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Itinerary
Lexington: all about the 'cue
The Piedmont city of Lexington has become one of North Carolina's essential stops for barbecue. It’s easy to see why, thanks to a long legacy of people and places carrying on the decades-long tradition of serving up some of the tastiest 'cue and more — all with a side of Southern hospitality.
Lexington is best known for hickory-smoked pit-cooked barbecued pig shoulders and has been since the early 1900s. The pork is offered up finely or coarsely chopped or as slices — but never “pulled.” It’s typically served with “red” or “white” coleslaw and often as part of a sandwich tray or plate with hush puppies and more on the side. The famed Lexington-style sauce is generally made of vinegar, ketchup, sugar, salt and pepper.
Today, nearly a dozen Lexington-area barbecue restaurants can make for a tasty three-day exploration of North Carolina barbecue. Of course, the traditional beverage of choice at these popular establishments is oh-so-sweet tea or Cheerwine, but you’ll also want to check out wineries, wine shops and live music venues.
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The Barbecue Center
You’ll want to arrive by lunch and head to either The Barbecue Center or Lexington Barbecue — or both. Open since 1955 and featuring pit-cooked ‘cue, The Barbecue Center also features barbecue chicken Wednesday to Saturday only, plus hugely popular — and huge — banana splits and homemade banana pudding. Lexington Barbecue first opened its doors in 1962 and is often referred to as “The Honeymonk” (in honor of founder Wayne Monk) or “Lexington No. 1” by locals. The barbecue is pit-cooked and the sandwiches are legendary.
Holiday Inn Express
After your first taste of authentic Lexington-style barbecue, check into the Holiday Inn Express, which overlooks Childress Vineyards and offers a convenient location for exploring both barbecue and wine country.
Smokey Joe’s Barbecue
For dinner, visit Smokey Joe’s Barbecue, a Lexington staple since 1972, where you can enjoy a barbecue sandwich, dinner plate and salad. If visiting Thursday through Saturday, be sure to try the barbecue chicken, which is only available on those days. End the night with live music at High Rock Outfitters, a local favorite featuring performances several nights a week, making for the perfect nightcap.
High Rock Outfitters
End the night with live music at High Rock Outfitters, a local favorite featuring performances several nights a week, making for the perfect nightcap.
Speedy’s Barbecue
Breakfast is complimentary at the Holiday Inn Express, but today is all about barbecue, so save room for lunch. For a taste of history, grab a meal at Speedy’s Barbecue, originally opened as Tussey’s in the 1930s before adopting its current name in the early 1960s. The restaurant is known for its fun, friendly curb service and some of the best Lexington-style barbecue in town. If visiting on a Friday or Saturday, other excellent options include Stamey’s Barbecue and TarHeel Q, both of which are closed on Sundays.
Childress Vineyards
For a brief break from Lexington-style barbecue, you’ll want to enjoy an afternoon of North Carolina wine, thanks to Davidson County’s location at the southern gateway of the famed Yadkin Valley wine region. Childress Vineyards back by the hotel is a good place to start, thanks to NASCAR team owner Richard Childress’ world-class wines, a gift shop and the award-winning Bistro restaurant. Other area wineries on the Southern Gateway Wine Trail include Curran Alexander Vineyards, Junius Lindsay Vineyard, Weathervane Winery and Native Vines Winery. Lexington also features Bull City Ciderworks with 16 cider taps.
Backcountry Barbecue
For dinner, Backcountry Barbecue serves pit-cooked pork, barbecue chicken and “skin” sandwiches, a unique specialty. If you’re craving something a little different, the 20-ounce sirloin steaks are another popular choice. Afterward, catch another round of live music at High Rock Outfitters to close out the evening.
Jimmy’s Smoke House
Enjoy a leisurely morning before heading to one final barbecue joint for lunch. Since many Lexington barbecue spots are closed on Sundays, options may be limited. A great alternative is Jimmy’s Smoke House, where you can opt for a beef brisket sandwich or a classic burger. Another excellent choice is JJ Mama’s, known for homemade soul food favorites like collard greens, hush puppies and fried chicken.
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Your Trip at a Glance
Stop 1
The Barbecue Center
Stop 2
Holiday Inn Express
Stop 3
Smokey Joe’s Barbecue
Stop 4
High Rock Outfitters
Stop 5
Speedy’s Barbecue
Stop 6
Childress Vineyards
Stop 7
Backcountry Barbecue
Stop 8