There is barbecue, and then there is Pig Beach Palm Beach.
If you haven’t experienced the flavors of this popular West Palm Beach spot, you are in for a treat.
Business partners Rob Shawger, Shane McBride and Matt Abdoo (an eight-year alum of Del Posto) transformed the former CrossFit gym into the latest outpost of yet another New York concept to make its way to Palm Beach County.
What makes Pig Beach so unique is this is not your typical barbecue. Sure, you will find the traditional finger-lickin-good staples like pulled pork in a tangy vinegar sauce, and melt-in-your-mouth mac and cheese, but the real highlights here are some of their award-winning standouts.
For example, Chef Jeff’s brisket features a world champion barbecue sauce; baby back ribs are painted with a competition style peach and sticky honey glaze; and the giant beef ribs offer a “secret seasoning.”
A brightly colored, industrial style interior boasts an open kitchen, garage doors that open up to offer alfresco-style dining, illuminated pig lights adorning the walls, and massive TVs to catch the latest game.
A roll of paper towels on each table offers a peek of what’s to come. This is the type of laid-back spot where you just roll up your sleeves and prepare to dig in.
Pig Beach offers a nice selection of local beers and craft cocktails. We recommend getting started with a Mermaid Juice or perhaps Civil Society Brewing’s Beach Access Lager. Be sure to pair it up with their signature smoked chicken wings. You can order them “sauced” with BBQ buffalo sauce or with a delicious dry rub made with their signature seasoning. Their tangy Alabama white sauce was the perfect complement. Another favorite was the smoked cheddar and jalapeno sausage.
There is also a nice selection of food from the grill (think single, double, and triple burgers topped with a secret sauce; and an all-beef hot dog creatively complemented with cherry pepper relish, pickled jalapeno or pulled pork). For the vegetarian, they offer an Impossible Burger “with all the fixins.”
Some unique finds include The Rieder, an overstuffed peanut butter and strawberry jelly sandwich on griddled Texas toast topped with crispy bacon; and a BBQ jackfruit sandwich with bell pepper vinegar coleslaw.
If you aren’t sure what to order, check out the Sampler Platter that includes a taste of everything, including a generous sampling of baby back ribs, pulled pork, beef brisket, smoked turkey and a smoked cheddar and jalapeno sausage link. On the table, you’ll find a collection of homemade sauces, including Championship Mustard and Rob’s Righteous Red, designed for slathering.
An impressive selection of sides includes everything from house pickles, baked beans and cornbread to pulled pork topped French fries, collard greens and a pitmaster potato salad.
If you are like us and can’t get enough of their barbecue, be sure to check out their online store to have their signature barbecue sauces, seasonings and cookbook sent directly to your doorstep.
Pig Beach BBQ is located at 2400 S. Dixie Highway in West Palm Beach.
