LeRoy and Lewis: The Austin BBQ You Can Actually Get Into

Austin has a BBQ problem, and the problem is that the best-known places require either a four-hour commitment or an early morning arrival strategy. Franklin Barbecue is worth it, and I'm not telling you not to go. But if you want exceptional Texas barbecue without turning it into a half-day project, LeRoy and Lewis on Emerald Forest Drive is your answer.

New School BBQ, Old School Service

That's their tagline, and it's accurate. LeRoy and Lewis is at 5621 Emerald Forest Dr in South Austin — just off Stassney, about 1.5 miles west of I-35 — and it operates as a counter-service BBQ spot with a menu that goes further than the standard brisket-ribs-sausage trinity without abandoning what makes Texas BBQ worth eating.

The sourcing is local. The approach is inventive — they rotate proteins and preparations that you won't find at more traditional spots — but the fundamentals are right. The smoke is real. The bark is real. And the brisket, when they have it, is legitimately excellent.

Why It Works

The best thing about LeRoy and Lewis, beyond the food, is that it operates like a restaurant that respects your time. You can get in. You don't need to plan your entire day around a table. The patio is good, the vibe is relaxed, and the team runs service the way a neighborhood BBQ spot should — efficiently and with genuine hospitality.

They're closed Tuesdays. Open Sunday, Monday, Wednesday, Thursday 11 AM–9 PM and Friday–Saturday 11 AM–10 PM. Worth checking their social media before you go to see what's on the menu that day — specials rotate and some of the best stuff is limited.

Close to Our Properties

LeRoy and Lewis is in South Austin, which puts it close to several of our South Austin properties. If your group wants a BBQ night without the Franklin logistics, this is the call. Order heavy — leftovers from here are also excellent.

LeRoy and Lewis BBQ · 5621 Emerald Forest Dr, Austin, TX 78745 · leroyandlewis.com · Closed Tuesdays