221 N Stephanie St, Henderson, NV 89074

Everyday from 12 p.m.- 9 p.m.

Accepts cash, credit card, Apple Pay

Grade: B+

Hog & Tradition is placed squarely in a plaza at the corner of Stephanie Street and American Pacific Drive. It’s not difficult to spot the building’s bold purple trim and grassy front patio. It truly acts as a centerpiece for the plaza, with small bakeries and arcades surrounding it as well as cosmetic businesses. Hog & Tradition BBQ originated in Utah and opened its first location in Vegas, making various news headlines and becoming a Las Vegas favorite among social media reviewers. The parking lot surrounding the area was filled with cars, and people chatting in the outside dining area. Its warm and energetic mood was inviting, in fact, borderline magnetic.

Gallery • 4 Photos

Ava Torres

Hog & Tradition BBQ’s front entrance.

The inside of the restaurant was bustling with customers. The glass door was stamped with a purple flying pig, and when I pushed inside, I was struck with the pleasant cohesiveness of the restaurant’s decor. There was deliberate and thoughtful interior design, with a distinct theme consisting of flying pig stamps, hanging plants, and purple everywhere. The rugged pipe chairs and laid back wooden tables could not obscure the obvious effort put into the atmosphere, complete with Bob Marley’s smooth tones piping through the speakers. 

I lined up at the cash register and didn’t have to wait long to be greeted by the friendly and personable cashier. They patiently answered my questions, and when I went to get my meal at the pick up counter, they served me with a smile and helped bring my food to my table outside. Food and atmosphere are important aspects of a restaurant, but the service is what completes a perfect meal. 

I stepped outside to eat on the patio and despite the glaring heat, the cool mist fans maintained a pleasant, albeit dewy atmosphere. I was impressed with the various customer accommodations such as a dog area, hatchet throwing toys, televisions, Jenga and more. 

After setting my food on the table, my eyes were immediately drawn to the colorful chili peppers adorning what the restaurant simply calls Hog Fries ($15). Sitting at my table, it only seemed logical to begin my meal with the most eye-catching dish, and I was impressed by the first bite. The dish combined some of my most hated food staples including yellow and red chili peppers, chipotle aioli, relish, and some sort of pickles, but mixed together they formed one pleasant symphony of loud flavors. My tongue felt like it was dancing, and I admit it was one of the most flavorful dishes I’ve had in my life. I especially liked how it was more tangy than spicy, embellished with a sweet tinge. It ended up being my favorite item because of its complex and vivid flavors.

The Grilled Brisket Cheese Sandwich ($22 with Mac & Cheese) itself was really good. I doubt I could eat a whole one on my own, and the brisket was a bit tough, but all in all it was very flavorful and had that patented complex flavor that carried through the whole meal. However, the combo was horribly tainted by the congealed mac & cheese side. It left an unpleasant taste in my mouth and on the roof of my tongue. It was somehow both creamy and hard resulting in a rubbery texture. The one saving grace was probably the pleasant seasoning on top. Definitely a low point in my dining experience. 

When I finally arrived at the Cubano Smoked Sandwich with Ube Cornbread ($15), all my prior dread reached a climax. I’ve had past conflicts with Cubano sandwiches and Ube, and both times I had to spit them out because I have an aversion to the pickley and earthy tastes, respectively. I took a microscopic bite of the Cubano, napkin in hand, prepared to spit it out and in an interesting turn of events I swallowed it. Then, I took another bite, and another and I found myself obsessed with the complex, layered herb rub on the bread and the turkey-stuffing taste of the brisket combined with ham. The sandwich had a mouth-filling tang that was reminiscent of Italian herbs, pesto, and an odd, yet satisfying vintage book aroma. The Ube Cornbread itself was buttery and salty with a distinct yellow cake taste. Each grain of cornbread packed a powerfully rich punch and the texture felt like I was surfing on a crumbling cake. Once again, Hog & Tradition changed my mind with its unique flavor combinations and aromatic spices.

Unfortunately, after a pretty stellar run of dishes I was sorely let down by the Peach Blueberry Cobbler ($5), but it wasn’t much of a surprise considering the price point. It had absolutely no texture variation and was a giant gloop of salt, gritty cinnamon, and what tasted like undercooked pie. Had it been served with ice cream, I might have changed my opinion, but the melting whipped cream plopped on top did not elevate what was essentially a bad dish. 

All in all, my comprehensive experience at Hog & Tradition was a pleasant one. Individuals who prize bold flavors and hearty meals will definitely enjoy the unique and rich flavor combinations. The price felt reasonable for the amount of food I was given, especially considering the chef did not skimp out on the meat. The various accommodations, hospitable service, and lively atmosphere made this spot incredibly memorable. If I come back again I would change some of the smaller orders I made, but the dishes at their core were incredible.