Sterling Pig Brewery is the Barbecue Beacon of Media

The seasoned owner of three other Media eateries have added to the restaurant scene with this hot new brewery.

With the recent debut of Sterling Pig Brewery, Loic Barnieu has added to a burgeoning restaurant empire that also includes Picasso Restaurant and Bar, La Belle Epoque Wine Bistro and Diego’s Cantina & Tequila Bar—all in Media. A culinary beacon in a part of town that doesn’t have much restaurant action, the renovated laundromat is open and airy, with high ceilings, dark wood floors and tables, and large windows. The wood-fired pizza oven is a focal point of the open kitchen. There’s even a counter for diners who want to witness a pie-making show.

Sterling Pig’s bar is down a few steps, off the side of the dining room, keeping those looking for a more adult atmosphere apart from families with kids. The bar’s garage doors open to Baltimore Pike, and there are plans for outdoor tables.

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The menu leans heavily on barbecue, with ribs, pork and brisket smoked out back in the parking lot. The wings get a turn in the smoker, too. Meaty and seasoned with a dry chipotle rub, they’re a notable highlight. 

As for the pizza, the thin crust was crisp while still retaining its doughy interior. Standouts included the Pera (caramelized onions, fig sauce, pear and mozzarella) and La Chèvre (goat cheese, spinach and crème fraîche).

With only a few legal spots in the lot behind the building, parking can get a bit competitive. But Brian McConnell’s top-notch brews are a fitting reward. His experience includes solid runs at John Harvard’s Brew House and, more recently, Rock Bottom Restaurant & Brewery in King of Prussia. 

Sterling Pig’s 15-barrel system provides enough capacity to keep a large variety of selections on the eight rotating taps. Try the Baltimore Pike Porter, with notes of chocolate and roasted coffee, or the Bristler, an IPA with a subtle bitterness.

609 W. State St., Media, (484) 444-2526, www.sterlingpigbrewery.com

Sterling Pig’s pulled-pork barbecue sandwich// Photo by Tessa Marie Images.

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