Hays Smokehouse R.I.P. -- plus a possible winner in West TN

After years of having Hays Smokehouse in Lexington, TN on my list, I finally got the opportunity to go. Apparently it has changed hands AGAIN and people, it ain't pretty. The new name is "The Smokehouse."

The first bad omen was that there was only 1 other car in the parking lot. Next, we noticed no smokey smell on the place anywhere. None at all. And then when we walk in, we see a sign that they had rib eye steaks.

Ribeye STEAKS? We should have turned around and run out of there right then but we had driven 1.5 hours and for the sake of Roadfood research, we persevered.

I ordered the sampler plate. The Q was in long stringy dry pieces that had very little smoke. Ribs were very tender. At one point I thought I detected a little smokey taste on one of them but maybe it was just my imagination. The chicken was pretty good but nothing I couldn't do in my oven. Best thing they had was the baked beans. Very disappointing. I don't think this place will be open long.

However, the trip was not a complete bust. On the way to Lexington we stopped at Bob's Bar-B-Q in McKenzie for a little "appetizer." When we got out of the car, we knew we were at a BAR-B-Q place - it smelled heavenly.  Bob does shoulders and not whole hog but our pork sandwich was piled high with moist smoky meat. At $3, it was quite a bargain. A little light on sauce for me and we had ordered the mild. The slaw was crispy and good. I'm looking forward to trying more of Bob's Q. He has chicken, ribs, and brisket also.

Sorry to give you guys the bad news about this Lexington landmark. I'm even more sorry I didn't make it there when Mr. Hays had it.

Janine

janine I totally understand when a place is known for such good food changes hands and it all goes downhill from there. We met up with buffetbuster and wanderingjew today in Raleigh and I hope they enjoyed the food.

Sounds like Bob's might be the place for you.


Dennis in Cary

I am really sorry to hear about your bad experience. I have heard similar reports since Mr. Hays sold the restaurant. I live only about 45 minutes from Lexington but have not taken the time to return there since Mr. Hays retired. Hay's Smokehouse was a great place and I enjoyed many fine meals there.
I suggest you try  Latham's Barbecue in Jackson, TN. Take exit 82 north and go a few miles. Latham's has been there for years and  is truly one of the last authentic barbecues left in West TN. They serve great sandwiches, ribs, chicken, beek and all the other items that you expect. Everything is cooked over real wood, not some big metal cooker.

Is there any way to change or update the review on this site since  Hays Smokehouse is actually no longer in business?

It's really a disappointment to drive a long way for a very mediocre meal.

Janine,
   I also am sorry you missed the "good stuff" when Dennis Hays was running that smokehouse. I have notified the management of the site about your suggestion to remove the review.