News Summary
LX BBQ has emerged as Lexington’s favorite barbecue smokehouse, garnering significant community support in a recent polling competition. Opened in February 2025, the establishment has quickly made a name for itself, receiving 78 votes in the final round of the poll. Owned by Chris Baker and Ricky Carter, LX BBQ specializes in traditional Texas-style barbecue, including a brisket smoked for 16 hours. The smokehouse plans to expand its menu to cater to more dietary preferences, further establishing its presence in Lexington’s vibrant food culture.
Lexington has a new champion in the local barbecue scene. LX BBQ has been crowned the city’s favorite barbecue smokehouse following an intense three-week reader poll that saw a total of 430 votes cast by residents. The smokehouse distinguished itself by emerging victorious in the polling competition, receiving 78 votes in the final round and surpassing popular competitors like Blue Door Smokehouse.
Despite being a newcomer to Lexington’s barbecue scene, which is known for its vibrant food culture, LX BBQ proved to be a formidable contender with an impressive overall tally of 235 votes across the elimination rounds. This remarkable achievement reflects the community’s enthusiasm and support for the smokehouse since its inception.
Located at 226 Walton Ave, LX BBQ opened its doors in February 2025. The establishment is owned by Chris Baker and his brother-in-law Ricky Carter, both of whom are passionate about traditional Texas-style barbecue. The duo’s commitment to quality is evident in their cooking methods, particularly their brisket, which is smoked for an impressive 16 hours using an oak-fueled smoker without the assistance of propane or electricity.
In addition to their famed brisket, LX BBQ offers a variety of other delectable options. Customers can enjoy honey-glazed pulled pork and a unique smoked Wagyu burger, which involves a special method of preparation that includes smoking for a few hours before charring over an oak coal bed. This technique highlights the restaurant’s dedication to authentic barbecue flavors.
Baker has expressed his desire to broaden the menu in the future by including more side dishes, specifically aiming to cater to vegetarian and vegan customers. In response to the growing demand for diverse dining options, this potential expansion could further solidify LX BBQ’s position within the competitive local market.
Presently, LX BBQ operates on a limited schedule, offering its mouth-watering dishes from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Wednesdays and Thursdays, and from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays. The owners have, however, announced that the business has been temporarily closed but is set to reopen on the week of July 16. Additionally, plans are underway to start Sunday service beginning in August 2025, with the goal of providing even more opportunities for patrons to enjoy their celebrated barbecue.
The overwhelming response from the community during the polling process has been described by Baker as “humbling,” underscoring the vital role local support plays in the success of the business. As LX BBQ continues to grow and adapt, it remains committed to delivering an exceptional barbecue experience that resonates with the tastes and preferences of Lexington residents.
As barbecue lovers in Lexington relish the flavors offered by LX BBQ, it stands firm as a testament to the quality and creativity present in the area’s culinary landscape. The smokehouse’s rise to popularity serves as a reminder of the community’s readiness to embrace local businesses that prioritize excellent food and a dedication to craft.
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Additional Resources
- Kentucky.com: LX BBQ Champion
- Wikipedia: Barbecue
- Kentucky.com: Local Barbecue Scene
- Google Search: Barbecue trends
- Kentucky.com: Culinary Landscape
- Google Scholar: Barbecue cooking techniques
- Smiley Pete: Where to Eat Now
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Barbecue
- Kentucky.com: Local Restaurants
- Google News: Barbecue restaurants news
Author: STAFF HERE LEXINGTON KY STAFF
LEXINGTON STAFF WRITER The LEXINGTON STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERELexingtonKY.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Lexington, Fayette County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Woodland Art Fair, Crave Food and Music Festival, and Railbird Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like Commerce Lexington and Blue Grass Community Foundation, plus leading businesses in education, manufacturing, and technology that power the local economy such as University of Kentucky, Toyota Motor Manufacturing, and Lexmark. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBowlingGreen.com and HERELouisville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Kentucky's dynamic landscape.
