The Rusty Pig sits on Seneca Street in downtown Geneva, and it announces itself honestly: Real Smoke, Real Flavor. The meats are smoked in-house over real hickory and applewood, and you can taste the difference from the first bite. This is not barbecue that apologizes for itself or tries to be something fancier — it is low-and-slow Texas-meets-Finger-Lakes craft that has earned Gold for best BBQ four consecutive years. They also bottle their signature sauces for retail, which tells you something about how seriously they take that side of the operation.

But reducing The Rusty Pig to just a barbecue joint misses the bigger picture. The burger program has earned Silver two years running, the sandwiches have won Gold three years straight, and the catering operation is among the most in-demand in the region (Gold for catering in 2024 and 2025). The craft beer selection is carefully curated, mixing local Finger Lakes favorites with national standouts and world-class bottles. They also pour an impressive whiskey selection and make proper cocktails. The menu reaches beyond smoke to include chicken sandwiches, hoagies, appetizers, salads, and desserts — the tagline "There's something awesome for everyone" is earned, not aspirational.

Hours are limited, so plan accordingly: closed Sunday and Monday, dinner only Tuesday through Thursday from 5 to 10 PM, and then Friday and Saturday they open at noon and run until 10. This is the kind of place where you want to arrive hungry, order more than you think you need, and maybe take home a bottle of sauce and some merch. It works for casual weeknight dinners, weekend lunches with friends, or as a catering partner for events. In a Geneva dining scene increasingly defined by farm-to-table finesse, The Rusty Pig offers something different: honest smoke, cold beer, and zero pretension.