Hog Wild BBQ: Chasing Down the Best Barbecue In West Michigan

As a griller and BBQ fanatic, I decided to visit a BBQ restaurant that has been voted #1 in West Michigan.  Located in Holland, Michigan, it is the perfect lunch before heading off for a day at the Holland State Park down the road.  Their $6 lunches beat out a lot of competition who charge $6 for the sandwich alone.

As for the décor, I love the two-person seating outside on log style tables.  The restaurant is clean and simple.  Food is ready in as much time as going through Subway for a sandwich.  They also have a deli-style cooler if you want to buy some beef sticks, jerky, or sauce.

In judging the food, Hog Wild is very solid.  First, the ribs are some of the meatiest I have had.  The sauce is good quality and the meat falls off the bone like any ribs should.  In BBQ, I love brisket most.  Theirs had a good smokiness, was quite juicy, and had a good flavor.  However, I thought it was a little too fatty and lacked the melt-in-your-mouth quality that I look for.  The chicken wings are some of the best I have had in a while and also nice size.  All the sauces are homemade and that help bring the wings to a high level.  I went with the whiskey bourbon and the parmesan garlic.  The whiskey bourbon has a mild, subtle flavor that is like a glaze.  It was very addictive and a hit with the family.  The parmesan garlic was also surprisingly good.  It is a creamy sauce that can have a spicy kick at times yet is not detrimental to your breath.  The corn break cake is a great way to top things off.  It has the perfect amount of dryness and taste. 

One of the best parts is that you can find several coupons in the local entertainment book for this place.  This can help you save money as a first time visitor and give you something to try.  During the summer on Saturdays and Sundays, they cook outside over charcoal.  I can only imagine the flavor that comes through.  I would not consider them the pinnacle of BBQ but they are a solid choice if you have a craving. Their website can be seen here.

Pictured: (L) Whiskey Bourbon Wings (T) Pork Rib (R) Brisket Sample