+1 859-233-7898+ Add websiteImprove this listing
Hours
Sun
11:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Mon
11:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Tue
11:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Wed
11:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Thu
11:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Fri
11:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Sat
11:00 AM - 10:00 PM
What is Travelers’ Choice?
Tripadvisor gives a Travelers’ Choice award to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travelers and are ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor.
Ratings and reviews
RATINGS
Food
Service
Value
Atmosphere
Details
Someone from this business manages this listing.
Learn More
CUISINES
Barbecue
Special Diets
Gluten free options
Meals
Lunch, Dinner
features
Details
About
At Red State BBQ, we are your neighborhood award-winning barbecue restaurant in Lexington, KY, where barbecue is done the right way. With every trip you take to our family-friendly restaurant, you can count on outstanding service, an inviting atmosphere, and, of course, the best-taking barbecue meals you ever sunk your teeth into. We're proud to serve premium-quality meats cooked to perfection from our years of experience. We use all original recipes and cook everything the best way we know how . . . low and slow. From our tempting barbecue meats, tantalizing appetizers and sides, to refreshing drinks and desserts, you're sure to be clamoring for more with every bite. Visit us today and ask about our catering and food truck.
CUISINES
Barbecue
Special Diets
Gluten free options
Meals
Lunch, Dinner
FEATURES
Takeout, Seating, Parking Available, Television, Highchairs Available, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Accepts Credit Cards, Table Service, Gift Cards Available
Contribute
4.5
1,529 reviews
Excellent
980
Very good
366
Average
112
Poor
46
Terrible
25
CaptainMidol
Knoxville87 contributions
Jun 2021 • none
Order at the counter and wait ten minutes for your BBQ to be delivered. In addition to the usual pulled pork and chicken smoked BBQ, try some of the more unique entrees like the double smoked brisket. Prices are reasonable ($11-13 per platter that typically includes two sides). Try the beer cheese grits that has a souffle-like texture, the green beans, the mac and cheese or the baked beans. For dessert, try the peach bread pudding or the banana pudding. After you order the food, wait 10 minutes and read the encouraged comments written on the wall in Sharpie, often in regard to the prior horse races and meets.
Written June 14, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
JRN1955
Carlisle145 contributions
Jan 2020 • couples
The restaurant is very quirky yet cozy. You order food at the counter, pay for it, and then bring your order back to your table. My brisket platter with baked beans and coleslaw was excellent. My wife had the ribs, baked beans, and corn pudding. She loved the corn pudding, but it should have been served hotter. We both liked the baked beans because there were BBQ bits in it, which added lots of flavor. My wife thought the ribs were above average - good taste, but they could have been a bit more tender. I was happy with the sweet tea. It was made fresh, served in a big dispenser, and had a big bowl next to it with lots of fresh lemon cut up into wedges.
Written February 2, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Donna
Nashville43 contributions
Jul 2021 • family
Pros: we went on a Saturday around 5pm. Business was steady but there were 2 open tables, 2 people ordering ahead of us. We had pulled pork sandwich, nachos, fries, mac n cheese, beer cheese grits, baked beans and slaw. All the sides were excellent (except slaw, and it was still good). All sides tasted homemade from scratch. The quality of the sides are what set this bbq place apart from many others. The beer cheese grits were outstanding. The toasted buttered egg bun was great: buttery, chewy and toasty. Ditto on the nachos and they were a large portion. The pulled pork was extremely tender and portions generous. Several good sauce options served on the side. We had sweet Memphis red, ky bourbon small batch, and Carolina mustard and they were all great. Wait time to order about 3 min. Wait time for food about 10 min. Indoor and outdoor dining options (outdoor dining is several picnic tables with umbrellas, a little walk across the parking lot to motel). Restrooms were small and old but clean. Employee taking our order at counter was very friendly, personable, and patient, answered questions, described sauces etc… atmosphere is “tacky southern roadside dive motel”, kinda touristy, gimmicky, very casual, family and flip flop friendly. Bigger than it looks and tables larger than expected and well spaced, our party of 4 had plenty of elbow room.
Cons: food was warm but not hot. Pulled pork had alot of fat, had not been cleaned first so you’ll need to remove the fat before eating it; and while very tender, it had no smokey flavor at all. If you like to taste the smoke in your meat this won’t be your favorite. Interior was hot; didn’t feel like there was any AC but they had fans blowing to circulate air. Ceiling is low and it’s an old bldg attached to an old roadside motel. You bus your own tables (no problem) but there were only 2 empty tables and they were both dirty with food, liquids etc… I looked around for a bottle of surface cleaner and paper towels to clean a table but didn’t see any, so you may have to eat at a dirty table. I’d take my own wet wipe/disinfectant if you want a clean table. I’d suggest they put out a few rolls of paper towels and disinfectant spray around the dining room so customers can clean the tables. Employee who took order was very friendly and patient; however I never saw any employee come out into the dining room ti check things or check tables the entire time we were there. If you’re really particular about neatness and clean tables this may not be the place for you. I do plan to go back and try some of the other items.
Written July 3, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Lauren P
Lexington1 contribution
Aug 2020 • family
Ordered takeout 3 hours before pickup. Arrived 7 minutes after my scheduled pickup time. Multiple people arrived after me and got their food before me. Waited 65 minutes after my scheduled pickup time for food to be ready. Paid when I arrived, so I could not leave. It should have taken no more than 10 minutes to plate the food- nothing was cooked on demand except the French fries.
Food was adequate, but not worth the hour+ wait for takeout. Will not be returning any time soon.
Written August 22, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
LaurieT
Cheney29 contributions
Jul 2020 • none
Ordered online for pick up as we were driving through town. Food was ready when we arrived. Very busy but they had a system for social distancing. Employees were friendly and wearing masks.
Barbecue chicken with sweet sauce was served in a soft bread bun and was yummy. Beef brisket with sweet sauce tasted great. Portions were not overly large though.
Homemade fries were hot and delicious!
Dressing on coleslaw was of the less sweet variety.
Written July 27, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
radiodavelex
Thank you, Laurie! We are so happy you enjoyed it. Please come back and see us!
Written August 25, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Whitney Adams
1 contribution
Jan 2021 • family
My family ordered off of the Red State BBQ’s new Q the Pizza menu tonight for their new Thursday pizza night. The Red on White pizza was the favorite, but the Brisket Mac & Cheese pizza was also delicious. The crust is AMAZING. The order came with detailed reheating instructions, which were so helpful to crisp the pizza back up without reducing the quality. Great addition!
We will definitely be having pizza on Thursdays from now on!
Written January 14, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
JKD
1 contribution
Aug 2020 • none
I had the BEST Brisket ever at Red State BBQ. Visiting for the day and found this place. I've never had really good Brisket but knew one day I'd find it - and I did. Wife and kids loved the BBQ Half Chicken and met someone who had been coming 3 days in a row and said all the sides were great. I agree.
Written August 3, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
radiodavelex
We’re so glad you found us and we’re happy you enjoyed your experience! Please come back and see us.
Written August 25, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Schemidtee
5 contributions
Jul 2021 • family
Wow!! You should not hesitate at all to come here. Any of the bad reviewers must have been having a super bad day or were angry someone wrote something on the bathroom wall they didn’t like (or both). I had the beer cheese brisket sandwich on a delicious pretzel bun with a side of greens. My husband had the pulled pork sandwich with slaw and my 2 year old son had pulled chicken plate with fries. We taste the Memphis, Texas and Kentucky bbq. All were delicious but KY was my favorite (hubby loved the Memphis). We all shared the peach cobbler with bourbon salted caramel ice cream. It was one of the best meals I’ve had in awhile. We hope to stop here on our way back from vacation.
Also, everyone was so friendly, including the customers. This place is an absolute gem!!
Written July 26, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Readyteddygo
Thank you so much for your kind words. We really appreciate you taking the time out to share your experience with us.
Written August 4, 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
rkreilly
Saint Joseph97 contributions
Jul 2021 • none
Oh my- you pull into this total dive, and you are actually a little scared. I felt bad suggesting this place to my family when we pulled up and saw the condition of the facilities. It is off the beaten path. However, we were starving, and my husband took comfort in the very full parking lot. We walked in and the place was PACKED. The walls are covered in visitor's graffiti, all disposable and paper products, signs everywhere to bus your own tables; this is a bare bones, no frills place for sure, and they were doing a brisk business. All 3 of us in our party ordered 3 different sandwiches and 3 different sides, with 3 different sauces. EVERYTHING was amazing. Fantastic sauce, sandwiches and sides. The menu is large, and pretty much a do-your-own by the time you choose your meat, side and sauce, so something for everyone. I highly recommend, with a warning to not be put off by the condition of the property when you first pull in!
Written July 18, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Readyteddygo
Thank you for leaving a review. We look forward to having you back with us soon!
Written August 4, 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
RonB
Massillon10 contributions
Oct 2020 • family
My wife and I ate at Red State on Friday. It was very popular and pretty crowded which was a challenge finding seats with COVID restrictions. I had the full slab of ribs which was a special and my wife had a pulled pork sandwich. Food was very good - best sides were macaroni and cheese and corn pudding.
Written October 12, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
CleveRocks
Atlantic City5434 contributions
Sep 2021 • family
Red State BBQ isn’t a fancy place, it isn’t a big place, and it isn’t a place close to a lot of other places. What it is is the best dang place for BBQ that this Northern city boy has ever been to. The food is just plain great, and the service (it’s counter service, not table service) was done with a warm and welcoming smile, and was done efficiently. And it was a surprisingly big menu, too.
Five stars. Five napkins! And I’ll probably be back at least five times during my daughter’s time at University of Kentucky.
Written October 10, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Readyteddygo
Wow, we love hearing experiences like this! We look forward to your next 5 visits but think it couldn't hurt to visit UK as often as possible! Take care, CleveRocks.
Written October 22, 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Kentuctraveler
Mount Sterling168 contributions
Feb 2020 • solo
Stopped by yesterday to get some ribs to take home. While waiting I knew I was in for a treat due to the number of cats and vans that started to enter the parking lot even before they opened. My order was well prepared and I was greeted with a smile upon entering. The true test was when I got home and was able to sink my teeth in those delicious ribs. Off the bone tender and the taste was out of this world. No need for sauce here....the ribs speak for themselves. Already planning my next visit. Fantastic.
Written February 29, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
radiodavelex
Thank you!! So happy you enjoyed it!
Written August 25, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
TravelingBill
Glendale655 contributions
May 2022 • none
Based on TA reviews we had dinner here. Very good bbq pulled pork and brisket. Excellent fries made from cut potatoes, very good bbq beans. Order at the counter and pick up your food on paper plates.
Don't buy the two meat platter, they charge you quite a bit more and give you 1/2 the meat of a one meat platter.
Eight different BBQ sauces, so something for everyone.
Written May 16, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Karen S
Lexington37 contributions
Jul 2023 • solo
I ordered my husband the double smoked brisket which was juicy and wonderful I ordered the half son ribs for me and I would say they are almost inedible.
No falling off the bone here. This was a to go order so I did not open till I got home.
The meat was literally crunchy. They would never get away serving that in house, why would they charge me $17 put it in a box and send it home with me, because they knew I would just complain at home and not return it. I wish I could attach a picture.
Written July 30, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Elisha K
Wausau27 contributions
Jun 2021 • family
Party of 8. Took our order with ease. Great selection of food on the menu, including gluten free options. Ordered pull pork plate, Mac n cheese, and baked beans. All of it was delicious. Being from WI Finding some good Mac n cheese is tricky out of state, but we were definitely not disappointed with the Mac n cheese from here. It definitely held up to our standards. The baked beans were something else. Out of this world FANTASTIC! Pulled pork was delicious and I had the Memphis sweet sauce. Some of the people on our party had the potato salad and that was truly incredible. Same with the ribs. Not a bad word to speak out for this stop.
Written June 6, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
…
Showing results 1-15 of 1,528
Best moderately priced restaurants
See all
Best nearby
We rank these hotels, restaurants, and attractions by balancing reviews from our members with how close they are to this location.
Best nearby hotels
See all 
Best nearby restaurants
See all 
Is This Your Listing?
Own or manage this property? Claim your listing for free to respond to reviews, update your profile and much more.
Claim Your Free Listing