It’s that time of year again. The smokers are fired up, elastic waistbands are being quietly selected, and the Jeff Michner Foundation BBQ Benefit is back on April 25th at Pig Beach Queens. I’ve been a couple of times already, and it’s always a full-blown meat carnival. We’re talking 25+ food stations, top-tier BBQ talent, unlimited drinks, and a crowd that came to do damage. But before I told anyone to go drop $125 to $200 on tickets… I did the responsible thing. I went back this week. You know… for “research.”
Event Breakdown (a.k.a. Why Your Diet Is Nervous)
This isn’t your casual “grab a rib and leave” situation. General Admission ($125) runs from 12:30 PM to 5:00 PM, and VIP ($200) runs from 11:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Both include unlimited BBQ, drinks, and access to everything, but VIP gets you that extra head start before the crowds roll in. This event also supports a real cause, helping families dealing with loss and funding scholarships, so yes, you’re doing something good while absolutely demolishing brisket.
The Food: Where Discipline Goes to Die (Re-Tested This Week)
Before recommending anything, I had to make sure it still slapped. So I went back this week and ran it all over again. Official ruling: it still hits like a freight train made of brisket. I grabbed ribs, brisket, pulled pork, and more sides than I’d like to admit. The brisket is smoky, juicy, and actually tastes as if it came from a pit, not a spreadsheet. The ribs fall off the bone without turning into mush. The pulled pork does exactly what it needs to do, no drama, just solid. Then the chaos kicks in. The triple patty Pig Beach burger is still wildly disrespectful in the best way possible, char, cheese, pickles, sauce, everything working overtime. The brisket cheesesteak is messy, cheesy, and perfect after a couple of drinks. The dry rub wings bring flavor without turning your shirt into a crime scene. The sides actually matter here, potato salad with real flavor and pickles that cut through the fat like a reset button, so you can keep going like a professional.
The Sneaky MVPs
- Triple Patty Pig Beach Burger:
This thing is disrespectful. In the best way. Char, cheese, pickles, sauce… it’s not BBQ, but it might be the best thing there. - Brisket Cheesesteak:
Oozy cheese, caramelized onions, soft bread, and brisket doing overtime. This is late-night decision-making in sandwich form. - Wings (Dry Rub):
Flavor without the mess. Because sometimes you want to eat like an adult… even if it’s temporary.
The Setup: TVs, Beers & BBQ Energy
Walk in and you’re greeted by a massive bar and a giant TV setup that looks like six screens Voltron’d together. Sports everywhere. Beer flowing. Indoor and outdoor space. Games. Good vibes.
It’s the kind of place where you say, “I’ll just hang for one,” and suddenly it’s three hours later and you’re debating your fourth plate like it’s a life decision.
Getting There (Because You Will Go)
Take the N train to 36th Street, walk a few minutes, and you’re there. Easy. No excuses.
Final Verdict: Buy the Ticket, Worry About Pants Later
I didn’t rely on memory; I went back this week to confirm it. It’s still worth it. For $125, you’re eating and drinking for five hours straight and supporting a good cause. That’s basically $25 an hour to live your best BBQ life. You will leave full, happy, and possibly questioning your life choices in the best way possible.
Call to Action (No Excuses Edition)
Buy the ticket first. Then come back and read this again so you don’t waste stomach space like an amateur.
As always, what do I know? I’m just a fat guy from Brooklyn trying to survive the week, one martini at a time. If you want more Top 10s steakhouses, burgers, restaurants, you name it, click the words and keep going.