Pig Out BBQ & Southern Soul Food opened back in 2018 and seems to hold a strong following among locals. The restaurant sits back from the road a bit but you can see their sign that hangs from a stone-clad pedestal. The key is to spot a few classic BBQ smokers in front of the building as you approach the 5800 block of Manatee Avenue West.

A small patio area leads to the dining and bar area. This restaurant is big on hospitality, so you can expect to be greeted as you open the door. Nicole, Christine, and Becca will offer a smile and get you seated right away. Right away, you’ll feel like you’re leaving the city behind and are about to enjoy the personal engagement a small BBQ restaurant affords you. It’s a simple joint, with the menu, sauces, and silverware already laid out on the tables.

After having visited a few times, I have some favorites to tell you about. You’ve got to start with the Fried Mac & Cheese. These fried macaroni balls are served six to an order, hot and smothered in melted cheese. Other appetizer options include Fried Green Tomatoes, Fried Pickles, and a Corn Dog Basket.

Their solid selection of smoked meats includes Pork, Pulled Pork, and Pork Tenderloin; Chicken; Pulled Chicken; Sausage; Brisket; Spare Ribs; Baby Back Ribs; and Mullet. They also serve Fried Catfish, Haddock; Shrimp; Chicken Wings; and an Angus Burger. The pork and chicken comes pulled or sliced, in a sandwich, by the pound, or on a platter with two sides. Most other meats are available in these three options as well. One unique menu item you may want to try is the Mac-Daddies – a list of sandwiches served with a Fried Mac & Cheese patty. 

I tried the Brisket Mac-Daddies on my last visit and I have to say that it is now my favorite item on the menu. It’s their infamous fried mac and cheese shaped as a patty and served atop the brisket. It’s mouthwatering good! They also offer it with chicken, pork, or a burger.

I also ordered the Smoked Chicken with Collard Greens and Baked Beans and it was just that, juicy and tender as you can ask for. I ate most of the chicken without any sauce, it truly didn’t need anything else.

Another excellent choice is the Pork Steak Sizzler, a large cut of pork steak on a sizzling skillet. I chose to have it with grilled onions and mushrooms. Some of the other available side dishes include Okra, Collard Greens, Mac & Cheese, French Fries, Cheese Grits, Sweet Potato, and ColeSlaw. To wash down these BBQ meats, you can choose between national draft beer brands, Cigar City Brewery beers, wine, homemade lemonade, southern sweet tea, or soft drinks. 

I’ve also tasted their Brisket and the Spare Ribs. Both were excellent. The brisket is thinly sliced and served on this plate with french fries and baked beans. I like to take a bit of brisket and run it by the beans to pick up some of the sweetness. I prefer the Spare Ribs, rather than Baby Back Ribs, because they’re meatier. These were very tender and totally satisfying.

Their sauces are made in-house and they include a Tangy Carolina and Sweet BBQ Sauce. I always go for the Carolina Gold sauce. Staple ingredients of a Carolina sauce typically include apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, yellow mustard, chili powder, and Worcestershire sauce. I don’t know their recipe but it’s pretty close to the traditional sauce I know and love.

If you’re in search of delicious BBQ meats and soul food, look no further than this gem of a restaurant, located at 5718 Manatee Ave W. in Bradenton. Pitmaster Eddie and owners Jason & Sandy will make sure that you don’t leave hungry. 

Pig Out BBQ & Soul Food is open 7 days a week from 11:00 am. to 8:00 pm.