When you visit Kentucky, BBQ may not be the first thing you think of before Bourbon and Horses, but it is The South and no visit there is complete without some smoked meats. For that, we hit up Red State, a joint complete with walls covered in sharpie, beer cheese for sale to take home, and a TikTok account with over 13,000 followers. Here's the rundown of some of the lunch items we enjoyed on our visit: Beer Cheese w/Soft Pretzel: a sharp cheese that is prepared with a more spread-like consistency vs. a goopy sauce. A-plus. BBQ Egg Rolls: Deep-fried goodness full of baked beans, and other BBQ-oriented fillings Double Smoked Brisket: Interesting to see it cut into cubes vs. sliced. It was a great cut of meat that had a richness to it without being too fatty like other moist cuts of brisket. Mac and Cheese: Cheese shells that were just OK. Sauces: We didn't know which one to get so we ordered them all to try. All of them were amazing. I was a big fan of the Alabama Showhorse. read more

Red State BBQ - Double Smoked Brisket - Barbeque Near Me - Lexington, Kentucky

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Their smoked wings are the best! Sometimes an issue finding seats, but when the food is that good it makes sense. People are always very friendly. Probably the best BBQ in Eastern/Central Kentucky. Strongly recommend read more

I don't get the hype. I ate here 2 days in a row. Lets start with the rack of ribs last night. The Ribs were cooked ok, they were a bit under so they were tough to pull apart and got stuck between your teeth. The worst part was the rub lacked flavor and had a sandy texture. Edible, better than a chain restaurant, but not great for a BBQ joint. Today I got 1/2 lb of Brisket and 2 Sausage Links. The brisket sucked. It was dry and tough and this is from the point end, not even the flat. The flat had to be completely inedible. Finally, the sausage. The links were fantastic! Cooked perfectly and juicy. If it weren't for the sausage this place would have been a 1 star in my book. I'll go back and give them one more shot since they're close and it's easy to stay on the carnivore diet at a BBQ joint. But I'd have to say they're batting 1/2 out of 2 in my book right now. read more

My photos really do this place no justice. If you're looking for some seriously delicious bbq, not far from Lexington, this is the place for you. We ordered two of the two meat dishes with two sides. We also ordered a side of ribs. I was barely able to snap a pic before half the meats were devoured by my kids. We found this to be plenty of food for two adults and three kids. The staff here is super friendly and welcoming. The restaurant itself is very casual and a bit of a dive (but I mean this in the most loving way possible). If you're in the area, looking for bbq, I would definitely recommend Red State BBQ. read more

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I was looking for BBQ around Lexington and Red State had overall 4 star reviews and I had seen somewhere it was some of the best BBQ in Kentucky. That meant an investigation on my art. Red State is a hole in the wall. The walls and booths look like a kindergarten class was waaayyy too excited with crayons and markers. The walls. ceiling, and booths were drawn on everywhere. When you enter, you order at the counter. The menu is to the left of the counter. I went with the 3 meat plate - pulled pork, ribs, and jalepeno cheese sausage. They were out of both styles of brisket they cook. They also do not have Red hot sausage anymore. But that doesn't mean I didn't find enough to be satisfied with. Out of the 3 meats, the pulled pork was the best. There were some hard bark end pieces but it was tasty and tender. The sausage was really good too. The ribs were a bit hard and kind of small. I really wasn't pleased with them. My 2 sides were potato salad and corn pudding. The corn pudding was the best food on my plate! It was recommended to me by the cashier and he was spot on. Truly amazing! I looked at Yelp photos for the potato salad and saw a mustard base type. That was what I was not given. I was given a potato salad with no mustard and not much sauce. It had a lot of chopped Red onion in and celery. It wasn't bad but just not what I expected. And oh yeah, I hate celery. My dad allowed me to try baked beans. They are on the sweet side and I liked them more than my potato salad. My mom gave me a corn muffin and it was as legendary as the corn pudding. There are 7 sauces and I tried 6 of them (more on that in a minute). The best and most unique sauce I had was the Kentucky one. It had Jim Beam in it for a sweet but alcohol burn taste. There is a white Alabama sauce that is a good blend of mayo and horseradish. There is a Texas style that is a mild tomato base. The mustard sauce was my 2nd favorite behind the Kentucky. Memphis Sweet us a sweet tomato base sauce. And finally, there is a vinegar one that was ok. Sweet tea was refreshingly sweet! The meal itself was overall really good, but there are 2 aspects that are problematic. First of all and the main reason Red State is not a 5 star is because they have 7 sauces, but you only get to choose 2 for free. A 2 oz. container if sauce more than that is 50 cents a piece. Is the sauce made out of gold? What about the fact I have never been here and I don't know which sauce I like? What about samples. Nothing make me more upset about a BBQ joint than them making you pay for sauce to go with your meal. The other thing does not bother me as much. Red State gives cheap plasticware for your meal. The plastic knife could not cut anything. Better plasticware would be better. The food is great overall but if you like sauce, you will be disappointed to pay for extra sauce. read more

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I've wanted to like this place. I mean look at it. Out of the way, somewhat ehhhh by its looks. On the outside it does not appear in any way to be fine dining. Of course that's what not expected. BBQ'd meat is what is expected. Red State delivers on the BBQ meat point but falls extremely short of everything else. Yea, they got cold beer, ice for soda and napkins. That's about it. The tables are not exactly clean all the time. The side dishes are my least favorite aspect about this place. The potato salad is horrible, what the hell is the stuff you call cole slaw, the beans aren't right, the greens are absolutely loaded with salt. WHY? Just today I get home with an order to go and the deep fried pickles are melting the styrofoam container they were packaged in. C'mon. What the hell? You guys got it right on the protein but you really lack on the side dishes. Good BBQ, cold beer but really tighten up on the rest. read more

Staff I interacted with were all super friendly and attentive! Mac & Cheese is the bomb and worth the stop alone. Pulled chicken sandwich was great with the SC mustard & KY Sauces. Loved the, toasting of the bun so it is not a soggy mess, attention to detail they took. This place was mostly full at 7:30pm and a steady flow of carry out business which is typically a great sign the stop is run by some folks passionate about the quality and reputation. Next time you're in the area stop in and let them make you a fan as well! Don't forget to check in and score a pig sticker for your beer fridge, cooler, or favorite traveler cup! read more

As a person who has tried BBQ in 2/3 of the US states I consider myself a good judge of what it should be. This restaurant had good reviews and seemed like the spot to stop and try on my travels. Upon arriving midweek around 12:30 the place was packed out the door and standing room only. I don't mind that. There are no waitresses, no menus other than on the board and no one bussing tables. The brisket was tender but had ZERO smoke in it. Tasted more like a roast that had been cooked in a crock pot. The pulled pork was also tender and moist but once again it's as if they crock pot the food and call it bbq. The slaw was old and discolored. The fries were not crisp. Needless to say I rate it very low on the bbq scale. This is NOT real bbq and I have had bbq coast to coast. I will compliment their selection of sauces which were very good. read more

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Great food! The staff was amazing! We were visiting the ark Encounter and The Creation Museum. This was close to our hotel! read more

I had dinner at Red State BBQ. The ribs were not very tender and not the best, but still really good. The fries were really great, and my husband and I both really liked the baked beans. read more

Great BBQ place just outside Lexington KY. Brisket is really good and they have plenty of sides and sauces. Reasonably priced and food is delicious. Must try if you're looking for gear bbq in a unique setting. read more

I'm amazed by the atmosphere in this little hole in the wall diner! I can't believe the amazing taste of the brisket and the green beans! The bathroom was a little warm but I'm willing to give it a high quality rating from the food! The staff were very friendly and able to serve at an excellent pace! 10/10 would go again!! read more

Red State BBQ - Ordering Station - Barbeque Near Me - Lexington, Kentucky

This is easily the best BBQ I have ever had. We're here for IHSA Nationals nearby - a friend recommended to come here so we did. It was so incredible, we came back the next day. Mac & Cheese is to die for. Potato Salad is amazing. Everything is just perfect !!! The sauces are awesome. Hands down the best little restaurant !!! We are so sad to be leaving. read more

Red State BBQ - Barbeque Near Me - Lexington, Kentucky

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Some of the best bbq I've had by far. The selection of sauces is a huge bonus. I'd definitely eat there again the next time I'm in the area.

I have had this 2x and each time the Brisket is by far the best I have had. My wife had the pulled pork and says the same thing. The portions will leave you stuffed to the brim! read more

Was passing through Lexington and craving good bbq. Even on a busy Saturday evening, the service was fast and the food amazing. Got the pulled pork platter with sides of corn pudding and beer cheese grits. It was simply delicious. They feature many sauces to top your pork off with, but honestly the meat is smoked to perfection and minimal (or no) sauce is needed. The atmosphere is definitely casual. The prices are moderate.- oh did I say their banana pudding is simply amazing! read more

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Fast, inexpensive, sauce the boss. Glad I had a chance to try it all while I was in Lexington.

Most amazing BBQ in a cool atmospheric here. Local favorite I'm sure!! Will be back!!! read more

Red State BBQ - Was that my name??? Smells sooo goood - Barbeque Near Me - Lexington, Kentucky

One of my favorite colors is red, so it was very fitting that as we were cruising some backroads looking for the perfect derby horse outside Lexington, Kentucky we slammed on the brakes for some Red State BBQ. It was Sunday evening and as you know on Sundays, things shut down early...or don't open at all. My Missy and I strolled in to find locals licking and kicking some home cooked BBQ into their tummies. The front door and telephone was getting a serious workout, and you quickly realize Red State BBQ is the place to be! as they would say in Seinfeld. Brooklyn was behind the counter and greatly assisted us with this first time order. We ordered one 8oz Sunday Prime Rib special, which came with your choice of two sides - mine a baked potato and beer cheese grits. One order of pulled pork, side of Mac N Cheese, side of baked beans, and one sausage link. After this festival of food orders was placed the total was under 30$!!! Red State BBQ was operating on all 8 cylinders as tables and booths were open for eating. The food was put on the counter, which we collected and we started our Sunday Dinner feast. As we ate I could see horses outside the restaurants windows from across the street...beautiful setting to say the least. I was very impressed with Red State BBQ, the beans and cheese grits were awesome. The pulled pork, prime rib, and sausage were tasty. Brooklyn recommended their Memphis sweet bbq sauce, and it was. When looking for some home grown BBQ near Lexington, KY swing into Red State. Sorry no food pics. read more

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Four years ago, I tried Red State BBQ; but at the time, I honestly didn't like it. Yet, so many people raved about this place; so I decided to give them another try. Perhaps the last time that I ate here, was a fluke. This past Sunday, after church, we decided to get food to go. I had heard that they served Prime Rib; so I decided to give it a try. One thing I will mention though, it wasn't ready around 12p because it was still cooking. We had to come back about an hour later or so, but it wasn't too bad. So, Red State BBQ, you have opened my eyes and I actually do love your brisket and pulled chicken and prime rib. Yum. read more

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Good bbq!! Service was excellent, too. It looks a little sketchy from the outside, but go on in! Cute little bbq shack with tasty food. Definitely recommend read more

We came to Red State with high hopes of excellent BBQ. Everyone in my party agreed the three meats we sampled were all poorly executed. Out of the 10+ places we ate on our Lexington food tour, Red State was our biggest disappointment. The pulled chicken was dry and stringy. It tasted like it had been haphazardly baked at 400 until it lost every ounce of it's juices. The brisket was also cooked too quickly and too hot. It was stringy and dry as well. The sausage just tasted like a standard sausage. It was fine. The green beans and beer cheese grits were the best parts of the meal, though the green beans were overexecuted. We came first thing in the morning and there was no smoke coming from any of the smokers. I guess maybe we got the previous days scraps? read more

Red State BBQ - 3 Meat Platter - Barbeque Near Me - Lexington, Kentucky

Was in the area and looked up this place. Would have never tried it but had good reviews. Service was prompt and food was really good. Many sauce options on the table. All were good. It's next to a ran down hotel but don't be afraid. Stop in and try them. I had the brisket and it melted in your mouth. read more

The food was great. There's enough parking. The building has been around for a while. It has a historic feel. The service was great. read more

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One of those places that should be on an episode of Diners, Drive Ins and Dives...heavy on the dive! Looks questionable from the outside, but the food was great! Cheap pricing for the amount of food you get. Highly recommend the corn pudding as a side! read more

Red State BBQ - Pulled Pork Plate - Barbeque Near Me - Lexington, Kentucky

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Wow! This is one of the reasons why it's great to do road trips and try hole in the wall places like this in your journey! The beef brisket melted in our mouths and meat fell right off the bone! I'm leaving this review short and sweet! I'll let the food speak for itself! Enjoy the pics! read more

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Used to rate this place a five, around four years ago this food was unreal. Lost something along the way.

Amazing little spot. We were there during the KY3DE so it was slamming busy but the service was still speedy and most importantly the food was amazing. We will be back next year! read more

Brisket is awesome - love the Burnt End so tender and juicy along with fat that's melts in your mouth. Corn pudding and green beans make the meal great. Green beans are doctored with their special recipe. We stop here every trip down to UK Hospital for cancer scans and review. Thanks goes to Ken Meyers for telling us of this place. read more

I can't believe I forgot to review Red State when I initially went to the restaurant. Red State is now my favorite go to bbq restaurant. City bbq was my favorite, but red state has changed my mind. The brisket is great and the sides are good as well. Red State is a little out the way for me, but the trip is worth. The staff are friendly and the restaurant was clean. I will fef read more

Red State BBQ - Menu - Barbeque Near Me - Lexington, Kentucky

Best BBQ I've ever had!! We randomly found this place and felt like we hit a gold mine. Everyone was so friendly and helpful even though it was busy. When we tried the food we were in awe. We can't wait to go back! read more

Red State BBQ - Barbeque Near Me - Lexington, Kentucky

Awesome! Some of best bbq I have had... interesting place. Glad to have stumbled upon it. Will be back! read more

Exceptional sides at this dive of a BBQ joint. Don't let the outside and surrounding area deter you-the bbq was solid, but the stand outs were the side: I recommend the corn casserole, mac n cheese and baked beans! Oh and finish it off with a PB chocolate dump cake to go. read more

Great barbecue joint along the highway. The walls are covered with writing I liked the brisket but it was more like pot roast. I'll get something else next time. I also had an order of wings. They have several sauces on the table. I linked the sweet and small batch. I give it 4 bellies. read more

Solid spot. Great brisket and pulled pork. Both cut right with lots of flavor. The red sauce had a bit of vinegar and a tang! Not much of a sauce guy, but it was a good mix of spices! Greens were buttery and the Mac n cheese was cheesy. I was jealous of Brian's beer cheese grits. If you go, try that side. Left my name there. Can you find it? The only bad thing I can say was that my dish was one piece less brisket than friend's plate. #spicemeister approved bbq! read more

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The best bbq. Don't be fooled by the exterior of the building. Brought their chicken rub and sauce. The shredded chicken, bbq pork and brisket were fantastic read more

Red State BBQ - 2 meats 2 sides yum. Enough to share - Barbeque Near Me - Lexington, Kentucky

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Brisket was gray, dry, and no bark, nothing (sorry I didn't take a picture). Had to use a lot of sauce to make it edible. The table next to us had the same issue. Pulled pork was fair, that is all. Sides were decent. Lots of annoying flies in the restaurant landing on food and customers. Highly unlikely to return or recommend. read more

Food was great. I liked the atmosphere. Prices were no different than anywhere else. Wasn't a great bathroom experience as the line was long. read more

For those that are into brisket, burnt ends, ribs, or other more exotic stuff then this review is NOT for you. Red State I absolutely love for the pulled pork and chicken sandwiches with a side and a drink. I recommend the Mac and cheese and the corn pudding. The fries are absolutely atrocious and that is all I truly tried side wise. Best BBQ in the Lexington surrounding area even though some will say blue door is. I have had both and blue door is nowhere near red state in ANY way. read more

If you're looking for a local dive, this is your place. The pulled pork and chicken was moist but the sliced brisket was dry. The meat didn't have much taste but their sauces added the flavoring. The sides were good but a little bland. Sweet iced tea was very Southern...sweet. We waited 20 minutes in line to order and another 20 minutes on our food. Facility was small and dated. There were large weeds growing outside of our table window. Parking lot was partially blacktopped and the rest was gravel and large mud puddles. Unfortunately, the only table that came available was right next to the pick up counter where a woman yelled the order name out loud every few minutes like she was yelling at an umpire at a ballgame! Place was hopping with locals. Was a one stop try for us and we'll probably not return. read more

Red State BBQ - Barbeque Near Me - Lexington, Kentucky

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