Lewis Barbecue Crowned Best BBQ Joint in South Carolina

News Summary

Charleston’s Lewis Barbecue has been awarded the title of Best Barbecue Joint in South Carolina for 2025 by Southern Living, following a poll of over 10,000 food enthusiasts. The restaurant, founded by pitmaster John Lewis, is celebrated for its Texas-style smoked meats, including prime brisket and spicy sausages. With a strong local following and a reputation built on taste and dedication, Lewis Barbecue is set to influence the BBQ scene in the Carolinas. This accolade marks an exciting milestone for the establishment and highlights a shifting trend toward bold flavors in Southern BBQ.

CHARLESTON, SOUTH CAROLINA: A Smokin’ Sensation!

Gather ’round, barbecue lovers! Charleston is buzzing with excitement as Lewis Barbecue has snagged the coveted title of the Best Barbecue Joint in South Carolina in the latest rankings released for 2025. That’s right! Based on a poll conducted by readers, over 10,000 enthusiastic foodies chimed in, and it looks like Lewis Barbecue won the hearts (and stomachs) of many!

The Polling Bonanza

This survey was the brainchild of Southern Living and Proof Insights, taking place from July 10 to August 21, 2024. So, if you’re wondering how on earth this fabulous establishment earned such an honor, the answer lies in the passionate votes of barbecue connoisseurs. It’s not just recognition; it’s a delicious reputation built on dedication and top-notch flavors.

A Tasty Journey

Owned by pitmaster John Lewis, Lewis Barbecue opened its first location in sunny Charleston back in 2016. After moving from Austin, Texas, where BBQ is practically a religion, Lewis decided to share his smoky artistry with the Carolinas. Fast forward to 2022, and he opened a second location in Greenville, bringing his finger-licking barbecue to even more people!

Smoke & Fire: The Signature Touch

What sets Lewis Barbecue apart? It’s all about the Texas-style smoked meats. Think juicy beef ribs and melt-in-your-mouth brisket—these mouthwatering choices aren’t exactly abundant on your typical South Carolina menu, which tends to favor tender pork. Signature dishes at Lewis Barbecue include prime brisket, spicy hot gut sausages, meaty spare ribs, plus the standout hatch chile corn pudding and green Hatch chile barbecue sauce, a nod to Lewis’s roots in El Paso.

Winning Over the Locals

In a state known for its pork barbecue, Lewis Barbecue has managed to turn heads and win over locals. It seems South Carolinians are ready to embrace the bold flavors of slow-smoked beef. So much so that in 2023, Yelp declared Lewis Barbecue as the state’s favorite barbecue spot! This speaks volumes about the restaurant’s growing popularity.

Behind the Scenes of BBQ Brilliance

The secret to the success of Lewis Barbecue lies in John Lewis’s deep commitment to his craft. He’s not just a pitmaster; he’s a BBQ architect, often seen building custom-designed smokers and tending to the fires that get blazing at an early 4 a.m.. This kind of dedication is hard to come by and showcases just how much heart goes into every smoky bite.

What About Tradition?

While the traditional barbecue style around these parts mainly involves pork and a variety of sauces, with beef and chicken lurking in the background, Lewis Barbecue’s rising fame highlights an exciting shift in the culinary landscape. More and more diners are curious about Texas-style barbecue, and Lewis is leading the charge!

A New Champion in the BBQ Scene

Last year’s winner of the Southern Living barbecue accolade was Henry’s Smokehouse in Greenville. But now, South Carolina’s barbecue crown has been firmly placed on the head of Lewis Barbecue. The South’s Best Awards continue to shine a spotlight on extraordinary restaurants across various categories, and this win is surely one for the books!

What’s Next?

With such a prestigious award now under its belt, it’s exciting to think about what the future holds for Lewis Barbecue. Will there be more locations? New, innovative dishes? Only time will tell! If you haven’t visited yet, now is the perfect time to stop by and find out what the fuss is all about.

So, whether you’re a loyal local or a curious traveler, make your way to Charleston and dive into the savory world of Texas-style barbecue that is Lewis Barbecue. Your taste buds will thank you!

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Additional Resources

• Southern Living: Best BBQ Joint in Every State 2025
• Wikipedia: Barbecue
• Atlanta Magazine: John Lewis Joining Atlanta’s Barbecue Scene
• Google Search: Barbecue in South Carolina
• Eater: Best Barbecue in Charleston
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Barbecue
• iHeart: Unmissable South Carolina Eatery
• Google News: Lewis Barbecue