I can't tell you how many times I've randomly drove past The Malabu Pub longingly, wanting to find out what the deal is with the friendly yet forlorn facade. Finally, the fiancé and I had our chance and it measured up to our completely made-up expectations of what a quality dive neighborhood bar should be. 1- its in a somewhat random location, right on the edge of a odd little strip mall near a row of apartments. 2- You don't have to get dressed up. Which means I can wear sweat pants. 3- Mixed drinks are strong. 4- They have pool and darts although I'm usually too drunk to play 5-The bar is excessively low-key and has a modest draft selection which me and the fiancé enjoy. She's a dive bar girl. Score! 6- There's a credit based juke box, but often they play a odd mix of gangsta rap, country, and oldies. Also they have Karaoke. I watched a Cash look-a-like sing a Neil Diamond tune. Priceless. My only two complaints about the joint are that the bar has almost no underside clearance for my legs so I cannot adequately belly up (which is critical to my imbibing success), and the lighting is a bit odd in places. STOP LOOKING AT MY FLAWS. read more

I'm honestly really disappointed with the direction Malabu Pub & Grill seems to be going. It's starting to feel less like a pub and grill where you can hang out and have fun and more like a small casino filled with digital slot machines. There used to be different things to do, like playing pool and darts. Most of the dart boards have already been removed, and the one that's left is over by the door, where it's difficult to play without constantly being interrupted by people coming and going. I came in today specifically looking forward to playing some pool, only to find out that the pool table had been removed that morning. From what I understand, the space is being used for even more digital slot machines. It's disappointing because the pool table and dart boards gave people something else to do besides sit at the bar. I'd much rather see Malabu bring back the pool table, put the dart boards somewhere they can actually be used, and keep some variety in the entertainment instead of continuing to replace activities with more machines. Hopefully they reconsider the direction they're taking because I genuinely enjoyed having a local pub where you could grab something to eat or drink, shoot some pool, play darts, and hang out. read more

The bartenders are not friendly and their personalities are. dull. I don't think they know how to smile. The food was horrible and terrible service. read more

Pre pandemic this was a decent little dive bar. Not anymore. I went in on a Friday to have a couple of beers and maybe a burger. First off the blonde bartender was terrible. One of the worst I've ever experienced- and I will admit I HAVE been around. She was terribly inattentive (except to the one guy-boyfriend ?- that she rarely pulled away from. Walked back to the backside of the bar and took a look in the kitchen. There was a lanky, mangey looking dude wearing a nasty ass apron watching TV. That pretty killed my desire for a burger. Eventually I finished my beer, sorry to see what this joint had become. I doubt I ever return. read more

As a 50 year dive bar connoisseur traveling all around the country, this place has it all. Really good food, strong drinks, great prices bartenders that love their customers and loyal locals!! Been coming here for the last 15 years during the Keeneland racing meet and this is our first stop!! read more

This place had a feel of a local place where you would expect to see a lot of regulars. Someone was having their holiday party there so there were a lot of reserved tables on a Friday night. Divey kind of vibe. Drinks are ok, I had one of their vodka sodas. They do have a pool table and karaoke there as well. read more

I walked in on a game day and I about jumped out of my skin when the apparently extremely drunk fans screamed a game chant as soon as I walked in the door. At first I laughed and waved at the greeting but as I sat, waiting on a waitress, it got louder and each time someone would walk in the chants repeated louder each time. Thinking that I'd pick up a few drinks and appetizers, I sat for about ten minutes and never was approached by bar staff and I was steering clear of the bar top and it's patrons. Did I mention that this was a weekday? Stay away from this place. Why the second star? Because it's possible that the food, karaoke and pool table might be awesome and worth the wait... just consider yourself warned if you insist ;) read more

Malabu Pub & Grill - the front of the restaurant - Pubs Near Me - Lexington, Kentucky

I'm very disappointed in the food I got tonight. My green beans were in a word Nasty!!.. My pork chops were tuff as shoe leather. My other side was never delivered. When I called them (the pub) They put the blame on grub hub. That they give the order wrong. However that has nothing to do with the quality of the food I did receive. I will Not order from them again. read more

Definitely a dive bar! They have pool tables and karaoke on one side of the bar and then booths and tables on the other side. The drinks were cheap and good but the places smelled like cigarette smoke. read more

This place is nasty and as gross as every bartender that works there!! And most of the customers that keep going and going and going there- to probably try and keep the place open that should be SHUT DOWN!! read more

I've been to this place more than a few times for trivia which is awesome. However, my most recent visit will probably be my last. There was no music, and although televisions were turned on they were all on mute. Unfortunately, I cannot say the same for the bartender, Stephanie. She loudly rambled through one conspiracy theory after another about the Pope and Queen Elizabeth being arrested and the "real king" being a pedophile. She said this repeatedly and that "JFK Junior is still alive". Next, she proudly announced that she would only listen to the news if it was Sean Hannity and that "Michelle Obama is a man". Seriously? I couldn't get out of this place fast enough. Listening to that BS isn't the way I want to spend ANY meal or ANY amount of time. She didn't appear to be intoxicated or on drugs so I can't even say that's what was happening. I've never had an issue with servers here previously but this one easily takes last place. In addition, she was 13 minutes late for her shift. When I was sitting there with only one employee who was mopping the floor and one employee in the kitchen, I guess that should have been my first sign to leave. read more

This is the trashiest place you could go to in Lexington! If you have a bartender named Brittany, leave before you even order! I've been In the industry for 20 years, worst establishment I've ever been to. 10 thumbs down read more

The food was good and the service was nice funny djs the have pool karoke and darts and a skeet ball machine.

If there were negative stars they would be very appropriate for this dive. The whole place smells like a bathroom. I've been a couple of times and each time it smelled as if people were literally relieving themselves on the carpet. They also severely over serve alcohol. Trust me bartenders, giving someone more than they can handle when you can clearly see they are f-d up isn't worth your extra $5 in tips. This place is utterly disgusting and dangerous and needs to be closed. read more

If u r in the area it's a cheap local dive bar. Cold pitchers are a good value. And a great Cuban restaurant is right next door!

Went back last night for karaoke. Well, went back last night to have a quick beer and they happened to be having karaoke. THIS was simultaneously the worst karaoke and the best karaoke which I have ever witnessed, and I've traveled the country for over a decade experiencing the varied hotel bar offerings of small-town America. Go for the karaoke. Not to sing but to watch. I cannot begin to describe what I witnessed - the sublimity, even if I could put it into words, would come across as unbelievable. read more

Voted Best Dive Bar in Lexington! Wonderful and helpful bartenders. Great and loyal customers. Fun place to talk to the 'locals'.

ok....so this place is a dive. But ya know, i have an open mind, and i did manage to have fun. But i would not ever recommend it to anyone, sorry if this this your watering hole. We paid our tab and we were chased by the bartender! I thought it was funny cause we just drove off with her yelling. Its whatever :) we paid! read more

Played several games of darts here last year. The food and drinks were fine and not expensive at all. They also have poker nights that I've been told are worth checking out. Karaoke is also available. There is an outdoor area with plenty of seating. read more

This is my go to for drinks and a good time. My boyfriend and I absolutely love the skeeball and song bingo on Monday and Wednesday nights. They have great bar snacks and decently priced drinks. The bartenders are super sweet and wait time for a drink is under 30 seconds. If you haven't been, check it out! They have poker and dart tournaments. read more

The beer & fireball are cold, the food is hot (best burger I've had). The staff and customers are A-OK. Physically a little 'dive-y' but just adds character to the place. As one reviewer noted, game day is a little rowdy but if you can't be there in person, where better to cheer on the Cats! read more

I've been to this place many times and never had a problem. It is what it is. I get it that it's not for everyone, but it doesn't try to be. Good food & drinks ~ Great Bartenders read more

Malabu has decided to charge 2.25 for each refill of soda. As a regular DD this seem absolutely absurd. I won't go there again or ever suggest it to anyone else. read more