If you happened to be strolling across Milligan University’s campus on Wonderful Wednesday, you may have noticed a mild, albeit distinct, aroma of smoke-tinged sweetness drifting from the direction of the library parking lot. That, it turns out, was Phil’s Dream Pit — a traveling barbecue joint that has recently garnered a decent amount of local praise for its pulled pork sandwich. With that in mind, I decided to see if it lived up to the talk.
The pork came finely chopped and tender, with no coarse lumps to speak of. If not quite a transcendent barbecue experience, it was at least satisfying in a no-frills way. The bun, while some claimed it to be over-buttered or aggressively salted, struck me as delightful: gently toasted, with just enough structural integrity to keep the sauce in place. If you’re particularly sensitive to salt, you might consider asking them to go easy on the seasoning, but it didn’t seem problematic in my case.
Another point worth noting is the staff. They have a habit of checking in and asking how you’re doing — a small gesture that makes a straightforward transaction feel a bit more personal, especially for a food truck. Judging by the moderate line of hungry students behind me, I wasn’t alone in appreciating the combination of flavorful meat and relaxed, good-natured service.
All told, if you spot Phil’s Dream Pit parked on campus next year and you’re in the mood for something warm and filling, their barbecue sandwich is unlikely to disappoint. It’s a welcome step above standard campus fare — and at the very least, a tasty way to complement your Wonderful Wednesday.
by Chris Cox