The food was fantastic! The atmosphere is also very cozy, speakeasy vibes. My husband and I were…read moreblown away!

Best steak of my life. Very nice environment and great sides. Quick service and great variety…read more Recommend the steak medallions because they are so tender

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.

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.

And understated but a powerhouse of a venue from business lunch, perfectly poured beers, and…read moreamazing service. I'm a sucker for German themed foods and the absolutely crushed it.

Had dinner at Salt and Vinegar. Started with the Belgian fries and the pretzel and beer cheese…read more Belgian fries were very good as was the pretzel. The. Beer cheese was good but different than expected. It was a mix of cheeses made into a cheese ball not hot as others I have had. We then split a Rueben sandwich which was very good. They have a good selection of beers. The only downside was 1 customer that walked around and was obnoxious and a gentleman that came in and wanted money but left within about 5 minutes.

My wife and I had dinner here to celebrate her birthday. We had a great experience. Our waiter,…read moreMark and his assistant, Sam, were absolutely amazing. Very friendly and knowledgeable. Our meal was delicious but the service they provided made the evening even more special.

We have dinner at Jeff Ruby's for our anniversary. The experience was absolutely excellent (as it…read morehas always been). Thank you for the wonderful service and care especially on our anniversary. What a great staff you have.

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.

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.

I've been coming in a little more frequently and I got to say we really love the place. We've never…read morehad to wait regardless of how busy it is, and the service is always wonderful. Everyone is so nice, welcoming and attentive, it's hard not to come back. Everything we've ordered has been excellent, personally I usually get their surf and turf combinations that come with a good amount of bread and sides. Their cocktails are fancy and well served but the only one I have liked is the pixie stick one. The beer is also great, and so is their dessert. This is definitely the place you want to have a date at, the ambiance is lovely. Overall 10/10!

A nice "all-American" cuisine spot with something to please most palates. Spacious and open,…read moreseating not too close together. Booths large and roomie. Apps include asparagus fries, beef carpaccio, calamari, crab cocktail, shrimp cocktail, shellfish tower, spinach and artichoke dip, hot baked lump crab dip, and fried chicken tenders. We had the lump crab dip and it was indeed hot, savory, rich, and cheesy. Pretty good for this far off the coast. They also have a large sushi collection. A large salad selection as well: steakhouse, blue cheese and apple, caesar, salmon spinach, Thai chicken, kale and quinoa, California Cobb, and Malone's Lexingtonian (mixed greens, bacon, tomato, creamy herb dressing). Large seafood selection, including blue crab linguini, fried fish, chilean seabags, grilled salmon piccata, Atlantic salmon, fried shrimp. They also have chicken linguini, alfredo, pan seared chicken, wraps, and burgers. They have a large selection steaks, including prime center cut sirloin, filet mignon (various sizes), Manhattan strip, and more. I had the 8 oz filet mignon, medium. Cooked perfectly. Perfectly seasoned and tender. The fries were super hot and crispy, well seasoned. The bottomless Lexingtonian salad (we each had one plate, that's it) was creamy and cold, but nothing special. Service was wonderful. They also have an extensive cocktail menu with several delicious cocktails. We tried several and enjoyed each one. Everything from savory to refreshing. They had some sweet options as well, but we didn't opt for those. Great crowd pleaser of a restaurant.

My fiance and I were looking for somewhere different to eat. We live out of town and don't often…read moremake it to downtown Lexington. We had reservations but ended up getting there early and just had our dinner at the bar. We both had cocktails which we enjoyed along with the deviled eggs for an appetizer. The eggs were okay--a bit spicier than I would have preferred and I would probably try a different app next time I go (there will be a next time for sure!) My shrimp and grits were great but honestly the bourbon glazed wings that my fiance had were the show stoppers. Large sized wings that were smoked perfectly with the right amount of crunch topped with a sweet but not too sweet bourbon glaze. I will definitely get those next time I go. The vibes were casual and chill--the perfect place to pre-game before a game or event or the perfect place to meet friends for a drink. I'd definitely recommend!

The owner, Brian Bear, gets in women's faces if they ask his friends not to touch them…read moreinappropriately. Wouldnt support this business if my life depended on it.

Yesterday we visited this restaurant with a group of girls to celebrate a family member's birthday…read more Overall, the experience was good, especially thanks to our waitress, who was very kind, attentive, and helpful throughout the evening. However, there are a few things I would like to mention as constructive criticism so the service can improve: 1. One of the young men serving the meat would say things like "You want more?" instead of addressing customers more politely, such as "Would you ladies like more?" I understand that in English this may not sound as noticeable, but for us as Latinas, the way he spoke came across as more disrespectful and lacking manners. It may seem like a small detail, but the way employees speak to customers also reflects the quality of service and professionalism. 2. The same employee was wearing an extremely strong amount of cologne. The smell was so overpowering that it could even be noticed while he was serving the food. Since employees work directly around food, I believe this is something that should be handled more carefully. 3. At the end of the night, we brought a cake for the birthday celebration. Another employee approached us holding a plate and said, "I came for a piece of cake." The way it was said came across as a bit disrespectful or overly confident. I think it would have been more appropriate to politely ask if he could have a slice instead of assuming it. I say all of this respectfully because I believe these are small details that could greatly improve the customer experience.

I do like the food. However, when they are busy and overbooked, they don't really make up for it…read more Also, we tried to use our gift certificates purchased for a charity event they were part of, and because it was a month out of date, we were denied. That's fair, I suppose. But combined with the lack of customer service when we were waiting in the stairwell, getting in everybody's way, it all left me feeling like an afterthought and not a valued customer. In the future, my suggestion would be to honor a reservation made at the hour it is made for, or, at the very least, offer a drink to your patiently waiting customers.

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.