My go to place for BBQ in Benton Harbor. Great food, fair prices, nice staff. I have also had Carlie's cater work site meals many times. Don't pass this place up!

Yesterday, May 1st, was my 6th wedding anniversary and oddly barbeque sounded perfect.  We ordered rib tips to share and we each got the cheddar pulled pork sandwich that came with 2 sides- I got macaroni & cheese and corn casserole while my husband got 2 orders of macaroni & cheese since they were out of the chips he wanted for his second side. The food was great.  I must admit I wish they put more cheese on the sandwich but I can always ask for an extra cup of cheese next time, even if it does cost a bit more.  The actual pork was on point so really it didn't require the cheese but I'm obsessed with cheese.  The rib tips were fantastic.  We were informed if we didn't want the sides they take $2 off which is helpful since we were both getting sandwiches that.came with 2 sides each and we didn't need more.  The macaroni & cheese was, as my husband put it, fire.  I would definitely order that again, along with the corn casserole. Piggin & Grinnin is definitely on my list of best barbecue places because everything we have ordered so far has been super delicious.  My husband is super excited to come back and eat through the menu.

With the Southern hospitality of the two ladies we met on our visit, I'm not sure how you could not have a good meal at Charlie's. The decor matches the name, with smiling pig paraphernalia on display around the cafe which adds to the charm. The corn casserole and mac n' cheese were good choices for sides. The pulled chicken paired with the sauces on the table hit the spot for me, while my lunch companion enjoyed the tender rib tips. It's simple, good food with service that makes you feel like you're right in Memphis.

My wife and I had a summer beach holiday picking fresh blue berries on the west coast of Michigan a few summers ago when we accidentally meandered in to the little "paradise" of Benton Harbor. As hardened Detroiters, not much would typically phase us, but this area certainly didn't roll out the welcome mat. Needless to say, lock your doors. Anyway, to our surprise the downtown area of B.H. is an interesting, up and coming, hip area, which is anchored by a remarkable BBQ restaurant. Charlie of Piggin n Grinnin's is a true national award winning BBQ chef who can create smoked treats that are as close to the serious Q you can get down south as a northerner can get. The pulled pork is succulent and tasty (I do like slows because of the crust, in the D better in this respect.), the ribs ooze off the bone, and the brisket is mean. Charlie has several great sauces if you so need them. (Great BBQ really doesn't.) The "piece de resistance" is the smoked Turkey. Charlie has elevated this simple thanksgiving staple into something that surpasses pork in flavor and texture. Now i've had it a few times here, and once it was a little dry, but other than that it was sublime. Anyway, if you're ever on what Mario Batali calls "the Italian coast of the United States", or find yourself blitzing for Chicago, this place is definitely worth the trouble for something very special.