Heard that Lewis worked for Franklins in Austin, one of my favorites when visiting Texas, so I had to give it a try.

We live outside Charlotte, about 3 1/2 hours away. So we started planning a trip.

I ordered the brisket, potato salad, and cold slaw. And the gave us a few free extras.

All I can say is that the drive was worth it. The brisket cuts with a fork and melts in your mouth. The cold slaw is vinegar based and crisp and delicious. I loved all three sauces.

It was all delicious. My only regret is that it's so far away.

(Full disclosure: I'm a pretentious jerk who thinks he knows something of BBQ) The brisket is the best I've tried in Charleston! I ordered the brisket sandwich which was fantastic! The meat carried the meal. However, the rest of the sandwich- bread, sauce, and the sides could have been better... not a fan of the ordering process either. If Lewis' meat could be paired with another BBQ place's (not to be named) buns, fries, etc., I might die! I hope the owner/pit boss/ BBQ God doesn't take this as a slam 'cause his food is great! If I had limited number of meals to eat in Charleston, Lewis would make the list!

The food was okay but from all the hype I thought the food would be amazing. I did like the corn pudding and brisket but the beef ribs were too salty, the pulled pork wasn't seasoned enough and the slaw didn't have much taste. Not sure I'd go out of my way to return.

Took my daughter for lunch here at the recommendation of a friend. I didn't know what to have, so I sampled several things; my daughter had a traditional bbq sandwich. We both really enjoyed the food and will go back.

This is the best BBQ (most tender & flavorful) we have ever eaten! It is quite expensive and the seating area is quite crude, rustic, too small, and uncomfortable overall. They do have a bar (overpriced drinks) with lots of TV's. They have an outside seating area with dirt/gravel floor too, TV's, and similar to park benches. The food carvers (they serve by the rib, by the pound, or by the slice) are VERY knowledgable and VERY courteous. I gave a "very good" rating ONLY because of the food. I'd give the establishment a "fair" to "good" at best. They have free parking.