I'm back! I admittedly took a small hiatus from blogging...or I was a little busy, with a dash of extremely lazy, during my downtime the last few months. Whatevs. Any which way you cut it, I'm back and I have a brand new local restaurant for you - Smokin' Swine BBQ in the bustling metropolis of Hampton.
Full Disclosure Statement - I am NOT a BBQ enthusiast, snob, connoisseur, or junkie; I don't have a favorite type, blend, sauce, technique, or geographic preference. I just like good food. All types. I do not discriminate based on anything other than taste. So BOOM. Take that, BBQ purists.
Smokin' Swine BBQ planted their restaurant roots here on Main Street, Hampton. They've been open for about 2 months, and seem to be picking up steam. Which is a good thing, because not only would I like to see Hampton's little hamlet of a downtown grow, but I can walk to this place. And they seem to be doing a pretty good little business.
They occupy a beautiful, old storefront with large picture windows to let in the light on the front, and small, special events/function space in the back. The feel of the place is warm and inviting, with the creaky wooden floors, bead board, exposed brick, and slight industrial feel. When we entered, we were warmly greeted and seated, and quickly served our beverages. Pretty good start if you ask me.
Looking over their not so vast menu, I would say their proteins run the BBQ spectrum - chicken, pork and beef - and most come in the form of sandwiches and platters, as well as sliders. Traditional BBQ preparations. BUT, they have gone out of the BBQ box and have a BBQ burrito and Smoked BBQ potato. Can't wait to try those two - I'll do anything for extra carbs in the form of a tuber, and I'm a sucker for anything in the form of a wrap. Mmmmm, I'm drooling just thinking about them.
When we went, we had the kiddos, so we were able to sample the kids menu. And a note to all the 'rents out there, they have three kids items - pulled pork sandwich, grilled cheese, and good ole chicken tenders. Can't go wrong with those choices! Our bambinos had the grilled cheese and pulled pork, and both were fans. Kids meals come with a drink and one side item.
As for Chris and I, we went for the pulled pork sandwich and brisket sandwich. Both were quite delicious on their own, but were made better by the perfectly toasted Texas toast. Who doesn't like a toasted bread slathered in butter? Everything's betta with butta, people. I would love to show you all the photos of our meals, but we forgot. Whoopsies.
Their meat comes "dry", but if that's not your jam, instead you like it saucy, no fear. Smokin' Swine makes five truly delish sauces from scratch. The sauces fit all the major BBQ types, with vinegar, molasses, and mustard based sauces, as well as something I'm unfamiliar with - Alabama White, which tastes like ranch with a horseradish kick. Being as I don't have a preference, I tried all five, and ALL were good. Are they true to the region which they represent? I dunno. But they're good...real good.
The sides on offer are standard fare: beans, brunswick stew, slaw, fries, etc. They were good, Chris said the brunswick stew was great. I, however, was not a fan. But, then again, in general, I don't like the stuff. I'm a Yankee, what can I say.
They also have a good beer selection on draft, nice bar area with stools and large TVs, and homemade desserts. AND, something I think is important - the bathrooms. They were clean, well stocked, and had cool wooden sinks. A clean bathroom makes me feel good about the place's kitchen. Weird jump? Not to me - if you keep your bathroom nice and tidy, it makes me think you probably do the same in the kitchen. And I like my food coming from a tidy kitchen, don't you?
Overall, a nice, reasonably priced, tasty local restaurant. Is it THE BEST BBQ ever? No, I've had some I've preferred more, but not locally. Shane's is good and this is probably on that level, but if I can support a local small business and go away with a satisfied belly, then I'm all for it. It's definitely worth a try, folks. But that's just my opinion. What's yours?
Smokin' Swine BBQ
5 East Main Street, Hampton, GA
