SC has one of the best restaurants for good, cheap BBQ in 2026, new ranking shows

Add one more accolade for Lewis Barbecue.

This one from Cheapism, as South Carolina’s entry for the list of Good, Cheap BBQ in each state.

Pitmaster John Lewis opened Lewis Barbecue in 2016 after moving to Charleston from Austin, Texas.

Cheapism said Lewis Barbecue has “become one of South Carolina’s premier destinations for Central Texas-style smoked meats. Brisket is the undisputed star of the menu, while hot guts sausage, pork ribs, smoked turkey, and green chile corn pudding have all developed devoted followings among locals and visitors alike.”

Customers like the combination trays so they can try several meats and reviewers “praise the generous portions, consistently high quality, and standout side dishes,” Cheapism said.

“Weekend waits are common, but many guests say Lewis Barbecue is well worth planning your Charleston itinerary around,” Cheapism said.

Lewis grew up in El Paso, moved to Austin at 18 and started smoking meat in the backyard on a smoker his parents bought him for his birthday.

He moved to Denver to compete in the competition barbecue circuit, then back to Austin to work with a friend before partnering with another to open La Barbecue.

He is known to use smokers he designed himself and waking up at 4 a.m. to tend to the fire.

“He takes his meat seriously,” the Lewis website says.

He smokes pork beef brisket, spare ribs, beef ribs and what he calls Texas hot guts — sausage, oxtail.

Lewis Barbecue also received a 2025 Michelin Bib Gourmand. The award recognizes restaurants that serve exceptional, high-quality food at moderate prices and is named for Bibendum, the iconic Michelin Man.

“We’ve always believed in superior quality and great value, and it means so much to Pitmaster John Lewis and our entire team to be acknowledged for those same values,” a post on the restaurant’s Instagram page said.

Lewis Barbecue was listed as No. 12 on Tripadvisor’s best of the best hidden gems, based on the number of above and beyond reviews on Tripadvisor over a 12-month period, an achievement of 1% of restaurants, Tripadvisor said.

With 1,024 reviews, Lewis scored a 4.7.

“Lewis Barbecue Charleston has a relaxed, family-friendly vibe with a fun mix of quirky decor,” the website said.

Lewis Barbecue has also been featured in Southern Living, Conde Nast Traveler and Garden & Gun.

Lewis also owns Rancho Lewis, a Tex-Mex restaurant in Charleston, and opened a Greenville location in 2022 and a location in Atlanta in 2025.

Lewis Barbecue also ships smoked meats.

This story was originally published July 8, 2026 at 6:00 AM with the headline "SC has one of the best restaurants for good, cheap BBQ in 2026, new ranking shows."