Our Review of Pig Tales Restaurant on Lake Lanier

After a full day of sun, swimming, and tubing on Lake Lanier, there’s nothing better than pulling up to a laid-back spot that delivers on both flavor and atmosphere. That’s exactly what we found at Pig Tales, an easygoing BBQ joint on the water.

We’ve now docked here dozens of times during our camping weekends and lake days, and it has become our go-to spot for casual lakeside eats. Whether we’re craving creamy mac & cheese or a stacked brisket sandwich, Pig Tales hits the sweet spot: relaxed vide, great service, and food that’s even better.

Whether you’re boating with friends, camping nearby, or just searching for a chill, family-friendly place to refuel, this guide covers everything you need to know before pulling up a seat. We’ll break down what to order, best times to visit, and why it’s become a non-negotiable stop on our Lake Lanier trips.

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Laid-Back Lakeside Vibes at Pig Tales

Ceiling of a waterside-themed restaurant decorated with string lights, wooden beams, and palm leaf ceiling fans. Hanging decor includes upside-down canoes branded with Bud Light and Louie’s Summer Shandy, along with neon signs for Budweiser and the Atlanta Falcons.

Pig Tales is a favorite among Lake Lanier regulars, and it is easy to see why.

Just a short walk up from the courtesy dock, this casual BBQ spot serves up great food, friendly service, and a relaxed atmosphere that feels just right after a day on the water.

From the moment you climb the hill and hear the buzz of conversation and clinking glasses, you know you have found a good place to land. Whether you are coming in from a campground, car, or boat, it offers the kind of easygoing energy that makes you want to stay awhile.

We have visited more times than we can count. Some days we walk right in and grab a seat, and other days we wait with a buzzer in hand. Luckily, the grassy lawn and beach area just outside the restaurant give kids plenty of space to run while the adults hang out and enjoy the view.

The layout is simple. You can sit at the bar or at a table, and a server will take your order either way. The covered patio is our favorite spot. It is partially shaded by sun sails and overlooks the water and nearby docks, making it a breezy, beautiful place to enjoy your meal.

What We Ordered (and What We’d Get Again)

After too many visits to count, we have settled into a pretty solid rotation of our favorite Pig Tales menu items, and it always hits the spot. Honestly, their menu is stacked with great options.

Main Course Must Haves

Morgan always orders the Fried Chicken Club Tacos.

Three flour tortillas filled with crispy fried chicken, diced tomatoes, shredded cheese, bacon pieces, and drizzled ranch dressing are served on branded paper. A generous side of golden tater tots fills the other half of the tray.

They come stacked with crispy chicken, bacon, cheese, lettuce, tomato, and a ranch drizzle that ties it all together. It is the perfect combo of crunchy, savory, and fresh, and nothing else on the menu can tempt her away from it.

Ok, let’s be real… she might steal a bite of whatever Alan’s having too…

Alan switches things up a bit more. He has tried the wings before. They were okay, but not as good as other things so he hasn’t ordered them again. The Hog Mountain, Brisket Philly, and 3 Sisters Cheeseburger, on the other hand, are solid choices.

They are juicy, flavorful, and worth ordering if you are in the mood for something classic.

We have enjoyed every side we have tried. The mac and cheese is creamy and indulgent. The fried okra is crispy and well-seasoned (according to our friends). The tots and fries are a safe and satisfying choice.

Amazing Appetizers

Sometimes we add an appetizer if we are extra hungry, but the main meals are usually plenty. If we splurge, the Fish Tales, Frickles, or Cheese Curds are delish.

Delicious Drinks

Drinks are worth a mention too.

A frozen pink drink with a black straw sits on a table next to a wooden-style menu for Pig Tales Lake Lanier, a waterfront restaurant. The menu features a cartoon pig in sunglasses splashing into blue water with fire and grilling tools in the background, along with location coordinates and contact info.

If Morgan is keeping it simple, its a Bud Light for sure. But, if its been a long, hot day and she isn’t the one driving the boat, she will go for a frozen strawberry margarita. Both pair perfectly with anything on the menu, and you can enjoy them at your table or right at the bar. We have done both.

Best Time to Visit and Insider Tips

Like most lakeside restaurants, Pig Tales can get busy, especially on weekends and warm afternoons.

We have had days where we walked in and sat down immediately and other visits where we waited with a buzzer. It really depends on the weather, the day of the week, and how many people are out on the water.

If you want a calmer experience, aim for an early lunch or a later afternoon meal.

Weekdays are usually more relaxed, and arriving before the dinner rush helps you avoid longer waits. Visiting right after you come off the lake is also a nice way to wind down, since the patio views and breeze make everything feel a little slower in the best way.

If you are arriving by boat and the dock is packed, the restaurant probably is too. Plan for a short walk up the steps or hill from the docks to the restaurant. It is not difficult, but it helps to keep it in mind if you have coolers, towels, or a lot of gear with you.

If you are visiting by car, parking is straightforward and close to the entrance.

One more tip. The grassy lawn and lakeside area outside the restaurant is a great spot for kids to burn off energy while you wait for a table. Our nieces and nephews (and Coco) love it!

Peaceful lakeside view at Lake Lanier featuring calm blue water, several boats, and a dock to the left. Tall pine trees frame the scene with a grassy shoreline and a paved path in the foreground under a partly cloudy sky.

We appreciate that the whole setup feels casual and family friendly without feeling chaotic.

Why It Is Morgan’s Favorite Lakeside Spot

There are plenty of places to grab food around Lake Lanier, but Pig Tales keeps pulling us back. It checks every box for what Morgan wants after a day on the water or a weekend of camping nearby.

The food is consistently good, the atmosphere is relaxed, and the staff has always been friendly and attentive. We never feel rushed, even when they are busy, and the whole experience feels designed for people who want to linger and enjoy the lake life.

It also fits perfectly into our RV and boating lifestyle.

The easy dock access makes it a convenient stop when we are on the water, and its location near several campgrounds means we can swing by even when we are staying on land. We have had meals here after full lake days, casual lunches between errands, and relaxed dinners that stretched into sunset.

Some places try to be too polished or too trendy, but Pig Tales leans into what it does best — laid-back Southern food with a view. That is exactly what keeps us coming back again and again.

Should You Eat at Pig Tales on Lake Lanier?

If you are spending any time around Lake Lanier, Pig Tales is absolutely worth a stop.

It has become one of those places we look forward to every trip, not just for the food but for the whole experience. The view, the laid-back energy, the friendly service, and the reliable menu make it a standout among the lake’s dining options.

Whether you are pulling in by boat, rolling up from your campsite, or just looking for a casual spot to enjoy good BBQ and a cold drink, this place delivers every time.

Bonus – they are pet friendly so your four-legged crew members are welcome to join you!

A happy, tan and white dog with a red leash sits next to a bearded man with crossed arms and tattooed forearms at an outdoor restaurant. They're seated at a turquoise booth under string lights, with neon beer signs and other diners in the background. — Yes, Coco got down before our food arrived and we cleaned the table.

We will keep coming back, and we have a feeling you might too.

Don’t have a boat but want to spend more time on Lake Lanier? Check out these campgrounds on Lake Lanier that will help you extend your lake day into a lake vacation!