Blue Door Smokehouse has been in the Kentucky BBQ game for less than three years and already Lexington’s top spot for brisket. Seasoned with nothing but salt and pepper, the dreamily juicy, perfectly blackened meat is served as a sandwich or on a plate with soft white bread, pickles, onion, and two sides (we recommend the vinegar slaw and collard greens gussied up with ham). This may be heresy to say, but damn if it’s not as mind-blowingly, time-stoppingly good as anything you’d find in Texas. Just get there early (like, before noon)—you don’t want your day ruined by the two most dreaded words in barbecue: sold out.

226 Walton Ave., Lexington, KY; 859-252-4227.