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Welcome to Thoroughbred Restaurant

Thoroughbred Restaurant, located in Lexington, KY since 1954, offers a cozy atmosphere with a full bar and delicious American cuisine. Known for their comfort food and fried bar favorites, the menu includes dishes like Fried Horse Wings, Bean Soup, and Crab Stuffed Flounder. The attentive owner, Mark, ensures top-notch service and a welcoming environment. From the homemade Smitty's Beer Cheese to the loaded baked potatoes and decadent desserts, each dish is prepared with care and served generously. Don't judge this local dive by its exterior; the food and friendly patrons make dining at Thoroughbred a delightful experience.

Thoroughbred Restaurant: Reviews & Ratings

William B.
William B.

The BOMB had meatloaf, green beans and fried potatoes, and some of the best corn cakes in the world

EUGENE R D.
EUGENE R D.

Everybody was welcoming and wonderful. We had the hamburger the grilled ham and cheese and the classic club all of which were loaded with meat. Very tasty. Definitely go again. I have the basket of onion rings and some chips. Highly recommend it was a surprise only through this app that I found it, it was close to my daughter's apartment which she was moving into, please try them out. They've been there since 1954. There's a good reason for that excellent experience.

Stu F.
Stu F.

Stopped in after YP's recommended the place. From the outside with the fact it's in a strip mall type setting it doesn't really stand out. I've driven by it several times. Inside was quaint with several tables to eat and a 10 seat bar area. They have a printed menu and also a chalk board for daily specials. On that board today was liver and onions. I ordered and was extremely happy with it. Tender and full of a sweet flavor from the grilled onions. Came with two sides which were corn and mashed potatoes(probably instant). I will come here again when in town. They do get a lunch crowd

Drew G.
Drew G.

This is a local dive that has been here for decades. It is very unassuming and surprisingly delicious food! Comfort food and fried bar food at its finest! They have excellent specials and the good stuff is on the chalkboard. Tonight I had the Crab Stuffed Flounder and it was delicious. Next time I want to try the Cod in Crack Sauce. I have to admit that one of my pet peeves is when they bring the salad with the meal. That really irritated me and by the time I finished my salad, the mashed potatoes and gravy were cold. The owner, Mark was there working hard and checking with all the customers and I really appreciated that. Don't be scared by the looks of the place, the customers are very friendly and the food is excellent.

Judy M.
Judy M.

I enjoyed my choice of pork cutlet sautéed mushrooms and loaded baked potato. The potato was large portion, covered with butter, sour cream, fresh bacon bits and chives. One of the chefs loves baking and makes beautifully presented desserts. I ordered the strawberry cheesecake. The portion was huge! It was creamy, covered with fresh strawberries and a nice graham cracker crust. I enjoyed part that evening with my milk and the rest the next morning with my coffee. The owner came to check in our service and spent time visiting with us. Nice man. This restaurant has been in the family since 1954, small dining area with bar, nice crowd overall and right down the street from Keenland.

Fat Man Reviews K.
Fat Man Reviews K.

On a Saturday date night, the Fat Man and his wife headed into Lexington to try a new place. We landed on Leestown Road at Thoroughbreds Restaurant. Thoroughbreds have been in business for over 40 years, serving home-cooked Kentucky comfort foods on a rotating specials menu. We started with some Mahi Fingers and homemade tarter sauce. The tartar sauce was thick and creamy, with a great taste. The pickles are roughly chopped, making it hard to dip the fish, so expect to use a utensil. The Mahi was lightly battered and fried to a golden brown; it was not oily; they were frozen but came out tender and flaky. My wife tried Smitty's Meatloaf with loaded baked potato, broccoli casserole, and a hoe cake. The hoecake was a little oily, with a slight sweetness in the flavor and a good crunch on it. The baked potato is cooked perfectly and has the correct amount of butter and sour cream. The meatloaf has a great ketchup topping, and the flavor is good, but it is a little mushy in texture and slightly greasy from the bacon on top. It has a smokiness to it as well. For my entrée, I had the Kentucky Hot Brown with broccoli casserole. The broccoli was slightly undercooked in some pieces but not inedible. The seasoning is excellent, and the cheese is ooey gooey, while crackers offer a crunch and texture. The hot brown comes out as a large portion. The Mornay sauce is thick and creamy with a slight sweetness that cuts through the salt of the dish. The bread on the bottom is fluffy and chewy, and the ham and turkey were thinly sliced and piled on, offering both sweet and salty meaty bites. The cheddar cheese is melted well, with the bacon crunchy and salty. The only knock is that the Roma tomatoes, while good, are small. A larger serving would work better. Thoroughbreds have an extensive menu with daily appetizers, sandwiches, burgers, and fresh specials. The menu rotates with the season. The servers were amiable, and the same family has owned it for over forty years. The Fat Man says Thoroughbreds Restaurant is Fat Man Approved with 2 chins.

Gary D.
Gary D.

In town for business and went looking for a nice local restaurant. Found this place just down the road and it was definitely a popular local hang-out. Friendly staff and packed. Had to wait on a table a few minutes, so keep that in mind if you're super hungry. Sat at the bar (I was a party of one) so a couple could have the only table available. Plenty of good items on the menu; I had the fish and chips which were served with a side of slaw and a cornbread sort of thing. All very good. The bar looked well stocked, too. Recommend.

Location

Welcome to Thoroughbred Restaurant, a beloved American restaurant located at 1483 Leestown Rd in Lexington, KY. This casual dining spot offers a wide range of dishes with many vegetarian options, making it a great choice for groups or families looking for a delicious meal.

With a full bar, outdoor seating, and even Wi-Fi, Thoroughbred Restaurant provides a comfortable and welcoming atmosphere for guests. The menu features a variety of appetizers, soups, salads, and side dishes, with highlights such as Fried Banana Peppers, Chef Salad, and Loaded Baked Potato.

Customers have raved about the satisfying and flavorful dishes at Thoroughbred Restaurant. From the meatloaf to the Crab Stuffed Flounder, each dish is prepared with care and attention to detail. Customers also appreciate the friendly service and welcoming atmosphere of the restaurant.

Whether you're in the mood for comfort food or want to try something new, Thoroughbred Restaurant has something for everyone. So next time you're in the area, be sure to stop by and experience the delicious offerings at this local gem.