Carson's Food & Drink - On Main
A hip speakeasy in Lexington blending Kentucky charm with a modern twist on pub grub and creative cocktails.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Blue hour photography, calmer galleries
Carson's Food & Drink - On Main
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A hip speakeasy in Lexington blending Kentucky charm with a modern twist on pub grub and creative cocktails.
"The food, atmosphere and service were GREAT!! We highly recommend Carson's!!"
Book Reservations
Reservations are highly recommended, especially during peak hours, to avoid long wait times.
Ask for Recommendations
Servers are attentive and can help with food pairings or whiskey flights for a personalized experience.
Quick Facts
Cuisine
American
Price
Mid-range
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Decadent Desserts & Sweet Brunch
Indulge in the legendary Banana Bourbon Bread Pudding or the unique Banana Pudding French Toast for a sweet treat.
Award-Winning Bourbon Selection
Experience a vast bourbon collection, perfect for flights or craft cocktails, complementing the Kentucky-inspired cuisine.
Savory Steaks & Burgers
Enjoy perfectly cooked steaks like the Filet Mignon or a Wagyu burger, often praised as one of the best.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Menu
Most Popular Items
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Book Reservations
Reservations are highly recommended, especially during peak hours, to avoid long wait times.
Ask for Recommendations
Servers are attentive and can help with food pairings or whiskey flights for a personalized experience.
Check Your Bill
Carefully review your bill at the end of your meal to ensure all charges are accurate.
Explore Dietary Options
The menu includes dedicated vegan and gluten-free sections, with options for vegetarians too.
Tips
from all over the internet
Book Reservations
Reservations are highly recommended, especially during peak hours, to avoid long wait times.
Ask for Recommendations
Servers are attentive and can help with food pairings or whiskey flights for a personalized experience.
Check Your Bill
Carefully review your bill at the end of your meal to ensure all charges are accurate.
Explore Dietary Options
The menu includes dedicated vegan and gluten-free sections, with options for vegetarians too.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Carson's Food & Drink receives high praise for its delicious, creative dishes, particularly its steaks, burgers, and desserts like the banana bread pudding. The atmosphere is frequently described as great, with attentive and friendly service enhancing the dining experience. However, diners should be mindful of potential billing errors and the need for reservations during busy periods.
"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!"
Samantha Pearson
"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."
Dmitry Kolyaskin
"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."
Mark Cornelius
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
Reservations are highly recommended, especially for lunch and during peak dinner hours (5-8 PM), to avoid significant wait times.
Many rave about the ribs appetizer, banana bourbon bread pudding, Wagyu burger, and shrimp and grits.
Yes, Carson's has a dedicated vegan and gluten-free section on the menu, as well as vegetarian options like mac and cheese.
Carson's is considered moderately priced, with generous portion sizes that offer good value.
The atmosphere is described as a hip speakeasy with industrial decor, chandeliers, and a lively vibe, suitable for casual dining or celebrations.
Yes, Carson's offers outdoor seating on a patio, making it a great spot for enjoying the weather.
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Carson’s Food & Drink offers a unique fusion of rustic refinement and classic Kentucky hospitality, making it one of Lexington’s most celebrated dining destinations. Known for its chef-driven recipes, handcrafted cocktails, and generous portions, Carson’s has earned multiple awards, including OpenTable’s ‘Diners’ Choice Award’ from 2017 to 2024 and a ranking in OpenTable’s ‘Best 100 Brunch Restaurants in America’ in 2021. With exposed brick walls, warm lighting, and vintage-inspired decor, the restaurant strikes a perfect balance between elegance and comfort.
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Carson’s Food & Drink in Lexington combines the best of Kentucky with new and exciting recipes, local craft breweries, and a touch of old Kentucky elegance in its décor. This unique dining experience showcases the best of the Bluegrass State, including the rich history, thoroughbreds, bourbon, and local food products through the use of “Kentucky Proud” ingredients. At Carson’s, diners can enjoy all the Bluegrass has to offer in one place, making it a must-visit for anyone looking for a taste of the authentic Kentucky experience.
gluten free eats in Lexington KY
Dedicated to the Thoroughbred Industry, this 2.5 acre park features numerous bronze sculptures by artist, Gwen Reardon, and it was located right across the street from one of our favorite Lexington eateries, Carson’s Food and Drink. Their diverse menu offers John plenty of meat-centric dishes as well as gluten-free plant based options for me. Carson’s service is always on-point, and the food never disappoints. This is one restaurant upon which we always look forward to returning.
Best vegan and vegetarian restaurants in Lexington, Kentucky
362 East Main Street, carsonsfoodanddrink.com, 859-309-3039. Maybe you knew Carson’s had great salads but deeper into their menu, there also is a vegan and gluten-free section that includes a portobello vegetable stack with grilled veggies in a cilantro lime vinaigrette, a tofu stir-fry, and a chickpea curry. For vegetarians, there’s a smoked gouda mac and cheese and a portobello sandwich, as well as a cauliflower quinoa patty you can substitute on any burger.
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Carson’s is also one my favorite places for brunch (and one of my favorite restaurants in general) and it’s located in the heart of downtown!. It’s a hip speakeasy with indoor and outdoor seating, and inside the decor is industrial with over-sized chandeliers. Carson’s is located in the former Coach Craft building, which was an automotive customization shop.
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University of Kentucky student Christian Raccipeio is partial to Carson’s, where he works. It’s known for its ribs but is also a vegetarian-friendly restaurant with chef-driven recipes, prohibition-style cocktails, craft beers, Bourbons and Scotch. There’s outdoor seating on the patio, and it’s across the street from some interesting street-art murals.
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Carson’s Food and Drinks has been serving the legacy of Kentucky in Downtown Lexington. This charming place is decked out with cozy wood and brick details, fancy chandeliers, and a mix of intriguing decorations. What makes Carson’s unique is that they use local Kentucky ingredients and partner with nearby breweries to craft delicious dishes and drinks.
The best food in Lexington, according to Reddit
Choose between Eppings, Cole’s, Post Masters Pub, Carson’s or Dudley’s for a casual but nicer dinner downtown (Great to do for lunch too and Carson’s has an amazing brunch). Post Masters is the most casual of those. ColesDudley’s would be the nicest of those but they’re not stuffy (if you go to Dudley’s ask about the rooftop!)
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A staple of Main Street, Carson’s Food & Drink blends Southern tradition with contemporary flair. The exposed brick, vintage décor, and lively bar make it a favorite for date nights, group gatherings, and weekend brunches. Enjoy signature dishes like bourbon-glazed chicken, shrimp & grits, and their famous Carson’s Burger.
The Top Instagram-Worthy Food Spots in Lexington, Kentucky
Known for its sweet chicken and waffles, Carson’s is one of the Instagram-worthy food spots in Lexington. Its brunch menu is out of this world, and you have to take a picture of their fried chicken on top of Belgian Waffle. The restaurant also offers craft cocktails, and the portions of their meals are pretty big.
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Diving into the heart of downtown Lexington, Carson’s Food and Drink emerges as a standout destination. Imagine a space where the charm of old Kentucky meets a flair for the extraordinary. The ambiance is a nod to speakeasy elegance, with wood, brick, and industrial touches under the soft glow of chandeliers.
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Get Away for a Long Weekend in Lexington
Make a reservation for Tony’s Steakhouse or Carson’s Food & Drink. If you’re looking for something a little more casual, check out Smithtown Seafood and then grab a craft beer at West Sixth Brewery right next door. In fact, Lexington is home to many great breweries—discover more here.
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When looking for a casual yet trendy place to have brunch, lunch, or any meal really, check out Carson’s Food & Drink. The decor is an edgy mix of natural wood and industrial. It is a great place to have a leisurely brunch on the weekend between activities.
12 Things to Do in Lexington Kentucky (mostly Outdoors)
After all the exploring and adventuring around Lexington are you hungry and thirsty?. One more thing you need to do in Lexington is sample the food and drink offerings. To satisfy your thirst and hunger check out Smithtown Seafood and West Sixth Brewing.
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Don’t miss the classic façade of The Kentucky Theatre, nor the famous Abraham Lincoln mural on the backside. If you have steam, head all the way to Triangle Park (just under a mile from Thoroughbred Park) before heading back to Carson’s for dinner.
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Carson’s Food and Drink is where Southern hospitality meets elevated comfort food. It’s one of the top restaurants in Lexington, KY, with a welcoming vibe at two locations, 362 E Maine ST and 3450 Todds RD. Menu highlights include the following:
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The winner of three different Herald-Leader Reader’s Choice awards and being named one of the 100 best restaurants in America in 2018, Carson’s Food and Drink combines Kentucky Proud products and craft drinks from area breweries.
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Carson’s Food & Drink serves dinner, but it also has an over-the-top Sunday brunch. The fantastic selection of Benedicts and chicken and waffles makes it tough to choose only one dish!
Highest-rated Fine Dining Restaurants in the Lexington Area by Diners
- Rating: 4.5/5 (1372 reviews)- Price level: $$- Address: 362 East Main St. Lexington, Kentucky - Categories: American, Breakfast & Brunch, Steakhouses- Read more on Yelp
Vegan and vegetarian eats in Lexington
Main St. | Not only does this popular downtown spot have a robust salad section, its menu denotes which items are vegan as-is like the Hawaiian-style tofu.
Local Dining - Lexington Bed and Breakfast
Across from Thoroughbred Square, rustic setting with a Bluegrass atmosphere. Live jazz on weekends. Fun, Upbeat, great food and service.
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from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit