Iron Pig Alehouse open in PB

Are those….Edison bulbs I see hanging from the exposed rafters at Iron Pig Alehouse?

The beer and barbecue spot opened in Pacific Beach last month, with decidedly hipster trappings throughout. The wood appears suspiciously “reclaimed,” and the signage proudly bears the tagline, “est 2014,” as if banking on someday being a good ol’ neighborhood institution. Consulting the beer menu, we find no Miller, no Bud, no High Life; no Fireball shots and Jaeger Bombs; just hoppy beers on draft.

Yup. Iron Pig went full hipster in PB.

The menu even has apothecary-esque pen-and-ink caricatures of delicious little animals awaiting the barbecue!

But, maybe that’s not so bad? After all, the menu boldly proclaims the meats are cooked “low and slow” over hickory. It’s more or less East Texas style ‘cue, with brisket, baby backs, beef ribs, and pulled pork filling out the plates. Slaw, beans, greens, and potato salad on the side, if you want. And the dead giveaway: thick slices of toast.

Too early to say whether the ‘cue is good or bad, but it does look like the kitchen has an actual smoker of some capacity, so there’s hope! Color me optimistic, but if this place ends up selling legit barbecue, it could be quite the coup for PB’s food scene.

I’ll check back when they’ve had a little time to complete the menu and sort out any kinks. For barbecue fans, this is worth getting excited over.