North Carolina’s 5 Lexington‑Style BBQ Plates Every Traveler Should Try
Y’all haven’t lived until you’ve tasted North Carolina’s legendary Lexington-style barbecue.
As a BBQ enthusiast who’s spent years traveling the Tar Heel state with sauce-stained fingers, I can tell you there’s nothing quite like that smoky, vinegar-tangy pork shoulder chopped or sliced to perfection.
These five iconic BBQ joints serve up plates that’ll make your taste buds do a happy dance and have you planning your next road trip through central North Carolina before you’ve even wiped your mouth.
1. The Smoke-Kissed Classic At Lexington Barbecue
Holy smokes! The first time I bit into Lexington Barbecue’s signature plate, I nearly fell off my chair. Wayne Monk’s legendary establishment (affectionately called ‘The Honeymonk’ by locals) serves up pork shoulder that’s been slow-cooked over hardwood coals for hours until it achieves barbecue nirvana.
Their classic plate comes with finely chopped or sliced pork shoulder drenched in that distinctive Western North Carolina sauce – a magical concoction of vinegar, ketchup, and secret spices. The red slaw (made with BBQ sauce instead of mayo) and hushpuppies on the side aren’t just accompaniments; they’re essential supporting characters in this culinary masterpiece.
What makes this plate special? It’s the consistency and tradition – they’ve been doing it exactly the same way since 1962, and bless their hearts, they haven’t changed a thing.
2. The Jumbo Tray At Bar-B-Q Center
Goodness gracious! I remember unbuckling my belt before tackling the Jumbo Tray at Bar-B-Q Center. This family-owned gem has been smoking up a storm since 1955, and they don’t mess around with portion sizes.
Their signature plate arrives overflowing with tender, hand-chopped barbecue that strikes the perfect balance between lean and fatty bits. The meat glistens with that signature vinegar-pepper sauce that’ll make your sinuses clear right up! Alongside comes their famous crispy-edged hushpuppies and tangy red slaw that cuts through the richness beautifully.
Locals swear by finishing your meal with their legendary banana split – yes, at a BBQ joint! I was skeptical too until that mountain of ice cream arrived. Trust me, somehow the combination of smoky pork followed by sweet ice cream just works.
3. The Double-Dip Delight At Speedy’s Barbecue
Butter my biscuit! Speedy’s Barbecue plate had me doing something I’d never done before – dipping hushpuppies into their extra sauce cup. This joint has been serving up no-frills, authentic Lexington-style ‘cue since 1963, and they’ve mastered the art of consistency.
Their double-dip plate features perfectly smoked pork that’s chopped fine enough to soak up that tangy-sweet sauce but still maintains its meaty integrity. The crackly-crisp exterior of their hushpuppies provides the perfect textural contrast to the tender meat. And their slaw? It’s on the sweeter side of the Lexington spectrum, balancing the vinegar punch of the sauce.
What I love most about Speedy’s is the unpretentious atmosphere – plastic forks, paper plates, and some of the friendliest staff you’ll ever meet who’ll call you ‘honey’ regardless of your age or gender.
4. The Country Comfort At Backcountry Barbeque
Well, slap my face and call me Sally! The first time I wandered into Backcountry Barbeque, tucked away on a country road outside Lexington, I knew I’d found something special. The aroma of hickory smoke hits you before you even park your car.
Their signature plate features bark-speckled chopped pork with that perfect mix of outside brown bits and tender interior meat. The sauce here leans toward the spicier side of the Lexington spectrum – a vinegar-tomato base with enough pepper to make your lips tingle pleasantly. Their slaw has a unique twist with finely diced bell peppers adding unexpected crunch and color.
Don’t overlook their freshly-made hushpuppies that somehow manage to be both light and substantial at once. The whole experience feels like Sunday dinner at a Southern grandmother’s table – if grandma happened to be a pitmaster extraordinaire!
5. The Pitmaster’s Pride At TarHeel Q
Sweet Carolina! I stumbled upon TarHeel Q during a rainstorm, and what started as a shelter stop turned into a flavor revelation. This newer addition to the Lexington BBQ scene has quickly established itself as a worthy torchbearer of tradition while adding their own special touch.
Their standout plate features pork that’s coarsely chopped rather than finely minced, giving you substantial meaty bites with that perfect smoke ring. The sauce here strikes a masterful balance – tangy with a subtle sweetness that doesn’t overwhelm the pork’s natural flavor. Their slaw is finely minced to almost a relish consistency, allowing it to meld perfectly with the meat.
What sets TarHeel Q apart is their cornbread – a welcome variation from the traditional hushpuppies. It’s buttery, slightly sweet, and the perfect tool for sopping up every last drop of that precious sauce.