Davidson County Restaurants Dish Out Tradition, from Barbecue to Scallopini
"Barbecue Capital" Lexington and Davidson County as a whole offer an assortment of dining options sure to satisfy anyone hungry for a taste of tradition, from its world-famous smoked pork shoulder to authentic Italian dishes.
Barbecue Capital of the World
Lexington is known as the “Barbecue Capital of the World." In fact, Lexington barbecue is so famous that it was included on the menu of the 1983 9th G7 Summit in Williamsburg, Va., where world leaders enjoyed its rich, smoky flavor. Colorfully painted fiberglass pigs are installed at various points around Uptown, and the city hosts a huge Barbecue Festival, celebrating everything delightful about dip-basted, smoked, chopped pork-barbecue shoulder – the preparation and cut of choice here.
So, it comes as no surprise that some of the best barbecue restaurants in the world delight diners here year-round. The barbecue that made its way to Williamsburg was that of Lexington Barbecue, also known as Honeymonk’s and Lexington #1. The staff is composed mainly of three generations of the Monk family, which, along with the comfort food, helps create a welcoming and homey atmosphere.
Barbecue Center is not your typical pork stop. Although the restaurant specializes in Lexington’s famous style of barbecue, it also offers a variety of diner food, from burgers to ice cream sundaes. Whitley’s Barbecue, a family-owned-and-operated restaurant, has been serving Lexington since 1972. In addition to barbecue, Whitley’s also serves a traditional Southern breakfast, complete with the works: eggs, meats, grits, omelets, biscuits and gravy. Diners can further indulge their barbecue cravings with food from Smiley’s, Speedy’s, Jimmy’s and Smokey Joe’s.
Uptown Offers Upscale and More
Diners will find eclectic eateries in Uptown Lexington. Village Grill attracts diners from the Greensboro, Salisbury and Winston-Salem areas. Owner Rhonda Lankford says most-loved dishes include hand-patted burgers and grilled hot dogs on split-top buns.
Naples Italian Grille caters to its customers by providing unique cuisine. The restaurant's scallopini and Florentina dishes are prepared with an Italian authenticity that makes them both customer favorites.
Cafe 35, a casual-dining lunch spot, serves salads, soups, sandwiches and burgers. The Yukon Gold fries and homemade ranch dressing are known as specialty menu items. In response to customer requests, Cafe 35 has started serving dinner on Thursday and Friday. The upscale menu includes items such as 12-ounce strip steaks, pan-seared tilapia and pot roast.
Quick, Good Eats
Another notable sub shop, Mainstreet Pizza and Deli, is known for its potato soup and submarine sandwiches. If a cup of joe is what a customer is craving, Black Chicken Coffee is said to have the best coffee in Lexington. Visitors can also choose from an assortment of cold and frozen coffee drinks, protein drinks, smoothies, and milkshakes.
