by Lauren Kruchten | Dec 4, 2025 | December/January 2025, Eat
Lewis Barbecue is bringing the heat to Raleigh.
A new barbecue joint has entered the chat. Heating up the local “competition” is Texas-style Lewis Barbecue, bringing its third location—behind Charleston and Greenville, SC (with an Atlanta outpost set to bow in December)—to Salvage Yard at Raleigh Iron Works in 2026.
Riding the high of a BBQ Michelin moment after the 2025 Guide American South debuted with a slew of ’cue, the just-awarded Michelin Bib Gourmand fast-casual joint is fanning the flames in grand measure. The Raleigh outpost will sprawl across a generous indoor-outdoor footprint at Grubb Ventures’ up-and-coming mixed-use hub—complete with its own dedicated smokehouse firing up ’cue outside.
The brainchild of pitmaster John Lewis, the concept has built its rep on award-winning slow-smoked meats—from its most-popular beef brisket to pulled pork, spare ribs, housemade sausage and turkey—plus killer Southern sides like creamy potato salad, tangy coleslaw, Tex-Mex pinto beans, green chile corn pudding, and a to-die-for mac & cheese.
“We are honored to bring our authentic Central Texas-style barbecue to Raleigh and join such a vibrant community at Salvage Yard,” muses Lewis. “A truly special space, Salvage Yard reflects our love for craftsmanship and connection to the community, and we look forward to serving up great food and fun times.”
Joining fellow Salvage Yarders Cannonball Music Hall and Triangle Rock Club—plus upcoming NOCO Brews & Bites, Peach Lab and Mami’s—Lewis Barbecue is coming to play, rounding out the Yard as a one-stop spot to sip, savor and sweat.
“Lewis Barbecue brings an unmatched level of culinary credibility and character to the lineup, and we couldn’t be more excited to welcome them,” emphasizes Grubb Ventures Director of Commercial Leasing Wendy Nabors. Bring on the meats! lewisbarbecue.com
by Raleigh Magazine | Nov 1, 2022 | Eat, November 2022
4 Raleigh-area food trucks we’re loving right now
Birrieria El Patron 323
We’re seeing red… tacos (!). In queso you haven’t heard, Birrieria El Patron 323 is taking tacos to the next level with its signature red birria tacos—the hue a result of a mouthwatering consommé you’ll want to slurp by the spoonful. And don’t sleep on the birria pizza, ramen de birria or birria nachos, best washed down with a refreshing aqua fresca. Essentially, just give us all the birria, por flavor. elpatron323.com
The Tasty Turkey-Que
Get stuffed—in the best way—via this “tasty” food truck serving up NC chopped turkey BBQ… no pork allowed. A lighter option than hog, the ’cue spot’s turkey still offers all the fab flavors of traditional barbecue thanks to a bevy of seasonings. Try it in tacos, sandwiches, nachos or cheesesteak with a side of slaw and fries. Gobble, gobble! thetastyturkeyque.com
Mr. Burro
Up and at ’em! There’s no better way to start your day than with a bangin’ Mexican-style breakfast and coffee from this new-to-the-scene food truck. Choose from breakfast tacos, burritos, quesadillas and sandwiches loaded with everything you crave in the am—eggs, potatoes, veggies and meats (steak, bacon, chorizo and ham are all on offer). And you’re def gonna wanna add extra housemade sauces to your order. Taco ’bout a solid morning meal! @mrburroraleigh
Hot Chix
Holy hotcakes! If you’re into hot chix (and hotcakes, natch), mosey on over to this simply smackin’ food truck for Hot Chix tacos—aka premium fried chicken nestled inside a fluffy pancake, drizzled with your choice of sauce (syrup, ranch, queso, buffalo and BBQ are just a few ops), and served with a side of tots or mac and cheese. It’s finger-lickin’ good! hotcakesandchicken.com
Looking for a specific truck? Check out the street food finder to find your fave food truck.
streetfoodfinder.com/c/nc/raleigh
