A few months back, Adam Borowitz sang the praises of the Hog Pit Smokehouse Bar and Grill, a barbecue joint that opened not so long ago at 6910 E. Tanque Verde Road. Adam—who isn't even much of a meat-eater—said that anyone entering the Hog Pit was likely to end up on "an eating binge that will leave you sauce-smothered and craving more of what comes out of the magical smoker."

While running some errands on the east side yesterday, I finally made it over the Hog Pit for lunch and have to say that I did indeed end up with some messy fingers. I ordered a smoker combo that included baby back ribs, pulled pork, chopped brisket and sausage and I loved every bite. (Quite a bit came home, in case you're worried about my diet, and it was great for dinner later in the day.) The meat was tender, the ribs were meaty and the sauce is rich and sweet.

My bartender, Lily, was as friendly as they come, even though she had to deliver the bad news that they were out of the sweet potato fries. But the side dishes I did get to sample, including hog beans (which include traces of pulled pork), were all fabulous. And the corn bread, advertised as the "Best Corn Bread Ever," didn't fall short of that mark.

With all the big-screen TVs and cold beer on tap, it looks like a great place to watch a game, too. I'll be back!