Valdosta, GA 31602
229-245-8227
http://www.smoknpig.com/
If you've ever headed down I-75 to Florida, then you've probably seen the signs for Smok'n Pig in Valdosta. Not far off the exit, it's becoming somewhat of a tourist attraction and a popular BBQ stop in southern Georgia. I was recently traveling on business and made the stop to this BBQ destination that I've passed so many times before.
The interior reminds me a little bit of an overgrown Sonny's BBQ. Maybe it has something to do with the salad bar, but that was my initial thought when walking in. The hundreds of colorful neon spring break inspired t-shirts inside let everyone know that you were there first (think Salty Dog Cafe, Pineapple Willy's, Fudpuckers). I didn't buy one, but maybe next time. I sat down to a surprising myriad of different BBQ sauces. I counted six just at my booth and there could have been others at different tables. If you've got a sauce preference, then Smok'n Pig's got you covered. I went through them one by one with the hot, sweet, Carolina vinegar, original, mustard, and sweet and spicy. I was pretty impressed with all of them while no one stood out more than the other.
I ordered my meal from one of the many young local female waitresses that seem to be everywhere here. Chopped pork, brisket, spare ribs, baked beans, and mac 'n cheese would do just fine on this day. And yes, it also came with the salad bar. I'm not sure where full salad bars fit into BBQ yet, but I'm leaning towards it being unnecessary.
I know I've mentioned it before, but when you finely chop pork you're at serious risk of drying it out. This chopped pork was way too dry for me. Luckily, there was any kind of sauce I could desire nearby to alleviate the parching. It had a decent flavor with pieces of bark, but the dryness of the pork made it tough to finish...even with the sauce. The smoky brisket was cut paper thin with no great outer crust and on the same level of dryness as the pork. Again...see nearest BBQ sauce immediately. The sweet pork spare ribs were the last chance of saving grace for this GBH stop. They looked great, but when I bit in they were way too tough from not being cooked long enough. I'm not a fan of "fall off the bone" ribs, but I also don't like ribs that make a tearing noise when trying to rip it off the bone. The baked beans were probably my favorite thing about the meal, while the mac 'n cheese tasted like Kraft macaroni topped with additional cheddar cheese.
I'll be back in Valdosta to try additional BBQ joints, but I won't be repeating my visit to Smok'n Pig. I would focus more on the quality of BBQ that's being served here and less on funny t-shirts for high school spring breakers.
The best thing going at Smok'n Pig = the sauces...that and the pink pig smoker turned newsstand out front. We made our 1st visit there a month ago and the chopped pork & ribs weren't anything special. S'n P does brisk business but the food leaves you wondering why!
ReplyDeleteNice detailed review. 45 minutes from me and I still haven't made it there. Doesn't sound so exciting anymore, but I'll still have to give it a shot one day and compare notes.
ReplyDeleteCurses, Dustin! Marie and I will be having breakfast in Valdosta on Monday and I was certain we'd be the first blog to be listed in that region's Urbanspoon. So close...!
ReplyDeleteGrant...didn't mean to steal your thunder haha. Caleb...what's some of your favorite spots in your area?
ReplyDeleteNice post Dustin. I'm still baffled how these mediocre joints thrive.
ReplyDeleteThey thrive because they serve A LOT of food, quickly, and it's fairly cheap. Smokin' pig has lost some of it's flair since first opening but in Valdosta there is really no other place to sit down and eat BBQ other than Smokin' Pig and (the dreaded) Sonny's. There is an amazing carry out BBQ restaurant in Valdosta called Sam's BBQ but it's in a shady part of town which most people won't go to. Hence everyone flocks to Smokin' Pig when they are craving BBQ.
ReplyDeleteDustin, you unfortunately ordered the worst sides on the menu. I have never gotten a bad order of sweet potato casserole, Brunswick stew, collard greens, or fried okra. I personally think the St Louis ribs and the brisket are the two best meats the restaurant has to offer.
I'd love to try Sam's and that's unfortunate that I got some of the worst sides. Thanks for the feedback Christy.
ReplyDeleteSam's is VERY good and the neighborhoods not so bad. Kind of adds to the ambiance! LOL!
DeleteSad to say that lots of locals prefer Sonny's to this place. Smokin P is so bad a lot of the time.
The buffet restaurants this family owns are all southern steam table joints that arent very good. The exception being the fathers Big O's on Ashley Street downtown. Although he's retired the fried chicken is still the best! Hope they don't mess that up!
Live in Valdosta and the ONLY decent bbq is Sam's on E Hill street. No sit down but the best ribs and pulled pork around hands down. I am from NC and lived 20 from Lexington NC and while Sams is not the same style, he puts love into this bbq. Not in a "shady" part of town....just a few guys hanging out at the beer store behind Sams. Just add favor and keeps the uptight folks away which is fine by me. Smokin pig is just like the rest of the restaurants this guy owns (Old Times County Buffet, Creekside, etc) and they do lots of cheap food fast.
ReplyDeleteI must try this Sam's. Thanks for the heads up. How far off the interstate is it?
ReplyDeleteSams is maybe 5 miles from the interstate if that. Get off on hwy 84 heading to waycross (east) and it is just on the other side of the downtown area. worth the trip. Listed on urbanspoon if you want address.
ReplyDeleteDustin - Thanks for the great review! We are planning a family vacation/road trip for the summer, and we are looking for cool and original good eats along the way. Your blog looks like the perfect resource!
ReplyDeleteGlad I could help Marc. Let me know if you try any BBQ spots.
ReplyDeleteI like Smokin Pig... but gotta say I Love me some Sam's BBQ... had some the weekend and it was great, beans were great..... Love ya Sambo!!!
ReplyDeleteThis place is run by folks that have also run a country buffet in Valdosta for years. It isn't true barbecue joint. Rather, it is a serve barbecue to the masses kind of place. The service is typically very good, and while the barbecue won't satisfy a true smoke hound, it is good for running and grabbing a decent lunch.
ReplyDeleteRight on the money with your critique of Smok'n Pig. Best place in the area is Miller's BBQ in Morven, Ga. (just northwest of Valdosta). No reason to fear going to Sam's...it's not that shady. Sam's is tasty, but greasy. Miller's is the real deal!
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