The Lemon Tree
101 Graham Ave, Lexington KY 40508
$
American
The Lemon Tree is a student-run restaurant that is open for lunch on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 12-1PM, during the semester, reservations are required. The Lemon Tree provides real world, science-based experiences to students in the Quantity Food Production class, a capstone course for dietetics and hospitality, management and tourism undergraduate students. During the semester, students rotate through a series of work stations, gaining hands-on experience as they learn the various roles involved in operating a restaurant while upholding food safety and quality assurance standards.
Come enjoy a three-course meal prepared for you by exceptional students that are team-taught and directed by Chef Rachel Bryant and Emily DeWitt, a lecturer in the Department of Dietetics and Human Nutrition. Ms. Bryant is a professional chef with over 10 years of experience and Ms. DeWitt is a Registered Dietitian.
Reservations
Business Info
- Address: 101 Graham Ave, Lexington KY 40508
- Cross Street: Erikson Hall
- Cuisine: American |
- Cost: | Very Inexpensive
- Category: Casual Dining
- Star Rating:
- Reservations: Required
- Dress Code: Casual
- Meals Served: Lunch |
- Parking: Street | Public Lot | Parking Garage |
- Payment Options: VISA | MasterCard | Discover |
- Corkage Fee: N/A
- Website: https://dhn.ca.uky.edu/lemon-tree
- Phone: 8592573800
- Features: Famous Chef, Farm-to-table,
- Occasion: Business Dining, Trendy / Hip,
Photos
Business Hours
Reservations Available
- Monday
- Closed
- Tuesday
- Lunch | Dine-in 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
- Wednesday
- Closed
- Thursday
- Lunch | Dine-in 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
- Friday
- Closed
- Saturday
- Closed
- Sunday
- Closed
Customer Reviews & Ratings
4.86 out of 5 stars based on 382 votes
- Overall: 10/10
- Food: 10/10
- Service: 10/10
- Ambience: 10/10
- Value: 10/10
Oct 22, 2024
Kim H.
I enjoyed another great dining experience at Lemon Tree on October 17th. The roasted root vegetable grain bowls have quickly become one of my favorite menus. The food was excellent, our server did a great job, and it was a great experience overall.
- Overall: 10/10
- Food: 10/10
- Service: 10/10
- Ambience: 10/10
- Value: 10/10
Oct 16, 2024
Annhall N.
Very nice experience. I believe the students are improving. I enjoyed everything.
- Overall: 10/10
- Food: 10/10
- Service: 10/10
- Ambience: 10/10
- Value: 10/10
Sep 27, 2024
Corey M.
Great food and customer service for a reasonable price!
- Overall: 10/10
- Food: 10/10
- Service: 10/10
- Ambience: 10/10
- Value: 10/10
Sep 13, 2024
Anne C.
The salmon was perfectly cooked. Our server taylor was great and very personable. Kudos to whoever had to slice all the carrots , radishes, and potatoes on the mandoline slicer. It made for a very pretty presentation!
- Overall: 10/10
- Food: 9/10
- Service: 10/10
- Ambience: 7/10
- Value: 10/10
Sep 05, 2024
Marie M.
The service is great, the food is great (the chicken was a TAD bit dry, hence the 9), and the only negative is that the meal takes place in a very small room, which makes it very loud. It's uncomfortable to have to talk so loud so people can hear you at your table, while you're eating a nice meal. I know space isn't easy around campus, and that building likely doesn't have anything better or it would be in there, but the space is the only thing that diminishes the meals - and I've attended many.
- Overall: 10/10
- Food: 10/10
- Service: 10/10
- Ambience: 9/10
- Value: 9/10
Feb 01, 2024
Julie P.
I have had the eggplant parm meal several times over the years. This was probably the best one. Bread was delicious, eggplant was good and the salted caramel brownie was AWESOME and baked just right. (In the past there was at lest one time it was sooo under cooked it was runny. :-)) Our server and her classmates really did a good job. We were a table of 6 and together they served us at the same time and very timely. Every time I can make a reservation and invite my coworkers to lunch for this experience puts a smile on my face. Thank you!
- Overall: 10/10
- Food: 10/10
- Service: 10/10
- Ambience: 8/10
- Value: 10/10
Jan 24, 2024
Carly H.
Thank you for the lovely experience! We thoroughly enjoyed our lunch.
- Overall: 10/10
- Food: 10/10
- Service: 9/10
- Ambience: 9/10
- Value: 10/10
Oct 16, 2023
Haleigh K.
Absolutely loved getting to dine at the Lemon Tree. The food was amazing and our server was very nice. The only thing I noticed was that our plates we not pre-bussed off the table for a long time. I definitely want to come again!
- Overall: 10/10
- Food: 10/10
- Service: 10/10
- Ambience: 10/10
- Value: 10/10
Sep 16, 2023
Rhonda O.
❤️
- Overall: 10/10
- Food: 8/10
- Service: 10/10
- Ambience: 10/10
- Value: 10/10
Sep 13, 2023
Billie D.
I thought the hoe cake should have been served separately from the other food, or on the side.
- Overall: 10/10
- Food: 9/10
- Service: 10/10
- Ambience: 10/10
- Value: 10/10
Feb 24, 2023
Oliver S.
Honestly I really enjoyed the experience. Chef came out often, food was excellent both in taste and appearance. Staff was attentive and friendly.
- Overall: 10/10
- Food: 10/10
- Service: 9/10
- Ambience: 8/10
- Value: 10/10
Feb 24, 2023
Amanda B.
The food was excellent, everyone had a smile on their faces. The only improvements were that the space was very hot-but I dont think anyone had control on the unusually warm February weather day. The other suggestion is that I don't think our student server introduced herself by name at all, and seemed very nervous to be serving tables. She did great, though.
- Overall: 10/10
- Food: 10/10
- Service: 10/10
- Ambience: 10/10
- Value: 10/10
Feb 20, 2023
Ruth C.
The food was delicious and the service was exemplary. Molly was knowledgeable and courteous.
- Overall: 10/10
- Food: 10/10
- Service: 10/10
- Ambience: 10/10
- Value: 10/10
Feb 19, 2023
Elizabeth F.
Eating at the Lemon Tree was something I have wanted to do for years. I live out of town and have never been able to eat at the Lemon Tree due to my schedule. I am so glad that it worked out and I was able make a reservation. Everything was so good and the carrot cake was very delicious! I don't even like carrot cake! Thank you- everything was very nice
- Overall: 10/10
- Food: 10/10
- Service: 10/10
- Ambience: 10/10
- Value: 10/10
Feb 09, 2023
Alicia B.
Making reservations was user friendly.
- Overall: 10/10
- Food: 9/10
- Service: 9/10
- Ambience: 9/10
- Value: 10/10
Feb 03, 2023
Amy C.
Loved it!
- Overall: 10/10
- Food: 10/10
- Service: 10/10
- Ambience: 8/10
- Value: 10/10
Feb 02, 2023
Jeanne B.
Delicious food! Creative presentation on the plate. Great value for a good cause! I love The Love Tree!
- Overall: 10/10
- Food: 10/10
- Service: 10/10
- Ambience: 8/10
- Value: 10/10
Jan 21, 2023
Mark S.
I think you've done well with the space available, but the lighting is a bit harsh. We look forward to returning.
- Overall: 10/10
- Food: 10/10
- Service: 10/10
- Ambience: 10/10
- Value: 10/10
Jan 20, 2023
Julie J.
Everything is always fantastic at the Lemon Tree! The only hiccup i had this time was waiting a while to be seated. I think the representative had stepped away from the front desk. I did arrive a minute or two after noon, which may have been the reason. Thanks for everything; the food is always fantastic!
- Overall: 10/10
- Food: 10/10
- Service: 10/10
- Ambience: 10/10
- Value: 10/10
Nov 16, 2022
Logan S.
Helaina was amazing. She always ensured that I was having a pleasurable experience and was such a bright person.
- Overall: 10/10
- Food: 10/10
- Service: 10/10
- Ambience: 10/10
- Value: 10/10
Nov 10, 2022
Tami S.
Eating at the Lemontree is such a treat.
- Overall: 10/10
- Food: 10/10
- Service: 10/10
- Ambience: 6/10
- Value: 10/10
Nov 04, 2022
Linda B.
Fantastic as always!
- Overall: 10/10
- Food: 10/10
- Service: 10/10
- Ambience: 10/10
- Value: 10/10
Sep 22, 2022
Sherrie F.
Lemon Tree is never disappointing. Always a treat. The food is always delicious and the students are so gracious.
- Overall: 10/10
- Food: 10/10
- Service: 10/10
- Ambience: 10/10
- Value: 10/10
Sep 16, 2022
Xana P.
I had a 4-top table, and we all enjoyed it very much. The food was delicious and the service was excellent!
- Overall: 10/10
- Food: 10/10
- Service: 10/10
- Ambience: 10/10
- Value: 10/10
Sep 16, 2022
Joann L.
Wait staff was very polite and professional. The food was awesome as always. The atmosphere was wonderful. We noticed that the ceiling tiles had been repaired, which was very nice. The fresh flowers on the tables were delightful. We love dining at the Lemon Tree.
- Overall: 10/10
- Food: 10/10
- Service: 10/10
- Ambience: 10/10
- Value: 10/10
Sep 12, 2022
Connie L.
Food excellent service excellent
- Overall: 10/10
- Food: 10/10
- Service: 10/10
- Ambience: 10/10
- Value: 10/10
Jan 30, 2022
Carol S.
Hello! It was my first time at The Lemon Tree. Madeline was my server. Everything about it was amazing and you deserve top marks. Thank you for this opportunity for campus employees to have such a delicious meal.
- Overall: 10/10
- Food: 10/10
- Service: 10/10
- Ambience: 10/10
- Value: 10/10
Oct 06, 2021
Kelly M.
Service was excellent and the food was outstanding. The gremolata on the pasta shells took it to the next level. Delicious!
- Overall: 10/10
- Food: 10/10
- Service: 10/10
- Ambience: 10/10
- Value: 10/10
Sep 30, 2021
Patricia G.
I've loved the Lemon Tree for decades, and have introduced many of my colleagues to the place. The food is always high-end restaurant quality, and the servers are always gracious and willing to fulfill any of our requests. No changes necessary, just keep doing what you do!
- Overall: 10/10
- Food: 10/10
- Service: 10/10
- Ambience: 10/10
- Value: 10/10
Sep 29, 2021
Deborah C.
The only improvement is to have iced tea available.
- Overall: 10/10
- Food: 10/10
- Service: 10/10
- Ambience: 10/10
- Value: 10/10
Sep 23, 2021
Kay B.
The food overall experience was great! I think the payment method, where you take the payment almost upon arrival is wonderful so that we can leave immediately after dessert in order to try and get back to work on time. The food was fantastic. I would have liked butter with my bread but didn't ask, so that was my issue. Overall great experience.
- Overall: 9/10
- Food: 8/10
- Service: 10/10
- Ambience: 10/10
- Value: 10/10
Sep 13, 2023
Joe C.
Love The Lemon Tree. Wish I could get more reservations!
- Overall: 9/10
- Food: 10/10
- Service: 10/10
- Ambience: 5/10
- Value: 10/10
Feb 23, 2023
Kelly M.
Wonderful meal! They do a good job working with what they have for a setting, but the conversational noise and cramped setting could definitely use improvement.
- Overall: 9/10
- Food: 9/10
- Service: 9/10
- Ambience: 8/10
- Value: 10/10
Feb 23, 2023
William L.
Loved it. Will definately be back
- Overall: 9/10
- Food: 9/10
- Service: 9/10
- Ambience: 7/10
- Value: 10/10
Feb 09, 2023
Melinda B.
I was not the only one who had difficulty locating Erikson Hall due to the construction and closed streets on campus. A detailed map would be helpful in navigating where Google maps are not up to date on campus road closures.
- Overall: 9/10
- Food: 9/10
- Service: 10/10
- Ambience: 9/10
- Value: 9/10
Jan 27, 2023
Miguel P.
A great balance between comfort and elegance with superb service and always fabulous food. The Mexican wedding cookies and carnitas tacos were the highlights, though the rice was a little bland.
- Overall: 9/10
- Food: 10/10
- Service: 8/10
- Ambience: 9/10
- Value: 10/10
Jan 26, 2022
Kelly M.
Meal was delicious as usual! This was the first day of service for the semester, so we expected some issues, but the service was very good. Our server forgot our dessert spoon, but that was remedied very quickly by another server. I love the combination of haricot verts served with the pasta, what a great way to lighten the dish and add additional healthy vegetables to the meal!
- Overall: 9/10
- Food: 8/10
- Service: 9/10
- Ambience: 8/10
- Value: 9/10
Sep 09, 2021
Miguel P.
Creative, tasty menu. Corn tortillas were a little undercooked and the Mexican cocoa had way too many marshmallows - no one at my table tried them - but the presentation was well done.
- Overall: 8/10
- Food: 8/10
- Service: 7/10
- Ambience: 5/10
- Value: 5/10
Oct 28, 2022
Emma S.
Lighting in dining room could use work; lights out or flickering. Flowers were nice.
- Overall: 8/10
- Food: 6/10
- Service: 8/10
- Ambience: 9/10
- Value: 8/10
Sep 07, 2022
Julie P.
I love the Lemon Tree, but this was not my favorite meal. Large piece of cartilage/grizzle in the small amount of pork on one of the tacos. Overall tacos were not a hit with anyone in my party. Would have loved tortilla chips in a basket on the table to share or individually. The 1 wedding cookie was delicious.
- Overall: 8/10
- Food: 9/10
- Service: 9/10
- Ambience: 9/10
- Value: 9/10
Sep 22, 2021
Christine G.
Courteous staff, food was excellent. I like the small atmosphere and preset menu. It was really hot and I was very uncomfortable. Very humid. The windows were open, which I assume was for COVID purposes but it made my experience a bit disappointing. I don't enjoy being hot at all.