Pioneer Pit Beef

Great example of Baltimore pit beef. Small menu, pit ham and turkey available as well. Only open lunch hours, 1100-1700. I've driven by here a few times, easily seen from the intersection and today it was on my route between jobs. Decent line when I showed up and an even longer line while I waited. I stood in line 20-25 minutes but once I ordered I revived my food in quickly. People ahead of me were ordering multiple sandwiches. Loved the pit beef, would try any pit meat here. Cash only. Good rolls, decent condiment section. The regular size sandwhich is a filling portion of protein, the super looks like a good one to pick loose pieces off of. Small no frills shack. There's a reason the line is long.

This is a cash only, walk through food stand, open for lunch hours 11am - 5pm. Each time my husband and I have been there has been a long line to order, but as you order the service is very fast. The pit beef is very good. The large sandwich is huge and weighed in a little over 10 ounces. On previous visits we've tried the pit ham and pit turkey, but they tasted more like heated lunch meat and weren't great, so we only order the pit beef now. The french fries are absolutely amazing, definitely don't skip those. We learned to order extra fries.

I haven’t tried other pit beef spots, but this one was solid—very good food, quick service, and no frills. I stopped by while driving to Washington, D.C., and chose it because it was the second-highest rated on Yelp and conveniently along my route. For the original sandwich, my recommendation would be extra tomatoes, extra onions and adding Au Jus. Ps- the beef goes from the grill to the slicer to ur bun in seconds, so it is as fresh as u can get it, and there are the options for Raw-Medium-Well-done.

Straight up good food. Quick service, cash only. Worth the 2.5 drive. Very unassuming building, but the food was perfect. The pit beef is the best I’ve ever had. Brought a cooler so I could the turkey too! Love the prices and easy to choose from menu.

Mostly a a carry out place with some picnic tables. Excellent hole in the wall place. Staff was friendly and they are cash only. Would return again…

I'm going to put it out there, it's a hole in the wall and it's not most visually appealing food. But it's pit beef, the food which nourishes the working class. It's not fine dining so keep your expectations low and have them surprisingly exceeded. Having lived in the Howard county area for 30 years, pioneer pit beef has stood the test of time. My mentor took me here when I was on middle school and I remembered thinking this was the best thing ever. Though it used to 8 dollars for a super pit beef platter, inflation has only raised it to 11 dollars in 2024. In contrast to the fast food industry where consistency is lacking, pioneer pit beef thrives at it. The staff and ownership has barely changed through the generations. This has kept cost down and operational steadiness throughout its history. The value one receives from this establishment far exceeds any fast food chain. Food this fresh and fast is unmatched. Treat yourself to the super pit beef platter (medium rare). Tiger sauce and onion are my go to. No gravy on the fries. Get a pickle if you are the sour/savory type. Cash only!

Found this tiny place on Reddit since my road trip timed me in Baltimore during lunch hour. The sandwich was awesome and a couple locals in the line helped explain the me the ordering process since I didn't expect to have to give a meat temperature or know what the "standard" is for toppings(onions and horseradish sauce). That's what I got with fries which they hand cut there. Also, The prices were really good too. Overall, the hype surrounding this place is on the mark and I'm proud to have tried a Baltimore staple!

This shack serves up the BEST pit beef sandwiches in the world. Just like with a good truck, you line up outside to get to the service counter. Cheerful staff take your order and ring you up (cash only). Service is quick, accurate, friendly. The sandwiches are reasonably priced and absolutely delicious.