We LOVED our time at The Obstinate Sons! This place is a MUST TRY! We were recently on a little getaway for our Anniversary, looking for a good spot to have a nice dinner. We really struck gold finding this gem of a spot!! The atmosphere is perfect! Soft lighting, not a lot of tables, not at all crowded, beautiful decor, we were very impressed from the moment we stepped in the door! Our waiter stopped by our table pretty quickly and did such a great job for our whole dining experience! He was very helpful when we asked for recommendations, and was perfectly attentive throughout our time! Several super friendly people stopped by our table over the course of our evening, the service was remarkable! Obstinate Sons keeps a small menu - I love this!! Not only does it make it easier to choose what to order, it also typically means a place does the things they offer, VERY well! This idea fit accurately with this restaurant! Every single thing we had was top notch and done so very well! We left so impressed! We started cocktails! The bar tender was excellent and had our drinks out quickly! We both ordered various Old Fashioned's, when in Rome, right?! Since we were in town for some local distillery tours, it only felt right to sample some of the local flavors - and they have a LOT of choices! Extensive bourbon list! Everything we had was superb! Next we went in for an appetizer, the deviled eggs! They rotate how they make them, variating flavors and ingredients! I can't remember exactly what flavors they had the night we were in, but they were delicious! Bacon and horseradish were for sure elements! Loved these!! I am a sucker for a good salad so when I saw that they offered a wedge salad with their "own memorable bleu cheese" I knew I had to try one! It was extremely memorable as I'm still thinking about it weeks later! ;) The roasted heirloom tomatoes were exceptional, tiny little guys packed with SO much flavor! I could have used a few more of those, they complimented the salad so perfectly! The toasted onions were also superior! This was a really great salad!! Next up entrees with beers! :) We tried a couple of beers we had never had before, the Bearded Iris Homestyle and the Country Boy Cougar Bait - both amazing and refreshing!! We ordered the Prime Pork Chop which came with the most delectable risotto, wow! So good! We also ordered the Sole Piccata which was quite possibly the best fish entree I've ever tasted! The sauce was perfection and the fish was perfectly prepared with the best panko parmesan crust, HIGHLY recommend!! We also tried a side of the Smashed Roasted Garlic Herb Red Skins Potatoes, very good! The sides serve 3 so they go a long way! We had too much to finish!! ;) Lest you think I'm finished here, I haven't even gotten to the best part! DESSERT!!! We don't often order dessert out - we don't usually save room and it's just not usually our thing. Because we were celebrating our anniversary, I guess we felt extra on this particular evening because we decided to try some dessert. After some great explanation and recommendations by our server we landed on the bread pudding. This dish also varies regularly with the chef's discretion. They have different flavor profiles that rotate, if I understood correctly. On this particular evening the waiter explained the bread pudding feature: I wish I could remember the way he described it, word for word. I'm struggling to remember the details but I believe it was a chocolate bread pudding with a caramel bourbon sauce. Maybe something to do with Kahlua sauce. You'll have to forgive my memory, I just don't know all that he said - however, what I DO know and am QUITE certain of, this was very literally THE BEST dessert I have EVER tasted in my life! EXTREME delight! I literally told my husband I felt like my life was complete after finishing this dessert, it was THAT incredible! My advice on this restaurant - Do not skip a bourbon based cocktail and DO NOT SKIP DESSERT! ;) The entire meal was an honest absolute pleasure, but those two things stand out for me about our meal! If there were a yelp rating higher than 5 stars, The Obstinate Sons would deserve it - EXCEPTIONAL PLACE!!! Make this your next choice! read more

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Cute place, but doesn't take reservations. Our first attempt at this, there were six of us and we were going on Saturday evening - don't even try it. For two people, ok.. for 4 it's a toss up... anymore than 4 there is no way. The second attempt was a weekday and my husband and I decided to try again and we got right in. Pros: - Good service - Good bar (which included port wine on the dessert menu) - Good food - we had the bread pudding for dessert and it was great! It is good food, I got the shells and it was good, but nothing I would go out of my way to have again. Cons: - Somewhat of a small menu (both food and cocktail); I think (for me) expanding the cocktail menu would be a very feasible upgrade for this place. - It's toss up on prime time weekends how long you'll have to wait for a table since its a pretty small place read more

Stopped into this little spot on our way to drop off our student at UK. It had been on my bookmarked list to try for a bit. Hard to find from the outside (had to look at exterior pics on Yelp to see that we were in the right place) so it certainly has a speakeasy vibe. Drinks were excellent. We had the cannon balls appetizer which was very tasty. Entrees we had included sole piccata (fish was cooked perfectly w a nice crispy outside texture), stuffed shells and shrimp gnocchi. All were delicious! Will definitely be back to try more! read more

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It's in a strip mall location but the food was just fantastic and the waste staff was very professional. We were glad we went by there and it was the only stop we had in Lexington. This place is a bit of a Jewel in the rough and I would suggest it to anybody who's looking for elegant comfort food. read more

I ordered the chicken Marsala, and it was like a soup. No flavor. Service was great and my family loved the atmosphere. read more

I have had the pleasure of dining at The Obstinate Sons several times. It was a little hard to find initially, from the outside it kind of blends in with the salon next store. It is a smaller space, so a wait for a table is a strong possibility on a weekend. We get the deviled eggs every time. They change up the toppings regularly. The most recent was buffalo chicken, delicious! I also get the Bananas Foster Old Fashioned every darn time. It is fabulous and goes down pretty easily! Everything we have tried on the menu has been very tasty. You can't go wrong. read more

What a find!! The location is a little odd on the back of the strip, but we had such a great dinner with friends here. There's a parking lot in front of the restaurant, or a garage behind the strip on the main road by the rest of the bars and restaurants. We tried a little of everything and were not disappointed. The service was quick but well paced, the server was attentive and friendly, and the food tasted amazing. Large portion sizes, we all took food home. I recommend 3 entrees for 4 people. Our top picks: grits app, sole entree, crab cake app. Would return read more

I showed up half expecting high prices, mediocre food, and for it all to be served on anything but an actual plate, because that is what you get at a lot of trendy places. That is NOT what I got. The food is excellent. The Steak was cooked perfectly, tender, and flavorful. The truffle fries weren't overwhelmed by truffle like so many places do. And the shrimp Poboy was outstanding. Big, juicy, and not overcooked shrimp and a great roll with delicious dressing The "cannonballs" have a goofy name but are no joke. Delicious, flavorful. Cooked well, and served in a sauce that makes you want to lick the dish when you're done. The staff is great. The patio is great when the weather is right, and inside is nice (a little loud) when the outside isn't great. read more

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We had drinks and oysters. The bartender was attentive and the cocktails were fantastic. read more

The Obstinate Sons - Roasted oysters - American Near Me - Lexington, Kentucky

We thought we would be early enough to beat the dinner rush. Little did we know this place would be packed before 6pm. They don't take reservations and it is a relatively small place, probably 75-80 people max. When we checked in with host, he said probably a 40 minute wait but the bar was first come, first serve and they also have a standing rail between the bar and booth seats where people can hang out, as well as a small lounge area near the kitchen. We found one seat at the bar so I stood and we got our drink orders in. I had the Barrel Aged Manhattan and my wife had the Banana Fosters Old Fashioned. Both were very good. After about 15 minutes, a couple bar seats opened up so we moved to the end of the bar near the door. We canceled our seats with the host so someone else could have them. We decided to just stay at the bar area, have a couple drinks and order some appetizers. We ordered the Down-N-Gritty which is basically shrimp, andouille sausage and grits. It was spicy and delicious. The Cannon Balls were our second appetizer. They are Housemade meatballs in a mushroom cream sauce, served with garlic toast points. This dish was amazing. The bartenders were friendly and very attentive. The have a great bourbon selection, which includes a variety of vintage bottles. I tried a 1960's Henry McKenna 86 Proof. It was very smooth with a nose of chocolate and caramel. For $20, it wasn't a bad choice. We will definitely be back. read more

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I have to tell you in a minute we walked in we were greeted by Clay and the place is packed and he helped us navigate getting a seat finally at this establishment, but he was so professional so helpful is a true asset to this organization. I run a tens of million dollar organization with 150 staff and I'll take a bunch of clays all day long and twice on Sunday. They are very lucky to have him at this establishment. read more

First time at this place and WOW. What a cool spot. A friendly greeting at the door. No wait at all and was seated at a corner table. First thing I noticed was how beautifully decorated the restaurant was... Dark Academia(ish) for the win! The waitress was so helpful with sharing her favorites, top sellers, and answered any questions we had. No need to hit the food individually with descriptions. it was ALL amazing. I will note two things: pickles on the burger had some heat to them... which made them somehow some of the best pickles I've ever had (not normally a pickle fan). Also, the dessert was to die for. Will be back and highly recommend to anyone in the area to stop by! read more

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Highly recommend. Great service, cocktails and food. A really enjoyable friendly atmosphere and vibe.

The Obstinate Sons is now top 2 restaurants in Lexington in my opinion! The restaurant is cozy, with a warm feel as well. Our service was great and the waiter was very attentive. There were multiple cocktails that looked appealing, and the banana foster old fashioned hit the spot! Each bite of food was delicious and packed with flavor, especially the mac and cheese and steak. Their price points on a lot of their food options is fantastic as well. All in all, a very good experience, and I am already planning to head back soon! read more

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I know I made the good choice because there wasn't an open seat in the place. Had to take advantage of the standing bar so I could watch people eat the seemingly delicious food. Cocktails were fire and I'll be back. read more

The Obstinate Sons - Luck be a lady and the Charleston something - American Near Me - Lexington, Kentucky

Really mixed experience. Lovely space and fabulous server. Our waiter was very attentive without being intrusive and made excellent recommendations. Cocktail menu was creative and fun with a few things I have not seen anywhere in town. Meatballs and deviled eggs were great starter choices. Was very disappointed in the salad options - iceberg lettuce only? A letdown in both taste and nutritional value. Would have also appreciated a true vegetable option that didn't include meat. Shrimp gnocchi was good but could have used a little flavor perhaps even a little spice. The charge to split plates is a bit ridiculous and should be waved when a party (especially of two) is ordering multiple apps, salads, etc. read more

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Wonderful every single time we go! From the food to the drinks to the service...top notch! Nice atmosphere as well!

Have been here twice, and both times it was great. The pizza, crab cakes, and bread pudding are all worth trying. Staff is always super friendly. read more

The Obstinate Sons is absolutely spectacular. The service is always great. The first time I went our server recommended several dishes and each time after the service has been perfect. There aren't very many tables but they have a beautiful bar for additional seating. The Maryland Crab Cakes and Shrimp Gnocchi are my personal favorites but you honestly can't go wrong. The waffle fries are totally worth the up charge. The Tavern Burger, Chicken Sandwich, Fried Shrimp Po-Boy, and Sole Piccata were all delicious! A must try restaurant in Lexington! read more

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Food unbeatable, ambience incredible and quaint. Our server was fantastic! We brought our own cake, but also tried the crème brûlée! Best Ive had Steak Frits delectable! read more

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Really high-quality food, beautifully presented. The chef there knows what they are doing. I got a perfectly-cooked pork chop on a bed of excellent mushroom risotto. Fantastic dish. Started with the crab cakes which were as good or better than any I have ever had. They also make great cocktails and of course have a tremendous bourbon selection. It is sort of an English pub atmosphere. Dark wood, that kind of thing Lively and happy crowd. read more

Been meaning to dine here and finally got the chance. Great decision! Food and service were excellent. The restaurant is small and I dont believe they take web based reservations, at least I couldn't find them on open table or a link on their website, anyway we arrived early evening and there was already a 30 minute wait. There are a few high tables on the sidewalk, so we opted to eat there. I was concerned that service would be slow outdoors, but not so. Server was attentive and timely. The serving sizes are generous, but enough to eat in one setting if you are hungry. The sides are extra, but 1 side feeds 2-3 people. I went indoors to restroom and it was sooo pretty and clean. I like that the long bar inside has a little space for people to stand behind the bar stools and a narrow ledge for those standing to sit drinks. Oh, the restaurant play list was sooo good, it made we want to dance. In fact, I did dance in my seat as I ate the delicious meal. We will return! read more

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While the restaurant may be small, it sure does deliver some big flavor. I had the sole picatta and it was one of my favorite fish dishes I've had at a restaurant. Perfectly crispy but light and in a delicious sauce. My boyfriend had the stuffed shells which were also very good. The portions are decent for the prices. We also tried one of the drinks, I can't remember which one sorry, but it was good and not just your average drink you can find anywhere. The only downfall of this place is the interior - it is small and very very noisy. There's not a great spot to wait for a table. We ended up sitting outside after a table opened up but there was some confusion on if the outdoor seating was first come first serve or not. Regardless, the service was great and the food was even better. read more

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Such an amazing quaint place. The food and service were excellent. Next time we're in KY we're coming back. read more

The Obstinate Sons - American Near Me - Lexington, Kentucky

Fantastic service and a wonderful meal from start to finish! Greeted by manager and welcomed by server. Had a nice cocktail off their specialty menu even for non bourbon drinker there was something to enjoy. Shared their wonderful seasonal salad to start followed by the shrimp gnocchi and their pork chop and mushroom risotto. Both meals were outstanding. Ended the evening with a delicious bread pudding dessert. 5 stars all around!! read more

We went for the first time on a Thursday around 5:30 and it was packed! We ended up sitting at the bar instead of waiting 45 minutes for a table. I think I counted 12 tables in total so it's a very small place. They had a few tables outside along the walkway as well. We started with deviled eggs as an appetizer. They were just ok. Oh and I tried two of their cocktails, Luck be a Lady and n adult Capri. They really packed a punch! For dinner we had the tavern burger and the shrimp gnocchi. Both were tasty, big portions. Total bill was $96 before tip so yes a little pricey. Nice atmosphere though and the staff was friendly. read more

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We tried a little bit of everything and it was a very satisfying menu. Our choices: Deviled Eggs Crab Cakes (maybe my favorite ever) Down n Gritty (spicy) Shrimp & Grits Mahi Mahi Sandwich Steak and Frites Chicken Marsala (enough for two) This is a small space and fills up fast so I recommend trying to go before 6:30 and catch Happy Hour before 6pm for a break on the cocktails. I'd give the menu items we enjoyed a 9/10 and I'll definitely be back! read more

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Fantastic across the board... Food, service, ambience... we will be going back many times. read more

The Obstinate Sons - Chicken livers that were phenomenal - American Near Me - Lexington, Kentucky

Great food and atmosphere! Really nice, speakeasy vibe kind of place. We got crab cakes for starters, then chicken Marsala and Manaws stuffed shells. The Moscow mule was delicious as well, oh and happy hour is 4pm-6pm ($2 dollars off) any alcohol drinks. Do wish they served bread and some type of salad choice like a Caesar salad, but everything was good, no complaints. read more

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We ordered the filet special, chicken with penne pasta and the pork chop with risotto. All were delicious, great service!

Amazing food and drinks. The feel of the place somehow blends your grandmother's couch, old school bluegrass (bourbon and thoroughbreds), with a touch of modern "foodie." Place gets crowded at the typically busy dinner times, so plan on a wait or grab a bar seat. It's worth it either way! read more

Great service and quality meals! Cute restaurant with great staff. A little loud inside! 4 stars

Clay, best server I've ever met in my life!! Super attentive and loved hearing the history behind the owners. We will be back a requesting clay. The pound cake is as amazing as everyone says. The cannon balls are phenomenal. We will be back! read more

Delicious food, attentive service, and a relaxed cozy bar setting. Drinks and cuisine never disappoints. read more

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What a lovely surprise! This place is unique and the food is delicious. It's a must visit for anyone!

My favorite restaurant in Lexington. Chef Cannon is amazing. I love his food. The Chicken Marsala has prosciutto in it and it is my favorite! I can't go there without starting with the best meatballs that I have ever had! He calls them "Cannonballs" -what an appropriate name! Love this place, it's always worth the wait! read more

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Visited on a busy Saturday evening but we were lucky enough to avoid a wait by eating on their patio. The ambiance is casual but refined. Our service was good for a bustling evening and the food yummy. read more

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I cannot say enough good things about this place. The food is incredible, we had the oysters, cannon balls, and deviled eggs. Lovely ambiance, very cozy! read more

The Obstinate Sons - Oysters, deviled eggs, and the cannon balls! - American Near Me - Lexington, Kentucky

What a great place! Beautiful decor, nice size, wonderful service. I highly recommend this place.

Excellent cocktails. Service was quick and friendly. Cute little space. Crab cakes were outstanding