We've been wanting to try Pork & Beans since walking past the "coming soon" sign in its front window last summer. Our BBQ roots are from Texas and we haven't had tremendous luck in finding true, smoked meats with authentic sides while spending some of our time in Pittsburgh.
The restaurant has an eclectic, yet rustic feel. I'm not crazy about the metal fencing that separates the bar area from the restaurant and equally not crazy about the long, communal tables that provide most of the seating.
The beer list is extensive. We ordered chicharrones to start with; crispy, fried pork rinds served with a slightly spicy remoulade. We followed with brisket, pulled pork, collard greens and mac&cheese.
The meats were flavorful; but the brisket could have had a slightly more smoky flavor. The collard greens were tasty, but some of the grit that can be found from less-than-fully rinsed greens was still present. The mac & cheese was sinfully rich.
Pork & Beans comes the closest yet in delivering the BBQ tradition that these two Texans have been searching for in the land of Three Rivers. Kudos.