A three day experience of Lexington, KY's smoked meats and BBQ.
If you’re a fan of the smoked, the slow-roasted, the falling-off-the-bone and the sauce-drenched, look no further. Chefs around Lexington have found their culinary niche in the art of smoked meats and BBQ, a trend so popular it has shaped the menus of restaurants all over town that pride themselves in obtaining quality meats from local farms and preparing them using experimental and mouth-watering techniques.
First Day
Blue Door Smokehouse
819 National Ave. Suite 140
If there’s one thing we can say about this place other than “wow,” it’s come hungry and come early. You can expect big-portion barbecue and mouthwatering meat options like beef brisket, pork, chicken, ribs and sausage with a multitude of sauces and sides to sample. Once Blue Door sells out of their daily stock, that’s it until tomorrow, so be sure to get there early enough to beat the lunch crowd. bluedoorsmokehouse.com
LX Barbecue (LX BBQ)
226 Walton Avenue
LX BBQ serves expertly slow-smoked meats infused with bold seasoning. Classic offerings include brisket and pulled pork sandwiches, and American Wagyu burgers, all paired with riffs on Southern sides like mac 'n' cheese and pit beans. It's praised for both flavor and local vibe. Dine in, takeout, or catering.
lxbbq.com
Big Kahuna Hawaiian BBQ
904 Liberty Road
Lexington’s first Hawaiian BBQ restaurant brings a tropical twist to the local meat scene. Big Kahuna is known for bold flavors and generous portions, with standout items like the Big Kahuna Burger—topped with charred pineapple, Swiss cheese, bacon, and an onion ring on a toasted bun—and the Katsu Sandwich, which features crispy pork cutlet, spicy mayo, eel sauce, and cabbage slaw. For sides, don’t miss the Spam Musubi (spam and sweet soy on sticky rice wrapped in seaweed) or the Hawaiian-style fries drizzled with sweet chili, soy sauce, and spicy mayo. The vibe is laid-back and colorful, with murals that transport you straight to the islands.
Second Day
Red State BBQ
4020 Georgetown Rd
“You ever notice how all good barbecue comes from a red state?” And so the name was born. Head to Red State BBQ for all of your carnivorous needs. From the fall apart sliced brisket, perfectly seasoned pulled pork or mouthwatering slab of ribs, there’s no wrong choice when it comes to the meats. But their southern sides aren’t ones to be slept on either…the corn pudding, beer cheese grits, greens or mac ‘n’ cheese are all delicious. redstatebbq.com
J. Render’s Southern Table & Bar
3191 Beaumont Centre Circle
This locally owned gem blends Memphis-, Carolina-, and Texas-style BBQ into their unique “Southern Style BBQ.” Dine on their patio and enjoy regular live music. Recommended dishes include the Brisket Dip sandwich and fried chicken. J. Render’s stands out for its made-from-scratch sides and warm hospitality. jrenders.com
Proud Mary Honky Tonk BBQ
9079 Old Richmond Road
Dig your toes in Kentucky Riverbank sand while enjoying smoked Southern BBQ or fried catfish at this riverside hotspot. Known for dishes like pulled pork, brisket, fried banana peppers, and brisket grilled cheese, it also features indoor/outdoor seating and live music. It’s praised for a Bayou-style vibe and family-friendly atmosphere.
proudmarybbq.com
Third Day
Lexington Farmers’ Market
241 West Main Street
If you have any culinary experience involving the meats, you know that often what makes the difference between good and great is simply high-quality, fresh meats. If you want to take home just that, we recommend spending a Saturday perusing the Lexington Farmers’ Market for fresh-from-the-farm meats, eggs and produce. Even if you’re not cooking, the ambiance of a Farmers’ Market Saturday is an experience in and of itself. lexingtonfarmersmarket.com
County Club
555 Jefferson Street
On the north side of Jefferson sits one of the pioneers in Lexington’s smoked meat explosion – a hip restaurant with industrial décor that has mastered the art of meat smoking. You can’t go wrong ordering the smoked meat of the day – which changes, well, daily – but some of their longstanding menu items include the Poutine and Grilled Cheese (both of which you can add meat to). Countyclubrestaurant.com
Tony’s of Lexington
401 West Main Street
Tony’s is an exciting upscale addition to downtown’s “The Square” shopping center. Dedicated to delivering elevated hospitality and artful dishes, Tony’s aged and hand-cut USDA Prime steaks are seasoned with a proprietary paprika-based dust that adds both depth of flavor and creates a char that seals in juices. An ultra fresh selection of seafood dishes, including an exceptional take on shrimp and grits fills out the menu. Even the sides are of top quality, including the popular bourbon whipped sweet potatoes. tonysoflexington.com
Lexington’s BBQ scene is as diverse as it is delicious. Whether you’re craving traditional smoked brisket or adventurous Hawaiian flavors, the city offers something for every meat lover. With locally sourced ingredients, creative chefs, and a welcoming atmosphere, Lexington is a carnivore’s paradise worth savoring over a weekend—or longer.
