Diners' Choice: American restaurants in Lexington

OpenTable

Updated July 05, 2025

Looking for restaurants with the best overall American cuisine in Lexington? You’re in the right place. Each month OpenTable analyses more than 400,000 new diner reviews. We sort the results by category to help you discover new favourites. It's a great partnership: you reserve, eat, and review. We listen...and deliver the results for all to benefit. Enjoy!

OBC Kitchen

4.8

4.8 (4642)

$31 to $50

American

Lexington

About the restaurant

OBC Kitchen is a local, chef-driven restaurant that houses an extremely rare bourbon collection, eclectic craft beer selection and extensive wine list. Centuries-old local barn wood surrounds guests as they enjoy high quality, distinctive dishes in a pub like atmosphere. Indulge in chef-driven dishes and seasonal favorites. Celebrate the weekend with $5 Happy Hour features each Friday. Enjoy brunch favorites, bloody marys and mimosas on Saturday and Sunday.

The passionate staff fosters a spirit of hospitality and Kentucky heritage. OBC Kitchen was named after the counties that eventually became Kentucky; “Old Bourbon County” was stamped on bourbon barrels that floated down the Mississippi from Kentucky and became synonymous with the best bourbon in the U.S.

Top review

Lauren

Dined 4 days ago

Wonderful restaurant. The food, drinks and service were excellent!

Carson's at Andover

4.8

4.8 (1329)

$31 to $50

American

Lexington

About the restaurant

"Carson's at Andover" is "Carson's Food & Drink's" second location. Featuring new and exciting chef-driven recipes and cocktails that combine rustic refinement with classic Kentucky elegance in a casual, yet comfortable atmosphere. "Carson's on Main" is a multi year winner of OpenTable's "Diners' Choice" (2017,18,19,20,21,22) and included in RestaurantNews 'Top 100 Restaurants in America 2018'. We can't wait to welcome you!

Top review

MindiVIP

Dined 4 days ago

We were delighted the noise level was controlled a whole better than when you first opened!

Bella Cafe & Grille in Chevy Chase

4.8

4.8 (230)

$30 and under

American

Lexington

About the restaurant

Everyday Dining Elevated
We have taken your everyday favorites and elevated them a smidge!
At Bella Cafe & Grille, we’d like you to enjoy our menu prepared with attention to detail and the quality you deserve.

Bella Notte Restaurant Group’s newest concept keeps with the same tradition of using fresh local ingredients and letting the natural ingredients speak for themselves with a focus on convenient carryout and delivery.

Top review

Karen

Dined 2 days ago

Met friends for lunch. Good thing we had a reservation as it was packed! Got crispy chicken tenders with Brussels sprouts. Both were delicious. Breading on chicken is unique and good. Two different sauces for dipping, ranch and BBQ were also unique and great. Brussels sprouts were crispy with a honey sauce and shaved Parmesan. My fave! Server pleasant and attentive. Less than top marks are for how packed-in the tables are and how much noise. I truly wish restaurants would consider sound dampening in their interior design! Overall good experience and want to go back to try other items.

Carson's on Main

4.8

4.8 (6556)

$30 and under

American

Lexington

About the restaurant

Carson's Food & Drink features new and exciting chef-driven recipes and cocktails that combine rustic refinement with classic Kentucky elegance in a casual, yet comfortable atmosphere.

One of Lexington Kentucky's finest restaurants; Multi Year Winner of OpenTable's "Diners' Choice" (2017,18,19,20,21,22) and included in RestaurantNews 'Top 100 Restaurants in America 2018'.

We can't wait to welcome you!

Top review

Tom

Dined 1 day ago

Excellent appetizers-goat cheese, ribs, and salmon bruschetta. Lyle is an excellent waiter.

Bella Cafe & Grille (Fountains at Palomar)

4.8

4.8 (326)

$30 and under

American

Lexington

About the restaurant

At Bella Cafe & Grille, we’d like you to enjoy our menu prepared with attention to detail and the quality you deserve.

Top review

IngridVIP

Dined on Jul 9, 2025

Our dinner and drinks were delicious! We had the best time and our waiter Tim was wonderful!!

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4.7

4.7 (446)

$31 to $50

American

Lexington

About the restaurant

Granddam, nestled within The Manchester Hotel, is a captivating Bluegrass dining hall that pays homage to its eponymous matriarchal racehorse. While Granddam may be past her prime, she continues to live the dream through the restaurant's unique ambiance and offerings.

Step into the world of Granddam and let her spirit envelop you. The menu features reimagined Bluegrass fare, sourced from local purveyors, ensuring a fresh and authentic dining experience.

Conveniently located just off the hotel's lobby, Granddam invites you to savor the flavors of the Bluegrass region and relish in the legacy of a spirited racehorse. It's a place where traditions are celebrated and memories are made, all under the watchful gaze of Granddam herself.

Top review

Kim

Dined 3 days ago

The food was very, very good, especially the caviar. Seemed under staffed, though our waitress was great and trying her best. No bussers for tables. Tables left dirty between courses. For a $500 meal, including tip, I would expect better.

Caproni's on the River

4.9

4.9 (183)

$31 to $50

American

Maysville

About the restaurant

Traditional Italian, Kentucky Classics and the best of American Cuisine.. Our approach is to utilize the freshest ingredients and support our community of local growers and producers while providing a memorable dining experience.

Starting back in 1930's as a sandwich shop for railroad workers and travelers, Caps quickly became a favorite in the region! Today diners from across the country seek Caproni's and our river town out for the best dining, art, shopping and history.

Top review

Joann

Dined 7 days ago

We went to Caproni’s for our anniversary and it was very nice. The food was delicious & our server was delightful . The noise level too loud for our special occasion, but it was very crowded on a Friday night and I we should have requested a quieter place for seating. I highly recommend this restaurant!

Dudley's on Short

4.8

4.8 (2755)

$31 to $50

American

Lexington

About the restaurant

Dudley's Restaurant has been a mainstay on the Lexington dining scene since 1981. Centered in the heart of downtown Lexington, Dudley's offers delicious modern American cuisine with an award-winning wine list to match. Food Network has featured Dudley's for the classic Tournedos Maxwell and has been awarded "Best of the South" twice by Southern Living Magazine. Dudley's was recently awarded a Lifetime Achievement award from the KY Department of Agriculture for using KY Proud ingredients in Chef Bradley Hoffmann's globally inspired menus. Dudley's welcomes guests to enjoy dining in the more casual bar area, formal main dining room, or on the rooftop terrace.*

*Rooftop seating is per guest request, weather permitting, and availability is Wednesday-Sunday for Dinner Only

Top review

Peg

Dined 3 days ago

The food recommendations from Joanie were spot on. Outstanding dinner. Friendly and personable staff. Can’t wait to return.

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4.6

4.6 (513)

$30 and under

American

Lexington

About the restaurant

Ouita Michel’s newest restaurant - located in downtown Lexington, Ky. is a cornerstone of the Historic Courthouse Square. Zim’s Cafe features delicious sandwiches, Kentucky classics, fresh salads & innovative bites. Order a cocktail, bourbon, or local beer from The Thirsty Fox, the bar component across the atrium with a cozy atmosphere!

Top review

Robin

Dined on Jun 27, 2025

Food is amazing every time I go! Falafel was so flavorful.

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Trackside Restaurant and Bourbon Bar

4.5

4.5 (88)

$30 and under

American

Paris

About the restaurant

If reserving on a Sunday please be sure to check our Sunday menu as this is a speciality day and not our full Menu! Thanks and read below about our history!

Trackside Restaurant and Bourbon Bar, LLC, is located in the fully-restored historic 1882 Paris, Kentucky Train Depot. Trackside celebrates everything that makes Paris and Bourbon County great, Horses, History and Hospitality offering seasonal Kentucky fare. Trackside NEW hours are Monday - Saturday - Open at 11 a.m.

We are now open Sunday! This is a Pizza & Wings day only. We cook your pizza artisan style in a real wood fed brick pizza oven! 11-7!

When making an online reservation please add your seating preferences, so we can best accommodate your request! Feel free to call us at 859-340-3010. We offer a comfortable home style Kentucky kitchen fare with reasonable prices and fresh local produce whenever possible.

Top review

Susan

Dined 6 days ago

Great place off the beaten path. Worth the drive to Paris

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