Posted on May 18, 2012 - 09:28 AM

Pigging Out at Two New Barbecue Restaurants

By Becky Billingsley

When talking about what's good to eat in the Myrtle Beach area the conversation has to include barbecue, and this spring there are two great new restaurants to celebrate. It's time for a pig-off!

Twisted Pig

Twisted Pig between Conway and Myrtle Beach opened in mid-April, and already locals are flocking there for excellent smoked meats and side dishes.

At his country barbecue joint, Joe Potter built a dedicated new building for his high-tech Ole Hickory Pit where he burns a blend of hard and fruit woods to smoke chickens, beef brisket, ribs and pork butts. The meats' flavors are glorious with infusions of peach and pecan smokiness.

The meats are also moist and delectable. St. Louis-style and Baby Back Ribs have a light bark and juicy interiors and pulled pork has magnificent pink and purple smoke rings. The brisket is so tender the thin slices fork apart.

Four barbecue sauces are Hickory Barbecue, Apple Barbecue, Twisted Mustard and Vinegar.

In addition to smoked meat sandwiches and entrees, Twisted Pig has appetizers including Fried Pickles, Smoked Dry-Rub Wings and Fried Okra. Side dishes are phenomenal and include light and sweet Hush Puppies containing corn kernels and rolled in sugar; Three-bean Baked beans; Sweet Potato Souffle; Coleslaw, Macaroni and Cheese made with real cheese; Green Beans, Greens, Macaroni Salad and Sweet Potato Fries.

Diners can also order Burgers and Smoked Chicken Salad, and dessert includes rich Banana Pudding.

Twisted Pig's big country back yard will have live music performances this summer, and inside an ice cream and candy shop will soon open.

Twisted Pig BBQ is at 1315 S.C. 90 just east of Conway, and the hours are 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesdays through Saturdays. The phone number is 843-347-3090.

Photo Gallery

Smoked chicken slathered in barbecue sauce is a specialty at Screamin' Pig.Photo Credit: Becky Billingsley

Pick a sauce and enjoy it on moist beef brisket at Screamin' Pig.Photo Credit: Becky Billingsley

Screamin' Pig in North Myrtle Beach offers pulled pork plates with traditional side dishes.Photo Credit: Becky Billingsley

Beef brisket at Twisted Pig is tender, moist and has a delightful smoked flavor.Photo Credit: Becky Billingsley

Twisted Pig's pulled pork is tipped in pink and purple smoke rings.Photo Credit: Becky Billingsley

Smoked ribs at Twisted Pig near Conway are championship-worthy.Photo Credit: Becky Billingsley

Screamin' Pig

Earlier in spring 2012, Chef Pete Hutchings cranked up his Texas smoker at Screamin' Pig in North Myrtle Beach to produce Beef Brisket, Pulled Pork, Baby Back Ribs, Smoked Wings, Smoked Sweet Sausage and Barbecue Chicken.

Screamin' Pig is in a cool old historic retro building that used to be part of a fish camp. Counter and table seating are available inside, and more tables are outside.

The pronounced smoky flavor in Twisted Pig's meats is not as pronounced at Screamin' Pig, but it's there, especially in their delectable ribs. Four sauces to accompany the barbecue include Pig Original (dark red and sweet with a kick); Pepper Vinegar, Mustard and Kickin' and Screamin'.

In addition to barbecue sandwiches and combo plates, Screamin' Pig has a BBQ Egg Roll filled with pulled pork and collards; Pulled Pork Nachos; St. Johns Chicken Salad with walnuts and grapes; burgers; hot dogs; and standard southern sides like fries, slaw, macaroni and cheese, collards and baked beans.

The Screamin' Pig is at 1020 Sea Mountain Highway in North Myrtle Beach. It's open from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesdays through Saturdays, and the phone number is 843-427-7901.