Hundreds voted in our poll to find Lexington’s best bbq. A newcomer took the crown
AI-generated summary reviewed by our newsroom.
- LX BBQ earned 235 votes to win Herald-Leader's subscriber barbecue poll.
- Texas-style brisket and smoked wagyu burgers helped LX BBQ secure loyal fans.
- Owners plan Sunday hours and expanded vegetarian options.
With a total of 430 votes cast across three weekly rounds of polling, Herald-Leader subscribers have named their favorite local barbecue smokehouse.
LX BBQ, a newcomer to the city’s barbecue scene known for its Texas-style offerings, was the underdog that left the pack in its dust.
Across multiple rounds of voting, subscribers selected LX BBQ as their absolute favorite. In total, it got 235 votes across multiple elimination rounds, and during the final round, won with 78 subscriber votes over Blue Door Smokehouse.
We began by asking readers to nominate their favorite local spots, and then them to help narrow the field. The polls weren’t scientific, just for fun.
Still, the consistent support LX BBQ received suggests a loyal following and one it managed to build in the few months since its February opening. It’s located at 226 Walton Ave.
Chris Baker, who owns the business with his brother-in-law Ricky Carter, called the support “humbling,” when reached by phone Thursday.
There are many great places for barbecue in Lexington, Baker said. What makes LX BBQ stand out is its dedication to traditional Texas barbecue, inspired by years worth of trips to the state, Baker said.
LX BBQ devotes 16 hours to cooking its brisket in an oak-fueled smoker, no shortcuts with propane or electricity.
“It’s a labor of love, and that’s why they call it craft barbecue. There’s no meat that’s going to come through that we haven’t worked a long time on,” Baker said.
Along with brisket, LX BBQ is known for its honey-glazed pulled pork and a smoked wagyu burger it sometimes serves.
“We smoke the burgers for a few hours, and then we char them over an oak coal bed so they’re ready to go when you show up for lunch time,” Baker said. “They’re hot. They’re fast.”
Going forward, LX BBQ is looking to expand its side dish offerings, including options for vegetarians and vegans.
“It’s a barbecue spot, but we do want to be able to have stuff for all of our friends,” Baker said.
If you go, LX BBQ is open from 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. Wednesday and Thursday and from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday, according to hours posted on its website. LIt has been temporarily closed, but reopens the week of Wednesday, July 16, according to its Instagram account.
Baker said the business is looking to open Sundays starting in August.
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This story was originally published July 13, 2025 at 7:00 AM.