I don’t know barbecue very well, so take that caveat and don’t get angry when I talk about it like a kindergartner attempts to discuss geometry.
Lewis Barbecue is brand new to Charleston and people have been super stoked on it. I’ve had a lot of discussions with friends on going to it but had some time today so decided to swing by and see if, by some miracle, there wasn’t a long line because people were still being good citizens and were still at church. Luckily for me, I grabbed a seat at the bar (which only serves sandwiches, if you want more, you have to go inside) in no time.
From what I understand, the chef is a BIG DEAL in Austin, TX where beef is revered above other meats. He, John Lewis, decided that Charleston would be a good second place to set up shop. They do beef (brisket), pulled pork, sausage (so nicely called Texas Hot Guts) among other meats (see: Lewis Barbecue Menu).
I was a vegetarian for 9 years and still prefer poultry but since beef is king in Texas and for some reason I wanted to know what Texas Hot Guts was, I got the sandwich “El Sancho” with those two. I didn’t get any sides because I’m on a budget and $11 for the sandwich was kind of steep for payday still being 8 days away. That, and I wasn’t super hungry. And I’m glad I didn’t add anything, because the sandwich was YUGE as some politicians would say. I only ate half and brought the rest home.
The pickled onions were fantastic and the meat was great too. I enjoyed the visit and definitely will go back with friends.
They also had a ton of yummy drinks on display and was very tempted to get one of their agua frescas listed on a long chalkboard, but again… pay-day is far away.
All in all great barbecue, but again, I don’t know what to really compare it to!
Lewis Barbecue
464 N Nassau St, Charleston, SC 29403