The Classy Pig

The Classy Pig closed in September 2011. I think I’m going to go cry. But I guess I will say I’m leaving Cincinnati, as are they. I only wish they were coming with me :(. They do still cater — so call them up — look up their Facebook.

I was on a short business trip and only had one shot at finding a memorable meal in the Cincinnati area. Unilocal showed me the way to The Classy Pig, a small, cute BBQ joint that would be pretty easy to overlook if you weren’t specifically searching for it. I almost moved on, as their space is too attractive and clean to pass Calvin Trilin’s test for legitimate BBQ. Luckily, I ignored Calvin’s advice and sat down.
I ordered a ½ rack of ribs with corn pudding and green beans (only $ 10.50 on Wednesdays!), plus a side salad to counterbalance the meaty goodness I was about to consume.
Those ribs were a revelation! I savored the way the flavors of the smoke, dry rub and glorious pigginess were perfectly balanced. They arrived hot, ultra tender, well-​done and wonderfully caramelized on the exterior. I briefly considered bringing the bones home as a souvenir. That good.
The corn pudding contains crack; I’m sure of it, not that I’m judging. I fought with myself to figure-​out whether it or a chunk of rib meat would be reserved as my last bite. The pork won that battle, but it was very close. Meanwhile, the beans and the salad were what they needed to be; nothing remarkable, but certainly not bad.
I love that the bottle of sauce they brought was served warm so it wouldn’t chill the ‘Q. Nice touch!
Dessert was a chunk of homemade apple-​pecan Bundt cake with cream cheese filling and pecan praline topping. I shouldn’t have eaten it, but I enjoyed every bite.

BBQ so good it should be illegal! The ribs are deliciously smoked, the chicken wings are exceptional, and the sides are a perfect representation of southern home cooking. All at a very reasonable price! Very friendly to newcomers, as I just moved into the Ludlow area and could not have felt more welcome. Highly recommended!

Delicious! Corn Pudding Rocks. Great beers on draft. Great portions. Cute patio.

The pulled pork was good and tender. The corn pudding was great. The atmosphere was nice and the prices are very good. The fried asparagus was a treat. Ludlow has gotten a nice little restaurant here. We will go back again.