Kemp's Upper Tap — Restaurant in Lexington

Our party of 8 were patrons here last Saturday at 2 PM. The staff is friendly, but lacked the personable skills to make the place Great. Specifically, we had a 50th birthday in our party. When I asked if there was something special we could do for the birthday lady, the response was "that's not something we usually do and the owner is not here so...."

I was looking for a response along the lines of "we don't usually do that, but I appreciate you spending your 50th birthday with us, how about a cold beer on the house!? (or a hat to wear or an announcement or whatever)....something which is Inviting and Personable in nature.

It is with much regret that in full disclosure I have to say the food was not good either. The chicken sandwich was the thinnest piece of meat I've seen and the buffalo chicken was the worst I've experienced.

In all fairness, I've spoken with other local residents and learned the owner is a respected chef, but he was absent during our visit.

In addition, the prices were fair. Had the service had that personable touch and the food been better, I would have happily paid the $60 bill and 15% tip. I paid the bill without complaint since the owner was absent and I will move on with a lesson learned.

Here's my advice:

If you're simply drinking a beer, this place should be fine as their tap selection is good. If you're eating lunch or dinner, or you are there for a special occasion, make the 20 minute trip to...

It was Thursday at 11am so not busy. Seated and given menu told to place order at bar. Wasn’t obvious this was a “no service” place so hubby added tip in when he ordered/paid. Guess he assumed someone would at least ask us if we need more water, nope. No one ever asked us how the food was, if we need anything else. The french dip was totally “undippable” it had obviously been microwaved because the bun was so hot the sandwich could not be picked up. The bun was soggy by time it cooled down some. So ate with a plastic fork, au jus was useless. Menu should say “soggy scalding bun” not toasted bun. On plus side there was plenty of beef the sandwich was simply made to be a soggy open face which is not what I expected in a french dip. Hubby did not like blue cheese sauce on his burger, and he is a big blue cheese lover. His hamburger bun was soggy too- had to eat with fork. Onion rings were good. Potato leek soup so-so I would not that order again. Overall we will not go back because of the food, and unclear why of all the staff present, and only a few customers, no one could bother to even ask us how things were or say “hey thanks for coming” when we left. Guess this is really a “no service place” if you like that. But it should be made clearer up front- do not add tip into your lunch bill because you get no service at all after your food is placed...

My FAVORITE place in the whole world that doesn't have a beach. This may take a minute. Kemp's or THE UPPER, or KUT as the locals call it is a diamond in the ruff. Located in Lexington, IL (a short 10-15 minute drive from BLO-NO)they have amazing food, an awesome staff (watch out for Claudia :) ) and taps, taps, and more TAPS . These taps are always changing, they will hand you a list, but the list is also constantly scrolling on a big screen above the bar too. If you have the chance to go here DO IT! For the love of God get you some Totchos (maybe not the correct spelling, but who cares they are so good). Before I forget to mention the music, it's there, it's all there, they have local musicians there often and it rocks. I love it here, and if you go make sure you get a selfie in the bathroom, this will make sense when...