Kids hangout, complete with arcade and pinball games, serving burgers and fries in a neo-malt sh
1 / 10

Tolly-Ho

4.6
·491k reviews·,

A 24-hour Lexington institution since 1971, Tolly-Ho serves up massive burgers and classic American comfort food in a fun, nostalgic atmosphere.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Wed/Fri 18-21h

Blue hour photography, calmer galleries

CrowdLow
Kids hangout, complete with arcade and pinball games, serving burgers and fries in a neo-malt sh

Tolly-Ho

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A 24-hour Lexington institution since 1971, Tolly-Ho serves up massive burgers and classic American comfort food in a fun, nostalgic atmosphere.

4.6
(491k reviews)

"This place is a Lexington tradition, serving up great greasy food with huge portions at fair prices."

TIP

Avoid Peak Times

Visit during off-peak hours to avoid long wait times, especially on weekends or late nights.

Go for the Burgers

While breakfast is available, reviews suggest burgers are the more consistently delicious choice.

Third hero image

Quick Facts

Closed·Opens Friday 7AM

Cuisine

American

Price

Mid-range

Phone

(859) 303-9484

Address

350 Foreman Ave, Lexington, KY 40508, USA

Insta-Factor

Medium

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

A Lexington Tradition Since 1971

A Lexington Tradition Since 1971

Experience a beloved 24-hour burger and breakfast spot near the University of Kentucky, serving hearty favorites.

Lexington's Best Local Restaurants: Real Kentucky DiningTolly-Ho history, photos of UK campus-area restaurant5 More Gotta Try Local Restaurants in Lexington
Hearty, Greasy Comfort Food

Hearty, Greasy Comfort Food

Indulge in huge portions of classic American favorites like burgers and chili cheese fries at fair prices.

TikTokGoogle Review
Unique Atmosphere & Novelties

Unique Atmosphere & Novelties

Enjoy the casual surrounds with pinball machines, video games, and the 'Ho Store' filled with unique novelties.

Google Review
Your AI travel agent

Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you

Start Chatting

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Tolly-Ho Lexington, Kentucky! #tollyho #Lexington #Food #Foodie
@crustymcg
2.2K likes • 62.8K views

Avoid Peak Times

Visit during off-peak hours to avoid long wait times, especially on weekends or late nights.

Go for the Burgers

While breakfast is available, reviews suggest burgers are the more consistently delicious choice.

Tolly Ho in Lex! - Great bang for buck here. Highly recommend. - Schuby Ent - #lex #kentucky #food #foodreview
@schuby_ent
355 likes • 13.8K views
Don’t hate me for this 😭 I’m just being honest 🤷🏻‍♀️ #lexingtonkyfood #lexingtonkentucky #lexingtonky #tollyho
@breyybabyy
69 likes • 2.4K views

Consider the Mega Ho Burger

Try signature items like the Mega Ho Burger or Cheesy Chili Fries for a truly satisfying meal.

Embrace the Self-Serve

Be prepared for a more self-serve experience, including ordering at the counter and getting your own silverware.

We can’t help it, our fries are that good! #tollyho #lexington #kentucky #universityofkentucky #food #restaurant
@tollytok
176 likes • 3.6K views

Tips

from all over the internet

Avoid Peak Times

Visit during off-peak hours to avoid long wait times, especially on weekends or late nights.

Go for the Burgers

While breakfast is available, reviews suggest burgers are the more consistently delicious choice.

Consider the Mega Ho Burger

Try signature items like the Mega Ho Burger or Cheesy Chili Fries for a truly satisfying meal.

Embrace the Self-Serve

Be prepared for a more self-serve experience, including ordering at the counter and getting your own silverware.

What Travellers Say

4.6
(491k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Tolly-Ho is a long-standing Lexington tradition, celebrated for its massive portions and classic diner fare, particularly its burgers. Diners appreciate the 24-hour availability and the unique, nostalgic atmosphere with games and novelties. However, some reviews note that the food can be bland and the service inconsistent, with long wait times occasionally reported.

"Decent spot to stop for burgers & fries
If you get cheese fries ask for extra cheese, you get 1 tiny cup per big bag of fries!"

Natalie Nicole

"I went here and it was all reasonably priced. The food was quite bland and mediocre at best. The gravy was powdered. The staff were unhygienic and monotone. They did NOT hold their hair back with a hairnet. Also, it is more self serve because you walk up to the counter, order, pick your table, wait and get your food, and get your own silverware."

Xavier

"I just got takeout but this is a good joint for sure. I got the small cheeseburger (which was very nice for the price, and I got a good amount of onions on it). The loaded hash browns absolutely sent me into flavortown with the chili; it was an absolutely delightful messy excursion. The strawberry shake was good but definitely overpriced. All in all, worth the trip for a quick lunch. The drive thru worker was very kind and efficient; no comment on the general atmosphere of the place as I did not venture inside."

Chris Amburgey

What People Like

Huge portions of greasy comfort food
24-hour availability
Nostalgic atmosphere with games and memorabilia

What People Dislike

Food can be bland
Inconsistent service and long wait times

Frequently Asked Questions

Tolly-Ho is famous for its massive burgers, large portions of classic American comfort food, and its 24-hour availability. It's considered a Lexington tradition. [^M4, ^R4]

5 More Gotta Try Local Restaurants in LexingtonGoogle Review

Yes, Tolly-Ho is open 24 hours a day, making it a convenient spot for late-night cravings or early morning meals. [^M1, ^M7]

Lexington's Best Local Restaurants: Real Kentucky DiningTop 10 Best Casual Restaurants in Lexington, KY

Popular choices include the Mega Ho Burger, Cheesy Chili Fries, and breakfast items like the 'Hot Mess' breakfast sandwich. [^data, R3]

Google Review

Yes, Tolly-Ho offers a Veggie Burger, catering to vegetarian diners. [^M4]

5 More Gotta Try Local Restaurants in Lexington

The atmosphere is casual and nostalgic, featuring pinball machines, video games, and a 'Ho Store' with various novelties. [^data, R8]

Google Review

Reservations are not typically required at Tolly-Ho, as it's a casual diner. However, it can get busy, especially during peak hours. [^data]

Mentioned in

Featured in these publications

The Culture Trip

Lexington's Best Local Restaurants: Real Kentucky Dining

Promising to spare the hunger of the students from the University of Kentucky, Tolly-Ho is open 364 days a year and retains its status as the most popular burger joint in town. Although no longer located on the University campus, its connection with the students is still firmly evident, seen in the charming collections of sorority and fraternity paraphernalia lining the walls. Stop by for a hearty breakfast at any time of the day, a game of pinball at midnight or the Tolly Ho signature quarter pounder for lunch or dinner.

Visit Source →
ghambaryan.am

best casual restaurants in lexington, ky

Located in the NoLi district of downtown Lexington, Doodles Breakfast & Lunch has been serving comfort food with a conscience for 12 years. Lexington, KY. Tolly-Ho is well-known for having been named the best burger joint in the state of Kentucky in the October 1, 2010 edition of USA Today. Valet Parking available. Family owned and operated, we have served, fresh, local, homemade food to generations of loyal customers. Pies & Pints - Lexington (270) 685-4239. American (16) Bar / Lounge / Bottle Service (1) Breakfast (1) Burgers (2) Caf . Lexington, Kentucky, USA, 40509 . Cheddar's Casual Cafe is a restaurant located in Lexington, Kentucky at 3604 Walden Drive. . " Authentic tacos, burritos " 27/12/2019. Pizza Stop at 1488 Blacklog Road in Inez. Corto y Lima Downtown. 320 Casual Dining Restaurant jobs available in Lexington, KY on Indeed.com. It is an American restaurant with a family-friendly space. I've been going. Check out these spots for the best BBQ, seafood, Tex-Mex and everything in between. Fast Food Restaurants. Filter (0) Price $$ $$ (14) $$$ $ (7) $$$$ (1) Cuisine. . Locals say you will be hard pressed to find ANYWHERE within a 50 mile radius with the same . Read on to get to know the best rooftop restaurants in Louisville, Kentucky. 9079 Old Richmond Road. 3094 Helmsdale Pl, Lexington. Underrated Lexington Restaurants A famous destination for horse racing enthusiasts, Lexington, KY, is a charming Southern city with a choice of things to see and do. If you love seafood and I mean REALLY . Our unique fusion menu features a variety of enticing dishes, from mouthwatering filet mignon to fresh, delectable sashimi. Winchells Restaurant has been a Lexington staple on Southland Drive for over 25 years. Here is the ultimate guide to dining out in Lexington, organized by neighborhood or location, for your next night out. Energetic Japanese eatery offering meats grilled hibachi-style at the table, plus sushi. The winners for Best Burgoo in Kentucky are in! The tacos, tortas and burritos are spectacular. Best Sports Bar In Lexington! Mi Pequena Hacienda. Here are seven must-visit Kentucky restaurants everyone should try at least once: 1. 5 mile(s) from Univeristy of Kentucky, is a public university in Lexington, Kentucky. Carson's Food And Drink 823 American (Traditional) Breakfast & Brunch $$ This is a placeholder "is great. You can now get your hot chicken fix at either of their two Lexington locations!. Beaumont Inn/Facebook.

Visit Source →
Lexington Herald Leader

Tolly-Ho history, photos of UK campus-area restaurant

Euclid Ave. (now Winslow Street, a one-way stub off Euclid that stretches between Limestone and Upper streets) and the nearly 24-hour (closed between 3 a.m. Sunday and 6 a.m. Monday) greasy spoon thrived there, serving cheap eats. This had been a restaurant spot for generations of UK students, variously Benny’s Place, the Little House of Pancakes and Howell’s Dairy Dip. Tolly-Ho served a breakfast of two eggs, toast and jelly for 99 cents (the same breakfast was 39 cents the year the restaurant opened).

Visit Source →
Where I've Been

5 More Gotta Try Local Restaurants in Lexington

Tolly-Ho has been serving University of Kentucky students (and the rest of Lexington) since 1971. After being located on campus for years, they moved to a location that is campus adjacent and is now easily accessible for anyone near UK or looking for Lexington restaurants downtown. Known for its burgers including the Super-Ho and Mega-Ho, Tolly-Ho features a huge menu of burgers, sandwiches, hotdogs and a variety of fried food.

Visit Source →
TripSavvy

Nightlife in Lexington, KY: Best Bars, Clubs, & More

Tolly-Ho has been a tradition since 1971, but the celebrated eatery moved in 2011 to a new location at 606 South Broadway. The new spot may not be quite as convenient for reaching on foot, but that doesn't stop the late-night crowd cramming in for cooked-to-order food, including the famous “Ho” burgers.

Visit Source →
One Bearded Golfer

SEC Roadtrip: UK – Where to Eat! An insider’s view of Lexington, KY

If you need a bite to eat after surviving the bars, hit Tolly-Ho on your way back to the hotel. This greasy-spoon dive will set you right, regardless of what or how much you’ve imbibed that day. Just tell them you want a Double Ho with cheesefries and chocolate shake, and wait for the magic to happen.

Visit Source →
Bites of the Bluegrass

Top 10 Best Casual Restaurants in Lexington, KY

Tolly-Ho is a university-area joint known for its burgers, fries, and milkshakes. It’s perfect for casual meals, making it a top choice for locals and visitors. Since it is open 24/7, Tolly-HO is a convenient option for early morning and late-night dining.

Visit Source →
College Magazine

Top 10 Affordable Places to Eat Near the University of Kentucky

Locals and students love it for its classic diner menu, including burgers, fries and sandwiches. If you find yourself in the mood for breakfast, their options include standard fare like French toast, pancakes and biscuits with gravy.

Visit Source →
Couple Travel The World

Date ideas Lexington KY: 50+ Romantic Things to do for Couples

This legendary Lexington gem is surely a place to get some good, fresh eat and at a rate that’s affordable for everyone!. Their famous Ho burger is known to make your mouth water!. Fresh and made to order!

Visit Source →
Ace Magazine | Lexington's original citywide magazine, since 1989

Lexington Dining Guide: Breakfast and Brunch | Ace Magazine

Broadway Do not bring any fauncy brunch expectations to the Ho. This is breakfast, for late shifters, late drinkers, and everyone in between, when only a fried egg will do.

Visit Source →
Spoon University

10 Restaurants Every UK Student Misses When They're Away

The Greek paddles against the walls also make it a fairly established college restaurant. Unfortunately, it’s open 24/7, which makes the Freshman 15 an easier task.

Visit Source →
Stacker

Highest-rated Breakfast Restaurants in the Lexington Area by Diners

- Rating: 3.4/5 (238 reviews)- Price level: $- Address: 350 Foreman Ave. Lexington, Kentucky - Categories: American, Breakfast & Brunch, Burgers- Read more on Yelp

Visit Source →
Share Lex Kentucky

Local Eats: 10 Under $10

Known for being open 24 hours and close to campus, it’s been a go-to for students and locals alike for almost 50 years. Breakfast & Burgers served all day long!

Visit Source →
Movoto Real Estate

These 13 Lexington Restaurants Will Blow The Taste Buds Out Of Your Mouth

Visit Source →