Lexington Barbeque

So in the biggest fat kid move I have made in a while, Jef and I drove an hour north of Charlotte this weekend to a little place called Lexington for some of their famous Barbeque.

I have long been fascinated with barbeque ever since I went to the University of Alabama for my undergrad. Growing up in Texas I simply referred to barbeque as brisket, because that was primarily the type of barbeque served. It wasn't until one fateful day at lunch that Elizabeth Poindexter corrected me and informed me that I was not eating "brisket" but I was eating "barbeque." Since then I have discovered that there are really several types of BBQ ranging throughout the South:

• Memphis
• Alabama/Georgia/Tennessee
• Lexington (North Carolina)
• Texas

The difference comes from a plethora of factors, but in my book it's all about the sauce. Each region has their own spin on a sauce, and of course they think there's is the best.

Listen, I've done Texas, Memphis, and Alabama, and I'm sorry I am not going to dislike pulled pork of beef, I'm just not. They're all good and based on where I am that day, that will be my favorite.

There was only one kind of BBQ that I had yet to try -- North Carolina. Jef told me I had to wait to get it from Lexington, so time passes and there was never really a good weekend to go, that is, until recently.

So we set off on Saturday for the hour drive to Lexington. I was told that this was going to be a restaurant on the side of the road and I would know when I would see it...he was not kidding. Popping up like a lighthouse ready to weather and guide me through my hunger storm, was the white building with the simple sign that said "Lexington Barbeque."

Immediately we parked in the lot next door because the restaurant lot was full (Um, it was 2pm mind you) we stood in line behind 20 other patrons all ready to get full on some good ole BBQ.

Time passes quickly and we are seated in about 10 minutes. Jef already knows what he wants and I do too, as I had been staring ever plate that passed by down, making a mental note of all the good stuff.

We both ordered a Cheerwine soda, which is like a cherry cola but NOT like a cherry coke. It's just awesome, try me. Now its off to the races, I ordered the BBQ plate, with a chopped salad and french fries and Jef got a pulled-pork sandwich with beans and onion rings. This is meal that the contestants on the Biggest Loser would gladly sell their soul for.

The food arrives. It was just shocking.

That is really the only way to describe it. A mound of pork, and fried golden goodness arrives and I just can't contain myself. I didn't know where to begin. I went the safe route - onion ring. Oh, sweet mother. It was hot, and perfectly cooked so the onion was soft and didn't fall out of the ring when you bit into it.

Next, I went for the fries. Good, nothing like the onion rings though. They would be eaten last. Finally, it was time for the main stage. The barbeque. I threw on a little sauce, a little au jus, and let it rest for just a minute absorbing all the goodness. Then, it was time. It was time to eat.

Either I haven't had barbeque in a while or that was just really ridiculously good. It was so tender and smokey I couldn't believe it. I just knew that the pork had been on the smokers (is that the right terminology?) for hours.

Overall, I would have to say that this was 110% worth the hour drive. It was good, obviously filling, and a unique experience overall. Lexington Barbeque has been owned by the same family since it opened and I am sure then intend to keep it that way.

If you are ever on the hunt for the best barbeque in North Carolina, Lexington Barbeque is the obvious (dare, I say only?) answer.

Hwy 29-70 South,

Lexington, NC
(704) 249-9814