Restaurants may also need a dedicated whole-hog pit. So, if the barbecue restaurant cooks up a whole hog, that's a great sign that you're at a high-quality joint that will serve good barbecue food.

While the menu centers on classic Southern whole hog barbecue, popular dishes include pork belly burnt ends and pork skin nachos. Meat offerings vary and include prime brisket, smoked turkey, pit ...