Blue Door Smokehouse
1 / 10

Blue Door Smokehouse

4.6
·491k reviews·,

A beloved Lexington BBQ joint known for its mouthwatering brisket and authentic Southern comfort food in a casual, counter-serve setting.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Wed/Fri 18-21h

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Blue Door Smokehouse

Blue Door Smokehouse

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A beloved Lexington BBQ joint known for its mouthwatering brisket and authentic Southern comfort food in a casual, counter-serve setting.

4.6
(491k reviews)

"This spot is worth all the hype!! Food came out speedy fast and ridiculously delicious!"

TIP

Arrive Early

Popular items, especially brisket, sell out quickly. Visit early to ensure you get your preferred meal.

Sauce Selection

Explore the spicy and sweet house-made sauces to enhance your BBQ experience. A vinegar-based sauce is a favorite.

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Quick Facts

Closed·Opens 11AM

Cuisine

American Barbecue

Price

Mid-range

Phone

(859) 252-4227

Address

819 National Ave Suite 140, Lexington, KY 40502, USA

Insta-Factor

Medium

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Mouthwatering Brisket

Mouthwatering Brisket

Succulent, tender brisket with a perfect bark is the star, praised as the best by connoisseurs. Arrive early!

Best restaurants Lexington, Bluegrass Country22 Best Things To Do In Lexington, KentuckyGoogle Review
Authentic Southern BBQ Experience

Authentic Southern BBQ Experience

A no-frills, counter-serve joint serving classic American BBQ with a welcoming atmosphere and friendly staff.

10 Best Restaurants in Lexington KY for Every Taste and Occasion10 Iconic Restaurants to Experience in LexingtonThe 15 Best Things to Do in Lexington, KY
Flavorful Sides

Flavorful Sides

Perfect accompaniments to your smoked meats, with ranch beans and vinegar slaw being popular choices.

TikTokGoogle Review
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Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

first time at blue door! so freakin good i will be back!!! 💪🏽 #fyp #foryoupage #kentucky #kentuckycheck #lexington #lexingtonky #bbq #foodie #foodtiktok #brisket
@iamjamescroom
1.4K likes • 40.4K views

Arrive Early

Popular items, especially brisket, sell out quickly. Visit early to ensure you get your preferred meal.

Sauce Selection

Explore the spicy and sweet house-made sauces to enhance your BBQ experience. A vinegar-based sauce is a favorite.

Was in #lexingtonky for business flying solo and got a chance to try Blue Dope Smokehouse. #brisket #fypppppppppppppppppppppppppppppppppppppppppppppppppppppppppppppppppppp #food #restaurant I give them 8.0/10!!!
@the.experienced.e
335 likes • 17.6K views
Blue door smokehouse in Lexington, KY #bbq #bluedoor #lexington #lexingtonky #ky #foodie #foodtiktok #foodtok #Adoteumhabitinho
@haleigh_flanigan
13 likes • 4.2K views

Try the Ranch Beans

Don't let the name fool you; these beans are a pleasant surprise and a recommended side dish.

Consider the 'Blue Door Special'

Sample all available proteins on a given day to experience the full range of smoked meats.

Restaurant Ranking - 5 Highest-Rated Sitdown Restaurants in Lexington, KY #lexington #kentucky #restaurant
@discoverymatt
3.9K likes • 86.7K views

Tips

from all over the internet

Arrive Early

Popular items, especially brisket, sell out quickly. Visit early to ensure you get your preferred meal.

Sauce Selection

Explore the spicy and sweet house-made sauces to enhance your BBQ experience. A vinegar-based sauce is a favorite.

Try the Ranch Beans

Don't let the name fool you; these beans are a pleasant surprise and a recommended side dish.

Consider the 'Blue Door Special'

Sample all available proteins on a given day to experience the full range of smoked meats.

What Travellers Say

4.6
(491k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Blue Door Smokehouse is a highly-rated BBQ joint celebrated for its delicious, tender smoked meats, especially the brisket, and flavorful sides. While most diners rave about the authentic taste and friendly service, some find the side options limited or the seasoning inconsistent. Despite minor critiques, it's a must-visit for BBQ enthusiasts seeking a genuine taste of Kentucky.

"Delicious barbecue with no frills. My only criticism is that the side options are lacking - Mac n cheese, green beans, or better collared greens would make the place even better. Also could benefit from cornbread on the menu"

Ryan Kuhl

"Food was seasoned well, cooked with care and delicious! Slaw with vinegar was tasty, I’d compare it to Smithfield’s Chicken N Bbq (southern US chain restaurant). Seating inside and outside."

Meaghan Johnson

"I got the 2 meat plate with 2 sides. The brisket was surprisingly only okay, pretty dry but not that bad. The sausage was average, not super flavorful. The potato salad had no seasoning at all, it was so bland and boring. The collared greens just tasted like straight vinegar and nothing else. Wish it was better considering all the great reviews."

Nancy Godwin

What People Like

Incredibly tender and flavorful brisket
Authentic, no-frills BBQ atmosphere
Friendly and quick service

What People Dislike

Brisket selling out early
Some side dishes lack seasoning
Sauces not to everyone's taste

Frequently Asked Questions

The brisket is highly recommended and often called the best. Other popular items include pulled pork and flavorful sides like ranch beans and vinegar slaw.

TikTokGoogle Review+1

While primarily a meat-focused BBQ joint, sides like collard greens and coleslaw might cater to some dietary needs. It's best to inquire directly.

Reservations are not typically mentioned, but due to its popularity and tendency to sell out, arriving early is advised.

One Weekend In Lexington: A 3-day Lexington, KY Itinerary

The restaurant serves until supplies last, and popular items like brisket can sell out early, especially on weekends.

Google Review

Ranch beans and vinegar slaw are frequently praised. Potato salad and collard greens are also popular choices.

Google Review+2

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Follow your nose to this small smokehouse marked by a bright blue door where the buttery-tender brisket is the meat to beat. Arrive early to get a juicy…

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Lexington doesn’t mess around when it comes to BBQ, so you know Blue Door Smoke House has to be tasty since it’s been in business for nearly a decade. Like any good BBQ joint, it’s all about the Plates, allowing you to enjoy a nice variety: one of their succulent smoked meats, white bread, pickle, onion, and two sides. Might we recommend you get a Sliced Beef Brisket plate with Potato Salad and Collard Greens?

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This traditional American BBQ joint may leave your pockets a little lighter but it is certainly worth it. With pulled pork, brisket, greens, pulled chicken, slaw and so much more this is the spot for those that want good down home cooking without the hassle of doing it yourself. Blue Door Smokehouse 226 Walton Ave Lexington, KY 40502 (859) 252-4227 4.5 out of 5 Stars with 155 Yelp Reviews

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Indulge in a smoky and savory BBQ experience at Blue Door Smokehouse, where tender meats and flavorful sauces await your taste buds. Located in Lexington, this iconic restaurant is a must-visit for barbecue enthusiasts. As you step inside, the aroma of slow-cooked meats fills the air, setting the stage for a mouthwatering meal.

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Blue Door Smokehouse is a beloved Lexington spot for authentic Southern BBQ. Known for its smoked sausage, pulled pork, and signature Hot Brown sandwich, this diner offers an authentic taste of Kentucky barbecue. The relaxed atmosphere and locally inspired menu make it an excellent spot for both locals and visitors.

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If you a lover of food, the Blue Door Smokehouse is definitely one of the places you shouldn’t miss while in Lexington, Kentucky. Are you anywhere near the Mason-Dixon Line and want to get mouth-watering taste stemming from deep south?. Blue Door Smokehouse is a highly rated calm dine for American BBQ.

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You'll find the best brisket in the area at Blue Door Smokehouse, hands down. Opened in 2013 by two Lexington natives, this BBQ joint doles out sandwiches and plates piled high with the smoked meats of your choice. Ask for the "Blue Door Special" to sample all the proteins in stock on any given day.

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For your first night in Lexington, the best place to eat by far is the Blue Door Smokehouse. Get a real taste of southern cooking and real American barbeque. Try to make a reservation ahead of time if possible, seats fill quickly as dinner is only served Friday and Saturday nights.

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Southern barbecue is a must when you’re in Kentucky, and Lexington’s Blue Door Smokehouse is the perfect place to get your fix. This local spot was founded by a couple of Lexington natives who had one mission: to serve up the best barbecue in town. They definitely succeeded!

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Blue Door, located at 226 Walton Ave., earned so many positive reviews on travel site Trip Advisor, it was named among the best BBQ restaurants in the country in 2021. The joint offers its barbecue “smoked fresh daily” until close or until it sells out.

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– Rating: 5.0 / 5 (740 reviews)– Detailed ratings: Food (5.0/5), Service (4.5/5), Value (4.5/5), Atmosphere (4.0/5)– Type of cuisine: Quick Bites, American– Price: $$ – $$$– Address: 226 Walton Ave, Lexington, KY 40502-1453– Read more on Tripadvisor

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- Rating: 5.0 / 5 (740 reviews)- Detailed ratings: Food (5.0/5), Service (4.5/5), Value (4.5/5), Atmosphere (4.0/5)- Type of cuisine: Quick Bites, American- Price: $$ - $$$- Address: 226 Walton Ave, Lexington, KY 40502-1453- Read more on Tripadvisor

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Blue Door Smokehouse: For authentic barbecue, head to Blue Door Smokehouse. This casual eatery serves up mouthwatering smoked meats, including brisket, ribs, pulled pork and sausage, along with classic sides like macaroni and cheese and baked beans.

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When trying to find the best barbecue in town, check out Blue Door Smokehouse. Known for its award-winning brisket and smoked turkey, the eatery is a must-stop for Lexington casual dining enthusiasts. Its dine-in and carry-out menu includes:

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You’ll love this family-owned and operated barbecue restaurant!. As a Kentucky native, I’m sure you can guess that Lexington is the perfect place to find delicious BBQ. And Blue Door Smokehouse is right in the heart of the community.

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You’ll find some of the city’s best barbecue at Blue Door Smokehouse, from tender, smoky brisket to juicy baby back ribs. They’re open Monday through Saturday from 11 a.m. until they sell out, so go early to avoid disappointment.

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Blue Door Smokehouse | Everything at this Warehouse Block spot is up for grabs, minus the bread. Skip the slice and dig into plates like sliced beef brisket, pulled pork or chicken, plus sides including slaw, salad, and beans.

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Blue Door Smokehouse is one of the most popular restaurants in Lexington, Ky. It was started in 2013 by two Lexington natives. The restaurant offers the best barbeque in the city with friendly and efficient service.

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When I order barbecue, I always go for the pulled pork…unless I’m at Blue Door. The brisket here is amazing. In fact, my mouth is watering just thinking about it.

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My favorite is their brisket but the pull pork and Sausage is fabulous too!. Line forms just before 11am at the blue door.

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