Granny and Papaws Southern Kitchen & BBQ — Restaurant in Lexington

Stopped in for what we were hoping would be a great meal After being referred by some locals.

Counter service. Tiny place. Good reviews. Southern Pride rotisserie Smoker. Good machine.

Ordered the two meat and two side dinner. Baby back ribs, and brisket, With butter beans/green beans, and collards. Let me start off with the positive.

Prices and portions were good.

Presentation needs work as the two meats were balled up separately inside wax serving paper and placed in a Styrofoam clamshell, along with the two sides. No bread, no pickles no onions, nothing else. Just two tiny cups of sauce, one mustard based, and the other one sweet barbecue.

The green beans were very good.

The collards were solid.

The brisket was passable, but not at all special or memorable.

The baby back ribs were the worst I’ve ever had. Let’s let that soak in.

Dry. Caked with some manner of overdone spice. We were so hungry we ate almost everything. Had to pour sauce on the ribs, just to choke them down. Left a rib or two behind because they were one step up from “unfit for human consumption”.

Unfortunately, the server made no effort to ask us how our meal was, or check in with us at all. At some point before we got served, I think the boss walked in. Only stayed for about five minutes, but was behind the counter doing Something, then left. We were the only ones in the place, but he still didn’t have anything to say. If you’re a stakeholder, you have to greet customers. You have to ask them how their food, service and experience was. Something. Anything. We got nothing.

The whole time we were there, the counter server/food prep kitchen person(only employee visible) had nothing to say. This was a pretty clear indication that there was probably no need to take the time to offer our thoughts to him directly. He didn’t even bother to say goodbye as finished and headed for the door.

Not really sure how these guys got so many great reviews. I’m sure at some point in there growth things went vwell. Clearly, they’re out of their depth at this age or business volume if they will serve something so regrettable as these desert dry baby back ribs. You have to care about your reputation. If your food is not worthy, you shouldn’t serve it or try to charge money for it.

You should always ask your customers how it was.

I did try to call on two different occasions in the succeeding days. No answer no voicemail.

I’m sure these guys have had better days. Very disappointing experience since I’m from Texas and would love to find some great South Carolina Q. In my first three tries, in 2025 at least, it has not happened. I’m sure there are some great offerings, I just haven’t found them yet.

I’ve been studying and cooking barbecue for 40 years. I have traveled to all the famous barbecue regions of the country. This is not my first time in the Carolinas. I’ve studied all the barbecue regions of the Carolinas. I have cooked in competition many times. I have a custom built competition smoker, among several other tools on my patio.

You don’t need to have a competition expert or have a PhD in barbecue to know what is good and what is not. Stellar reputations only stay that way because you stay on your toes. Good luck finding your way again. I’m sad to say you failed miserably on my visit.

We ate there on Sunday...

Bellys was one of my favorite lunch spots, so I was disappointed to learn it was closing down, I was hesitant to try this spot under its new ownership. Today was the first time I've been back since reopening, and I was super impressed. I think I like the new ownership better than bellys.

The menu hasn't changed as far as I can tell, which was a big deal to me. As someone who's lived outside of SC for many years, I grew an affinity for the Eastern NC vinegar based bbq and still crave it from time to time. The alabama white sauce is my favorite on chicken and chicken wings. All that is still available.

The thing that impressed me most was the customer service. It's by far better than when it was still bellys. That was always my only complaint with the last ownership. It's a small place so you can hear everything. And I remember on multiple occasions going in there and hearing staff yelling at each other and arguing in the back and then whoever would come out to take your order would still have an attitude. Under this ownership, the staff is much friendlier, and they seem like they actually like being there. And the speed of service is FAST. No need to pull up a chair or step outside to wait. Your food will be right up.

Great job, guys. I'm happy that my favorite bbq lunch spot is back and...

The truth is that there isn’t enough stars for the food! I first ate there in 2010 when I lived in Charleston, SC. I’ve since moved to Indianapolis, but every time I’m in the area, it’s a must stop.

First, the brisket. Oh. My. God! Perfectly smoked, well seasoned and fall apart tender. This is what keeps me coming back for more! Then I discovered the brisket baked beans. Perfection! My last visit I tried the smoked wings. Fantastically seasoned with a wonderful smoky flavor. They are large flats and drums that are fall off the bone tender also. I also recommend the collard greens, the macaroni and cheese is old school baked and creamy and they make very solid coleslaw. I’d like to say the banana pudding was delicious, but my sister-in-law ate it all (I’m talking about you, Dee Dee!) but I have had an apple cake that was moist and delicious.

The staff is wonderful, the service is great. I have a great time every time I show up. Inside dining is small, but comfortable. Outside dining is available. Prices are reasonable. Highly recommend I would have posted pics,...