There are many BBQ restaurants in the Cincinnati area, and Pig Candy BBQ is near the top of my list. Located in the California neighborhood, out by Riverbend Music Center, sits this cozy restaurant that occupies a former jail. All meats are smoked on site and served fresh with a wonderful selection of sides and some fun specialty items like a waffle sandwich or quesadilla.
I think their Bama Turkey sandwich is top of the menu for me. It combines thick-sliced turkey, layered with tomato, onion, and dill pickles, with white sauce on the side ($10). The turkey is really good, and I like having some additional toppings on the sandwich rather than just coleslaw. Sides can be added for $4 and include the pickled onion and peppers, which are awesome.
Another unique item is the Pig Mac Bowl, a bowl of mac and cheese, topped with pulled pork, red sauce, and slaw ($10). This is a full meal in a bowl, and there is no need to add a side to it. It’s a really good option.
The pulled pork sandwich is topped with white and gold sauces plus slaw on the side ($8). Plenty of meat is piled high on the butter toasted bun, and it’s full of smoke plus very tender.
A full kids’ menu is available, plus local craft beer, hard seltzers, wine, and mimosas. It’s a wonderful place to stop before a concert or even for Sunday brunch.