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.
Customers consistently praised the food for its deliciousness and variety, with standout dishes like ribs, steaks, and brunch items receiving high marks.
Service
While many reviews highlighted excellent service and attentive staff, there were notable instances of poor service and management issues that detracted from the overall experience.
Atmosphere
The restaurant's atmosphere was frequently described as warm and inviting, though some customers noted it could be noisy and crowded.
Pricing
Several reviews mentioned that the restaurant is on the expensive side, with mixed feelings about whether the quality justified the price.
Reservations
There were complaints about the handling of reservations, with some guests experiencing delays or feeling overlooked despite having made reservations.
LZ
Lori Zachariah
4 days ago
5.0
I cannot write enough good praise for this quality restaurant. The menu was extensive, our server Kyle was attentive but not intrusive. He knows his menu, has great suggestions and was the best server I have had in years. The food was over the top, the portions were large, and the menu had everything from comfort food to 5 star innovative offerings. I had the seafood pasta which was divine, my husband had a bacon burger. We added the bearnaise French fries, and the tangy lemon on it made my day. Absolutely recommend. No dress code!
JR
James Reeves
Jan 2, 2026
2.0
We absolutely love Carson‘s ambience. We have been there several times and the service has always been top-notch. However, it just doesn’t seem like all of the dishes that’s on the menu stand up to the level of service or the price. If you get their ribs, that’s always a home run however we went for brunch and two of us got hamburgers that looked amazing, but we’re quite honestly tough to eat . The description of a hamburgers on the menu had three different types of meat in them… Honestly, I think it just needs to taste good it doesn’t need to have all sorts of different meats combined. My wife got a fried chicken sandwich that look like they had gotten the chicken patty from Tyson‘s in Kroger‘s freezer section. However, their mac & cheese was to die for.
I want to give them a raving review because I really like the wait staff and the whole experience… But when you’re charging $18 for a hamburger and it’s barely edible and not from a lack of trying, it just wasn’t good. And a chicken sandwich that looked like something that you would get out of a food truck. It makes it tough.
And one side note since when has restaurant started just serving room temperature water without any ice… It just seems like a weird procedure to have to go through to get ice to be included with your water.
DS
Dave and Mimi Scott
Jan 1, 2026
2.0
The wait for food was too long and food was lukewarm when received. We had to ask for drink refills. Our servers were very lacking in attending to us. We have eaten there before and had been very satisfied but not today.
CC
Chadwick
Dec 28, 2025
5.0
Passing through Kentucky and found Carson’s during our search. Wow, definitely worth a stop. We started with BBQ ribs, then a nice chopped salad, seafood soup bisque. I had the chicken and shrimp creole smothered on top of a pile of grits. Hannah was our server and she was super friendly and helpful. To finish off the meal we decided on the banana bourbon bread pudding. Overall- Excellent! It would be a definite return for me on my next trip through this area again.
CL
Chris likesknives
Dec 27, 2025
1.0
The fries with crab came with a hair, manager was alerted and came and took the fries and never offered to get us another, we never asked for anything free, would have paid for an order of the fries with no hair. We went to carsons for my sons birthday dinner, he wanted a good burger, we ordered wagyu burgers and they were ok. Still tipped the sever but overall kind of a crap service and a hair in food on an important day for my son. Bummer.
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.