Leroy and Lewis BBQ Austin Review: Netflix-Famous Food Truck

When I set out for an early lunch in Austin, Texas, there was only one place on my mind: Leroy and Lewis Barbecue, a legendary food truck!

Netflix's 'Somebody Feed Phil' featured Austin in its season that aired a few years ago, and I immediately knew I had to visit Leroy and Lewis Barbecue after binging the episode! Phil Rosenthal, the show's host, has a knack for finding incredible eats, and this one looked like a winner.

This was the spot! I remember seeing kimchi on the plate, tucked away on the top left of the meat. That unique touch definitely piqued my interest. Anyone who watches 'Somebody Feed Phil' knows that while Phil's enthusiasm is infectious, he does tend to exaggerate a bit – but when he eats deliciously, you know it's the real deal.

I immediately marked this spot as a must-visit and rallied my cousin to join the culinary adventure.

And so, our pilgrimage to Austin's barbecue mecca began!

Oh yes, this place is a gem! It was clear this spot was still a hit. Even though it's been a few years since its Netflix debut, the buzz around Leroy and Lewis hasn't faded. I'd read Google reviews warning of insane weekend waits, sometimes up to 2 hours, and even on a Friday, the parking lot was bustling.

This isn't your typical sit-down restaurant; it's more of a vibrant food truck haven. Given Austin's generally fantastic weather, it feels like a permanent outdoor food court, perfect for enjoying a meal al fresco.

It was a warm day, so shaded spots were prime real estate! While some other food trucks were still getting ready, LeRoy and Lewis Barbeque was clearly the main event, drawing the biggest crowd.

Our excitement was briefly dampened when we saw the dreaded 'Brisket Sold Out!' sign – a true Texas BBQ tragedy! But with five hungry mouths to feed, we rallied. We ordered two '2 MEAT and 2 SIDES' plates, plus an 'L and L Burger' (which came highly recommended in reviews). From the MEATS & MORE section, we sampled four varieties, skipping the cauliflower. For sides, we enjoyed four options, steering clear of the Kale Caesar Slaw and Refried Beans. We initially considered a smaller portion, but opting for two large plates was definitely the right move – everyone absolutely devoured their food!

By the way, the food truck owner was incredibly gregarious. He chatted with my cousin, asking about Korea and even mentioning his visits to Korean saunas in Dallas and Astoria, New York. He was so friendly and talkative! I regretted not asking him directly about the kimchi, but given his adventurous spirit and exposure to Korean culture, I imagine he simply tried some Korean food and thought, 'Hey, this would be fantastic with barbecue!'

Moving on to the feast itself...

Texas is synonymous with barbecue, and let me tell you, their burgers are just as legendary! Seriously, it was so incredibly delicious, I'm practically drooling thinking about it again.

As for the burger, with a patty that good, how could it not be delicious? A quick heads-up for those who prefer their meat well-done: these patties are thick and juicy, cooked to a perfect medium, so expect a slightly pink center. It's truly a classic American burger experience!

And then there was the star of the show: the incredible fusion of Texas barbecue and kimchi! That 'suspicious cabbage' on the left, which I approached with a bit of skepticism, actually tasted like a delightful cross between stewed dried cabbage greens and aged kimchi stew. It was a pleasant surprise! While the kimchi itself might be a tad milder than what some Koreans are used to (perhaps with less fermented seafood flavor), for kimchi found outside of Korea, it was remarkably authentic. Far better than the often-sweetened versions you sometimes find in other Asian countries.

Simply layer some of that tender meat onto the bread served underneath, add your favorite sides, and a dollop of their delicious sauces. Meat and bread? It's a match made in heaven, pure comfort food bliss!

And with that kimchi cutting through the richness, it was an absolutely perfect combination. I'll admit, I ate it a little... *enthusiastically*!

It's worth noting that while Leroy and Lewis focuses on the food, you can grab your beverages from Cosmic Coffee + Beer Garden, conveniently located right at the entrance to the food truck park. They offer everything from coffee to a great selection of alcoholic drinks.

With glorious weather and mouth-watering barbecue, enjoying a cold beer seemed less like an option and more like a requirement for the full experience!

But beyond the incredible food, the atmosphere here truly steals the show.

Even on a weekday afternoon, the vibe was incredibly relaxed and undeniably cool.

You'll see folks casually working on their laptops, soaking in the chill atmosphere – it's just that kind of place. My cousin loved it so much, he immediately talked about bringing his wife and kids back for a family outing.

It's a wonderfully dog-friendly spot too, with plenty of furry friends enjoying the outdoor space and even water bowls conveniently placed near the cafe. Austin truly lives up to its 'Keep Austin Weird' reputation – it's incredibly hip, vibrant, and full of youthful energy. Even though my visit was brief, the city's charm left a lasting impression. Known for its incredible music and art scene, Austin is definitely on my list for a longer return trip!