Restaurant Review

Honey Pig
7220 Columbia Pike
Annadale, VA 22003

The Honey Pig is a Korean BBQ joint off Little River Turnpike in Annandale. The exterior is unimpressive and blends into a myriad of Korean restaurants and businesses in this ethnic enclave outside the Beltway. The interior is campy and Asian but goes for a hip warehouse look with its corrugated steel walls and commercial exhaust vents over each table. The walls are covered with goofy pictures of entrees that smack of a cheap Chinese carry-out. Nightclub music drones in the background and the smell of barbecue fills the air. The crowd is decidedly young, Asian and very hip. There are just enough old folks like us to keep the balance without compromising the cool feel of the place.

It was absolutely packed when we arrived and the pace did not appear to let up as the night went on.  Be prepared to wait for about 30 minutes for a table on the weekends. The Pig does not take reservations but they will let you sign in and head next door for drinks while you wait.

We started off with some Korean Saki called "Soju" and some bites including kimchi, pickled watercress, potatoes and salad. Kimchi is cabbage that is spiced and put in a box in the ground to ferment for six months. It's an acquired taste.

If you have never been to a Korean BBQ restaurant you should try it. Typically, there is a propane burner in the center of the table that is covered with a cast iron dome thing that is heated until it is red hot. The various meats and vegetables are seared at the table.

We ordered, marinated beef, pork belly and spicy squid. The flank steak is marinated in a sauce that is sweet and spicy. You make a wrap with lettuce and beef. You dress it up with condiments like grilled garlic, Korean spicy paste and chilies. Washed down of course by Soju. It's so damn good that it's easy to forget to pace yourself for the other entrees.

Next up, Pork Belly which was barbecued until crispy brown. The pork was accompanied by grilled Kimchi and more grilled garlic and chilies. You roll the pork belly with kimchi, chilies and garlic into your lettuce for a spicy and satisfying wrap. There is also a sweet and spicy sauce that makes for a phenomenal dip 

Soju Etiquette:  The man always opens the Soju and pours for the lady. He then picks up his glass so the lady can pour for him. It's easy to get hammered if you are with the right woman who insists on being polite and topping off your glass after each sip. Trust me, pace yourself or you will end up next door singing Karaoke in a private room until 2:00 a.m.  I have been there and it is not pretty.

Our final entree was the Squid, the punishingly spicy and unforgettable squid. The tentacles raise up towards the exhaust fan as if trying to escape as the searing heat of the grill sizzles and shrinks the flesh. Chopped cabbage is dropped on top as the squid sears. The aroma of the spices fills the air and your mouth waters in anticipation of the pleasure that is sure to arrive soon. The first bite is both sweet and painful as the spices work on your taste buds. A bit of Soju and you are reaching back towards the grill for another piece. It's just too damn good to resist.