A new Lexington restaurant is renovating, adding to dining landmark. See inside
AI-generated summary reviewed by our newsroom.
- Chef Tyler Murray renovates historic Dudley Square site for new restaurant.
- 1130-square-foot dining room addition and patio integrate with 1881 building.
- Millstone menu emphasizes in-house preparation with regional Kentucky sourcing.
A longtime Lexington restaurant location inside a historic building is returning with an updated look that includes a new dining room addition.
The new restaurant, Millstone, hopes to open with a casual, upscale Kentucky-influenced menu at the end of October or early November in Dudley Square at 380 South Mill Street.
Executive chef and owner Tyler Murray has been renovating the space that was famously known as Dudley’s for 28 years before the fine dining restaurant moved to Short Street in 2010. In April 2012, Sabio’s, which featured an international menu, opened in the space but lasted only four years.
The renovation in the historic South Hill neighborhood, near the University of Kentucky campus and downtown, includes a new outdoor patio and a 1,130-square-foot addition that will be the main dining room.
“I think it’s going to be something really special here in Lexington,” said Murray, who has 15 years experience leading restaurants, most recently coming back to his home state as executive chef for UK dining.
What renovations were done to the restaurant inside Dudley Square?
Murray said it was a challenge to renovate and add onto the building while also keeping its historic touches. The building was constructed in 1881 and served as a school until 1932.
“That was absolutely a significant thought on everything,” said Murray. “We wanted to be able to keep the integrity and the look of the building with adding an addition that had some updates to it, but we didn’t want to go crazy.”
For example, original exposed brick and archways are woven into new addition touches, like a mural in the bar area. Accordion-style windows in the new addition have made the dining room open, light and airy.
“We’re inside, still, but it feels outside,” said Murray. “I think we’re elevated and away from the road enough where it feels like you’re not up on it.”
Right outside the new windows is the new patio, shaded by two huge tulip poplar trees, one of which the deck was built around. Murray said they paid extra attention to preserving the two trees during the additions.
“It makes this space really, really cool,” said Murray.
The seasonal patio will not be covered, instead using the shade from the trees, and will seat about 30 for dining, Murray said. There will also be lounge-style seating with sofas.
The added main dining room will seat 68, and what Murray is calling the Library (Dudley’s former bar area), will have seating for 30-40 and will also be used for private events. A newly created bar with 12-13 barstools, plus additional seating, is where Dudley’s main dining room was.
What will be on the menu at Millstone?
Murray said everything on Millstone’s menu will be made in-house, leaning into a Kentucky and regional influence.
“We’re going to be simple and approachable with really high quality, to where the consistency is flawless every time you come in,” said Murray, who wasn’t ready to give a price point on the menu just yet.
“The idea is casual, upscale, and referring to the Lexington market, we’re looking at that kind of mid-tier. We’re not going to be your high-end, high-price menu, but we are going to be a step up from a casual chain.”
Murray said his time overseeing UK dining has proven invaluable getting local beef and poultry.
“My five years over on campus was incredible in building relationships with Kentucky farmers and Kentucky producers,” said Murray.
Millstone
Where: 380 South Mill Street, inside Dudley Square
Opening: end of October or early November
Parking: More than 60 spots in two lots plus street parking
Online: instagram.com/millstone.lex
This story was originally published September 30, 2025 at 5:00 AM.
