This edition of Excited about Eating takes us to Banner Elk, NC, and to The Pedalin’ Pig BBQ, a locally owned and operated restaurant using local sourced ingredients. Besides the normal BBQ options, this regional favorite also offers tacos, salads, and a bunch of different sides.

Huge with several different eating spaces

Dora here. We’ve eaten at this location a couple of times now. The interior is a bit tired and worn, yet still gives off that homey, comfortable vibe. It’s also huge, with several different eating spaces. But I can’t wait until the weather warms and we can sit outdoors.

Huge interior. Homey and comfy, a bit tired and worn.

We started with the Pork Rinds with “pig spice.” Crispy, full of pork flavor, and as always with pork rinds, it’s hard to stop eating them once you start. Dora here. Actually, Ernie, you started with the pork rinds. Not a fan of pork rinds anywhere. 

Pork Rinds appetizer: hard to stop eating once you start

For my lunch, I chose The Worker’s Lunch Special, which included a pulled pork sandwich with house-made chips, slaw, and a drink all for $6.95, what a deal. The pulled pork was tender, smoky, and full of that wonderful pork bark. The slaw was sweet and made a perfect addition when I added it to my pulled pork sandwich and the chips were light, thin, and flawlessly cooked.

The Worker’s Lunch Special: Pork sandwich was tender, smoky, and full of that wonderful pork bark

Dora here. Today, the Worker’s Lunch Special came with either brisket or pork. I opted for brisket. Can you believe you can get all this food plus the drink for only $6.95?? The brisket was tender, just enough fat to make it juicy, and blanketed with a light layer of sauce to give it a nice sheen. I don’t care for North Carolina Barbeque Red slaw (with ketchup). This is my favorite kind of slaw, creamy and sweet, and adds a nice texture when added to the sandwich. I only ate a few of the house-made chips, but they were nice and crispy.  

The Worker’s Lunch Special with Brisket. Such a bargain for only $6.95, including drink!

Which would you choose, pork or brisket?

We rate this restaurant 4 forks out of 5 for a family friendly restaurant serving great food.