Attention all barbecue and beer lovers! There's a new spot in downtown Elkin, North Carolina that you must check out. The Crazy Pig at Royall's is a unique dining experience that offers mouth-watering smoked barbecue, chicken, and a variety of craft beers on tap.
Located in the heart of downtown Elkin, The Crazy Pig at Royall's opened its doors at the beginning of May 2023 and has quickly become a popular spot for locals and visitors alike. The restaurant is housed in the old historic Royall's Drug Store, which opened in 1924 and was later turned into Royall's Soda Shoppe. Which was a hub of social activity and a place where people could gather to enjoy hotdogs, milkshakes, and sodas.
If you patronized Royall's Soda Shoppe back in the day, you probably remember the wooden booths with years of names carved into them, the white and black tiled floor, and the toy model train that chugged along elevated tracks. These are a few of the heirlooms you will spot in the newly renovated space. The old Royall's famous Hotdog sign that once was in the front window of the building, is now proudly displayed above the open kitchen that allows diners to see the chefs in action. While preserving the sentimental aspects of Royall's, the new owners, Robert & Eileen McCrary, have carefully restored it to create a warm, laid-back, and inviting atmosphere.
The Crazy Pig’s menu features a variety of classic barbecue dishes, including brisket, pulled pork, ribs, and smoked chicken as well as some dishes with a modernized twist. They use a new school vs old school method to smoke their meats, resulting in a smoky and flavorful experience that is sure to please any barbecue aficionado.
Some of their fan favorites include their signature BBQ sandwich with slaw and pickles, a brisket grilled cheese sandwich (which sounds just as mouth-watering as it tastes), a BBQ quesadilla, their "secret recipe" wings, and the world-famous Royall's hotdog. The restaurant also offers a variety of appetizers and sides, including frito pie, fried green beans, mac and cheese, coleslaw, and baked beans.
The food isn't the only highlight, you can also find a rotating selection of craft beers from local and regional breweries. Currently on tap are Wicked Weed Pernicious, Red Oak, Loan Rider Hefeweizen, White Zombie Pale Ale, OMB Captain Jack Pilsner, Appalachian Mountain Brewery Hazy IPA, and domestics.
The restaurant offers a fast-casual concept, so after ordering, go check out the sauce bar with homemade sauce selections; House (semi-sweet), Vinegar, Bold, Honey, Mustard, or Mango Habanero.
The McCrary's are not new to the restaurant business and together have over 50 years of experience in the industry. They own a few Egg Café’s in Lake Norman areas and then in 2020 decided to offer a different menu. The "OG", The Crazy Pig in Davidson was opened and has been very successful despite opening during a pandemic. How did they end up in Elkin? Downtown Davidson neighbors, Honeysuckle Home, who also have a location in downtown Elkin, told Robert about the old Royall's building space and he jumped on the opportunity to expand.
If you're a fan of delicious barbecue and craft beer, be sure to check out The Crazy Pig at Royall's in downtown Elkin. With its mouth-watering meats, tasty sides, and carefully curated selection of beers, it's the perfect spot for a casual lunch, dinner, or drinks with friends.
The Crazy Pig at Royall's is open Tuesday – Saturday, 11am – 8pm. Hours may vary during festivals and events.
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