honey bourbon ice cream. The pie was good. I got an Old Fashioned to pair with my dessert and it was made well. read more

BBM - Bars Near Me - Lexington, Kentucky

Bigg Blue Martini is a staple to Lexington. This lounge restaurant/bar feels like it is in the heart of downtown near various event centers and intriguing sites. The clear glass walls that surround the seating area and bar give customers an exciting view of Lexington and allow a reflect a positive, classy environment to dine or enjoy a drink. There is a spectacularly long list of bourbons to try if you are looking for a taste of Kentucky. The bartenders and chef's are skilled at their craft and provide wonderful customer service (as BBM is part of the Hilton hotel). I enjoy the food so much I even have more than one favorite dish on the menu, including desserts. In addition, I was an employee at BBM Hilton these last two summers while I was staying in Lexington and have never worked at a better restaurant I felt I needed to write a supportive review! The head manager, Megan, cared so much to train me to become the best lounge bartender I could. I feel grateful for having such a pleasant experience here. It was very fun meeting guests visiting Lexington and working with such nice people! Even large events were a blast to work. Without a doubt I have taken more than a salary from BBM at Hilton. I have gained skills in a food industry with higher expectations, customer satisfaction, integrity, and knowledge in food and beverage. There is a lot to offer here. read more

Bigg Blue Martini is great for a hotel bar. Good service and lots of selection for both food and drink. Nice patio for the summer. Acceptable prices. I've been several times meeting friends in town that were staying at the Hilton and also when attending banquet events at the hotel as well. I always have a good experience. read more

We had a great experience here. The out door patio was really nice. We spent the evening eating, drinking and watching the MLB All star game on the outdoor tv. It had a something for everyone. The food was delicious and Our server Annie Marie was attentive and helpful as was Jessica the bartender. We had the Tuna Poke, Pretzel and Beer Cheese, Caesar Salad, Calamari, Rissotto. We had a wonderful experience and highly recommend Bigg Blue Martini. read more

BBM - Caesar Salad - Bars Near Me - Lexington, Kentucky

See all

We were here a month ago, on the later side. The service was pretty bad. We waited an extremely long time for our meals. Figuring it was a fluke, we tried the BBM again last night. Six of us at 6:00. Again, the service was pretty bad. We waited over an hour for our meals. The food was mediocre. Drinks had more sugar than booze. Oh, and they don't validate parking. Cost us $13 because the service was so slow. Wont be going back. read more

Christian and Gerun were fantastic! The absolute best old fashioned I drank in Lexington.

I would consider myself a well traveled person and for whatever it's worth I would call Jason the bartender world class. We were in town for the Bourbon tour and and Jason honestly knew Bourbons better then the tour guides. Between him and Mae the experience was top notch. read more

BBM - Bars Near Me - Lexington, Kentucky

See all

I went to the Bigg Blue Martini on Thanksgiving and I was not disappointed. Their calamari with a lemon, marinara, and a spicy sriracha sauce was a pleasant surprise compared to what most other restaurants have as their sauce. While I am not the biggest fan of raw fish, their tuna poke bowl was a delight and it tasted very fresh. The bartender on shift was attentive of when I wanted another drink, and the fact that the Saints beat the Falcons made it an even better time. read more

Don't come here if you want a filling dinner. They have mostly appetizers and small bites meant to snack on while you drink. If its during an event, the menu is even smaller. During these times I don't think they actually have anything that they cook, just sandwiches and chips and really basic stuff. This place is convenient especially for hotel guests and they do have happy hour deals, however I would be more inclined to walk a few extra steps to one of the other spots in the area with better food options. read more

I went to Bigg Blue after a UK game with some friends. They couldn't ask for a better location, being right next to Rupp. The decor is modern and cool and we were very comfortable hanging out there for a drink. We had great service and our server was happy to answer all our questions about the drinks. I was just visiting Kentucky (returning Alumni) so I really wanted a bourbon martini. I decided on the Bluegrass Martini (Makers and Blue Island Puckers) and it was delicious. My friend had the Secretariat (Eagle Rare, Apple Pucker, Cranberry) and I had a sip and loved that too. Bourbon martinis are delish! Can't wait to go back again some time and try some of their other signature cocktails! read more

See all

After checking into the Hilton we went downstairs to the Blue Martini for a quick bite to eat and cocktails. Our server, Chris, was so attentive and we had great service even with a full house! The nachos were great, beer was cold, great wine selection and enough TVs that we could watch sports! Thank you! read more

After working a long convention, my colleague and I were starving and definitely needed a drink. The word martini in the title totally sold us. They have a very impressive martini menu. Pretty much any thing you can think of but in liquor form. I respect that. My colleague got a dreamsickle=an orange martini with cake vodka. It was delicious. White in color with an orange wedge. Brilliant. I had my go-to vodka martini and it was delicious. As for food, we ordered fries as an appetizer, I got a salmon croquet burger with sweet potato fries and my colleague got the hot brown. She figured when in Rome. The place was very packed, you could tell it was more packed than it was used to. I hate to say it, but our service made it a four star review instead of five. I totally get being busy and I give her that, but we kept complimenting her and telling her how great she was doing under that kind of pressure. She just wasn't very nice about it. Unfortunately it would've been a five star review otherwise. The ambience, the food, and the drink was exactly what we were looking for. My colleague and I used to get to travel a lot together and haven't been able to for a while, so it was a really fun experience! I recommend this place for sure. Especially if you're coming from working a long event over at the convention center. read more

See all

This is our go to before UK basketball games and pretty much any event/venue at Rupp arena. The service is great and the drinks are fabulous. read more

After my wife of 4 1/2 weeks dumped me, I figured there'd be no better solution to my problem than to go get absolutely plastered at Bigg Blue Martini! I had 11 good ole fashion's and was so plastered that I really don't even remember what my wife looked like. Success! Great night and my tab was only $150 before tip! Person serving was really hot, had a pony tail. read more

Stopped here to have a drink and appetizer before we saw James Taylor. We sat outside on the patio, and it was pretty nice. The server told us there was a condensed menu due to the concert and Keeneland, but we had never been there so, had no idea. Everything we had was "picked" by the server...meaning we gave her two options and asked her opinion. For the appetizer we had the quesadilla and it was fantastiv. It had caramelized onions in it...never thought of that before, but will trying it moving forward. For drinks my husband had the Boulevardier and I had the hibiscus mule. His was basically like a Manhattan and mine was nice and refreshing. Recommend to anyone in town. read more

BBM - Great start to our night out with James Taylor. - Bars Near Me - Lexington, Kentucky

Good nachos. Friendly service. Chill vibe. Nice views of triangle park, victorian shoppes, etc.

It's a hotel bar so yeah whatever. Also overpriced and the seating isn't great, and there is no ambiance, but then again it's a hotel bar so I feel like they aren't even trying to be that cool. It's right downtown by the waterfall so if you just need to grab a drink while you are waiting for someone it's fine but I mean it's not like a fun place really. read more

BBM - Bars Near Me - Lexington, Kentucky

I had the brisket sandwich here. The food was pretty good, I enjoyed what I had, and others at my table enjoyed burgers and mussels. The atmosphere at Bigg Blue Martini is really nice. It is upscale and trendy, with prices to match. That's my only complaint, the drink menu, WOW. Beer is especially overpriced here. Our service was really slow, too, but I'm blaming that on it being a game night and we were actually seated in the Triangle Grill side. The hostess was also rude when we gave her our name. Most of the tables were open when we walked up, but the hostess and a man standing up there with her told us rudely that they were all booked and people were just running late. OK sure...so we were meeting friends here, otherwise we would have left. We gave our name and waited. And then waited a long time for our food. read more

I used to go here to listen to friends sing occasionally, on Saturday evenings. They don't play here anymore, so I'm not sure that's performances are still part of the norm here or not. This place isn't actually somewhere that you would think that offers live music. It always seemed too small for the patrons who didn't prefer to listen to the music to escape. When the weather is nice, you can enjoy the covered patio area. This place is located inside of the Hilton Hotel downtown location. Parking is an issue, especially if there is an event at Rupp Arena or downtown. Metered parking is your best option, if you can parallel park and find a spot. The hotel has a parking garage but there is a fee and they don't validate or comp, no matter how long you're there or how much you spend. The view of downtown is exquisite. It runs parallel with Triangle Park and Broadway. The food wasn't anything to complain about and I think that they stop serving at a certain time and once they stop serving food, it turns into a bar and everyone has to be 21 to stay or enter. Before that time, it's not just a bar, it's more of a classy restaurant. I think it's one of those kind of places that locals need to discover, but mostly tourist visiting the area are the ones cashing in... your loss, if you say you've never been there. Now you can't say that you weren't told about this place. read more