If you're in Lexington and you don't stop here, you're doing Kentucky wrong. I walked in expecting a solid pour, but I walked out feeling like I'd just left a family reunion--the kind where everyone actually likes each other. The selection is top-tier (easily one of the best I've seen in the Bluegrass State), but the hospitality is what sets this place apart. We ended up chatting with the owner, and he treated us like old friends who had been coming there for twenty years. It's rare to find a spot that has both a world-class whiskey list and zero pretension. [[HIGHLIGHT]]It's the perfect atmosphere--historic building, great energy, and people who truly know their bourbon.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] Pro Tip: Pull up a stool, ask for a recommendation, and be prepared to stay a while. You're among friends here. read more

I recently went to Bourbon on Rye while visiting Lexington and I was amazed. I got the bourbon barbecue Gouda chicken sliders and the barbecue sauce was amazing. The chicken was fresh and the fries were really good as well. They also have a really nice cocktail list and they make all of their syrups and shrubs in house which I think is awesome. It sets them apart from other bars in the area. I got the union cocktail and it was the perfect mix of bitter and sweet. My friend had the bourbon sour and it was really good as well. Will definitely be back here next time I'm in Lex. read more

Bourbon On Rye - Chicken Gouda Sliders - American Near Me - Lexington, Kentucky

[[HIGHLIGHT]]Good location across from the city center, and the ambience is great.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] Just what you would expect at a legit bourbon bar. [[HIGHLIGHT]]Chill atmosphere with decent music, but there was no other customers when I came in so I decided to get a burger with beer cheese for takeout.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] It's a half pound burger, and it was really tasty, but unfortunately it was drastically overcooked. I specifically asked for it to be medium and it was way too dry. Originally, I had asked what the burger of the week was, but I was told they were in a transition period with cooks and the owner would be cooking. I would try them again, but next time I would be sure to emphasize that I don't want my burger overcooked and Ask, the person taking the order to ensure they communicate this to the cook. Bartender was friendly. read more

We went for cocktails and appetizers. Everyone loved their drinks! The espresso martini was delicious. The bourbon sour was exactly as it should be. The pretzels with beer cheese are great! The fries are great as well. [[HIGHLIGHT]]It's got a cool vibe with dim lighting and velvet booths.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] Bartenders are super friendly. You order everything at the bar and they bring it to your table. Will definitely go again. read more

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[[HIGHLIGHT]]This place is popular, but we weren't blown away.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] [[HIGHLIGHT]]Dark bar interior.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] Bar service only, but bar tenders were very nice. We didn't try the food. [[HIGHLIGHT]]Place is a bit too trendy or young for me, I think.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] Cocktails/drinks were ok here, but had better nearby. They are open late, which is a plus when many nearby places close earlier. read more

Bourbon On Rye - Inside view with the bar - American Near Me - Lexington, Kentucky

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Came in town for the weekend for the Kentucky football game and the bartenders and the service was amazing The bartenders really know the knowledge on the alcohol and what goes into it. Definitely a great place to get a old fashioned one of the best I've ever had. They have so many different varieties and really have a knack for knowing exactly what you want. [[HIGHLIGHT]]The ambience was an older crowd which is great. I'm in my forties and I thought it was a very good mix.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] [[HIGHLIGHT]]Everybody was very friendly around me and great music.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] [[HIGHLIGHT]]They also had the Seltzer Club next door which had pinball and other games.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] [[HIGHLIGHT]]I found the restrooms over there a lot nicer as well[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] read more

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[[HIGHLIGHT]]An old historic bar with a lot of charm. The lights are really nice and the atmosphere just genuinely seems pleasant[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] but I didn't have the best experience here a couple years ago. I walked in and I was only there for about a couple of seconds before some guy at the front asked me to leave because he said there was nothing else for him to serve me. I told him I was just there to hang out and he still kicked my out anyways. Maybe he thought I was like homeless or something. I felt very rejected and kind of uncomfortable. So nice bar but idk like treat others how you want to be treated. read more

I have been so many times to this place that I need to to Invest in stock... The drinks were spectacular as well as the service and I've never had a bad hamburger from them. I highly recommend. read more

If you want to try some very special bourbons, this place serves 1 oz pours of everything. And they have everything, even those boubons that are impossible to find. Owner is behind the bar and a really nice guy. He will steer you in the right direction. read more

Chicken was raw. Service slow and owner rude. Would never go back. Wait for service over an hour and had to go to bar yourself.

[[HIGHLIGHT]]Great bar.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] John and Sean were so helpful picking out some new bourbons for us to try. So knowledgeable about bourbon. Great time. read more

Drinks were good (manhattan and an espresso martini) they were pricey and the martini was very small. We waited a while at our table. Finally someone came by, but not to take our order. Just to take our menus. I explained we hadn't ordered yet and was then told they don't have table service. Only bar service. Then she still wanted to take the menus!?! So, even though there are employees running back and forth, you will need to slide yourself out of your booth and go to the bar and HOPE you get a bartenders attention to order, reorder, or pay. We will not go back. read more

Cute cute cuuuuuuttttteeeeeeee Garage doors going out into the street. High end cocktail lounge for after work read more

Bourbon On Rye - Bar - American Near Me - Lexington, Kentucky

Amazing local bar with some of the most interesting bourbons in Lex! I love trying new, old , and interesting bourbons here. The staff never steer you wrong! read more

I moved to Lexington not too long ago, and I was looking for bars that I could see myself visiting with friends, and then I found this place--Bourbon on Rye. What a remarkable establishment to have in downtown Lexington. I am a cocktail girl, but not just any cocktail, but the ones that are made to perfection, and the presentation is on point. *thumbs  up* This place checks it all off. I was there last night with my friends visiting from Louisville, and I showed them my favorite spots in downtown Lexi. Bourbon on Rye never disappoints, and I'm impressed by their cocktails *french kisses* I highly recommend this place who want to grab great drinks with a great ambiance to hang out with friends or family. The staffs are funny and super-friendly to everybody, and it's always a good time here. read more

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One of the best bars in Lexington, their service goes above and beyond. One bartender Dan, is hands down an exceptional Bartender as well as giving out solid life advice. The other bartender a JASON!!!(told you I'd remember)is also in the same ballpark that Dan is in.(whose goatee is better that's a harder question. However if in a Friday or Saturday night you are in downtown lexington and can get a seat at Bourbon on Rye; I highly recommend doing it. Food to order: any and all burgers: Sweet Potato Fries are amazing The salad is also great appetizer and the wings are great as well. Ask the bartender they will lead you to good choices as well. Drinks: totally up to your but a good ol fashioned or a Moscow mule is always my go to veg read more

Fun late night hang out for drinks. The old fashioned was amazing. Great vibe! There are also some arcade games in the back and a menu served earlier in the evening but we didn't try it. read more

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Had an awesome time here in Lexington! Bartenders were nice and helpful explaining some of the bourbons to us. We had the Peri Peri wings which we really enjoyed! The french fry appetizer was actually great... don't be scared by the words pork roll! The sliders were also cooked really well and super enjoyable. The real winner here though is the cocktails and the bourbon selection. Three people with us at the bar recommended their old fashioned which really did hit the spot on the hot day. If you're in Lexington on a weekday I definitely suggest going here! read more

Great atmosphere with a wonderful selection of drinks, of course with bourbon, but others as well, including a nice selection of wine. French fries were delicious! read more

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[[HIGHLIGHT]]Nice place. Pretty cool, nice atmosphere.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] Good food. Nice nice nice nice go there. Good place read more

Large selection of bourbons and very knowledgeable staff. List is pricey but can appreciate the overhead of location and warehousing of so much liquid joy. Great place for trying different whiskies but wasn't thrilled with the food. It's looks fine and tastes fine but it seemingly left something lacking. Drinks seem overproduced. Stick with whiskey flights! read more

Local, walkable restaurant downtown. Dark, speakeasy type vibe. The standard bar food, burgers and fries . The bar has an extensive collection of spirits. I'm a bourbon fan and asked the bartender for their recommendation. The cocktail he made was on the sweeter side, as requested and delicious. read more

Bourbon On Rye - Martini made with bourbon . I wish I remembered the name. - American Near Me - Lexington, Kentucky

This place was my first time, and it had a great appearance but I didn't like the ordering situation and the service is not great. Don't get the paper plane, its not good but get the house old fashion it was very good. People seem friendly but unless you want to wait and pretty much service your self your good here. Choice of music is not great either, whoever makes the Playlist needs to be fired. Sorry I love lex but for this place to be on main street I'm not sure but good luck with your business I won't be back here anytime soon. Weird ass people lol read more

[[HIGHLIGHT]]The bar is beautiful and the bartender is fun.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] The Moscow Mule I ordered was legitimately the best I've had anywhere, and I highly recommend it. read more

For a night on the town while on the road, this was a great stop. We jumped in an Uber and asked for a good local bourbon bar. The driver knew exactly where to go. On top of that, we hit a few other places that night and ended up coming back to this place cause no one else could beat their prices. The drinks were great, the bartender was amazing, and the food was even good on top of all of that. Not a lot of local parking, so I would suggest an Uber for sure. Easy to walk from here to other locations nearby. read more

Bourbon On Rye - American Near Me - Lexington, Kentucky

Very overpriced drinks, slow service, and extremely loud. Got tired of waiting for a bartender to notice my upraised hand to get a second round...so I walked next door to the Crafty Fox & got a couple draft beers for $4 less PER BEER. My whole party moved over there, because we could actually hear each other without shouting, and there was zero wait for drinks. The decor is cool, at least...that gets it one star over the 1-star review that this place deserves otherwise. read more

[[HIGHLIGHT]]Amazing place and the bar crew knows what they are doing.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] Visit now. If you tell the bartender what you want they will make a drink for your palate. read more

Have you been to Bourbon on Rye on Main St yet!? If not, you are missing out! My fiancé and I settled down at the bar in the coziest little bourbon house ever. It had a total 1920s feel, with vignette seating and a beautiful bar. We were welcomed in and told some special drinks. There wasn't a menu on hand, but that did not matter!! Staff was knowledgeable about all their cocktails, beers, and wines. My partner ordered a unique beer drink, called a black and white, and really enjoyed it. I had a paper plane, a cocktail with bourbon and other delicious things. It was so refreshing. The bartenders and waitstaff knew their food menu too, and offered pairings to what we were drinking. We settled for fancy bread and cheese, enjoying a few more drinks along the way. The icing on the cake was seeing what they call, the infinity decanter. They put the last ounce or two of every bourbon in the house in there and serve a pour for a great price. They cut it off when it's a 1/4 of the way down because it's infinity and can never finish! I loved it. So unique and cool. Would highly recommend this place due to their friendliness, professionalism, and knowledge. The food and drinks were phenomenal. Ps-- try the coffee and smokes cocktail. Omg. read more

Bourbon On Rye - American Near Me - Lexington, Kentucky

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Came in late night for cocktails after a Kentucky football game. Great cocktails, and excellent variety of bourbon and rye whiskey. A Little dark, but that's exactly what you would want in a place like this. Depending on the time of day, you may have to go to the bar to pick up your cocktails. It can get a little crowded, especially around the bar when table services has ended. read more

Best place to get a cocktail/food downtown! Me and my girlfriend love making this our spot. The bartenders are some of the best in the country. The never fail to fall short of expectations. This is a must stop if you're gonna be downtown. read more

Excellent Lexington Bar! Friendly and knowledgeable staff, great selection of spirits, tasty cocktails. and good food! They make their own syrups and shrubs and will whip up a great cocktail to suit your taste! read more

Great burgers. Delicious drinks. If you can, sit at the bar. The bartenders are all entertaining and interesting. Great stories about local spirits. read more

Cute southern charm atmosphere. The bartenders were awesome and made our experience. I had a sour and mule from the drink list and really enjoyed the chicken sliders WITH sweet potato fries. The only downside was the open smoking. There was a guy standing by the bar and lit up 2 cigarettes back to back near us. I was visiting out of town so it might be normal! If so please excuse this part of the review. Other than that, I recommend stopping by! Comfortable seat and instagramable. read more

Bourbon On Rye - Sour - American Near Me - Lexington, Kentucky

Didn't enjoy bar service as the only option. Food was just ok. Old fashioned was just ok as well.

Loved it! The bartenders were very helpful in helping my husband chose his drinks. The food was good for pub food. Great atmosphere, friendly staff. read more

Bourbon On Rye - Front of menu - American Near Me - Lexington, Kentucky

Love the look and feel of this bar. Very cozy. They have a huge selection of bourbon/whiskey. I really appreciate that they are very open about the cost of what you are ordering. That way there are no surprises when the bill comes. The Hubs and I shared the loaded French fries with bourbon cheese and they we sooooooo good. Maybe some Of the best crispy fries I've ever had. If you are in the downtown Lexington area I would highly suggest a stop here for at least one drink. read more

Bourbon On Rye - Old Fashioned - American Near Me - Lexington, Kentucky

What do you do on national bourbon day? Go to Bourbon on Rye of course! I have been here a handful of times and there is always so much to choose from that I have a hard time deciding. I generally sit at the bar and ask Chris if he has a magical concoction in mind for me. So far, he has hit the mark every time! I once told him that I am not a fan of gin and he goes, "I can change your mind". He starts pour elixirs from bottles, performs a magic spell and presto a gin drink that I not only didn't hate, but I actually enjoyed. It surprised me. I can only assume there is dark magic involved in his tasty drinks to make them so tantalizing. The kitchen is amazing! Everything I have ever tried is on point. Beer cheese, pretzels, fries, pork roll... it's worth a trip in even if you don't drink just for the food. I simply love the speakeasy style and decor of this place. It is by far one of my favorite places downtown. Now if I could just get them to be open on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, life would be perfect! read more

Bourbon On Rye - My bourbon on rye cocktail with wild turkey rye and wild turkey bourbon. - American Near Me - Lexington, Kentucky

Great food and Atmosphere! Friendly staff and we will be back!! The drinks and food were amazing.

Staff was rude. Food was ok but small portions. Atmosphere of the place was great looked really cool inside. Wouldn't hate going back but my girlfriends were treated badly. If you aren't drinking bourbon they will judge you. Haha if that's your thing you may love the place! read more

Lovely bartenders and a great ambiance! Thankful we stopped in on our trip! The French fries are tasty and the chicken Gouda sliders are a yummy treat late at night! read more