Best bbq I've had in the north!!!
I've all but given up on bbq in the north (i lived in Atlanta for 13 years) but on 4th of July with not much going on all I wanted was some bbq and sweet tea. After scouring Google for a hour I was pretty disappointed in what I saw until I investigated big rigs. So I decided to give them a try.
Upon arrival you find them in a small plaza off the main roads with an extra stone parking lot... ok! This has real deal bbq feel. Getting out of your car the smell of smoke fills your nose.
As I walked down to the restaurant I was greeted by staff apologizing bc their power was out. A few other customers were there too getting similar news. The owner/ managing was like hold on hold on let me see what I can do...
After a few minutes the owner informed us he can somethings and apologized. Trust me there was no need to apologize.
I walked in to the place greeted by staff eager to feed us. It was the 4th of July! Their power was out they had limited capabilities... you'd expect they'd be pissed they were still working, you'd expect rude and frustrated. NOPE! I got 100 apologies bc they couldn't do stuff at their full capabilities and our (the customers) experience was limited. That's BBQ! More upset we weren't going to get fed than at the situation.
I ordered my pulled pork sandwich and slaw and sweet tea. Went to a picnic table indoors and sat. Everything about this place screamed real deal bbq. Paper towel roll, bottles of bbq sauce with hand written labels, picnic tables, smells, sites.
My food arrived after 2 mins and for the next 20 minutes I forgot about my bad week and was transported home, to a little bbq shack in the heart of the south.
Now don't get me wrong, nothing is like country bbq places in the south. That bar is high! But! This is the best bbq I've had in the north! I have tried a bunch.
The sandwich was huge! The slaw was plentiful. The house original sauce was great balance of sweet and tangy. I prefer sweeter sauces and it was very good. The meat was loaded with smokey flavor, every bite. Most northern places the meat is bland in the middle. There was just a pinch of slaw and pickled onion on the sandwich to add texture. Which normally I do not like bc it over powers the meat and sauce but it was just right amount. The slaw was good, tho my preference is more of a wet slaw. It was still good tho.
My experience was phenomenal. The staff were absolutely amazing and friendly. I don't care how good your food is, if your staff is awful I'm not coming back. The food was stellar and authentic (I can't wait to come back and try more). The atmosphere took me south. I couldn't have asked for more.
My only suggestions: add a wet slaw and BRUNSWICK STEW! I can't find anywhere that does Brunswick stew in the north. You add Brunswick stew as a side I'll be in heaven.
You made a regular customer of me, I found a...
Read moreBig Rigs BBQ is a hidden gem that serves up some very good BBQ in Pennsylvania. If you're a fan of smokey, tender, and flavorful meats, then you absolutely must give this place a try.
Located in a quaint and unassuming building, Big Rigs BBQ has a cozy and inviting atmosphere. The interior is decorated with classic country decor, adding to the authentic BBQ experience. The staff is friendly and accommodating, always willing to answer questions and make recommendations from their extensive menu.
The star of the show at Big Rigs BBQ is, of course, the barbecue. Their meats are cooked low and slow, resulting in juicy and tender perfection. From the pulled pork and brisket to the ribs and chicken, everything is bursting with smoky and savory flavor. The BBQ sauces are also a standout, with just the right balance of sweetness and heat.
In addition to their delicious meats, Big Rigs BBQ offers a range of sides that are equally impressive. The mac and cheese is rich and creamy, the collard greens are perfectly seasoned, and the cornbread is moist and crumbly.
Overall, Big Rigs BBQ is a must-visit for anyone who loves BBQ. The quality of the food is top-notch, and the prices are reasonable. The atmosphere and friendly service only add to the experience. Don't miss out on this surprisingly good BBQ joint in Pennsylvania.
Update:
My family and I are frequent visitors to Big Riggs, and it's our favorite BBQ place in the Pittsburgh area. The food is always delicious and consistent, and we always leave feeling satisfied. For Mother's Day, we ordered takeout and were blown away by the pulled pork, brisket, burned ends, ribs, Nashville hot chicken sandwich, pit beans, and cornbread. Additionally, Big Riggs generously gave us a free turkey breast side, which was also very delicious.
To make the experience even better, we often head over to Moios for dessert after finishing our meal at Big Riggs. It's the perfect way to end a delicious meal. The service at both places is always top-notch, and we look forward to returning soon. If you're a barbecue lover in the Pittsburgh area, Big Riggs is a...
Read moreI've been trying to find a delicious BBQ spot in Pittsburgh for quite a while, and it's been unsuccessful thus far. After trying Big Rig's, I can finally say there is an amazing BBQ restaurant in the Steel City! This was seriously delicious food. I ordered the cornbread, baked beans, BBQ pulled pork with sweet sauce, and a cookie.
The people are very nice and the environment on the inside is also decent for this type of restaurant. They misheard me on the phone and thought I ordered turkey instead of pork. When I got there, they offered to replace the meat for free.
The cornbread was some of the best I've had. It was surprisingly flavorful. Nice and sweet, and a great texture. This cornbread won't crumble just from touching it. Really delicious, and the price is excellent for the portion (which is greater than average).
The cookie was extremely large! It was much larger than the palm of my hand. Once again a great deal for the portion. And, it was also extremely tasty. Lots of thick chocolate pieces. You can't really taste the salt sprinkled on top. They have numerous other desserts, like banana or vanilla pudding, gobs, blondies, and more. All are made in house, I believe.
These beans are stellar. They are hearty and a perfect balance of sweetness, earthiness, saltiness, and all other flavors. Perfectly cooked, and a great side to go with virtually any meat. There were small pieces of meat in there as well (very good meat, maybe burnt ends or something of that sort). The best in the area for sure.
The pulled pork was very well made. The pieces were the right size and the texture was great. There were some slightly fatty pieces, but for the most part, I got a lot of juicy and delicious meat out of this order. Not greasy, great slightly smoked flavor. Went well with the sweet sauce.
All in all, this place is hidden away near a nail salon and looks very hole in the wall from the outside, but it's a fantastic spot for BBQ. No other place in Pittsburgh has even come close to Big Rig's thus far. Everything I tried was excellent. Writing this review is making me crave this...
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