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    Lewis Barbecue

    4.7 (2.4k reviews)
    Open 11:00 am - 9:00 pm
    Updated 3 months ago

    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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    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.

    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.

    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!

    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.

    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

    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.

    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.

    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.

    Pulled Pork, Prime Rib and Sausage..
    Mattie E.

    Okay, Pro's: food was delicious and cooked to perfection. I loved the food. Loved the Rustic Vibe to the place. Cons: Overcrowded, long lines, no where to sit, no where to park, pure Chaos, Food was very expensive and they ask for heavy tips on the machine when you don't even get waitress service which I am getting so tired of. I tip well usually but if they make a living wage and aren't a waitress why are they expecting large tips? You essentially stand in line, order your food, take your food with you on a tray before you even walk away, get your own drinks, condiments, etc. Which was fine. But we had to stand and wait for a table that sat 8 being used by 4. They don't have white rice, I didn't see any hash. Not many Gluten Free options for sides at all. Please add white rice to the menu. Stools only. Maybe they have a few booths but mostly tables with stools which is hard on my back. Overall, I'll go back maybe during the week and not a weekend so I can possibly have a better experience without the chaos. The food I am showing in the photos was $172. Again, the Food was excellent and everyone agrees.. which is why it is always so packed with no where to park.

    Brisket (Sliced) Mac & Cheese Green Chile Corn Pudding Sausage
    Denise M.

    we visited from san diego and this was hands down the best bbq we had. the flavors blew our mind. the meat was so tender and it was just unreal. we waited maybe 30-40 minutes but it goes by fast. i still think about this meal. it's a no frills place with super good food. not a big fan of the potatoes i prefer regular fries. but still really good.

    Meg C.

    Some of the best BBQ and sides I've ever had - worth the wait and the line moves quickly. The brisket was so tender and the pulled pork had great flavor. Both meats were very tasty and could hold their own in their simplicity without sauce. The sides were also memorable, all of them were solid - standouts were the corn pudding that added some sweet cheesiness to the mix and the slaw that was bright and crunchy to balance all the rich flavors. Casual BBQ vibe, plenty of indoor and outdoor seating and friendly and efficient service. Prices were also very reasonable. Wish there was BBQ like this in the northeast!

    Pulled pork nachos

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    2 months ago

    Delicious!!! No notes. Everyone was kind and takeaway was so good. Could taste the smoke!!

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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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    TheSchoolhouse

    5.0(2 reviews)
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    At a first glance The Schoolhouse appears to be an unassuming business space with rented out…read moreoffices. Once within you see it's not just local vendors but a healing space featuring wellness studios, esthetician services, and meeting places where folks gather for events from yoga to presentations. There's a water refill station inside and a great restroom with sinks available indoor and out of the actual restroom. I noticed some meeting places as well with transparent walls good for community gatherings. Some notable places I've seen are The Sanctuary, DandiLion wax studio, and the Charleston Wellness Studio. Upon reading another Yelp review I loved they offer a venue space as well which would be great for showers or weddings perhaps! Something to look into. Another wonderful addition to the Schoolhouse is the picturesque garden next door. Enjoyed the flowers and greenery before embarking on my next task. Very peaceful space.

    The Schoolhouse is a fairly new event center, I believe it has been about a year? More or less,…read morecould be wrong. At any rate, we were looking for a spot to hold our mom's 70th birthday surprise party. We were struggling with finding availability on a Saturday afternoon - church reception halls were booked, other venues were booked, and then other venues just wanted to charge too much for a birthday party (charging us Charleston wedding prices!!). The Schoolhouse actually did not come up in our search, but was recommended to my sister. My sister immediately contacted the Schoolhouse to check availability. They have a couple different rooms that are rentable, depending on size. We didn't need anything too big, so we were able to rent out the Music Room. Small room good for 30-40 people. They supply the chairs/tables with the rental. On the day of, Heather was there to meet us, and gave me her number in case we had any questions. I will say, the only issue was that there was another group that had a function going on in the next room and they had come in and taken one of our tables. So we had to take it back! Not a big issue, since Heather took charge, but it just seems like people don't understand that multiple events can go on. That is the biggest issue that I see with this space, is that people don't understand that multiple events can go on. Obviously, if you are the one renting it, then you know it, but your guests do not. So as we were setting up, we had the doors open so that we could bring stuff in from the cars. Well there were some random people that just walked into and through our room. Do you not see us setting up? Then eventually two people came in and were on the floor giving massages (what in the world??) - not sure if they were tenants or from the other party. Again, do you not see us setting up? We told them we had this space reserved, and they were willing to leave. Then I guess the party next door did not bring enough supplies, coming in and asking us for cups. No, we bought these for our party. I wouldn't say this is a fault to the event center, but a fault to guests/other people renting, to give other people common courtesy. We did end up closing all doors once we got everything inside from all of the cars, and had no other issues. My only suggestion would be to maybe have signs in place by the rental facility showing that "this room is privately reserved today, please do not enter". During the actual party with the room filled, it did get very warm. It was at least a cool night so that we opened the door to the outside to let cool air in. I'm not sure if we knew how to adjust the temperature or if we could adjust it, but that was our means of just letting the building be and letting cool air in. Also, there is ample parking in front and in back of the building. So your guests do not have to worry about having to park and walk or to pay for parking. Overall, I would definitely recommend this space for a party - reasonably priced, with a great setup on how much space you actually need.

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    Beautiful garden (reserved plots but could always uses volunteers to water)

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    The Loutrel

    The Loutrel

    4.6(51 reviews)
    2.2 miFrench Quarter

    You're only as strong as your weakest link…read more I've stayed in many hotels for both work and personal travel. The nice amenities, decent gym and friendly staff are what creates the environment for a pleasant experience. Two of these were met and the friendly staff, was mostly there. . .but one sour apple truly changed the course of our stay. Even my wife, who worked once upon a time in hospitality at Kiawah Resort, was started by the interactions from The Loutrel Hotel staff member. Long story short. The daily complimentary breakfast was served. I accidentally went to place the granola lid on the yogurt, my wife told me that was the wrong lid and I went to correct. From across the room the breakfast attendant yelled, "sir that doesn't go there." Startled, I immediately removed it and placed it accordingly. I laughed it off. Moments later I went to sit my breakfast down where my drink was located. Same attendant, "you're not even sitting at the right table with your wife." Again, my error, but don't call me out twice in one morning. It's a small lobby, so many staff members overheard the interaction. Nothing was done by other management. The next morning, I walked down to look at breakfast. I saw the same attendant and said, good morning. She looked at me but wasn't pleasant in her response. Unlike the rest of her colleagues at the restaurant who are polite and kind, the same customer service I expect and provide to my customers. Breakfast offered salmon with some type of eggs or shellfish. I can't eat shellfish, allergic. So, I went to grab a biscuit at a local coffee shop and a coffee. We came back to the hotel and sat our food down. The same rude attendant came over, nudged my wife in her back and said, "you can't have this here, cross contamination." So, I left. Allowed my wife to eat her yogurt in the area. Funny enough, my wife asked where the utensils were, because every table had them. Same attendant rudely, pointed to another table for her to get them. I should have just sat down and ate my food as I didn't see any signs for "no outside food." Either way, stay somewhere else. It's unfortunate that a hotel like this allows such rudeness from a staff member. I did report this to the manager, and online but was met with more passivity. Comped two nights of valet. Honestly, it wasn't enough. I would never stay here again and it ended the trip on such a sour note.

    This hotel lobby room is very cool. They have the massive couch swing with very decorative art hung…read moreup throughout the room. We went here as part of a dirty martini tour and had the pickle martini. Not the biggest fan of the pickle martini as I'd rather have the olives but it was cool to try something different. Ask them about the martini passport to get 50% drinks the next time you visit

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    The Loutrel - Free drink upon arrival; very much appreciated.

    Free drink upon arrival; very much appreciated.

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    3.0(2 reviews)
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    The Ashley
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    Lewis Barbecue - bbq - Updated May 2026

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