The Hogs Trough

Set along U.S. Highway 68 in the Ohio River town of Maysville, Kentucky, The Hogs Trough is a casual, family-friendly barbecue restaurant that has quickly become a local go-to since taking over the building that once housed the town’s Golden Corral. The formula is straightforward: smoked brisket, pulled pork, ribs, and chicken served in portions that routinely send guests home with a second meal, backed by fast table service and prices most diners place in the $10 to $20 range. Visitors from as far as Ohio have compared it favorably to big regional barbecue chains, and locals describe it as the best barbecue in Maysville. With booth and counter seating, a small bar area, a kids’ menu, and a large free parking lot, it works equally well for a quick solo lunch or a weekend dinner with a large group.

Essential Information

Operating Hours

Weekend lunch service fills up quickly. Guests have noted the dining room filling within an hour of opening on Saturdays, so arriving early is a smart move for larger parties.

Service, Accessibility, and Amenities

Why Visit? Key Highlights

• Portions built for leftovers. The single most common piece of feedback: sandwiches with meat spilling off the bun, burgers big enough for two meals, and a sampler platter that left a party of two with twice as much food to take home as they ate.
• Serious value for money. A visitor from Ohio who has tried the major barbecue chains said there is no better barbecue for the price within a 100-mile radius, and several guests praised the pricing as more than reasonable.
• Ribs that win converts. Multiple reviewers called these the best ribs they have ever had, with one rating the entire experience a “10 out of 10.”
• A pulled pork sandwich worth the drive. Described as flavorful and piled high on the bun; one guest named it the best pulled pork sandwich she has ever eaten.
• The Hogs Trough Platter. The signature sampler brings smoked chicken, pulled pork, ribs, and brisket to the table with four sides, making it the easiest way for first-timers and groups to taste the full lineup.
• Well-trimmed, peppery brisket. Fans note the brisket needs no sauce, comes generously portioned even in the small size, and is available by the pound for serious appetites.
• Sides that hold their own. The white cheddar mac and cheese has been called the best around Maysville, and the baked beans, fresh coleslaw, green beans, and cooked cabbage all earn repeat mentions.
• Crowd-pleasing extras beyond the smoker. Loaded brisket fries, pulled pork nachos, Southwest egg rolls, a brisket salad, a huge fish sandwich, and fried pickles that one local calls the best in town.
• House sauces on every table. Squeeze bottles of the restaurant’s own sauces sit at each table, including a tangy yellow barbecue sauce one guest described as amazing.
• Fast, friendly, owner-driven service. Guests frequently report no wait and food arriving within minutes of ordering, servers such as Paige are singled out for checking in and suggesting desserts, and regulars describe the owners as hands-on and welcoming.
• Easy logistics. A large free parking lot, wheelchair-accessible entrance and restrooms, high chairs, and a kids’ menu make it a low-stress stop for families and travelers passing through on U.S. 68.

The Menu at The Hogs Trough

The lineup below reflects dishes documented by guests and in dining room photos. Selections may rotate, so ask your server about current specialties and desserts.

Starters and Shareables

Smoked Meats and Platters

Sandwiches, Burgers, and Salads

Sides

Desserts

House Sauces

Drinks