Our first experience of Hottie Hawgs was their New Year's Eve party. We didn't know it was a prix fixe thing, nor that the courses were pretty much all high-quality gourmet BBQ meats. That didn't stop them from not only making us right at home (and feeling like honored guests), but they also made special dishes just for us to eat so that we would get our money's worth. Boy, did we - we left that night smiling, carrying home a gift, and full as ticks of wonderful, original food and warmth from the good company and true southern hospitality.
That pretty much sums up the type of people, food, and service you can expect. They always greet us with a smile - sometimes a hug or two - kind words, and amazing food.
Fare-wise, these guys don't just do the obligatory garden burger - they make an amazing black bean burger from scratch (with an always fresh kaiser roll, onion strings lettuce, tomato, and garlic aioli) - top it off with a little of their homemade BBQ sauce, and you will be in Hawg heaven. Their fries are crisp, and seasoned with a flavorful combo I have yet to figure out (but they should be illegal, because they are seriously ADDICTIVE). Their fried okra is awesome - whole okra, lightly breaded, crispy, and NOT greasy. Their battered/fried bottlecap pickles are a nice treat as well (and sprinkled with fried jalapenos for the brave). A good offering of salads, slaw, (both always fresh) etc round out their vegan options.
BUT - one of their most awesome veg offerings by far is their tempura mac and cheese balls. Home made shells and cheese, flecked with (just enough, but not too many) jalapeno pieces, then tempura breaded and fried - it's the one sinful splurge for this mostly vegan family.
Vegetarian-wise, their fare also includes a grilled cheese with tomato sandwich that is positively brimming with a smoldering cheese combo and huge slices of fresh tomato.
There are more offerings, but the options above are so good that we're loathe to forsake them for anything else on the menu.
The drinks are always tall, and the night is always warm when we venture out to Hottie Hawgs - and it's affordable, so we go weekly.
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