If you're looking for a dive with good food then this just may be the place. It looks more like of a bar than a food place especially on the outside but it's really more about the food and you can get a drink as well if you like. They have daily and nightly specials that come with sides on a board inside located toward the back of the place. The owner was very active with helping staff and patrons alike while I was there. I had the cheeseburger and I must say it's probably the best value for a burger at regular menu price anywhere in town. I wish it had a little seasoning or something on it but overall it was excellent. They have crinkle cut fries which are always good but sides are sold separately unless you get the special. Come check them out they are a diamond hidden in the rough. read more

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It's a bit of an old place, but the food was phenomenal. Everything on the menu sound like it would be so good but one of the things I had was fried banana peppers and they were out of this world. read more

I really hate posting bad reviews, but this place was flat-out BAD. I walked in and waited several minutes for anyone to acknowledge me. I was told to go sit out on the patio, and the person walked away. I had never been here before, I didn't know where the patio was, and I told my server that. He then asked me if I wanted food. Yes, that's why I'm here... he handed me a tiny little menu and stood there while I decided what to order from the limited selection. Later, I heard the table next to me ordering stuff that sounded a lot better from a (secret?) menu I wasn't given. I asked them about it. They told me it was on the wall in the main dining room. If my server knew I hadn't been here before (because I told him) shouldn't he have mentioned the other menu?? When the check came, I gave him my card and when it came back, there was a "customer copy" but NO receipt for me sign! That's odd... did he keep that copy to add his own tip?! Anyway, the food was mediocre at best, service was underwhelming, and the entire experience was a completely disappointing waste. I will not be coming back and I recommend you don't, either. :( read more

Hole in the wall bar/restaurant with great comfort food at affordable prices! Skip it if you're the white linen tablecloth type. Chalk board has daily specials in addition to the regular menu. read more

Thoroughbred Restaurant - Menu - American Near Me - Lexington, Kentucky

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Very small little pub but our 6 people family fit alright since it wasn't very busy. Food was great, the batter on the fried food was perfectly light and crispy. No complaints at all. Waitress was extremely nice and helpful. We didn't get dessert but it looked good and homemade. Great place! read more

OH MY GOSH! Go! Smitty Burger rocks!!!!! Huge chef salad that has it all. Go on in and ask for Shelby. She is awesome. Great food reasonable. Don't miss the daily specials on the board. Yummy. read more

Thoroughbred Restaurant - a man standing in front of the door - American Near Me - Lexington, Kentucky

Not sure why this place is so highly rated. Maybe all all the locals do the ratings? We stopped in after doing some tours of the horse farms. We are not from the area. Treated pretty rudely by wait staff and the food was just eh. Ranch dressing was the best thing on the menu. If you are a local, you'd probably do fine, but if your passing through find another place. read more

The Thoroughbred is one of the friendliest places I have ever been. I stayed nearby his week and saw the Yelp reviews, so thought I would stop in. It is a small place and very comfortable. Bar Manager Andy immediately greeted me and made me feel right at home. He knows everyone by name and is the heart and soul of the bar and dining area. They have a small menu but the go-to is the chalk board. They produce some great food of an impossibly small kitchen. Andy introduced me the the chefs of course. Last night I had the almond grouper with jambalaya and it was awesome. They charge $15.95 but it would get $30 in NY where I am from. I enjoyed the experience so much I went back tonight. This time it was fried grits and shrimp, and I had the jambalaya as a side. I'm not sure which was better! Great atmosphere, great prices! I'll be back! read more

Thoroughbred Restaurant - American Near Me - Lexington, Kentucky

Great classic American food - huge menu. we always stop here when in Lex. Don't miss it.

Great environment, great food and great catering! You have got to check out thoroughbred when in Lexington!

Great hole in the wall. The jambalaya was so delicious and the burger didn't disappoint. The smoked chicken salad was a winner, too!! Wasn't a fan of the cornbread pancakes, but everything else was delicious. Great fries and green beans!!! Close to the airport and Keeneland. read more

Local spot with great food and service. This place has been in business a long time and there is a reason for that. The outside is very deceiving but one you get in you will find the charm. All of their menu are highly recommended and have regular home cooked specials. read more

I really wanted to like this place, especially since my usual place when I'm in this area is Mexican restaurant that's now on my boycott list, after landing their selves in the news recently. Anyway, I was totally gunning for TR's service, atmosphere, and food to knock my socks off... especially since I was the one who chose this place for dinner when we were headed to somewhere else. But the truth is, it just didn't. It's in a strip mall of shops, off of Leestown Rd. It's small, and parking is scarce, but not a big issue because the other shops aren't usually too busy. I walked in from the snow at about 6:30 on a Friday evening. As I walked in, I felt like everyone was staring, like they didn't have anything better to do. My hair must've been wind blown or I must've had a booger on my face or something. Who knows, I just wanted to eat. So, I sat down and dove into the tiny menu. I was a bit worried that was all that they offered, until I read somewhere on the menu to see the featured veggies on the board on the wall. Shew... there it was, more to the tiny menu. I had to stand up and walk over to the aisle to read the board, it was a bit hidden, so you have to know about it in order to spot it. There were a few featured entrees and desserts posted on the board too. I finally decided on the tuna salad salad and a side order of fries. I figured that if I splurged on the fries, I wouldn't be tempted to order the Apple Dumplings that I'd spotted on the board. I'm glad that I did, the fries were my favorite thing about the place. I kid you not, it took an hour for us to get our food. By that time, I started people watching too. The people at the table next table over, got there after we had already ordered, and they finished their burgers before we ever got our food. My salad was okay, a bit small, nothing to write home about. The hard boiled eggs had the green ring around the outside of the yolk which kind of grossed me out. Note to the chef... boil the eggs, place them in ice water to cool and there won't be the green ring. The beef brisket that my husband ordered was the fattiest that I'd ever seen. He mentioned that to the waitress and she said "oooohhhh yeah". WTH... that was weird. Did she think that he meant that was a compliment? Apparently she did. All in all, it seemed like a good place to have a few drinks, but to solely enjoy a meal, it's not ideal at all. read more

Thoroughbred Restaurant - Tuna salad salad - American Near Me - Lexington, Kentucky

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Do you dream of a little family-run out-of- the-way place that just nails it? Wake up. It's real and this is it. Fantastic good-natured neighborhood bar and restaurant. The bar is solid. The food is astonishingly delicious. The kitchen changes the food regularly to suit the seasons and their imagination. This is the best comfort food I've had in a long long time. I almost drove by the place, but I'm so glad I didn't. It turned out to be a highlight of my trip through Kentucky. I don't joke about food. I've eaten more than my fair share in SF, NYC, and NOLA and this is some serious eats. Miss it, and it's your loss. I'll come here every time I'm in driving range. read more

Thoroughbred Restaurant - The Babybacks blew me away. Best comfort food in a long long time. Great staff. Solid neighborhood bar feel. Can't say enough. - American Near Me - Lexington, Kentucky

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Party of 7 (4 adults 3 kids) were seated immediately in the outdoor heated dining area. Waitress greeted the table and when asked if there was a house alcoholic beverage, just shook her head and didn't offer any suggestions or recommendations. We went with non-alcoholic instead. She returned and took the food order - made several comments that came off pretty rude concerning the food orders like "if you're not ready I have other tables waiting on me" "you sure you want all that food? That's a lot" and would say "ok you're done" after we chose an entree without waiting to see if the person wanted to add a soup, salad, side, etc. Drinks went empty several times. Waitress blamed service on being busy, which they were. Food took awhile to come out, but it was hot. The food itself was very good! It was definitely the highlight of our visit. Overall, we would go back again. The food was excellent and the variety of items on the menu truly made this place unique. Our waitress just honestly made it a less than pleasant experience. read more

We got take out during this corona thing and we ordered the lamb chops medium rare with mixed veggies and steak fries with a side of onion rings and 1pc fried grouper with the sides of broccoli casserole and asparagus. Was PHENOMENAL!! It was so close to our house and it was cooked to order all fresh food and something you'd think your grandma would hand cook, Ive eaten lamb chops every where and if you like a classic steak you'll love the buttery tender chops I had. The staff was friendly and prompt and my order was ready in only 20 min! It was a perfect night not to cook and really made my hard work week better. read more

On a vacation from Montana we stopped in based on reviews on Yelp, and the Thoroughbred did not disappoint! My family was skeptical upon entering, and I tried to explain to them that the best food is often found in unassuming places. Long story short, I was right. I had the blackened salmon and jambalaya. It was fantastic! Everyone else was super impressed with their choices as well. The prices were very reasonable, both for food and drinks. The only reason I didn't give five stars is because it took a long time for anyone to acknowledge us and offer drinks. To be fair, it seems we came in just as they were finishing up the dinner preparations. There was a hostess, I think, but she completely ignored us. read more

I went here yesterday on a whim. The best whim that I've had honestly. Walked in and sat down. Took a look at the menu and the chalkboard with the daily specials. Settled on a hot brown because there really is nothing better than a good hot brown. What I got wasn't a good hot brown, it was the best hot brown that I have ever had. Top the exceptional food with the beyond reasonable prices, not just on food the beer prices were great too, and the extraordinarily friendly staff, and it is safe to say I have a new go to spot. read more

Best meatloaf ever! I had cabbage and grilled vegetables. Just as good! You've got to have the cornbread. It looks like a pancake. And is fried. It's to die for! Not the ambiance of some fancy Lexington restaurants. But better food than any of them! read more

If you like fried food this place is ok. It definitely doesn't seem fresh. The food is ok, nothing great. The fries come out of a bag, not fresh. The prices are ok. The place could be cleaner. I'm the tables are crowded and it's outdated. There are better places to eat around town. read more

Neat little hole in the wall that serves Grandmas cooking. The fried cornbread is super good and I urge you to look at the wall for the specials of the day menu instead of the one at the table. That's where the good stuff is at. All in all definitely check it out but come early. Not a ton of seating and it fills up fast. read more

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Great food,fun atmosphere and very good service -Have always enjoyed the TB Restaurant

This place tho. If your a local you will know what I mean when I say this place is like Chevy Chase Inn (CCI) and Ramsey's had a bar- restaurant baby. It's vintage nostalgia - looks like it, feels like it and tastes like it. Nothing but delicious, with throwback menu items and huge portions. Be prepared to wear stretchy pants or take home a box. It's not fancy shmancy -Thoroughbred ain't puttin' on airs, just slinging great home style food. The Bourbon's good too. read more

More bar than restaurant, but great food and great people. Normal pub fare plus some great entrees like brisket and a ribeye (10oz and 16oz). Jukebox in the corner plays classic tune (from northern soul to Led Zep to Jackson Brown). Worth the visit any night of the week. read more

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Tucked away neighborhood treasure in Lexington. Don't let the humble exterior or mixed-use neighborhood keep you from selecting this restaurant. Inside awaits gourmet versions of southern cooking favorites, laid back atmosphere, efficient and friendly wait staff. No stuffy pretentiousness, just darn good eating for a couple of hungry Yankees. read more

The fried banana peppers and mushrooms are great from here! My husband said the burger was great and hearty...

Great food, good atmosphere. Food came out extremely fast. This Ribeye was only $15.95. Great flavor. Will definitely come back! read more

Thoroughbred Restaurant - American Near Me - Lexington, Kentucky

The food is great, great taste, great quality. Service is very friendly, and the atmosphere is just pleasurable. Been here multiple times and will be coming back! read more

Thoroughbred Restaurant - American Near Me - Lexington, Kentucky

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I was in heaven! Pork chop, green beans and mashed potatoes! Ultimate comfort food. Had 4 berry cobbler for dessert and could only get what I left by licking the bowl! Husband had ribeye and baked potato. He cleaned his plate and couldn't stop talking about how flavorful the steak was!! We are traveling through and recommend! Don't let the first impression of the restaurant deter you and go for the food! Amazing!! read more

This place is great. We almost didn't come because the Yelp page says it closes at 9:00. Thank goodness we called. We had one of the best meals at a great price. Don't miss the daily specials menu. read more

Fun little dive bar with great food! Ribeye was fantastic. Onion rings best I've had. Long Island Ice Teas were great. This is one of those bars where in time "everyone will know your name". read more

Great burger, Dickie came by the table to introduce himself, great host. read more

My Son and Daughter-in-law moved into Meadowthorpe neighborhood and after much home fixing up we just wanted to get some drinks and food close by. We had no idea what to expect with Thoroughbred. $2.25 domestics were a great start! Then Andy our very attentive, friendly waiter/bartender pointed out the special board. Holy shit! The food was amazing. I had the 16z ribeye for $23.99 with 2 sides. Anywhere else that steak would have been $39.00 and sides a la cart. It just goes on from there. Pasta, seafood, burgers, apps galore. We've been back at least 6 times since. read more

My wife and I eat here often. Usually food and service is top notch. We often tell people best steak in town and we mean that. Tonight was disappointing. Service was not good at all. Never asked us of we wanted a refill or checked to see if food came out right. My wife stated she wanted very little pink in her steak. It was still bleeding. Tried to get someone attention-several times. When one of the server's finally came over my wife said I need a to go box so I can take my steak home to cook and the server said ok and got the box. Right response would be let me make this right and offer refills. Poor service tonight and disappointed. read more

Great piece of local Lexington. Hidden amongst a strip mall, I've never had a bad experience here with service, food, or atmosphere. Always busy in a good way. Definitely give it a try as it has great flavor and is exceptionally affordable in today's circle of restaurant prices. read more

One of the great hole in the wall restaurant, I had double thick bourbon glazed pork chop that I will remember the rest of my life. The Flintstone chop. read more

Just finished a huge ribeye and the biggest bbq pork chop ever. Expertly prepared. This is not ordinary pub food.

The charm of small town everywhere fills this establishment. Old guys sitting at the bar arguing politics, pictures of days long past filling the walls and the warmth of familiarity greeting me take me back to my youth back in rural Northern Illinois. It isn't a place for someone who wants fancy. To put it simply, it's a dive bar with extraordinary food. When I ordered their ribeye which the waitress had suggested, I was not prepared for the wonderful cook, flavor and quality of the steak. It would match any fine dining establishment's offering in the Lexington area. I literally savored the first bite to allow the flavors to dance on my tongue. I can only imagine the flavors in their fried chicken and other daily specials. The personality flowing from the waitstaff and bartender is enough to make me come back. The food is the exclamation point that ensures I do. read more

So I'm so thankful a guy I work with told me about this place. It's beyond a hidden gem. The food is amazing, I promise I'm no food slouch. If you have not tried this place you will be so glad you did. Additionally the staff are just wonderful. Always a great place to wind down or celebrate or whatever! read more

The menu changes daily based on what's fresh,written on a chalkboard. When is gone, it's erased. Atmosphere is a southern "Cheers". Could not enjoy this place any more. Andy is the night tender and wonderful add can be. Met him once, came back over a month later and he remembers my name and drink. Definitely a place to go! read more

Thoroughbred Restaurant - Menu changes daily... - American Near Me - Lexington, Kentucky

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