Longleaf Swine Takes Sawmill Tap Room

After sitting empty for two-plus years, the much-buzzed-about Sawmill Tap Room is finally getting new life. 

It’s time for swine. Longleaf Swine, that is. The ’cue crew is set to take over the long-buzzed-about—and long-defunct—former Sawmill Tap Room space, piggybacking on its DTR cred and the Tap Room’s uberpopular North Raleigh location with a second helping next fall.

In talks since February, the team has officially inked the deal, thanks to the efforts of Elm Partners continued efforts to save Raleigh’s soul one building at a time: “We’re really just trying to put good people in good places,” says Elm Managing Partner Nick Wilson. “That’s the most important thing to us.”

And so they have—finally putting an end to the ~two-and-a-half year vacancy, and perhaps easing the collective frustration over why the nearly 25-year North Raleigh staple was pushed out, only to sit empty. (The CliffsNotes catchup: Owners were left “shocked and heartbroken” after the landlord reportedly declined to renew their lease amid ~$1 million interior reno demands they couldn’t take on—forcing them to shutter in May 2023.) Ironically, it’s Tap Room’s distinct character that’s sparked the loudest lament.

Now, turning over a new leaf, Longleaf is primed to rewrite the story—bringing its big, bold barbecue and bevs to a grander stage, as the larger footprint gives the cult-fave pitmasters room to expand their reach. “It’s a chance for us to serve more of Raleigh in a larger way,” says Longleaf owner/operator Adam Cunningham. The new hub will also house their catering ops—making it a one-stop for smoke, spice and everything in between.

Leading up to the debut, expect a full gut and glow-up courtesy of style architect Dustin Slemp (of Dose Yoga and Olivero design fame), complete with a total reno to resurrect the landmark with Longleaf’s signature trays, sandos, shareables, sides and “wings & things”—not to mention its range of local to less-local beers, seltzers, wine and spirits. And calling the whole crew to the “pigpen,” there’s plenty to feed the “little piggies,” plus weekly specials (Noodle Night! Fish Fryday!) to keep the fam coming back for more.

All told, it’s not just a new locale—it’s a bold second act. Longleaf Swine is set to do the Tap Room legacy proud by turning up the heat, raising the stakes and (figuratively) setting North Raleigh aflame. 

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