Handsome Hog

Hey there neighbor – we’re the Handsome Hog, a new contemporary Southern restaurant in Lowertown, serving lunch, dinner, & late night. Our food is pig-centric, our drinks are bold, & our doors are open. Chef Justin is in the kitchen making you up a plate and our bartenders are stirring up the perfect libation* to go with it!

*bourbon not required, but strongly recommended

THE FOOD

We call our food contemporary Southern and it’s very pig-centric. We use all the parts of the hog, from the snout to the tail—you’ve got to try our Crispy Pig Tails & Whole Roasted Hog Jowls. Of course, we’ve got all your Southern staples too, like Chicken N Waffles, Smothered Tomahawk Pork Chops, and Pickle Brined Roasted Chicken, not to mention P.O.D. (Pig of the Day).

Uniquely our’s is the “Meat Bar” situated adjacent to the main drinking bar, where a full time “Charcu-Artist” creates delightful plates of charcuterie on demand with meats from around the world, including Spain’s Legendary Mangalica Ham.

THE CHEF

Chef Justin Sutherland was born to cook. He spent his childhood in the kitchen learning recipes from his mother and grandmother. His favorite TV show was Yan Can Cook where Chef Yan’s motto and show closing saying was “If Yan can cook, so can you”. For his fifth birthday, he asked for an EasyBake Oven. Suffice to say, he’s been at it for awhile.

Chef Justin’s goal for the Handsome Hog is to let the food’s natural flavor stand out by cooking with the best seasonal ingredients, sourced locally as often as possible with great care and attention. Prior to opening Handsome Hog, Sutherland honed his craft at Meritage and Brasserie Zentral and he’s dedicated to discipline, attention to detail, & never settling for anything but the best. You’re going to love this guy’s food.

THE LIBATIONS

We like bourbon. That’s why we have over 100 bottles of it behind the bar and are barrel aging some of our own for future enjoyment. But there’s more than just bourbon at the Hog. We’ve got a VooDoo Daiquiri, a smoky Sazerac (Chef’s favorite), a House G&T. It’s a big, beautiful list of cocktails that you will remember & love forever & ever amen. We’ve used our charm to win exclusive concoctions with local brewers & distillers so you’ll be sipping stuff you ain’t never sipped before.

If you don’t feel like being filled with the Spirits, we’ve got you covered. Sweet Tea, local craft beers, perfectly paired wines—we’ve got a liquid that’ll quench your thirst.

BIG MAN JOE

Handsome Hog’s General Manager, Joseph Pirri knows food & libations, & how to serve them both well. It’s in his genes! His uncle, Dick Lang, was the founder and operator of the Minnesota School of Bartending. Even though Joe’s an East Saint Paul native, he’s got a little southern charm in him. Pirri has worked a bajillion places over his 17 year career, starting at The Ground Round. You’re going to love his team’s dedication to service and great libations. He’s the man to talk to for a great table, fun tale, a divine drink and info on what the best pig of the day is.