Lexington Barbeque

>> Wednesday, February 25, 2009

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.
Lexington BBQ


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


6 comments:

film fan February 26, 2009 at 2:22 PM  

Renee, you forgot about the most important type of BBQ, and that is Kansas City BBQ. For those of you who have not experienced this delicious treat I am sorry. IF you ever do happen to venture to KC...stop by Jacks Stacks and order just about anything on the menu and you will see what i am talking about.

Renee Barone February 26, 2009 at 3:59 PM  

I know, I know. I left of Kansas City and Maryland BBQ becuase I don't really think they are southern (I guess Texas really shouldn't be on there either), but I am sure KC can pack a mean rib. I was also focusing more on pulled pork/beef versus ribs.

I will definitely go to Jacks Stacks next time I am in the KC :)

Sami February 26, 2009 at 8:00 PM  

RENEE! This makes my heart happy! As a Texan transplant in NC Carp and I argue about what BBQ actually is, I love me some brisket and he is a crazy person about pork. Lexington is the best argument for pork being the real BBQ. So freaking good, worth driving completely out of your way.

The Hush Puppies are also AMAZING. I had never had one until I got to UNC and now they are what i look forward to most when I eat BBQ.-

allisonjtaylor March 1, 2009 at 4:35 PM  

Umm I love that the Biggest Loser contestants would sell their souls for this. Ha. Greatness.

Unknown March 4, 2009 at 10:20 AM  

Are those cheese sticks in the far right corner? God I love cheese sticks.

Renee Barone March 4, 2009 at 10:25 AM  

Haha, those are actually hushpuppies, which as Sami pointed out are AMAZING. I didn't forget to write about them, but I had to self-edit a bit because I didn't want to the post to be too daunting.

However, I do absolutely love me some cheese sticks. Fried cheese? What isn't to like?

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