Today we’re going to visit Happy Hawg Real Pit Bar-B-Q in Hiawassee, GA. So by now you’ve figured out we’ve been on another nice road trip. While staying in Franklin, NC we were able to make a lot of day trips to various areas in and near the Great Smoky Mountains. I’m not sure where we were heading. I think this was a day for antiquing. So we crossed over into GA and headed out Highway 76. We worked out our plan

Jeep Trail at Happy Hawg Real Pit Bar-B-Q.

and added this one to our list of places to check out. Just a footnote for anyone who hasn’t been to Western GA, this is a beautiful area and a great ride. Moving right along.

The Restaurant and Staff:

Happy Hawg Real Pit Bar-B-Q is a small local owned restaurant. The inside only has about 6 tables. There is some outside seating also if you prefer. The place was very clean and the people were very friendly. Even the other guests were friendly with everyone. They just fit us in like we belonged there. I’m good with that. You place your order at the counter as soon as you walk in. After ordering you just choose your seat and they will bring the food out to you when it’s ready. This is a very laid back easy going environment. We loved it.

Tammy’s Choices at Happy Hawg Real Pit Bar-B-Q:

Sliced Brisket with Fried Corn on the Cob and Slaw.

Today we stopped in for lunch and Tammy ordered a Brisket Plate with Fried Corn on the Cob and Slaw. The slaw was pretty good. It had a mix of a little vinegar and a little sweet taste to it. And here we go again with the fried corn on the cob. I think Tammy has found a new favorite. Well just like earlier on this trip, theirs was wonderful as well. I need to get some of our locals to try this.

As for the brisket, it was awesome. It had a good smoke ring along with some great smoke flavor and seasoning on the outside. The brisket was also nice and tender. It was just fantastic. We both loved it.

We also had a piece of luscious Key Lime Cheese Cake. At least that’s what Tammy called it. I did get a taste of it and it was really good. However she took care of the dessert without much help from me. Tammy enjoyed every bite of it.

And My Choices Were:

Of course I went light today since after all is was for lunch. I settled for a Rib and Pork Combo Plate. I went with Smoked Potato Salad and Baked Beans for sides. And what’s lunch without an extra side of Brunswick Stew. Oh yeah, this is my kind of lunch. The Brunswick stew was really good and a little different from what I’m used to. That might be one reason I liked it so much. It had all the traditional ingredients, veggies, potatoes, and meat. But the broth was the difference. Theirs has a slight vinegar kick to it. All together this was some pretty awesome Brunswick stew.

Pork and Ribs Plate with Baked Beans, Potato Salad and a side of Brunswick Stew.

The baked beans were outstanding. They had a nice thick sauce along with the meat seasoning. The potato salad was also different from what I’m used to. It was really good. Tammy described it as tasting similar to sour cream and onion potato chips. That seems pretty close since I can’t put my finger on it. I did enjoy it even with the sour cream which I’m not a huge fan of. Next time around I’d probably go with the mustard potato salad which would be more for us traditionalists.

The pork was chopped and it was delicious. It had a wonderful smoke flavor, a nice smoke ring along with some really good seasoning. Add plenty of bark to the mix as they did and all I can say about this bbq is give me more, please. And finally the ribs. Happy Hawg Real Pit Bar-B-Q serve some beautiful ribs. The first bite was a little tough but the flavor was awesome. The outside had a beautiful and tasty char. Much to my delight there was no more toughness after the 1^st bite. Must have just been that one rib. After that we just went to work on some awesome ribs.

Final Thoughts:

Tammy and I both enjoyed this stop. This is just a small bbq joint with a staff giving their all to make it great for the customers. This is my kind of place. The food was awesome. They take chances and make their sides different from the norm. I love their drive. Everyone from the staff to the customers we talked to were fantastic people. Even though Happy Hawg Real Pit Bar-B-Q did a good business while we were there, they need for people to share stories like this and help get the word out. What a treasure you have in Hiawassee, GA. So glad to add them to Patrick’s BBQ Trail.

Now For Your Thoughts:

Here’s the chance for me to ask you for your thoughts on Happy Hawg Real Pit Bar-B-Q. Have you visited with them before? What did you think? Tell us a little about your visit in the comments box below.

How about some of you locals? I know most of the people coming in were locals. What are your favorites? Tell us about the other menu items. Fill us in on anything that I may have missed. Scroll down and drop some comments in the box. I’ll get all comments posted as soon as I can.

I look forward to hearing from you.

I encourage you to share this review on Facebook and other social media sites. Follow us on Facebook to see where else we go.

Can’t seem to find a website that works.

You can find them on Facebook at: https://www.facebook.com/TheHappyHawg

Enjoy the ride, good eating and thanks for stopping by.