Checkered Pig BBQ & Ribs — Restaurant in Martinsville

Checkered Pig: Food: Ordered the Tommy's BBQ sandwich, with a side of BBQ beans and Mac & Cheese. The sandwich was just moist enough without making the bun soggy, very good flavor and a good portion of meat. Overall very good. The sides were good, classic BBQ beans and Mac. I wish there was more to the Mac & Cheese, the small cup they give you as a single side was only about 2 bites. For desert I had the banana pudding. It was nice and warm.

Service: The waitress was attentive, came by my table several times asking if I needed anything. You seat yourself and take your check up to the counter once you are finished. After ordering food was out very quickly.

Ambiance: Checkered Pig has a very small town feel to it. It's nice and cozy, and while it was a little dim inside it was not dark by any means. It's very family friendly. It sounded like they had a Christian radio station on in the background. They do not serve alcohol.

Price: as of 10/8/16 Medium Sweet Tea: $1.89 BBQ Sandwich $4.05 Sides: $1.25 Banana Pudding $2.75 Total with tax: $12.51

Over all I felt the price was mostly worth it, a larger portion of Mac & Cheese would have been nice. If they included one side with the sandwich it would have made it perfect.

Other notes: Looked like they were using a Unifi access point for their guest Wi-Fi and it seemed to work...

I think once upon a time this was a great restaurant. But for whatever reason, poor management, lack of training, or apathy, it's fallen down. The first thing we noticed was the clutter and disorganication around the restaurant. Cleaning supplies pilled on a central table along with clothing and employee meals maybe. Obviously short staffed and maybe folks that are over worked and just don't care anymore. I had the brisket. It was room temp a little tough and not that flavorful. The onion rings were burnt. My wife had the ribs. They were over cooked and required a knife to eat. After the food was delivered, our waitress never stopped by until I stood up to flag her down for the check. Which she threw on the table and never said a word. I went to the counter to pay and was told to pay the waitress, which I had to hunt down again. The only good thing at the Checkered Pig was the ranch dressing. For the $70 price tag, I expected a lot more. We love small non-chain restaurants, but the owners need to take a fresh look at their operation and staff, or they will eventually go out...

Checkered Pig BBQ & Ribs has been a family favorite for years—I've enjoyed many lunches here with loved ones, and it never disappoints. Tucked just slightly off the beaten path, it’s the kind of place you’re glad you found and even happier to return to.

There’s plenty of seating, which makes it easy to settle in even during the lunch rush. And speaking of busy—yes, they often have a good crowd, but the kitchen runs like clockwork. Food comes out hot, fresh, and fast, every single time.

My go-tos? The Chop Plate is always satisfying, the Chop BBQ Sandwich hits the spot, and the Brisket Tacos are a smoky little surprise. Even the hotdog is worth mentioning—simple, tasty, and served with care. No matter what we order, the quality is consistent and the flavor is one we know we can trust.

The service is friendly and welcoming, the prices are great, and the restaurant itself is clean and styled just like a classic BBQ joint should be—no fuss, just good food and good vibes.

If you're looking for a place that feels like home and serves up barbecue with heart,...