The Hickory Pig
| Address: | 3605 Thompson Bridge Rd, Gainesville, GA 30506, USA |
| Phone: | +1 770-503-5235 |
| Site: | thehickorypig.com |
| Rating: | 4.5 |
| Working: | 6AM–5PM 6AM–5PM 6AM–5PM 6AM–5PM 6AM–5PM 6AM–5PM Closed |
Location
Photos 27
Reviews 8
A
A Private User
Okay this place is not much to look at but then again most good barbecue places are like that so that should be reassuring. What really matters is the food. On my first visit I had the pork sandwich with Brunswick Stew as a side. It was really good. The meat had a great flavor with just the right amount of smoke. The sauce complimented without overpowering. It was the type of sandwich that when you are done and feeling full you just want more. I resisted the urge and decided to get some ribs to take home. Part of the reason is that this is a cash only place and they couldn’t make change for a $20. The other part of the reason is that I just had to try the ribs after having the sandwich. I took the ribs home and immediately spoiled my dinner by digging into them. Well worth it. Like the chopped pork it had just the right amount of smoke and a wonderful pork flavor. The same sauce was used on these ribs as the sandwich and again it complimented everything. The meat was not over cooked like so many places and pulled away from the bone just perfectly. The sauce is more of a sweet-sour vinegar sauce that just works so well with the food. This place is a place to visit if you are in the area. The people are welcoming and nice, the food is done the old fashion way – low and slow.
LE
Lebbeous Fogle-Weekley
I love this place. Phil is really friendly. Hell talk to you about making barbecue or probably about anything else. The rest of the help (one woman is the only other person I can remember seeing there) is friendly. The pulled pork is the best I have tasted in North Georgia, bar none. Its smoky, its as tender as it could possibly be, and applying sauce is up to the customer. This is how it ought to be done. There are sweeter sauces and hotter ones to choose from, all good. The sides are good too, but really Im all about the meat when I go here. This place looks pretty humble from the road, but the great barbecue places often do. I first tried this place after seeing the Atlanta Magazine write-up online. I thought surely some writer from down in Atlanta wouldnt know squat about good barbecue, but I guess that one did, because this place is tops. If youre driving far to get here, just make sure theyre open before you head out. They have somewhat limited hours. And oh yeah, in case you havent read anything else about this place, you add up your own bill from the menu board. If you dont find that old-fashioned and charming, suck it up, because the barbecue here is more than worth it!
DO
Doug Finner
Dont let first impressions be your guide. Despite the fact that the building looks like the Big Bad Wolf could blow it down and still have breath left for birthday candles, this place is a gem in the rough. The BBQ is done on site. The pulled pork is moist and tasty. The ribs are smoked close to perfection. If you like BBQ, this place is a good choice. My wife and I had pulled pork sandwiches, chips, and cokes and were out a total of $11. THEN Phil gave us two ribs and half of a milkshake. Im having ribs next time! But dont go just for the food. Go for the show too. Phil and Lil Bit welcome you into their restaurant like youre a long lost friend. We were there for 5 minutes and engaged in conversations with a retired Marine pilot, a former cop, and some other random local. Phil provided an ongoing stream of conscious output of stories and humor while Lil Bit was his cohort in crime. This is old school hospitality that is hard to find. The only things missing to complete the ambiance were a pot belly stove and a pickle jar. Good food, good times...going back there soon!
A
A Private User
I recently visited the Hickory Pig with a friend of mine, searching for our next BBQ place since the one we went to closed down. I am very glad we decided to try this lil hole in the wall. I ordered a pulled pork sandwich, Brunswick stew and some "hickory greens". The meat was great, the stew was exactly what I was looking for and the greens had a flavor that made me wanting more. The owner let us sample other things on the menu including the ribs and some jerky(both of which were great). The atmosphere of the Hickory Pig is something you dont see much these days. We spent a lil over an hour eating and just talking to the staff and the customers. It was just so comfortable and welcoming there. I highly recommend the Hickory Pig and look for the "Fire Alarm" while you are there for a good laugh.
A
A Private User
It goes without saying that the Hickory Pig has the best BBQ in the country...Phil, the owner has a lot more good things to eat. You ought to try his greens, black eyed peas, richman beans, and brunswick stew. His corn bread is really good and hell cut it in half and butter it for you. His milk shakes are made of half and half and whipped cream. He has a dessert that he calls his "Eskimo Pie" Im not going to tell you anymore about the Eskimo Pie, try one. I almost forgot about his nanner puddin. Phil will let you sample everything on the menu. Youll enjoy phils stories and you can spend a couple of hours reading all of the stuff on the walls. Its also fun interacting with his other customers. Written by the B-52
KE
Ken D
Worst BBQ EVER ! Went to this hole with my wife today. BBQ was weak, watery and without flavor. My wife had a BBQ sandwich for $4 and I had the BBQ plate for $12. Well it looks like I got enough BBQ for a sandwich (@ $4 ) and the other $8 was for a spoon full of stew and a 50c bag of chips. What a rip-off for some sad flavorless pig. NEVER EVER will I go to this dump again. The other reviews must be family or employees. Save your money and go to someplace like Sonnys....you will get more food, better food for less ! Better yet go to Two Brothers in Ball Ground, best BBQ around, twice as much BBQ and 10 times better flavor. So sad, I was looking forward to some really good BBQ
A
A Private User
It is no surprise to those of us who have lucky enough to eat here why the Hickory Pig was voted #1 Best Barbecue by Atlanta Magazine. The ribs are hand-chopped, always smoky and tender with just the right amount of sauce: no more, no less. The chicken is a complete surprise- moist, delicious and has a special taste that will ruin you for all other barbecued chicken. My favorite is the Hickory Burger- cooked over the open hickory flames and sizzling hot on your plate. Dont be shy about asking to taste the beans, slaw and especially the Brunswick stew. They are ALL great and youll have a hard time deciding what to get next. Be sure and come hungry!
A
A Private User
This place was rated #1 by Atlanta Magazines top 50 BBQ restaurants in the Atlanta area. It is a little drive from Atlanta, but worth every minute. I now know why it was rated #1. It is a small place with 3 tables inside. Dont let that deter you. The BBQ and sides are the best Ive had. Had a sandwich for lunch and bought some ribs on the way out for a snack later. Wow! Easily the best ribs I have ever had. This is a truly unique place and worth a drive the Atlanta area.
