Embarking on a Carnival Horizon cruise promises an unforgettable journey filled with delectable dining, vibrant entertainment, and thrilling destinations. Among the ship’s many culinary gems, Guy Fieri’s Guy’s Pig & Anchor Bar-B-Que Smokehouse|Brewhouse stands out as a true highlight, delivering an authentic barbecue experience at sea. This venue quickly became our go-to spot for unwinding with mouth-watering smoked meats, savory sides, and exceptional craft cocktails. My partner, John, was particularly enamored, finding it his personal mission to sample every delicious item on the menu. His enthusiasm was so great, I practically had to coax him out of the restaurant! For him, the ultimate indulgence was undoubtedly the Bacon Manhattan Cocktail, a unique creation that perfectly blends smoky and sweet notes, proving that some cocktails are simply elevated by the addition of bacon.
Guy’s Pig & Anchor isn’t just a restaurant; it’s an immersive culinary journey designed by the king of casual dining himself, Guy Fieri. With its rustic-chic decor, comfortable seating, and an aroma of hickory smoke constantly wafting through the air, it transports guests to a classic American smokehouse, even in the middle of the ocean. Whether you’re craving a hearty lunch or a full-blown dinner feast, this versatile venue caters to all appetites, offering distinct menus and experiences throughout the day.
Savoring the Flavors: Guy’s Pig & Anchor Lunch Experience
The daytime offering at Guy’s Pig & Anchor is a relaxed, open-air affair that’s absolutely not to be missed. Located on the deck just outside the main restaurant, the smokehouse lunch setup is unmistakable. Follow the enticing scent of slow-smoked barbecue, and you’ll find yourself at a vibrant station serving up complimentary, unlimited portions of classic BBQ favorites. This casual, grab-and-go style lunch allows you to load up on your preferred smoked meats and sides, perfect for enjoying under the sun or taking inside for a cooler, shaded meal.
For first-timers, a little planning goes a long way. Be sure to consult the Carnival Hub App for the daily lunch hours. It’s no secret how popular this spot is, especially as the cruise progresses and more guests discover the exceptional quality of the barbecue. You might encounter a line, but trust us, it moves quickly and is well worth the wait. The beauty of the lunch menu lies in its simplicity and generosity: indulge in as much barbecue as your heart desires, completely free of charge. You can choose to dine inside the cozy restaurant, taking in the lively atmosphere, or find a sunny spot on the deck to enjoy your meal with a refreshing ocean breeze.
During our visit, John couldn’t get enough of the Championship Pork Butt and the Smoked Andouille Sausage. He spoke daily of returning for lunch, claiming it was a crucial part of his Carnival Horizon experience. While I encouraged him to explore the ship’s other fantastic dining options, his devotion to Guy’s BBQ was clear. The pork butt, slow-cooked to perfection, was incredibly tender and bursting with smoky flavor, easily flaking apart with just a fork. The Andouille sausage offered a delightful kick, with its rich, savory notes and satisfying texture. These two items alone provide a compelling reason to visit, offering a taste of authentic Southern-style barbecue.
Dinner Delights: A Full-Service Barbecue Feast
While the lunch service offers a fantastic casual experience, Guy’s Pig & Anchor truly shines during dinner with its full-service, sit-down menu. Here, for a modest additional charge, guests can dive deeper into Guy Fieri’s barbecue expertise, exploring a broader range of expertly prepared dishes. John, never one to miss an opportunity for exceptional food, made sure we enjoyed several dinner visits to savor the expanded offerings. He was particularly captivated by the Dragon Chili Cheese Fries, an absolute masterpiece of comfort food. This generous dish features crispy, hand-cut fries piled high with succulent smoked beef brisket, flavorful pork sausage, melted cheddar cheese, fresh green onions, crispy bacon bits, and a dollop of cool sour cream. Priced at just $4, it’s an incredible value and easily a meal in itself, perfectly embodying Guy Fieri’s bold and generous culinary style.
Another standout from the dinner menu, and John’s ultimate favorite, was the 18-hour Beef Brisket Platter. This dish is a testament to the art of low-and-slow smoking, presenting incredibly tender and juicy slices of brisket with a perfectly rendered fat cap and a flavorful bark. Each platter comes complete with classic barbecue accompaniments like sweet corn on the cob, a refreshing relish, and a slice of warm, comforting cornbread. John raved about it constantly, so much so that he began contemplating getting a smoker for our backyard to try to replicate the magic at home. The brisket was consistently moist and flavorful, showcasing a deep, smoky profile that could only be achieved through meticulous, long-duration cooking. It’s a dish that truly defines the essence of a smokehouse.
No great meal is complete without a sweet finish. For dessert, the Apple Cobbler at Guy’s Pig & Anchor is a delightful classic, served warm with a crumbly topping and sweet apple filling – the perfect end to a savory barbecue feast. If you prefer a liquid dessert, or simply want to explore more of the venue’s offerings, consider ordering a Pig & Anchor Whiskey Sampler. This allows you to taste a selection of fine whiskies, offering a sophisticated counterpoint to the rustic flavors of the meal.
Crafting the Perfect Brew: Carnival Horizon’s Brewery at Sea
Beyond the incredible food, Guy’s Pig & Anchor is a unique destination for beer enthusiasts, as it houses the Carnival Horizon’s very own brewery at sea! Under the expert guidance of Colin, the onboard Beer Admiral, this state-of-the-art facility brews four distinctive beers, along with a seasonal limited release, right on the ship. This means you can enjoy fresh, locally (or, rather, ‘ship-locally’) brewed craft beer that perfectly complements the smoky flavors of the barbecue.
For those interested in the brewing process, Carnival offers engaging brewery tours during sea days. These tours provide an exciting behind-the-scenes look at how beer is made on a cruise ship, from mashing and fermenting to bottling and serving. Given their immense popularity, it’s highly recommended to sign up early in your cruise to secure your spot. It’s a fantastic opportunity to learn about craft beer production and, of course, sample some of the freshest brews you’ll find anywhere. The presence of an active brewery elevates the dining experience at Guy’s Pig & Anchor, making it a true destination for food and drink lovers alike.
The names of the signature beers at Guy’s Pig & Anchor pay playful homage to Carnival’s popular ThirstyFrog brews, which first debuted on the Carnival Vista. Each brew is thoughtfully crafted to pair with the diverse barbecue offerings, enhancing the overall dining experience. The four core beers brewed on Carnival Horizon include:
- ParchedPig Smoked Porter: This robust, full-bodied beer is brewed with in-house smoked malt, imparting big and bold flavors with distinct notes of molasses and hickory smoke. Its rich character makes it an ideal companion to the hearty barbecue favorites from Smokehouse|Brewhouse, cutting through the richness with its depth.
- ParchedPig Farmhouse Ale: A lightly hopped ale characterized by its beautiful blond color and complex, fruity character. It offers mild spice notes that gracefully balance the brew’s dry, refreshing finish, making it a versatile pairing for various smoked dishes.
- ParchedPig Toasted Amber Ale: This amber ale stands out with its rich color and delightful notes of toasted caramel and biscuit. It’s a wonderfully balanced and smooth beer, highly drinkable and perfect for those who appreciate a malty, approachable brew that complements savory flavors without overpowering them.
- ParchedPig West Coast IPA: For hop enthusiasts, this beer is the epitome of a traditional West Coast India Pale Ale. It’s an intense, hoppy brew loaded with bitterness, but balanced by a bright flavor profile and a distinctive aroma of citrus and pine. It’s a bold choice that stands up well to spicy or rich barbecue.
Craft Your Own: The Bacon Manhattan Cocktail Recipe
Among the many delightful beverages available, John’s beloved Bacon Manhattan truly captured our attention. It’s a surprisingly sophisticated cocktail that balances the smoky richness of bacon-infused whiskey with the classic Manhattan profile. If you’re looking to recreate a taste of the Carnival Horizon at home, this recipe is a must-try. The secret lies in the bacon-infused whiskey, which adds a savory depth that transforms this traditional drink into something truly special.
Bacon Manhattan Cocktail
An easy-to-make and incredibly delicious Bacon Manhattan Cocktail recipe that brings a touch of Guy’s Pig & Anchor to your home bar.
Bacon Manhattan Cocktail
Easy to make and oh so delicious Bacon Manhattan Cocktail Recipe.
Average Rating: 5 out of 5 stars from 1 vote.
Print Recipe
Prep Time: 5 minutes | Total Time: 5 minutes
Servings: 1 | Calories: 175 kcal
Author: Tammilee Tips
Ingredients
- 2 Ounce Bacon infused whiskey
- 1.5 Ounce sweet vermouth
- Angostura bitters (a couple of drops)
- Bacon (Garnish)
Instructions
- Combine the bacon-infused whiskey, sweet vermouth, and bitters in a shaker.
- Shake and strain into a martini glass.
- Garnish with a strip of well-cooked bacon.
Kitchen Tools
- Cocktail Shaker
- Martini Glass
Nutrition
Nutrition Facts
Bacon Manhattan Cocktail
Amount Per Serving
Calories 175
% Daily Value*
Carbohydrates 1g 0%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
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More Great Cocktail Recipes
If you enjoyed crafting this unique Bacon Manhattan, you might be interested in exploring more of our favorite cocktail recipes to broaden your mixology skills and impress your guests:
- Kinky Bubbles Cocktail
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- Maple Old Fashioned with Mount Gay Black Barrel Rum
- Aviation Cocktail
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Check out all of our Cocktail Recipes for more inspiration, and for fellow bacon lovers, don’t miss our huge list of recipes with bacon!
Do you love recipes? Be sure to explore our diverse collection, including copycat recipes, tempting dessert recipes, and our convenient CrockPot Recipes, perfect for any occasion.
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This article was originally shared on August 24, 2018, and updated in January 2021 to ensure accuracy and freshness. We extend our sincere gratitude to Carnival Cruise Line for hosting us on the Carnival Horizon and providing such a memorable experience.