Part of Lexington’s culinary scene since 1981, Dudley’s on Short is a lovely venue featuring creative American cuisine. Located in the heart of downtown and nestled inside a charming 1889 historic building, the restaurant features a two story interior plus a rooftop garden patio. Adorned with greenery, tables and chairs, plus comfortable couches where friends can converse, the outdoor space is a great spot for enjoying the warm summer air and a host of delectable food.

Dudleys- OUTSTANDING LOCATION IN A TURN OF THE CENTURY SCHOOL HOUSE. DUDLEYS IS HALF-WAY BETWEEN MERRICK INN AND RAMSEYS. GREAT LOCAL FARE, BUT FAIRLY EXPENSIVE. GREAT SETTING. YOU CAN EVEN SIT OUTSIDE ON THEIR PATIO, WHICH IS VERY NICE. I WOULD RECOMMEND THIS PLACE WITHOUT HESITATION.

Dudley’s rooftop garden is one of the most beautiful public spaces in town, full stop. Surrounded by historic brick buildings with lush greenery arrangements landscaped by local garden guru Jon Carloftis, the second-floor patio is nestled in the heart of downtown Lexington, but feels like a peaceful escape. The restaurant’s elevated but approachable menu features flavorful dishes that use local and seasonal ingredients, including a Kentucky Hot Brown, Steak Frites and the perennial local favorite Pasta Dudley: angel hair pasta with chicken, red onion, peas, carrots, sun-dried tomato, fennel and Asiago.

For over 40 years, Dudley’s on Short has been a pillar of Lexington’s fine dining scene, offering refined American cuisine with Southern and European influences. Originally established in Dudley Square, this iconic restaurant made its bold move in 2010 to the historic 1889 Northern Bank Building, solidifying its status as one of the city’s most distinguished dining establishments. Led by owner Debbie Long, a true hospitality trailblazer, Dudley’s has mastered the art of blending tradition with modern sophistication.

Dudley’s on Short occupies a space closest to the downtown courthouse, elevating Southern favorites like Deviled Eggs, which they serve with smoked KY trout eggs and chives and showcasing fine dining, with dishes like their Ora King Salmon with crab and haiga rice over truffle-spring pea puree. Bistro classics are here as well, like simple steak frites and beef tartare. To satisfy your sweet tooth, try their PB&J Crème Brulèe or gooey S’mores with homemade marshmallows and chocolate crémeux.

This wildly popular fine dining restaurant celebrated its 40th anniversary this past year. A two-time “Southern Living” magazine winner in their “Best of the South” awards, it debuted at Dudley Square in 1981 and moved to its current location in 2010. Owner Debbie Long is very much a fixture at the restaurant, and attributes her success to always being there to oversee operations, and the fact that 85 percent of her business is repeat and 75 percent is local.

Dudley’s on Short Kentucky native Jon Carloftis earned his clout in New York City as a rooftop garden designer for Manhattan’s elite. Today he lives in Lexington, where he created this cozy gem of a rooftop bar that blends the lush vibe of a New Orleans courtyard with a laid-back Dixie ambience. There's also a street-level bar that serves up lunch and dinner by Chef Mark Richardson, who held posts at the Four Seasons for nearly 15 years.

Nestled in the heart of Lexington, Dudley’s on Short offers an upscale dining experience that promises to elevate your culinary journey. Step into a world where modern elegance meets exquisite flavors, creating a dining atmosphere that’s both sophisticated and inviting. The restaurant’s chic interior sets the stage for a memorable meal, whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply indulging in a night of fine dining.

Dudley’s on Short Dudley’s moved a few years back from its original location to a shiny new space downtown. Proudly celebrating more than 30 years in Lexington, Dudley’s menu is varied, bordering on exotic, relying heavily on locally grown and produced foods, and features some non-traditional items. With patio seating along Short Street and a beautiful bar, it’s the perfect spot to begin a night out in downtown.

This upscale restaurant is unassuming on the outside, in a circa-1889 former bank building. The best seats in the house are upstairs on what’s not quite a rooftop, but more of a terrace tucked between downtown buildings. Ask for a reservation on the balcony, where a set of French doors opens up to a terrace filled with potted plants, soft music and small tables in a quaint, secluded setting.

Dudleys on Short is a beloved spot in Lexington, serving delicious dishes since ’81. With a menu full of creative delights, shelves brimming with wine choices, and a snug bar to cozy up in, it’s the ideal blend of fancy without fuss, warmth, and top-notch service. If you visit during the summer, you should dine on the rooftop terrace to enjoy great food with spectacular views.

Situated in the bustling Tandy Centennial Park District of downtown Lexington, Dudley’s on Short is a culinary landmark and a testament to true hospitality. Dudley’s on Short prides itself on its seasonal menu, which features a delightful mix of classic dishes and contemporary creations, all made with the freshest ingredients. Start your meal with their signature crab cake.

A Lexington institution for nearly 40 years, Dudley's On Short is the perfect spot to grab a Southern-inspired upscale lunch or dinner, located in a circa-1880s bank. No meal is complete without "Dudley's Eggs," which are the perfect deviled egg bites to split. The brunch-and-lunch menu has standout shareables, including bacon beignets and smoked trout dip.

New chef, new management, new staff, located in the former Dudley’s location in Dudley square — the old schoolhouse — this restaurant inherited one of Lexington’s finest patio legacies. What they make of it is up to them. (The duck, on a recent visit, was a bit oversauced, but cooked perfectly to temp; do not order the mashed potatoes.)

If you love tacos head out to Local Taco, if you crave a good pizza try Goodfellas on Manchester St, and if you are a brunch person try Dudley’s on Short, named by Southern Living Magazine as “the best restaurant in Kentucky”. So, give your taste buds something to be happy about and sample some of Lexington’s culinary scene.

So while you may come to the Horse Capital of the World for bourbon and classic Southern comforts—which you can and should enjoy at a local staple like Dudley’s on Short—what you’ll find is a progressive community of entrepreneurs who will make you rethink what it means to visit a place as steeped in tradition as Lexington.

Dudley’s on Short offers upscale dining in a downtown setting. You can’t go wrong with anything on their menu and we suggest Pasta Dudley with chicken, red onions, peas, carrots, sun-dried tomatoes and fennel on a delicate bed of angel hair pasta, dusted with Asiago. Enjoy their rooftop patio on a pleasant evening.

Dudley’s is one of Lexington’s iconic fine dining restaurants. Situated in a historic building, it features a rooftop dining option with stunning views of downtown. The menu at Dudley’s offers a mix of classic American dishes with Southern flair, making it a popular choice for both locals and tourists.

Dudley’s on Shortis a gem in downtown Lexington, offering an unforgettable fine dining in Lexington KY experience. Housed in a building from 1889, Dudley’s combines history with modern elegance. After a thoughtful renovation in 2010, it now serves as a beacon for those seeking a special night out.

There really isn’t any true fine dining in Lexington, but if I really wanted to be taken care of I would make a reservation at Dudley’s on Short. Their dining room has this pristine, comforting, old school southern restaurant feel. The new chef over there is killin’ it as well.

Dudley’s on Short: Dudley’s is a 35-year-old mainstay of fine dining in downtown Lexington. Located in a historic Bank Building, it is a favorite for brunch, lunch or dinner. (Has rooftop dining but must ask for it when you arrive already with a reservation, limited seating.)

Dudley’s on Short combines a chic atmosphere with a creative menu. Offering everything from gourmet burgers to fresh seafood, this eatery caters to all palates. Their brunch is particularly popular, featuring dishes like crab cakes benedict that will leave you satisfied.

A long-standing eatery in the heart of Lexington, on 259 W Short St Ste 125, is a local hotspot. The restaurant features traditional dishes in a modern way with artistic detailing. It is usually open for dinner from 5 pm to 11 pm, but do call in advance for booking.

Explore the culinary experience in downtown Lexington by visiting Dudley’s on Short. Founded in the early 1980s, this legendary establishment offers the best local cuisines representing Lexington, KY’s heart. Some of the culinary offerings you should try are:

- Rating: 4.1/5 (297 reviews)- Price level: $$$- Address: 259 West Short St. Ste 125 Lexington, Kentucky - Categories: American, Diners, Cocktail Bars- Read more on Yelp. You may also like:Lexington 7-day weather forecast

Dudley’s On Short is another restaurant that has been a Lexington icon for decades. Dudley’s has been a Lexington staple since 1981. They are located in The Northern Bank Building which was built in 1889.

Dudley's on Short is a restaurant with the most delicious food!. If you want to find romantic things to do in Lexington in the evening, this restaurant is great. View this post on Instagram

Short St. | While the menu isn’t marked, just chat with your server who can help you determine what can be modified. You can never go wrong with Dudley eggs or wilted brussels sprout salad.

‘Dudley’s On Short’ takes advantage of downtown’s historic buildings, set in a converted 19th-century bank. Here you can enjoy a fine dining experience in uniquely elegant surroundings.

Dudley’s on Short is a top choice for a romantic dinner in Lexington. It offers a menu that suits many tastes. The cozy setting is ideal for deep conversations over delicious dishes.

Dudley’s on Short: A Lexington icon, Dudley’s offers refined American cuisine in a historic downtown building. Their rooftop patio is perfect for a romantic dinner.