Some Kentucky menus still list lamb fries right next to the sirloin, and nobody blinks. In Lexington, one steakhouse has kept that kind of old-school menu going for generations, along with corn pudding, giant baked potatoes, and a basket of rolls that people talk about more than almost anything else.
The lights stay low, the decor leans retro, and the room feels like a time capsule that never got the memo about modern trends. It is the kind of place where a birthday dinner, an anniversary, and a work banquet can all happen on the same night.
The story behind it stretches back decades, and the menu still carries a few surprises that first-timers ask about. Keep reading to learn what to order, when to go, and why so many locals keep coming back to this classic Kentucky steak spot.
A Richmond Road Address With Deep Roots
Lexington has plenty of places to grab a steak, but only one sits at 2750 Richmond Rd, Lexington, KY 40509, United States, under the Columbia Steak House name.
The restaurant is part of a long-running Kentucky steakhouse chain known for hearty portions of Kentucky classics. Some locations in the family operate as take-out and delivery only, but this Richmond Road spot offers a full sit-down dining room.
That difference matters. Here, guests get the booths, the table service, and the full experience instead of just a bag at the counter.
The address is easy to find along Richmond Road, a major route on the east side of the city. Plenty of free parking surrounds the building, so there is no circling the block hunting for a spot.
The menu sticks with what the brand built its name on. Steaks lead the way, backed by Kentucky comfort sides and a few regional specialties that are hard to find elsewhere.
For travelers passing through Lexington, the location works well as a dinner stop without a downtown detour. For locals, it is simply a familiar name that has been around longer than most of the neighbors.
So what keeps a steakhouse running this long? The answer starts with its history.
Since 1948 And Still Serving
Few restaurants can claim a founding year of 1948, yet Columbia Steak House carries exactly that kind of history.
That date places the brand among the older restaurant names in Kentucky. Generations of families have shared meals under the Columbia banner, and some guests return after decades away to find it still standing.
One longtime fan remembered the place from teenage years and came back 35 years later. The return trip delivered a meal worth celebrating and service that left a strong impression.
Another diner who had not visited in several decades noted that not much had changed. Depending on your view of tradition, that is either the best compliment or a fair warning.
Today, owner Greg Penn is a visible part of the operation. He responds personally to feedback and often shares a direct phone number so guests can reach him about any concerns.
Some first-time guests have even met him in the dining room and found him as friendly as the staff. That hands-on approach is not common at older chains.
History alone does not fill tables, though. The room itself plays a big role in the experience, and it has a style all its own.
Low Lights And A Retro Room
Fans of classic sitcoms might recognize the vibe right away. The decor has been compared to the Regal Beagle, the neighborhood hangout from Three’s Company.
That retro feel is a big part of the charm. The room does not chase modern design trends, and plenty of guests appreciate it for exactly that reason.
The lighting stays low. Some diners would prefer a bit more brightness for reading a menu, but most agree it is not a deal breaker.
The dining room tends to run quiet, which helps conversation. Music in the background has included 1980s tunes, adding to the throwback mood.
Several guests describe the setting as pretty and the overall atmosphere as lovely. One first-timer said it felt like dining at a friend’s home.
A quick tip for seating: the room has some structural pillars, and corner tables can put a chair close to one. If space matters to you, asking for a roomier table is a smart move.
The setting works for a slow dinner or a celebration that needs a calm backdrop. It is dim, it is retro, and it is unapologetically itself.
Now, onto the part of the menu that gets the most questions.
The Lamb Fries Question
Every menu has that one item that makes newcomers lean over and ask the server, “What is that?” Here, it is the lamb fries.
Lamb fries are a Kentucky specialty, and they are not potatoes. They are lamb testicles, breaded and fried, and the server will happily explain if you ask.
Plenty of first-time guests learn this fact at the table and decide to skip them. Others are curious enough to give them a try, and that adventurous spirit is part of the fun.
The dish has deep roots in Kentucky dining tradition. Seeing it on the menu of a steakhouse founded in 1948 makes sense, since it reflects a style of regional cooking that has faded from many newer restaurants.
Lamb fries come up again and again when people talk about this place. They are one of the items that sets the menu apart from national chains.
Is it a must-order? That depends on your appetite for adventure.
Either way, knowing what they are before you arrive saves a surprised look at the table.
Not into the daring stuff? The next side dish is a gentler kind of Kentucky classic.
Corn Pudding On The Side
Corn pudding might be the most Kentucky side dish on the whole menu. It shows up on holiday tables across the state, and here it sits right beside the steaks.
For many diners, it is a natural partner to a sirloin and baked potato. One couple ordered sirloin, baby back ribs, corn pudding, green beans, rolls, and blackberry cobbler, and called everything great.
Opinions are not unanimous. One carry-out order on a busy holiday did not live up to expectations, so results can vary with the rush.
The side list goes well beyond corn pudding. Broccoli casserole, green beans, rice, a twice baked potato, and a loaded sweet potato topped with marshmallows all appear.
That sweet potato topping tends to delight first-timers, and it makes a fun pick for a birthday dinner. The broccoli casserole earns mixed opinions, so pick based on your own taste.
Sides are priced separately in some cases, with a carry-out side of rice noted at around $4.50. Adding a couple of extras can stretch a meal into leftovers.
Of course, a steakhouse lives or dies by its steaks. The house favorite has a name worth remembering.
Meet The Nighthawk Special
Ask around about what to order, and the Nighthawk Special comes up fast. It is one of the most talked-about dishes in the building.
The Nighthawk is a steak served with grilled onions and garlic butter. Fans call it one of the best steaks they have ever had.
One diner arrived about an hour before closing, was seated right away, and ordered it rare. It came out cooked exactly that way.
A family visiting for the first time ordered it for several people, and the steaks arrived at the requested doneness. They called it a highlight of the night.
Not everyone falls for it. Some find the garlic butter heavy, and the cut can vary from plate to plate.
If you prefer a lighter touch, ask about going easy on the butter. Servers are generally knowledgeable and happy to help adjust an order.
Beyond the Nighthawk, the menu includes sirloin, ribeye, and other cuts. Choice or better beef is the standard, and the kitchen tenderizes steaks for extra tenderness.
The Nighthawk tends to be the gateway order. After that, the rolls usually steal the conversation.
Rolls Worth The Hype
Out of everything on the table, the rolls might get the most attention. They are mentioned more often than almost any other item.
These are real yeast rolls, soft and fluffy. Many diners say they could make a meal of them alone.
They come with butter, and cinnamon butter has been a hit with families. Kids especially tend to love that pairing.
Garlic butter also plays a big role around here. Some guests order it with steak drippings, which adds another layer to the meal.
A few guests find the rolls a bit too soft for their taste. Still, the overwhelming majority place them high on the list of reasons to return.
Here is a pro move: pace yourself. The rolls arrive early, and portions later in the meal are generous.
Fill up on bread too fast, and that giant baked potato will look like a mountain. Speaking of potatoes, they deserve their own spotlight.
Potatoes In Every Shape
Big is the word for the potatoes here. The kitchen serves jumbo Idaho baked potatoes, and some guests joke they are larger than the steak.
Those baked potatoes are a consistent favorite. Longtime guests say they are still huge after all these years.
Steak fries are another crowd pleaser and one of the most mentioned items on the menu. Fans call them amazing, though occasional batches can come out soft.
The twice baked potato has its own following. One diner paired an 8 oz sirloin with steak fries and a twice baked potato and still had leftovers.
Loaded potato skins also make an appearance as a starter. They earned strong praise from a birthday group.
Then there is the loaded baked sweet potato topped with marshmallows. It works as a side and almost as a dessert.
With this many choices, potato lovers can build a meal around their favorite style. Just plan for a to-go box.
The rest of the menu reaches well beyond steak, too.
Hot Browns, Catfish, And Other Kentucky Favorites
Not every guest comes for beef. The menu covers a wide range of Kentucky classics.
The Hot Brown, an open-faced Kentucky staple, gets plenty of attention. Its regular presence on the menu fits the restaurant’s regional focus.
Catfish is another solid pick. It comes in a generous portion and at a reasonable price.
Baby back ribs, chicken tenders, and burgers round out the options. Picky eaters often appreciate the wide selection.
Starters include mozzarella sticks, praised for being crispy with stringy cheese. Onion straws also get compliments for being well prepared.
The Diego salad is a house favorite for some. Its dressing is a tart oil and vinaigrette style, so it suits fans of tangy flavors.
Blackberry cobbler closes things out for guests with room left. That is a big if, given the portions.
On holidays, the kitchen may use a reduced menu to keep things moving. Calling ahead can help avoid surprises.
Lunch brings its own deals, which leads to the topic of value.
Generous Plates, Friendly Prices
Portions here are large, and prices stay reasonable. That combination keeps people coming back.
One couple ate lunch with steak and ribs, plus sides and dessert, and paid about $48 before tip. They still left with leftovers.
Lunch pricing on steaks helps stretch the budget. The luncheon cuts are thinner, so steak purists may prefer dinner portions.
Many guests describe the food as fairly priced. Others note that overall prices sit on the lower side compared to bigger chains.
Carry-out is available too. A holiday carry-out meal for two ran about $60, so ordering extras adds up quickly.
The big portions make it easy to share or plan a second meal at home. Families especially benefit from the generous plates.
Some diners even say they will choose this spot over national steak chains. For a local, long-running restaurant, that is quite the endorsement.
Food matters, but the people bringing it to the table matter just as much.
Servers Who Get Requested By Name
Some regulars do not just ask for a table. They ask for a specific server.
Staff members like Jason, Whitney, and Becky have earned loyal fans. One family asks for Jason every visit and says he never disappoints.
Servers are often described as kind, knowledgeable, and quick to answer questions. That helps when someone needs a lamb fries explanation.
Guests celebrating anniversaries and birthdays frequently mention attentive service. One family arrived a little late for a surprise birthday and still received a warm welcome.
Experiences are not always perfect. Busy nights and carry-out pickups can lead to longer waits, and some guests have noted uneven moments.
When problems happen, the owner responds directly. He invites guests to call him personally to sort things out.
That kind of follow-through shows the restaurant cares about getting it right. Knowing the room and the staff, the next question is who this place suits best.
Birthdays, Anniversaries, And Work Banquets
Celebrations seem to find their way here. Birthdays and anniversaries show up again and again.
The quiet, dim room gives special occasions a relaxed backdrop. Couples have marked anniversaries here and left happy.
Families bring kids who just want a steak dinner. The cinnamon butter and sweet potato with marshmallows tend to win young diners over.
Work groups also use the restaurant for events. Banquets come with a set menu of options to choose from.
Nostalgia seekers will feel right at home. Anyone who remembers the brand from years past may find it familiar.
Diners who prefer bright, modern spaces might find the lighting too low. Those chasing a high-end steakhouse experience may want to set expectations to classic and local.
For people who like hearty Kentucky cooking with a throwback setting, it fits well. Planning the trip comes next.
Hours, Parking, And A Soft Verdict
Timing a visit is easy with long hours every day. The restaurant opens at 11 AM all week.
Monday through Thursday, it closes at 10 PM. Friday and Saturday run until 11 PM, and Sunday wraps up at 9:30 PM.
Late arrivals are welcome, and even an hour before closing guests have been seated right away. Weekend evenings and holidays tend to be busier.
Free parking is plentiful, and Richmond Road makes the place simple to reach. Carry-out and delivery are options for anyone staying in.
So is it worth the trip? For fans of classic Kentucky dining, the answer leans yes.
Not every plate lands perfectly, but the rolls, potatoes, Nighthawk, and regional sides give plenty of reasons to try it. The retro room and long history add character that newer places cannot copy.
Order the Nighthawk, ask about the lamb fries, and save room for corn pudding. Columbia Steak House has been feeding Kentucky since 1948, and it still knows how to send people home full.
Enjoyed this story?
Add Fast Food Club as a preferred source to see more of our reporting on Google.