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14 Fantastic Restaurants in Lexington (Barbecue & More!)

Published by Christina. Last Updated on August 8, 2024.

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Lexington is known for some of the best barbecue in North Carolina. It’s hard to ignore that famous food, and this guide does focus on a few fantastic barbecue restaurants in Lexington NC.

We also feature different types of cuisine in this beautiful small town, including fine dining, Mexican food, and small plates. Here is how we’ve organized this guide to food in Lexington:

  • Lexington NC Restaurant Map
  • List of Lexington Restaurants in this Guide
  • What is Lexington Barbecue?
  • Lexington Barbecue Restaurants
  • More Restaurants in Lexington Beyond Barbecue

If you’re new to the area and wondering, “what is Lexington-style barbecue” or “where is the best food nearby,” our guide is here to help! Keep reading and discover Lexington NC’s best restaurants in various cuisines below.

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Lexington NC Restaurant Map

Lexington NC Map
Lexington NC Map Created by NC Tripping via Google Maps.

You can visually plan your next Lexington NC food adventure with our Lexington NC Map of 20+ Attractions.

Read More: The North Carolina Travel Map (with 1000+ Great Places Included!)

List of Lexington Restaurants in This Guide

These restaurants in Lexington NC are listed alphabetically and do not reflect our ranking.

  • Lexington Barbecue Restaurants
    • Backcountry Barbeque
    • Barbecue Center
    • Smokey Joeโ€™s Barbecue 
    • Speedyโ€™s Barbecue
    • Lexington Barbecue
  • More Restaurants in Lexington NC
    • The Bistro at Childress Vineyards
    • Don Juan’s Mexican Restaurant
    • The Eatery 
    • Mi Casa
    • Perfect Blend
    • Pour Folk Provisions
    • Red Donut Shop
    • Rustic Roots
    • Sophieโ€™s Cork and Ale

What is Lexington-style Barbecue?

Lexington, North Carolina, is primarily known for contributing to North Carolina Barbecue!

Lexington-style barbecue has a history tracing back to 1919 when Sid Weaver started selling barbecue out of a tent in the middle of town.

This style of barbecue smokes the pork shoulder long and slow over hickory until it becomes tender. The meat takes on a red tint because it is dipped in a tomato, vinegar, and spice, then served with a tomato slaw.

Read More: 125+ Important Facts About North Carolina You Should Know (History, Geography, and More!)

Lexington Barbecue Restaurants

Lexington-style barbecue is revered throughout much of the state, with some exceptions depending on who you ask. Lexington Barbecue vs. Eastern NC Barbecue is a very hot topic, almost as divisive as politics and which basketball team you follow.

Long story short, many eateries specialize in this regional cuisine, but here are some of our top picks for the best Lexington Barbecue restaurants…in Lexington.

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Backcountry Barbeque 

Address: 4014 Linwood-Southmont Rd, Lexington, NC
Facebook Page

Backcounty Barbecue Lexington NC

On the southern edge of Lexington is Backcountry Barbeque, a small restaurant with a solid and loyal following. Backcountry is off the beaten path and beloved by locals, making it a great place to stop by if you’re looking for authentic Lexington Barbecue.

While Backcountry’s menu is limited, it is very affordable. The char-grilled steak is a fan favorite of customers, but everything from the barbecue to the hushpuppies is delicious.

We recommend ending your meal with their homemade banana pudding!

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Bar-B-Q Center

Address: 900 N. Main St, Lexington, NC
Website

Barbecue Center

The Bar-B-Q Center didn’t begin as a barbecue joint, but it still carries the title of the oldest barbecue restaurant in downtown Lexington that cooks on pits. The Center originally served ice cream and added a small barbecue pit to increase business during the winter months.

Since 1955, it has grown into a beloved NC barbecue icon.

Banana Split at BBQ Center

The Bar-B-Q Center customizes the meat for each customer. They separate light and dark meats and use a slightly sugary, slightly vinegar-like sauce to create a moist and tender barbecue.

If you’re feeling adventurous, order a banana split to top off your meal!

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Lexington Barbecue

Address: 100 Smokehouse Ln, Lexington, NC
Website

An image of barbecue being sliced is the perfect way to start this guide to restaurants in Lexington NC.

A restaurant named directly for Lexington-style barbecue has much to live up to, and this place does! Lexington Barbecue is an award-winning restaurant serving some of the tastiest food in NC.

Wayne Monk founded it in 1962, who gained quite a lot of barbecue experience from his first job at a local BBQ stand as a curb hop. In 2003, the restaurant won a James Beard Foundation America’s Classic Award, cementing its growth from a small cafe to a nationally-known BBQ joint.

Lexington Barbecue slow-cooks its pork shoulders for nearly half a day over oak and hickory coals. Wayne Monk smokes his meats without marinade and sauces them on the plate, creating an enjoyable and flavorful taste.

Pair your BBQ with a cool sweet tea and some of Monk’s daughter’s peach cobbler!

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Smokey Joeโ€™s Barbecue 

Address: 1101 S Main St, Lexington, NC
Website

Smokey Joe’s Barbecue has been serving original pit-cooked barbecue since 1972. It was founded by Joe Cope, whose commitment to serving extraordinary food lives on today.

Smokey Joe’s has passed through the hands of two generations of the Cope family and is currently operated by Aimee Cope Harvey, the only female pitmaster in Lexington.

This family-owned establishment has a great breakfast, lunch, and dinner menu centered around authentic barbecue. In addition, Smokey Joe’s has an expansive menu that allows you to enjoy a cold beer or cider with your BBQ.

And, of course, as if it wasn’t great enough, they also have a drive-thru to make ordering more accessible.

Speedyโ€™s Barbecue

Address: 408 Piedmont Dr, Lexington, NC
Website

Speedys BBQ

Quality, quantity, and quick service are the three Q’s that Speedy’s embodies. Speedy’s is owned by brothers Roy and Boyd Dunn, co-owners of the business since the 1970s.

Serving huge portions, delicious barbecue from Speedy’s could be your breakfast, lunch, and dinner!

Speedy’s is also one of the few remaining Lexington establishments that offer curbside service. All of the above keep Speedy’s among our top choices for delicious Lexington-style barbecue.

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More Restaurants in Lexington NC

And, of course, Lexington has so much more history and culture other than barbecue. So, if you’ve gotten your fill of BBQ or are just looking to explore more restaurants in Lexington, here are our favorites.

The Bistro at Childress Vineyards

Address: 1000 Childress Vineyards Rd, Lexington, NC
Website

Childress Vineyards Food

Enjoy an upscale, professional dining experience at the Bistro at Childress Vineyards. Childress, of course, is one of the most prominent NC wineries, having won over 750 medals in various wine competitions.

The Bistro is the Lexington winery’s private, in-house restaurant, where you’ll find the same air of elegance and luxury as the vineyard.

The Bistro at Childress Vineyards

Open seven days a week, the Bistro requires reservations during the weekend and strongly recommends reservations during the week. Choose from their refined menu of dishes like mahi mahi, duck leg confit, and artisan cheeseboards.

Pair your meal with wine from the vineyard for an unforgettable dinner.

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Don Juan’s Mexican Restaurant

Address: Woodbriar Plaza Shopping Center, 43 S Talbert Blvd, Lexington, NC
Facebook Page

Don Juan’s is easily one of the best Mexican restaurants in Lexington, if not the best for all cuisines. You can dine in at a table or by the bar, or just grab some takeout from this spot.

The menu at Don Juan’s is huge, with any variety of enchiladas, empanadas, burritos and more. Stop by and you’ll see why so many locals have remained loyal to Don Juan’s for years.

 The Eatery

Address: 101 N Main St, Lexington, NC
Website

The Eatery

The Eatery is a chic Southwestern restaurant in Uptown Lexington. The inside has a rustic feel, with wood tables and ceilings and a welcoming exterior with colorful chairs and tables.

The Eatery keeps its emphasis on fresh and local food in mind when cultivating its menu. The restaurant is known for its tacos, especially on Taco Tuesday, but customers can build their own bowl or enjoy a bowl of chips and salsa.

Mi Casa

Address: 278 N Talbert Blvd #4143, Lexington, NC
Website

Mi Casa has another location in Winston-Salem but their Lexington restaurant is one that you can’t miss! Grab some ACP (Arroz con Pollo), quesadillas, or any other tasty Mexican dishes and you’ll be looking forward to next time!

The “Lite Menu” portion of Mi Casa is a nice addition to the array of Mexican food options that you can enjoy here. Mix it up with a grilled entree or a salad and you’ll have even more reasons to keep coming back to this Lexington restaurant.

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Perfect Blend 

Address: 1 N Main St, Lexington, NC
Website

The Perfect Blend

Perfect Blend is a specialty coffee shop in Lexington that strives to offer a unique breakfast experience. Since 2007, Perfect Blend has been the go-to place for a morning coffee or afternoon pick-me-up, but the cafe recently expanded its menu to include food options.

Owner Tyler Prevatte (who also owns Pour Folk Provisions) spent months cultivating a niche breakfast and lunch menu that would help the cafe grow.

Now, customers can enjoy a breakfast of avocado toast, Nutella toast, egg and cheese on a croissant or English muffin, and more.

Read More: Breakfast in NC (40+ of the Best Places to Eat!)

Pour Folk Provisions

Address: 401 S Railroad St Suite A, Lexington, NC
Website

Pour Folk Provisions Goose and the Monkey

In the heart of Lexington’s Historic Depot District is Pour Folk Provisions. Pour Folk was founded by local business owners Tyler and Madison Prevatte and Brent and Ashlee Moore in February 2022 and prides itself on high-quality, unique menu offerings.

The restaurant is located inside Goose and Monkey Brew House, a setting that only elevates the trendy atmosphere.

The menu is comprised of “Handhelds” aka sandwiches make up most of the menu. Handheld options include Cubans, hot chicken sandwiches, bison sausage, and pork belly bรกnh mi, a Vietnamese dish.

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Red Donut Shop

Address: 117 N Main St, Lexington, NC
Website

The Red Donut Shop

The Red Donut Shop is a family business with an intriguing history. It was opened by the Vay brothers in 2015 whose extended family came from Cambodia in the 1970s.

Today, the Red Donut Shop is known throughout Lexington for having the area’s best donuts. The shop lets customers customize their donuts by choosing up to six different fillings to make it even more special.

The Vay brothers named their business in honor of the previous restaurant that resided in the building.

The restaurant was called the Red Pig and was opened in 1929. It has since moved locations, but much folklore surrounds the Red Pig, including rumors that it used to serve alcohol during Prohibition.

No one really knows if the last tidbit is true, but the deliciousness of these donuts is!

Rustic Roots

Address: 102 S Main St, Lexington, NC
Facebook Page

Rustic Roots is a recent addition to Main Street. It opened in 2019 when local food truck owner Mike Morefield decided to trade in his food truck for a cozy restaurant setting in Lexington.

Rustic Roots has an intentionally smaller menu, allowing the restaurant to focus on quality over quantity. However, we still think there’s something for everyone here, with dishes like salads, sandwiches, pasta, and more.

The restaurant is true to its name, with a very rustic and woodsy feel. It’s a great place to sit and enjoy a meal surrounded by friends and family.

Sophieโ€™s Cork and Ale

Address: 23 W 2nd Ave, Lexington, NC
Website

In a town of historic barbecue and slaw, Sophieโ€™s Cork & Ale is THE Lexington restaurant for delicious and elevated cuisine. The former bookstore space encourages diners to share plates at a table intimately or while catching up over a great conversation on a couch.

The menu includes items like Waygu sliders, wild mushrooms, and goat cheese tartlets for craft beer and wine pairings. But, of course, I couldn’t leave out the most delicious seared scallops I’ve found in Central North Carolina.  

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What Are Your Favorite Restaurants in Lexington NC?

Now that we’ve shared our picks for where to eat in Lexington NC, we’d love to hear from those of you who know the area. What are your favorite Lexington restaurants?

Is there a place that we need to add? Let us know (kindly) in the comments or by email and we’ll be happy to investigate further!

Don’t forget to share your Lexington food adventures in our North Carolina Travel Facebook Group!

Beyond Lexington NC Restaurants (Travel Guides)

We’ve created many more NC travel guides that feature these Lexington restaurants and more things to do in the area! Here are a few of them.