13 Essential Lexington Style BBQ Plates To Try On Your Next North Carolina Trip
North Carolina’s Lexington-style BBQ is legendary for its smoky pork shoulder, tangy vinegar slaw, and red dip that keeps folks coming back for more.
This region takes barbecue seriously, with family recipes passed down through generations and pit masters who’ve perfected their craft over decades.
1. Lexington Barbecue #1 (Honey Monk’s)
Ever wonder why folks line up before dawn at this legendary spot? The answer’s in that perfectly smoked pork shoulder, kissed by hickory wood for hours until it practically melts on your tongue.
Their signature red slaw adds just the right vinegar punch to cut through the richness. Those hush puppies? Crispy golden perfection that’ll have you sneaking extras.
100 Smokehouse Ln, Lexington, NC 27295
2. Speedy’s BBQ
Don’t let the casual vibe fool you – Speedy’s has been slinging some of the finest BBQ in the Piedmont since 1963. Wayne Monk (Speedy himself) turned this joint into a destination where politicians and pit masters alike come to pay respects.
The chopped pork gets dressed in their secret-recipe sauce that balances sweet, tangy, and smoky notes beautifully.
1317 Winston Rd, Lexington, NC 27295
3. The Bar-B-Q Center
Sonny Conrad’s family has been feeding hungry BBQ lovers since 1955, and they haven’t changed a thing about their winning formula. Wood-fired pits work their magic on whole pork shoulders, creating that signature bark everyone craves.
Their red slaw recipe is a closely guarded family secret that perfectly complements the smoky meat. Grab extra sauce—you’ll want it.
900 N Main St, Lexington, NC 27292
4. Jimmy’s BBQ
Jimmy Harvey’s been working the pits since the 1930s, making this one of the oldest continuously operating BBQ joints in Lexington. His grandson keeps the tradition alive, still using those same slow-smoking techniques that made grandpa famous.
The meat comes out tender with a peppery crust that adds serious flavor depth.
1703 Salisbury Rd, Lexington, NC 27295
5. Smiley’s Lexington BBQ
Walking into Smiley’s feels like stepping into your favorite uncle’s backyard cookout, except the BBQ is way better. They’ve mastered that delicate balance between smoke and spice that makes Lexington-style so addictive.
Their outside brown (the crusty exterior bits) gets mixed with tender inside meat for textural heaven. Wash it down with sweet tea that’s sweeter than a Southern sunset.
917 Greensboro St, Lexington, NC 27292
6. Smokey Joe’s BBQ
Joe’s pit room pumps out smoke clouds so thick you can smell them from the highway – and trust me, you’ll want to follow that scent straight to the source. His no-frills approach focuses entirely on quality meat and proper smoking time.
The result? Fork-tender pork that needs minimal sauce because the flavor speaks for itself.
4640 Winston Rd, Lexington, NC 27295
7. Backcountry BBQ Pit
Tucked away where only locals and lucky tourists find it, Backcountry serves up authentic pit-cooked BBQ without any fancy frills. Their pork shoulders smoke low and slow over hickory coals, developing that deep mahogany color that signals serious flavor.
Pile your plate high – the generous portions won’t break your budget either.
4014 US-52, Lexington, NC 27295
8. Cook’s Barbecue
Did you know Cook’s has been family-owned since 1989, keeping old-school techniques alive in an era of shortcuts? They still hand-chop their pork instead of running it through machines, preserving that rustic texture BBQ purists appreciate.
Their tangy dip sauce has just enough heat to make things interesting without overwhelming the smoky pork flavor.
366 Valleydale Dr, Lexington, NC 27292
9. Lexington BBQ Company
Sometimes newer joints respect tradition better than places twice their age, and Lexington BBQ Company proves it. Their pit masters trained under legendary local pitmasters, learning secrets that make their pork shoulder absolutely sing.
The crackling-crisp skin bits mixed throughout add bursts of flavor and crunch. Don’t skip their banana pudding for dessert!
11 W Center St, Lexington, NC 27292
10. Kepley’s Bar-B-Q
Established in 1948, Kepley’s holds the title of oldest continuously operating BBQ restaurant in North Carolina – that’s serious street cred! Their commitment to wood-fired cooking hasn’t wavered through seven decades of changing food trends.
Each bite delivers that authentic smoke ring and tender texture that made Lexington-style famous worldwide. Worth the short drive from Lexington proper.
1304 N Main St, High Point, NC 27262
11. Tarheel Q
Blending traditional techniques with contemporary twists, Tarheel Q respects Lexington’s heritage while adding their own personality. They source local pork from nearby farms, supporting the community while ensuring top-quality meat hits their pits.
Their mac and cheese side has achieved cult status among regulars. Pro tip: arrive before noon on weekends – they sell out fast!
6296 Old US Hwy 52, Lexington, NC 27295
12. Hillbilly Hideaway BBQ
Don’t judge this book by its humble exterior—inside, serious BBQ magic happens daily. Their pit masters have competed in regional competitions, bringing home trophies that line the walls alongside vintage BBQ memorabilia.
Every plate showcases competition-quality meat at everyday prices. The collard greens simmer with smoked pork for hours, soaking up incredible flavor.
7788 Greensboro St, McLeansville, NC 27301
13. Little Richard’s BBQ
Richard’s small-batch approach means fresher BBQ and more attention to detail than big operations can manage. He personally oversees every shoulder that goes on his pits, adjusting temperatures and timing based on decades of experience.
The result tastes like BBQ royalty blessed your plate. Their peach cobbler provides the perfect sweet ending to your smoky feast.
4885 Country Club Rd, Winston-Salem, NC 27104
