Lexington’s Hidden BBQ Gem: A Must-Try for Smokehouse Lovers!

Photo byPeter Bravo de los RiosonUnsplash

On our recent trip to Lexington, we decided to indulge in some local barbecue and found ourselves at Red State BBQ, a spot that quickly became a highlight of our culinary journey. The menu offered a variety of tempting options, but we couldn’t resist the double smoked brisket plate, accompanied by sides of beer cheese grits, green beans, and a couple of corn muffins. To top it all off, we couldn’t pass up the peach bread pudding for dessert.

The brisket was rich in flavor, with a nice smoky depth that true BBQ lovers will appreciate. Although the meat was a bit on the dry side, Red State BBQ offers a selection of sauces that pair perfectly with the brisket, allowing you to customize and moisten the meat to your liking.

The beer cheese grits were an interesting choice—initially a bit unusual, but they gradually grew on us. The creamy texture mixed with the subtle tang of beer cheese created a unique flavor that you won't find just anywhere. The green beans provided a nice, lighter contrast to the heartier elements of the meal, making us feel a bit better about indulging in such a rich spread.

But the real star of the meal was the corn muffins. It’s rare to find cornbread that strikes the perfect balance between sweet and savory, but Red State BBQ nailed it. These muffins were moist, flavorful, and simply delicious—so much so that I’d recommend ordering an extra batch just to take home. Trust me, they’re that good.

To finish off the meal, we dove into the peach bread pudding, which was the perfect ending to our BBQ feast. It was rich, comforting, and full of flavor, easily one of the best bread puddings we’ve had in a long time. If you’re a fan of this classic dessert, you’ll be hard-pressed to find one as good anywhere nearby, especially at such a reasonable price.

Red State BBQ was a delightful find on our Lexington trip, offering a warm, welcoming atmosphere and a menu that’s sure to satisfy any BBQ enthusiast. If you’re in the area, make sure to stop by—just don’t forget to order those corn muffins!

Address:

Red State BBQ

4020 Georgetown Rd, Lexington, KY 40511