Longleaf Swine — Restaurant in Raleigh

We had been wanting to try Longleaf for a while now in hopes that there was a BBQ place that was closer to where we live worth going to. Sadly, this was not a winner. We ordered the following:

1/2lb Brisket - 1/2 of it was dry and just not very good. The other half was fine... All of it lacked a solid smoke flavor and their rub just doesn't help add anything to it.

1/2lb Pulled Pork - This was very dry, and again... lacked flavor. Adding their vinegar bbq at the table helped a little with both, but I would say there are cheaper options that are better at even some of the chains.

Cornbread - Dry... Flavor was ok, but it was so dry that it just crumbled all over the place.

Whiskey beans - We didn't finish them. They just did not taste that great.

Potato salad - Or maybe I should call this a dill salad with potatoes. It was very heavy on the dill which made this salad not that great in the end. After a few bites it just was a bit much.

Pimento Cheese Macaroni - We were thinking the uniqueness of this meal would mean that it's something special... It was OK. Oddly sweet. I'm guessing it was regular Pimento cheese and not a jalapeno pimento which might have actually been a little better adding some kick to it.

Cornbread Pudding - I'll save you the time with this one. It was like a French toast mush... The texture was just bad. We shared with the table next to ours as we struck up a conversation about the food choices we all made. They both agreed that the pudding was just bad.

Spoiler alert, they were not all that impressed with the food either.

The place has a great atmosphere though, love the old school shop interior of the restaurant, the outside layout is fun and would be nice on an even temp day. The staff also seemed nice with the minimal interaction we had with them. They have space heaters, some TV's, a bar area inside and out, and a decently designed menu that has a few options, but is not overwhelming. Needless to say though, there are definitely better options for BBQ in this area for the price. You can also find cheaper options that are just flat out better than Longleaf. I guess if you live in downtown Raleigh and don't explore much outside of the downtown life, then maybe this place works for you. But I respect my tastebuds and was...

Overall Rating: 7.1/10 This venue boasts an inviting atmosphere with a versatile outdoor setup, complemented by efficient service and flavorful dishes, providing a pleasant dining experience worth the price.

Atmosphere: 7.2/10 The restaurant features a vibrant and welcoming environment. The outdoor area is well-integrated with the indoor space, offering ample seating and clean facilities, including conveniently located bars and restrooms under the large outdoor tent.

Service: 6.9/10 Service is streamlined and user-friendly, with options for self-seating and ordering via a QR code. Online ordering is straightforward, enhancing the overall efficiency. The cleanliness of the tables and bathrooms further reflects the establishment’s commitment to a good customer experience.

Food:

Smashburger: 6.5/10 The burger impresses with its bold seasoning and high-quality bun, making it a satisfying choice. The patty is well-cooked, and the ingredients blend well to deliver a flavorful bite.

Buffalo Chicken Wings: 7.5/10 These wings stand out for their perfect cooking and marinade, providing a spicier kick than anticipated, which adds to their appeal for those who enjoy bold flavors.

Mac and Cheese: 6.9/10 Featuring pimento cheese and bread crumbs, this dish offers a delightful texture and taste. It’s cooked to perfection, with the cheese being particularly noteworthy for its rich flavor.

Brisket Sandwich: 6.5/10 This sandwich features tender, good-quality brisket enhanced by tasty BBQ sauce. The bun is well-chosen, complementing the meat’s flavor and texture, resulting in a very enjoyable meal.

Value: 7.3/10 The pricing is justified by the quality of food, service, and the overall dining environment. The experience offers good value, making it a recommended spot for both casual meals and...

I’m torn! Great food, but a painfully impersonal experience.

The food was really good! We had brisket (excellent!), sweet potatoes (fancy and amazing!), corn bread (so good!), Brunswick stew (very meaty & a little tangy, just how I like it!), and the half-sour style pickles are a treat!! Four sauces are provided (sweet, tangy, vinegar, and mustard) to suit every taste, and they were all quite good! The environment and aesthetic are fun! Everything is clean and well maintained. There are lots of veg options which sounded delicious!

The dining experience, however, was disappointing in how impersonal it was. To be clear, the people working were very friendly when I saw them, and I had no negative interactions! BUT, I had almost no interactions at all! You seat yourself, you order on your phone by scanning a QR code on the table, and water is available at a self-serve station. The first person I spoke to was the person who brought our food. I had questions about the menu and nobody to ask. I’m an introvert and I don’t want to be hounded by a waiter, but this is too disconnected even for me.

Then, when paying (again, by myself, on my phone), I was prompted for a 18, 20, or 25% tip?! I’m sure this is a default through ‘Toast’, the payment app they use, but it just felt a bit greedy.

To their credit, there was some signage at the entrance instructing people to seat themselves and find the QR codes, etc., but it’s still not the experience I look for when dining out. This just feels like a modern take on cafeteria style service.

I would consider coming here for a take-away meal. Not sure I’ll be...