3 Best Barbecue Restaurants in Lexington, KY

Expert-recommended Top 3 BBQ Restaurants in Lexington, Kentucky. All of our barbecue restaurants actually face a rigorous 50-Point Inspection, which includes customer reviews, history, complaints, ratings, satisfaction, trust, cost and general excellence. You deserve only the best!

10+ YEARS IN TBR
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RED STATE BBQ

4020 Georgetown Road,
Lexington, KY 40511 Directions

Since 2010

Specialities:

Frickles With Texas Ranch Dip Smoked Wings Pulled Chicken Sandwich Pulled Pork Sandwich Sliced Brisket Sandwich Beer Cheese Brisket Sandwich Double Smoked Brisket Sandwich Sausage Po Boy Sandwich Pulled Chicken Plate Pulled Pork Plate Sliced Brisket Plate Sausage Plate Two Meat Plate Three Meat Plate Veggie Plate Half Slab Plate With 2 Sides Half Slab No Sides

" Red State BBQ is an award-winning neighborhood barbecue restaurant. Established by Scott Ahlschwede, this restaurant takes pride in offering premium-quality meats cultivated from years of experience. Each visit to their family-friendly establishment promises exceptional service, a welcoming ambiance, and a culinary experience featuring the finest barbecue creations. Distinguished by their commitment to original recipes and optimal cooking techniques, Red State BBQ delivers various tempting barbecue meats, appetizers, sides, refreshing beverages, and desserts. Every bite is a testament to their dedication to providing the best flavors. Explore their catering and food truck options to bring exceptional offerings to your events. For those seeking a delicious homestyle dinner on special occasions, Red State BBQ is the go-to destination. The restaurant is a stop for smoked meat with Memphis, Texas, and Carolina-style sauces and comfort-food sides. This restaurant, serving smoked meat in the style of Memphis, Texas, and Carolina, offers a comforting selection of sauces and sides. The menu boasts a variety of tantalizing sauces to cater to multiple preferences. They provide a menu featuring plenty of gluten-free options. Come and savor the homely goodness at Red State BBQ.

2026 Highlights: Red State BBQ has been serving for more than 15 years. The locally owned restaurant has mastered the art of slow-smoking pork, brisket, and chicken. "

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Kentucky Living Best BBQ in 2022
Taste of Georgetown Judges’ Table in 2014
Taste of the Bluegrass Judges’ Table in 2013
Kentucky Proud Food Show People’s Choice in 2013
License #0848023

Menu:

Plates
Pulled Chicken Plate $14.49
Pulled Pork Plate $14.49
Sliced Brisket Plate $16.99
Sausage Plate $13.99
Two Meat Plate $19.49
Three Meat Plate $23.99
Veggie Plate $7.99
Half Slab Plate With 2 Sides $21.99
Half Slab No Sides $18.99
Full Slab Plate With 2 Sides $31.99
Full Slab No Sides $26.99
Sandwiches
Pulled Chicken Sandwich $11.29
Pulled Pork Sandwich $11.79
Sliced Brisket Sandwich $12.99
Beer Cheese Brisket Sandwich $13.49
Double Smoked Brisket Sandwich $11.99
Sausage Po Boy Sandwich $11.49
Appetizers
Bbq Egg Rolls $10.99
Bbq Nachos $10.99
Beer Cheese With Soft Pretzel $10.99
Chili Cheese Fries $9.99
Frickles With Texas Ranch Dip $8.99
Smoked Wings $11.99

Discount:

10% Off for Service Personnel and First Responders

Contact:

(859) 212-3153 (859) 233-7898

Mon-Thu & Sun: 11am - 9pm
Fri & Sat: 11am - 10pm

TBR® Inspection Report:

10+ YEARS IN TBR
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BLUE DOOR SMOKEHOUSE

819 National Avenue, Suite 140,
Lexington, KY 40502 Directions

Since 2013

Specialities:

Pulled Pork Plate Chicken Plate Sausage Plate 2 Meat Combo 3 Meat Combo 4 Meat Combo Blue Door Special Entree Salad Brisket Plate Pulled Pork Sandwich Smoked Sausage Sandwich Pulled Chicken Sandwich Brisket Sandwich Grippos Two Sides Vinegar Slaw Potato Salad Greens Regular Grippos Beans Creamy Slaw Cranberry Oatmeal Cookie Nutella Bar Smores Bar Triple Chocolate Cookie

" Blue Door Smokehouse is a busy BBQ joint serving smoked meats and classic sides in a no-frills, counter-serve setting. The restaurant was started by two Lexington natives, Jeff Newman and Jon Rigsby. Their goal is to provide the best barbecue in the city with warm, friendly, fun, and efficient service. They work daily to ensure that their product is of the same high quality on your visit. Their menu includes signature dishes such as meats, sides, drinks, and desserts. Blue Door Smokehouse specializes in catering services for special events such as tailgating parties, corporate parties, weddings, graduations, showers, and holiday parties. Surprise your family or loved ones with their special gift certificates. They provide dine-in options. They specialize in fresh-smoked meat every day. The restaurant opened with the aim of serving the freshest smoked meats and scratch-made sides.

2026 Highlights: Blue Door Smokehouse features wheelchair-accessible entrances, parking, restrooms, and seating. "

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License #0877485

Menu:

Plates
Pulled Pork Plate $15.00
Chicken Plate $15.00
Sausage Plate $15.00
2 Meat Combo $17.00
3 Meat Combo $20.00
4 Meat Combo $24.00
Blue Door Special $27.00
Entree Salad $7.00
Brisket Plate $16.00
Sandwiches
Pulled Pork Sandwich $7.25
Smoked Sausage Sandwich $7.25
Pulled Chicken Sandwich $7.25
Brisket Sandwich $8.00

Contact:

(859) 252-4227

Mon-Thu: 11am - 3pm
Fri & Sat: 11am - 8pm
Sun: Closed

TBR® Inspection Report:

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PROUD MARY BBQ

9079 Old Richmond Road,
Lexington, KY 40515 Directions

Since 2015

Specialities:

Pulled Pork Brisket Chicken Sausage Extra Meat Pork Half Rack Pork Whole Rack Fried Catfish Fried Shrimp Fried Froglegs Crawfish Etouffee Grilled Platter Grilled Shrimp Salad Grilled Chicken Salad Chicken Salad With Fresh Fruit Garden Salad Grilled Salmon Salad Grilled Shrimp Over Jambalaya Grilled Sugar Smoked Salmon Boiled Shrimp Garlic Crab Legs

" Proud Mary BBQ provides their services for customers at all events. A mellow riverfront mainstay offering essential Southern seafood and BBQ fare, plus an outdoor bar. All events are designed to be memorable and provide the best experience possible for you and your guests. The restaurant was founded in the spring of 2015, featuring fantastic BBQ, fried catfish, frog legs, and some of the best entertainment available. Proud Mary BBQ offers both outdoor and indoor seating as well as an event center. They feature some of the best food, drinks, and local sounds in Bluegrass. They also organize designated music areas. Join them for special events and all-day Margarita Specials with live music. They offer special promotions from Wednesdays to Sundays. They also offer gift cards to all their customers.

2026 Highlights: Proud Mary BBQ is a women-owned, riverfront Southern restaurant located on the banks of the Kentucky River in Lexington. "

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License #1505444

Menu:

BBQ Plates
Pulled Pork $16.00
Brisket $18.00
Chicken $18.00
Sausage $18.00
Seafood & BBQ Combos
Pick 2 $20.00
Pick 3 $23.00
Pick 4 $26.00
Pick 5 $29.00
All Nine $55.00
Ribs
Pork Half Rack $21.00
Pork Whole Rack $35.00
Seafood
Fried Catfish $18.00
Fried Shrimp $18.00
Fried Froglegs $22.00
Crawfish Etouffee $24.00
Grilled Platter $28.00
Sandwiches
Pulled Pork $13.00
Brisket $14.00
Pulled Chicken $13.00
Proud Mary Burger $14.00
Chicken Salad Sandwich $14.00
Double Cheeseburger $18.00
Brisket Grilled Cheese $18.00
Catfish Po Boy $18.00
Shrimp Po Boy $18.00
The Mother $16.00

Contact:

(859) 913-5611

Wed-Fri: 3pm - 10pm
Sat: 12pm - 10pm
Sun: 12pm - 9pm
Mon & Tue: Closed

TBR® Inspection Report: