About Arrogant Swine
Arrogant Swine was a Carolina-style barbecue and craft beer hall in East Williamsburg, Brooklyn. It opened in 2014 under pitmaster Tyson Ho, who trained with North Carolina BBQ legends. Occupying roughly a 5,000-sq-ft converted warehouse (gothamist.com ), it featured rustic wood tables, garage-style doors, and graffiti pig murals on the walls (www.timeout.com ). Ho dubbed it a “church of pork,” serving only wood-smoked whole-hog and pork-shoulder barbecue with thin vinegar-pepper sauces (www.timeout.com ). Signature menu items included fire-pit-roasted chopped hog, house-smoked sausages and two styles of Carolina slaw (www.timeout.com ) (www.ediblebrooklyn.com ). The venue also boasted a twenty-tap beer program with local craft brews and Southern whiskey selections (gothamist.com ) (www.ediblebrooklyn.com ). Despite its strong local following as NYC’s first dedicated whole-hog BBQ spot (www.ediblebrooklyn.com ), the original Morgan Avenue location eventually closed permanently (www.mapquest.com ). The space is remembered for its barbecue traditions and its role in popularizing low-country pork cooking in Brooklyn.
Events and Programming
Arrogant Swine centered its events around food and music. Its grand-opening in October 2014 famously featured a live kirtan performance by Reverend Vince Anderson and burlesque dancers, celebrating the BBQ launch with entertainment (www.ediblebrooklyn.com ). In summers the shop co-hosted *Hog Days* pig-picking festivals (with John Brown Smokehouse) – all-you-can-eat whole-hog BBQ, craft beer and live bluegrass bands (arrogantswine.wordpress.com ). Other promotions included special burger and sausage-themed nights (for example, bargain “slider nights” or $3 burger Mondays, as advertised by the owner on social media). Live music acts (typically roots/blues or reggae DJs) would pop up occasionally in the evening as well. Note that by 2020-2021, and ultimately its closure, Arrogant Swine’s public programming wound down significantly.
Tickets and Booking
Since Arrogant Swine was primarily a restaurant/bar, no advance “tickets” were needed for ordinary dining. Guests simply ordered at the counter and found any open table or barstool. For large groups, you could call ahead to see if a reservation was possible, but otherwise seating was first-come. (When it first opened, the Brooklyn Paper noted it took walk-ins with normal business hours (www.brooklynpaper.com ).) The only times tickets were required were for special events. For example, its joint “Hog Days” BBQ festivals sold tickets in advance online (via Eventbrite), and would sell out quickly (arrogantswine.wordpress.com ). In short: for everyday visits no booking is needed, but for one-off pig-pickin’ events you had to purchase a ticket ahead of time (check any announcements on their social media for details).
Seating and Layout
The space was open and communal, like a classic BBQ beer hall. Inside, long wooden tables and benches lined the floor under high ceilings, plus bar seating along a long counter. Time Out described the interior as a “rugged warehouse” with charred-wood tabletops and graffitied pig murals on exposed brick (www.timeout.com ). Cooking could even be witnessed out back via the window into the red shipping-container smoker. All seating was general admission — there were no reserved seats. In practice, you grabbed any empty spot (the busiest nights often meant sharing large tables with other diners). The covered back patio maintained a few picnic tables around the container kitchen, extending seating outdoors in warm weather (gothamist.com ). (If live music was playing, it was typically in the main hall with no raised stage, so being closer to the performers meant sitting at a nearby table or at the bar.)
Getting There and Parking
Arrogant Swine’s address was 173 Morgan Avenue at Scholes Street in East Williamsburg/Brooklyn (www.brooklynpaper.com ). The nearest subway is the Morgan Avenue stop on the L line (just a short walk away). The Lorimer Street station (J/M/Z/G lines) is also within a 5–10 minute walk. Several city buses serve nearby streets (for instance, the B60 on Morgan Avenue) providing alternate service. If driving, street parking is available on nearby blocks, but can fill up. A convenient paid option is the garage at 265 Lorimer Street (around 0.3 miles away), which has over 200 spaces and typically charges roughly $2 for the first two hours (about $12 each additional hour) (en.parkopedia.com ). Rideshare or taxi drop-offs are easy — tell your driver “173 Morgan Ave” and they can stop curbside on Morgan Avenue right by the entrance. (Note: Morgan Ave at Scholes is the main corner; it avoids needing to cross busy Wyckoff Avenue.)
Inside the Venue
Upon entering Arrogant Swine, expect a casual, bustling BBQ atmosphere. You would order food at the counter and watch the pitmasters at work. The menu offered classic Southern sides and appetizers: for example, house-made apple mustard slaw and sweet-potato waffle wedges dipped in bourbon syrup (www.timeout.com ). The bar carried about 20 rotating draft beers, including at least one Founders brew guaranteed on tap, alongside a focused selection of bourbons and rye whiskey (gothamist.com ) (www.ediblebrooklyn.com ). (If you didn’t eat meat, there were limited options – one report promised smoked vegan items as they expanded (www.ediblebrooklyn.com ).) The staff were friendly and casual, so it was common to see customers chatting with the bartenders. Unlike a nightclub, there was no coat check or strict door policy — people dressed in jeans and t-shirts and took seats wherever they found space. Restrooms were located at the rear. Because it functioned like a bar, ID checks for 21+ applied after dark, and the NY state no-smoking rule meant no indoor smoking. Cameras and phone photography were not a problem; many guests snapped pics of the graffiti pigs. Wifi was not advertised, so plan to rely on mobile data. Overall, Arrogant Swine felt like a welcoming bar and barbecue joint – relaxed, a bit loud with clinking plates, and very much a community hangout.
Nearby Amenities
The immediate block around Arrogant Swine was part of an entertainment complex. In fact, MapQuest lists other bars at the same address: Juju’s Box (a small outdoor beer garden) and the ABQ Breaking Bad-themed RV bar (www.mapquest.com ). Those could serve as convenient spots for pre-show beers or late-night rounds. Beyond that, East Williamsburg and neighboring Williamsburg have plenty of restaurants, bars, and even hotels a short cab ride away. For example, pizzerias and gastropubs on Graham Ave and Lorimer St are under a mile. If you want sit-down dining before a visit, a five-minute drive or L-train hop east on Flushing Ave leads to more eateries. Late-night taxi and rideshare options (NYC cabs, Uber/Lyft) run 24/7 in the area, so transportation home is generally reliable. (Just note that Humboldt and Morgan avenues have heavy truck and bar traffic; walking or a single Lyft ride to the J/L subways is usually straightforward.)
What Makes This Venue Special
Arrogant Swine stood out in New York’s food scene for its singular focus: bringing authentic Carolina whole-hog barbecue to Brooklyn. As Edible Brooklyn noted at its debut, it was “NYC’s first Carolina-style whole hog barbecue” spot (www.ediblebrooklyn.com ). Its unique design reinforced that identity. A red shipping container was repurposed as the outdoor kitchen smoker (gothamist.com ), and the venue’s decor was ever-changing street art: the Bushwick Collective painted bold new pig murals on the patio walls every few months (gothamist.com ). Unlike most City restaurants, it had an intentionally downhome vibe (no linen tablecloths, just rough-hewn tables and metal chairs) (www.timeout.com ). Guests loved it for the party-like atmosphere – high-energy late nights with loyal regulars, and memorable pop-up events (even offering free temporary pig tattoos at the opening night© (www.ediblebrooklyn.com )). In short, both chefs and diners appreciated Arrogant Swine for its commitment to real Carolina barbecue traditions and its rollicking, communal spirit.
Visitor Tips and Information
Accessibility: The restaurant was on a single level with a wide entrance, so wheelchair access was straightforward. It complied with NYC regulations (ramp-free entry and accessible facilities), though you may want to request handicap seating when you arrive. What to Expect: Arrogant Swine was very casual – jeans or shorts and a tees were normal. No dressy attire needed. It could get crowded on weekend nights, so arrive early or be prepared to wait for a table. The kitchen stays open late (sometimes past midnight on Fridays/Saturdays (www.brooklynpaper.com )), but popular items (like the whole-hog platter) can sell out. What to Bring/Not Bring: Bring ID if you plan to drink (and your appetite!). The place accepted credit cards. No outside food or big bags. Photography (phones, cameras) was fine. It’s NYC, so tip staff (15–20%) for good service. Common Mistakes: Don’t show up during super late hours expecting it to be quiet or empty – it was a busy bar at night. Also, if you have dietary restrictions, note the menu is heavily meat-based (vegan sides were limited (www.ediblebrooklyn.com )). Finally, tip the barbecue master or server, and enjoy the communal atmosphere – it was more about the vibe and the food than formality. Other Tips: If you like loud bar scenes, stay near the front or the long tables under the speakers. For a view of the cooking smoke or more socializing, the bar is best. Always plan your ride home: L train runs all night (Morgan Ave station) and buses service the area, so you’re not stuck. Worst case, New York cabs frequent Morgan Ave after hours. Despite its unassuming exterior, Arrogant Swine promised an authentic, flavorful experience – arriving hungry and ready for some Southern-style hog barbecue will help you get the most out of it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where was Arrogant Swine located, and how could I get there by subway or bus?
The address was 173 Morgan Avenue in Bushwick (East Williamsburg) (www.brooklynpaper.com ). The closest subway is the Morgan Avenue stop on the L train, just a few blocks north. You could also walk (about 8–10 minutes) from the Lorimer Street/J/M/Z/G station. Local buses run nearby (for example, the B60 on Morgan Ave). In other words, the L train to Morgan was the most direct route.
What type of food and dishes did Arrogant Swine serve?
Arrogant Swine specialized in Eastern North Carolina–style barbecue. The menu featured slow-smoked whole hog and pork shoulder with classic vinegar-pepper sauces. House specialties included fire-pit chopped hog platters, two kinds of Carolina slaw, and homemade sausages. Notable sides were apple-mustard coleslaw and sweet potato waffles with bourbon syrup (www.timeout.com ). It focused on pork and traditional BBQ flavors, not on beef brisket or Mexican BBQ.
Did I need tickets or reservations to eat at Arrogant Swine?
For regular meals, no. Arrogant Swine operated as a walk-in BBQ joint – you simply ordered at the counter and found a seat when available (or called ahead for a large party). The only time tickets were needed was for special events. For example, their summer “Hog Days” pig-picking festivals required advance tickets (sold online) (arrogantswine.wordpress.com ). Otherwise, reservation was not required; just show up during business hours and order when ready.
How much did food and drinks typically cost at Arrogant Swine?
Prices were moderate for New York. Most barbecue plates were in the $15–$25 range (for example, a pound of smoked pork shoulder around $18–$20). Side dishes cost around $5–$10. Draft beers and ciders typically ran about $6–$9 each, and glasses of bourbon or specialty cocktails about $10–$15. Burgers or sandwiches (event specials) were roughly $10–$15. This is a general guide – for specifics you’d check their menu or social posts at the time.
How was the seating arranged at Arrogant Swine?
Seating was communal and open. The interior had long wood tables and benches (and some bar stools) – all general admission, first-come. There were no assigned seats or ticketed tables. In the covered outdoor area, picnic tables surrounded the red container smoker (gothamist.com ). In practice, you chose any open spot. On busy evenings you might have shared a table with other guests. (There was no elevated stage, so if live music played, sitting closer to the performers by the front tables gave the best view.)
Is there parking near Arrogant Swine, and is it free?
Street parking on Morgan Ave and surrounding blocks was available, though it was mostly metered and can be tight on weekends. There were a few private lots nearby. One convenient option was the parking garage at 265 Lorimer Street, a short walk away, which had over 200 spaces at a typical rate of ~$2 for the first 2 hours (around $12 per hour thereafter) (en.parkopedia.com ). Otherwise, plan to pay for garage parking or try to find meter spots – alternate-side street cleaning rules apply like the rest of the city.
Which public transit lines serve Arrogant Swine?
The L train (8th Avenue/Canarsie line) stops at Morgan Avenue station nearby. From that station, it’s only a few blocks’ walk to 173 Morgan Ave (www.brooklynpaper.com ). You can also use the Lorimer Street station (J, M, Z, G lines) and walk east on Flushing Ave. In addition, several MTA buses run in the area (for example, the B60 along Morgan Avenue, and the B57 on Flushing Avenue). In short: the L train to Morgan Ave is the most direct, but there are multiple subway and bus options within half a mile.
Was there an outdoor seating area at Arrogant Swine?
Yes. Out back was a partially covered patio surrounding a bright red shipping-container kitchen. That area had picnic tables and string lights, so customers could eat outside in good weather (gothamist.com ). In colder or rainy weather, that space was usually closed off, but when open it added extra casual seating beyond the main dining hall.
Was Arrogant Swine wheelchair accessible?
Arrogant Swine’s dining area was on one level and street-accessible, so it generally accommodated wheelchairs. The entrance was flat (no steps) and the interior layout was spacious. The venue was relatively new (opened 2014), so it was expected to have an ADA-accessible restroom. If you needed special assistance, it was best to call ahead and ensure staff could accommodate (as with any busy NYC bar/restaurant).
Were children allowed at Arrogant Swine?
Yes, children were generally allowed. Arrogant Swine was primarily a family-friendly barbecue restaurant during the day and early evening. Kids could come eat with adults (there were TVs and a lively environment more like a beer garden). After dark it became a bar scene, so it was more geared toward adults. But daytime or early PM visits could be family outings—just note it’s a casual spot without a kids play area.
What was the dress code at Arrogant Swine?
There was no formal dress code. The atmosphere was very casual – most patrons wore jeans, t-shirts, hoodies, etc. It’s a BBQ joint and bar after all. You could wear relaxed attire or even shorts and sneakers. The only requirement was that you were dressed (no “no shirt, no shoes” policy). Evening crowd was still casual; no suits or formal wear were needed (and probably would have felt out of place). In general: come comfortable and ready to eat BBQ.
Were pets allowed at Arrogant Swine?
No, standard health rules applied. Pets (like dogs or cats) were not allowed inside or on the patio (Florida). Only service animals for disabled guests could be accommodated per law. The venue was focused on food service and a bar atmosphere, so it generally did not permit pets. (If you brought a dog, staff would likely offer water and then ask you to step outside or find a nearby dog-friendly spot.)
Did Arrogant Swine offer vegetarian or vegan options?
Arrogant Swine’s menu was almost entirely meat-focused (barbecue hog and sausage). At launch they mentioned adding some smoked vegan items “eventually” (www.ediblebrooklyn.com ). In practice, vegetarians/vegans could find limited sides (like slaw, pickles, maybe a veggie chili) but few main entrees. If you had dietary restrictions, best to check ahead – the staff could sometimes accommodate with extra sides, but there was no full vegetarian menu.
Was Wi-Fi available at Arrogant Swine?
No official free Wi-Fi was advertised. Arrogant Swine was more of a social drinking and eating spot, so most patrons relied on their own cellular data if needed. If you needed internet access, either use your phone’s service or plan to hot-spot. (By 2014 it was common for NYC bars to have open wifi, but no documentation suggests Arrogant Swine offered it.)
What were Arrogant Swine’s hours of operation?
Pre-COVID, Arrogant Swine was mostly open nights and late into the morning. For example, one 2015 report shows it was open Tuesday–Thursday 4pm–2am, Friday 4pm–4am, Saturday 11am–4am, and Sunday 11am–2am (closed Monday) (www.brooklynpaper.com ). In practice they often ran the bar late on weekends (last call up to 1–2am on weeknights, or 3–4am on Friday/Saturday). Hours may have varied over the years (and of course the venue is now closed), but it was known as a dinner-and-late-night joint more than a lunch spot.
Was there an age restriction (21+) for entry at Arrogant Swine?
Arrogant Swine functioned as both a restaurant and a bar. During daytime and early evening service, families and minors were allowed (with adult supervision). After 9pm its vibe turned to a full bar scene, so it effectively became 21+ after dark. In other words, children were welcome for the early supper hours, but late-night (bar-only) hours were essentially adult-only. The venue followed New York’s alcohol laws carefully – expect ID checks for drink service.
What kinds of drinks were popular at Arrogant Swine?
In line with the BBQ theme, beer and bourbon were big. A rotating craft beer menu meant local microbrews (Ale, stout, lager) frequently changed, with one or two staple taps like Founders. The menu emphasized “mostly brown liquids” (gothamist.com ) – specifically, American bourbons and rye whiskeys. Cocktails were less the focus, but you could get a neat pour of bourbons/rye. Buddies and guests often grabbed a draft beer or whiskey to complement the pork. Non-alcoholic options included soda, water and a few bar snacks.
Did Arrogant Swine have live music or entertainment events?
Yes. While not a concert hall, Arrogant Swine regularly featured live acts on special occasions. For example, the grand opening included gospel/blues singer Reverend Vince Anderson and a burlesque dance troupe (www.ediblebrooklyn.com ). Bloodless festivals like Hog Days had bluegrass bands on their outdoor stage (arrogantswine.wordpress.com ). DJ nights and reggae or hip-hop (dancehall) sessions also happened sporadically. Essentially, any music or performance was part of a themed BBQ event rather than nightly entertainment – they promoted those events in advance. Guests should check the (now-archived) event listings to see if any are planned.
