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    Lewis Barbecue

    4.7 (2.4k reviews)
    Open 11:00 am - 9:00 pm

    Services - Lewis Barbecue

    Catering

    Gluten-free catering

    Vegetarian catering

    2 More Services

    Catering services

    Venue rental

    Lewis Barbecue Photos

    Business Info

    LEWIS BARBECUE ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Classy
    Casual
    Moderate noise
    Outdoor seating

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    Recommended Reviews - Lewis Barbecue

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    Brisket (Chopped) with macaroni and cheese
    Mark S.

    My first time in Charleston and found Lewis Barbecue. It was awesome! The most tender and flavorful brisket I have ever had.

    Tommy V.

    This place is so good I had to come back the next day! I came on Saturday specifically to try their giant beef short ribs that literally falls off the bone. The beef short ribs are only done by the lb and you can't do a 1/2 lb in case anyone is wondering. This is by far my favorite besides the fatty brisket they serve every day. Food was amazing and of course I had to get their banana pudding pie again! Literally heaven in my mouth. Shoutout to Derick he was working the patio and was cool. Made my experience here even sweeter.

    Sliced brisket, ribs, Texas hot guts, and Mac and cheese
    Daniel C.

    What an awesome first meal to kickstart our trip to Charleston. The moment we arrived and stepped out of our vehicle, the barbeque aroma filled our senses and left our mouths watering with anticipation. Ordering at the counter was an experience in itself. It's apparently common for barbeque places to allow customers to order meat by the pound and have it weighed and sliced to order in front of you, but the only times I've experienced that in Connecticut was at the deli section of Shop Rite. They allowed me to sample the brisket as they sliced it (absolutely delicious and melt-in-your mouth tender by the way) and made thoughtful suggestions, such as adding pickles and onions on the side (gratis) to provide balance and counter the heaviness of the meats. I wanted to try a variety of dishes, and decided to go with a 1/2 pound of brisket and ribs, a link of Texas hot guts sausage, and a side of Mac and cheese. That covered maybe 5% of the menu. There's a lot of options to choose from, in addition to rotating daily specials, presenting the opportunity for multiple return visits. They have a dedicated full service bar, and I imagine this as a fun spot to spend a night. The atmosphere is very inviting and casual, and the vibe eating outside is like having a backyard barbeque. If you prefer indoor dining, they have a large industrial interior that can accommodate a party of any size. Overall we enjoyed our meal very much. We left with our bellies full and our clothes smelling of smoky goodness.

    Sagarika G.

    I didn't even know I liked BBQ that much until I went to Lewis Barbecue. This place completely blew me away. The setup is amazing--you walk up, choose from a huge spread of meats, and everything is weighed so you can build your perfect plate! We went all in and ordered ribs, brisket, and pulled pork, and every single bite was insanely flavorful and smoky in the best way. The brisket was especially incredible--super tender and packed with flavor. They also have a bunch of different sauces and salsas you can dip into, which makes trying everything even more fun. The jalapeño cheddar queso was the perfect addition to all the meats--rich, cheesy, and with just the right kick. For sides we got mac and cheese, collards, pickled onions, pickles, and bread, and everything paired perfectly with the BBQ. The whole experience felt like a BBQ feast, and it's easy to see why this spot is so famous. If you're in Charleston, Lewis Barbecue is an absolute must!

    Sandwiches, fries, Tangy Coleslaw
    Amy S.

    Food: excellent!! Ambiance: very casual. Indoor and outdoor seating. Service: counter service. The folks were really nice and helpful. I've been wanting to go to this place for a while and we finally got to go this past weekend. The line was so long. It was out the door and nearly into the parking lot, but it moved quickly. When we reached the counter to order, the folks were really nice, very helpful : explaining all the dishes. I got the pulled pork and my partner got the chopped brisket sandwich. The fries were phenomenal. The sandwiches were phenomenal. The bread was just excellent on the sandwiches. We also got the coleslaw - now coleslaw is a very specific kind of food - either it is made it to your liking or not. In this particular case I did not like the coleslaw because it was salty and vinegary. I like the sweet chopped KFC style, personally. I would definitely recommend going to this place if you've never been. We are returning

    Waiting in line.
    Melissa M.

    We tested our luck and came here on a Saturday. We are glad we did. The wait was not long and the food, man, I forgot how good this place is. I ordered the Brisket Nachos, Mac and cheese, and a drink. My husband got the chopped brisket sandwich, tallow fries and a drink. All their sauces are made in house. My favorite is the green chile sauce. The food was so delicious. The best Texas BBQ in the city.

    Cafeteria-style indoor goodness!
    Tim C.

    Wait on line, then hint for a table, then.. Enjoy the best BBQ of your life! Really high quality smoked meats and delicious sides! Two of us went on a Friday evening, and the line was long, but all inside, and we only waited about 15 minutes total. Order at the counter and move along for sides & beverages - cafeteria style. We both had the Friday special which was a smoked prime rib sandwich with tons of (optional) toppings. Delicious! We had no trouble finding seats inside. Staff was very friendly. Family-friendly place. Our second time here, and we'll be back again for sure.

    Sandwich and sausage
    Seyla T.

    First time coming here in my years of living here and it did not disappoint! I came on a Saturday (day of the bridge - BIG MISTAKE) and had to wait in line for over an hour. So that did suck but not the restaurant's fault. I got the nachos with their brisket and it was awesome!! I love the sauces they provide and that they give pickles and onions. I would definitely come back again but I'm not gonna wait that long again.

    Alec G.

    The brisket is the only brisket to ever brisket in my opinion! Hot guts gave me hot guts, BUT so worth it. Excellent beer selection. Pour the green chili bbq on the beans and pudding.

    Beau A.

    Stopped in today after seeing a customer outside of town. Brisket is excellent as always. Pickled jalapenos are a great compliment to the fat rendered beef. If you like Texas style brisket and you're around Charleston, it's a great opportunity to get your fix and feels like you're back home in Central TX.

    Joanna P.

    Lewis Barbecue totally lives up to the hype. I made sure it was the first stop on my visit to Charleston and i'm so glad I did. I got the pulled pork sandwich, sliced brisket, mac & cheese, and green chile corn pudding and everything was really solid. The meats were super tender and smoky, especially the brisket, which was the standout for me. The sides were just as good -- creamy mac & cheese and the green chile corn pudding had a nice little kick. If you're in Charleston and want good BBQ, this is a must. Go early if you can since it gets busy fast. Would definitely come back.

    Brisket (Sliced), Sausage, Collard Greens, Mac & Cheese, Tallow Fries, Green Chile Corn Pudding
    Mitchell S.

    Some of the best bbq I've ever had. I was in Charleston for 2 weeks, went here 4 times, and I think I spent more money every time I went back. I'm glad I don't live in Charleston because I'd go here every week and be broke but it would be so worth it Every one of the sides are incredible. My favorites are probably the green chile corn pudding and the tallow fries. I went on a Thursday to get the pastrami daily special and it was incredible! Line moves quick. Get there for lunch on a weekday if you don't wanna wait long but it's worth it either way. Tons of seating inside and out

    Donald S.

    Off to Lewis Barbecue in Charleston, and let me tell you -- I came in skeptical. I've pretty much sworn off BBQ outside of Texas because it usually ends in heartbreak. But Charleston's most infamous smokehouse actually made me pause... in a good way. First off, the space? Gorgeous. Big, bright, and dripping with that unmistakable Charleston charm. It feels southern, it feels inviting, and it somehow still manages to give you that Texas-style "this is about the meat" energy. Now the food: the brisket was fine -- tender enough, but the bark needed way more seasoning to hit that true Texas punch. The collards? Tangy, balanced, and done the right way. But the real star, the thing no one warned me about, the plate I'm still thinking about as I'm typing this? The mac and cheese. Easily among the best I've had anywhere. Silky, cheesy, decadent -- the kind of side that steals the spotlight like it paid extra for the privilege. Lewis Barbecue was, and absolutely is, worth the trip. Charleston, you've got something special here.

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    Lewis Barbecue Reviews in Other Languages

    Ask the Community - Lewis Barbecue

    Does Lewis sell hash?

    I believe pork hash, but not hash and rice.

    What time in the evening is less crowded to go?

    The earlier you get there, the better! I'd say maybe the weekdays are a little less crowded, but I'd try to get there by at least 5-5:30.

    Can you order 1/2 pounds of Desired meat?

    Yes

    Any advice on ordering takeout for 13 people? Also, would you recommend either banana pudding or dirt pie? Or leave them off? Is the tea good and strong or weak?

    They will definitely quise you on quantity for the number of people you're ordering for. Don't miss the fatty brisket or the turkey. I've only had the dirt and it was good but when I think about Lewis, I don't think dessert. Would b a nice sweet… Read more

    Will I smell like the food or the smoker when I leave?

    Depends on whether or not you're seating outside *and* they're currently smoking anything while you're there. If both are true, then you'll definitely leave smelling like smoke, because it wafts around the entire outdoor seating area.

    Does anyone have tips about ordering takeout for a family of 6 on thanksgiving day, 11/25/2021? Is it recommended that I place an online order days or weeks in advance...?

    You do need to place your order well in advance, but you won't be disappointed with your Thanksgiving dinner from Lewis. My parents came into town last year and this is what I served them on Thanksgiving. They still talk about the delicious food we… Read more

    Are dogs allowed?

    Yes, but only outside.

    Is the beer while you wait, complimentary?

    Ha! Good one. No, it's not free, but if you enjoy local craft beer, you are in luck.

    What time do meats typically start running out? Coming in around 7pm on a Thursday in a few weeks.

    They don't. The only thing that goes quick is whatever the daily specials are. Everything else will be available

    Is this a pet-friendly shop?

    We ate inside and there were no pets inside. I am not sure if they are allowed at the outside seating area.

    Heard about the Tuesday smoked fried chicken. How are they?

    I have not got to try it yet, but I do know it sells out!

    What time do they usually sell out on a weekday? We'd def want brisket and ribs, but can't get there until closer to ~1pm. Thanks.

    You'll be fine. Beef ribs on Saturday last until 4pm

    Don’t See Your Question? Ask Away!

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    Lewis Barbecue - bbq - Updated June 2026

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