TRIBEZA Curators

Evan LeRoy’s Guide to Austin

By Tribeza Staff
September 19, 2025

Evan LeRoy is redefining Texas barbecue at LeRoy and Lewis by blending fine dining techniques with whole-animal butchery and responsible sourcing. Known for emphasizing barbecue as a cooking method, not a menu, Evan’s “new school BBQ” highlights cuts like beef cheeks and bacon ribs. Ranked #2 on “Texas Monthly’s” Top 50 BBQ List (2025), featured on “Somebody Feed Phil,” and honored with a Michelin star, his influence is global. Evan shares his craft through international training and his YouTube channel, offering behind-the-scenes looks and instructional content for BBQ lovers worldwide.

For TRIBEZA’s Curators series, Even LeRoy shares his favorite places and hidden gems around Austin.

How long have you lived in Austin?

I have lived in Austin from the time I was 5 years old until I graduated from high school. After finishing college in Florida, I came back to Austin to attend culinary school for a year. Following three years in New York City, I returned to Austin in 2012 because I wanted to be part of the culinary — and specifically barbecue — scene here, and I’ve been back ever since.

Where are you from, and what led you to Austin?

I was born in Southern California, but I moved to Austin at a very young age when my parents found work here. I grew up in this city, and it has shaped the person that I am today, so I consider myself an Austinite.

What do you love most about Austin?

The thing I love most about Austin is the people. The laid–back vibe and creative streak that run through many of the people here are inspiring. My favorite thing about the work we do is the people I work with at LeRoy and Lewis — my business partners and the entire team. And it really is all about the people. It’s about the people who are cooking barbecue, serving barbecue and coming to eat the barbecue. It’s what keeps me going every day.

What’s your idea of a perfect day in Austin, from morning to night?

My perfect day in Austin starts with a long walk around the Town Lake Trail, followed by a cold brew and breakfast tacos. I’d spend the afternoon swimming at Barton Springs, before heading to get barbecue for lunch. Later, I’d catch a movie at Alamo Drafthouse, then find some good margaritas, queso and enchiladas for happy hour and dinner. I’d finish up on East Sixth Street at a dive bar, or some honky tonk at White Horse, or watching UT or Austin FC play.

Where do you take visitors to give them a true taste of Austin?

I like to take visitors to Matt’s El Rancho and Sagebrush to give them a true taste of Austin.

Casper Fermentables has really good bagels, bagel sandwiches and kombucha. And then my personal favorite barbecue place in Austin is called Briscuits. They do these just massive, delicious barbecue biscuits.

As Austin continues to grow, what’s one thing you hope never changes?

I hope Austin never loses its independent spirit! Lots of new people move here every day, but there are enough longtime Austinites to keep the vibe alive.