Smokey Pig Bar-B-Q
Family-operated fixture serving hickory-smoked meat plates & sandwiches with a unique Monroe County style since the early 1970s.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Blue hour photography, calmer galleries
Smokey Pig Bar-B-Q
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Family-operated fixture serving hickory-smoked meat plates & sandwiches with a unique Monroe County style since the early 1970s.
"This is a must stop during a visit to Bowling Green for a BBQ fan."
Order at the Window
For quicker service, place your order at the window. Avoid long lines during peak hours.
Try a Variety
Consider ordering both ribs and a pulled pork sandwich to enjoy a wider range of flavors.
Quick Facts
Cuisine
Barbecue
Price
Mid-range
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Monroe County Style Pork Shoulder
Signature pork shoulder, slow-smoked over wood coals and dipped in a spicy, vinegar-based barbecue sauce.
Generous Portions & Great Value
Hearty servings of delicious BBQ and sides at prices that offer excellent value for money.
Homestyle Atmosphere with a View
Enjoy a casual, homestyle dining experience with a pleasant view overlooking the river.
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Menu
Most Popular Items
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Order at the Window
For quicker service, place your order at the window. Avoid long lines during peak hours.
Try a Variety
Consider ordering both ribs and a pulled pork sandwich to enjoy a wider range of flavors.
Weekday Lunch
Visit on a weekday for lunch to avoid potentially longer wait times. The line moves quickly.
Don't Skip the Sides
The sides like baked beans, macaroni & cheese, and mashed potatoes are highly recommended.
Tips
from all over the internet
Order at the Window
For quicker service, place your order at the window. Avoid long lines during peak hours.
Try a Variety
Consider ordering both ribs and a pulled pork sandwich to enjoy a wider range of flavors.
Weekday Lunch
Visit on a weekday for lunch to avoid potentially longer wait times. The line moves quickly.
Don't Skip the Sides
The sides like baked beans, macaroni & cheese, and mashed potatoes are highly recommended.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Smokey Pig Bar-B-Q is a beloved local spot praised for its authentic Monroe County-style BBQ, particularly the pork shoulder and pulled pork. Diners rave about the generous portions, great value, and friendly, fast service. While some find the ribs slightly salty, the overall consensus is overwhelmingly positive, with many calling it a must-visit destination for BBQ lovers.
"We had been in the area on a road trip with some friends and decided to give this place a try since one of the folks we were with was craving good BBQ. Food and service was fantastic, dining area is small and perfect for a place like this. Pictured is the rib plate with potato salad and Mac and cheese. Portions were generous for the money. We had 3 other people with us, they got the pork plate and brisket plate but forgot to get photos of those meals. Food was fantastic and service was also amazing. Really felt that 'southern hospitality' stopping in here. We took a piece of derby pie with us to go and they was also fantastic. Give this place a try - coming from someone who lives 500 miles north - you won't be disappointed."
Chris Moroney
"We stopped in during the week for lunch. There was a decent line waiting to order but it moved pretty quickly. They give you a decent amount of food for the prince. I ordered the ribs with baked beans and mac. The food was okay the ribs were a little salty for my taste but very tender. The only reason for 3 stars on service was you order at the window and take your own food."
mark watanabe
"Good stuff.
It's not Deep South Q, more 'roasted' than 'smoked overnight'. Nothing detrimental there, just FYI.
Sides were all good. Service is as good as it gets. They are proud of their food as any kitchen should be. If ypur passing through take the 3 minutes needed to get here and pass all the same old chains.
Great value, Nice dining room overlooking the river.
GO!!"
Lee Moore
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
The signature dish is the pork shoulder plate, cooked Monroe County style over wood coals and dipped in a spicy vinegar-based barbecue sauce.
It's recommended to order at the window for faster service, especially during busy times.
Visiting during weekdays for lunch is recommended to avoid longer lines.
Popular sides include baked beans, potato salad, macaroni & cheese, and vinegar slaw.
The BBQ is cooked over wood coals in a Monroe County style, with meat smoked without additional spices and served with a spicy vinegar-based sauce.
The restaurant offers a homestyle atmosphere, with some seating areas providing a view overlooking the river.
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The Best Restaurants In Bowling Green, Kentucky
Bar, Restaurant, American One of Bowling Green’s best barbecue venues since the early 1970s, Smokey Pig offers an idiosyncratic take on grilled meats. Perfected in Monroe County, this technique is mostly pork-based (hence the restaurant’s name), and sees the meat smoked without any additional spices, and then served with a spicy vinegar-based barbecue sauce. Smokey Pig also offers chicken, but pork is the winning dish, with shoulders, chops, ribs and a great shredded styles on offer, along with a selection of sides.
Bowling Green, KY
I was down in Bowling Green, Kentucky recently seeing a dealer who has bought some stuff from us off and on over the years. On my way in town to see him, I passed by a barbecue place that had both and interesting name - Smokey Pig Bar-B-Q - and a sort of interesting location. After I saw my dealer later that day, I decided to have some barbecue at Smokey Pig.
Bowling Green Restaurant Recommendations - CorvetteForum
If you truly want local, and not a chain, I can recommend Smokey Pig Bar-B-Q. I did the museum this summer and then asked where the locals eat BBQ and this place was recommended. We then got there and asked what�s the most popular plate and were told to order the shoulder plate. Far, far from fancy, but VERY good!
15 Best Restaurants in Bowling Green, KY for 2025 (Top Eats!)
2520 Louisville RdBowling Green, KY 42101(270) 781-1712 Visit Website See Menu Open in Google Maps. This family-owned restaurant that first opened its doors in 1969 is a mainstay in Bowling Green. It serves exquisite barbecue dishes in a no-frills setting.
Barbecue Restaurants in or near Bowling Green, Kentucky KY
Placed approximately 2.6 miles from the city center there is a nice Barbecue Restaurant Smokey Pig Bar-B-Q. Looking for a good Barbecue Restaurant?. Check out Smokey Pig Bar-B-Q at 2520 Louisville Rd. You can call them at (270) 781-1712.
Best Restaurants in Bowling Green, Kentucky (KY)
Smokey Pig BBQ is a place where everything is cooked over wood coals. Western Kentucky is big into BBQ, and Smokey Pig has been offering it to the community since 1969.
Things To Do In Bowling Green, Kentucky (from a local)
Mouth watering BBQ cooked over a wood fire pit, this Monroe County style BBQ is worth a try. Get the pork shoulder plate dipped, you won’t regret it.
The Best Restaurants near Bowling Green, KY
For a far more casual meal, you should visit the Smokey Pig. This adorable eatery has a ton of meat. Hot dogs, chicken, pulled pork, and brisket.
Highest-rated Fine Dining Restaurants in Bowling Green by Diners
- Rating: 4.2/5 (228 reviews)- Price level: $$- Address: 2520 Louisville Road Bowling Green, Kentucky - Categories: Barbecue- Read more on Yelp
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