There’s nothing better than great barbeque and smoked meats for this guy. Ribs, brisket, smoked wings and more, que is one of those food items that just takes a lot of time and equipment so I seek it when dining out. So it was with some excitement that I headed over to the new Blistered Pig Smokehouse out in Apex. As part of the Peak City Grille family, I had higher expectations for the whole experience and online reviews had been solid. So my friend and I headed down to Salem Street to get our meat on!
I don’t spend too much time in downtown Apex but the Blistered Pig sits in a smallish brick building (Tobacco & Mule Exchange) with an entrance in the back off of Salem Street. Small patio out front and inside it’s got a very nice interior! Large and open bricked dining room, exposed timber beams and lots of activity, the place is busy. Clientele here is a bit older, probably 40+. We grab a seat at tight high-boy against at half-wall and peer through the menu. It’s a pretty small menu for lunch (brisket, ribs, chicken, pork in plates and sandwiches) and I’ve already stalked it so I know what I’m getting! The Blistered Pig has a pretty long list of sides (10+ from grits to slaw, collards, brussel sprouts and more) which will probably be your main hurdle if you’re indecisive. I go with the brisket sandwich and some buffalo chicken thighs as a starter.
The Blistered Pig is pretty busy so it takes 15+ minutes for our food to come out but we get some nice hush-puppies to start with (cakey and sweet with jalapeno butter). The plate of buffalo smoked chicken thighs are plated nicely with some romaine, beets and pickled onions (?). Four substantial and boneless thighs glazed in spicy sauce with a hit of smoke taste makes for an interesting app, good start! My brisket sandwich is solid but a bit bland, layered with slaw and on some good white bread. With the side of sweet potato fries it’s a tasty meal and plenty to eat. And my friend’s pulled chicken sandwich looks decent but I’m not a fan of the sauce on top since I hate covering up good meat.
Service at the Blistered Pig is pretty good and attentive, the place is busy. Just be aware that they’ve got the same menu for lunch and dinner so for an afternoon meal, the Blistered Pig can get pricey. But overall I found the meal solid if not authentic. Having spent some time in Austin and Texas last year, I’m getting increasingly demanding when it comes to smoked meats and it’s ok here, but a bit fancied up. Overall I think you’ll have a good meal at the Blistered Pig and with the decent environs and service, it’s a worthwhile stop if you’re in downtown Apex…
225 North Salem Street
Apex, NC 27502
919.446.3366
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