The most highly anticipated barbecue joint is days away from mouth-watering fruition in Atlanta. Pittmaster John Lewis is opening his new Atlanta restaurant next week in Atlanta’s Ansley Mall, bringing Central Texas-style barbecue with it.

Lewis Barbecue To Host Grand Opening ‘Rib Pull’ on Dec. 8 in Atlanta

A grand opening and “rib pull” ceremony is slated for 10:30 a.m. on Monday, December 8, 2025. Ansley Mall’s recently opened BeltLine pedestrian bridge makes for a perfect “bridge to barbecue” by directly connecting the Northeast Trail to Lewis Barbecue Atlanta.

Speaking exclusively to AtlantaFi.com, Lewis said that he’s been in the barbecue business professionally since 2009.

He grew up in El Paso, Texas and at the age of 18, moved to Austin, where he began to make El Paso-style Mexican food. After opening in three restaurants across the Southwest and Southeast, he knew Atlanta was a place he had to set up shop. “I like the food scene here. I wanted to be part of it.”

The eatery’s opening comes just weeks after Lewis Barbecue earned a MICHELIN Guide Bib Gourmand distinction, recognizing the restaurant for its superior quality food and great value.

In a Facebook post last year, the eatery posted this message:

Sending out the smoke signal! We’re thrilled to announce that Lewis Barbecue will open an Atlanta property next year. This will be our third outpost and first in the Peach State and we can’t wait to bring smoked brisket and ice-cold beers just off the Beltline.

We’re setting up shop in Ansley Mall and while we still have a way to go with construction, we’re hoping to launch in 2025. In the meantime, we’ll be announcing some pop-ups in the area and can’t wait to get involved in the ATL community soon.

What To Expect From the Menu at Lewis Barbecue

Lewis, who will be serving up his signature brisket, pork spareribs, pulled pork, turkey, and hot guts sausage, complemented by sides such as potato salad, collard greens, and fries cooked in tallow.

The restaurant will also feature a full bar and desserts like banana pudding. This marks Lewis Barbecue’s first Georgia location.

“We smoke our meats for 18 hours in our custom-built pits because we believe barbecue is all about patience. But, Atlanta, you’ve waited long enough to indulge—it’s salvation time,” Lewis says in a written statement. “We cannot wait to share our authentic Central-Texas approach to barbecue right in the heart of ATL.”

Where Is Lewis Barbecue Located at Atlanta?

Lewis Barbecue is located in Ansley Mall at 1544 Piedmont Ave. NE, Atlanta, GA 30324. Here’s a map to help you find it.

Final Word

Atlanta’s BBQ scene offers a variety of regional styles, from tangy, vinegar-based Carolina sauces to sweet, tomato-based Georgia-style ribs.

Restaurants like Fox Bros. Bar-B-Q, Heirloom Market BBQ, and DAS BBQ serve everything from pulled pork and brisket to smoked wings and ribs, appealing to diverse tastes. This variety, highlighted in Yelp reviews and X posts, allows BBQ joints to cater to both purists and those seeking innovative twists, like Korean-inspired BBQ at Heirloom. Check out the best BBQ joints in Atlanta.

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