LeRoy and Lewis Barbecue serves inventive Texas barbecue at 5621 Emerald Forest Dr Ste 101 in South Austin, where brisket, beef cheeks, whole hog, and specialty sausages draw hungry locals and visitors. 🍖
Since opening in 2017, the restaurant has earned attention for carefully sourced Texas meats, post-oak smoke, and a menu that gives classic barbecue a fresh point of view.
Arrive early for lunch because popular meats, especially flatiron, brisket, and beef cheeks, can sell out.
How LeRoy and Lewis Barbecue won locals’ hearts
LeRoy and Lewis won Austin’s heart by making barbecue feel familiar while keeping every visit exciting.
The restaurant started in 2017 and built a following through an inventive approach to Texas smoked meat.
Local Texas sourcing became a major part of its identity, with the team choosing meat from ranches that value responsible farming practices.
That commitment gives diners more than a great plate because it connects the food directly to Texas producers.
The kitchen respects old-school barbecue fundamentals, including post-oak smoke, patient cooking, and simple seasoning.
At the same time, it gives guests a reason to try something beyond the usual brisket-and-ribs routine.
Beef cheeks became a signature order, showing how a less common cut can become deeply tender, smoky, and memorable.
Flatiron offers another exciting choice for guests who want a beefy alternative to traditional brisket.
The whole-hog barbecue brings a generous, old-fashioned spirit to the menu, with pork cooked over direct coals.
Regulars also appreciate that the menu changes through dinner specials and limited offerings throughout the week.
Thursday Chicken Fried Steak gives diners another reason to come back after their first barbecue visit. 🍗
Friday through Sunday dinner specials add variety for locals who already know the lunch menu well.
The restaurant keeps the experience friendly with counter service, cold drinks, and food made for sharing around the table.
LeRoy and Lewis feels like a true Austin barbecue destination because it balances serious smoke, quality ingredients, and a welcoming neighborhood energy.
Food Highlights
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Beef Cheeks: This signature smoked meat gets a peppery bark, slow post-oak smoke, and a rich finish with beef tallow. The result is tender, deeply savory, and one of the best reasons to order beyond brisket. 🥩
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Brisket: The brisket is seasoned simply with kosher salt and black pepper, then smoked over post oak for around 14 hours. Its juicy texture and crisp bark make it essential for anyone wanting a classic Texas barbecue plate. 🍖
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Flatiron: Smoked like brisket, this shoulder cut delivers a beefier flavor and makes a great choice for diners ready to try something less expected. Arrive early because it is one of the meats the restaurant specifically notes may sell out. 🔥
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Pulled Whole Hog: Locally raised pork is cooked over direct coals in a style inspired by Texas Hill Country barbecue. This is a flavorful option for pork fans who want more character than a standard pulled-pork sandwich. 🐖
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Bacon Ribs: Available on Saturdays at lunch, bacon ribs come from the restaurant’s whole-hog program. Their limited timing makes them a fun specialty order for a weekend barbecue outing. 🥓
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Hop Sausage: This coarse-ground sausage takes inspiration from German kielbasa and uses Citra hops for a distinctive flavor. It is a smart pick for guests who enjoy a smoky sausage with a more playful twist. 🍺
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L&L Burger: This barbecue-adjacent burger is part of the restaurant’s Anytime Eats menu, which is cooked fresh to order from the kitchen. It gives diners another satisfying option when they want a hearty, comfort-food-style meal. 🍔
Atmosphere
LeRoy and Lewis has a relaxed South Austin barbecue vibe where the smell of smoke and the sight of trays loaded with meat set the mood.
Guests order at the counter, grab a drink from the bar or retail refrigerators, and settle into a casual meal that feels perfect for groups.
The dog-friendly patio and approachable service make it easy to linger, eat slowly, and enjoy the neighborhood energy.
Bottom Line
LeRoy and Lewis Barbecue is worth visiting for inventive smoked meats, carefully sourced Texas ingredients, and specialty orders like beef cheeks and flatiron.
Come early for lunch, bring a hungry group, and leave room for something unexpected alongside the brisket.
Address: 5621 Emerald Forest Dr Ste 101, Austin, TX 78745
📞 (512) 945-9882
🕔 Open Sun-Mon, Wed-Thu, 11 AM–9 PM | Fri-Sat, 11 AM–10 PM | Tue Closed