The 7 Best Local BBQ Restaurants in Lexington

Lexington, NC is known far and wide as the BBQ capital of the world. The city even hosts an annual BBQ festival that attracts more than 200,000 visitors from all over the Carolinas!

The culinary scene in Lexington is booming and new BBQ joints are opening all the time. With that in mind, it can be difficult to know which establishment can offer up something that stands out from the crowd. But there are a few staples across the city that you won’t want to miss out on.

If you’re feeling hungry and want to discover where you can enjoy the best BBQ in Lexington, NC, read on for our top seven local BBQ restaurants.

1. Sonny’s

This popular chain is practically an institution in Lexington. With their oak-smoked meats, along with great sides and salads, it’s no wonder many people consider Sonny’s one of the best BBQ in Lexington, NC!

Sonny’s has been steadily growing in recent years, opening new locations across the state and beyond. It now has dozens of locations across the U.S. — from Alabama to Kentucky.

Not to mention, Sonny’s is set to open a new location right by our dealership, so you can enjoy a bite to eat before heading over to buy a new vehicle. That sounds like the perfect day to us!

2. Smokey Joe’s Barbecue

If you’re in the Lexington area, you won’t want to miss out on the mouthwatering Southern cuisine at Smokey Joe’s. This family-run business has been around for over 40 years. Offering a kids’ menu, lunchtime specials, and even assorted pies and cobblers, Smokey Joe’s has a little something for everyone.

3. BackCountry Barbeque

This down-home establishment provides excellent BBQ and a cozy atmosphere to sit,eat, and conversate with loved ones. With its hickory-smoked meats and wide range of sides, this is comfort food in the best form. BackCountry BBQ  is a true hidden gem and rarely gets too busy, even at peak times.

If someone in your party doesn’t feel like indulging in barbecue, there are plenty of other options including; burgers, hot dogs, or seafood. Located in Linwood just a short drive south of Lexington, this is the perfect spot for those who want to enjoy the city’s BBQ but avoid its traffic!

4. Speedy Lohr’s BBQ

Speedy Lohr’s specializes in pot-cooked BBQ. Whether you like chicken, ribs, steak, or anything else, Speedy Lohr’s will be sure to leave you satisfied.

Open Monday through Saturday, Speedy Lohr’s has a large parking lot for those who want to eat in. And for those looking to take your food home with you, roadside collection is also readily available. Located on Highway eight, just south of Lexington, Speedy Lohr’s is a hometown favorite that is sure to satisfy your taste buds.

5. Barbecue Center

The Barbecue Center may seem like a hole-in-the-wall establishment but the food speaks for itself. Representing another fine example of Lexington-style pit cooking, Barbecue Center is the oldest traditional style joint in the downtown area.

Be sure to try a few sides along with your meat of choice. The coleslaw and fried okra are said to be particularly tasty. To end on a sweet note, try some of their locally made ice cream!

6. Lexington Barbecue

Don’t let its simple name food you, Lexington Barbecue offers delicious bites inside their warm and inviting restaurants.

This fine establishment prides itself on its unique BBQ sauces, keeping its recipe a closely-guarded secret. They cook their meat fresh every day, taking care to take only the best cuts, then pit-cooking over hickory coals.

There are some great sides to pair with your meat, including hush puppies, pork skins, and turkey salad. To truly get the taste of the Carolinas, wash it all down with Cheerwine or a cold glass of sweet tea.

7. Stamey’s Barbecue of Tyro

If you’re willing to take a short drive out of the city, a visit to Tyro is highly recommended. Stamey’s is another great North Carolina chain that will offer some of the best BBQ in Lexington, NC. Their convenient  location in Tyro is just a short 15-minute drive from Lexington.

Stamey’s combines pit cooking over hardwood coals with their special secret BBQ sauce to create a truly unique flavor. They offer a range of great dishes, suitable for all meals of the day. Founded in 1930, Stamey’s is something of a local institution. Eat there just once and you’ll soon see why this business has stood the test of time.

Support Local Business

Now that you’ve enjoyed some of the best BBQ in Lexington, NC, it’s time to move on to the business of the day. And what could be better than supporting another Lexington local business?

Here at Lexington M&L, we have a wide variety of new and used cars available. Whether you’re looking for a lease or something more permanent, we can help you through every step of the way. Check out our vehicles today or stop by to find out more about our amazing offers.