Sro

Fun cultural experience. My friends and I shared our drinks and appetizers. Had a good time chatting with the owners and other patrons as well. They do have “rules” written on a board which serve as a guide to pairing your food and drink, which are pretty simple. I suggest grabbing dinner somewhere else first. The appetizers are small, but interesting! They also have a nice outdoor garden with high top tables, which was really enjoyable on a breezy summer night.

I will preface this review by saying that Mr. Yamaguchi and his wife have both an excellent selection of Japanese Sake and Liquor, well-chosen food pairings that are both authentic and often creative, and a good concept and location. I also understand and respect their policy regarding wanting to be a "drink and make merry" establishment, rather than one focused on food. My respect and appreciation for their vision has caused me to visit the establishment over 10 times in 3 years, even recommending it to friends and coworkers. I don't expect them to know that, but I would at least ask them to try to be a bit kinder to customers who stray from what they consider to be "correct". I took my Japanese wife to SRO after a long day at work as a surprise. She saw an item on the menu she wanted, the Mentaiko (a treat from her hometown area), which the menu said had to be ordered with sake. My wife hates drinking but out of respect, we nevertheless ordered her a mix drink ($8) and I ordered two cups of sake for approximately 10 dollars each. Having spent 30 dollars on alcohol, I though it would be acceptable to then order the mentaiko for my wife. Unfortunately, when I asked for it, it was pointed out to me in front of my wife that I and not her had ordered the sake and thus Yamaguchi-san would not be making the mentaiko for us, simply because I made the mistake of saying that the mentaiko was "for her". I was so shocked when I was told no that I honestly did not know what to say. Thinking it was a joke, I laughed and said "could you make an exception?", only to be explicitly told "no exception". I did not argue further, I simply ordered another item and we took them to the garden to finish. This was embarrassing for me. My wife was extremely shocked and angered by this treatment as well. Given that we were hoping to relax after a difficult day by "celebrating" with a visit to SRO, this is not what we were hoping for. I understand refusing food for people who do not order alcohol, but please try to have a little bit more empathy for patrons who come to your restaurant willing to spend $50-some dollars while not perfectly satisfying your expectations. Change your menu, your rules, or whatever, I do not care, but whatever choice you make, please have a little heart when dealing with people who are doing their best as well.

If I could give standing room only six stars I would. This was hands down the best experience I had while visiting Lexington. I was around for about a week and tried many different places for lunch and dinner and after drinks. I was so delighted when my last night in town we checked out this place. I couldn't really pick just one thing on the menu, which there is only one printed menu for people to share, so I tried everything. Just when I thought it couldn't get better then what I was having the next round would hit me. Their sake selections are excellent, but I wish they sold the bottle instead of just by the glass. I can't describe to you all how incredible this place is if you like talking to strangers, being around new cultures, and tasting small portions of decadent food.

Had an awesome time at Chef Yamaguchi's new place on W. 6th. Good atmosphere to have a few drinks and get some small plates of food. There is a great space outside in the back to hang out and have a drink too. After ordering some drinks, you can order small plates that are prepared in front of you. We basically sampled the entire menu. Crab dumplings, inari, sea urchin, and the smoked salmon with daikon were some of our favorites. Will be back soon.

A great hole in the wall bar. While there is limited seating outside, betraying the name, the theme is wonderful. The drinks are harder to find imported Asian beverages at a more than reasonable price for what they are. It certainly is a unique place in Lexington. I did not try the food, but it looked simply wonderful. The bartenders and cook add to the warm atmosphere and should be a model for all bartenders. A great date idea, because the place is not crowded, loud, and certainly is not a "rage house". It has an amazing atmosphere and great drinks, and would certainly recommend.

I can’t convey into words the experience I get each and every time I visit SRO. I feel comfortable, happy, and content after leaving. I’m usually loud and obnoxious, but the owner is always jovial and patient! Consistently good food, and great prices. Always pushing new items that are sometimes difficult for a “western” palette but that’s what great about SRO; every time I try something new I like it. Keep doing a great job!

Fantastic experience! I love the concept in downtown Lexington where you're encouraged to interact with strangers over sake and snacks. The space is lovely and the owners chat you up with ease between playing and pouring. I'm looking forward to trying their Tuesday lunch specials and the umeboshi. Hopefully I'll catch some onigiri when it makes it on the menu.