Carson's Food & Drink - On Main

American restaurant · Lexington

Carson's Food & Drink - On Main

American restaurant · Lexington

2

362 E Main St, Lexington, KY 40507

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Carson's Food & Drink - On Main by null
Carson's Food & Drink - On Main by Carson’s Food & Drink/Facebook
Carson's Food & Drink - On Main by null
Carson's Food & Drink - On Main by null
Carson's Food & Drink - On Main by null
Carson's Food & Drink - On Main by null
Carson's Food & Drink - On Main by null
Carson's Food & Drink - On Main by null
Carson's Food & Drink - On Main by null
Carson's Food & Drink - On Main by null
Carson's Food & Drink - On Main by null
Carson's Food & Drink - On Main by null
Carson's Food & Drink - On Main by null
Carson's Food & Drink - On Main by null
Carson's Food & Drink - On Main by null
Carson's Food & Drink - On Main by null
Carson's Food & Drink - On Main by null
Carson's Food & Drink - On Main by null
Carson's Food & Drink - On Main by null
Carson's Food & Drink - On Main by null
Carson's Food & Drink - On Main by null
Carson's Food & Drink - On Main by null
Carson's Food & Drink - On Main by null
Carson's Food & Drink - On Main by null
Carson's Food & Drink - On Main by null
Carson's Food & Drink - On Main by null
Carson's Food & Drink - On Main by null
Carson's Food & Drink - On Main by null
Carson's Food & Drink - On Main by null
Carson's Food & Drink - On Main by null
Carson's Food & Drink - On Main by null
Carson's Food & Drink - On Main by null
Carson's Food & Drink - On Main by null
Carson's Food & Drink - On Main by null
Carson's Food & Drink - On Main by null
Carson's Food & Drink - On Main by null
Carson's Food & Drink - On Main by null
Carson's Food & Drink - On Main by null
Carson's Food & Drink - On Main by null
Carson's Food & Drink - On Main by null
Carson's Food & Drink - On Main by null
Carson's Food & Drink - On Main by null
Carson's Food & Drink - On Main by null
Carson's Food & Drink - On Main by null

Highlights

Enjoy pub grub with a twist & creative cocktails  

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362 E Main St, Lexington, KY 40507 Get directions

carsonsfoodanddrink.com

$$$ · Menu

Reserve

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362 E Main St, Lexington, KY 40507 Get directions

+1 859 309 3039
carsonsfoodanddrink.com

$$$ · Menu

Reserve

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Aug 8, 2025

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@eater

The Best Restaurants in Lexington, Kentucky | Eater Nashville

"Carson’s open, communal aesthetic invites guests into a rustic yet refined atmosphere with a large bar, TVs, and outdoor seating. Pair Prohibition-style cocktails, local beers, or wine with sweet and spicy ribs tossed in Sriracha bourbon barbecue sauce. You can also add a romaine wedge salad or the soup of the day, or choose an a la carte side (go for the creamy, smoked Gouda macaroni and cheese). During happy hour (from 3 to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday), there are discounted appetizers, well drinks, draughts, and wines, as well as $8 Old Fashioneds made with a selection of more than 20 bourbons." - Lennie Omalza

https://nashville.eater.com/maps/best-restaurants-where-to-eat-in-lexington-kentucky-keeneland-race-course
View Postcard for Carson's Food & Drink
@eater

A Critic Explores Indian Street Food at Egg-O-Holic - Eater Chicago

"Wishbone’s new location 'maintains the high-quality, straightforward food' of the original. Though fans 'might notice a difference' in the atmosphere, Graham Meyer thinks the kitchen’s execution is still excellent. An 'exemplary' catfish po’ boy features a 'very soft' fillet, inside crispy breading, and creamy-spicy remoulade on a French roll. The fried chicken sandwich is also 'worth crowing about,' topped with cheddar cheese and Lexington coleslaw. On the brunch side of the menu, red eggs with Tex-Mex fixins and ancho-chile sauce are a winner." - Jeffy Mai

https://chicago.eater.com/2019/1/18/18188377/reviews-egg-o-holic-brindille
View Postcard for Carson's Food & Drink

Mark Cornelius

Google
Absolutely amazing. We had the Rib appetizer and the spicy shrimp appetizer. It was enough food for three adults. It was absolutely delicious. The ribs were slap-yo-moma good. Our waitress was extremely helpful and friendly. We finished off with desert, banana bread pudding, carrot cake and the fried cinnamon biscuit Sunday! And then desert martinis. I highly recommend the experience.

Dmitry Kolyaskin

Google
It's a nice place. Good food. Steaks were excellent. If you are hungry for Cajun inspired food this place has an answer. I wanted to add that the dietary restriction were taken seriously. The server helped suggesting substitutions and making sure we got what we wanted. That being said, there is a room for improvement. If a customer orders "no onions, scallions, green onions" you should make an effort not to add there on everything. Yes, including not putting any of this green stuff on top of the soup. It isn't difficult.

DB PC

Google
I loved it. The margarita is amazing, for an appetizer my group had the truffle fries with pork belly, and it was delicious. I also had a seafood soup which was full of flavor and had lots of seafood.For my entrée, I ordered the two 4 oz fillets. They came served on a bed of potatoes with asparagus and a lovely tasty sauce. I will definitely come back to this place. The atmosphere is terrific and the service was pretty good as well.

Samantha Pearson

Google
Finally got to try Carson's brunch. The banana pudding french toast is EXACTLY what I have been searching for!! Definitely hits the spot if you've got a sweet tooth. The grilled salmon benedict was delicious! The biscuits are some of the softest biscuits I've ever enjoyed. The eggs were perfectly cooked over easy and the sauce was phenomenal! The grits were great as well! The flavor was excellent. And of course the Tequila Mary was well executed. I asked to make it spicy and the garnish was the perfect appetizer. Alex was my server and he did a phenomenal job. Although I dined alone, he never made me feel rushed. He was patient and very thorough with his recommendations. He was incredibly observant as well and knew exactly what I needed, when I needed it. I will definitely return! Thank you for a great experience!

Andrew MacLellan

Google
This is a great spot in Lexington. It was extremely busy so suggest you make a reservation. We went on a Wednesday and it was a 90 minute wait - large bar area though to hang out or just eat there! It was a great place to take in some good food and get a bit of a Kentucky culture. We chatted with a bunch of folks at the bar and they were all groups in for horse shows. Our bartender was great and the bourbon selection is unsurprisingly vast! This is definitely a spot we will go back to in Lexington - what a great city.

Andrew Shell

Google
Delicious steak frites and caesar salad. My wife loved her fried chicken and mashed potatoes. They brought us champagne for our anniversary. We got triple layer chocolate cake which was also delicious.

Rachel Revolinski

Google
Service left a lot to be desired. Our waiter took our order and brought us our bill and that was it. Other staff members brought our drinks which took forever and our food. I got the chicken/shrimp and grits which was recommended… I thought the sauce was gummy and salty. My husband got ribs and shrimp, the shrimp was good but the ribs were dry and tasted old. Considering our bill was $118 I expected a lot more.

Stephanie Andrews

Google
Absolutely loved this place! Fun environment with great service. The grilled Brie and the baked goat cheese apps were excellent. All meals including dessert were very good. Can’t wait to go back!
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Brendan D.

Yelp
I visit Lexington once every few months for family and, if I've done my proper 2-hour long run, always book a Carson's brunch. You will need a lot of room in your belly to capture the full experience. The ribs are probably the best I've ever had, pure fall-off-the-bone excellence. We ordered the starter size to split which comes with 12 honkin' ribs, plenty for a full meal. Of course we had to get the Hot Brown Benedict, as New Yorkers the Kentucky Hot Brown is a rare treat and Carson's rendition is top notch. The gravy-smothered biscuits are ridiculous, even without the piles of shaved chicken and ham this would be a hearty meal but all put together it's a feast to remember. I also tried their cocktails here for the first time on our recent visit and was impressed; the banana bread pudding martini was like a hard milkshake. Slurped that baby right up, great way to start a Saturday
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Lora M.

Yelp
My husband and I were visiting Frankfort for the bourbon trail and came here for dinner our first night. We loved Carson's and the whole vibe. There's a nod to the Kentucky history and bourbon trail inside that's very fitting for the area. We started with the salmon bruschetta and I had a gin blossom (seasonal drink). We wouldn't have normally picked the salmon bruschetta appetizer but it was delicious. Great recommendation from our server. Our main entree was the bourbon steak, which comes with the fried onion strings and mashed potatoes. 10/10 for representation - it tasted good also. We also ordered a side of Mac and cheese (not pictured) and let me tell you - don't skip on the Mac and cheese! My new favorite Mac and cheese - no wonder we saw so many come out of the kitchen. For dessert we ordered the banana bread pudding and an espresso martini. One thing about me is if there's a banana dessert - I will probably order it and this one did not disappoint. Solid espresso martini also - my my fav but a solid one for sure. We'd come back if ever in the area again.
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Beth T.

Yelp
We were in Lexington overnight and chose dinner at Carson's after several people recommended it. Walking in we were greeted and promptly seated. It had a nice ambiance - we were seated in and area that might be a sunroom. There was a water spigot next to my chair - I joked that I could fill my water glass. Our waitress, Christy (sp?), was pleasant and answered all our questions. She took our orders and checked in on us throughout dinner. We ordered drinks and an appetizer - the spicy shrimp appetizer was delish, but after two shrimp far too spicy for me. The shrimp were good size, plump and plentiful and the sauce was tasty, but careful -- very spicy!! A baguette was served along side to sop up all the sauce. My husband finished it I chose the fried chicken for my meal and it arrived with two huge flattened chicken breasts - they were okay, but a bit underwhelming - the haricots were over cooked and way too garlicky, my plate had a huge mound of potatoes too - too much for me to eat - we could not take it with us. My husband had some medallions of beef - neither of us finished our meals. In my opinion the place felt "chain-style". And maybe it is. We wanted a fresh crafted kitchen style dinner - Will try something new on our next visit!
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Tracy M.

Yelp
We just popped into town for a quick night and saw the great reviews for this place and decided to try it. No reservations available but there were seats at the huge bar. The bar staff were very friendly and attentive. The food was perfect in every way. The people around us were also fun. Would come back.
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Crystal L.

Yelp
I grew up in Kentucky. How did I not know about this place until now? Came for a family dinner and everything was just fantastic. We had a reservation (which I recommend - strongly), so we were seated promptly even though we were a few minutes early. We were a party of five and there are lots of groups there, which will make getting a table without a reservation even harder. We started with the baked goat cheese served with terrific rolls. If you're a goat cheese fan, get this. There are other starters that looked equally delicious... I could make a meal out of their starters. But that would be a mistake because I wouldn't have had the fried chicken, which is out of this world. Actually, I didn't order just the fried chicken. I had the Creole Chicken and Shrimp. It was outstanding... and those cheese grits underneath... amazing. I tried my Mom's fried chicken (their specialty) and it was delicious. Out of this world. Everything we had was really great. I would absolutely come back to Carson's when I'm in Lexington again. It's some of the best food I've ever had in Kentucky. Chef's kiss. Kiss the chef.
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Brian V.

Yelp
This is the second place one trip that was recommended by my local coworkers that I already tried and enjoyed on my last visit a year ago. And the funny part it took me seeing my own Yelp Review to realize it! Here I am back for a second time on my very next visit to Lexington. I ordered the bourbon smash and the shaved prime rib sandwich with broccoli with Gouda cheese sauce for a side. Enjoying my bourbon smash while I waited for my dinner. The shaved prime rib sandwich came with dipping brown sauce and had mushrooms. The broccoli was 2 huge pieces with Gouda sauce covering the stocks. The meal was a large portion and both the sandwich and the broccoli hit the spot. Very enjoyable meal in a great atmosphere.
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Gloria R.

Yelp
Great customer service, nice decent portions..i always end up on the bar due to lack of tables.Parking is tricky
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Jazlyn R.

Yelp
A beautiful day in Kentucky. We were visiting from Texas for a music Festival, Railbird, and this restaurant dealt very well with the rush of us all in town that weekend. The food was fresh and the game was on. I'm not sure which game.. but there were tvs. Brunch spot for sure. Great drinks
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Rena H.

Yelp
It doesn't get much better than this. Great atmosphere, superb menu, and a vast bourbon selection. This is one of the nicest dinners we've had in a while, and I'm so ready to go back. I ordered the filet with scallops for my meal - blew me away. SO GOOD. The grits it was served on top of... omg. I'm still thinking about this meal. My old fashioned was delightful and went very well with our dessert bourbon bread pudding. Don't miss out on that.
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Bethany O.

Yelp
Welcoming and attentive bar staff. Upheld customer service that anticipates the needs of the consumer. Positive and "cool" ambiance. Bartender prepared on point dirty tito's martini with house made stuffed blue cheese olives. Ate the Soft shell crab salad with additional filet medallion. Complimented with a garlic roll with bartender recommended truffle butter. Crab? tasty. Salad? Fresh & tasty. Filet Medallion? left ~something~ to be desired but hard to say what, maybe juiciness? Cooked appropriately and tender. Positive experience, would recommend to a friend.
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Patrice B.

Yelp
If I could give 10 stars I would. Carson's was phenomenal! From the ambiance, the service, wait time, temperature of the food and taste. All of it was absolutely mouth watering! We went for my mom's birthday and we were in for a true treat! I wish I remembered our servers name because she deserves a shout out as well. We tried the Oscar style medallions, Oscar style salmon, wedge salad, ahi poke lettuce wraps, and the fried chicken. Everyone loved their food. There wasn't a single compliant. The food was bursting with flavor!! The staff also brought out a delicious dessert for the birthday girl which was a salted caramel brownie with ice cream that again was absolutely amazing. My husband has already been back since our visit last week because he loved it so much! This is a true gem!
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Elliott F.

Yelp
Carson's is a fantastic spot in Lexington, offering a cozy ambiance and a menu full of hearty, flavorful dishes. The decor is warm and inviting, perfect for a relaxed night out or a special occasion. The staff is friendly and attentive, always ready to make your dining experience enjoyable. The food at Carson's is undeniably delicious, with a variety of options that cater to different tastes. Their signature dishes, like the bourbon-glazed salmon and the succulent steaks, are standout favorites. However, some dishes can be a bit on the heavy side, so it's wise to come with a hearty appetite. Despite the richness of some menu items, the overall quality and flavor make Carson's well worth a visit. The portions are generous, and the presentation is always top-notch. Whether you're looking for a comforting meal or something a bit more refined, Carson's delivers a satisfying experience that earns it a solid four stars. Highly recommended for anyone in the mood for a hearty, flavorful meal.
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Scott M.

Yelp
You can't beat there Brunch, We was in town on a Saturday. We tried there Bloody Mary's. Very good,There biscuits are best I've ever had. You can't get better shrimp n grits without having to go to South Carolina. The best meal in town..
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sydney h.

Yelp
It's fancy here! Wear a little collared shirt. First off: Get a reservation! It does not matter the day. It's going to be more crowded than you think. There's a parking lot right next door, come with change. We were seated early and given water out of those rich people jugs to serve yourself with (the true way you know you're at an uppity restaurant). We ordered the truffle fries and added crab and lobster. The flavor was really nice, our only real complaint would be that the sauce gets rich after a couple of fries. Also, the portion is definitely a share - don't get it alone unless you want to bring home soggy fries, not have much room for your entrée, or look silly handling this all by yourself. Otherwise, highly recommend! The crab, while it was a little sparse for the price, still was a really good addition! It elevates the meal. Entrées. My boyfriend had the chicken and shrimp with no grits. The shrimp was sparse - maybe four of them. Not going to lie, for a dish that's called "shrimp and chicken", we were expecting more. The sauce itself was flavorful. The chicken was strange. It is breaded and fried, however, with the amount of sauce they put on it, the breading sloughs off. It's well seasoned, you can tell it's been marinated in buttermilk. For it being a "Creole" dish and having a "Creole sauce", it wasn't very spicy. Good flavor, but not enough. Otherwise, fairly good. By the time it came out, he had ate so many fries with not much room. My ham and gruyére was excellent. A classic Croque Madame. It was HUGE. I barely put a dent in it. Ham, cheese, Dijon mustard, and the roux all came together to make for an excellent sandwich. The egg yolk was a plus! We got the peanut butter pie for dessert. The slice is huge. It is also a share moment. It's very sweet. If you don't have a sweet tooth, don't eat this. If you do, this is your thing. If your family ever made peanut butter rolls for holidays, this is dead up like it. With the chocolate sauce they drizzle on top, it tastes like a Buckeye. It was enjoyable, but with all of the sweetness, it was too much to finish. Chocolate chips, caramel drizzle, chocolate frizzle, sugary crust with the graham crackers. Overall, delicious dessert, but definitely a sugar bomb. We'd definitely come back! One point taken off for the weird consistency of flavor.
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Joe D.

Yelp
We are from Hawaii and were interested in the local flavor. We were not disappointed. The food, service, and ambiance were beyond our expectations. This is a must Hope you like it as much as we did.
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Sana K.

Yelp
The restaurant is beautiful!!! Service was good. The menu is amazing. The drinks were good. It was a dirt parking lot. Decently priced. Loved the options. It had a New Orleans flair to the menu. I got the spicy filet pasta. It said no subs which leads me to believe it is a pre-made mixture. I would have opted for no onions. It was good but something was missing or off. I think the pasta was just too done for me maybe. Maybe it was everything being pre made, The steak being cooked throughout, not sure. It def wasn't spicy by any means. I asked for crushed pepper and used a lot. I would def go back and try something else. So many things sounded good. Decent portions. Lunch and dinner is the same I believe. Came on a Thurs around 130 and it was pretty steady.
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Zheng Hong T.

Yelp
Brunch is a special meal that is a treat for the days where you don't have to get up early and is hands down one of my favorite meals. Being on the lookout for good brunch spot, I chanced up on Carson's. People rave about Carson's being one of the best brunch spots in Lexington and I can definitely see why when I visited! From the very attentive wait staff that was really helpful in helping navigate the menu to the decor, it was an awesome experience. What really surprised me though was the portion sizes when the food came out. They were big enough to send you into a lazy food coma if you finish it and filling enough where you can eat half and take the other half away to be savored at home! I got the soft shelled crab Benedict which is a dish with its crispy crabs topped with a rich Benedict sauce and soft crab meat paired with soft biscuits and spinach just binding everything together in harmony. The crispiness of the crab contrasts with the soft crab meat and spinach, the fluid egg yolk and the flaky biscuits for a symphony of textures. Their brie is paired with truffle, pine? Butter and garlic bread which is also divine. Also grabbed their bees knees since it is not a brunch without a drink and I am very happy with my experience. Definitely one of the best brunch places I've been in
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Hakim M.

Yelp
Stop in omw to Nashville!!!! Very nice ambience and setting. The food was great for what it was. I'm not a fan of white sauce but I tried it anyways and it was delish. We all know I'm a bloody mary fan and I must say ut did not disappoint. My server was very friend and helpful with recommendations. So I have to thank her again
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Cindy L.

Yelp
We had dinner, I ordered the two filet medallions with the most perfectly cooked scallops on top of cheesy grits. The best ever. My husband ordered the Cajun filet and that was delicious as well. We returned for lunch to get those ribs because we were jealous watching people eat them for dinner the night before. We also ordered the Kentucky derby pie bites. I've never had anything like it. It was absolutely amazing. I WOULD RECOMMEND
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Lara H.

Yelp
Delicious food and mocktails! The service was great with a classy Lexington bourbon vibe. We will definitely return for another fabulous meal!
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Libby B.

Yelp
We came here for brunch, and it was so good! We got the deep friend cinnamon sugar biscuits topped with bourbon honey glazed and omg wow to die for. I did the regular Carson's breakfast - 2 eggs, bacon, and biscuit and that was super good. Bacon was perfect! Make reservations for sure because they get busy fast. I also had their peach bellini and that was yummy.
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Jen S.

Yelp
The atmosphere is still my favorite thing about Carson's. I love the feel of the restaurant. The service is also fantastic. I've been here twice now and loved the servers both times I've been. They're very helpful and kind. The food is not bad, but in my opinion, still not worth the cost. I got a caprese salad for lunch this day and it was good. But, there just wasn't much seasoning included. In my opinion, the "simple" foods (like a caprese salad) really tell a lot about the restaurant. This was good, but just not great. There wasn't much seasoning and everything tasted a bit bland. I don't mind eating here...the atmosphere and the people make it worthwhile. I just keep hoping to find the food item that I love...but I haven't found it yet.
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Sydney H.

Yelp
I really debated dropping a star or not. This makes the second dish here I would not order again. For a higher end dining experience I expect more. Many people have said it and it's true, the service is slow, yet they're attentive without overbearing. An interesting combination, certainly. Our server was so friendly and I appreciated that she kept hot water available for the hot tea I ordered. I really enjoyed her service. The ribs - fantastic! Come right off the bone and the sauce is amazing. Hawaiian chicken sandwich - I had 3 things in mind and was told the pasta salad and fruit (with chicken) was super sweet and not the server's favourite, which I really appreciated! I did not order it as I would've not enjoyed this. Of the other two, per recommendation, I went with the Hawaiian chicken sandwich and the asparagus. Everything was so wet and saucy. I didn't feel the Hawaiian sandwich needed the aioli. The pineapple, cheese, and glaze-like sauce gave it plenty of soft texture. I found the aioli to be overpowering and unnecessary. This combined with the asparagus was way too much sauce. I wish I would've ordered plain asparagus or gotten a different side. Lastly, it was mentioned that the chicken sandwich is spicy and I didn't find it to be one bit. Thankful to have tried it and don't recommend. Coming to a place like this I want to feel good and the food was fresh, but I just felt it sitting. The crab blt is this for those who enjoy crab. For those who don't, I can recommend the ribs.
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Nina P.

Yelp
The parking lot is a nightmare. However, we were seated and greeted promptly. Our waitress was training and she did a great job! Very friendly and knowledgeable of the menus. The decor/theme was a tad inconsistent but warm and attractive. We ordered our appetizer and meal at once and staff did a great job timing its prep and arrival. While the food had a savory, fresh taste; we had slight displeasure with some textures in the appetizer. Our meals were served fresh but I was missing the sauce you'd normally get in a chicken parm sandwich. I will say the smoked Gouda Mac and cheese was probably one of the best Mac's I've ever had! We're happy to finally check this off of our list. According to Yelp, the price point for this restaurant is $$. We would disagree as it's kinda pricey. Overall we had a great experience with one exception: the water is served without ice! I only drink water and water without ice just makes me more thirsty.

Hector V.

Yelp
Always an amazing place, best drinks and amazing food. Reserve to avoid waiting. Ambience is very good
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Jeff P.

Yelp
My favorite restaurant of my trip to Lexington . The Vibe is great . Table service , people dining at the bar with craft cocktails. Great service. Thanks
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Randall G.

Yelp
Great service. Can't go wrong with any of the food. Ate the pork belly burger and it was tender/juicy. Ask for medium rare+. I got their jambalaya soup instead of the fries. This side was my favorite dish. Could've used more heat/spice for a more traditional southern jambalaya but still fantastic. It won't disappoint.
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Leah S.

Yelp
First off, make a reservation, this place gets packed quickly. Next, I loved everything about it from the wooden decor to the delicious food. Definitely start with the deep fried biscuits. Even if you can't finish them, this is the signature item for a reason. After that you can't go wrong with really anything. Everything we tried was so good and I had plate envy watching others get their food. Portions are HUGE, definitely shareable. Brunch is a perfect time to yet because you can also get the lunch menu if you like. Can't wait to return to try more from this hearty menu.
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Kalynda S.

Yelp
The best grits of my life! I was just stopping through, but I would go back to Lexington just to go back to this restaurant!
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Alfie B.

Yelp
I was craving some steak, but also wanted a place where I could order a bourbon flight. Carson's just happened to fulfill both of those requirements and was within walking distance of my apartment. They say they're a "prohibition-style" restaurant, which I'm still not entirely sure what that means besides them dressing up in 1930's-style outfits. The actual restaurant still looked relatively modern? I ordered a bourbon flight, Oscar-style medallions, and banana bread pudding. The filet was cooked perfectly medium-rare but a little on the bland side. The bread pudding was delicious and it seems like they give a portion meant for 3 people! My server was friendly and super attentive (perhaps overly so, but that's fine). Despite all the positive marks, I'm still leaving this at 4 stars (wish Yelp had half stars). This is a good, but not great restaurant. What they do is done well, it won't wow you. For the prices they charge, that's just not good enough.
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Carly S.

Yelp
I've been to Carson's in the past and am a huge fan! I live in Chicago but went to school at UK and just went to Carson's again this morning and as I remember in the past, still very good. I got the Belgian Waffle for breakfast and also had a cold brew coffee as well and both were super good. The service is always kind from my experience and if you choose to dine in, you will not be disappointed by the interior and vibe. I definitely recommend Carson's whether you are looking for breakfast, brunch, or dinner and you can't go wrong with really anything on the menu. Thanks Carson's for always being tried and true and already can't wait to come back!
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courtlin l.

Yelp
This place is so delicious. The vibe is wonderful, so nice and ambient. Ive also never had a bad server. My boyfriend treated me to a birthday dinner here. The food was excellent. Only problem we had was when they brought out my salad my salmon was raw in the middle. Honestly the first bites i took of it that were cooked were still delicious. They brought me out a new one and it was even better, more flavorful and cooked perfectly. They comped the entree and usually they give you the ice cream sundae as the dessert but they let me pick whatever I wanted for free. Very nice. I picked the banana bread pudding. It was delicious. The mac and cheese is good as always and the fries are just phenomenal. My red sangria was so refreshing and my side of broccoli was amazing. My boyfriend got the fried chicken on mashed potatoes and haricot verts. It was very good. Even though they made my fish raw it was still delicious and I definitely recommend.
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Princess R.

Yelp
We had reservations and got there past the grace period. They were very good about still getting us in within 10 mins. It was a busy Sunday. The food was amazing. Everyone seemed to be enjoying themselves watching sports. The atmosphere was welcoming and overall made us want to come back. A TikTok video is what made us try it. That young lady was spot on. 10/10.
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Jon H.

Yelp
I've been to Carson's a few times now and I usually don't think about taking photos because the food is so good but this time I caught some! A friend and I sat at the bar Saturday around 6:45 and there was a 45-60 minute wait but the bar had a few seats open. The bartenders/waiters were quick to get drinks and our order in. The nachos took a bit to show up which was fine, it was a busy. The salad took even longer to show up but the food all showed up hot and cooked just right! Worth the wait and the wait wasn't bad for how busy it was I asked for a wedge salad but it didn't come as a wedge? I'm not sure if that's normal but it was good Whatever it was! Carson Nachos - 9/10 Béarnaise Burger - 9/10 (ordered the béarnaise on the side and removed some of the onions as it was a lot for me!) Wedge Salad - 9/10 Carson's is ranked so high for a reason. I have not had a bad meal here. Make reservations weeks in advance if you're wanting a weekend between 5-8pm.
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Kathryn S.

Yelp
We had to wait @10 minutes for our table - made a reservation but once seated service was VERY quick. We ordered drinks and the spicy shrimp and nachos. Food came out fast. We then ordered salads and a burger all excellent. Highly recommend
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Katie M.

Yelp
It was my husband's 33rd birthday today. All our friends have raved about Carson's for so long and I just wanted to thank you all for such a wonderful dining experience. The restaurant was stunning, the server was great, and the food was absolutely incredible! Definitely will not be our last visit!
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Michelle R.

Yelp
Excellent food Excellent drinks Excellent service Cool atmosphere (Kentucky/Texas vibe) Pricey but well worth it. We will be back, SOON! Free parking

Guine R.

Yelp
The food was out of this world! Great drinks, the Bloody Mary was spectacular, great bourbon selection. We will be back!
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Danielle M.

Yelp
The best meal I had while visiting Lexington! Service was great and our server answered all of our questions about the menu and even made some suggestions. I started with the banana bread pudding martini and OMG, it was delicious! It was definitely sweet and decadent, like a dessert. We got the seared ahi tuna as our appetizer and it is the best I have ever had. The wasabi dipping sauce was the perfect addition to the dish. For our main dish, we got the spicy pasta filet. It had so much flavor! We also got the shaved prime rib sandwich and it was huge! It came with an au jus dipping sauce and it just made the sandwich that much better. I got the Gouda Mac and cheese as my side. It was delicious! So much cheesy goodness. For dessert we got the fried derby pie bites with ice cream. It was amazing! The dough on the outside of the pie bite reminded me of a funnel cake.
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Adrienne W.

Yelp
The service, food and atmosphere is excellent! I got the veggie breakfast bowl with a few tweaks for food allergies and my boyfriend got the eggs Benedict. Highly recommend. I wouldn't say there are a ton of allergy friendly options for gluten and dairy free but you can get by with adjustments.
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Rachel R.

Yelp
Carson's is always a great place for a date night or brunch with friends! I would definitely recommend making a reservation because it gets busy quickly. The portion sizes are huge and I always bring leftovers home. The mac and cheese is the best side on the menu, hands down. One thing I don't love about Carson's is I find the background music to be a little loud. This is personal preference, but I find it to be a bit overstimulating combined with all the conversations going on.
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Alli C.

Yelp
Carson's is a local steakhouse in downtown Lexington, and it has a classic and sophisticated atmosphere, with dark wood paneling and elegant decor that make for a refined dining experience. There is free parking (a rarity in downtown!). Py partner and I dined with friends and tried the Ahi Tuna and the Caprese Salad, and it was absolutely fantastic. The tuna was seared to perfection, with a flavorful crust on the outside and tender, melt-in-your-mouth flesh on the inside. The accompanying soy glaze and wasabi cream sauce provided the perfect balance of savory and spicy flavors to complement the tuna. The dish was beautifully presented as well, with colorful garnishes that added to the visual appeal. The Caprese salad was beautifully presented and made with fresh burrata- and it was so creamy and delicious! While service was a little slow, the staff was knowledgeable about the menu and wine list, and they were attentive without being overbearing. They also provided helpful suggestions for the menu and drinks (I requested a few cocktails they couldn't make). Overall, I would highly recommend Carson's to anyone looking for a high-end dining experience in Lexington. While the prices may be on the higher side, the quality of the food makes it well worth it. If you're a fan of seafood or steak, definitely give the Ahi Tuna a try - it's a standout dish on a menu full of excellent options. Make reservations! They were solidly busy and booked through closing on a Saturday nigh.

Jacqueline C.

Yelp
Absolutely delicious! We got the cinnamon biscuits and then the fried chicken and Oscar medallion filets with a side of Mac and cheese and the cheese grits. My favorite was the fried chicken. Would recommend!
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Jason H.

Yelp
Lexington can eat a bag of dicks. However, I will not let my distaste of the city in general sway my opinion of the phenomenal experience I had at Carson's. We arrived during the lunch rush on a Saturday and sat at the bar. We were in a hurry so quickly let our server know. We ordered drinks, apps, and food. It was amazing. The bartender was not able to chat much but she was very friendly. A++ to the staff. Rockstars! Our appetizer was actually a dessert and was delicious. I ordered a Reuben and it was enough for 2 meals. My friends ordered eggs and stuff. They enjoyed it and said they would go back. As a native louisvillian that lives in Louisville, I would construct a day in Lexington to go back. I may do so soon. 10/10 highly recommend.
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Heather F.

Yelp
Quite possibly the best meal we have had in ages! We went for a Saturday Brunch and although they had a long wait without a reservation, we sat at the bar (full service) and had an amazing experience. The bar tender who waited on us was friendly, knowledgeable, and helpful. We got a variety of different drinks and foods. The beer cheese Burger was the best burger we have had in a long time if not ever! The Bourbon cold brew and bloody Mary's were really good with fun toppers. The atmosphere is so modern yet saloon like! I 100% recommend this restaurant!
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Sarah K.

Yelp
The best brunch in Lexington!! Been here many times and the food is consistently good!! If you are here with a big group, must start with the deep fried cinnamon biscuits. The portion sizes are pretty big so you can easily share entrees between 2 people. Make sure you have a reservation because the restaurant fills up fast! We came back for dinner- equally as good as the brunch! We had a group of 12 and everyone enjoyed their meal! I got the filet and ate every bite.
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Jan M.

Yelp
Yep - this is the place (& don't tell anyone but the prices are darn reasonable for the cuisine, atmosphere, music & service!) I'd eye-spied it on Yelp driving into town but Garrett at Justine's House of Bourbon cinched the deal...go by & tell him then let him steer you to a fabulous bourbon. We'll be back for the Spicy Pasta Filet & Shaved Prime Rib sandwich (get the Teriyaki green bean side) Oh & don't miss the Carson Old Fashion (go for light on simple sugar) for a prepared-with-love with a lemon AND orange slice. Ask for Andre', get cozy & enjoy a delectable meal

Deborah H.

Yelp
1st lunch here today while visiting from Louisville, and will most definitely return. Easy free downtown parking. Gorgeous yet casual ambiance. Perfect servers. Oh, did I mention the menu? So hard to decide from scores of imaginative options, and had the warm bacon salad that hit my sweet spot...I didn't want to hit the bottom of the plate! Do not hesitate to go to this downtown treasure. Wish it was in Louisville!
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Kristie M.

Yelp
If you need a GREAT place to eat where the service and ambiance are better than anywhere around- check this place out. Make the reservation today! Their nachos are absolutely delicious. Their cocktails are yummy and beautiful. I'm not from Lexington, but my son says it is the best place eat in Lexington. I promise, it's easy to love this local joint.