I visited Lexington over the Memorial Day holiday. Here's a report on what I found. For exact locations, phone numbers and local maps go to zip2.com.
DeSha's: In Victorian Square, DowntownAdvertised as New and Creative and one of the best in town, we had to try it. The decor and layout was beautiful. Tastefully decorated with a pressed tin ceiling, wallpaper, brass fixtures and historic pictures. The interior has a very comfortable and inviting atmosphere. The wine list surprised us. It was mostly Californian with some French thrown in too. But they didn't just have the big names, there were creative choices available. We were very happy with this.
The food menu was severely lacking in contrast with the wine list. There was no creativity to be found - steaks and chops with a few pasta dishes thrown in. The bland selection was typified by appetizer list with it's fried appetizers with and KY-trendy spinach dip thrown in. All dinners include a salad with homemade dressing (the Sweet and Sour and Blue Cheese were nothing special). A little loaf of hot cornbread was also included. The cornbread was great, light and fluffy with honey butter on the side. My husband ordered the blackened 16 oz. T-bone and I had the Steak DeSha. Both were truly disappointing. The grade of meat was poor and they were both over done. His T-bone was obviously a strange cut as it was less than 1" thick at the bone which is way too thin for a T-bone. The true reason we went to DeSha's was the attached cigar bar. With the disappointing dinner over with, we strolled through the bar to the room next door....
Nicholson's Cigar Bar - attached to DeSha's in Victorian Square
Large painted letters over the bar claim: The World's Largest Selection of Premium Bourbon Whiskey. BELIEVE IT! We really enjoyed Nicholson's. It has a very cozy atmosphere with tiled floors, paneled walls, groupings of couches and chairs, a huge TV on the back wall (Basketball and Hockey turned down low) and even a poker table (which a group of locals took no time to commandeer). We were surprised not only by the huge selection on the liquor menu, but by the friendly people and the cigar availability. They had a cigar menu, but such things can never be trusted. We simply asked the server his recommendations in the size we wanted. No problems and service with matches, a mint and a smile! Hands down the best deal on the bourbon menu is the 3 - 1oz. shots for $5.95 deal. You can choose from all but three
