1. Tarheel Q
Just 8 short miles from Downtown Lexington up Highway 64 you’ll find a roadside…
Piedmont, North Carolina
Lexington Barbecue
Western NC Style Lexington North Carolina Barbecue
Welcome to the savory world of Lexington, North Carolina-style barbecue, where tradition meets tantalizing flavor. Rooted in the heart of the Piedmont, it is more than a meal — it is a cherished institution, built on tender, slow-cooked pork shoulder, a tomato-based dip, and a history running back over a century.
“Barbecue may not be the road to world peace, but it’s a start.” Anthony Bourdain
The List
Lexington BBQ Joints, Ranked
Every barbecue joint in Lexington, chopped fine and ranked in order — from hole-in-the-wall roadside pits to the family-owned staples that built this town’s reputation.
-
1 -
2 2. Barbecue Center
For 68 years, this spot has been cranking out plentiful trays of Barbecue and Banana Splits…
-
3 3. Speedy Lohr’s Barbecue
If you ask three different locals about the history of all the variations of Speedys that have existed over the years in…
-
4 4. BackCountry Barbeque
We revisited Backcountry Barbecue for a full experience, and they’ve earned a top spot at #4 on our BBQ rankings! Last time, we only tried a sandwich, but this time we went all-in and sampled their amazing wood-smoked meats.
-
5 5. Lexington Barbecue Honey Monks
Renowned for its smoked meats and signature sauces, it offers an authentic Southern dining…
-
6 6. Stamey’s Barbecue of Tyro
This beloved establishment is renowned for its commitment to cooking with wood, infusing…
Every October
The Lexington Barbecue Festival
One of North Carolina’s most celebrated food traditions, bringing thousands of visitors to downtown Lexington to taste pit-cooked pork, red slaw, and the tangy dip that define this part of the state — plus live music, crafts, and hardwood smoke filling the streets.
Ketchup in everything
Lexington folds ketchup into both the slaw and the barbecue, boldly enhancing the flavor of each — to the point you’ll have real fun trying to tell which side is the slaw and which is the barbecue.
Shoulder, not whole hog
The exclusive use of pork shoulder keeps things lean — no crispy skin, no fatty bits — so the tomato-based dip and the hardwood smoke stay the stars of the plate.
Own a joint?
Advertise your business here
Fill out the form and we’ll be in touch soon.