If you read my review of CM Chicken and Whit's Frozen Custard last week, you know that day was not only the first time I reviewed both a lunch and dinner restaurant on the same day, but also the first time I reviewed three different eateries all at once. You may remember that it was a day. 1 day. My third and final stop was Pickled Pig Kitchen in downtown Maryville. Grubb's spouse and I had dinner on our way to an evening event at Maryville University's Creighton Center for the Arts.
The Pickled Pig has been operating out of Two Doors Down, a bar on Broadway since 2007. The last time I was there was about 15 years ago and there was live music, but it was a smoky dive with no curb appeal. But in recent years, the owners have changed things up quite a bit, completely overhauling the aesthetics of the place, enhancing entertainment options, and offering food service from Pickled Pig Kitchen.
This time, the first visual impression of the place was much better. We've significantly updated the interior, adding themed wall decor, multiple TV screens, and colorful lighting that adds a great glow to the bar and dining area. We chose a high table near the bar and considered our dining options.
Appetizers include familiar pub grub favorites such as cheese curds, chicken tenders, Tennessee tots (with cheddar cheese and bacon pieces), several types of chicken wings, and potato skins. I decided to try one of their street tacos as an appetizer of sorts. I ordered the Southwest Beef Taco ($4), made with seasoned ground beef, black beans, corn, red bell pepper, onion, jalapeño, cheddar, lettuce, tomato, and sour cream.
The main course category includes hot dogs, nachos, salads, and flatbread pizza, as well as signature entrees such as pan-seared pork chops, Frito pie casserole, BBQ pork mac casserole, and Chipotle Lucy-Joe sliders . Spouse ordered from the sandwich section. It features the Philadelphia Hoagie with smoked bologna, grilled pimento pork cheese, and hickory steak. Spouse had the meatloaf sandwich ($9). It's made with ground beef, red peppers, and onions, and the bread slices are topped with bacon jam. It came with a side and my spouse chose the mac and cheese.
Since The Pickled Pig specializes in barbecue (hence the “pig” part of the name), I decided to try the smoked meat platter. My choices were baby back ribs, wings, chicken, and pulled pork. I chose his The Pickled Pig pulled pork platter ($12), although it wasn't one with pickled peppers. These meals come with two sides, so I got baked beans and potato salad. By the way, other sides include coleslaw, fries, tots, country apples, salad, jalapeño creamed corn, and green beans with ham.
The meal was overall very good, but I definitely liked some items more than others. First, the tacos were really delicious. We raved about the seasoning of the finely ground beef, and the soft shell tortilla was packed with toppings. If I had eaten a couple of those tacos, I'd say it was a good outing. However, I had mixed feelings about the pork platter. In my assessment, the meat was okay, but a bit dry. The baked beans were flavorful, but were almost room temperature when delivered. Potato salad was better. It wasn't as moist as many varieties, but the addition of bacon to the mayonnaise-based mix gave it a fun twist.
Spouse's meatloaf sandwich was a stronger entrée. The bread itself had a nice blend of beef and binder, and the vegetable ingredients and bacon jam glaze gave it a little kick to make it stand out. Meanwhile, the mac and cheese side was up and running at the factory. To me, it tasted like a basic kit-in-a-box product.
We finished with dessert and instead of the chocolate chip cookie skillet with ice cream, we ordered the Ghirardelli Salted Caramel Fudge Brownie with Vanilla Ice Cream ($8). Admittedly, I had no complaints about this sweet closer, but it did nothing to raise the overall score of the meal.
Two Doors Down has evolved into a legitimate entertainment experience in downtown Maryville. Now it's a perfect location for the market square and the old town. Gone are the days of smoke-filled rooms, and the arrival of The Pickled Pig Kitchen has definitely helped to up its game. I don't necessarily recommend going there just for the food, but if you've already been to Two Doors Down (which, as Dolly once said, is laughing and singing and partying), pickle Pork will be a delicious complement to the afternoon. Or in the evening.
pork pickle kitchen
food:3.75
service:3.75
atmosphere:Four
whole:3.75
address: 118 E. Broadway, Maryville
phone: 865-980-7771
full bar service
time: Monday to Sunday, 11 a.m. to 2 a.m.
