LeRoy and Lewis Barbecue has transformed Austin’s barbecue scene since opening in 2017. The food truck turned restaurant has pioneered “new school” barbecue techniques while respecting Texas traditions. By blending innovative flavors and cuts with time-honored smoking methods, LeRoy and Lewis has rewritten the barbecue rulebook and earned national acclaim.
In early 2024, LeRoy and Lewis expanded from their original food truck to a full-service restaurant in Austin’s Garrison Park neighborhood. The new location allows owners Evan LeRoy and Sawyer Lewis to serve a wider menu of creative smoked meats and sides. Their unconventional approach includes using lesser-known beef cuts and incorporating global flavors into classic Texas-style barbecue.
LeRoy and Lewis’s impact extends beyond Austin. Food critics and barbecue enthusiasts have taken notice of their inventive style, with The New York Times praising them as key players in barbecue’s evolution. The duo plans to share their techniques in an upcoming cookbook, further cementing their role in shaping modern Texas barbecue.
The Evolution of Leroy and Lewis Barbecue
Leroy and Lewis Barbecue has rapidly transformed Austin’s barbecue landscape since its inception. The business has grown from a food truck to a brick-and-mortar establishment while pioneering a new approach to Texas barbecue.
Origins in the Austin Food Truck Scene
Evan LeRoy and Sawyer Lewis launched LeRoy and Lewis Barbecue as a food truck in Austin in 2017. The duo brought unique perspectives to the venture. Evan LeRoy had previously honed his skills at Freedmen’s Bar, where he gained recognition for his pit mastery. Sawyer Lewis focused on operations management.
Their food truck quickly gained traction in Austin’s competitive barbecue scene. It stood out for its innovative approach, blending traditional Texas barbecue techniques with creative culinary twists. The truck’s menu featured unconventional cuts and dishes not typically found at other barbecue joints.
Transition to a Brick-and-Mortar Establishment
In 2024, LeRoy and Lewis took a significant step by opening their first brick-and-mortar location. This move allowed them to expand their offerings and provide a more comprehensive dining experience. The new space retained the casual atmosphere that made the food truck popular while adding comfort and permanence.
The transition brought new opportunities for culinary experimentation. With a full kitchen and expanded smoking capacity, Evan LeRoy could further showcase his innovative barbecue techniques. The brick-and-mortar also enabled them to introduce new services, such as their reservation-only steak nights.
New School Barbecue Philosophy
LeRoy and Lewis embody the “new school” barbecue philosophy. This approach respects traditional Texas barbecue while embracing innovation and sustainability. They prioritize responsible sourcing, obtaining meats from Texas ranches and utilizing whole animals to minimize waste.
The menu at LeRoy and Lewis often features less common cuts of meat, challenging the notion of what constitutes Texas barbecue. This creativity has earned them recognition, including a spot on Texas Monthly’s Top 50 Texas Barbecue Joints list in 2021.
Their commitment to quality and innovation extends beyond the meat. Side dishes and accompaniments receive equal attention, resulting in a well-rounded menu that caters to diverse tastes.
Menu Innovations and Signature Dishes
LeRoy and Lewis redefine traditional Texas barbecue with inventive dishes and unique flavor combinations. Their menu blends classic techniques with modern culinary influences, offering a fresh take on smoked meats and sides.
Reimagined Classic Texas Barbecue
LeRoy and Lewis put their own spin on barbecue staples. Their brisket is carefully sourced from Texas ranches and smoked to perfection. Beef ribs receive special treatment with Sichuan-inspired spices, creating a bold and unexpected flavor profile.
The restaurant’s sausages showcase creativity, featuring rotating varieties that incorporate unconventional ingredients. Smoked beef cheeks offer a melt-in-your-mouth alternative to traditional cuts.
Incorporation of Unique Ingredients and Flavors
Kimchi makes frequent appearances on the menu, adding tangy Korean flair to various dishes. The Frito pie gets an upgrade with house-made chili and high-quality toppings.
LeRoy and Lewis embrace global flavors, as evidenced by their Sichuan beef ribs. This fusion approach sets them apart in Austin’s competitive barbecue scene.
Seasonal specials highlight local ingredients and culinary experimentation, keeping the menu fresh and exciting for repeat customers.
Celebrated Sides and Vegetarian Options
A kale caesar salad provides a lighter counterpoint to rich smoked meats. Vegetarian options receive equal attention, with innovative plant-based dishes that hold their own against meaty counterparts.
Side dishes elevate the barbecue experience, featuring creative twists on classics and entirely new creations. These sides complement the smoked meats while standing out as noteworthy dishes in their own right.
LeRoy and Lewis cater to diverse dietary needs without compromising flavor or culinary integrity. Their commitment to quality extends beyond meats to every item on the menu.
The Leroy and Lewis Approach to Hospitality
Leroy and Lewis redefines barbecue hospitality with a blend of innovation and warmth. Their approach centers on creating an inviting atmosphere and offering diverse menu options to cater to varied tastes.
Creating a Welcoming Atmosphere
The new brick-and-mortar location of Leroy and Lewis in South Austin elevates the dining experience. Indoor seating provides a comfortable environment for guests to enjoy their meals. The restaurant’s design reflects their “New School BBQ, Old School Service” ethos.
Staff members are trained to provide attentive service while maintaining a casual, friendly demeanor. This balance ensures guests feel both cared for and at ease during their visit.
The restaurant’s layout encourages social interaction, with communal tables and an open kitchen concept. This setup allows diners to watch the pitmasters at work, adding an element of entertainment to the meal.
Inclusive Menu for Diverse Palates
Leroy and Lewis breaks from traditional barbecue norms with their innovative menu offerings. While honoring Texas barbecue roots, they incorporate unique cuts and preparations to appeal to a wider audience.
The expanded menu includes:
- Rotating daily specials
- Vegetarian and vegan options
- Unusual cuts like beef cheeks and pulled whole hog
- Locally-sourced sides and desserts
This diverse selection ensures that all diners, regardless of dietary preferences, can find something to enjoy. The menu’s flexibility also keeps regulars intrigued, encouraging repeat visits to try new items.
Leroy and Lewis offers reservation-only steak nights, showcasing their commitment to providing special dining experiences. These events feature high-quality cuts prepared with expert techniques, catering to barbecue enthusiasts and steak lovers alike.
Strategic Locations and Ambient Experience
LeRoy and Lewis has strategically positioned itself in Austin’s vibrant culinary landscape. The brand’s choice of locations reflects a keen understanding of the local food scene and consumer preferences.
South Austin’s Emerging Culinary Hub
LeRoy and Lewis has set up shop in South Austin’s Garrison Park neighborhood at 5621 Emerald Forest Drive. This area is rapidly becoming a hotspot for food enthusiasts. The new brick-and-mortar restaurant opened on February 28, 2024, marking a significant expansion from their food truck origins.
The location offers ample space for indoor and outdoor seating, allowing patrons to enjoy their meals in a comfortable setting. The restaurant’s design incorporates elements that pay homage to Texas barbecue tradition while embracing a modern aesthetic.
Synergy with Cosmic Coffee + Beer
LeRoy and Lewis’s original food truck found its home at Cosmic Coffee + Beer Garden. This partnership proved to be a masterstroke in location strategy. The synergy between craft beer and artisanal barbecue created a unique dining experience for customers.
The food truck’s presence at Cosmic Coffee + Beer allowed LeRoy and Lewis to build a loyal customer base. It provided a casual, laid-back atmosphere that complemented their innovative approach to barbecue. This successful collaboration lasted for seven years, laying the groundwork for their expansion into a standalone restaurant.
Community Engagement and Events
LeRoy and Lewis actively cultivates connections with Austin’s food scene through various gatherings and events. Their approach goes beyond serving barbecue, focusing on creating memorable experiences for their patrons.
Hosted Gatherings and Public Events
LeRoy and Lewis organizes regular steak nights, drawing in barbecue enthusiasts from across Austin. These reservation-only events often have weeks-long waiting lists, highlighting their popularity. The restaurant also hosts seasonal celebrations, collaborating with local breweries and food artisans.
Special occasions like their food truck’s going away party have become community highlights. These events typically feature exclusive menu items and live music, creating a festive atmosphere.
Connection with Local Food Enthusiasts
The restaurant actively engages with Austin’s culinary community through pop-up events and collaborations. They participate in local food festivals, showcasing their innovative take on barbecue.
LeRoy and Lewis also offers barbecue classes, teaching enthusiasts the art of smoking meats. These hands-on sessions cover techniques, meat selection, and flavor profiles.
Social media plays a key role in their community engagement. They regularly share behind-the-scenes content, recipe tips, and event announcements, fostering a strong online following.
Leroy and Lewis Brand Extensions
Leroy and Lewis has expanded beyond their restaurant, offering fans new ways to enjoy their flavors at home. Their product line and educational efforts aim to bring their barbecue expertise to a wider audience.
Packaged Food Products
Leroy and Lewis now sells a variety of packaged foods inspired by their restaurant menu. Their flat iron steaks and citra hop sausages allow customers to recreate signature dishes at home. The brand’s cornbread mix replicates their popular side dish.
For those craving barbecue-inspired condiments, Leroy and Lewis offers pimento spread and bacon-onion dip. These versatile products pair well with meats or as standalone dips. Their house-made pickles are also available for purchase.
Cookbook and Culinary Education
Leroy and Lewis has released a cookbook featuring recipes from their restaurant and food truck. The book includes instructions for preparing their renowned barbecue dishes, sides, and sauces.
Beyond the cookbook, the brand offers culinary education opportunities. Cooking classes and workshops led by Evan LeRoy teach participants barbecue techniques and recipes. These sessions cover topics like meat selection, smoking methods, and flavor development.
Online video tutorials complement in-person education, allowing fans to learn Leroy and Lewis barbecue skills from anywhere. The brand’s educational efforts help spread their unique approach to Texas barbecue.
Sustainability and Commitment to Quality
LeRoy and Lewis prioritizes sustainable practices and high-quality ingredients in their barbecue offerings. The restaurant’s approach focuses on supporting local producers and implementing eco-friendly measures throughout their operations.
Locally Sourced Ingredients
LeRoy and Lewis partners with local farmers and ranchers to source fresh, high-quality meats and produce. They prioritize whole animal butchery, utilizing lesser-known cuts to minimize waste and showcase unique flavors.
The restaurant’s menu features seasonal vegetables and sides made from locally grown ingredients. This commitment to local sourcing not only ensures freshness but also supports the Austin-area agricultural community.
By working directly with producers, LeRoy and Lewis maintains strict quality control standards. They carefully select each ingredient to meet their exacting specifications for flavor, texture, and overall quality.
Eco-Friendly Practices
LeRoy and Lewis implements various eco-friendly practices to reduce their environmental impact. They use biodegradable packaging materials for takeout orders and catering services.
The restaurant employs energy-efficient equipment in their kitchen and dining areas. LED lighting and low-flow water fixtures help conserve resources.
LeRoy and Lewis participates in composting programs to minimize food waste. They also recycle cooking oil and other materials whenever possible.
The brick-and-mortar location features sustainable design elements, including reclaimed wood and recycled materials in the decor. These choices reflect the restaurant’s commitment to environmental stewardship.
Impact on the Broader Barbecue Landscape
LeRoy and Lewis has made significant waves in Austin’s barbecue scene, influencing both established and up-and-coming pitmasters. Their innovative approach has sparked a reimagining of traditional Texas barbecue.
Influence on the Austin Barbecue Culture
LeRoy and Lewis has pushed the boundaries of conventional barbecue, inspiring other pitmasters to experiment with new techniques and flavors. Their use of non-traditional cuts and creative sides has encouraged diversity in menus across Austin.
Many barbecue joints, including Franklin Barbecue and La Barbecue, have taken note of LeRoy and Lewis’s success with unconventional offerings. This has led to a broader range of options for barbecue enthusiasts in the city.
The food truck’s impact extends to newer establishments like Distant Relatives and KG BBQ, which have embraced fusion and experimentation in their menus.
Comparisons to Other Notable Barbecue Joints
LeRoy and Lewis stands out among Austin’s barbecue elite for its innovative approach. While Franklin Barbecue is known for perfecting traditional brisket, LeRoy and Lewis has gained recognition for its unique cuts and creative sides.
J Mueller BBQ and La Barbecue, both respected for their classic Texas-style barbecue, contrast with LeRoy and Lewis’s more experimental menu. This diversity has enriched Austin’s barbecue landscape.
Valentina’s Tex Mex BBQ shares similarities with LeRoy and Lewis in its fusion approach, blending barbecue with other culinary traditions. Both have contributed to expanding the definition of Texas barbecue.
Navigating Growth and Success
LeRoy and Lewis has experienced rapid growth since its inception, expanding from a food truck to a brick-and-mortar establishment. This growth has brought both opportunities and challenges for the brand.
Expanding the LeRoy and Lewis Brand
LeRoy and Lewis opened its first brick-and-mortar restaurant in South Austin on February 28, 2024. The new location at 5621 Emerald Forest Drive offers counter-service smoked meats by the quarter-pound, plates, and sandwiches. This expansion allows the brand to serve more customers and provide a wider range of menu options.
The restaurant also features a bar, enhancing the dining experience for patrons. This move from food truck to permanent establishment marks a significant milestone in the brand’s growth trajectory.
Preserving Core Values Amidst Expansion
As LeRoy and Lewis grows, maintaining its core values and quality standards remains a priority. The brand continues to focus on its “new school” BBQ approach, which emphasizes whole animal barbecue and innovative meat cuts.
The brick-and-mortar location allows for more experimentation and menu diversity. LeRoy and Lewis has introduced special events like reservation-only steak nights, showcasing their commitment to culinary creativity.
Despite the expansion, the brand strives to maintain the casual atmosphere that made their food truck popular. This balance between growth and preserving their identity is crucial for long-term success in Austin’s competitive barbecue scene.
Looking to the Future
LeRoy and Lewis are poised to make a significant impact on Austin’s barbecue scene with their new brick-and-mortar restaurant opening in July 2024. This move represents a bold step forward for the acclaimed barbecue duo.
The transition from food truck to permanent location allows for expanded menu offerings and innovative culinary experiments. Visitors can expect a blend of traditional Texas barbecue with creative twists that have become the LeRoy and Lewis signature.
Innovation remains at the forefront of their approach. The new restaurant will likely feature state-of-the-art smokers and kitchen equipment to enhance their barbecue techniques.
LeRoy and Lewis continue to push barbecue trends by incorporating unexpected ingredients and flavor combinations. Their commitment to using locally-sourced, high-quality meats and produce will undoubtedly carry over to the new establishment.
The restaurant’s bar program is expected to complement the barbecue offerings with craft cocktails and local beer selections. This addition will create a more comprehensive dining experience for patrons.
As they grow, LeRoy and Lewis are likely to maintain their online presence through leroyandlewisbbq.com. The website will serve as a hub for menu updates, special events, and possibly online ordering options.