If country clubs were cool and they served killer barbecue and smart drinks, then you’d join up, right?
Welcome to the return of Pig Beach.
While the idea of al fresco dining on the banks of the Gowanus Canal may sound a bit peculiar, the 13,000-square-foot space on Union Street has been recently renovated, and their outdoor season begins this Memorial Day weekend.
Those who cured their icy winter BBQ blues at their pop-up indoor space earlier this year already know about this smoky and saucy hangout.
2017 marks Pig Beach’s second full outdoor season helmed by two-award winning barbecue teams, Salty Rinse and Ribdiculous Bar-B-Krewe. The partners include Rob Shawger, chef Matt Abdoo of Del Posto, Shane McBride, executive chef of Balthazar, Ed McFarland of Ed’s Lobster Bar, and Michael Greenlee (Gotham Bar & Grill).
When I stopped in almost a year ago to sample this relaxing, down-home find in the great Gowanus outdoors, I feasted and drank through a series of delicious menu options, which proved that the awards and accolades are well-deserved.
And while the team will once again feature their signature food, Pig Beach has upped its beverage game for this season by bringing on Sarah Morrissey, formerly of Raines Law Room, Dear Irving, and Dutch Kills.
“We’ve renovated the space a bit to include some additional seating, and totally overhauled the cocktail menu to include favorites like frosé, fun summer cocktails, and great beer and shot combos,” says Chef Matt Abdoo.
New drinks include the Gowanus Shandy (frozen lemonade, beer and an Underberg float), the Snake Eyes (mezcal, ancho reyes, lemon and cinnamon), and a selection of wines on tap, including Salty Rinse Albariño and Wolffer Estate No.139 Dry Rosé Cider.
Recommended meal selections include the Championship Baby Back Ribs, Slow Cooked Turkey, and the Pig Beach Burger.
“We’re really excited to be renovating an attached interior space so that Pig Beach can be open all year round—but, it’s always so fun to have the patio open, it means that summer is officially here,” adds Abdoo.
While the barbecue techniques may be scrutinized by the chefs and the guest pitmasters who are featured throughout the summer, this is a decidedly low-key affair.
Pack your sunscreen, make sure your table has a lot of napkins, and take part in this saucy, Gowanus gastronomical affair.
The Dining Rundown: Pig Beach
Where: 480 Union Street (between Nevins and Bond Streets)
Hours: Tuesdays-Thursdays, 3pm-12am; Fridays and Saturdays, 12pm-1am; Sundays, 12pm-11pm. Closed Mondays.
Phone: 718-737-7181
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