Juicy Pig Barbecue — Restaurant in Denton

I have driven by this place a few different times, and today was the day that I decided to stop in to try this BBQ. I judge a BBQ place by the brisket and ribs. Being that today's stop was just a lunch stop though, I opted to order only the chopped brisket sandwich, with sides of spicy slaw, and smashed potato salad.

The brisket was tasty. I thought it was smoked well. They offer 3 sauces to drizzle on your BBQ which is "JP Sauce", "Spicy Sauce", and "Carolina Style". I tried the JP Sauce and Spicy sauce, however the Carolina sauce did not look very appetizing to me, looked very very vinegary and water like consistency. The JP sauce and Spicy sauce were really tasty and complimented the brisket sandwich well.

Moving on to the sides... I enjoy a good spice to my food, and the spicy slaw has just that, spice. I thought this slaw had a good overall flavor and nice kick. If you like purple cabbage, and a kick of spice, I recommend ordering this side.

Next, I tried the "Smashed Potato Salad" which judging by the name, when ordering, in my head I guess I was expecting something with cheese and bacon and chives, however something very different presented itself. This concoction had an interesting consistency of potatoes, chives, and carrots mixed together. I was not a fan of this side at all. I only ate a few bites a tossed the rest.

I gave the Juicy Pig 4 stars in my review. The reason for not giving 5 stars is because the seating. I am a huge review reader before I try a new eating spot, and I am quite shocked that no one in their review gave a heads up about eating outside. It may be very pleasant in the winter months, but anytime from May-October, DON'T DINE OUTSIDE. The reason I say this is because the flys were absolutely driving me crazy. There must have been 20 flys buzzing and getting into my food. When I arrived to the Juicy Pig, I was excited to eat outside because the outdoor seating had fans, and nice wood picnic tables, and covered seating, but it was a fail. So I am addressing the big elephant, if you come here to eat, do eat outside.

Just to recap, in my opinion, this is a good BBQ joint with potential. Wish there were some more sides to pick from such as onion rings/ French fries, and wish the outdoor area was screened in to avoid the annoying flies. Overall, I had a good experience so solid 4 stars for the Juicy Pig...

I've been here three times in four weeks. I could wax poetic about the second and third visits, but I feel I should tell you all about the first. I walked in, and was charmed by the decor, and the smell was pure heaven. I was greeted by a smiling fellow behind the register, and he patiently waited for me to take my order. I got the 'whole pig' platter with double brisket, an order of ribs, the smashed potato salad, and smoked mac n' cheese, washed down with hibiscus sweet tea. Let's begin:

I sauced the brisket and began to eat with gusto. The meat melted in my mouth, the smokey flavor dancing like a barefoot John Travolta in an 80's leotard over my tongue. Bite after bite, I was transported into a world where Bill Clinton was president, the patriarchy was smashed, and there were whiskey fountains on every corner. Bald eagles screeched in celebration as I swallowed.

Next, came the ribs. I daintily lifted a rib from my plate, holding it over and jiggling it slightly. As if to mock me, the meat slipped from it like a saucy little black dress, landing solidly among the carnage of my plate. I could taste how much the pig loved and laughed in its life, this was a truly happy pig, and it was given a worthy end in my gut.

The smashed potato salad was hearty, a little tangy, and a perfect crown to what was ultimately, a royal barbecue experience.

Lastly however, the wild card emerged. The smoked mac n' cheese. Dear lord, what did I do in a past life to deserve such a divine, smokey, cheesy miracle? I scraped my empty plate, and washed it down with sweet, crimson nectar, the scent of flowers cleansing my palate of smoke, fat, and sheer decadence.

I turned to the pair working the counter and said, "I'm almost angry with how delicious this is. I'm angry because I WASTED so much money going elsewhere for so long, when you have all been here for over three years. You have a customer for life."

I'll uh..be there this evening, by the way. Name's Cameron, I'm the guy with the long, curly ponytail, strange friends, and ever present purple and black leather jacket. Love y'all, keep...

Summary; best BBQ place I've found in Denton. * backdrop: A repurposed 1950's drive up hamburger stand is the cornerstone of the building on a small old tree lined street which has been tastefully redecorated to ranch house Texas theme complete with screened pie cabinets, tin metal ceiling, natural wood tables and early country music and country swing filling the house. You can order at the outside windows, sit in your car or on a bench or go inside. Either way you have a full view of an amazing 100'x20' wall mural looking at time going by on the wall of the building just across the narrow parking lot. * food: I had the 3 meat lunch with briscut, sausage (spicy) and ribs. Meat was cooked to perfection and complemented with choice of 3 home made sauces. Now for the potato salad and the slawd they give you a little to try to see what you like. There are 2 types of potato salad; traditional and smash, do the smash. It has the flavors of fully loaded bake potato yet is distinctly salad. Slaw, again 3 types for any taste, the spicey slaw was perfect not too acid or bland just a twist of spice. Heres the "twist" no dill pickles, sweet only. But sweet with twist, they and the onions are marinated in a tangy spice that makes them a perfect complement to the BBQ. * the peeps: the 2 guys at the counter were great to talk to, like visiting with some old friends. You could tell they liked working there just from the way they interacted with customers. **the mural: as you go thru dinner just toss out the question "what do you think it means" and you're in the running. * bottom line: dont miss this place, hands down best...