Christo's Original — Restaurant in Lexington

Easy to read large print menu with clear photographs of the menu items. Great prices for large and smaller portions. Complimentary bread and butter for the table with salad. Fast service to get drinks and food to the table. The Waitresses are kind and courteous.   Promptly clearing the table of completed dishes. Refilling drinks frequently.  Offering coffee after the meal with dessert. Christo's Original: A Slice of History in Lexington, North Carolina

Tucked away on Main Street in the quaint town of Lexington, North Carolina, lies a timeless culinary gem - Christo's Original. Steeped in history and tradition, this restaurant serves up mouthwatering Lexington-style barbecue that has been delighting locals and visitors alike for generations.

The History Unfolds

Christo's Original traces its roots back to 1904, when Elias 'Christo' Theodore immigrated from Greece and opened a confectionery store. A decade later, he expanded his offerings to include barbecue, which quickly gained a loyal following. Over the years, the restaurant has passed through several hands but has always maintained its commitment to preserving the original flavors.

The Barbecue Legacy

The secret to Christo's Original's renowned barbecue lies in its signature Lexington style. Using only whole pork shoulders, the meat is seasoned with a blend of salt, pepper, and vinegar before being roasted over hickory wood for hours on end. The result is a tender, pull-apart delight with a smoky and slightly tangy flavor.

More Than Just Barbecue

While barbecue takes center stage at Christo's Original, the menu also boasts a wide range of classic Southern sides and appetizers. From creamy coleslaw and savory baked beans to crispy onion rings and sweet potato fries, there's something for every appetite.

A Step Back in Time

Stepping inside Christo's Original is like taking a nostalgic journey into the past. The interior exudes a charming rustic ambiance, with its checkerboard floors, antique chandeliers, and walls adorned with black-and-white photography. The friendly staff adds to the warm and welcoming atmosphere.

A Local Favorite and Tourist Destination

Christo's Original has become an institution in Lexington, earning a reputation as the go-to spot for both locals and tourists seeking an authentic taste of North Carolina's barbecue heritage. President Barack Obama even made a stop at the restaurant during his 2008 campaign.

Conclusion

Christo's Original is more than just a restaurant; it's a beloved culinary landmark. With its mouthwatering barbecue, charming atmosphere, and unwavering commitment to tradition, this Lexington gem has earned its place as a must-visit destination for barbecue enthusiasts and anyone seeking a taste of Southern history and...

FOREIGN OBJECT IN FOOD. wax paper baked into the bread. Terrible staff. Don't waste your time. 20 minute wait because it "wasn't ready" only for them to realize they just didn't see the order sitting there the whole time. Food was barely warm. Philly sub tasted like hamburger helper on a bun. Decided to eat it anyway. A few bites into my sub, i'm thinking the bread is stale and tough. I take a closer look and see that they had wrapped wax paper around part of it, maybe even receipt paper idk, and then cooked it. It was melted to the side so I didn't notice it. I had been eating paper. I rarely make a fuss, never ask for refunds. I called the manager, stated that I would have overlooked all the other issues had it not been for that paper sandwich. I offered to bring back the entire order of food & proof for a refund. I wouldn't be writing this review except the manager was rude from the start, implied that I was lying, refused to refund me, then hung up on me. I sent my husband up there & he got an apology & refund. If a customer tells you they ate a foreign object that you cooked into their food, tells you they will give the food back uneaten, including proof of said incident, because all they want is their money back, they're not trying to play you. Anyone in the restaurant business knows that. Its common sense. How am i getting free food if i gave it back to you uneaten? This manager treated me like some kind of scammer, she refused to let me speak to her superior, the owner, who she claimed was right there with her being let in on the situation (i even listened to her relay it back to the owner). So, even worse, the owner was fine with that too. Maybe they don't take it seriously but the health department does. One of the first reviews I saw when I clicked their page was a roach in the same kind of sandwhich i had ordered and a celery stick with dirt on it. 🤮 I really wish I had taken a picture before I...

Full disclosure, I was born and raised in Lexington. Grew up loving this place. Moved away at the beginning of COVID, so this was my first time here in over 5 years. Man. Talk about a place that went downhill fast. The buffet is $5 higher than it used to be, which I understand inflation but it used to be $8. They’ve nearly doubled their price. I brought my girlfriend who was not born here and was excited to introduce her to this place. The quality of the food on the buffet here is absolute garbage now. They get creative with the pizza toppings still, so they do have variety. But it is god awful. Pizza is comparable to Golden Corral and 7/11 slices. They bring out new pizzas and just set the old slices on top of brand new pizzas, which when I lifted a slice it literally pulled half the cheese off the slice it was on top of. Not sure whose bright idea that was. They had ravioli shells and some sort of pasta as well, gave them both a shot. Noodles felt like I was chewing a tire. Shells were the same. I have no clue what’s happened to this place since Covid but it is not the same restaurant I use to go to every week when I lived here. I wouldn’t recommend this place if they were the only place open in a famine. Barely interacted with our server, which really wasn’t his fault because by the time he came back for the first time to check on refills I was already asking for the check. First time in my life I’ve ever paid for 2 buffets, only to leave and go to a different restaurant for actual food. Absolutely disgusting what’s happened to this place. There is no good justification for almost doubling your prices while the quality of your product goes straight down the toilet. Will never...