This Pennsylvania Restaurant’s Pulled Pork Is So Good It’s Gained A Cult Following
Some barbecue places chase attention. Others earn devotion one bite at a time.
In Erie, Pennsylvania, Underdog BBQ falls squarely into the second category, quietly turning pulled pork into a local obsession.
The scent of slow smoke hits before the door even opens, setting expectations that the kitchen happily exceeds.
Pork arrives tender, deeply flavored, and stacked generously, carrying just the right balance of bark, fat, and patience.
It is the kind of meal people describe with wide eyes and exaggerated hand gestures days later. Regulars swear by it, newcomers leave impressed, and rumors spread fast once a tray hits the table.
You will find this cult favorite at 2714 W 8th St, Erie, PA 16505, where barbecue loyalty is built the old fashioned way.
Born From a Reality Show Dream
Underdog BBQ wasn’t just dreamed up in someone’s backyard.
It was born on national television during the show “Undercover Billionaire” back in 2019, where entrepreneur Glenn Stearns built a business from scratch in Erie with just $100 and a pickup truck.
The restaurant became a real-life success story that fans of the show still visit today.
Customers frequently mention watching the series and finally making the pilgrimage to taste the food they saw come to life on screen.
Chef Ashley Messenger has kept that underdog spirit alive, expanding the menu and moving to a new location while staying true to the original vision.
The story adds a layer of flavor to every bite, knowing this place began as a wild experiment and became a beloved local institution.
Fans from as far as Spain have expressed their love for the brand and the courage it took to build something this special.
Smoked On-Site Daily
Every single piece of meat at Underdog BBQ gets smoked right there at 2714 W 8th St. Nothing arrives pre-cooked or reheated from some factory miles away.
The pitmaster fires up the smokers daily, transforming raw cuts into tender, smoky perfection that keeps customers coming back multiple times a week.
One regular admitted to ordering the brisket sandwich five out of seven days because she simply couldn’t resist.
The commitment to smoking everything on-site means the quality stays consistent and the flavors stay authentic.
You can actually see the smokers working their magic, which adds a certain confidence to your order.
Fresh preparation also means the staff can control every detail, from the rub to the smoke time to the final presentation. When you bite into pulled pork here, you’re tasting hours of careful attention, not shortcuts.
Six House-Made BBQ Sauces
Forget the bottled stuff from the grocery store. Underdog BBQ whips up several sauces in-house, each with its own personality and plenty of fans.
A tangy option adds a bright kick that pairs beautifully with smoky meats.
Another leans sweet and savory in a way that feels almost fancy, while a spicy version brings heat without overwhelming your taste buds for most people.
Reviewers rave about the variety, noting that each sauce complements different meats in unique ways.
The apple BBQ sauce, for instance, creates what one customer called a “marriage made in heaven” when paired with ribs.
Fans keep asking to take these sauces home, but for now still enjoying them happens right on site. You’ll just have to keep coming back to get your fix straight from the source.
The Pulled Pork That Started It All
With 123 mentions in customer reviews, the pulled pork at Underdog BBQ isn’t just popular. It’s legendary.
The meat gets slow-smoked until it practically falls apart, soaking up flavors that make every bite worth the wait.
Customers describe it as tender, flavorful, and the kind of thing you think about for days after eating it.
One fan shared that after moving to Erie from Pittsburgh, she couldn’t stop ordering the brisket but also praised the pulled pork sandwich as a worthy alternative.
The pork shows up in multiple menu items, from sandwiches to platters, giving you plenty of ways to enjoy it.
The secret lies in the preparation: careful smoking, quality cuts, and seasonings that enhance rather than hide the natural pork flavor.
This isn’t dry, flavorless meat drowning in sauce. It’s the real deal, cooked low and slow the way BBQ was meant to be.
Billionaire’s Mac: A Decadent Masterpiece
Mac and cheese gets mentioned 131 times in reviews, and the Billionaire’s Mac is the crown jewel of the menu. This isn’t your childhood boxed version.
Picture shells and cheese topped with burnt ends, whiskey onions, bacon, gouda panko, and more indulgence than should legally be allowed on one plate.
One customer called it “the most delicious version of mac that has ever macced,” which is both hilarious and accurate.
The whiskey onions alone have people thinking about this dish for days after eating it.
The combination of creamy cheese, smoky meat, and crunchy topping creates a texture party that keeps your taste buds entertained from the first bite to the last.
Even visitors from Pittsburgh make the drive specifically for this dish, proving that sometimes the sides steal the show. It’s rich, it’s over the top, and it’s absolutely worth every calorie.
Brisket That Earns 218 Mentions
Brisket dominates the conversation at Underdog BBQ, racking up more mentions than any other menu item. Customers describe the smoke ring, the tenderness, and the flavor as near perfection.
One reviewer called it “one of the best, if not the best” brisket they’d ever had, which is high praise in the BBQ world.
The backyard brisket platter comes loaded with sides, giving you a full meal that satisfies even the heartiest appetite.
The kitchen times everything perfectly, ensuring the brisket arrives at your table at peak deliciousness.
The meat has a great smoke profile without being overpowering, and the fat renders down into buttery goodness rather than chewy disappointment.
A regular customer shared that when the website accidentally listed brisket as out of stock, the staff surprised her with her favorite brisket sandwich anyway, complete with a sweet note. That kind of care keeps people loyal for life.
Smokey Devils: The Perfect Starter
Smoked deviled eggs might sound unusual, but at Underdog BBQ, they’re a revelation. Customers describe them as an “awesome appetizer” where every flavor shines through while still working together in harmony.
The eggs get a smoky treatment that elevates the classic deviled egg into something memorable.
The filling is creamy, well-seasoned, and balanced, making them dangerously easy to devour before your main course arrives.
One reviewer noted that after trying them, they said “WOW” because the flavors were that impressive.
These aren’t just filler appetizers to keep you busy while you wait. They’re a legitimate part of the Underdog experience.
The Smokey Devils also appear frequently in positive reviews, with 14 mentions proving they’ve earned a dedicated following.
They’re proof that even the simplest dishes can become special when prepared with skill and creativity.
Dog-Friendly Dining Done Right
Underdog BBQ takes its name seriously by welcoming four-legged guests with open arms. The outdoor deck features seating where dogs are not just tolerated but celebrated.
Servers bring cold water out for pups, especially appreciated after a car ride to Presque Isle or a day exploring Erie.
One regular mentioned this thoughtful touch makes the restaurant their go-to stop every time they travel with their dog.
The menu even includes a “barkcuterie board” designed specifically for canine customers, proving this place truly caters to the whole family.
The dog-friendly atmosphere creates a relaxed, welcoming vibe that sets Underdog apart from stuffier dining spots.
Pet owners rave about the experience, noting that the staff genuinely loves when furry friends visit. It’s not a gimmick.
It’s a core part of the restaurant’s identity and another reason customers keep coming back.
Cornbread With Maple Butter
Cornbread shows up in 43 customer mentions, and the maple butter situation deserves its own fan club. Even people who normally avoid maple-flavored anything admit this combination works beautifully.
The cornbread itself is moist, slightly sweet, and pairs perfectly with smoky meats. The maple butter adds a layer of richness that feels indulgent without being cloying or overwhelming.
One customer specifically called out how delicious the cornbread was, noting the maple butter as a standout detail.
It’s one of those small touches that shows the kitchen cares about every element of your meal, not just the main attraction.
The cornbread also makes a great side for the brisket sandwich, according to a regular who orders it nonstop.
It soaks up sauce, provides a slight sweetness to balance savory flavors, and adds comfort to an already satisfying meal.
Exceptional Service and Quality Assurance
Great food only goes so far if the service falls flat, but Underdog BBQ nails both.
Staff members like Sue and Matt earn specific shout-outs in reviews for making experiences exceptional with their friendly banter and excellent recommendations.
The team constantly checks on diners, asking how everything tastes and ensuring nothing is missing. This quality assurance approach makes customers feel valued rather than rushed through their meal.
Owner Ashley herself is described as “super cool” and willing to build your food however you want it.
She’s hands-on, approachable, and genuinely invested in making sure every guest leaves happy. When issues do arise, the team responds quickly and professionally, offering to make things right.
One less-than-thrilled customer received a personal response inviting them back for a second chance, complete with a gift card offer. That level of care turns critics into potential fans.