I'm giving The V five stars, though in my heart, the vibe was four stars. I'm holding off on four stars because even though I didn't like my main dish, I know it's personal preference. The V feels a little out of place in Lexington. Or maybe it doesn't. Lexington is a scrappy community that likes to pretend it's old antebellum south genteel. The V is trying to be what people THINK NYC restaurants are. A little pretentious, service is attentive, while cool and reserved. Light, bright, multiple types of seating. I was seated at a high top, but the seat was still comfortable for someone like me, with a big bottom and short legs. Appetizers include bread, shrimp cocktail, spicy tuna, whipped ricotta toast. I had the crab cake, which wasn't mind blowing, but was what a crab cake is supposed to be, especially this far away from the shore. The restaurant, which is going for a seafood theme, also offers she crab soup, oysters, and caviar. Further, they have a whole "sea" section, offering seabags, dover sole, Bristol scallops, and scampi. They also have salads (caesar, poached pear, arugula). The "land" section boasts multiple cuts of steak, such as the 16 oz prime rib, the 36 oz tomahawk, and the 859, which is two 36 oz tomahawks, caviar, oysters, and other accoutrements for 859 dollars. You read that right. Eight-hundred-and-fifty-nine dollars. They also offer lamb, wild mushroom pappardelle, airline chicken, and dry aged duck breast. Here's where I can't really dock them down--I hated this dish. Rare duck is chewy, almost slimy, and is like eating soggy chicken. I did love their crispy hot fries though (I order fries from every restaurant I eat at). They have a great cocktail menu. I like how the menu gives you a snapshot of what to expect from the drink (spicy Paloma, bourbon and peach mashup, watermelon aperol spritz with a hint of spice, tequila twist on a tiki etc). This is an expensive restaurant. Most things are 60-70-80 plus dollars. It's upscale. I would possibly try this place again, knowing I wouldn't order the duck, but I'm not sure the stiff atmosphere and high prices are worth it. read more

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Our first time at the V at the Vine. We were a bit late (7:45 reservations) on Sunday evening, so it was rather quiet. The ambience and the design is very nice. The patio overlooking the city outside offers a cool view of the city. The bar is a very nice horseshoe style bar with plenty of seating. The service and attention to detail is also outstanding. The service staff is very attentive. They also have very nice cocktail list and wine selection (but the wine list could be better and a bit more high-end.) to choose from. Unfortunately, the food was a bit of a letdown. We started off with the crabcake. While it had good flavor, it was a bit dry. The lemon remoulade aïoli did help, and brought a nice punch of brightness and acidity to the dish. My date had the seared duck breast. Whilst the duck was tender, it was a bit flat in overall taste. It could've used a harder sear on the outside, and then perhaps topped with a bit of Maldon flaky salt. The parsnip purée was quite good and the accompanying charred broccolini and cipollini onions did bring a good balance to the dish. Just needed more seasoning overall. I had the scampi dish, and unfortunately, the sauce was broken. It ended up having so much olive oil in the bottom of the dish that it was inedible. The pasta was fresh and nicely done but the broken sauce and addition of excessive Parmesan cheese on top just made the whole dish unpleasant and unpalatable. The chocolate mousse dessert was quite nice, albeit little small for two people. The presentations of the dishes again, were nice, just lacking in execution. For the price (and some of the dishes do tend to trend toward the higher side) I expected a lot better. I know that it is a fairly new restaurant, and I'm sure they're still working on a few issues. For me though, there are better restaurants in the area. read more

The V at The Vine - Wine Bars Near Me - Lexington, Kentucky

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The atmosphere makes this place. We had a reservation for 8:30 but didn't get seated until about 9pm. Around the same time they dimmed the lights and added different color LED throughout. The live DJ added some entertainment and made it feel more of a relaxed environment. I usually don't go to places just for the atmosphere so 3 stars because the food was underwhelming. It's quite limited and if it had not been for someone else picking the place, I wouldn't have went. As a safe bet, I ordered the fried chicken which had an odd texture but tasted pretty good. Almost as if it wasn't cooked fully but the lighting made it impossible to tell. It could have been how they prep it so take that comment with a grain of salt. The fries were soggy and reminded me of burger king. I ordered the pommes ava but they were sold out. That was a major bummer. This place serves pretty small portions and some of my friends actually left, picked up fast food on their way home. Most of them thought it was fairly good but did complain about the portions. Bread service isn't free and they charged everyone at the table despite only 1 person asking for it. However, they did bring some post dinner sweets which were again, underwhelming. The only item I really liked were the macaroons the size of a quarter. Chicken 7/10 Fries 5/10 Macaroon 8/10 Bread 8/10 Personally, I wouldn't ever choose to return. However, everyone is different. If you're more worried about the atmosphere, it might be for you. It would be a great view dinning on the balcony in warmer months. read more

The V at The Vine - Fried Chicken and Gnocchi - Wine Bars Near Me - Lexington, Kentucky

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We had Easter brunch here and enjoyed the ambiance, the food and the service. We started with the shrimp cocktail and the sweet potato biscuits w honey butter. Both were fantastic, cocktail sauce was a perfect spicy! Drinks were great, even the mocktails. We ordered crab cakes Benedict (perfectly poached eggs and delicious sauce), pineapple French toast (super fluffy w flavors of flan), breakfast risotto (more perfect eggs) and chicken biscuit (very tender chicken). We will definitely be back to try dinner! read more

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Rating: 3.7/5 The Vine has a really great atmosphere -- stylish, comfortable, and perfect for a night out. The service was excellent from start to finish; the staff were attentive, friendly, and made us feel welcome. The cocktails were definitely the star of the show. Creative, balanced, and genuinely enjoyable -- I'd go back just for the drinks alone. The appetizers were nice as well and paired well with the cocktails. The entrees, unfortunately, didn't live up to the same standard. I ordered the fried airline chicken, and it was dry and tough, which was disappointing given the expectation set by everything else. Overall, I'd recommend stopping by for a drink and maybe a small appetizer. The bar experience is worth it, but I'd skip the entrees until they make some improvements. read more

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Nicely outfitted, beautiful decor, and interesting experience, but it's a pass for me. Lots of places with better views (Infinity, for starters), better food, and nicer employees for the same or for better prices. read more

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My halibut was good, mixed reviews from the rest of my party. Biggest reason for the rating. Our server, Rayleen, did the bare minimum. She had to be ask for refills and even cocktails. When she was told who would get the check, she printed it immediately without asking about coffee of dessert. Guess what, Rayleen, the tip would have been bigger if you had taken the time to ask. Management....auto tips for a table of six is ridiculous. We were put in a corner table so I have no idea what the deal is about "the view". It was Mother's Day so the menu was limited and the reason our check was less than we expected but at $550 for a mediocre meal and bad service, we probably won't be back read more

We had an experience that was balanced. The restaurant is absolutely beautiful. Upscale with valet parking and concierge. Large windows with outdoor balcony and nice views of downtown Lex. There are high and low seats. Our reservations were during brunch and there were only a few other occupied tables. I had the breakfast risotto, it was delicious and the egg was perfectly poached. However, the serving size was petite, even for a person who is not a big eater such as myself. My husband had the wheat pancakes which were tasty, but were kinda dense. He ordered lightly scrambled eggs but they were hard. The server was pleasant, but not very attentive, I was done with my meal before she returned to check on us and I heard her describe a special menu to a couple who arrived after us, yet she didn't share this information with us. There are two restrooms, one unisex and one for women. The owner visited our table and was very personable and shared her vision for the space. There is a V club membership option that includes access to special events, spa, rooftop bar and heated pool and a gym. The spa is open now and the other amenities will be open over the next few weeks. This will be an outstanding addition to the Lexington experience. Overall, the V has potential. I recommend giving it a try and more time to reach its full potential. read more

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The V at the Vine was an outstanding experience. From the appetizer, whipped feta, to the entree, 16 oz bone in ribeye with pommes ava for the side, every dish was excellent. read more

Let me be very clear - just because something is expensive DOES NOT make it good. This business posted in a local foodies group that they have a great mocktail menu - they don't even have a mocktail menu. It is so dang loud in there you cannot hear a person right next to you speaking. That is not "fine dining." The food has no imagination and is worth about 1/4 of what they charge. If anyone is ever bragging about going here, then know that person is a phony trying to impress you with what they spent on a meal. No one with true class or knowledge of an elevated dining experience would have nice things to say about The V. read more

We went at open on a Saturday. I made a mention that it was for our anniversary in which we were treated to see rose petals scattered across our table. From the moment we entered until the moment we left, the service was absolutely fantastic. It is obvious that the staff has a cadence for the entire dining experience. We started our meal with 2 old fashions that were very typical but.. very well done. Our appetizers of choice were the spicy tuna and duck spring roles. Both of which were extremely tasty. I will say that if you want a salty dish, you won't find it here. The kitchen allows the ingredients to speak for themself. That being said, they were delicious..... our dinner courses chosen were the duck breast and the scallop dish. The scallop dish was fantastic. I'm glad my wife shared with me. The duck dish was very very good. I read a review before heading to the restaurant and I do have to say that the fat on the duck could have been rendered a tad bit more but it was still extremely tasty and the actual cook on the duck was perfect. Literally a 9/10 only due to the fat comment. I mean probably closer to 9.5/10 if I'm splitting hairs. We finished with 1 desert that my wife couldn't help with lol. It was a chocolate moose served on a peanut brittle like pastry shell. I thought it was fantastic and Nick named it the carnival due to the memory it brought to mind. All and all we will for sure be returning to try the other dishes we missed out on.... Oh and I forgot we both had the she crab soup. Folks... it's not a lobster bisque. If you're wanting that, don't get this. However, I'm glad we chose this. It was unlike any type of bisque we've ever had. So fresh.. very clean. A perfect dish to segue into the main course. They even added the valet charge to our ticket and calls for our vehicle as we paid. Loved our evening and as mentioned will surely be returning. read more

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The ambiance is extremely loud. The staff explained they are aiming for a "South Beach vibe," but this is not a good choice if you're hoping to have a conversation during dinner. The food was also disappointing. We ordered several salads, all of which were sparse on ingredients and noticeably lacking dressing. The "pepper-seared" yellowfin tuna was overwhelmingly peppery, completely overpowering the flavor of the fish. Additionally, the sauces served with both the tuna and the scallops were overly sweet, which we did not enjoy. Despite being charged for bread service, the focaccia did not taste fresh and lacked seasoning. Finally, the service felt disingenuous. When we mentioned the noise level to our server, she said she would ask the manager about turning the music down, but she never followed up and it did not appear that any effort was made to address the concern. read more

Food is tastefully tasteful! Beautiful space and good food! The service is good though we had an issue with part of our order but they took care of the issue fast! read more

The V at The Vine - Table - Wine Bars Near Me - Lexington, Kentucky

Honestly, my new favorite restaurant in lexington. The view- amazing. The vibes - fun & unique. The food - delicious! Some of the best I've had in awhile. We had the oysters - which we were told they rotate types. They may have been some of the best we've ever had. Then we got the wagyu steak and scallops. The wagyu could have been cut with a butter knife and the scallops had a char on them that were to die for. Then we ended with the chocolate mousse and it was the perfect nightcap. We found our new date night spot! read more

Great food and atmosphere. Interesting drink menu. Nicely curated menu options with something for everyone's tastes. Friendly staff! read more

The V at The Vine - The tomahawk steak at The V at the Vine - Wine Bars Near Me - Lexington, Kentucky

sad to say i had very high hopes when booking dinner for 6 of us , our 1st time here and the last. I will say the service here is top notch, the scenery is very nice. That's about all there was positive. The food while priced like their neighbor across the street was just awful, The server can absolutely sell the sizzle tho, fantastic job with desriptions and Jazzing it up, unfortunately not 1 thing lived up to the hype. The brussel sprouts is probably the best tasting item on the menu. I had the scallops, they had very little taste, not very big, no where near value for price, not even at half the price. My wife had the Rigatoni with steak ( ordered medium) came out very well done. The sauce was more of a thick dry paste. pretty gross actually. One other had the Lamb as it was talked up to be something out of this world, i tried it despite the ewww presentation, it was not good. His wife had chicken that looked as if it was beat to death and flattened out to the size of the plate, flat with little to no taste. The other couple had crab cakes, i tried some of it because i was still hungry from my 3 small scallops, it was meh at best. His wife ordered strawberry salad and medium steak, her steak was also well done. We were all very hungry and dont really complain, so we ate what we could and ordered dessert, as mentioned earlier the server has a fantastic ability to upsell We asked about the strawberry cake, oh its my favorite, how big is the slices we asked, are they like the giant piece of chocolate cake at Malones? Or Like the Wild cat cake at Rubys? Its enough for 4 people she said, so we all ordered a piece thinking there would be plenty to take home. LOLOLOL , no a teeny tiny slice, like a 10 inch cake cut 10 ways, upon seeing it, i asked the server how big are the 4 people this served, she didnt really have an answer. As far as the cake itself, I imagine thats what a strawberry cake would taste like if i bought a box at the store with icing and tried make it myself. I have never made a cake BTW. Overall, I think the smoke n mirrors of trying to be fancy and have extremely High prices gives one the perception this is fine dining. It is not, the food is very subpar, at best. Im sorry to leave such a review, but $800 could have been spent much better. read more

The ambiance seemed chaotic at best. O The volume of the music was such that other diners had to shout to talk to the others at their table and my husband and I were unable to carry on a conversation even though we were sitting next to each other. The food was barely warm, to the point of being unappetizing and the service was quite lacking. We had to ask for missing utensils and my empty water glass was never refilled. They have much to learn at the Vine. read more

The food and service were so top tier. This place is excellent and so accommodating! Try it out!

The Vine nails everything I want in a night out. The steak? Absolute perfection ;) it's seared beautifully, seasoned like someone whispered a love poem to it, and cooked exactly to temp. I'd come back just for that, but the vibe seals the deal. This place somehow feels both intimate and lively... like a secret hideaway where every table gets its own little spotlight. Soft lighting, cozy layout, and just enough buzz to make it feel special without being loud. It's the kind of spot where conversations linger and the night feels a little longer (in the best way). If you're hunting for a restaurant that delivers knockout food and the kind of ambiance that makes you want to stay for one more glass of wine, The Vine is it. Lexington needed a gem like this, and now it's here. read more

I'm a regular at The V on Sundays when i pop in town to check on my apartment. I've tried many different things from the menu, as well have my girls, and the food is always 10/10. I have high standards and one of my girls is a very picky eater. My favorite on the menu is the Duck & Crab cake, she likes the Chicken. Fish is good, lamb is great, it's all good. I DO wish they'd offer options for the incorporated sides bc i know a lot of people do not like asparagus. Otherwise it's always delicious. The drinks are always made strong, the ambience is great and it's a nice classy place to relax on a Sunday. You can't relax at other restaurants. Saturday nights are hopping with music, but for my Sunday dinners a member of The V, it's absolute perfection. The staff is great, the and extremely attentive. The GM is always accessible and the owner makes her rounds often. Very few times I've been and i have not seen her. I enjoy The V so much at that we are having my company Christmas Dinner here on the 28th. read more

"The V at the Vine is absolutely amazing! The decor and vibes are incredible, creating such a great atmosphere. And the food -wow! So many delicious seafood dishes, each one better than the last. Truly a memorable experience!" read more

An absolutely perfect evening. We came with my family for an early birthday celebration for myself. Had a reservation, were seated immediately and greeted with a "happy birthday" on the menu. The ambiance was pretty perfect with everyone vibing and enjoying themselves. Our server, Katrina, was amazing. She was so sweet, informative, and gracious. PLEASE ask for her!! I had the V-card cocktail, well, three of them because they were so good. And the presentation was everything!! The food was divine. We had the chicken, mussels, halibut, and sea bass. Along with bread (Japanese milk bread I think I died and went to heaven), charred broccolini, fries (old bay aioli!!) and their complementary desserts. They make you feel special, whether it's a specific occasion or not. The chef Ben A knows exactly what he's doing! I would highly recommend. It's pricey, but absolutely worth it if you're looking for that kind of dinner. Lexington has a new front runner if you ask me. Definitely worth at least one visit. Then you'll be hooked and go back for more!! read more

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The Vine Lexington is a whole vibe. It's upscale, lively, and stylish -- more like something you'd find in Miami or LA. There's a live DJ, not elevator music, so expect great energy while you eat and drink. The food's modern and creative, the drinks are top-tier, and the rooftop atmosphere makes it one of the nicest spots in Lexington. Perfect place to eat, vibe, and enjoy the night. read more

Worst experience ever. Do not waste your time or your money at the establishment. From waiting for an hour for our reservation, to waiting over an hour for a drink, to getting a well done steak, ordered medium rare. The staff were far from professional. When issues were brought up, the GM was disgraceful. He took zero accountability or time to make it right. This business did everything wrong. read more

I am baffled by the positive reviews. Having high prices does not = fine dining. The music was loud which caused diners to yell at one another. The wait staff was very inexperienced and knew nothing about the menu. The food was average. They offered an appetizer special of buffalo wing cauliflower with blue cheese. It was chopped up cauliflower with some sort of oil poured over it. Very disappointing. The wine list is average (not fine dining caliber). The restaurant appears to want to cater to a wanna be crowd. Example: If you order the $80 cocktail called The Heist, they crank up the music and someone parades a briefcase thru the restaurant and presents it at the table. That is not fine dining. What is also unacceptable when going to a fine dining restaurant is having only 3 bathroom stalls in the restaurant. Unless the restaurant seats 30 people, this one does not. When I came out of the bathroom there were 8 people lined up and the bathrooms are at the entry of the restaurant across from the hostess station. Not fine dining. Do not go here. There are other good restaurants in Lexington to spend your money at. read more