Dudley's on Short

Name: Dudley's on Short
Address: 259 W. Short St., Lexington, KY, United States, 40507
Telephone: (859) 252-1010
Price range: $31 to $50
Rating: 4.6

4.6

2374 Reviews

$31 to $50

American

Top tags:

Dudley's Restaurant has been a mainstay on the Lexington dining scene since 1981. Dudley's offers delicious modern American cuisine with an impressive wine list to match.

Make a reservation

Party Size

2 people

DateTime

Sept 29, 2023

7:00 p.m.

Booked 19 times today

Order delivery or takeout

Additional information

Dining style
Casual Elegant
Cuisines
American
Hours of Operation
Brunch Sat, Sun 11:00 am–2:30 pm Lunch Fri 11:00 am–2:30 pm Dinner Mon–Thu, Sun 5:00 pm–10:00 pm Fri, Sat 5:00 pm–11:00 pm Bar Mon–Thu, Sun 5:00 pm–10:00 pm Fri, Sat 5:00 pm–11:00 pm
Phone number
(859) 252-1010
Website
http://www.dudleysonshort.com/
Payment Options
AMEX, Mastercard, Visa
Dress Code
Business Casual
Executive Chef
Mark Richardson
Private party facilities
We have the ability seat 20- 60 guests in our private dining rooms. They are eloquently appointed and located on the second floor. A bar is available adjacent to the rooms.

Location
259 W. Short St., Lexington, KY 40507
Neighbourhood
Lexington
Cross Street
259 West Short Street #125
Parking Details
Valet is available on Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights
Additional
Banquet, Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Full Bar, Indoor Fireplace, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Takeout, Weekend Brunch, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Featured in

Popular dishes

Baked Goat CheeseUS$15.00
Pistachio, Za'tar, Honey, Sea Salt & Black Pepper Crackers
Meat & CheeseUS$25.00
Artisanal Cured Meats, Cheese, House Pickles, Mustard
Jumbo Shrimp CocktailUS$21.00
Cocktail Sauce, Lemon
Firecracker ShrimpUS$26.00
Tempura Jumbo Shrimp, Sweet Chili Glaze, Orange
Crisp CalamariUS$15.00
Garlic, Herbs, Creole Aioli
Kentucky RockefellerUS$29.00
Giant Chesapeake Oysters, Pimento Cheese, Bacon Jam, Pickled Okra
1/2 Dozen Oysters on the HalfshellUS$24.00
Fresh Horseradish, Mignonette, Lemon
CaesarUS$10.00
Romaine, Garlic & Herb Croutons, Parmesan, White Anchovy
T.G. SaladUS$11.00
Local Bibb Lettuce, Blue Cheese, Tomato, Bacon, Dijon Vinaigrette
Wilted Brussels Sprout SaladUS$10.00
Manchego Cheese, Pine Nuts, Aged Balsamic
Watermelon SaladUS$14.00
Arugula, Feta, Crisp Prosciutto, Citrus-White Balsamic Vinaigrette
Summer SaladUS$15.00
Mixed Greens, Local Sweet Corn, Grilled Peaches, Heirloom Tomatoes, Avocado Peach Vin

Entrees

Tournedos MaxwellUS$43.00
Petite Filets, Lump Crab, Potato Purée, Béarnaise
Pasta DudleyUS$27.00
Angel Hair, Chicken, Red Onion, Peas, Carrots, Sun-dried Tomato, Fennel, Asiago
Steak FritesUS$29.00
8oz. N.Y. Strip, House Fries, Garlic Shallot Thyme Butter
KY Hot BrownUS$19.00
Turkey, Country Ham, Bacon, Tomato, Sourdough, White Cheddar Mornay
Da' BurgerUS$19.00
Double Meat, Double Cheese, LTO, Pickle, "Secret Sauce", House Fries
SalmonUS$43.00
Zuchhini Puree, Lemon Curd, Local Squash, Arugula, Preserved Lemon, Peruvian Peppers
Diver ScallopsUS$49.00
Local Sweet Corn Risotto, Spinach, Roasted Red Peppers, Cilantro-Lime Crema
NY StripUS$54.00
Local Garlic Red Potatoes, Carrot Puree, Smoked Bleu Cheese Butter
Roasted 1/2 ChickenUS$38.00
Peach Glaze, Grilled Peaches, Creamy Potato Salad, Fried Okra

What 2,374 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

4.6

4.6 based on recent ratings

4.5Food
4.8Service
4.8Ambience
4.5Value

Noise • Moderate

Loved For

Central Kentucky
Best Ambience
Central Kentucky
American
Lexington
Best Service
Lexington
Best Ambience
Lexington
Best Value
Lexington
Great for fine wines
Lexington
Romantic
Lexington
American

2,374 Reviews

MM
MollieM
Richmond
3 reviews
5.0
3 reviews
Dined 5 days ago
overall5food5service5ambience5
I took my daughter to Dudley’s at the end of UK Family weekend after reading online recommendations. We ate on the second floor patio. It was a beautiful night and the setting was exceptional. Service was attentive and knowledgeable. Food was NEXT level, layers of flavor. Highly recommend!
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MK
MarkK
Louisville
20 reviews
vip
5.0
20 reviews
Dined 5 days ago
overall5food5service5ambience5
Dudley's brunch is always a treat. Consistent, high quality food at a fair price. Our favorite waiter, Steven, did an awesome job.
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F
Funwfriends
Atlanta Metro
14 reviews
vip
5.0
14 reviews
Dined 5 days ago
overall5food5service5ambience5
Dudley's was fabulous for a wonderful dinner. Atmosphere was amazing.
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D
Diner1234
Louisville
11 reviews
vip
4.0
11 reviews
Dined 6 days ago
overall4food4service5ambience5
We had an 8:00 reservation and were seated promptly. However, the dining room was so loud that we couldn't have any sort of conversation or anything. We decided to go ahead and just pay for our drinks and leave. The manager was able to accommodate moving us to the Rooftop Garden which was beautiful and the noise level was perfect. I appreciate him listening to our concerns and getting us moved. The waitress was great and we really appreciated her taking our table unexpectedly. We will for sure be back, but we will definitely request the Rooftop Garden.
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SP
SicilianPride
Louisville
1 review
2.0
1 review
Dined 7 days ago
overall2food3service4ambience1
Having eaten at Dudley’s before numerous times, we expected last evening to be another pleasant date night. However, the noise level was terrible. We sat in the main dining area at a table for 2 and couldn’t hear each other speaking. I would love to say it was due to the restaurant being at capacity but that wasn’t the case. To pay over $100 for 2 entrees and not be able to have a conversation just isn’t worth it to us.
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JD
JoyofDining
San Diego
85 reviews
vip
4.0
85 reviews
Dined on September 21, 2023
overall4food4service5ambience4
A favourite of ours. Always try to go when we can.
Is this helpful?
KA
KaseyA
E. Tennessee
2 reviews
2.0
2 reviews
Dined on September 21, 2023
overall2food2service4ambience2
Small menu, overpriced for the quality of food. For the price it doesn’t come close to other nice restaurants in the area.
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KD
KevinD
Orlando
5 reviews
vip
3.0
5 reviews
Dined on September 16, 2023
overall3food2service4ambience4
Normally a very good experience but last night the grouper special was raw and 2 of us left most of the fish. Our waiter said he would inform the chef No one offered any apology
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J
Jkelly
Washington DC
26 reviews
vip
5.0
26 reviews
Dined on September 14, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Amazing food, drinks, and service! Fennel salad and Steak Frites were delicious and cooked to perfection. I definitely planning to come back!
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JG
JanetG
New York Area
9 reviews
vip
1.0
9 reviews
Dined on September 12, 2023
overall1food2service2ambience1
We were very disappointed to return to Dudley’s after a year and have a bad experience of too much Noise! The restaurant at 6:15 was full, but the restaurant was so loud where we were seated(against a wall) that we could not carry on a conversation or hear the waiter. It truly was a horrible dinner with so much noise vibrating off of every wall. If there is a quieter spot, I would definitely suggest that you request it.
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HF
HonestFoodie
Louisville
7 reviews
5.0
7 reviews
Dined on September 10, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Everything is always amazing at Dudley's. From the minute we arrived, we were welcomed by Debbie and given an excellent table. Our server, Maddie, was super sweet and very professional. She gave suggestions and catered to our every request. The food was exceptional - especially the blueberry muffins. I had a delicious Bloody Mary with my brunch and it's one of the best I've ever had. Start to finish, you can't beat Dudley's on Short.
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PG
PriscillaG
Louisville
10 reviews
5.0
10 reviews
Dined on September 9, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience4
What can I say? Everything was perfect last Saturday night! Food, service, time. We were on our way to a concert at the Opera House, and got there in plenty of time. My only slight complaint, and it’s a small one, is that the noise level was very high.
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OT
OpenTable Diner
Louisville
9 reviews
vip
5.0
9 reviews
Dined on September 7, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Staff was amazing and attentive. We made our show time with no trouble. Did not feel rushed at all. Enjoyed it very much. The food was delicious! Loved it and loved the Michter’s Manhattans!
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JD
JoyofDining
San Diego
85 reviews
vip
5.0
85 reviews
Dined on August 28, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Always a great evening. My husband and I had the specials and they were delicious. The potato buns were amazing and the service was perfect.
Is this helpful?
OT
OpenTable Diner
Louisville
9 reviews
vip
5.0
9 reviews
Dined on August 24, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Excellent service, food, and venue! A very enjoyable evening!
Is this helpful?
OT
OpenTable Diner
Louisville
1 review
2.0
1 review
Dined on August 23, 2023
overall2food2service2ambience4
Pork tenderloin was vastly under seasoned and over cooked. Waiter took food orders and did not come back until food was ready even though we needed drink refills. Very disappointed as Dudley’s used to be our go-to for any occasion.
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s
stephenb
Washington DC
81 reviews
vip
4.0
81 reviews
Dined on August 23, 2023
overall4food3service4ambience4
Interesting menu choices in a pleasant city center setting. Good service throughout from Kaz - attentive, prompt. Food was generally very good though I would mark down the gazpacho (flat) and the pasta (oily).
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SP
SusieP
Tampa
32 reviews
vip
5.0
32 reviews
Dined on August 22, 2023
overall5food4service5ambience5
Deviled eggs were so very tasty. Our waiter Eric could not have been more attentive. He was also very friendly. Great wine list. The steak frites was good though I did find that it could have had a bit more taste to it. Beautiful restaurant right in downtown Lexington. We would definitely go back!
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SM
SaraM
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on August 20, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Our food was delicious, and the service was fantastic. We had a very pleasant experience at Dudley’s and I would highly recommend it for brunch.
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P
Phoebe
Washington DC
4 reviews
5.0
4 reviews
Dined on August 19, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Excellent from beginning to end. Enjoyed the scones and muffins, bacon beignets and all our entrees. Service was attentive without hovering.
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MC
MelissaC
Louisville
1 review
vip
5.0
1 review
Dined on August 18, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Our server, Corey, was outstanding!! We were celebrating a 21rst birthday and we had a ball. WeLobe Dudley’s!
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CK
ClintonK
Cincinnati
4 reviews
2.0
4 reviews
Dined on August 11, 2023
overall2food1service5ambience4
Drinks and service were amazing. Food was either grossly under seasoned or over salted. Food not worth the cost!!
2 people found this helpful
DH
DaveH
Palm Springs
14 reviews
vip
5.0
14 reviews
Dined on August 6, 2023
overall5food4service5ambience5
Kaz was a superb waiter. Exceeded expectations on all counts!
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JA
JoshA
Detroit
8 reviews
vip
5.0
8 reviews
Dined on August 6, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
First, the atmosphere was great. We sat outside at the upper level patio and it was such a great dinner setting. Our server (Steven) was great. Every morsel of food that we ate, from the potato bread at the onset to our entree, was phenomenal. It was one of the best culinary experiences we’ve ever had. Cannot say enough about the quality of the food.
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OT
OpenTable Diner
Nashville
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on August 5, 2023
overall5food4service5ambience5
Wonderful dinner and ambiance. Service was stellar and we never felt rushed, which made the experience exceptional!
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AD
AD001
Austin
7 reviews
vip
3.0
7 reviews
Dined on August 5, 2023
overall3food2service5ambience5
Food quality has definitely declined. It appears that Chef Mark Richardson may no longer be there.
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EB
ElizabethB
Louisville
49 reviews
vip
3.0
49 reviews
Dined on August 2, 2023
overall3food3service4ambience4
We had to send multiple items back. We received good service but a disappointing meal.
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C
Carl
Washington DC
7 reviews
5.0
7 reviews
Dined on July 29, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Our first time here and we will be back! Everything was top notch. A definite recommend!
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CW
CarriW
Coastal Georgia
3 reviews
5.0
3 reviews
Dined on July 29, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Dudley’s is a long time Lexington dining gem! I can’t say enough wonderful things about an experience enjoying a meal here. Lofty praise for every detail of choosing to spend time in such a delicious restaurant and delicious environment! No matter what the occasion, it’s a snug fit of a destination. I’ve been a customer since their location on Old Vine back in the late 80s. Dive in once and you’ll return over and over again! Simply heads and tails above any establishment in Lexington. Superb!
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T
Travelmom
Louisville
52 reviews
vip
5.0
52 reviews
Dined on July 28, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Great meal Options for Lexington Restaurant Week! Fried oysters appetizer (perfect batter ratio and flavor) and Mahi Mahi main course (grilled )were especially well prepared . Madison, our server, provided excellent service! Great relaxing dinner!
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R
Randy
Charleston
1 review
3.0
1 review
Dined on July 28, 2023
overall3food3service5ambience4
Food was just ok. Not bad but not great. Service was great and cocktails were good. Oyster appetizer was a bit fishy. Would like to try again when it’s not restaurant week.
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OT
OpenTable Diner
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on July 28, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
My wife and I were celebrating our 52nd anniversary. My sister and her husband were celebrating their 51st anniversary. Steve was our waiter. He made sure my wife who has many dietary restrictions had a fabulous meal specially prepared by the chef. We were most impressed with his attention to detail and concern for our experience. We will continue to put Dudley’s at the top of our list for elegant dining in Kentucky.
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M
Marie
Mobile
8 reviews
vip
5.0
8 reviews
Dined on July 28, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Always wonderful; the food, service and atmosphere!
Is this helpful?
L
Lotus1177
Louisville
10 reviews
vip
5.0
10 reviews
Dined on July 27, 2023
overall5food4service5ambience5
Wonderful and will definitely be back. Service is absolutely top notch. The food and drinks were heavenly. I downgraded to 4 stars on food simply bc the hanger steak w croquettes was very bland. But the rest of the meal was beautiful. Try the Ruby Smash cocktail!
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CF
CindyF
Louisville
3 reviews
5.0
3 reviews
Dined on July 27, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Very good food! Great service. Will go back! Had never been before.
Is this helpful?
OT
OpenTable Diner
Louisville
2 reviews
4.0
2 reviews
Dined on July 27, 2023
overall4food3service5ambience5
Calamari was the best we’ve ever eaten. Wait staff was extremely attentive and friendly
Is this helpful?
G
Goldengapyear
Chicago
19 reviews
vip
5.0
19 reviews
Dined on July 24, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
As always had an excellent meal even though they were busy with restaurant week.
Is this helpful?
S
Sybarite25
Louisville
22 reviews
vip
5.0
22 reviews
Dined on July 22, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
We love Dudley’s and enjoyed a leisurely Saturday brunch. Delicious, fresh salad, lovely cocktails, attentive service from our server Elon, and the GM was expediting and circulating to make certain all guests were pleased. We have never had a disappointing experience at this Lexington institution.
Is this helpful?
OT
OpenTable Diner
San Francisco
1 review
2.0
1 review
Dined on July 21, 2023
overall2food2service3ambience4
Wanted to order off the special restaurant menu, but after I placed my order, I was told they were out of the mahi. when I changed my order to the menu I was bought the restaurant week salad but was told I could not have a dessert. I ordered my steak medium well it was medium. This was my first time here. Hard pass on going back
Is this helpful?
JB
JacquelineB
London
14 reviews
vip
5.0
14 reviews
Dined on July 20, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Dudley's consistently delivers great food and outstanding service.
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Safety precautions

Cleaning & sanitising
- Surfaces sanitised between seatings
- Common areas deep-cleaned daily
- Sanitiser or wipes provided for customers
Physical distancing
- Limited number of seated diners
- Distancing maintained in common areas
- Extra space between tables

Protective equipment
- Waitstaff wear masks
- Diners must wear masks unless eating or drinking
Screening
- Sick staff prohibited in the workplace

FAQs

Dudley's on Short offers takeout which you can order by calling the restaurant at (859) 252-1010.

Dudley's on Short is rated 4.6 stars by 2374 OpenTable diners.

Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.

Make a reservation

Party Size

2 people

DateTime

Sept 29, 2023

7:00 p.m.

Booked 19 times today

Order delivery or takeout

259 W. Short St., Lexington, KY 40507

Additional information

Cross Street
259 West Short Street #125
Neighbourhood
Lexington
Hours of Operation
Brunch Sat, Sun 11:00 am–2:30 pm Lunch Fri 11:00 am–2:30 pm Dinner Mon–Thu, Sun 5:00 pm–10:00 pm Fri, Sat 5:00 pm–11:00 pm Bar Mon–Thu, Sun 5:00 pm–10:00 pm Fri, Sat 5:00 pm–11:00 pm
Cuisines
American
Dining style
Casual Elegant
Dress Code
Business Casual
Parking Details
Valet is available on Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights
Payment Options
AMEX, Mastercard, Visa
Executive Chef
Mark Richardson
Additional
Banquet, Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Full Bar, Indoor Fireplace, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Takeout, Weekend Brunch, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Website
http://www.dudleysonshort.com/
Phone number
(859) 252-1010
Private party facilities
We have the ability seat 20- 60 guests in our private dining rooms. They are eloquently appointed and located on the second floor. A bar is available adjacent to the rooms.

Dudley's on Short

Make a reservation

Order delivery or takeout

Additional information

22 Central Kentucky Restaurants to Connect In For Mother's Day

79 Louisville Area Restaurants to Love This Valentine's Day

Steak Frites

Pasta Dudley

Crisp Calamari

Snacks

Dudley Eggs or Smoked KY Trout Dudley Eggs

JC House Fries

Baked Jalapeno

Smoked Castelvetrano Olives

Starters & Salads

Baked Goat CheeseUS$15.00

Meat & CheeseUS$25.00

Jumbo Shrimp CocktailUS$21.00

Firecracker ShrimpUS$26.00

Crisp CalamariUS$15.00

Kentucky RockefellerUS$29.00

1/2 Dozen Oysters on the HalfshellUS$24.00

CaesarUS$10.00

T.G. SaladUS$11.00

Wilted Brussels Sprout SaladUS$10.00

Watermelon SaladUS$14.00

Summer SaladUS$15.00

Entrees

Tournedos MaxwellUS$43.00

Pasta DudleyUS$27.00

Steak FritesUS$29.00

KY Hot BrownUS$19.00

Da' BurgerUS$19.00

SalmonUS$43.00

Diver ScallopsUS$49.00

NY StripUS$54.00

Roasted 1/2 ChickenUS$38.00

Overall ratings and reviews

Loved For

Cleaning & sanitising

Physical distancing

Protective equipment

Screening

FAQs

Does Dudley's on Short offer delivery through OpenTable or takeout?

How is Dudley's on Short restaurant rated?

Is Dudley's on Short currently accepting bookings?

Make a reservation

Order delivery or takeout

Additional information

Featured in

22 Central Kentucky Restaurants to Connect In For Mother's Day

79 Louisville Area Restaurants to Love This Valentine's Day