This is my first review of an 'up north' BBQ eatery as I have been hesitant cause BBQ is SO VERY DIFFERENT across the country. Texas, Oklahoma, Memphis, Kansas City, the Carolinas and the Deep South all have their own styles of cooking with smoke and the BBQ sauces are nowhere alike. I have eaten Q several times around the north and have found not one to be of the same quality and taste of the south. Sorry, it is what it is. I LOVE the Southern Q, especially Texas. But, I like to keep an open mind and love the Q. I have seen this restaurant advertised and recommended by a couple of friends on Facebook.
Barb and I visited the Iron Pig on a weekend just before July 4th. It was a HOT weekend, in fact it was nearly 100 degrees this night. It is easy to find on West Main Street in downtown Gaylord. Parking can be an issue so plan on arriving early. They do take reservations. This place is essentially a small bar (approx. 44 people) with tables and bar seating for dining. There is one big screen TV. Also there are trivia game stations at every table just like at Buffalo Wild Wings. Arrive early, find a place to sit, and then place your order at the window. 
I had scouted the menu in advance. This is always a good idea so you know what you are or are not getting in advance. They offer several good looking appetizers including Smoked Mac n Cheese, Spicy Chili, and Cheese Curds. The menu also includes a selection of sandwiches including the smoked brisket, Reuben, Pulled Chicken and Pork, and Kielbasa, Salads, Burgers, and even a small Mexican selection. There is even a small menu for kids. They do offer an online ordering system if so desired. The BBQ section is pretty straightforward, but somewhat small. They offer a Half or Full Rack of Ribs, Brisket Platter, 3 Piece Chicken Platter, and a Sampler Platter. I was hoping for some Pork Belly or Burnt Ends. Even the Pulled Pork is only offered on a sandwich.
Barb and I ordered the Half Rack of Ribs and Brisket Platter with the intent of swapping meats back and forth to sample. Both platters came with Homemade Coleslaw, Smoked Beans, Onion/Cukes, and Jalapeno Cornbread. 
The ribs were Baby Backs and the brisket was already chopped when served. I like the brisket still in slice so I can taste and savor the bark. Everything is smoked over cherry wood. BBQ sauce was served on top of the ribs as well as on side for both dishes. First of all the meat was lightly smoked, tender, moist, and delicious. The BBQ sauce was lightly spiced, but with a little too much Cumin. The BBQ beans were tasty, the coleslaw was absolutely dry with no dressing, the sliced onions and cukes were good, but the cornbread was sweet with no Jalapeno taste or spiciness whatsoever. The cornbread was also served covered with a sweet brown sauce. Our meat was excellent, but the BBQ sauce, coleslaw, and cornbread were sadly lacking. Don't call it Jalapeno Cornbread if there isn't any. I remind myself that this is 'northern Q' and they take pride in their own tastes and styles. Total cost for our meals with large iced tea was $34.95. The service was excellent.
Overall, we found the Iron Pig Smokehouse to be decent Q. It is a somewhat small venue so arrive early. The ribs didn't last, but Barb did bring quite a bit of the brisket home to make a sandwich later with my BBQ Sauce. Unfortunately I only rate this a 2 of 5 stars. https://theironpigsmokehouse.com/
"Being so closely related to the south, barbeque was part of segregation and helped defeat it"
Bobby Seale
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