The Improper Pig

The Improper Pig is the barbecue restaurant in a converted Central Avenue service station in Plaza Midwood, with a second location in Blakeney. The bar blends Carolina barbecue with Asian flavors, and the bar holds the highest rating of any barbecue restaurant inside the city. The patio is generous and sits in a social district, so drinks can travel. Sides and salads are good enough that vegetarians name it as a barbecue place they will happily join. Hushpuppies arrive with a thick honey butter that people mention as often as the meat.

What to know

• Barbecue fried rice and improper nachos on house made chips are the signatures.
• The Blakeney location runs the same menu on the south side.
• The skinny spicy margarita compares well with dedicated cocktail bars.
• The mac and cheese burger is the sleeper order.