Right in the middle of Clemson Football territory and near famous camp Pendleton, RIBBQNews discovered a unique BBQ dining experience at the Smokin Pig. As we pulled up, Vince, Tommy, and I knew we were in for something special. We just weren’t sure what it was. First of all, the Smokin Pig looks like a compound rather than a restaurant, but after circling the place a couple of times, we found the entryway in the back and made our way in. The Pig is a massive establishment in a horseshoe shape made up of several shipping containers, a barn, and a restaurant. In the middle is an open area with putting greens, a bocce court, and a couple of cornhole setups, along with an outdoor bar boasting MANY local and unique brews. We went with the Magnetic South IPA and were not disappointed. The bartender directed us to the restaurant and that’s where we encountered Morris the Pig’s GM.
The staff was in the midst of pre-meal setup, but Morris and the rest were more than accommodating. Our first question was, “Why so many servers for a place that really isn’t that big in terms of inside seating?” Maybe twenty tables occupied two separate rooms. Well, evidently this joint hauls in patrons by the dozens. The proximity to Clemson University brings in a large college crowd as well as other patrons not studying for their BA/BS. Morris informed us that on some weekends, they do 2000-3000 people and the wait for tables can be two and a half hours. Ahhh.. hence the outdoor bar and the various outdoor games and spacious seating around a large fire pit. Folks will wait. The potential to run into certain head coaches with national championships on their resume only adds to the draw.
Morris gave us a quick rundown on how the Pig started as just the small eatery and take-out window in the front, and gradually added on more and more area until it became the iconic spot that it is. The Barn provides a dining area for large groups (birthday parties and the like), and recently, they added another shipping container above their outdoor gift shop. The container was turned into a private dining area for celebs and others to eat peacefully above the crowd. Inside the main restaurant the walls are adorned with various pictures of music legends and covered with graffiti. The Pig encourages guests to leave their mark on the walls, tables, and even the pictures themselves. There is a lot of interesting stuff to read while you wait for your food.
Speaking of the food, it was great. The ribs and brisket were first-rate, and the cheddar jalapeno grits were not to be missed. Vin also picked out a roasted corn with BBQ seasoning that turned out to be delicious. The corn comes whole on the cob. The glaze on the ribs had a cherry taste in the background but I didn’t ask if that’s exactly what it was. I can only say I’d put it on an old shoe and eat it. The pulled pork was juicy and just smoky enough. The brisket has a great bark and tender meat underneath. By the looks of things, the Pig is a wood stick operation with lots of logs piled in the back area.
The Smokin Pig is just the type of place I could walk into on a football afternoon and stay until they threw me out. If we weren’t on a tight schedule, that’s most likely what would have happened. Thank you, Morris, and your wonderful staff. You hit it out of the park, brother.
If you go, the parking in the front is for the Pigs’ considerable take-out business. Drive around the back, and you’ll see the sign directing you to the grub. Head on in beneath the shipping containers and stop at the bar on your left. That’s the best advice I can give you. Trust me, it’s well worth the visit.
The Smokin Pig
6630 Clemson Blvd
Pendleton SC 29670
(864) 646-5150
