Malone's Lansdowne — Restaurant in Lexington

Update 8.20.22: One of the managers from Malones called me after reading my two-star review. He was courteous and apologized for our recent visit (read below). I wanted to update my review with FIVE stars. An establishment that cares for their customers deserves a pass now and then. We will be back. I’ve added some photos of some of our visits over the years along with the letter from corporate. Good job, Malones!

Original review: First, let me start by saying we’ve been fans of Malone’s for over twenty years, and with four children, we’ve always counted it as a splurge, but Malone’s is their favorite restaurant to celebrate birthdays. We are always pleased with their exceptional service, every table having several waiters to help, and even the manager stopping by your table to check if you had a great experience.

Last night, (8.13.22) our daughter was turning 21 and like usual, Malone’s was her choice, talking about it for weeks and planning what she would order.

When our dinners arrived I was immediately surprised at how poorly plated my daughters twin filets looked. They were slapped on a plate, not cleaned up — gravy spread all over — making it look like it came straight from a frozen food box.

Normally, we take photos of our choices but I didn’t even bother since her plate looked so unappetizing. Also, she ordered a baked potato that arrived on a separate plate, making it very awkward, switching from one large plate to another and so on. I was so sad for her.

I’m not sure exactly what happened last night but it wasn’t what we expected AT ALL.

Other issues — my husbands beer arrived midway through his meal, the birthday cookie dessert was melted (since the waiter set it on the hostess desk while he served water and bread to another table). We told him NUMEROUS times that we were NOT in a hurry so there was little need for him to bring the dessert with another tables drinks… it made no sense). Speaking of the waiter—despite the several snafus, we tipped correctly (20%), because we know hospitality is a difficult job, especially on a busy Friday evening. Having said that, he wore a larger mask, making it difficult to hear him in the loud dining area. He also wore kitchen food-grade gloves (the noisy, uncomfortable ones), and honestly, neither of those things bothered us. The issue was watching him fumble while wearing the gloves, pulling an open soy sauce bottle straight from his apron pocket — really? I declined the sauce. If he was so worried about germs, having the open bottle in his pocket is a red flag that being sanitary was not his main goal. The whole thing was just odd. If you’re going to wear a mask and gloves—fine—but choose a job in the restaurant where you aren’t expected to be heard or understood.

The best part tho, I’m kidding, was going to the ladies room to find NO toilet paper —NONE—in either stall, and having to use the only two remaining seat covers as a waste paper. C’mon? The floors were wet and I’ve already broken a hip in my life so that was frustrating getting out of there.

Was the food good, aside from the steak, yes, it was. Will we be back? I don’t think we will for a celebration. Which is sad.

I hope this location can give us a better experience if we return. We were all just disappointed, and the manager would have known had they simply stopped by our table and asked. You know, like...

The most unpleasant experience I’ve ever had at Malone’s. We drove from out of town to dine at one of our favorite places. What makes this our favorite place is the exceptional service and food that makes everything worth paying for. I usually tip by percentage no matter how the service is because I can empathize with waiting on tables and how crucial tips are; however, yesterday evening, the service and in professionalism displayed is what really appalled me. We were not treated as a priority. We were seated across the bar where we could hear all of the gossip amongst the employee. My dinner date ordered a glass of wine when we ordered our entrees which was forgotten and didn’t come until after we finished our entrees and we had to ask for it again. (It was made up for because he was kind enough to take it off the bill under his discretion) We were checked up on only a handful of times. The assistant helped bring bread upon request. But we had different people serving us. We waited for our waiter to come check on us to get us refills but I received an unrequested glass of water after we finished our entrees from another person. Maybe I am wrong, but I believe I shouldn’t be left hanging or be treated as a “just going through the motions”. Our waiter seemed as if he was very over loaded with work, as it seemed that he was running the bar and our table while we saw a handful of employees standing around at the corner of the bar talking amongst themselves. I understand that you were getting close to the kitchen closing but don’t leave your patrons hanging when they are in need of service. The food was exceptional as usual. I truly believe that service plays a vital role in the price that is presented. Usually both the service side and the food side are fulfilled beyond what is asked so as a result I do not care to pay $100+ for our experience but unfortunately this time I was highly dissatisfied with the unprofessionalism and indirectness of Malone’s. Maybe it was because we looked fairly young, but from working in public service I’ve learned that you should never judge a book by its cover because sometimes those people that you place a prejudgment on are just wanting the same experience the rest of the resturant is having not lack luster service and are willing to tip far beyond what usual young couples...

Malone’s on Lansdowne is a culinary gem in Lexington, KY, known for its impeccable service, inviting atmosphere, and high-quality cuisine. As you step inside, you’re greeted by a warm, upscale ambiance that perfectly balances elegance and comfort. The interior, with its tasteful decor and cozy lighting, sets the stage for a memorable dining experience.

Food Quality (4/5): The menu at Malone’s offers a diverse range of options, with a particular emphasis on steaks and seafood. The prime cuts of beef are cooked to perfection, delivering a tender, flavorful experience that steak lovers will appreciate. The seafood is fresh and skillfully prepared, showcasing the restaurant’s commitment to quality. Highlights include the Filet Mignon, which melts in your mouth, and the Lobster Tail, a succulent and indulgent treat.

Service (4/5): Service at Malone’s is consistently attentive and professional. The staff is knowledgeable about the menu and offers helpful recommendations, ensuring that each guest feels valued and well-cared for. From the moment you arrive until you leave, the team at Malone’s works diligently to provide a seamless dining experience.

Ambiance (4/5): The ambiance at Malone’s is sophisticated yet relaxed. Whether you’re there for a special occasion or a casual meal, the restaurant’s design and atmosphere make it suitable for any dining experience. The seating is comfortable, and the noise level allows for easy conversation, making it an excellent choice for both intimate dinners and group gatherings.

Value (3/5): While Malone’s is on the pricier side, the quality of the food and the dining experience generally justify the cost. It’s a great place for those looking to celebrate a special occasion or enjoy a high-end meal. However, for everyday dining, it might be considered a splurge.

Conclusion: Overall, Malone’s on Lansdowne is a top choice for those seeking a refined dining experience in Lexington. Its combination of excellent food, attentive service, and elegant ambiance makes it a standout restaurant in the area. Whether you’re a local or a visitor, Malone’s is well worth a visit for a taste of Lexington’s fine...