New Lexington restaurant opens with Kentucky hospitality, modern flavor menu
AI-generated summary reviewed by our newsroom.
- Millstone reopens Dudley Square location after major renovation.
- Menu emphasizes Kentucky hospitality and modern flavors using local suppliers.
- Dinner service nightly, with plans to expand to serve lunch.
A longtime Lexington restaurant location is open again after a major renovation.
The new restaurant, Millstone, has opened inside Dudley Square at 380 South Mill Street with a casual upscale menu.
Executive chef and owner Tyler Murray finished 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 is the main dining room.
“I think it’s going to be something really special here in Lexington,” Murray said during the renovation.
Murray, who has 15 years experience leading restaurants, said they will open with dinner service at first, and then expand with lunch to capitalize on the downtown workers.
Part of the renovation included leaving much of the exposed brick on the historic building. There are four unique spaces for the updated look of the dining spot: the newly added main dining room, bar, library and patio.
The seasonal patio will seat about 30 while the main dining room can accommodate 68. The Library (Dudley’s former bar area), will have seating for 30-40 and will also be used for private events.
What is on the menu at Millstone?
Murray says the menu has Kentucky hospitality and meets modern flavor. Everything is made in-house, focusing on local suppliers like Bourbon Barrel Beef, Eggleston Farm and Weisenberger Mill.
Entrée highlights rooted in Kentucky tradition include braised short rib ($41), shrimp and grits ($36) and seared salmon ($38).
“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.
There’s a selection of à la carte sides such as smoked cheddar mac, dill slaw and pimento corn muffins ($7 each).
Five sandwiches are on the menu, including prime rib (shaved smoked beef, caramelized onions, horseradish aioli, provolone on house baguette for $20) and crab cake sliders (lump crab cakes, onion pepper relish, remoulade, lettuce on house rolls for $21). All sandwiches are served with fries, chips or a side salad for an up charge.
The appetizers are led by a charcuterie board of Kentucky hams, house-made jam and pimento corn muffins ($18).
Other starters include bacon jam deviled eggs ($13), warm pimento cheese ($13) and warm cast iron yeast rolls ($10).
Chicken, salmon or steak can be added to a selection of salads that include warm beet ($14), buttermilk arugula ($13) and Cobb ($22).
There is also a menu of craft cocktails, draft beer, wine and zero proof drinks.
Millstone
Where: 380 South Mill Street, inside Dudley Square
Dinner hours: 4 p.m.-9 p.m. Sun.-Thur; 4 p.m.-9:30 p.m. Fri.-Sat
Reservations: millstonelex.com
Parking: Lot directly behind the building as well as an additional lot across Mill Street
