Bourbon on Rye — Restaurant in Lexington

I am a local of Lexington and was looking for a nice, more classy bar to grab a drink with my beau. It was a Friday night and not that busy. We sat at the bar, and not a single bartender greeted us or even looked our way. They where busy making drinks, but a nice head nod and “be right with you” goes a long way. Like I said previously, not that busy either. I am very familiar with the work that goes into being able to call oneself a craft bartender and I understand the prestige that goes into wearing that leather apron. You can and should be able to multitask. That’s why a place like this is elevated above the rest. We sat there for about 5 minutes before the seats next to us were filled. I assume they where service industry people, because the bartender greeted them immediately and asked how their shifts where. The bartender went on to talk with the customers/friends and get them their drinks first. After serving them, several more minutes past before we were even greeted, and then asked our drink orders. It was very disappointing to not feel welcomed, especially when I know the amount of work that goes into a bar of this caliber and how important customer service is. If you would like to enjoy supreme service, I cannot recommend West Main enough next door since they will make sure to not let you go unnoticed, no...

My partner and I first tried Tin Roof, but there were no tables available, and at our young age of 52 ;-), we were definitely the seniors in the crowd. So then we walked to Horse and Jockey, but it was closed. At this point, we were quite famished and found that Bourbon on Rye was open and still serving food at 9pm, and it was right around the corner from our hotel, the Marriott City Center.

We're so glad we found this place. The ambiance was mellow with dimmed lighting, and the patrons were a mix of ages. We sat in a horseshoe booth across from the beautiful bar.

We were informed to order at the bar which was fast and easy. Drinks were quickly delivered to our table, and our meals were delicious. I had the wedge salad with chicken. The dressing was excellent, and the chicken had a perfect char on the outside. My partner had the beer cheese burger with fries, and said it was very good, especially the crispness of the fries.

Four thumbs up from these two...

Doesn't get much better than this fun environment, with amazing food, and fantastic drinks. Chris, John, and Heather are amazing, and Chef Ed in the kitchen is putting out by far the best beer cheese and prime rib sliders around. If you are just trying to get into drinking bourbon or are a collector you can't beat the perfect selection they have. Chris picks the perfect bourbons to recommend if you are on the fence. If you are feeling like something with some sweetness (go with the paper plane), sourness (try the gimlet), or all around Classiness (can't beat an old fashioned) you can't find a better bar in town. Not only do they have a wide selection of bourbons but the well selected beers on tap make picking a great beer simple.

In short, staff is amazing, food is amazing, drinks are amazing...go to Bourbon on Rye and feel amazed.

"Here's to alcohol, the rose colored glasses of life." ― F....