Lexington, Central Ky. BBQ takeout guide: Where to get smoked ribs, pork, wings and more

Even with the reopening of Kentucky restaurants for limited dine-in seating on May 22, many dining establishments have chosen to continue offering the curbside and or takeout options for customers who want to wait a bit longer before venturing back inside a dining room.

Barbecue is a Bluegrass staple, and these (locally owned) restaurants have indicated that, despite the recent difficulty in getting meat, they will offer curbside pick-up for your convenience.

Plus family packages have proven popular with diners during the COVID-19 outbreak and most barbecue places will continue to offer them. Some of the places listed here even deliver but extra fees may apply.

For more options, on LexGoEat.com check out our takeout dining guide featuring about 200 Lexington restaurants, our family meals takeout guide and our list of what dining spots are opening back up or dine-in or outdoor seating on Friday, May 22.

J. Renders Southern Table and Bar

Even before the Coronavirus struck, this Southside favorite was known for their popular ‘Que to You package. Serving six to eight, it has a choice of two meats, two sides, sauce and buns, priced at $56.99.

If you want something other than barbecue, opt for their Sunday Supper for four which changes weekly.

And if you love scrolling through your #foodstagram on Instagram, be sure to follow to follow them, they are very active on social media.

Order online at jrendersbbq.com.

Blue Door Smokehouse

This local favorite smokes their meat fresh every day, and clued-in regulars know that if you want the brisket, you’d better order early as they sell out fast.

Lonely Planet Guidebook says that if you are unlucky and miss the brisket, your back-up plan should be the pulled pork. Order online at bluedoorsmokehouse.com.

Red State BBQ

There’s a reason this hot spot in the Sunset Motel on Georgetown Road is endorsed by the likes of Matt Jones and Officer Don. These folks aim to please. Their smoked meats can be accentuated by any one of seven different sauces, including Memphis, Carolina and Texas style. They even get Louisiana in the mix with a sausage po’ boy.

Red State’s Family Pack which feeds two to four for $19.99 includes one pound of meat, four to six-ounce sides, four buns and six ounces of sauce (your choice).

And while you’re there, you can pick up some other staples. They have put up a pop-up grocery with everything from New York strip steaks, homemade salsas, some fresh fruits and veggies, sanitizer spray, loaves of bread, pasta, ground beef, chicken salad and much more. Order online at redstatebbq.com.

Double H BBQ

Bill and Ernie have been dishing out the ‘cue on Versailles Road to a cadre of loyal fans for years. Their brisket sandwich and homemade sides (especially the peach baked beans) get high marks. Call to order. doublehbbq.com

Proud Mary

“Rollin’ on the River” is the slogan of this casual spot whose massive deck overlooks the Kentucky River, so roll on down and pick up an order.

While known for their seafood, they also do some serious smoking. Try their brisket grilled cheese and barbecue pork ribs, or order one of their family meals, priced from $30 (feeds four) to $48 (feeds 5-6). Call to order. facebook.com/proudmarybbq

Mr. Krabs & Beans BBQ

Known for their ribs and smoked wings, they offer curbside pick-up as well as free delivery. In addition, kids eat free Monday through Friday from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. Call to order. facebook.com/mrkrabs.beansbbq

KSBar & Grille

The sports bar and popular hangout for Wildcat fans also serves up some pretty good ‘cue. In addition to pork, brisket, chicken and ribs, they do wings on their smoker. Order online at ksbarandgrille.alohaorderonline.com.

Talley’s BBQ

Talley’s will continue to offer their popular family packages for curbside pick-up from their North Lexington location on Boardwalk. Ranging in price from $49 to $100, the $49 package feeds four to six people and includes pulled pork and pulled chicken, a choice of three sides, sauce and buns. facebook.com/talleysbbq

Wagon Bones BBQ, Versailles

This location has smoked sausages, ribs, brisket, wings and more. There’s also a Lexington Wagon Bones on Short and Upper, but it apparently only does catering at the moment. The Versailles Wagon Bones has takeout and outdoor seating. Call to order. wagonbonesbbq.com

JC’s Smokehouse, Nicholasville

This unobtrusive spot in a strip mall smokes their meat onsite daily (try the baby back ribs) and their house-made sides are strictly farm-to-table (fried corn is a favorite). Call to order. facebook.com/JCsNicholasville

Bradford BBQ, Lancaster

Relocated from Lexington to Lancaster, Bradford’s gets high marks for their brisket (they even do a brisket taco), fried pickles and smoky sauce. They smoke their meats in their onsite smokehouse. Call to order. facebook.com/BradfordBBQ

Babe’s BBQ, Georgetown

Babe’s will continue to offer only curbside and take-out orders indefinitely. Their current take-out specialty is a pound of pulled pork, two sides, four buns and sauce for $22, although a restaurant employee says they aren’t sure how long that particular offer will last. call to order. facebook.com/babesbbq

Trifecta BBQ, Frankfort

While the Frankfort location remains open for curbside pick-up, the Versailles location has been closed due to the coronavirus pandemic, but is scheduled to re-open at a later date.

Known for their turkey ribs which are grilled onsite, they also offer a family package which serves four and includes one pound of pulled pork or chicken, two pints of sides, sauce and buns for $25. Call to order. facebook.com/trifectabbq

Staxx BBQ, Frankfort

This popular capital city eatery has always had a drive-through window and will continue to use it solely for the present. Their best sellers are pork, brisket and wings, although they also do a thriving fish business on Fridays. A must side dish is the mac ‘n. cheese. Order online at staxxbbq.com.

In and Out BBQ, Winchester

Their specialties are brisket, pork and ribs and their homemade sides. Their family packages are priced according to the meat chosen. The lowest priced package (one pound of pork, one pound of creamy coleslaw and one pound of baked beans) feeds up to four people for $24.38. Call to order. facebook.com/In-Out-Bbq-Winchester-Ky-1917306385206617

This story was originally published May 21, 2020 at 6:00 AM.