Hickory Pig

I don’t get it. The baked beans were very bland and the pulled pork was wet alright, but with condensation, not barbecue sauce. What’s charming about six jugs of various Kool-​Aid type drinks and/​or some distilled water offered up as «help yourself» beverage options? The ribs were dry, not tender, and don’t tell me that I could have «helped myself» to the disgusting looking sauce to make them more palatable.
I am most disturbed by the fact the some food writer in the Atlanta magazine gave it such glowing reviews. Really misleading.

Had a delicious meal there today! Pulled pork sandwich and ribs were tasty! Good size servings. Owners are wonderful people who shared a sample plate so we could taste before we ordered. Finished it off with banana pudding. My youngest son said it was «amazing». Stop by and have a wonderful meal and visit.

Been going to Phil’s for years — 45 minutes from where I live, but well worth the trip

We were in the hunt for good BBQ in the area, so after reading many great reviews of this place, we were excited to give it a try.
Upon entering the little dining area, we liked that the small dining room was mostly full, but when we looked closer, the hallway next to the kitchen were cluttered with old, dusty things or pieces of papers pinned to the walls, and the small shelf where some pig figurines are displayed was also very dusty and with other junk piled on top of it.
The dining rooms have flies buzzing around and the «self-​served» drinks were basically jugs of dollar-​store-​buys of soda or flavored drink, and a jug of distilled water with a small ice bucket next to it.
We ordered a couple of lunch plates with sides and had a shock when we saw the bill to be $ 25 dollars! We think that’s definitely overpriced for what you get, both the quality of food and the atmosphere. The service was just ok, the owner of the restaurant came in at some point with fly swatter and killed some flies while we were sitting there eating — not a place we want to pay this much again.

Was a bit disappointed after all the reviews. I asked for brisket plate. Got pulled pork. Oh well. At 12 $ for a plate, there was not a lot of food. I will say the baked beans were smoky goodness. The pulled pork was ok.

I love BBQ, and I have made road trips from Memphis to the Carolinas in search of great ‘que. Therefore, after reading the great reviews on this site and others, I was very excited to eat at the Hickory Pig, but as you can tell by my rating, the experience was disappointing.
Unfortunately, the meat and sides were very watery and bland — bordering on disgusting. In fact, if I hadn’t seen the smokers out front, I would have sworn the meat had been cooked in a crockpot. In addition to the flavorless meat, the baked beans were clearly from a can, and the sweet tea was the Laura Lynn variety sold at Ingles.
Where was this mouth-​watering BBQ that everyone raved about? Where was the BBQ worth driving miles for? Sadly — after five bites — I tossed my full plate into the trash can because I literally could not take another spoonful.
Simply, it was a terrible meal.

My father is a bigger BBQ fan than me. But Hickory Pig has made me a believer. I come here once a week sometimes twice and my dad comes here 2 to 4 times a week. When we do come we stay for an hour to two and half hours entranced in conversation and BBQ smoked to perfection. Gotta try it, and don’t forget to tip lil bit!!! Lil bit is Phil’s sidekick.

Phil’s Hickory Pig BBQ is the best that I’ve had in Georgia and in my top five from North Carolina to Texas. I’ve been there 6 or 7 times and had everything that Phil has pulled off the smoker, BBQ cooked to prefection, meat is jucy not dry, not to much smoke like some joints do, Brunswick Stew is the best that I’ve had anywhere hands down. You will not meet a nicer guy than Phil, and find any better BBQ than at The Hickory Pig in Gainesville Georgia.

Wow, talk about southern hospitality. We recent moved to Georgia and wanted to get some great BBQ, after doing some online searching we ended up at the Hickory Pig. It was early afternoon and we had the place to ourselves. The food was delicious (especially the brisket) and company was even better. The owner, Phil came out and sat with us. He also had us try almost everything on the menu. on the house. We ended up spending a good chunk of our afternoon at the Pig and can’t wait to go back.

As one frequent customer put it while we were there: «You don’t come here for the ambience.» While that may be true, it certainly has its own distinct style. The owner, Phil, has thrown stuff on the wall in a mishmash way. Local sports pictures and articles. A picture of the Oscar Meyer Weiner truck. And the hind quarters of a stuffed hog. To be honest, the interior is pretty endearing. But, don’t come expecting some kitchie, yuppie place. There are only three tables inside and you may have to sit with folks you don’t know. That’s a good thing. Because, it seems, everyone who is in there knows Phil or his right-​hand lady, «Lil Bit.»
Hickory Pig is a true gem. We were traveling on our way up to Clayton to the mountains from Atlanta and decided we wanted some good BBQ. Instead, we got great BBQ. Phil puts a lot of love into his pork. And he’ll tell you all about it. Honestly, the conversation was probably just as good as the food. We stayed well over an hour and we were actually in a hurry!
The pulled pork is delectable. That smoky, hickory flavor just comes through. It’s so tender. The Brunswick stew also has a smoky flavor and is really good. The beans could use a little punch, so we added a little sauce and voila! The slaw wasn’t too sweet and was probably my least favorite side we tried.
Phil also brought us some brisket and a rib to try. UNREAL. My wife was upset that she didn’t get the brisket; we didn’t see it on the menu (and by menu, I mean the chalkboard on the wall). After telling us some more stories, Phil asked if we wanted some «semi-​homemade» Nanner Pudding (on the house). Of course, we obliged and said yes. It was light and smooth, although I prefer mine with a few more banana pieces. Phil explained that he doesn’t load up his BBQ with all kinds of rubs and spices. He has been doing this for over 20 years and swears by oxygen. That’s right, oxygen. Ask him about it. :)
Before we left, Phil insisted we come out back and see the Karaōke Barn. My wife and I looked at each other and said, «Karaōke Barn?» Phil said we had to come out and listen to «Lil Bit» sing some Patsy Kline. Who could pass up Lil Bit singing Patsy Kline? So, we all journeyed out back to the Karaōke Barn and listened to Lil Bit sing; Phil, not to be outdone, sang a few bars as well. At one point, I wondered if we were in the Twilight Zone.
This place is a true treasure. If you live in, or around, Gainesville, you need to swing into the Hickory Pig. I promise you will have an experience you won’t soon forget.

Um. OMG.
So, we’re kinda new to Atlanta. And when we first arrived here we picked up the 2011 issue of Atlanta magazine in which they ranked 50 something BBQ places. Now, I’ve got a bit of a redneck smoker contraption that I like to fool myself into thinking that I know how to use. It could be the beer I drink while I’m slow smoking things that could be causing me problems. I dunno.
What I can tell you is that this man is a master. At least in terms of the kind of BBQ I enjoy. And BBQ is an intensely personal thing. It’s almost as personal as religion and sexual orientation. But those are different topics. Topics, however, that you probably could talk about at length with Phil. But he’ll probably also tell you he’s not narcissistic. Ask to see the list of things Phil is and isn’t.
So this place clearly has been assembled slowly over time. And at admirably low cost. Out back is a screened in building that contains multiple ovens he uses to hold the slow hickory smoked goodness that is his bbq. And I like sauce too. Make my own. and I think it’s pretty dang good. Better than my BBQ. His BBQ? It just doesn’t need sauce.
You know when you are in a neighborhood and someone has a fire pit going and they’re using hardwoods, but it’s a ways away from you… maybe a block or two away. And then you catch that ever so lovely whiff of smoke that’s got all that peppery earthy smokieness to it without any harshness or acidity… you know that far off smoke smell that smells just soo good? Phil has figured out how to bottle that and inject it in his BBQ. I’m not kidding. It’s the most delicately smoked, yet fully smoked Q I’ve tried.
I had a handful of ribs and some sliced brisket. Both were done to perfection. The Missus had a pulled chicken sandwich. Same. Perfect. And the beans and Brunswick stew… oh my.
Look, he’s got a lot of cuts on hand, usually. But it’s a small operation so don’t be all uptight if he doesn’t have exactly the cut or type you want. Just try something else. Have a seat and enjoy the conversation.
I assure you, you will not be disapointed.

Wow! We did not know what to think as we pulled up. Great thing I trust the users on Unilocal because reviews previously stated to ignore its outer appearance. I am so glad we followed the red flashing light. As we entered we immediately noticed the personality of the ownership. We were greeted, served samples, influenced, and delighted. The food was great too! If it is your first time I highly recommend the Karaōke. Make sure you request the song Crazy!

Don’t judge it on appearances, this is outstanding barbecue. The tiny dining room is full of hand-​written signs and cheesy decorations; exactly what you’d expect from a roadside barbecue place.
Don’t expect white tablecloths and a wine list; but if you want a great pulled pork sandwich, this is the place.

You must visit this place. Even if this place were truly awful, I’d say come here anyway just to meet the owner Phil, who is just a genuinely good and funny guy. Fact of the matter is that this is top-​notch BBQ. But that’s only part of the experience. I drove up and he noticed the New York license plates and screamed out, «All right, a New Yorker!» I hopped out of the question and he said, «Whatever you ask, the answer is Yes.» I asked him if he was open (it was about 10:45 AM and he opens at 11 AM). He said Yes and escorted me into the place. This is a shack. A third of the place is the kitchen. Half of the place is seating, which probably comfortably sits only five. He told me to grab a seat. He seemed genuinely excited. Before I could even say anything, he says, «You probably don’t know what you want. I’m just gonna bring you one of everything.» And he actually did! Brisket sandwich, pulled pork, chicken, burger, brisket, ribs, corn bread, Brunswick stew, cole slaw, collard greens, beans, and banana pudding. He and some other friends sat there with me while I ate. I honestly felt like I was in their house and they being gracious with me as their guest. When I finished, I asked if I could see the smoker. He actually showed me the hickory wood, the hand-​made smoker, and how he made each meat. He’s been here 20 years and it started as a hobby. I asked him what he does if things are slow. He walks me to another shack where he entertains himself with a karaōke machine. Back in the dining area, he asked me if he ever received a «Redneck business card.» I said No. He takes a stamper, stamps a random piece of cardboard, and cuts up the cardboard with scissors. «Here you go!» and hands me his business card with a smile. This guy is a riot. I asked him how much I owed. I had a $ 20 ready. «Seven dollars,» he said. I was shocked. I told him I could pay him more. «It’s not about the money,» he told me. The BBQ is fantastic. No sauce needed. Fall off the bone. Sides are excellent too, including the Brunswick stew. All of those things and actually getting to spend time with an honest guy who loves BBQ and pleasing customers. Is it worth the 1 hour drive from Atlanta? Without a doubt yes!

Delicious. Down home, backyard style place. Its really a dreamy BBQ experience if you like grillin’ n’ chillin and southern BBQ. This guy is living the dream, and serving up some awesome BBQ.
I saw them in Garden and Gun magazine 20 best BBQ sandwiches article and popped the address in the GPS. About 1 mile from my daughters house. I rolled 40 minutes to discover they were closed on Sunday but the sight of the place left me longing for a plate of their Q.
I have never eaten anything here other than a jumbo BBQ sandwich with slaw and pickles, and I cant go by the place without my car automatically turning in. Just writing this review is causing me to go get a sammich right now!
You will think you are in your own back yard relaxing and your tastebuds will love you.

Having read the glowing Unilocal reviews and finding myself nearby, my BBQ meter registered a sensational aroma in the wind and directed me to Hickory Pig for a smoky, meaty fix.
I will say that the folks at Hickory Pig know how to serve up some excellent BBQ; their simple and honest Hickory smoked meats exploded through my culinary senses in such a way as for me to say they deliver some of the most flavorful BBQ this side of the Mississippi and South of the Dixie line! Their Ribs are expertly prepared; tender, juicy, smoky, and fall-​off-​the-​bone good; their pork is decadently moist and heartily smoky flavored, and their BBQ chicken is some of the BEST I have sank my teeth into! The two choices of sauce (both tomato based with one mild and one slightly hotter) was excellent; each offering a decidedly Southern flavor that never overwhelmed the expertly smoked meats! The Brunswick stew was very tasty as well (I could eat through a gallon of it) and followed the traditional non-​chunky recipe with a hint of spiciness. Cole slaw was of the coarsely shredded cabbage style mixed with a little touch of Mayo and slight spice; it was too bland and dry for my taste but not a deal breaker). Drinks are serve yourself canned Coke (Regular, Zero diet), Gallon jug Lemonade, Gallon Jug Water (free) with serve yourself ice from an Igloo style cooler.
The decorum is downright backyard shed homey (It’s nothing fancy to say the least) and offers three tables of indoor seating with a few «Patio» seats (take out business is brisk but don’t let that stop one from eating in house).
The BBQ served by Hickory Pig supremely satisfied my BBQ meter, and places them in my BBQ meat heaven! Their PRICES are EXTREMELY reasonable and a down right bargain for the quantity and quality of food served; my three meat combo (not on the chalk board menu but Lil’ Bit made up a plate for me anyway) with two sides, a drink, and Nanner Puddin came to $ 12.00; what a DEAL!!!
In closing, I’ll state that Hickory Pig has some of the BEST smoked meats around, and I concur to all the praise given by Unilocalers as well as to the Hickory Pig being exonerated in Atlanta Magazine! An extremely solid 4.9 on my BBQ Meter!

I don’t think I have ever had such a crazy, tasty experience and ended up without a burger. I guess I should have had a few expectations about the experience from the line on the website that says «Please call before you come as we may have stepped away on a catering mission». Phil and Lil Bit were the gracious hosts. I was stunned at first when I asked for the famous Hickory burger and the said «we don’t have any burgers». After much grumbling, I ordered the yummy pork sandwich but I kept saying, «it’s not a burger». I can easily see why they were voted #1 BBQ in Atlanta for 2010 as it was super tender and the sauce has a great flavor. Turns out when I mentioned about my little blog, the Hickory Pig only makes a certain number of burgers per day. Phil was very apologetic and said next time if I gave him a heads up ahead of time he would make sure to have a burger waiting for me. He proceeded to describe the burger making process until I had to wipe the drool off my chin. Then Phil and Lil Bit gave us a tour of the premises including the outside screened in dining area and a karaōke concert. As we were leaving, we got an added bonus. They gave my friend a cat to take home, like a parting gift from a game show. They are only open Tues & Wed 11 – 2 for «stew & cue» and Thurs-​Sat 11 – 6 but don’t forget to call first.

I was in Gainesville, GA on business. I have to say that I drove about 30 minutes for this bbq after googling the area for restaurants. I am a huge BBQ fan and had to go try this after finding out it was one of the best in the metro area according to Atlanta Magazine. It’s definitely an old shed off the highway. It’s a little confusing when you first go in, but don’t be afraid. Just grab a seat and they will tell you what they have. The experience alone is probably worth the drive. It’s not often that you can pour your own drink out of gallon jugs, fill up your cup with ice out of a cooler, or talk to everybody in the place. It’s a picnic table style setup. It’s an experience and I’ll definitely go back. That day they had bbq sandwiches. Pretty tasty. I had the banana pudding. Good… but not the best I have ever had. The atmosphere was a 5. Conversation was a 5. Food was a 4.

–The staff is… well one guy and he is southern friendly if you know what that means for those who don’t (let me go to the kitchen and fix it myself)
–The meat is hickory smoked with good flavor, it does have charred chunks and a little fat very flavorful though
–The sauce is what ever you want he has about 30 to choose from
–Sides are ok
–Prices are good
–Cleanliness is not the best, but it is what you expect it has one table to eat at
–It is mostly a to go restaurant

Yay! I’m a fan. For the initial review.
But don’t be thinking Mr. Bill Addison is a BBQ food writer. I believe this spot won out as the #1 joint in Atlanta Magazine based on the ability of Phil, the sweet helper, and quintessential Georgia Que’ ambiance.
The décor is the classic redneck style… basically you take everything off your coffee table at home and nail it to the wall… then you have a garage sale… what ever is left after this garage sale you take it and nail it to the wall… done
Example: Big Mouth Billy Bass BOX – not the f””n annoying talkin’ bass but just the box w/​two nails like it is mounted in respect to the verbally infused fish that died of over use.
The smoker did give me a slight jolt of pure BBQ bliss as I snuck out the back door and lifted the cover of this rust covered rig. Looked good but I don’t know about number 1 good.
I came for a Tuesday lunch (Wedn. is the same.)
Stew and Que – ONLY – I kind of dig on the menu options. Yes, we ordered the entire menu, but they do have a larger selection on Thur, Friday, and Saturday Night. Which is why this is just an initial review.
Brunswick Stew – meat a-​plenty, vegetable a-​few, Lima beans a-​none, and seasoning a-​missing. Not magazine worthy.
Que Sandwhich– fatty, good flavor, moist almost wet, pickles, decent sauce, bun gets soggy, smoke is good, sandwhich is full of meat, and a good price.
Phil is happier than a pig in sh”‘t to get this recognition, and after twenty years of being in this gravel parking lot/​redneck food court, you can’t but feel a little happy for the good ol’ boy.
That’s why I give an initial review rounded up to four stars… the BBQ Blissful Gods have smiled down on The Hickory Pig and gave them a jolt of business that can only make you feel good when you see the ol’ timers face lit up.
3.5 stars
Chef Invisible – Out