I've visited Clemson for almost a decade now, flying from Southern California to join the Tigers for college football and basketball games. I have no connection to the school or the South, but have fallen for the hospitality, friendliness and excitement. For years, I've brought groups of friends to the Smokin Pig near Anderson and contended with huge crowds, and for a good reason. We came to this new Easley location - on gameday - to avoid the crowds and were impressed by the service, more modern atmosphere and incredible BBQ.
I've spent the last decade eating BBQ in nearly every state and have visited all the tourist BBQ places the Travel Channel promotes. Smokin Pig can and does rival those peers, both chain locations like Jim N Nick's and Dreamland and small spots in KC like Oklahoma Joes, etc. It's that good and if you are driving through South Carolina on I-85, it's worth the detour (keep in mind you have three Smokin Pig's to choose from.
The service is what all restaurants should model themselves after. You'll feel like you're eating with extended family. Everyone is happy, helpful, kind and on duty to ensure you enjoy every bite. Like all top-notch BBQ spots, this place isn't fancy, but you came here for world-class flavor - and you'll get it, along with the best sides in the industry. Every employee knows and understands the menu.
There's four sauces on each table: vinegar based, red, mustard and spicy, all of which are great. (Spicy isn't on the table at this location. You have to ask for it.) Try them all. And, I can't stop raving about the sides. Normally, when I go to BBQ places I don't eat the sides, because they are terrible. Not so here. The fried okra had no grease, period. The sweet potato fries are doused with sugar and honey and attempt to keep you from eating anything else: that good. The Brunswick stew is the first I've ever eaten that's stuffed with pulled pork and packed with flavor. And, the sweet potato crunch - greatest ever! The challenge here is deciding which side to get - because you only get two!
Wait - we came here for meat, right? The half rack of ribs were perfect, fall off the bone meat. The honey glaze was so wonderful there was no need for any additional sauce. The brisket, wonderful. Pulled pork: awesome. They do everything right here from service, to flavor to quality. And, what's most shocking: it's one-third the price of most BBQ places. Where else can you find 2 meats, 2 sides, bread for less than $15? You can't, well not with this quality, unless you go to the Pompous Pig in Anderson, one of the few places that rivals The Pig.
And, don't forget dessert. The cobbler changes by season. We came during peach season and were wowed by the peach cobbler. Every bite tasted like the best peach you've ever eaten burst in your mouth. The banana pudding rivals that at Dreamland, which is a feat in it's own.
This place belongs on everyone's must-eat list! Everyone's. read more