D.C. Pitmaster Shawn McWhirter Opens Smokin’ Pig Barbecue on H Street | Eater DC

"After a two-year wait I watched Smokin’ Pig on H Street NE finally open with accomplished D.C. pitmaster Shawn McWhirter at the helm, replacing Kitty’s Saloon just in time for Labor Day weekend. He’s introduced a giant turkey leg that’s brined and smoked before being stuffed with mac and cheese — with an option to jazz it up with onions and jalapeños — a finished product he says “looks like it came from a Renaissance fair.” Early favorites include loaded stuffed potatoes (you can top them with barbecue and sides; he likes his with Brussels and brisket), Brussels sprouts tossed with cilantro, and chicken wings smoked for two hours then dunked in the fryer. Owner Bernard Gibson (of Shark Bar) backs a short, intentionally limited menu that also features burgers and nachos, and McWhirter keeps sauces optional — offerings include a Carolina gold honey with a “honey mustard feel” that pairs well with ribs or juicy shaved turkey, Kansas City hot, Memphis sweet, and a Jameson barbecue glaze in development — because, as he says, “My barbecue don’t need no sauce.” The two-level space (small second-floor back patio) offers limited seating and takeout from a bar with slushy machines for lemonade and strawberry slushees (they can be spiked); he’s rotating woods in the smoker out back (hickory this week) — the smoker is named Fred G. Sanford — and expects to sell out some nights (if meats run out by 6 p.m., he says he knows he’s doing something right). Hours are 11 a.m.–10 p.m. Tue–Thu and until midnight on weekends, delivery via UberEats is coming soon, and McWhirter hopes the spot can bring new and old neighbors together as much as it serves barbecue." - Tierney Plumb