Mystery Diner in Batavia: Oak + Swine lends spice to dining scene

Oak + Swine, the barbecue haven that launched in late 2019 in downtown Batavia, pumps plenty of heat into the local dining landscape. The glass facade currently is adorned with some tasty inspiration – painted images extolling peace, love and “BBQ.”

Just before the cold snap eased, we found ourselves watching the ice skaters on Batavia Depot Pond, before we ambled across the Fox River to pick up our carryout order from Oak + Swine.

To make meal planning a cinch, we ordered a quart of the apple slaw and a pound of the pulled pork to go along with a smoked turkey taco.

There’s no cabbage in this slaw, a refreshing version made colorful with thin strips of skin-on apple combined with carrot, green onion, cilantro and radish in a mildly zesty dressing. It’s a welcome twist on tradition.

Other sides extend to Mexican-style corn, orzo salad, fries, beans, chili, mac and cheese, and German potatoes.

When we upwrapped the pulled pork, we were delighted to see some burnt ends had been included with the pork. The ends were spice-forward from the rub, while the tender pieces of meat were delicious and milder on the palate.

At home, we had thrown together a side of mushrooms and rice that played well with the pulled pork and the array of barbecue sauces that were included in our takeout bag. Each was identified with a letter, so you could remember your favorite flavors and heat levels.

My taco featured a generous portion of smoked turkey, and packed its own punch with chipotle crema, along with slaw, red pickled onion, Cotija cheese and lime. The ingredients paired nicely with the 8-inch flour tortilla, a counterpoint to the spiciness.

The sandwiches vary from the signature burger to chopped brisket to Nashville Hot, featuring a chicken thigh breaded and fried, tossed in house-made Nashville hot rub, and sauced with maple-bourbon glaze, then topped with homemade pickles on a brioche bun.

Off the smoker come not only turkey, brisket and pulled pork, but also smoked sausage and pastrami.

The service was friendly and efficient, and when we phoned in our order, we were given the option of curbside delivery or picking up our food at the bar.

The fast-casual restaurant is set on two floors and offers great views. The decor is modern, with accents of wood to pay homage to the smokehouse process.

The website notes the primary influence is central Texas barbecue, but that the eatery includes “staples and some traditions from all the barbecue meccas.” A catering menu makes entertaining easy.

The redesign of the building housing Oak + Swine is a stunner in its own right – inside and out.

• The Mystery Diner is a newsroom employee at the Kane County Chronicle. The diner’s identity is not revealed to restaurant staff when ordering or picking up the food. If the Mystery Diner cannot recommend the establishment, we will not publish a review.

IF YOU GO

WHAT: Oak + Swine

WHERE: 107 E. Wilson St., Batavia

PHONE: 630-326-9173

INFORMATION: oakandswine.com