Crossings Lexington — Restaurant in Lexington

So I went to Crossings in Lexington one night—first time there. A couple friends had hyped it up. Said it had a good crowd, strong drinks, solid music, and a chill vibe. I figured, why not? I wasn’t even planning to stay long—just grab a drink or two, maybe meet someone cool, then bounce.

I get there around 10:30. It’s packed, but not chaotic. A little dark, neon lights on the walls, music thumping from the back. I grab a seat at the bar, order a drink, and start people-watching.

Not long after, this guy sits down next to me. Older than me, maybe mid-30s. Decent-looking, dressed nice, confident. He introduces himself—Marcus. Starts chatting me up right away. Nothing aggressive at first. Friendly. Flirty, maybe, but chill.

He offers to buy me a drink, and I tell him, “I’m good, thanks.” But he waves the bartender over anyway. Drink shows up in front of me. I’m thinking, okay, whatever, I’ll sip it and then bounce.

But he doesn’t go away. Keeps talking, asking personal stuff—if I’m seeing anyone, what I’m into, if I live nearby. I give vague answers, trying to be polite but distant. But he doesn’t take the hint. Starts buying more drinks. I keep saying I’m good, and he just… keeps ordering them anyway.

Eventually I set the drink down untouched and say, “Hey, I’m not trying to be rude, but I’m not really looking for anything tonight.”

That’s when his whole vibe shifts.

He leans in closer and says, “I’ve bought you how many drinks now? You can’t even give me a kiss?”

I pause. Stare at him. “That’s not how this works.”

He smirks—tight-lipped, eyes not blinking—and says, “People usually don’t tell me no.”

At that point, I’m done. I get up, say, “Thanks for the drink, but I’m out.” He grabs my wrist—not hard, but firm—and says, “You’ll come around.”

I yank my arm back and leave. Quick. I look behind me once outside—he’s standing inside near the door, arms crossed, just watching me. Not saying anything. Not smiling. Just… staring.

I’ve been to Crossings since then, but never saw him again. Still, every time I walk past the bar, I check the windows without meaning to. Just in case.

Sometimes, when a random dude sends me a drink on an app or tries to flirt too fast, I remember that night. And I trust my gut a...

I went for the first time tonight, showed up about 2030 and left around 0030, and throughout the night, guests were friendly, bartenders Paul and Jeremy were very personable and sweet. It's a very standard American bar that caters to the LGBTQ community, which is to say, I went with a certain expectation, and that expectation was met. As someone who used to be a bartender, I understood when they were busy serving other customers and I had to wait. Bartenders were very gracious, and when they didn't know how to make the drink I requested, they listened to me, and made exactly what I wanted.

I also met a lot of very friendly cis het people and queer people there, and everyone seemed to have fun. I must say that if you're wanting other people to spontaneously talk to you, this isn't really the place, but if you're okay initiating conversation, so many people there are so kind and will talk your ear off it you let them.

Addressing prior reviews, every bar has its weirdos, even queer bars, and every bartender has their bad nights, but if you're patient and kind with these folks, they will be patient and kind with you. I did not feel threatened at all tonight, and I felt absolutely certain that if I had felt threatened, I could have spoken to the bartenders, and they would have intervened on my behalf. I will be visiting again very soon, and I cannot wait to go back.

Blessings to the Crossings team, and thank you so much for a...

We stopped in Sunday night after the Railbird Festival. The atmosphere was fun and upbeat. The bartenders Seth & Paul were friendly and efficient. Both were excellent conversationalist and made us feel so welcome. Seth took the time to tell me all about the place and the owners who weren't there when we came in. I shared some things that my daughter and I have dealt with in the past and our upcoming trip to Chicago for Pride. He shared some personal anecdotes that lifted my spirits and eased some of my anxieties. This stranger took time to make a genuine connection and openly shared personal experiences. I can't express enough how great Seth is. Big shout out to the owners for taking the chance on someone with no bartending experience. You did your business a great service hiring him. I highly recommend Crossings Lexington and will be back when I am...