5 new american spots in Downtown, editor-picked by TableJourney. All of Downtown's food · All new american in Lexington.

Dudley's on Short ★ 4.6

259 W Short St, Lexington, KY 40507

Dudley's on Short cooks seasonal contemporary American food on West Short Street, the downtown room Lexington books for anniversaries and Keeneland nights.

Tip: Reserve by phone for parties over six; OpenTable covers smaller tables. The bar seats walk-ins.

Dudley's on Short ★ 4.6

259 W Short St, Lexington, KY 40507

Dudley's on Short cooks seasonal contemporary American food on West Short Street, the downtown room Lexington books for anniversaries and Keeneland nights.

Tip: Reserve by phone for parties over six; OpenTable covers smaller tables. The bar seats walk-ins.

Millstone ★ 4.3

380 S Mill St, Lexington, KY 40508

Millstone cooks contemporary American food with Kentucky leanings in an 1880s Dudley Square schoolhouse, one of Lexington's most-watched newer dining rooms.

Tip: Lunch runs Wednesday to Friday only. The shrimp and grits use Weisenberger white cheddar grits from Midway.

Millstone ★ 4.2

380 S Mill St, Lexington, KY 40508

Millstone cooks contemporary American food with Kentucky leanings in an 1880s Dudley Square schoolhouse, one of Lexington's most-watched newer dining rooms.

Tip: Lunch runs Wednesday to Friday only. The shrimp and grits use Weisenberger white cheddar grits from Midway.

Lockbox ★ 4.1

167 W Main St, Lexington, KY 40507

Lockbox occupies the vault floor of the 21c Museum Hotel's 1914 bank building in Lexington, with Stephen Holden cooking a contemporary Southern-leaning menu.

Tip: Renovation-mode service: in-room breakfast for hotel guests Wed-Sun and evening drinks in the lobby lounge. Call before a special trip.