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    Lewis Barbecue

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

    Services - Lewis Barbecue

    Gluten-free catering

    Vegetarian catering

    Catering services

    Lewis Barbecue Photos

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    LEWIS BARBECUE ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Classy
    Casual
    Moderate noise
    Happy hour specials

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    Recommended Reviews - Lewis Barbecue

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    Monte' J.

    We stopped in, as we've done every time we've come to Charleston. Since we found out about Louis's, this time we ordered a half a pound of the brisket. The young lady who took our order educated us on the lean versus the fatty. We went with middle of the road. She gave us samples, and it definitely sold us on it. We ordered a side of fries along with the side of queso. We split the plate, and it's really, really good. Definitely enough food for the two of us. It was nice and tender. Fries were nice and crisp. The queso cheese sauce really took it over the top. The brisket didn't need the barbecue sauce, but it was a good complement to it. The line wasn't out the door, which was good for us. Got in, got our order, and found us a table. Nice clean atmosphere and great staff, as always. I'm definitely going to give it a 4 out of 5. The only thing that would have taken it to a 5 out of 5 is if the bark on the brisket had a little bit more flavor, with a little bit less salt to it. Other than that, it was an amazing meal.

    Bar - 2026
    Bri S.

    We got here just after opening on a Sunday during the summer while visiting some friends - we walked RIGHT up to the counter, hardly 5 seconds wait; service was fantastic they got us our meal VERY fast. Originally we sat outside (they have small fans on the tables for the flies but honestly we didn't need them). Then the husbands found seats inside the AC. It was a little loud inside but definitely good vibes - the kids loved it here. For two small families (4 adults 2 kids) we ordered 1.5 lbs brisket, 1.5lbs turkey, 1.5 of the ribs (which were our favorite!! Fall OFF THE BONE and beautifully seasoned) and 1/2 pound of the chopped up brisket. Personally I loved the brisket the best - great flavor and the perfect mix of lean to moist ratio. There was someone walking around asking us how our meals were and cleaning the tables (which isn't out of the ordinary) but I especially liked that he picked up the floor after a family of 4 that was quite messy - and he did it with a smile on his face! THATS A WIN!!! I love employees who love their job Only concern we had *giggles* was after my friends found out I was a yelper, they asked me to include that they would like a handle on the to-go bags. DONT FORGET to try the sweet tea!!

    Amber S.

    Meh, I don't get the hype. Parking is terrible and food is just not great. The pulled pork tastes like it's been soaked in vinegar, collard greens were way too sweet and potato salad was unremarkable. The sliced brisket and Mac and cheese were good. More than half of our food was leftover and I had no desire to take anything with us. Skip.

    Outside
    Dexter C.

    Great spot. Visiting from our of town, came across it on YELP. Plenty of parking in lot along with street parking. Seating both inside and out. Some of the best BBQ I have eaten... ordered Brisket, Brisket Sandwich, greens, mac & cheese and beans....all items had great flavor... All of the staff was friendly and professional.

    Prime Beef Brisket, Pork Spare Ribs, Sausage, Cowboy Pinto Beans with Pico on top, Tangy Coleslaw with some onions and pickles on the side.
    Cailin K.

    I'm still craving the Brisket after a week. First time going, I will definitely be back with family and friends. Such great spot- causal and family friendly. Different places to sit, inside or outside. This is a popular spot, I was surprised at how busy it got on a Monday at 1pm. The food truly is amazing,and the sauces you can add enhance the flavors!

    Stephanie L.

    We planned all of our dinner reservations for our Charleston foodie trip, so I let my husband pick where we went for lunches. He chose Lewis Barbecue, and while I'm not usually a huge BBQ person, this might be the best BBQ I've ever had. It's a Bib Gourmand-rated spot, and I can definitely see why. The service at the carving counter was great, and all of the sides were so good. I especially loved the mac and cheese, and the potato salad was absolutely bomb--creamy, a little tangy, and one of my favorite things we ordered. The free pickles were also a nice touch. The brisket was melt-in-your-mouth tender, and the ribs practically fell off the bone. Everything was flavorful without feeling too heavy. I honestly wasn't expecting to enjoy it as much as I did, but this ended up being one of my favorite lunches of the trip. I'd definitely come back the next time I'm in Charleston.

    Menu
    Jessica B.

    The hype is real. The food here is unbelievable. The Michelin star is well deserved. If I were on death row, this would be part of my last meal! My husband and I came here for lunch. The line was out the door but moved quickly. Once inside, the sign on the wall encourages you to grab a beer from the bar to drink while you wait, which we did - great idea! We got the following to share: brisket, ribs, a hot sausage link, coleslaw and mac & cheese. The flavor of the meat tasted like Jesus himself made it AND blessed it before giving it to me. The texture is so tender that you don't even need teeth to eat it. The meat effortlessly fell off the rib bone as soon as it touched my lips! And those sides!! BEST mac & cheese and coleslaw I've ever had anywhere in my life. The coleslaw had very thin sliced green pepper in it (which I loved) and was also the perfect consistency of not-too-wet and not-too-dry. I don't know if it would be possible to make the mac & cheese any creamier or dreamier than it already is; I could have eaten a bucket of it! I already can't wait to come back here again!! :)

    Delicious!
    Denise D.

    Went with a group of four for lunch. The folks I was with are long time residents and they chose without consulting me. Lol, they know good food! It was just after 12 noon and by some miracle we only stood in line about ten minutes. The rush came in shortly after although I will say they handle the crowds beautifully. When it comes to barbecue, I am a pulled pork girl and I have lived in Texas! I don't hate on brisket, but none of it has bowled me over. Until today. Once again, I wasn't ordering so I just went with the flow. That chopped brisket sandwich was so moist and full of flavor that it did not need a DROP of barbecue sauce. I did use the sauce to dip my fries in. I don't often eat macaroni and cheese although I do love it ( my hips don't!) but I had to try it or risk the wrath of my lunch companions. It was delicious! The best I have had in a restaurant. Collards were fresh and tasty. I enjoyed the rustic setting and certainly the company. They can choose dining spots for me anytime!

    Michelin rated!
    Cmo M.

    Lewis Barbeque does not need this review at all but just have to acknowledge their amazing food. Charleston has quite a few wonderful BBQ places to choose from but by far this is our favorite! The main meats are awesome (Briskett, Ribs, Pulled Pork) AND the sides are amazing. The coleslaw is not drenched in mayo like most places do but is crisp, fresh and tasty! The Cornbread is amazing! Don't complain- there are usually long lines to place your order but factor that in so you are not starving:)

    Banana Pudding
    James M.

    The best BBQ in America. I stop here everytime I come to Charleston. Food is always on, cooked the same and seasoned the same. They added seating, as well as, plenty of seating outside. The also added automatic rotating bug fans on each table outside. The service can be backed up, as the crowds come. Don't worry as you will get through the line as they usually have 2 sides to check out, one to the left and one to the right and they are active most of the time. Average cost can range from $50-$100 depending on how much and variety of meats you get.

    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.

    Ike N.

    Went for dinner on a Thursday and the line was super long. It moves relatively quickly and the longest part of the wait is indoors (where it's air-conditioned and you can get beer or a drink while you're waiting) is it isn't too terrible. Even with the long wait times though the food was definitely worth it. This was probably some of the most tender and juicy brisket I've ever had in my life. The ribs fall right off the bone. The sausage has a good snap when you bite into it. And all of the sauces taste amazing. Really can't say anything bad about anything on my tray. I love that they have local beers here. They had a special green sour which was sweeter than I was expecting but a nice change of pace from a traditional beer.

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    1 month ago

    The best in Charleston!! The brisket sandwich and the potatoes are the best! Make sure your appetite is ready and enjoy!!

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    Best Barbecue I have ever eaten, and that is saying something. The brisket is out of this world!

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    Page 1 of 62

    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… 

    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… 

    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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    Rodney Scott's BBQ

    Rodney Scott's BBQ

    4.1
    (1.5k reviews)
    0.5 mi
    $$

    OMG!! This is the BBQ I've been dreaming of since moving to the South from the North, where BBQ is…read morevirtually non-existent... My husband and I shared a plate of brisket, ribs, beans, cornbread and mac & cheese. The meat just melts in your mouth! You don't even need teeth to eat it, that's how tender it is! And those beans!! They were BEST baked beans I've ever had in my life. I could have eaten a bucket of them. I already can't wait to come back here again! :)

    A terrific BBQ joint in the heart of Charleston that offers drive-thru service as well as indoor…read moreand outdoor dining. Small parking spaces so you would have to rely on street parking on busier days however I was lucky to park behind the restaurant on a Wednesday evening. Service was excellent! Let's talk about the food! I ordered a 3 meat combo: Brisket, Pork Ribs, and Pulled Pork. My favorite was the brisket however I wish it was sliced not chopped nevertheless it was tasty. The Pork ribs were delicious as well but I wish it was more tender. Pulled pork was nicely seasoned but not my personal preference of meats however it was my first time so I had to get a little taste of everything. I will definitely be back to try their brisket sandwich! The sides: Collard Greens, Mac & Cheese, and Cornbread that all come with the combo. I enjoyed these sides as they hit what southern sides are all about. No problem there!

    Photos
    Lb of ribs with Mac and hush puppies.
    Lb of ribs with Mac and hush puppies.
    Pulled pork by the lb
    Pulled pork by the lb
    A side order of Mac and Cheese.  The ONLY thing that was good about our take out meal.

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    A side order of Mac and Cheese. The ONLY thing that was good about our take out meal.
    Poogan's Smokehouse

    Poogan's Smokehouse

    4.0
    (1k reviews)
    2.3 mi
    $$

    We came in for a quick bite after walking the city for the day and I'm so glad that we did! We both…read moreselected tacos & both sets were incredible! I had the house chips as my side & hubs had the slaw. We both thoroughly enjoyed our meals! Service was quick at the bar and our bartender was very attentive!

    Wanted to try a new place, made reservations. The staff was super nice. - Order the pork belly…read moreburnt onions, which were a 3 out of 5. The texture was fine, but the flavor of the sauce was too sweet for me. It did come with a unique square of cornbread, which was really moist and good. - I ordered the wings because they needed the dressing. They came along with it to make the flavor profile. I wasn't a fan of them without the dressing. They were also a little dry. I would give them a 3 out of 5. - The appetizer, the cornbread itself, had a nice butter topping for it. The cornbread seemed to have corn bits in it, which were chewy, but the cornbread was also dry, so I'd have to give it a 2 out of 5. - The empanadas themselves were cooked a little long, but the filling was really good. The flavors of the corn and everything together made it a 5 out of 5. They were a little pricey for two empanadas, but it was the star of the meal. I would definitely say the empanadas are a 4 out of 5 only because of the quantity that you get for the price. - The mocktail that they made was super sour. It needed some simple syrup to tone it down, but flavor-wise, it was good. I would have to give the entire experience a 3 out of 5.

    Photos
    View as you walk in through the front door.
    View as you walk in through the front door.
    Key Lime Pie
    Key Lime Pie
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    King BBQ

    King BBQ

    4.4
    (168 reviews)
    3.6 mi
    $$

    Since my off visit back in March everything at King BBQ has been back to normal and deserves my 5…read morestars again. I've been twice in two weeks, both on a Wednesday. I had the $10 burger and beer special the first Wednesday and today I had the fried chicken thigh sandwich dipped in the hot sauce. I was also celebrity chef star struck when I walked in and saw Shuai there! I recently went down the Top Chef binge watching rabbit hole and watched his season. It was super cool to get to see him in person in the kitchen instead of on my tv screen. :-) And as I mentioned the 5 stars are happily back in place as everything I've had has been delicious. I can't wait to return.

    This off the beaten path non traditional bbq place is a really unique experience. This was our…read morefirst time trying King because we are big fans of Jackrabbit Philly. The process is a bit confusing as far as grabbing a menu then ordering at the counter then they bring your food, so we decided to sit at the bar where it's full service. The bartender was amazing. She had recommendations and let me try a drink before fully committing. We ordered the Golden Hour fries with yum yum sauce (amazing), the crab rangoons, pulled pork noodles and red beans and rice with chicken. The crab rangoons are not what you think of for traditional rangoos. They're actually hush puppies with a crab dip. The hush puppies are incredible and we just spooned the dip on top. Different but delightful. The pulled pork noodle bowl was a bit of a let down. It truly was just a heap of noodles and some pork. The pork was really really good, but I was surprised the noodles had no flavor and overwhelmed the bowl. The red beans and chicken had much more flavor, it was bone in chicken however the flavor was really nice. The drink menu is thoughtfully curated and crafted with some really unique options. We tried a highball and a frozen drink and both were really tasty. Next time I think I will order a BBQ plate so I can have more of the actual meat because it was really good, but I'm glad I tried something a little different.

    Photos
    Fried Chicken Sandwich with side of BBQ fried rice with ranch
    Fried Chicken Sandwich with side of BBQ fried rice with ranch
    King BBQ
    Crab Rangoon hush puppies + cocktails

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    Crab Rangoon hush puppies + cocktails
    Home Team BBQ

    Home Team BBQ

    4.1
    (414 reviews)
    0.0 mi
    $$

    Incredible experience at Home Town BBQ! I was excited to…read moretry a new BBQ spot with my fiance while visiting. We were greeted by the smell of smoked meat, which was incredible. We were seated on their covered patio, which had fans and was comfortable on a hot evening. Our server greeted us right away and gave us the run down of the menu and took our drink order. They had a lot of local beer offerings, which was awesome. We both tried local beers and started with the smoked wing appetizer with the dry rub. They were so tasty and the rub had the perfect mix of sweet and spice. Chef's kiss! For our entree, we split a two meat platter, which came with two sides. We got the smoked turkey, pulled pork, Mac and cheese and their hash and rice, a thick meat stew made from pork. Everything was incredible! We also loved trying the different sauces on the table. We ended the meal with their banana pudding, which was divine. Couldn't recommend Home Team BBQ more!

    Home Team BBQ was a tough choice between them and Lewis BBQ. A local mentioned that the same…read morepitmaster is behind both spots and that Home Team is the more budget-friendly option. The baked beans were the standout for me--full of flavor and easily my favorite item on the menu. The collard greens, however, were a bit too spicy and vinegary for my taste, and the mac and cheese didn't quite hit the mark; it was overly heavy with roux and a bit too gooey. We ordered "The Board," which offered a great variety of meats and sides, including wings, turkey, brisket, pulled pork, pork rinds, and ribs, all accompanied by pickled red onions and Alabama sauce. Overall, it was a solid experience with plenty of flavorful options to try.

    Photos
    Inside Entry
    Inside Entry
    Chicken Wings, Baked Queso, Fried Mac n cheese
    Chicken Wings, Baked Queso, Fried Mac n cheese
    Interior

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    Interior
    Swig & Swine

    Swig & Swine

    4.4
    (706 reviews)
    16.2 mi
    $$

    My first time here, but my husband has been many times. He claims this is the best brisket he has…read morehad in a long time and gets it every time. Sausage is ok, and likes the chicken when he is in the mood for it. He hasnt had anything there that he doesnt like. I loved the turkey, baked beans and Mac n cheese. Our Hurricane drink was pretty delicious( with part of the proceeds goes to a charity for that one particular drink). The server was polite and friendly. They smoke and bbq all the meats right out back of the restaurant so the food came out quick, fresh and amazing! I personally loved the Mustard and Sweet Red sauces while my husband prefers the slight heat of the Jalapeño sauce . The recipes for the sauces are hanging up on the walls as part of the decor. The only thing i could knock them for is the bathroms were a little dingy. Not really super dirty, just needs some updating with new tiles and paint. Overall great place and we will definitely will be returning!

    Yikes. Not what I was expecting for southern barbecue. My husband and I are from New England where…read morebarbecue barely exists, nevermind good barbecue! However, I feel like we've had better barbecue up north than we did here... We ordered a brisket plate + a pork belly plate to share with mac & cheese, grits and corn pudding. The brisket was dry and flavorless. The pork belly was more fat than meat. Thank goodness for the variety of delicious sauces they provided with our meals! I'm giving two stars for the sides & sauces being pretty good but that's about it. I don't know the area but I'm sure you can find better meats elsewhere :(

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    Swig & Swine
    Garlic buffalo wings
    Garlic buffalo wings
    Pork rinds with hot honey & blue cheese

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    Pork rinds with hot honey & blue cheese

    Lewis Barbecue - bbq - Updated August 2026

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