Eat

BAR-B-Q CENTER

One of Lexington’s best-known barbecue joints began as an ice cream shop, and their massive 4-pound banana split continues that heritage, commemorating special occasions townwide.

Bar-B-Q Center’s pork shoulders are cooked up to 10 hours over hickory coals and served sliced, chopped, or coarse chopped in 1-inch chunks, showcasing traditional Lexington style.

“With electric or gas cooking, you don’t get that hickory flavor,” says Owner Michael Conrad.

Must-try sides include red coleslaw (sauced with dip instead of mayonnaise), fried okra, and housemade hushpuppies.

“There’s a legacy involved in the barbecue business, something to be proud of,” says Conrad, whose family has owned the restaurant for more than 50 years. barbecuecenter.net

Lexington Barbecue

A full parking lot in a barbecue-lovin’ town is a good sign, and at 12:30 p.m. on a Wednesday at Lexington Barbecue, it’s as packed as it gets.

In a typical week, the third-generation family-owned restaurant smokes 10,000 pounds of pork shoulder.

Regulars favor “coarse chopped with brown,” or tender chunks of pork with the golden brown outside bits that get crisp over the coals.

Other specialties include crispy pork skins and the best smoked turkey sandwich you can find. lexbbq.com

SOPHIE’S CORK AND ALE

Warm twinkle lights, shelves of books, eclectic furniture, and a welcoming bar create a cozy ambiance at this chef-owned restaurant and bar.

Focused on locally sourced seasonal ingredients, Chef John Wilson rotates the menu frequently, crafting sophisticated small plates and daily specials, including a hummus of the day. sophiescorkandale.com

POUR FOLK PROVISIONS CO.

Located inside Goose and the Monkey, Lexington’s only craft brewery, Pour Folk Provisions Co., locally known as PoFoProCo, evolved from a beloved food truck to a permanent location serving signature woodfired pizzas, shareable apps, bowls, and salads. pourfolkprovisions.com

Perfect Blend

Before a day of exploring Main Street, pop into the centrally located Perfect Blend coffee roastery and cafe, which offers locally roasted coffee and wholesome breakfast and lunch items, such as avocado toast, a yogurt and fruit bowl, and salads.

Seating may be limited as groups of patrons “as regular as these chairs” gather to visit, work, and relax in the uptown setting. perfectblendbistro.com