Original Pit-Cooked BBQ since 1972!

Founder, Joe Cope, was trained by the BBQ connoisseurs of Lexington over 40 years ago, and started out working for others until he was ready to realize his dream – Smokey Joe’s Barbecue! He opened up in October of 1972 on South Main Street, in a location surrounded by mills. The workers were loyal customers, finding Smokey Joe’s to be a comfortable, friendly place to get great food at an affordable price. It’s the commitment we make to our customers today.

We are proud to have the second and third generations of the Cope family maintaining the commitment set by Joe Cope so many years ago. We are proud that Aimee Cope Harvey is only female Pit Master in town! And we still offer original pit-cooked BBQ – no electric cooker can create the wonderful flavor you’ll find at Smokey Joe’s.

Smokey Joe’s Barbecue is one of the participating restaurants of the annual Barbecue Festival held each year in Lexington. There’s a reason we were awarded the 2015 Winners of the Best Ribs in Davidson County, North Carolina!