Swingbellys Takes BBQ Seriously

Open since 2006, Swingbellys has a different special every day.

At this West Beech Street restaurant, where the barbeque aroma is hard to ignore, hungry souls can try the Swingbellys Challenge, made of a full slab of ribs, wings, ¼ lb. pulled pork, ¼ lb. brisket, rib tips, plus sides and cornbread.

Challengers win a free meal and a picture on the Wall of Fame if they finish everything in one hour.  

Décor – The tables are simple, with a focus on the food, and the atmosphere is friendly and casual, with tunes always playing and a game or two on the TVs all around. The restaurant always has specials for Ultimate Fighting events.

The Drinks – Swingbellys boasts a rotating tap system and often alternates between taps such as Shocktop, Goose Island, Brooklyn Brown Ale and Mendocino White Tail. Specialty house drinks include the Bloody Boar ($8), their twist on a Bloody Mary, served with Swingbellys’ own smoked habanero. Also popular is the Monster Margarita ($15) that, at 32 ounces, is big enough to split for two.

Appetizers – A customer favorite, Pickle Chips ($6.99), sliced and deep fried, is a good way to start things off. Another popular pick is the BBQ Nachos ($9.99) with homemade nachos covered in Swingbellys Burnt Ends Chili, sour cream, olives, jalapeno, onions, and mac’n cheese.

Entrees – Swingbellys offers large platters like the St. Louis Ribs (1/2 slab $12.99, full $19.99) or the Half Smoked Chicken ($11.99). Their Pulled Pork ($13.99) is a favorite of regulars. All platters are served with Texas Style Toast, one side, and cornbread.

They also have specialty sandwiches that included the Swingbelly Style Cheesesteak ($12.99) with brisket, cheese and onion, and the Boardwalk Burger ($12.99), topped with cheese, bacon, onion, avocado and tomato. All burgers and sandwiches come with fries and a pickle.

Sides – Sides at Swingbellys are hearty and fresh, with classic BBQ options like sweet cornbread, mac’n cheese, or tater salad alongside healthier options like Grilled Veggies and seasonal Corn on the Cob. All platters come with a side, but individually sell for $3.99.

Desserts – Don’t forget to make room for dessert at Swingbellys. While you can eat more than enough with your dinner, the Brownie Ice Cream Sundae ($6.99) and the Bourbon Chocolate Pecan Pie ($6.99, a la mode $8.99) are both worth the wait. Another great choice is the Peanut Butter Pie ($6.99, a la mode $8.99).

Service – Swingbellys employs a happy and friendly staff that offers great service. Owners Sean Sullivan, Michael Bonino and Pitmaster Dan Monteforte, who combined have 40 years of restaurant experience, are all hands-on to ensure customers get the special attention that makes the restaurant so popular.

Signature Dish – The Mac’n Pete ($11.99) is a favorite of customers in the know.

Chef’s Name – Pitmaster Dan Monteforte