Wednesday, July 16th
2025 BBQ Subscription Box Reviews
Lewis Barbecue
- Provided by a top BBQ restaurant in Charleston, SC
- $150 for Bronze: comes once per quarter or twice a year, feeds 8-10 people
- $300 for Silver: comes once per quarter or twice a year, feeds 12-14 people
- $500 for Gold: comes once per quarter or twice a year, feeds 14-18 people
- Shipping fees of up to $45 per box
The mastery of barbecue reigns supreme at Lewis Barbecue in Charleston, SC. A journey marked by a fervent dedication to the craft, founder John Lewis' expertise stems from his roots in Austin, TX, where his culinary adventure began.
Passion meets promise
From experimenting with backyard barbecues to honing his skills on the competition circuit, Lewis's passion for smoked meats led him to Charleston, where he unveiled Lewis Barbecue in June 2016. Renowned for his expertly smoked pork spareribs, beef ribs, and legendary beef brisket, Lewis Barbecue quickly earned accolades as one of the country's best BBQ joints. Now, with nationwide shipping available through the online shop, barbecue aficionados everywhere can experience the savory delights of Lewis Barbecue's Texas-inspired fare.
No monthly BBQ deliveries offered
What do you get in your BBQ subscription box from Lewis Barbecue? We wish we could tell you, but they're pretty tight-lipped about what's inside each box. But here's what we do know. First, it's a seasonal delivery. So, when it talks about a 3-month or 6-month subscription, they're telling you how often you'll get your meat-in-a-box (so quarterly or twice a year). If you want a monthly membership, Lewis Barbecue isn't the place for you.
All you'll know is how many servings are in the box
Next, your subscription options only vary by the number of servings. You'll pay $150 for a box that serves 8-10, $300 for one that has 12-14 servings, and $500 for 14-18 servings. Servings of what? All Lewis Barbecue reveals is that it's designed specifically for their customers in this "VIP program”, and might include seasonal products like Prime Rib in December. That's it. They don't disclose what previous boxes have included, or show photos of happy customers munching down on some amazing BBQ. It gives the impression that this subscription box isn't exactly Lewis' bread-and-butter.
Don't forget the shipping fees
Lewis Barbecue ships out its boxes from Monday through Wednesday via FedEx Overnight, but you can schedule when your order will leave Charleston (within those parameters) so that your delivery arrives when you're ready. Oh, and by the way: shipping is not included in the subscription price. So, on that $500 Gold tier subscription, you should anticipate paying about $45 per delivery. $545 for a mystery meat box? Maybe not...
You'll have to get at least two shipments
We thought it was interesting to see this stipulation: "Please note that a subscription will run at least twice before cancellation is applicable.” On the one hand, we like that Lewis Barbecue lets you pay as you go, so that you're not stuck with a huge upfront cost for something you might not like. On the other hand, it seems a little iffy to say, "Hey, too bad if you don't like what you got the first time; you're getting (and paying for) the next delivery either way.”
Restaurant-goers give it 5 stars
We're pretty confident that Lewis Barbecue overall is a crowd-pleaser. Looking at nearly 2000 reviews for the restaurant on Yelp, most of them are 5 stars. People absolutely rave about the brisket, compliment the meats as "real deal TX BBQ”, drool over the pulled pork, you get the idea.
Not enough info on the subscriptions
But does that translate into an amazing BBQ subscription box? It could, but Lewis Barbecue doesn't really do anything to make that apparent. They don't even tell you what you'll get or how much.
Room for improvement that we hope to see
Until this restaurant puts as much effort into its membership plan as it puts into its in-person service, we can't give it a higher rating. You've got other options for great BBQ subscription boxes, ones that do a lot more to show you what you're getting and why you should hurry and sign up. Lewis Barbecue has a ways to go (but we're hopeful that they'll do better in our next review).
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The 6 Best BBQ Subscription Boxes
Which BBQ Subscription Box is the Best?
Imagine this: you're standing in front of your grill, the smell of hickory smoke wafting through the air, and your mouth watering in anticipation of that perfectly cooked brisket or ribs. Now, what if we told you that you could have high-quality, premium meats delivered right to your doorstep on a regular basis?
That's the beauty of BBQ subscriptions for true meat-lovers: it's like Christmas morning (or maybe the 4th of July?) every time a new shipment arrives. First, let's talk about why BBQ subscriptions are an absolute game-changer for grill masters like you.
BBQ Subscription Box FAQ
Continued from above...
Convenience is king, right? No more last-minute trips to the grocery store hoping they have the cut of meat you're craving. With a subscription service, you can often customize your delivery to include your favorite cuts, and maybe get some seasonings or sides you've been craving. Plus, it takes the guesswork out of meal planning - you'll always have a delicious protein on hand to throw on the grill. (Or, better yet, reheat-and-eat because all the hard work was done for you.)
But it's not just about convenience - it's about quality too. Some BBQ subscriptions focus on ethically sourced, pasture-raised meats, carefully curated by experts who are just as passionate about BBQ as you are. These subscriptions often partner with local farms and artisanal producers to bring you the freshest, most flavorful meats possible. And let's not forget about the variety. From classic BBQ staples like ribs and brisket to specialty cuts like wagyu beef and Berkshire pork, there's something to satisfy every craving.
And let's not overlook the fact that a BBQ subscription makes the perfect gift for your favorite meat-lover. Think about it: what could be better than receiving a box full of mouthwatering meats every month? It's like giving them the gift of endless BBQ possibilities. Whether they're a seasoned pitmaster or just a huge fan of another grillmaster's talents, a subscription service will take their BBQ game to the next level. Plus, it's a gift that keeps on giving - because every time they eat a savory mouthful, they'll think of you and your thoughtful present.
Now, when it comes to choosing the right BBQ subscription, there are a few key factors to consider. Here are five criteria to keep in mind as you compare your options:
- Quality of meat. This is non-negotiable. Look for subscriptions that prioritize high-quality, ethically sourced meats. Grass-fed beef, pasture-raised pork, and free-range poultry should be standard.
- Variety. A good BBQ subscription should offer a wide range of cuts and proteins to keep things interesting. From classic BBQ favorites to gourmet specialties, the more variety, the better.
- Customization options. Everyone has their own preferences when it comes to BBQ, whether it's the level of marbling in a steak or the spice rub on a rack of ribs. Look for subscriptions that allow you to customize your order to suit your tastes.
- Flexibility. Life is unpredictable, and sometimes you might need to adjust your delivery schedule or skip a shipment altogether. Make sure the BBQ subscription service offers flexible options that accommodate your needs.
- Value for money. While premium meats are definitely worth the investment, you also want to make sure you're getting good value for your money. Compare prices and portion sizes to ensure you're getting the best bang for your buck with your BBQ subscription.
To help you on your quest for the perfect monthly meat membership (say that three times fast!), the BBQ-loving experts at Top Consumer Reviews have reviewed and ranked today's most popular BBQ subscription boxes. With this helpful info in mind, you'll soon be well on your way to finding the perfect BBQ subscription for you or your favorite meat-lover. So fire up the grill, crack open a cold one, and get ready to elevate your BBQ game to legendary status!
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