The Top 5 Barbecue Restaurants in Lexington, KY has a thriving barbecue scene, and these top 5 barbecue restaurants are some of the best the city has to offer. Each restaurant has its own unique atmosphere, signature dishes, and loyal customer base. Here is why they are the best restaurants in Lexington for easing your BBQ craving.
1. City Barbeque – City Barbeque, one of the most popular barbecue restaurants in Lexington, is a top-rated restaurant serving high-quality barbecue dishes. The restaurant offers a variety of meats, including brisket, pulled pork, chicken, and sausage, as well as several sides. Customers rave about the restaurant’s tender and flavorful meats, as well as the delicious sauces and sides. The restaurant also offers catering services for events and parties.
2. Red State BBQ – Red State BBQ, included as one of the top barbecue restaurants in Lexington, is another popular restaurant known for its award-winning barbecue dishes. The restaurant offers a variety of meats, including brisket, pulled pork, chicken, and ribs, as well as several sides. Customers love the restaurant’s flavorful and tender meats, as well as the generous portions. The restaurant also offers catering services and has a food truck for events and parties.
3. Blue Door Smokehouse – Blue Door Smokehouse, while among the top barbecue restaurants in Lexington, is a top-rated restaurant in Lexington, KY, serving authentic barbecue dishes. The restaurant offers a variety of meats, including brisket, pulled pork, chicken, and ribs, as well as several sides. Customers rave about the restaurant’s tender and juicy meats, as well as the delicious homemade sauces and sides. The restaurant also offers catering services and has a food truck for events and parties.
4. J. Render’s Southern Table & Bar – J. Render’s Southern Table & Bar, another of the top barbecue restaurants in Lexington, is a popular restaurant serving Southern-style barbecue dishes. The restaurant offers a variety of meats, including brisket, pulled pork, chicken, and ribs, as well as several sides. Customers love the restaurant’s tender and flavorful meats, as well as the cozy and inviting atmosphere. The restaurant also offers catering services and has a banquet room for events and parties.
5. Proud Mary BBQ – Proud Mary BBQ, while amid the top barbecue restaurants in Lexington, is dedicated to the traditional art of smoking meat, which is evident in the rich and complex flavors of their dishes. They used quality ingredients and locally sourced meats, and the meat was slow-smoked over hickory and cherry woods for up to 16 hours. The cozy and inviting atmosphere of the restaurant, which featured rustic decor and comfortable seating. This created a warm and friendly ambiance that made customers feel welcome and at home.
Top 5 Barbecue Restaurants in Lexington
City Barbeque
Address: 3292 Richmond Road, Lexington, KY 40509
Hours: Sunday to Thursday 10:30 AM to 9 PM, Friday and Saturday 10:30 AM to 10 PM
Phone Number: (859) 317-4430
City Barbeque, one of the most popular barbecue restaurants in Lexington, is a casual dining restaurant that specializes in barbecue dishes. The restaurant’s interior is cozy and rustic, with wooden tables and chairs and decor that pays homage to classic American BBQ joints.
The restaurant’s signature food is their slow-smoked meats, which are cooked on-site for up to 18 hours to achieve the perfect flavor and tenderness. The menu includes a variety of meats, including brisket, pulled pork, chicken, and sausage, as well as several sides such as mac and cheese, baked beans, and coleslaw. City Barbeque also offers a selection of sandwiches, salads, and desserts.
One unique aspect of City Barbeque is their commitment to using high-quality ingredients and traditional cooking methods. The restaurant sources its meats from local farms and butchers and uses only all-natural hardwood for smoking.
In terms of service, City Barbeque is known for its friendly and attentive staff. The restaurant offers both dine-in and carry-out options, and customers can also order catering for events and parties.
Main Menu Items:
▣ Brisket – City Barbeque’s brisket is slow-smoked for up to 18 hours and hand-carved to order. The meat is tender, juicy, and full of flavor, with a perfect balance of smoke and seasoning. Customers can order the brisket as a sandwich, on a platter with two sides, or as part of a combo meal.
▣ Pulled Pork – City Barbeque’s pulled pork is slow-smoked for up to 18 hours and hand-pulled to order. The meat is moist and tender, with a rich smoky flavor and a hint of sweetness. Customers can order the pulled pork as a sandwich, on a platter with two sides, or as part of a combo meal.
▣ Smoked Chicken – City Barbeque’s smoked chicken is brined in-house and slow-smoked over all-natural hardwood for up to two hours. The meat is juicy and flavorful, with a crispy skin and a smoky aroma. Customers can order the smoked chicken as a quarter, half, or whole bird, with two sides included.
▣ St. Louis-style Ribs – City Barbeque’s St. Louis-style ribs are rubbed with the restaurant’s signature dry rub and slow-smoked over all-natural hardwood for up to four hours. The meat is fall-off-the-bone tender, with a deep smoky flavor and a touch of sweetness. Customers can order the ribs as a half-rack or full rack, with two sides included.
▣ Sausage – City Barbeque’s sausage is made in-house with all-natural ingredients and smoked over all-natural hardwood for up to four hours. The meat is juicy and flavorful, with a spicy kick and a hint of smoke. Customers can order the sausage as a sandwich, on a platter with two sides, or as part of a combo meal.
Customer Reviews:
“I had the brisket sandwich and it was absolutely amazing! The meat was so tender and flavorful, and the sauce was the perfect balance of sweet and tangy. The service was also top-notch, with our server going above and beyond to make sure we had everything we needed.”
“The pulled pork was some of the best I’ve ever had. It had a perfect smoky flavor and just the right amount of seasoning. The sides were also delicious, especially the mac and cheese. Highly recommend!”
“City Barbeque never disappoints. I’ve been coming here for years, and the quality of the food and service is consistently excellent. The brisket and ribs are my go-to dishes, and the staff is always friendly and helpful.”
Overall, City Barbeque is a top-rated restaurant in Lexington, KY, that offers delicious and authentic barbecue dishes in a cozy and welcoming atmosphere. With its commitment to high-quality ingredients and traditional cooking methods, this restaurant is a must-visit for any BBQ lover in the area. They stand out among the top barbecue restaurants in Lexington.
Red State BBQ
Address: 4020 Georgetown Rd, Lexington, KY 40511
Hours: Sunday to Thursday 11 AM to 8 PM, Friday and Saturday 11 AM to 9 PM
Phone Number: (859) 233-7898
Red State BBQ, included as one of the top barbecue restaurants in Lexington, is a family-owned restaurant that serves authentic barbecue dishes. The restaurant’s interior is cozy and rustic, with wooden tables and chairs and a decor that pays homage to classic American BBQ joints.
The restaurant’s signature dish is their slow-smoked brisket, which is cooked for up to 16 hours over hickory wood for a delicious smoky flavor and tender texture. The menu also includes a variety of other meats, including pulled pork, ribs, chicken, and sausage, as well as several sides such as mac and cheese, baked beans, and potato salad. Red State BBQ also offers a selection of sandwiches, salads, and desserts.
One unique aspect of Red State BBQ is their commitment to using locally-sourced ingredients and supporting local farmers and businesses. The restaurant sources its meats from Kentucky and Tennessee and uses only all-natural wood for smoking.
In terms of service, Red State BBQ is known for its friendly and welcoming staff. The restaurant offers both dine-in and carry-out options, and customers can also order catering for events and parties.
Main Menu Items:
▣ Slow-Smoked Brisket – Red State BBQ’s brisket is slow-cooked for up to 16 hours over hickory wood for a juicy and flavorful result. The meat is tender, with a perfect balance of smoke and seasoning, and served sliced or chopped.
▣ Pulled Pork – Red State BBQ’s pulled pork is also slow-cooked for up to 16 hours, resulting in a tender and juicy meat with a smoky flavor. The pork is hand-pulled and served with the restaurant’s signature vinegar-based sauce.
▣ St. Louis-Style Ribs – Red State BBQ’s St. Louis-style ribs are rubbed with a blend of spices and slow-cooked over hickory wood for a fall-off-the-bone tenderness. They are served with the restaurant’s signature barbecue sauce on the side.
▣ Smoked Chicken – Red State BBQ’s smoked chicken is seasoned with the restaurant’s special rub and slow-cooked for several hours over hickory wood. The meat is tender and juicy, with a smoky flavor and crispy skin.
▣ Sausage – Red State BBQ’s sausage is made in-house with a blend of beef and pork, and flavored with a mix of spices. The sausage is smoked for several hours over hickory wood, resulting in a juicy and flavorful meat with a smoky aroma. It can be ordered as a sandwich or as a platter with two sides.
Customer Reviews:
“The brisket at Red State BBQ is amazing! It’s so tender and juicy, with a perfect smoky flavor. The sides are also delicious, especially the mac and cheese. Highly recommend this place for BBQ lovers.”
“The ribs and pulled pork were both fantastic. The meat was so flavorful and perfectly cooked, with a great balance of smoke and seasoning. The staff was also very friendly and accommodating. Will definitely be back!”
“Red State BBQ is my go-to spot for BBQ in Lexington. The brisket is always on point, and the sides are always delicious. The staff is also very knowledgeable about the menu and always happy to make recommendations.”
Overall, Red State BBQ is a top-rated restaurant in Lexington, KY, that offers delicious and authentic barbecue dishes in a cozy and welcoming atmosphere. With its commitment to locally-sourced ingredients and traditional cooking methods, this restaurant is a must-visit for any BBQ lover in the area. They rank amid the top 5 barbecue restaurants in Lexington for good reasons.
Blue Door Smokehouse
Address: 226 Walton Ave, Lexington, KY 40502
Hours: Tuesday to Saturday 11 AM to 8 PM, Sunday 11 AM to 6 PM, closed on Mondays
Phone Number: (859) 252-4227
Blue Door Smokehouse, while among the top barbecue restaurants in Lexington, is a popular barbecue restaurant. The restaurant specializes in authentic barbecue dishes, cooked low and slow over hickory and oak wood for a mouthwatering smoky flavor. The interior of the restaurant is simple and rustic, with wooden tables and chairs and a laid-back atmosphere.
The signature dish at Blue Door Smokehouse is their brisket, which is slow-cooked for up to 14 hours over hickory and oak wood for a tender and flavorful meat. The brisket is served either sliced or chopped, and customers can choose from a variety of sauces, including the restaurant’s signature sauce made with vinegar and peppers. The menu also includes other meats such as pulled pork, chicken, and ribs, as well as sides like baked beans, coleslaw, and mac and cheese.
One unique aspect of Blue Door Smokehouse is their commitment to using high-quality ingredients and traditional cooking methods. The restaurant sources its meat from local farms and uses only all-natural wood for smoking, resulting in a delicious and authentic barbecue experience.
In terms of service, Blue Door Smokehouse is known for its friendly and attentive staff. The restaurant offers both dine-in and carry-out options, and customers can also order catering for events and parties.
Main Menu Items:
▣ Brisket Plate – This signature dish is made with slow-cooked brisket that is served either sliced or chopped, and customers can choose from a variety of sauces, including the restaurant’s signature sauce made with vinegar and peppers. The plate also includes a choice of two sides.
▣ Pulled Pork Plate – This dish is made with juicy and tender pulled pork, which is slow-cooked over hickory and oak wood for a smoky flavor. The plate comes with a choice of two sides.
▣ Ribs Plate – This plate includes a generous portion of ribs that are slow-cooked over hickory and oak wood for a juicy and flavorful meat. The ribs are served with a choice of two sides.
▣ Smoked Chicken Plate – This plate features a half chicken that is slow-cooked over hickory and oak wood for a tender and flavorful meat. The chicken is served with a choice of two sides.
▣ Burnt Ends Sandwich – This sandwich is made with the flavorful burnt ends of brisket, which are chopped and served on a bun with a choice of sauce. The sandwich also includes a side of coleslaw.
Customer Reviews:
“The brisket at Blue Door Smokehouse is hands down the best I’ve ever had. It’s so tender and flavorful, with a perfect smoky flavor. The sides are also amazing, especially the mac and cheese. Highly recommend this place!”
“The ribs at Blue Door Smokehouse are out of this world. They are perfectly cooked, with a nice bark and a juicy and tender meat inside. The staff is also very friendly and welcoming, which makes the experience even better.”
“Blue Door Smokehouse is a must-visit for anyone who loves barbecue. The meat is always perfectly cooked, with a great smoky flavor, and the sides are also delicious. The restaurant’s commitment to using local ingredients and traditional cooking methods is also a big plus.”
Overall, Blue Door Smokehouse is a top-rated barbecue restaurant in Lexington, KY, that offers authentic and delicious barbecue dishes in a welcoming and laid-back atmosphere. With its commitment to quality ingredients and traditional cooking methods, this restaurant is a must-visit for any barbecue lover in the area. They deserve to be ranked among the top 5 barbecue restaurants in Lexington.
J. Render’s Southern Table & Bar
Address: 3191 Beaumont Centre Circle, Lexington, KY 40513
Hours: Monday-Sunday: 11:00 AM-9:00 PM
Phone Number: (859) 533-9777
J. Render’s Southern Table & Bar, another of the top barbecue restaurants in Lexington, is a family-owned restaurant that serves authentic southern-style BBQ and comfort food in a cozy and rustic atmosphere. The restaurant features wooden tables, exposed brick walls, and a large bar area, creating a welcoming and inviting ambiance.
One of the most popular dishes on the menu is the pulled pork, which is slow-smoked for up to 14 hours and served with a tangy vinegar-based sauce. Other popular items include the smoked chicken, beef brisket, and baby back ribs, which are all cooked low and slow over hickory wood for a rich smoky flavor.
J. Render’s offers a unique twist on classic southern BBQ dishes with items like the BBQ taco, which features smoked meats, coleslaw, and BBQ sauce on a soft tortilla shell. They also offer a variety of homemade sides, such as mac and cheese, collard greens, and sweet potato casserole.
The staff at J. Render’s are friendly and attentive, providing excellent service to their customers. They are knowledgeable about the menu and happy to offer recommendations and suggestions to diners.
Main Menu Items:
▣ Pulled Pork – Slow-smoked for up to 14 hours and served with a tangy vinegar-based sauce, this is one of the most popular dishes on the menu.
▣ Beef Brisket – Cooked low and slow over hickory wood, this tender and juicy brisket is served with a side of homemade BBQ sauce.
▣ BBQ Taco – A unique twist on a classic dish, this taco features smoked meats, coleslaw, and BBQ sauce on a soft tortilla shell.
▣ Baby Back Ribs – These fall-off-the-bone tender ribs are smoked to perfection and served with a choice of homemade sauce.
▣ Smoked Chicken – A half chicken that’s been brined and slow-smoked to juicy, smoky perfection. Served with a choice of two sides.
Customer Reviews:
“I had the pulled pork sandwich with coleslaw and it was amazing! The meat was tender and juicy, and the coleslaw added the perfect amount of crunch and acidity. The mac and cheese side was also delicious. I highly recommend this place!”
“I ordered the brisket platter with collard greens and baked beans, and it was incredible. The brisket was cooked to perfection and had a great smoky flavor. The sides were also top-notch. The service was friendly and prompt. I will definitely be back!”
“The baby back ribs were some of the best I’ve ever had. The meat was tender and fell right off the bone, and the sauce was just the right balance of sweet and tangy. The atmosphere of the restaurant was cozy and welcoming, and the staff were attentive and friendly. I highly recommend this place for anyone looking for great southern-style BBQ.”
J. Render’s Southern Table & Bar is a must-visit for anyone looking for authentic southern-style BBQ and comfort food. With a cozy and rustic atmosphere, excellent service, and delicious food, it’s no wonder that it’s a favorite among locals and visitors alike. Don’t miss out on their signature pulled pork and unique dishes like the BBQ taco. They have earned the rank of the top 5 barbecue restaurants in Lexington.
Proud Mary BBQ
Address: 9079 Old Richmond Road, Lexington, KY 40515
Hours: Monday-Saturday 11am-9pm, Sunday 11am-8pm
Phone Number: (859) 309-9333
Proud Mary BBQ, while amid the top barbecue restaurants in Lexington, is a classic Southern barbecue joint located in the heart of Lexington, KY. The interior is cozy and welcoming, with wood-paneled walls and rustic decor. The restaurant is family-owned and operated, and the friendly staff create a warm and inviting atmosphere.
One of the standout dishes at Proud Mary BBQ is their smoked brisket. The brisket is rubbed with a blend of spices and smoked low and slow for up to 14 hours, resulting in a tender and flavorful meat that practically melts in your mouth. It’s served with your choice of sauce and a side.
Proud Mary BBQ is unique in that they offer a selection of craft beers and cocktails to pair with their delicious barbecue. The bar features a rotating selection of local and regional beers, as well as classic cocktails with a Southern twist.
The service at Proud Mary BBQ is top-notch. The staff is friendly and attentive, and they go out of their way to make sure each guest has an enjoyable dining experience. They’re happy to offer recommendations on menu items and pairings, and they’re always quick to refill drinks or bring out extra napkins.
Main Menu Items:
▣ Brisket Plate – slow-smoked beef brisket, served with a side of house-made BBQ sauce and two sides of your choice.
▣ Pulled Pork Sandwich – slow-smoked pulled pork, topped with coleslaw and house-made BBQ sauce, served on a brioche bun with one side of your choice.
▣ Smoked Chicken Wings – jumbo wings, dry-rubbed and slow-smoked, served with your choice of sauce and a side of celery and blue cheese or ranch.
▣ Burnt Ends – slow-smoked brisket point, chopped and caramelized with house-made BBQ sauce, served with two sides of your choice.
▣ Fried Green Tomatoes – thick-cut green tomatoes, breaded and fried to a golden brown, served with comeback sauce for dipping.
Customer Reviews:
“I had the smoked brisket and it was the best I’ve ever had. The meat was so tender and flavorful, and the BBQ sauce was the perfect complement. The service was excellent as well – our server was friendly and knowledgeable about the menu.”
“The atmosphere at Proud Mary BBQ is cozy and inviting, and the food is absolutely delicious. I highly recommend the pulled pork sandwich – it’s piled high with juicy, smoky meat and topped with a tangy slaw. The craft beer selection is also top-notch.”
“I’ve been to Proud Mary BBQ several times now, and I’ve never been disappointed. The smoked turkey is a personal favorite of mine – it’s so juicy and flavorful. The staff is always friendly and welcoming, and they make you feel like family.”
Proud Mary BBQ is a must-visit for anyone looking for delicious Southern barbecue in a cozy and welcoming atmosphere. Their smoked brisket is a standout dish, and their craft beer selection is a unique and welcome addition. The service is excellent, and the staff go out of their way to make sure each guest feels welcome and satisfied. They can definitely be counted among the top barbecue restaurants in Lexington.
From traditional smoked meats to innovative twists on classic barbecue dishes, these restaurants have something for everyone. This is why they are the best restaurants in Lexington for easing your BBQ craving. So whether you’re a Lexington local or just passing through, be sure to check out these top 5 barbecue restaurants in Lexington for a true taste of Southern hospitality and mouth-watering barbecue.
You May Want to Join Our Boondocking Group on Facebook For More Information
You May Want to Join Our Campfire Recipes Group on Facebook For More Information
