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    J. Alexander's

    3.9 (351 reviews)
    Open 11:30 am - 9:00 pm

    Order J. Alexander's Takeout or Delivery

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    J. ALEXANDER'S ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Moderate noise
    Good for kids
    Outdoor seating
    Good for groups

    Recommended Reviews - J. Alexander's

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    Mushroom pizza
    Dar Z.

    Was hoping for a better food experience but was let down again only by the food (service was good). It's truly at best a 4 star restaurant because of the details just being missed. I ordered an Alex salad with grilled chicken which was good but again there's hardly any bacon on it. I also ordered a loaded baked potato and had no clue it was $10, which seems extremely high especially since the potato was overcooked and nothing special about it. Also a friend ordered the mushroom pizza and I had to try it. The flavors were good but it had wayyyy too much of a crust and disappointing because it's already a small pizza and almost half of it didn't have any sort of topping

    Chicken Pasta Soup
    Drew G.

    It's been a while since we have been here and we love their Filet Kabobs Special. We callled first and confirmed that they had it tonight and they did! My wife ordered that and I thought I would try the Maui Ribeye. I believe that it is the same marinade with a different cut of meat. The Caesar is large and always delicious. Both of our steak dishes were cooked just the way we like it with a nice char on the outside I look forward to coming back.

    Fish Tacos
    Presley J.

    GET. THE. CALAMARI. Honestly you can't go wrong with anything you order but especially the calamari, Alex's salad, and the carrot cake. People have told me they do not like carrot cake and I convince them to take one bite and their whole world changes. It is the best piece of cake you'll have it's truly amazing you will get it every time. The service is always impeccable and they rotate specials often. It has a low light ambiance so it's perfect for a night out or date. I love J. Alexander's and i recommend it to anyone who has never been

    Alyona Z.

    3/10/25 I had lunch here with a friend, and we were greeted and seated promptly. The ambiance was warm and inviting, making for a great first impression. We started with the queso chips as an appetizer, which were a tasty way to kick off the meal. For my entrée, I had the steak with French fries and a side salad, while my friend ordered the quinoa shrimp coleslaw dish. Both meals were delicious, with generous portions--plenty to take home for dinner. Overall, it was a great experience, and I'd definitely return in the future!

    Filet Mignon with Béarnaise and Loaded Baked Potato.
    John D.

    We had our company Christmas dinner here on Saturday night. The drinks, appetizers and entrees were all fantastic. We started off with the Deviled Eggs and Calamari. I had the Filet Mignon with Béarnaise and Loaded Baked Potato. The steak was cooked to a perfect medium rare. My wife had the Carolina Crab Cakes. Others in our group had the Grilled Pork Tenderloin, Steak Maui, and Seared Ahi Tuna. We were all very pleased with our choices. For cocktails I had the Spiced Pear Old Fashioned (my favorite of the two) and The 859. For dessert, several of us split the Skillet Blondie with Vanilla Ice Cream. Our service was very good considering we had a group of 9. All of our food came out together and no one had to wait on theirs. On another note, our 8yr old grandson and I had interaction with Richard. He was very personable and made our grandson's night just talking about what he wanted for Christmas.

    Elderberry Mojito
    Karina R.

    Stopped at J. Alexander's for a quick lunch on a Saturday afternoon. The restaurant was not busy, there was plenty of room at the bar. Staff was friendly and even timed our food between appetizers and meal. Cocktail drinks were delicious. We ordered the calamari and clam chowder, no complaints, both were great.

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    1 month ago

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    7 months ago

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    7 months ago

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    8 months ago

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    10 months ago

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    3 years ago

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    1 year ago

    Amazing Rainbow Trout and service. Ask for Jip as your service will be excellent!! It's nice and quiet in the middle of the dining area.

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    4 months ago

    My fiance and I went here last year and both ended up getting salmonella. Not a fun experience. Do not recommend.

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    11 months ago

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    6 months ago

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    6 months ago

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    7 months ago

    Very well prepared food and always excellent service! One of our favorite restaurants to go to .

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    6 months ago

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    2 years ago

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    9 months ago

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    1 year ago

    You can't go wrong with the food selections and quality! The ambience is very romantic and the service is top notch!

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    Page 1 of 9

    Ask the Community - J. Alexander's

    In looking at the pictures, lots of things seem to have a lot of pepper on them? Is this the way they are served or are these after people have peppered their food themselves. Asking because I am (sadly)allergic to pepper?

    Hi Sue. Since people can upload their own photos, I'm not exactly sure what menu items you are referring. However, we can adapt our menu items to your pepper allergy. Please speak to your server or manager when ordering. Thanks!

    Do they have a happy hour? If so, what are the specials?

    No

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    Tony's of Lexington

    Tony's of Lexington

    4.3
    (589 reviews)
    5.3 mi
    $$$$

    This is our favorite restaurant in Lexington! I love their steaks and the sides are incredible. My…read morewife doesn't order crab cakes at any restaurant but here anymore. Once you have had a Tony's crab cake, nothing else comes close. Their sides are incredible. We have to get the potato wedges every time we go. They are so crispy on the outside, I believe that they are double fried. The cheese crumbles and the aïoli really make them amazing! The sweet potatoes are to die for and brussels sprouts are good. You can't go wrong with their salads either I love the Caesar and the Greek. I always like to try some of the other dishes as well. They have good pasta and seafood, and the short ribs are delicious in summary. Everything is top-notch at this place. We love it.!

    The food and service was good as always! I had a smoky rosé cocktail that was very light and…read morerefreshing. My date got the 9 ounce filet mignon and I got the Sea bass. We split the asparagus and truffle wedges. The sea bass need a little more flavor. The sauce that came with it was more sweet, which I was not a huge game of. I would highly recommend the truffle wedges perfect amount of salty and truffle (the truffle is not too overbearing). The service is really good. Our server gave us the specials and a good explanation of all the food. He was friendly and not too distracting. I will say it was dark in there, but it helped to create the ambience. Definitely recommend a reservation. There are lots of people waiting.

    Photos
    Entrance
    Entrance
    Featured Oysters, Blue Points on the Half Shell
    Featured Oysters, Blue Points on the Half Shell
    24oz Porterhouse

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    24oz Porterhouse
    OBC Kitchen

    OBC Kitchen

    4.6
    (748 reviews)
    2.2 mi
    $$

    I was truly stunned by the incredible bourbon/whiskey selection at OBC. They have over 800 unique…read moreoptions and the talented/educated staff to match in order to guide you through the selection process. The shear number of bottles on the bar will keep your eyes moving about and hard to focus on anything else. For food, I had the wagyu meatballs and couscous salad. Both were well sized and utterly delicious. I'll be back here again for sure

    Every year, while driving between Chicago and Florida, we make a tradition of stopping in Lexington…read moreto take our friend out for dinner. This visit marked our third time at OBC Kitchen, and once again, it did not disappoint. This time we experimented with timing and booked an early reservation at 2:45 pm on a Saturday. We crossed over into the dinner menu and discovered something wonderful: the service and ambiance were even better than the busier evening hours after 6 pm. The staff was exceptionally attentive. Every dish and cocktail option was explained thoughtfully, which I appreciate, especially because I enjoy cocktails that come with a bit of theater. When drinks are presented with care, described well, and executed beautifully, the experience becomes part performance, part craft. Here, they delivered perfectly. The food, as always, was superb. We shared several chef selections including Beef Tallow Fries, Southern Grouper, Bacon in a Glass, and the Cola-Braised Short Ribs. Each dish was rich, flavorful, and confidently executed. Dessert continued the celebration with the Churro Cheesecake, and to our delight we were also gifted the Warm Buttermilk Donuts, which felt like a small act of culinary generosity. In a departure from my usual Manhattan and Old Fashioned flights, I tried a Bloody Mary and The Cure, both excellent and beautifully balanced. At this point I can confidently say OBC Kitchen is one of my favorite restaurants in the country. The consistency, creativity, and hospitality make every visit memorable. A special thank you to the team who took care of us on Saturday, March 7th, 2026. You elevated an already wonderful experience and made it even better than usual.

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    Bar
    Bar
    Pimento cheese dip with sourdough bread
    Pimento cheese dip with sourdough bread
    $110/bottle

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    $110/bottle
    Jeff Ruby's Steakhouse - Lexington

    Jeff Ruby's Steakhouse - Lexington

    4.5
    (366 reviews)
    5.1 mi
    $$$$

    Was seated in a tent looking part of the business. Was ok, until i saw fucking bird shit on the non…read moreworking TV's and on the rafters. I ordered a burger and ditched the buns. Food was ok though. Kinda hard to fuck up a burger.

    My server Mason was absolutely wonderful! We had a party of 10 celebrating my daughter's graduation…read moreand from the moment we walked in the door we were well taken care of. The service was impeccable, the music - while a bit loud, was so good! We sat in the covered patio area, and our party was given menu's with congratulating my daughter by name (we kept a few as memorabilia). Appetizers were raw oysters, meatballs, Million Dollar Bacon, and some I can't remember but they were all delicious. We ordered several cuts of steak and all I heard from my party was how perfectly cooked they were! One person ordered sushi, and another orders the surf and turf and had a huge lobster! I had the petite filet which was cooked to perfection. The crust was too salty for my taste but it was cooked so well I didn't care! We ordered shareable asparagus, mushroom, Brussel sprouts, Parmesan fries, macaroni and cheese, and one or two other sides. The sauce for the Brussels was delicious - I wish they were sliced then fried instead of whole but they were good. The asparagus was superb. The mushrooms were good too. They even brought my grad a congratulations cupcake as a surprise! They boxed up our food, and we each got a reusable tote to go! Will be back again for sure.

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    Jeff Ruby's Steakhouse - Lexington
    Jeff Ruby's Baked Macaroni & Cheese
    Jeff Ruby's Baked Macaroni & Cheese
    Dining area

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    Dining area
    Blue Heron Steakhouse

    Blue Heron Steakhouse

    3.7
    (195 reviews)
    5.5 mi
    $$$

    An Absolute Standout in Lexington Dining…read more We decided to give Blue Heron Steakhouse a try after noticing it shared a name with another restaurant in a neighboring county--though it quickly became clear this is a completely different (and exceptional) establishment. Encouraged by strong local reviews praising its cozy, rustic, and intimate atmosphere--along with consistently attentive, friendly service--we walked in with high expectations. Blue Heron exceeded them at every turn. From the moment you enter, the original rustic design and softly ambient lighting set the tone for a dining experience that feels warm, inviting, and effortlessly refined. There's an intimacy to the space that makes it ideal for both special celebrations and elevated everyday dining. Service was outstanding, with special recognition going to our server Carlo. He was friendly, knowledgeable, and genuinely invested in making the evening exceptional. The entire staff demonstrated professionalism and confidence, offering thoughtful recommendations and personal touches that enhanced the experience without ever feeling intrusive. The menu reflects a clear commitment to farm-to-table dining, showcasing some of the finest locally sourced ingredients available. Every dish balanced innovation with comfort, allowing the quality of the ingredients to shine. We began with the baked brie, which was luxuriously creamy and indulgent in all the right ways, followed by West Coast oysters--a smart sourcing choice by the owner. They were impeccably fresh, beautifully plated, and delivered that perfect briny finish oyster lovers crave. For the main course, we selected the Porterhouse Steak for Two, which proved to be the most cost-effective option and an outstanding choice overall. Charbroiled to perfection, melt-in-your-mouth tender, and deeply flavorful, the steak was a true centerpiece of the meal. It's served with four sides and accompanied by house steak sauce upon request, with excellent optional additions such as green peppercorn sauce, béarnaise, grilled onions and mushrooms, or bordelaise. The creamed spinach deserves its own praise--it was unlike any we've had before, rich and perfectly executed. The kitchen clearly understands steak preparation at a serious, professional level. Dessert was the perfect finale. Though not typically a carrot cake enthusiast, this version was exceptional--moist, warmly spiced, and beautifully balanced. It was, quite literally, just what the doctor ordered. The cheesecake was equally impressive: silky, restrained in sweetness, and refined. A word of advice: don't forget your wallet. Blue Heron Steakhouse delivers premium quality food and top-tier service, and prices reflect that level of excellence. That said, the experience justifies every dollar. Blue Heron is the kind of restaurant you return to with confidence. Whether marking a milestone or transforming an ordinary Tuesday into something memorable, it consistently delivers. For those who appreciate exceptional steaks, thoughtfully sourced ingredients, impeccable service, and an atmosphere that feels both intimate and elevated, Blue Heron Steakhouse is an absolute must-visit.

    Old school Lexington insiders with some horse money and some taste might be seen at the wood bar…read morehere on the weekend talking with the owner in this restaurant carved from an old neighborhood brick home. With the upper floor cutaway and its beams used to support the soaring ceiling, you are well positioned to dive into the rich steaks and fish and occasional crab cakes. They know their business. Burgundy soaked mushrooms and glorious steak fries to accompany a 4 Roses bourbon and roquefort wedge salad with thick smoked bacon chunks - maybe overhear a hushed conversation about horse racing - and those that might have known too much back when. Best of Lex with a classic smooth bartender.

    Photos
    Love this bar.
    Love this bar.
    Blue Heron Steakhouse
    Bar

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    Bar
    Columbia Steak House

    Columbia Steak House

    3.2
    (142 reviews)
    5.3 mi
    $$

    When a business trip brought my wife and me to Lexington, Kentucky, we needed a restaurant that…read morecould deliver both efficiency and quality--somewhere we could enjoy an excellent meal without lingering for hours. Columbia Steakhouse proved to be exactly what we were looking for, and then some. Located in the heart of Lexington, Columbia Steakhouse exudes an understated elegance that's perfect for business travelers. The atmosphere strikes that ideal balance: upscale enough to feel special, but relaxed enough that you're not overly formal. The lighting is warm and sophisticated, and the noise level allows for easy conversation--a detail that business diners always appreciate. Our server immediately understood our time constraints and moved things along seamlessly without making us feel rushed. This kind of professional service is rare and deeply appreciated when you're on a tight schedule. I ordered the 14-ounce ribeye, cooked medium-rare, and it was a masterclass in steakhouse execution. The exterior had a beautiful char that provided a subtle smoky flavor, while the interior was perfectly pink and remarkably tender. The marbling throughout ensured every bite was rich and flavorful. What impressed me most was the quality of the beef itself--you could tell this was prime cut meat, properly aged and prepared by someone who knows their craft. The steak came with their signature steak butter, a compound butter with herbs that melted luxuriously over the hot meat, adding another layer of richness without overwhelming the beef's natural flavor. My sides were equally impressive: a loaded baked potato with all the fixings, cooked until the skin was crispy and the interior fluffy, and their grilled asparagus, which had a perfect char and snap to it. My wife chose the filet mignon paired with a lobster tail, and from her first bite, I knew she'd made the right choice. The filet was butter-tender--the kind of cut that practically melts on your tongue. Cooked to a perfect medium, it had that delicate, almost velvety texture that only a properly prepared filet can achieve. The peppercorn sauce she added complemented the beef beautifully without overpowering its subtle flavor. The lobster tail was equally outstanding. Perfectly cooked (no easy feat, as lobster can go from perfect to rubbery in seconds), it was sweet, succulent, and generously portioned. It arrived already butterflied and brushed with drawn butter, making it easy to enjoy. She paired her entrée with the garlic mashed potatoes, which were creamy and indulgent, and the Caesar salad, which featured crisp romaine, house-made dressing, and fresh parmesan. Columbia Steakhouse understands that business travelers value efficiency. From appetizer to dessert, our meal was perfectly paced--we never felt rushed, but we also never experienced those frustrating gaps where you're waiting unnecessarily. Despite being on a schedule, we took advantage of their bourbon selection (we were in Kentucky, after all), and the staff provided excellent recommendations. The bread service deserves special mention--warm, crusty rolls with whipped butter arrived promptly and were outstanding. Small touches like this set great steakhouses apart from good ones. While we were focused on our entrées given our time constraints, we couldn't resist sharing their chocolate lava cake for dessert. It arrived warm with a molten center, accompanied by vanilla ice cream--a perfect sweet ending to an exceptional meal. The Bottom Line Columbia Steakhouse demonstrated why it's a Lexington institution. The quality of both our meals was outstanding, the service was professional and attentive, and the restaurant accommodated our business travel timeline without compromising the experience. The prices reflect the premium quality--this is not a budget option--but for a special business dinner or important client meeting, the investment is absolutely worth it. Whether you're a local or just passing through on business, Columbia Steakhouse delivers on every front. We left satisfied, impressed, and already planning a return visit the next time work brings us to the Bluegrass State. Highly recommended for business travelers, special occasions, or anyone who appreciates expertly prepared steak in a refined yet welcoming atmosphere.

    Dinner at Columbia Steakhouse in downtown Lexington was absolutely outstanding from start to…read morefinish. The moment we walked in, the setting set the tone; classic, cozy, and full of character. It has that perfect downtown steakhouse vibe that feels both timeless and welcoming. The service was top-tier. Attentive without being overbearing, friendly, knowledgeable, and genuinely focused on making the experience great. You can tell the staff takes pride in what they do, and it shows in every interaction. The food? Incredible. I ordered the Nighthawk Special, and it completely lived up to the hype; perfectly cooked, full of flavor, and easily one of the best steaks I've had in a long time. Every bite was spot on. Everything that hit the table was delicious, and there wasn't a single thing we would've changed. From the atmosphere to the service to the food, we loved everything about Columbia Steakhouse. If you're in downtown Lexington and want a phenomenal meal and an even better experience, this place is an absolute must. We'll definitely be back.

    Photos
    Memorabilia honoring the 1978 NCAA basketball champions still adorns the walls
    Memorabilia honoring the 1978 NCAA basketball champions still adorns the walls
    Huge baked potato
    Huge baked potato
    Restaurant Interior

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    Restaurant Interior

    J. Alexander's - newamerican - Updated June 2026

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