Guy H.
Yelp
In 2024,Leroy and Lewis were among the first Texas style BBQ restaurants to be awarded one Michelin star. When I first read about that last year, I had mixed feelings.
Opened as a food truck in 2017,that success led to these lovely modern brick and mortar digs. At first you wonder about the design to house a BBQ restaurant. But,if you know anything about recent Austin,modern leaning everything rules and somehow, is working. This works too and I at least ,felt neutral in here and not put off. They've stuck a full bar in an interesting place against a back wall. This is a long way from a food truck 8 years ago with a Michelin Star to Boot( no Texas pun intended).
Congratulations Leroy and Lewis, on your Herculean success. I rolled into town, checked in at the hotel, and headed out for a late lunch. Fortunately, it was that window after lunch and before dinner with moderate customer demand. However,as with everywhere in Austin these days, parking is limited so high demand lunch and dinner times will dictate jockeying for a spot.
Now for the food. As with a lot of BBQ restaurants these days, I found finding the complete offerings and ordering a slight struggle. It's a good thing there wasn't a line because you would definitely feel pressured.
My gauge is and always has been the brisket. So,I was definitely getting a slice or two. However, my attention was drawn to everyone in front of me and at the tables, I could see with, brisket chili pie.
Oh yeah. I've smoked brisket all my life and made everything out of it, including Frito Pie. But, only recently has it started popping up on menus. That sounded good to me so,I ordered that,two slices of brisket and ice tea.
I watched it being prepared and it was done perfectly. Stepping over to the meat board I was asked what I wanted. He sliced a large piece of brisket which had both point( fatty) and lean( flat) meats. He also announced he was giving me a couple of burnt ends on the house. Didn't hurt my feelings.
I grabbed my tray and iced tea and found a seat in the back dinning area . After a moment of silence in Q gratitude,I slowly began sampling the goods.
The brisket was perfectly cooked. That is,a good tug does not immediately pull it apart. There is some remaining elasticity in perfectly smoked brisket and LeRoy and Lewis nail it
The Frito pie is ultra rich and filling. The chopped brisket was a little salty but expected. I've been cooking without salt for three weeks,so...The proportion of meat, cheese, Fritos and onions was perfect.
Overall, I liked these guys but, unfortunately, they're not the only game in town. I'll be back eventually and if you're in the area you should...
Go!