Barbecue Center

The focus is definitely on the food — don’t go for the ambiance, go for the food. Specifically, go for the BBQ, the hushpuppies and the banana split. Went with a group of 9 adults and kids and had everything from cheeseburgers to bbq to the famous split, and it was worth the 45 min. drive there. The service was efficient, and the meal was delicious. And everyone felt like family. Have fun, and tip well!

After 23 years I come home to what I use to think was the best WHAT-​A Burger in the city., NOT! That sucker use to stand almost off the plate but this burger I had today??? I had to take the bun off to make sure there was lettuce and tomato and it was but the burger was flat as a pancake… And the meat didn’t even look real. I know it’s a bbq joint but when I was in the 8^th grade and would steal away for the bbq centers burger, it was always worth the trouble. I see times have changed. No flavor… at all. But I’m willing to give the bbq a chance, so I will be back. Know that! If we know better, we do better… I hope.

Had lunch here with two other people. The place was crowded (a good sign!), but we found a table and were quickly waited on by the staff. I ordered the chopped plate with fries, white slaw, and hushpuppies. Very tasty BBQ. I’m from Eastern NC and used to the vinegar based sauce, but this was just as good. The white slaw was the perfect amount of creamy to go with the tangy of the BBQ. The fries were crinkle cut, not my favorite, but passable. The hushpuppies were great — so light (which is weird for a dense ball of fried cornmeal, but good nonetheless). The wait staff were quick with drink refills. For dessert, my tablemates got milkshakes and I got a HUGE chocolate chip cookie, which was very good. Important note: this place takes credit cards! I never have cash, so I’m often wary of going to a non-​franchise, old-​school restaurant and finding out that they’re a cash-​only place.

The place is humble, clean and the staff is super friendly. You come in seat yourself and order what u out want. I was starving so the fact that the food was there super fast was great!!! The pork is delicious and you can smell it from the parking lot. Whenever we go to Lexington again I will be ordering the large tray of chopped pork. The hush puppies were awesome, also try the water burger (try it first before putting ketchup on it) it’s tasty.

I like the folks here and the way the inside looks. Good service. Great hushpuppies. I liked the potato salad. The baked beans were just ok. Fried okra is pretty darn good. Massive desserts here, the kind you see in a mirage when you’re stranded in the desert.
This was my first time so don’t hate me for saying it, but the chopped bbq was just ok. Not bad, just didn’t seem up to par compared to a couple other places nearby. A little dry in places. Maybe just an off day. I ate it all though. 3 stars for the bbq and baked beans, but other stuff going on lifts it all to 4 stars total. I’m glad I went here.

We somehow always seem to sneak in Barbecue Center right before closing. Surprisingly, we are always welcomed with friendly waves. Most places would be very, very annoyed for us to walk in then.
You MUST try their banana splits! They are absolutely huge and very delicious. It takes at least a family of 4 to each this giant. It is also able to be customized to any flavors of ice cream you want as the three scoops!
Their BBQ is good, however I would not consider it the best that Lexington has to offer. The food always comes out speedily (even when walking in as they are trying to clean up). I usually order the Hot Wing Platter. Let me tell you, there is nothing hot about these wings! However, they are incredible. They are baked on with spices and goodness then deep fried to the perfect crunchiness. I go here just for their wings. I also recommend their hot dogs!

BBQ Center, despite the name, appears to be known for their giant ice cream Sunday. If you’re ready to eat enough ice cream for a family of 8 (or I guess if you have a family of 8), the ice cream will certainly get the job done. Also ironically, given the name, the barbecue is nothing special. The hushpuppies are also dry and flavorless. However, in a pinch, both will get the job done. That being said, if you’re looking for a load of ice cream, this place will be your jam.

Great BBQ place! The service is nice, friendly, and fast! Typically BBQ sandwiches, plates, burgers, and crinkle cut fries!

It was one of the best BBQ joints around. Speedy service and generous portions The Banana Split is something to behold. Will definitely go back!

This is stop #16 on the NC Historic BBQ Trail. Featured in Southern Living & on GMA, this establishment is the oldest barbecue joint in Lexington that still cooks on pits. The place is quaint & the service is fast & friendly. Always busy too. The portions are small and the prices are a little steep for a BBQ joint. However, it’s what authentic «Lexington style» BBQ is all about. Course or sliced shoulder, their BBQ can be served how you like it; more fat or less, white or dark & served with red (ketchup based) or white (mayo based) slaw.

Good, solid bbq in lexington. I don’t consider it the best, but I noticed good smoky flavor on the pork. I would go with a BBQ sandwich or a plate.

The experience was wonderful. The food was tasty, quick and well priced. The customer service was good as well.

I went in for lunch with 3 others this day. I went with the coarse BBQ plate with potato salad and beans.
even with a crowded lunch hour dining room, these folks are fast!
the BBQ was a good portion size, moist chunks with minimal sauce. the sauce is very tangy so use caution.
the tater salad had a good texture, not too wet or dry but minimal seasoning. the beans were just not impressive. the pups were tasty but not too warm when they got to the table.
all in all, not a bad lunch if you are in the area

Loved this old school place! Had the BBQ plate with chopped BBQ, ¼ dark chicken, hush puppies, white slaw, and fried okra. Loved every single thing on my plate. All the meat was tender and had a great smoked flavor. The fried okra was fresh and crispy. The service was super fast and friendly. Also, they have crushed ice, which is the best. Wish I had saved room for the desserts! Also wish I lived closer so I could come every day. Definitely stop in!

It was just ok to me. Definitely NOT the best BBQ I’ve ever had. It served its purpose today.

Fast and friendly. Service was quick, the que was great. No room for dessert.
I used to try to get to Sonny’s in around Charlotte as often as possible but the last few times were only so-​so. The food here was good. We got our order after only a minute of placing it. Definitely recommended.

WHAT AM I a f*** person from Mars? Sat down 15 people came in no one waited on me. Bathroom smelled like urine Where do they smoke? I SMELLED no smoke from anywhere. THIS IS MY first time here and my last I bet they get the BBQ off a food delivery truck I drove around back so you can see the smoker looks like it’s a grill to mw and the wood had spider webs so I guess it has sat for a while

Decided to stop here on the way back to Charlotte from Chapel Hill for some Lexington style BBQ. I ordered a small chopped bbq tray which came with red slaw and hush puppies. The chopped pork was tender and had decent flavor, but was nothing outstanding. The red slaw was pretty average and the hush puppies were as well. Overall the food was pretty good but no better than many other barbecue joints I’ve tried.

There are a lot of BBQ places in Lexington so we opted to try one of the ones listed on the Historic BBQ Trail. Wow! I see why this place is on there. The food was great, and the service was fast and friendly.
Mrs. B and I shared the ½ BBQ chicken and BBQ dinner. The chicken was a lot better than I was expecting. I thought it would be good, but it was terrific. The BBQ was really tasty as well, although I wish they had given us just a little more than they did. The hushpuppies were excellent. I was expecting them to be a bit denser than they were, and they were even better once dipped in the cup of sauce they brought. We got the fried okra and potato salad as our sides. Thinking about it after the fact, we wish they had a few more side options like green beans or mashed potatoes, but the ones we got were good.
If the Barbeque Center is a good example of what to expect from the places on the historic trail, I can’t wait to try the others.

North Carolina sez they invented barbecue, and who am I to argue? Leave that for Texans, Memphisites, Kansas City folks. The state is dotted with barbecue joints of all manners and sizes, ages and menus, but you’ll find a concentration of 20+ outlets around Lexington, KY, and that’s where I started my tour.
The «Lexington Barbecue» is supposed to be da bomb place, and the old timey one, but I arrived in town early in the AM, and BBQ Center, another old was open early. I popped in expecting only to find a breakfast menu, but I suppose die-​hard ‘cue folks eat it whenever it’s available, so the full menu was available. Dilemma. Breakfast?
Country ham biscuit with sausage gravy, oh my? Or go right for the ‘cue.
Answer. Both. Ate the country ham on the spot, got the sandwich to go. Both excellent. If you’re a ‘cue hound, head to North Carolina. I’ve been to the BBQ capital of Texas, Lockhart, and Lexington beats it by miles.