Dear sir or madam watching the big game in a chain restaurant,
My name is Emily, and we need to talk. I hear you’re still trying to watch football at [redacted]. What is it about that place that’s bringing you back? The well-planned “local” wall kitsch? The always just-OK wings, burgers and steaks? The overpriced beer and hardly visible televisions?
There are so many local, sports-focused restaurant alternatives out there that I have a hard time understanding why you’re still waiting for a table at something mass-produced.
Why not swap it out for a low-key bar with good food, friendly staff and local owners instead? I’m sure you already have a couple to choose from, but let’s add this one to your list: The Blind Pig.
Located in west Little Rock next to NYPD Pizza, this barbecue-focused spot is a pleasant surprise in a part of town known for more stylish fare. Here, the prices are low, the service is casual and the game is definitely on. Do yourself a favor and step away from your overpriced light beer. Swap it for a $7 pitcher of Diamond Bear or Schlafly. And while you’re at it, trade the dry burger for a pile of pulled pork on Texas toast. You won’t regret it.
Sincerely,
EVZ
Where everybody knows your name
It’s rare that a mostly empty, fairly new spot can make me feel totally comfortable. But The Blind Pig managed it. Coming in less than a week before Christmas, the dinner crowd when a friend and I dropped in was nearly non-existent, but the staff didn’t seem to mind. They maintained a relaxed, friendly atmosphere as we sat at the bar, letting us watch the game on TV in peace, but dropping in just enough that we didn’t feel forgotten. By then end of our meal, the bartender (Dan) was shaking our hands and getting our names. It didn’t feel pushy or like a lame attempt to get a repeat customer. The
entire staff seemed to genuinely enjoy what they were doing. The Blind Pig is the kind of place that could easily become your neighborhood bar, if only this were your neighborhood.
The standard, and the not-so-standard
The Blind Pig rests somewhere between barbecue joint and sports bar. The restaurant’s menu walks that line, too, and in doing so, offers a much wider variety of bites than you’d have at an average bar. Rather than just burgers and wings, you can opt for pulled pork, brisket or ribs. Sandwiches and salads have their own menu sections, as do (oddly enough) hot dogs, which include five mega-topped varieties for $8 a piece. Sports bar favorites are all here as well, including nachos, loaded fries and fried jalapeños. At around $6 a pop, splitting several appetizers is a good way to please a big table.
For the love of the game
Although the Pig is touting itself as a laid-back barbecue joint, there was a big focus on sports the night we went. Since it’s not a sports bar, the five TVs were all on mute, but with NFL Network’s RedZone on above the bar, it’s clear that plenty
of people come in to keep an eye on the game. Though we were the only people at the bar during my visit, we were far from the only people watching the Sunday, late afternoon games. At one point or another, most of the kitchen staff poked their heads in to get updates and chat about the games. At other spots, it might bother me to have so much of the staff hanging out in the dining room, but everyone was incredibly friendly. On our way out, one of the cooks double checked which teams we’d been rooting for (the Steelers, not Green Bay) and asked us to be sure to come back.
The right local option
I’d choose a local bar like The Blind Pig over a chain sports bar and restaurant any day. Sure, this is paper-napkin fare. But the food is priced appropriately, cooked well and served by people who seem to like what they are doing. And in case you’re worried about drinks, don’t be. The bartenders are knowledgeable and the six beers on tap are quality, with breweries like Schlafly, Diamond Bear, Abita, New Belgium and Lazy Magnolia represented. If you’re looking for a relaxed spot to watch a game, be sure to put this one on the list.
THE DISH
To Die For Cheese Dip ($5-$8)
The traditional Little Rock starter came highly recommended by our bartender, who even offered to bring us a free sample. We dove straight in to a small order, which was a nicely salty blend of white cheese and salsa. The menu online, however, boasts the inclusion of andouille sausage and cooked greens. While we saw a few green pieces, I assumed they were cilantro. And there was no sausage to be seen. (evz)
The Capone ($10)
Among the selection of gangster-named sandwiches is this fried pork chop version, topped with provolone cheese, onion straws and shotgun sauce. The pork was flavorful and tender, but the hoagie roll was a bit plain and could have done with a good toasting. For the side, we went with loaded potato salad, which was creamy and studded with bacon. Overall, a good deal for the price. (evz)
Boneless wings ($11)
At $11, $19 or $30 for an order of 10, 20 or 35 wings, these were a little pricey. But fried crisp and tossed in an even coat of mild buffalo sauce, the boneless wings were on par with most sports bars in town. Amazing? No. But they hit the spot. (evz)
Elliot Ness-ly ($6)
Hot fudge cake and vanilla ice cream? I’m in. The moist, fudgey cake came out piping hot with an oversized scoop of vanilla on the side. The cake was served in a medium-sized ramekin which made it perfect for two. Have a bigger group? Get an extra order. (evz)
IN A NUTSHELL
This gangster speakeasy-themed bar and restaurant is refreshingly casual for west Little Rock with a barbecue-based menu and plenty of TVs for game day.
Location: 6015 Chenonceau Blvd., Little Rock
Phone: (501) 868-8194
Web: theblindpiglr.com
Hours: 4-9 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday, 4 p.m. to midnight Friday, 11 a.m. to midnight Saturday and 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday
Prices: $5-$19
Attire: Casual
Alcohol: Full bar, craft beer focused drafts