Briny Swine Smokehouse & Oyster Bar

Stopped in for happy hour and enjoyed the open fun “low country” atmosphere. The bartender was very friendly and the specialty drinks were delicious. They are Buffalo Trace and Bourbon “centric”. It was a great spot to watch a football game. Guests eating appetizers and meals appeared to enjoy their food as the portions were generous and I didn’t see a soul walk out with a to go container! I’ll certainly come again, try the food and update this review!

We have ate here many times and let me tell you.... Briney Swine is an absolute gem! Owners Brandon and John are incredibly welcoming, and GM Lee ensures everything runs smoothly. Dylan behind the bar is top-notch, serving up well-priced cocktails that don’t disappoint. The smoked meats are phenomenal—especially the brisket and the smash burger, which are my personal favorites. The mix of oysters and BBQ is unique and delightful. Try a dessert, they haven't missed yet. Highly recommend!

A spacious smokehouse serving up solid BBQ dishes with a live music stage. The live was quite loud during our visit, but the serve was able to accommodate us to a quieter spot. The ribs were tender and fell off the bone, while the oysters were decent - about what you’d expect from a non-seafood-focused restaurant.

I went to dinner at Briny Swine on Clark St for Friday date night with my husband. The restaurant was booked but we were able to grab seats at the bar without a reservation. Fun vibes! We tried the oyster deviled eggs for a starter. They were surprisingly delicious! The fish fry special with coleslaw enticed us for our entree. The batter stood out for its flavorful seasoning. The golden fries were crispy, thick cut, and well seasoned. The creamy coleslaw enriched the dish a little too much—a vinegar-based slaw would have worked better. The bartender was friendly and attentive. Our food was run out quickly, including dessert, which was banana pudding with crushed Nilla wafers. Oh my was this dish decadent! We left before the live music began but would love to return another time.

Went here for the first time tonight. Our drinks (spicy margarita, whiskey flight, coconut espresso martini) were solid. The oysters on the deviled oyster app were great. I had the lobster roll, which was fantastic. My husband got the four meat platter with the brisket, pulled pork, sausage, and ribs. He said the brisket was his favorite. For dessert, we got the banana pudding and pecan pie. Of the two, I’d definitely recommend the pudding (the pecan pie was a little burnt). There was live music which was fun and our server was very friendly. We’ll definitely be back!

Absolutely love the atmosphere and a guy playing the guitar and singing the blues. Very very cool. The food was outstanding. I had crab soup, very tasty South Carolina chicken wings that were huge, a very good bourbon drink and a chocolate pecan pie for dessert. The crab soul was the best I've ever had. The wings were plentiful and very good as well as the service. I would highly recommend and we got the special of the night. This made the cost for two people for two separate meals with tip for $80 and we were stuffed. What a great place.

Really disappointed ☹️ happy hour quick stop The bartender didn’t honored the drinks specials ( after explain us ) never going back again , just like 10 customers in the entire place Maybe just 1 more year before they closed their doors for good Bad experience Never going back again Reply I think you have a very poor understanding or knowledge about your very own specials for happy hour from 4 pm to 6 pm $6 cocktails I asked the bartender loud and clear what HAPPY HOURS “COCKTAILS “ SPECIALS THEY HAVE ( she list and name beers shots , pitchers etc ) I ask her about the cocktails………… She reply NONE OF THE LIST ( just a margarita, and some vodka, whiskey and gin mix drinks ) I asked her what kind of whiskey and what kind of cocktails ( she reply Just 2 mix ) whiskey and soda or whiskey and other mix ) I told her ( THOSE ARE “ NOT COCKTAILS, those are call MIX DRINKS ) completely different COCKTAILS OR DRINKS Your bartender should be more honest and tell you exactly the words she told us ( so you will have better understanding of this situation) And there is a $2 dls FEE for for each splash of soda water for both drinks we order So there is a completely DISHONEST and FRAUDULENT HIDING EXTRA CHARGES about your “ HAPPY HOUR SPECIALS “ To do business in LINCOLN PARK neighborhood and commit FRAUD like this, your place it’s a shame

My boyfriend and I have been dying to go here since they’ve opened because we love walking by and hearing the jazzy music. It’s such a vibe and reminds me of the cozy south!! We made reservations and had a table waiting for us. It was really busy on a Friday night, 8pm was when we went it. It took a little while to get our cocktails, but understandably so with how busy they were. Our server (Brittany I think?) was so polite and attentive. She was swamped with tables but took her time with us and kept a chipper attitude. It was kind. We loved the okra, ribs and Mac and cheese. The cornbread is mediocre, your standard cornbread. The smoked cauliflower is a unique idea. I tried it as a vegetarian but I realized it resembled a steak too much. But for anyone looking to cut back or not eat red meat, but misses it. Try this cauliflower! It just was too smokey for me personally. My boyfriend finished it up :) we can’t wait to come back to just vibe with the live music. A refreshing break from the city life vibe.

Very excited to have this new(er), tasty, welcoming, and fun restaurant nearby! My husband, toddler and I had an early dinner (5:30) on a Sat night and were seated without a reservation. The staff was so kind and despite being stretched thin because they got busy quickly, we were taken care of and checked in on multiple times. We had the pulled pork and brisket platters (they were out of chicken - bummer and hope to try next time we're there). Love the option of sides (sweet potato fries were so good) and the bbq sauces were delish.

I had been waiting for a while to go to Briny Swine and finally got around to it last night. The restaurant was much more spacious than I had anticipated. The host was extremely friendly and we were seated immediately. Our server was friendly and knowledgeable. My wife was having trouble deciding. The server had several suggestions and my wife went with the fried grouper sandwich, which she really enjoyed. We started with the crispy okra with corn relish and remoulade. It was so delicious and the portion was huge. Must more than the typical appetizer. I was torn between the peel and eat shrimp or something from the barbecue portion of the menu. I went with the pork belly which was a little underwhelming. My sides were the bacon braised butter beans, which I could've eaten a potful of with some cornbread. They were so good. My second side was the potato salad which was also really good. There was a unique flavor that I think was horseradish that was a nice change. I had been eyeing the Brunswick stew on the online menu but was disappointed that it wasn't on the menu at the restaurant. We were stuffed but I wanted to get a piece of the Coca-Cola cake but sadly they were out All in all it was a great experience and we look forward to going back soon.

If I could give 3.5 I would. Definitely a good place to go. Very good food. We had Oysters Raw, brisket, Mac and cheese, Ribs and tator tots and shrimp (served cold - wish they would have told us that upon ordering). I saw two bearded guys really working so hard turning tables and setting them up for the next group and then walking them to be seated. Area of Opportunity: Service. Our server, though nice, I think was either new, overwhelmed or just not a good server. Upon being seated she asked if we have been there and then proceeded to tell me that they have their specials and they have the drinks on the menu on one side and food on the other. She said she could explain the specials but that would make her nervous so I can just read it. I don't mind reading it, but an odd comment. Club soda was in a short glass- eh. $3.50 for a short glass of club soda is a bit much. Needed another one while eating, but couldn't get the server. Finally got her, but then never got the drink. She did on her own accord remove it from the bill. And then the oysters arrived. The server was not the one that brought out the food. We ate the oysters and then the next course arrived shortly after. But they brought the food and our table was still full of plates from the appetizers. Just basic serving rules here. The pace on the food was good. But the server never came to check on us, never came back at all actually. We had to wave her down to try to get another club soda (see above - never got it) and boxes. In gave she never asked if we went dessert and we did. However she just gave us the bill. She was nice, but definitely needs training. At one point 3 tables around us were trying to get her attention. She seated a new couple next to us but didn't even stop to ask how we are or if we need anything. We had to wave her down more than once until we got her. She actually didn't Know the menu and answered things incorrectly, but did come back to clarify that she had answered wrong. When we stood up to leave , someone came with a club soda. Not asking for much, but one check in would have been great in the middle and once at the end. But after putting in the order, that was the end of service other than getting our food from the runners.

I was excited to try this new spot since I heard about it. First off, the space is huge! We went on a Wednesday night on a super cold night, so definitely fewer people. Started with the hushpuppies and fried green tomatoes. Both were great! I loved the crab with the hushpuppies and the bacon jam atop the tomatoes. For meat, we got the backyard bbq chicken, pulled pork, and pork belly. I really liked the chicken - it was juicy and well seasoned. As for the pork belly and pulled pork, I was a bit disappointed. I found them dry and didn't love any of the bbq sauce options on the table. I wish the sauce on the chicken was on the table. It took a while to get our food (nothing crazy - we did not complain or anything!), so staff sent us a dessert which was so nice and unexpected. We went with the seasonal cobbler which was apple. It was a great finale to the meal. All in all, I'd come back for the apps and chicken.

Everything about this place is wonderful. The decor, the atmosphere, the service, and the owner who was gracious and so appreciative of everyone that came in. And I love that they have live music. Went back a few days later for Tuesday happy hour with half-price bottles of champagne and dollar oysters. The oysters were amazing.

Briny Swine has definitely stepped up their game and have gotten the bumps out of their early days. We had an exceptional time our 2nd visit in. We started with the hush puppies which were excellent - good sized with an amazing sauce to compliment. I had the wings this go and they were excellent. Plump and juicy with a great rub. Sweet, almost like a BBQ chip flavor. My wife had the Brunswick stew which she raved about. The restaurant was lively on the night we went. Tables full. Wish we could have stayed for the band.

You know when they offer dollar oysters on Tuesdays in the middle of the Midwest in Chicago? I'm always suspect until I tried it. Oh holy moly. It's absolutely amazing, I have to be dreaming. They have this vinegar or cocktail sauce, dab a little bit dunk the oyster in your mouth and you've just transported yourself to the coast! Our server recommended cornbread and fried green tomatoes- oh holy Jesus that's good too. The fried green tomatoes almost made me cry - such goodness. Its complex, there's a lot going on there with cheese , onions in a brown sauce that I can't identify but each bite is slightly different from the other one with the tomato as the base each bite amazing! The cornbread - Jesus Christ, The cornbread - it's the brown sugar butter that they have in this that takes it to another level. I was supposed to do yoga tonight. Only went here to please my wife Im glad I did.

Wanted to love this place so much--but alas, our search for a good smokehouse continues. The fried crispy okra and blue crab hush puppies were pretty great but the meats just weren't there... without the sauces the ribs and briskets were quite bland. The wings were seasoned well and quite tasty, but nobody comes to a smokehouse to get just chicken (if any). Amirite? Service was really great, however! Our server was attentive and super friendly.

This is definitely an incredible addition to the neighborhood that I plan to frequent. Cold beer and live music is always an equation that works well in my book. I love the food culture of South Carolina from the time I've spent there. Glad to see the Lowcountry cuisine make its way to my hometown. I will echo the sentiment of others that they have a couple things to work on regarding hospitality aspect but they're new so they get a pass. Overall friendly but not the most efficient bunch. I stopped in on a Wednesday evening and the place was pretty packed. I opted to grab a seat at the bar to be closer to the beer and music. I ordered a few of the Cigar City IPAs which were very reasonably priced, tasty, and cold like they really ought to be. The thing that kind of threw me off is my oysters and food came out at the same time which was odd but that didn't stop me from plowing through what I believe to be some of the freshest oysters I've been able to devour in Chicago. 6 was a tease, I should have just ordered a dozen because they were that good. Next time I'll go with 12 and some shrimp. In terms of the meats, I chose the ribs and smoked wings. Both were not exceptional, but got the job done. The portion was far from generous for the price but I suppose you have to factor in the entertainment into the cost which is fine with me. The sauces were pretty epic, the chicken wings have a ton of promise, ribs could be a little less dry and I'm sure they'll only get better as the wheels keep turning on this fabulous experiment. They're onto something here.

Solid bbq, meat was kind of dry but sides were good. Fried okra app was huge and very delicious.

After this place been empty for a real long time, I'm excited to see a new restaurant popping up. The place smells really new. Unfortunately, the overall food flavor/quality was disappointing. We tried blue crab hush puppy, brisket sandwich, meat platter (wings, brisket, and pork belly), she crab soup, and french fries. Despite the fact that the hush puppy only had few blue crab here and there, the overall taste was a lot better than most of the hush puppies I had. But $11 for 5 hush puppies were pricy. Brisket was really dry both in sandwich and meat platter. Chicken wings were not bad. Pork belly was by far my favorite. In fact, it was really good. It melts in your mouth and the sweetness offset the fatty taste. If I ever go back, I may try the BBQ cobb salad (pork belly salad). She crab soup and the dinner roll on the meat platter tasted like they've been sitting for a long time. She crab soup had an overpowering sherry taste and I didn't notice any crab. Overall, food quality doesn't warrant the price.

I went to dinner at Briny Swine on Clark St for Friday date night with my husband. The restaurant was booked but we were able to grab seats at the bar without a reservation. Fun vibes! We tried the oyster deviled eggs for a starter. They were surprisingly delicious! The fish fry special with coleslaw enticed us for our entree. The batter stood out for its flavorful seasoning. The golden fries were crispy, thick cut, and well seasoned. The creamy coleslaw enriched the dish a little too much--a vinegar-based slaw would have worked better. The bartender was friendly and attentive. Our food was run out quickly, including dessert, which was banana pudding with crushed Nilla wafers. Oh my was this dish decadent! We left before the live music began but would love to return another time.

What a joke! We use to be regulars here, but it's gone down hill. My husband and I went in for an after dinner drink and ordered a glass of wine and a Johnnie walker black. Glass of wine was $11.00 and walked out paying $48.00 (after they took the rocks $6.00 charge off from the scotch). No place should be charging $26.00 + $6.00 (for ice) for a Johnnie walker black. We didn't order Johnnie walker blue! They acted like they did us a favor by taking off the ice charge ($6.00). Sadly, we won't be stopping in there anymore for our night caps. Quite a shame as we were so excited to have a bar in the neighborhood that could make a quality beverages.

It all started on a fall Sunday evening, my dad, a country southern man, needed some food that reminded him of home. We decided to give Bring Swine a shot for the hell of it. As two Georgians who have had some of the best barbecue in the world, we had low confidence that this place would be anything other than just OK. Nay, our expectations were exceeded! Upon walking in, big windows were open letting in the cool breeze, and a huge square bar with some of the most comfortable bar seats had open spots. Before sitting down, my dad noted they they had buffalo trace and weller behind the bar so it was "legit" in his book. The hospitality we experienced from the staff was like no other, and we felt like we had found new friends. We both got an old style on tab which was great, and got Brunswick stew, cold slaw, brisket, and pulled pork. We both agreed it was some of the BEST we've ever had!! We even got a Coca Cola chocolate cake with a candle for my dad. I'll also note that the music wasn't too loud and it was a nice relaxing environment to hang out in. We loved this place so much we were reading about the owners online, who are from Charleston S.C. The Chef had a bunch of awards in the oyster, BBQ, and seafood space, and the wife is all about home and hospitality. It was so refreshing to be in a joint like this as an escape from the city!

I highly recommend this place for bbq/southern food! I recently tried the following: crispy okra (deliciously lightly fried okra that comes with corn relish but is a surprisingly huge plate), crab hush puppies (only disappointing part of the meal -- it tasted great but had absolutely no crab in it), meat platter with brisket and turkey (brisket is unbelievably tender), peel and eat shrimp (nice seasoning but strangely served cold), coleslaw, and mac & cheese. The meal was wonderful and service was great. I can't wait to return to try other things on the menu!

Randomly came across this place walking around Lincoln Park. The service was not the greatest, there is definitely room for improvement. However, the food was incredible! Highly recommend asking for the Alabama white sauce, the cornbread pudding, and the brunch burger. Quality smoked meat of all kinds!

The apps and drinks are great! Cornbread was good and so were the fried green tomatoes. I got the bbq cauliflower which I could do a couple bites of it just had way too much going on and also yet not enough but the side fries were great!

Food was great. Portions are big. Brisket was moist and flavorful. Sausage is good, but if you like Texas BBQ it's different. Mac n Cheese was delicious. Baked Beans were sweet but good! Corn Pudding is more like corn bread, but if that's what you expect it was tasty as well. Really enjoyed the atmosphere and service! Would go back!!

Fun new spot on Clark! Loved the live music going on and how large the space is. Beautiful bar in the middle with two big rooms on each side with open windows to enjoy in the summer. Enjoyed the fresh oysters but thought the cocktail sauce was only ketchup. Did not seem to have any spice or horseradish included. Loved the old fashioned and the paper plane - both were nicely presented and tasted great. Service was fantastic! Hostess and server were friendly and perfectly attentive. Can't wait to come back with friends and try additional menu items.

We went a week after they opened on a Friday for dinner at 7PM, and we expected some bumps, but it was a pretty bad experience. We got seated right away, but it was 10-15 minutes before we were greeted and were asked about drink orders. We ordered a beer and a cocktail and put in our appetizers right away. All the apps came out about 15 minutes later, and we still didn't have our drinks, those took about another 5. Very frustrating to be 30 minutes into dinner and not have our drinks yet. The hush puppies were not our favorite, couldn't taste crab and they were very corn-mealy and gritty. That could be the style they were going for, but we didn't like them. The fried green tomatoes were alright. The oysters were the saving grace, very fresh and the accompaniments were great. No little fork to dress them or tabasco though. After apps, we had to waive our server down to put in our food and another round of drinks, this time just two draft beers. The beers took about 20 minutes to get to the table, and we had to ask our waiter about getting them. And as I looked around, I noticed a lot of other people without drinks. A couple at the table next to us waited over 10 minutes for 2 canned drinks, so it wasn't just an issue we were having, and these weren't complicated drinks. The food came out late as well and it wasn't hot, but wasn't quite cold either. We got a meat plate with wings and brisket. The wings had potential but seemed dried out and weren't hot, so I can't say they were great. Same thing with the brisket. The mac'n'cheese also was room-temp and not very creamy, the fries were fries. Seems like it may have been sitting a while before coming out. Overall, we were there for over an hour and forty minutes for a meal that would have taken us an hour anywhere else. We had to waive the waiter down for anything we needed, and they didn't seem knowledgable on the questions we had on the menu. The saving grace was the oysters, and the beers were good and cold, but not sure I could handle the service again. It's a great venue and concept, but there are a lot of issues that need worked out yet, hopefully they can as it seems like it could be a great spot and I would love to have oysters, cold beer and live music in the neighborhood.

We really enjoyed our brunch here! The service was very friendly. The food was all really enjoyable. I would strongly recommend the smoked cauliflower! The frose is really delicious too.

We went on opening night and the live music was so fun! The wait staff was all very nice. We loved the exposed brick throughout the restaurant as well! We are originally from Kansas City so we can be tough critics of bbq. The variety of sauce made the bbq! The corn bread came out so hot it was delicious! Our favorite part was probably the whiskey flights which my fiancé just loved. The presentation of them was super cool. I also got the coconut espresso martini which was a fun twist.

Came here with my parents and my kids on a Sunday night. Apparently kids eat free on Sunday nights! The host and the servers were extremely hospitable. I'm not from the South but it felt like true southern hospitality to me. We had the chopped brisket sandwiches and they were delicious. The mac and cheese was good too. Will definitely come again. Big TVs all over the place playing football. Would be a great place to come without my kids too.

A little late to post this. I have been waiting for a very long time for this spot to open. We went on the first Saturday (around 415pm) the place was open. Sat at the bar. There were definitely a tonne of teething issues I hope they work through. They had great size tvs at the bar that were off (my company watched UFC on his phone), we hypothesised they might be waiting on the cable package to be turned on. The front of house was organised, busy and provided polite friendly service. We ordered two different cocktails, a rib/wing plate with the hash rice side, the brisket sandwich (risky move, not my order) with collards and half a dozen oysters. Oysters came out after all of the mains - this should not happen, no one explained what oysters were which and where they were from as an oyster eater this was disappointing. The brisket was dry - I didn't expect this place to have good brisket and I was right (I should have steered my company to a different menu item). I honestly think they should just stick to the pork, chicken and seafood. Trying to do brisket well on top of this doesn't make sense - especially when we've got good Texas style bbq spots in Chicago. In my mind Carolina bbq is pork forward (it's in the name also). The hash on the rice was cold and not sure of that is the intent? The collards lacked seasoning. The wings were fine. The drinks were the highlight. The ribs were good - this is all I'd order with sides if I make it back up there. Fingers crossed they get the course timings right and adjust the menu over time.

2nd visit. Really ? Do they have to make bad drinks for HH? They fill the teeny tiny glass w ice and then shave off a couple bucks for only a few cocktails? I'd rather pay full price for an honest pour. I really hate it when restaurants do this. I expect it from a college town type sports bar but....really? It's a shame bc the foods decent and so are the normal cocktails. I really hate it when restaurants feel the need to do this.

We ordered a dozen oysters and hush puppies. They only brought a half dozen oysters at first and no hush puppies. When we brought it up with our server, she said "they f*d up" and our hush puppies were never rung in. We ordered a full slab of ribs and wings. The wings were dry rubbed and had good flavor, but they didn't provide enough sauce. The wings were borderline indelible. They were extremely salty and could not be covered with other salty sauces. Baked beans were sweet, other sides were fine. When we wrapped up, our waitress never asked how everything was to provide feedback and just dropped the check and picked it up once she saw a card was down.

The hush puppies were ok, but considering the quantity, price, quality, and general lack of crab in them the overall dish was poor. the she crab soup had very little crab, too strong a sherry taste, and came out cool enough to be forming a solid layer on top. The beef brisket in my sandwich was overly dry, ditto the bread. Very basic and little meat given the price. Fries were limp although overall average. I didn't see sweet tea (or even tea) on the menu, lol. As someone from the south and specifically South Carolina, this was bad overpriced bbq and seafood. Please don't eat here and think this is what good southern/SC bbq is as it is not. The service was fine and the pork belly was good so get that if you find yourself dragged here against your will.

Do not go! The food might be great! Might be horrible...we will never know. Showed up at 430 on a Saturday. Restaurant nearly empty.. Had a 94 year old woman with us and so requested a table with a soft back chair....there were plenty of empty open tables. Manager sneered ...sneered! And told us to sit at a picnic table or at the bar....pretty close to eider abuse...definitely not the southern hospitality they advertise. So we left...but folks...why go to a place that yelled at and effectively threw out a 94 year old woman? the manager's bullying extended as we weee hastily getting to the door...he kept repeating "no exceptions!" As we left... We were. WERE. Looking forward to this new addition...but based on this bitter tyrant of a manager we will loudly proclaim to the neighborhood to skip this place....while contacting the city of chicago about their lack of accommodation for the elderly. To the owners...when you close you might consider actions like this might be the reason why...

Tried this tonight for the first time. The service was fantastic. Couldn't even tell they were operating in just their 2nd week! Jon does a great job here and really cares for the customers. The ambiance was great. We came with our daughters and the live music provided a lively atmosphere, but not too loud and still able to carry a conversation. The drinks were great too. Finally, of course, the food. We ordered: - Deviled Oysters are a must. They were delicious. - Fries Green Tomatoes were great too. - Brisket was extremely tender and flavorful. - Can't go wrong with the fried shrimp & fries - The desserts are out of this world. The Coca Cola cake has a unique amazing taste & my daughter and wife loved the white chocolate banana pudding. This place is a must. We can't wait to come back and try more!

Only have done takeout (via Uber Eats) but the food was great and the server that helped us was very friendly. They also have items labeled as gluten free which is awesome for those who need it. The BBQ I've had in Chicago has been pretty mid but this is a great option with a really cool inside if you want to dine-in. Brisket was my favorite but the pulled pork was also very good. Would definitely recommend to anyone looking for good BBQ and good vibes

First time here with the family including two toddlers. They take reservations so with the kids thats a plus! High chairs were provided. The service throughout was excellent. We had pulled pork, brisket, crab croquets, fried oysters and several excellent sides. All were well prepared and very tasty. The delicately fried oysters literally melted in your mouth and the BBQ items were equally tender and delicious. The drinks were creative and good. We went on a Wed about 6:15... The timing was perfect for an unhurried meal. We will be back! Cheers!

Honestly surprised by a lot of the reviews here. Order the 4 meat platter for carry out and got pulled pork, brisket, ribs, and sausage links. All were fantastic but the standout was the brisket. It was incredibly tender and the meat and rub were so flavorful. I also really liked the flavor of the ribs - just an fyi I don't think they were babyback so they're a little different from what I'm used to. Also enjoyed the yellow (mustard?) and vinegar bbq sauces. Will definitely be back / will order again.

This is by far the worst restaurant experience that I have ever had. First, we made reservations for 6pm. We were running late and I called the restaueant to let them know. They graciously changed the reservation to 6:30p. We arrive a little before 6:30 and were immediately seated. So far, so good. Our server arrived to take our orders. My wife ordered a drink, I did not. We were disorganized on our food order and my wife said it would be OK to come back later. Our server came back later and we ordered a cocktail for me and a kid's drink for one of my children. The drinks never arrived. We were then politely informed the drink runner gave them to another table. Bummer, but no big deal. Our drinks eventually came. At that time we ordered appetizers and entrees. We were asked if we wanted the appetizers first. We said yes. We have now been in the restaurant 45 minutes or so. To our surprise, the entrees came out quickly. We asked about our appetizers. As we were talking with the server, a food runner shows up with our appetizers. Before we can ask to keep the appetizers and to have the entrees brought back (and hopefully fresh entrees come out later) we were told that the manager would come talk to us. After waiting a few minutes a younger man comes up behind me, does not introduce himself, and asks if I would like another drink. I did not want another drink, I was waiting to talk with the manager. He says (paraphrase), you seem upset, what's going on? I said, our order is messed up and I am waiting for the manager. Still no introduction. Another man (older) then comes up on my other side and asks me what is wrong. I ask him who he and the other man are. The younger man says he is the manager. I ask who the older man is. He angrily says he is the owner. I state my name and offer to shake hands with the older man. He says that he does not like my tone. I again introduce myself and ask him to shake hands. He says that he already did. I tell him that he did not. My wife and children are stunned by his lie and tell him he did not. At this point, he is clearly angry and blustering. I stand up and ask to shake hands again. He finally shakes my hand but does not provide a name. I ask for his name and he spits out that he is John. At this point he asks me to leave. I ask him why. He says it is his restaurant and he can kick anyone out that he wants. Very true. At this point I don't even want to be there, but I am hungry and my family is hungry, and I want out food that we had waited so long for. John says that he will call the police if I do not leave. I say no, not without my food. Without further effort to discuss, John grabs my phone, and walks out of the restaurant and places it on the street. My wife follows him and retrieves the phone. At this point, I decide to make a scene. I yell loudly repeatedly to give me back my phone. I'm sorry (but not sorry) patrons were upset. However, the theft of my phone is what led to the restaurant hearing about what happened. You know the best way not to have that happen? Don't steal people's property. How could this have gone differently? 1. The server could have asked how this could be resolved. 2. The manager could have come to the table, introduced himself, and asked how he could help. 3. The owner... well, he's probably hopeless. Hey, if you have video footage of this, can I have it to prove to the police he stole my phone?

Service was attentive. Our server answered a lot of questions, provided suggestions, and frequently checked back on us. Pulled pork was well seasoned and tender. I tried 2 of the sauces-Carolina gold & sweet hot (? Can't remember the name)-both were decent, but the pork didn't really need sauce, which is a good sign. Potato salad was ok, needed more seasoning. Crab hush puppies were good, but didn't have much crab. The buffalo oysters were good, but not very spicy. Cocktail (low country margarita) was fine-was not properly stirred or shaken when it arrived-it was not cold enough, but was fine once I stirred it. I will definitely come back and try more of their meats.

Stopped in for oysters on a Tuesday. We sat at the bar and ordered a dozen Oysters which were delicious! Fresh and properly shucked. This restaurant is quite large with a big square bar in the center. They have live music on the weekends. Look forward to returning.

Excellent atmosphere, the live music was really enjoyable, and great/affordable drink options. It was absolutely packed when we went which was great to see. Service was a bit slow, but that's to be expected with how new and busy they are. The staff was all very friendly. The food was fairly average. By no means was it bad, but the real draw to this place is the atmosphere and drinks. No real vegetarian options which would be a nice addition, but ultimately it's a bbq spot so somewhat expected.

Delicious meal tonight! If you are a brisket lover you can't go wrong! Best in town for sure!! They have sliced and chopped varieties and you can order a plate or a sandwich! Their sides are so delicious too- I'd recommend the potato salad, beans or potato fries! Service was excellent- servers are so friendly and attentive!! This will be my new "go-to" spot!!!

First time at Briny Swine. Had a good experience. Seated promptly for dinner, there was a band playing. We had the pork rind and pimento cheese dip appetizer which was good. Ordered the meat platter w/ribs (ok/average), pulled pork (same), brisket (good) and pork belly (great). Enjoyed all the sauces, everyone has their own taste for sauces but they were all pretty good. For sides we had fries which were good and well seasoned; macaroni and cheese which was pretty good; and collard greens, which I liked but I'm a Yankee so what do I really know? We thought the cocktails were great (coconut espresso martini a hit). Service was good, and the manager stopped by and checked in with every table. Good experience, you can tell the wait staff is still learning their game a little bit, but we enjoyed it and will definitely be back based on our experience.

Food is very average. Pickle martini is amazing. Service is good. I haven't been when they're playing the live band yet, but something to look forward to if you haven't been.

Just went for the first time with a big group and had a great time! Jalapeño & ham Oysters were DELICIOUS! Pickle martini was amazing. Better than our food was our great waitress Jessy! Truly want to go back for how cool she is!!

Absolutely love this place!! Make sure to get the brisket and chicken wings on your meat platter, and I highly recommend the George and the Giant Peach for a cocktail.

Manager (or owner, not sure) was very rude both to my family as well as other tables around us. Very rude to his staff. I guess this was a South Carolina restaurant originally from what I've researched. I lived 6 years in SC and went to the University of South Carolina and believe me, this was very far from southern hospitality. Would not recommend when Chicago has so many other wonderful restaurants.

My boyfriend and I have been dying to go here since they've opened because we love walking by and hearing the jazzy music. It's such a vibe and reminds me of the cozy south!! We made reservations and had a table waiting for us. It was really busy on a Friday night, 8pm was when we went it. It took a little while to get our cocktails, but understandably so with how busy they were. Our server (Brittany I think?) was so polite and attentive. She was swamped with tables but took her time with us and kept a chipper attitude. It was kind. We loved the okra, ribs and Mac and cheese. The cornbread is mediocre, your standard cornbread. The smoked cauliflower is a unique idea. I tried it as a vegetarian but I realized it resembled a steak too much. But for anyone looking to cut back or not eat red meat, but misses it. Try this cauliflower! It just was too smokey for me personally. My boyfriend finished it up :) we can't wait to come back to just vibe with the live music. A refreshing break from the city life vibe.

We went opening weekend and had a great time. The bar was quick, the service was prompt, and the food was delicious. We sat in the main dining area and were able to hear the live music while still being able to easily have a conversation. The overall ambiance was really enjoyable and we look forward to coming back. Our favorite dishes were the Blue Crab Hush Puppies and the Peel & Eat South Caroline Shrimp. Also, the George & the Giant Peach was a great cocktail! The only cons we had were that the fish portion on the Blackened Grouper sandwich was very small for the $21 price tag (note this is served a la carte with no sides included). Also, all of our food came out at the same time, appetizers and main courses. We would have preferred our order to be coursed out. I would specify this in future visits. Overall we really enjoyed our visit and would recommend others visit Briny Swine.

Hi Janet, since replies to your rebuttal are turned off I needed to add a second review to respond to your below comment. I updated the review to 3 stars as it was my misunderstanding on Rocks distinction. However, the effort to correct the bill is completely made up. I was never asked if I wanted the bill to be updated nor was I informed that drinks were 50% off until seeing your comment. It was one thing to make a mistake, that happens, it's a completely different thing to make up a situation that didn't happen.

As a South Carolinian living in Chicago, this gets my stamp of approval! The brussels sprouts were absolutely incredible, 10/10 would recommend. My only complaint is that I was excited to try one of the desserts after our meal but the waitress came to us with the check before we were even done eating which felt strange for it not being very busy on a Thursday night. Plus, we were drinking beers too so it feels like, as someone who used to work in a restaurant, you'd even at least want to ask the people if they'd like another round of drinks before giving the check. Will definitely have to come back though!

This spot is fantastic! Good vibes, friendly staff, and really great food. We tried a few things off the brunch menu and nothing disappointed. Will definitely be back to try more of the menu!

Had dinner there last night. Bar was very well stocked with great drinks and lots of cold beer!! Staff very friendly and helpful with what to get!! Good starters, oysters were amazing!! Prime rib sandwich very good, so was brisket, she crab soup!! Didn't love the desserts cola cake or cobbler

I recently ordered from Briny Swine to go at the bar. The brisket was decently cooked--tender with a nice smoke ring and a good bark on the outside. One of the most disappointing aspects was that a comment wasn't made that no sauces will be in the to go box unless you ask. Every bbq place I've ever been to puts 2 or 3 containers of their sauces if you order to go. The portion sizes and the fact that no sides are included make the price point a little high compared to other bbq places, but overall the food is good.