Lexington Barbecue

December 21, 2025

Lexington Barbecue

It's a destination for many Tar Heels and beyond, it's "The Honeymonk" or "The Monk" to locals, and it is a must-stop in the never-ending battle over North Carolina's Eastern vs. Western style of BBQ.

It's Lexington Barbecue - the simple white building and sign off of Highway 29 & 70 in Lexington. It's not the oldest in the area - but it's the most well-known. Its name, 'Lexington Barbecue', is the same as what many call the Western NC (or Piedmont) style of BBQ, 'Lexington." And according to the James Beard Foundation, it's an "American Classic."

I've eaten at Lexington Barbecue a few times. And on a summer afternoon returning from Durham, I decided to pay it a visit for the first time in several years.

On this August Monday, finding a parking spot was a task in itself, as the parking lot was overflowing. Inside, there was a mix of locals ranging from senior citizens and young mothers with their kids, local businessmen and women, realtors, sales representatives taking clients out to lunch, out-of-state travelers, and random people like me who decided to stop for lunch on their way home to Charlotte.

I was able to be seated quickly, and the waiting line to sit in one of the three sections ebbed and flowed throughout my meal. The menu is a simple listing of various trays, plates, sides, and sandwiches. I went with the chopped BBQ plate, with fries, coleslaw, and hushpuppies. And of course, a Cheerwine to drink.

Service is fast and friendly. Sitting near the front counter, I was able to listen to the conversations of locals and watch the many patrons shuffle in and out. While thanks to my wife, I prefer Eastern North Carolina BBQ, I thoroughly enjoyed the western style of pork shoulder and a more tomato-based sauce.

A classic chopped BBQ plate with fries, coleslaw, and hush puppies. And of course, a Cheerwine to go with it!

Lexington Barbecue is the type of place you can sit, enjoy the food, savor a Cheerwine refill, and take in the ongoings around you. While service seems to be non-stop, at your table, it's a time to relax, enjoy friends and family, and see if you have enough room for dessert. I didn't!

Lexington Barbecue is the family-run business of the Monk family. Wayne Monk began the operation in 1962 with Sonny Honeycutt and called it "The Honeymonk." When Honeycutt left the operation, Monk renamed the business to "Lexington Barbecue." The restaurant has remained within the Monk family ever since.

All photos taken by post author - August 25, 2025.