Business Details
About
Brunch RestaurantFine Dining RestaurantSteak House
Carson’s Food & Drink is a destination steakhouse that brings Lexington to life by combining Kentucky Proud products and local craft breweries with new and exciting recipes and a décor that feels like “old Kentucky elegance”. Carson's is the perfect restaurant for any celebration such as brunch, date night, anniversary, birthday, and more!
Kentucky is an amazing place filled with history, thoroughbreds, bourbon, great food, and the big blue nation; Carson’s brings you ALL the Bluegrass has to offer, under one roof.
Visit our Hip speakeasy restaurant with TVs and outdoor seating serving pub grub with a twist and creative cocktails.
Location
Hours
Reviews
4.7
3,716 reviews
5 stars
2,999
4 stars
453
3 stars
131
2 stars
62
1 star
71
What are people saying?
AI-generated from recent customer reviews
Food Quality
While many customers praised the food as exceptional and flavorful, there were complaints about specific dishes being overcooked or poorly executed.
Service Experience
Most reviews highlighted friendly and attentive service, though some customers reported issues with slow service and management's lack of responsiveness.
Atmosphere
The restaurant's ambiance was frequently described as warm and inviting, although some noted it could be noisy and crowded.
Pricing Concerns
Several customers expressed that the prices were on the higher side, with some feeling that the value did not match the cost.
Consistency Issues
While many customers had consistently positive experiences, a few reported disappointing visits that did not meet their expectations based on previous experiences.
- CLCarlie LaughlinNov 17, 20254.0The bluegrass hot chicken and waffles have really gone downhill. I got engaged this weekend and went to Carson's for brunch the day after because the bluegrass hot chicken and waffles have always been my favorite in town. I haven't been since earlier in the year because I can't always afford it. They've changed the "bluegrass hot" to be more of a buffalo sauce, which is NOT good and does NOT go well with waffles. Please change the recipe back!! Service and atmosphere good as always.
- CKCrystal Jared KuekerNov 17, 20255.0This place is amazing! We went here for brunch. It was so nicely decorated inside and for the holidays. The service was fantastic. The donuts...wow but oh my so filling! The sweet chicken and waffles were so good! Even eating the leftovers was amazing. Had a watermelon Bellini which was delightful. You must go!
- CCChristopher CiccarelliNov 10, 20255.0The atmosphere is great—vibrant yet comfortable, making it a perfect downtown Brunch spot. The food was truly memorable: • Bread Pudding French Toast: The bread itself was phenomenal! It was incredibly rich, moist, and filling, clearly a house-made bread pudding that holds up beautifully with delicious and fresh fruit. It was a decadent brunch highlight. • Salmon Bruschetta: This was delicious. The house-cured salmon paired perfectly with the creamy goat cheese, capers, and a drizzle of balsamic reduction. A sophisticated and balanced meal and paired with the passion fruit mimosa. • Apple Pie Old-Fashioned: This cocktail was absolutely spectacular. It perfectly captured the warm, comforting spice of apple pie while still delivering the sophisticated kick of a classic Old-Fashioned. It's a must-try from their bar. An all-around exceptional experience for food, drinks, and ambiance.
- EGElizabeth GentryNov 1, 20255.0I don’t think I have had a better meal anywhere! If you are wanting a delicious dinner and memorable night out, go here! Let me say first that we dined at the Andover location. It was a beautiful setting. Make reservations, because this restaurant stays busy for good reason. We visited Carsons while on a 7 day trip to experience Kentucky. The grilled brie appetizer was excellent with the bourbon pear chutney, candied pecans, and truffle butter. My husband and I split the twin filet medallions with scallops on smoked gouda Weisenberger grits and asparagus, topped with truffle butter, crab, lobster, and shrimp; finished with a white wine béarnaise. Delectable! For dessert, we had the derby pie À la mode. We couldn’t finish it. We were stuffed!
- JHJoey & Rachel HerreraOct 30, 20255.0Carson’s Food & Drink is one of our go-to spots in Lexington for special occasions, usually birthday’s or anniversaries, and it never disappoints. The food is consistently awesome, the drinks are great, and the service is always top-notch. The vibes are on point, whether you’re there for brunch or dinner. I always get the ribs, they’re my favorite in town and come with two sides! HUGE portions. On our most recent visit, we were seated near the kitchen entrance adjacent to the bar, and it did feel a bit crowded between our table and the bar top, almost like we were the barrier of the standing-room-only area. There were a couple of moments where it felt like someone was hovering overtop of me, but it didn’t ruin the experience overall. Still, Carson’s remains one of our absolute favorites in Lexington!
Frequently Asked Questions About Carson's Food & Drink - On Main
Where can I park?
- The lot next to our building provides over 50 free spaces
- Metered Street Parking on Water St. (directly behind Carson’s) and on Main St. (directly in-front of Carson’s).
Can I make reservations through e-mail or social media?
We DO NOT take reservations through our e-mail or social media. You can make a reservation through website or by phone at (859) 309 – 3039
What is your happy hour?
**Monday – Friday (3:00 PM – 6:00 PM)**
$2 off: Appetizers, Well Drinks, Draughts, and All Wines by the Glass!
**Old Fashioned Happy Hour**
$8 Old Fashioneds (with a selection of over 20 different bourbons!)
Can I see a menu?
https://carsonsfoodanddrink.com/our-menu/
Where are you located?
Carson’s on Main: 362 East Main St. Lexington, KY 40507
Carson’s at Andover: 3450 Todds Rd, Lexington, KY 40509
Are you kid friendly?
Yes we are! We have a children’s menu available upon request for lunch/dinner & brunch. We also have high chairs, booster seats, and slings for baby carseats.
Are you hiring?
We are always looking for new people, we often post about job openings and opportunities right here on our Facebook page. We will always accept applications. Apply in person: Monday – Friday 2:00 pm – 4:00 pm.
Does Carson's have a dress-code?
Carson’s has a “come as you are” dress code. Suit and tie? Great! T-shirt and jeans? Also great! (*Note: Events at the Hudson may have a dress code dependent on the event, please see your event hosts instructions for dress code details)
Does Carson's have a 'Private Event Space'?
Yes! ‘Carson’s at Andover’ houses our event space ‘Events at the Hudson’. You can inquire about events, get a quote, and find out more by visiting ‘the Hudson’s’ website at https://www.eventsatthehudson.com/
What are the dine-in hours at Carson's Food & Drink - On Main?
Dine-in hours are Monday to Thursday from 11:30 AM to 10:00 PM, Friday and Saturday from 10:00 AM to 11:00 PM, and Sunday from 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM.
When is brunch served at Carson's Food & Drink - On Main?
Brunch is served Friday through Sunday from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM. The restaurant is closed for brunch Monday through Thursday.
Does Carson's have a happy hour? If so, when?
Yes, happy hour is Monday to Friday from 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM, with $2 off appetizers, well drinks, draughts, and wines by the glass, plus $8 Old Fashioneds.
Is Carson's Food & Drink - On Main kid friendly?
Yes, Carson's is kid friendly and offers a children's menu available upon request for lunch, dinner, and brunch. They also provide high chairs, booster seats, and slings for baby car seats.
Where is Carson's Food & Drink - On Main located?
Carson’s on Main is located at 362 East Main St., Lexington, KY 40507.
Can I make a reservation via email or social media?
No, reservations cannot be made via email or social media. You can make a reservation through Carson’s website or by calling (859) 309-3039.
Where can I park when visiting Carson's Food & Drink?
There is a parking lot next to the building with over 50 free spaces. Metered street parking is also available on Water St. behind Carson’s and on Main St. in front of the restaurant.
What nearby restaurants can I visit before or after dining at Carson's Food & Drink?
Nearby dining options include Gus’s World Famous Fried Chicken and East End Tap and Table, a gastropub offering American cuisine and drinks, both perfect for casual meals near Carson's.
Are there any nearby bars or nightlife spots close to Carson’s Food & Drink?
Yes, The Roxy at Bar Lexington is a nearby bar where you can enjoy drinks before or after your visit to Carson’s Food & Drink.
What other local businesses are near Carson’s on Main that customers might find useful?
Nearby are Underground Printing for custom t-shirts, Schway Salon for beauty services, and Thoroughbred Park for outdoor activities, making the area convenient for shopping, grooming, or leisure.