The Pit Authentic Barbecue
Barbecue restaurant · Depot Historic District ·

The Pit Authentic Barbecue

Barbecue restaurant · Depot Historic District ·

Pit-smoked pork, brisket, ribs, bourbon, and live music

The Pit Authentic Barbecue by null
The Pit Authentic Barbecue by null
The Pit Authentic Barbecue by null
The Pit Authentic Barbecue by null
The Pit Authentic Barbecue by null
The Pit Authentic Barbecue by null
The Pit Authentic Barbecue by null
The Pit Authentic Barbecue by null
The Pit Authentic Barbecue by null
The Pit Authentic Barbecue by null
The Pit Authentic Barbecue by null
The Pit Authentic Barbecue by null
The Pit Authentic Barbecue by null
The Pit Authentic Barbecue by null
The Pit Authentic Barbecue by null
The Pit Authentic Barbecue by null
The Pit Authentic Barbecue by null
The Pit Authentic Barbecue by null
The Pit Authentic Barbecue by null
The Pit Authentic Barbecue by null
The Pit Authentic Barbecue by null
The Pit Authentic Barbecue by null
The Pit Authentic Barbecue by null
The Pit Authentic Barbecue by null
The Pit Authentic Barbecue by null
The Pit Authentic Barbecue by null
The Pit Authentic Barbecue by null
The Pit Authentic Barbecue by null
The Pit Authentic Barbecue by null
The Pit Authentic Barbecue by null
The Pit Authentic Barbecue by null
The Pit Authentic Barbecue by null
The Pit Authentic Barbecue by null
The Pit Authentic Barbecue by null
The Pit Authentic Barbecue by null
The Pit Authentic Barbecue by null
The Pit Authentic Barbecue by null
The Pit Authentic Barbecue by null
The Pit Authentic Barbecue by null
The Pit Authentic Barbecue by null
The Pit Authentic Barbecue by null
The Pit Authentic Barbecue by null

Information

328 W Davie St, Raleigh, NC 27601 Get directions

$20–30

Reserve a table
See Menu

Information

Static Map

328 W Davie St, Raleigh, NC 27601 Get directions

+1 919 890 4500
thepit-raleigh.com
@thepitbbq

$20–30 · Menu

Reserve a table

Features

wifi
payment credit card
Tap to pay
reservations

Last updated

Nov 28, 2025

Powered By

You might also like

Terms of Use • Privacy Policy • Cookie Policy
 © 2025 Postcard Technologies, Inc.
@eater
390,870 Postcards · 10,986 Cities

Barbecue Legend Ed Mitchell Launches BBQ Delivery Service in Raleigh | Eater Carolinas

"I consider the Pit one of Raleigh and Durham’s most popular barbecue spots; Ed Mitchell helped open it and it figures prominently in his reputation for Eastern-style, whole-hog barbecue." - Eric Ginsburg

https://carolinas.eater.com/2021/3/4/22312346/ed-mitchell-barbecue-raleigh
The Pit Authentic Barbecue
@postcardnews
20,018 Postcards · 1,278 Cities

Downtown’s warehouse‑district landmark keeps the whole‑hog flame alive with pit‑cooked pork, Texas‑style brisket, and a deep bourbon shelf. Frequently cited by Southern Living and local guides, it even founded National Whole Hog Barbecue Day—proof of its cultural footprint.

https://www.thepit-raleigh.com/location/the-pit-raleigh/
Best BBQ in Raleigh (2025)
View this post on Instagram
The Pit Authentic Barbecue
@nomadicmatt
6,681 Postcards · 1,174 Cities

How to Spend 24 Hours in Raleigh, North Carolina (Updated 2025)

"For lunch I typically bring people to The Pit Authentic BBQ in the Warehouse District for true Eastern-style whole-hog, pit-cooked barbecue — think slow-cooked pulled-and-chopped pork dressed with vinegar-based sauce — and I often order baby back ribs or whole-hog chopped barbecue with Southern sides like Brunswick stew, heirloom cabbage collards, and fried green tomatoes." - Matthew Kepnes

https://www.nomadicmatt.com/travel-blogs/24-hours-in-raleigh/
The Pit Authentic Barbecue

Kent C.

Google
I have to start with the amazing service we received from T! She not only made great recommendations, but treated us like her best friends. The food was amazing, but meeting T is what made the whole visit unforgettable. We shared a combo plate and appetizer sampler since we wanted to try a bit of everything. Nothing disappointed!

Corbett S.

Google
Service was friendly and good was really good. Really liked the hushpuppies and biscuits. If I had some honey or jelly that could have been a meal by itself. Got the chopped bbq plate, slaw and baked beans. Delicious. Both sauces were good and plain as they served it. Only drawback to the place is just that interior is very nice and so the atmosphere for me wasn't like a regular bbq joint.

Nitin K.

Google
Recently had the opportunity to visit this great BBQ joint and I totally loved it! Great drinks , great appetizers and entrees. We enjoyed everything. However I would suggest to add some vegetarian options like BBQ Cauliflower:)

K B.

Google
The Pitt has great meats. The BBQ chicken was fantastic, smoky and moist in both dark and white meat. My husband's brisket was tasty, but we both preferred my chicken over the brisket. We loved the sweet potato casserole, but the Mac and Cheese was just good, nothing special. Service was prompt and friendly. The chicken plate with two sides was $20, so it felt really fair in price.

Richard M.

Google
I wanted to like this place because the atmosphere was really nice. Staff was kind as well but the food I just felt like it needed a bit more flavor. I had the fried chicken and have had better fried chicken from a fast food place. I expected a little bit more. My Mac and cheese was a bit dry as well. Hush puppies were good and the pulled pork was good as well but the main dish I ordered wasn’t it for me.

Jennifer D.

Google
The food and service were good. My meatloaf was tender and flavorful. My husband enjoyed his salmon. They give very generous portions. I was rather disappointed that a server actually vacuumed the empty dining room side we were bordering and came right up behind our table so that the exhaust from the vacuum blew our way while we were eating.

Ziona V.

Google
We had such a great experience at The Pit! Our server Kay was absolutely amazing! She was super attentive, friendly, and made sure everything came out fast and exactly how we wanted it. The food was delicious from start to finish. Highly recommend the mac and cheese, the BBQ soy nuggets, and the mashed potatoes with gravy which were all packed with flavor and perfectly cooked. Definitely a must-visit spot in Raleigh if you’re craving good Southern comfort food and great service. We’ll be back!

John S.

Google
Service and atmosphere felt like home and got treated like a regular. I got hush puppies as complimentary. I don’t think anyone got it either nor was it on the menu. I sat at the bar. First meal of the Day at 2pm hungover from the night over. So I needed some drinks in before I could eat. Went to the Billie Eilish concert the day before. Flew from Indiana. I basically tried to order everything. Stew was nice. The staff was nice. Gave me a free drink too. Deviled eggs were as expected. Fried chicken was good, but had better. Coleslaw was delicious, up there as my top 3. Sausage and brisket felt dry, flavor was there but I might had gotten an off batch. Ribs probably one of the best I had at a restaurant. I like to bbq myself at home. Either way, will go back again if I’m ever in town.

Donna P.

Yelp
Had lunch at the Pit again recently with one of my best friends. We had tacos and they were so tasty. I loved seeing the meat cooking through the window. The place has so much character and has a lot of history in downtown. I plan to make a monthly trip for lunch. Since retiring I love to go downtown for lunch.
google avatar

Tracy D.

Yelp
This place has solid bbq. I ordered the man meat platter and shared it with another person. It had a little bit of everything in terms of meat and was delicious. It comes with two sides, but since many of the sides sounded amazing, we ordered two more. In hindsight, one additional side would have been better in terms of having too much food between two people. Their sweet potato casserole is like puréed heaven and it is sweet, but perfectly sweet. Strongly recommend the baked beans as well. For dessert, we had the chocolate cake and carrot cake for the whole table (more people). The chocolate was too rich. The carrot cake was outstanding. We had such a lovely, kind, attentive, and helpful server. Ambience is laid back.
google avatar

Jesse E.

Yelp
Bottom line up front: this place sucks. The chicken, ribs, AND brisket were all so dry they practically turned into meat dust the second they hit my mouth. And yes, they still managed to be dry even though they arrived drowning in sauce, which should've been my first red flag. The chopped BBQ? Tasted like someone just poured straight apple cider vinegar into a bowl and whispered "pork" over it. Everything clearly had been sitting out forever, there was no pit master in the back lovingly tending a smoker. Honestly, I doubt there's even a smoker on the premises. More like a microwave and some wishful thinking. And the décor... I walked in and couldn't tell if I was supposed to order a Bloomin' Onion or a Rooty Tooty Fresh 'N Fruity. It's like Outback Steakhouse and IHOP had a confused baby. Nothing about it said "BBQ joint," and it definitely didn't smell like one. It smelled like old carpet and disappointment. If you know BBQ--real BBQ--run. How this place has four stars is one of life's great mysteries. Probably the same people who think Kraft singles count as "cheese." This is place is for Senior citizens who have lost their sense of taste.
google avatar

Dave B.

Yelp
The wings were amazing! The burger was good, but too greasy. The beverages were good too; but nothing fantastical. The server was great! So, if we want wings, we'll be back!
google avatar

Mina L.

Yelp
Overall was a great experience, the staff is super nice and welcoming, the ambiance is nice and the food was delicious.
google avatar

Sally K.

Yelp
Second year in a row I went to The Pit for Thanksgiving dinner. Usually the restaurant specializes in barbecue but for Thanksgiving they include turkey, ham, all the usual sides, appetizers, a salad and dessert. My server was Claire and she was a delight. Very attentive but not overwhelming and had a wonderful personality. I'm definitely returning next year for Thanksgiving.
google avatar

Jaymie V.

Yelp
Serving size was pretty big. Definitely can share with one other person. Ordered the beef brisket and was so tender and juicy. The mash potatoes and mac and cheese went so well with it. We were a big group and the staff was friendly and patient with us. Gave us complimentary cake for the birthday celebrants. The appetizer they brought out was so good and filling. The hush puppies were my favorite. Would recommend people who are visiting to try their food.
google avatar

Toshi I.

Yelp
We were invited by a local Raleigh family for some barbeque. I was really looking forward to some Carolina BBQ and this experience met my expecatations. We ordered Corn Bread and Fried Green Tomatoes. The cornbread comes in it's own cast iron skillet and my son said it was the best cornbread. Definitely, worth ordering that. Hubs and I shared a full rack of ribs along with sweet potato fries and baked beans. It was a great value and the ribs were fantastic. Now I thought this was more than enough but along comes the biscuits and hushpuppies. Of course, save room to try these. They are fillers but oh so good. I think that if you don't order these as sides, they are complimentary (?) Anyway, at this rate, were were rolling out of there. The ambiance is nicer than what I would expect from a BBQ joint. It's more upscale and definitely a popular place. We had a reservation and the place was full. Service was good too for our fairly large group. Would definitely be back if we're in town. Parking across the street in the lot.
google avatar

Brandee M.

Yelp
I thought this place was very good- The service was good and the quantity of food you get is better. The bread that we ordered was so good and now that I am reading that people got complimentary bread, I feel a little jipped but I ordered the cornbread and that was so good. The barbecue itself was very good- no complaints.
google avatar

Janine C.

Yelp
The food here is good . I have came in and ate but I have door dash as well. The service was good. The ambiance is warm.

M N.

Yelp
Nice established but misleading experience. Service was spotty but when the waitress was there she was pleasant. Food is overpriced for the portions. Plus the food is super bland. Felt like they would be serving this meal at a senior citizens home. No flavor whatsoever! Then they had trouble closing out my bill. What a circus show for an empty establishment. 4 o'clock on a Saturday.
google avatar

Tracy P.

Yelp
The portions were huge! We really enjoyed the pit sampler to get a taste of everything. The pit sampler included pit smoked wings, BBQ soul rolls, deviled eggs, and pimento cheese balls. They also bring out hush puppies and biscuits as complimentary apps. The double combo was perfect to share. We got the brisket and the chopped BBQ. I would get the brisket again, but the chopped BBQ was too dry for my liking. The sides we got were delicious. It was fried Okra and Sweet Potato casserole. Service was awesome! Very attentive.
google avatar

Chloe T.

Yelp
The Pit was by far our favorite restaurant in the Raleigh area. We utilized the reservation system and are glad we did as it was a busy Sunday lunch hour. To our surprise, we were served complimentary hush puppies and biscuits. Can we all agree restaurants that serve bread or a free appetizer are all just superior? Both were mouth watering. My boyfriend chose the pulled pork paired with fried okra and sweet potato casserole. Everything was delicious. I had a bbq salad and loved it. The service here was great. Our food came within 5 minutes of ordering! The price was just right too at about $40. This is an adorable little southern restaurant and I can't wait to visit again.
google avatar

Melinda B.

Yelp
Ok so I'm a true Carolinian and grew up on vinegar based barbecue. This place does not disappoint my true southern roots. Let me just tell you about a few must haves. The BBQ Soul Rolls and Fried Green tomatoes are a must for staters. They also bring out complimentary fresh made biscuits and hush puppies to the table. Their chopped barbecue plate came with two sides and their mashed potatoes with gravy and collards tasted like my grandmother made them. My husband tried the pulled pork with Brunswick stew which was packed with flavor. We also brought along my co-worker traveling in from FL. He indulged in their Big Boy meat combo which gives a sample of chopped BBQ, beef brisket, BBQ chicken, and half rack of ribs. We were all stuffed beyond measure. Another feature is they offer family style which is really nice for that at home southern cooking experience. Their service was exceptional and our waiter assisted us with navigating the menu and popular food choices. My only complaint was I was too full to try dessert! Thanks again for a wonderful dinning experience.
google avatar

Mel H.

Yelp
I had double combo with Bbq brisket & fried chicken. My brisket was well seasoned and tender. The fried chicken was good & fried to perfection it just needed a tad bit more seasoning but still delicious. The green beans were so tasty and garlicky, exactly how I like it. The establishment is so cute and cozy. The service was awesome even after my NY family drove them crazy. But overall I'll definitely be returning and next time I'll be getting 2 sides of green beans!!
google avatar

Ingrid R.

Yelp
I love the turkey BBQ and hush puppies! I'm trying to figure out how I can freeze them and take them back to Mississippi.
google avatar

Douglas K.

Yelp
Came here for dinner and was pleasantly surprised as the food was overall very good and it had a nice ambience. We ordered the fried green tomatoes and they were nicely breaded and light. I liked how they give you complementary hush puppies and biscuits; the biscuits were great but hush puppies were just okay. I would probably avoid next time to have more room for other items. We both ordered the double combo with the following: 1. brisket - fatty and delicious. If you like prefer lean meat, I would avoid. 2. carolina ribs - definitely worth the upgrade charge. They were extremely tender. 3. pulled pork - probably the least liked out of the proteins. 4. mac n cheese - nothing special, kind of disappointing actually. 5. cole slaw - nice way to cut through the fattiness of the meet. 6. fried okra - nicely done although not for everyone 7. mash potatoes - standard Overall, had a really solid meal and would go back if in the area.
google avatar

Lawrence S.

Yelp
Tried The Pit's all you can eat family style while visiting Raleigh. The deviled eggs, hush puppies, biscuits, and brunswick stew was great. And the service was friendly and fast. However, the BBQ (ribs and BBQ fries) was on the drier side and lacked the smoky moist depth you'd expect if you're from the South. Potato salad didn't really have much flavor compared to HEB's potato salad. Myself I don't eat much banana pudding, but my friend said it was good, so I'll take his word for it. Solid experience overall with the atmosphere for a plate with apps, but BBQ lovers might find it a bit underwhelming if you went for the all you can eat option.

Shant K.

Yelp
If you are in North Carolina and want to try authentic BBQ, you must visit this place. Delicious food, perfect portions, awsome service, vibrant ambiance.
google avatar

John C.

Yelp
I tried this place a few years ago and enjoyed it. This time was very different. I am hoping it is a one off. The brisket was all fat, the chicken was so dry, the mac and cheese was bad. I did like the pulled pork, but the rest wasn't great. The service was awesome and the manager was really nice and understanding.
google avatar

James M.

Yelp
Besides some of the best BBQ you'll ever eat, our server, Elijah, made our experiences amazing and I've been there 3 times since moving here 6 months ago. Great food and service. What more could you ask for?
google avatar

Krystal J.

Yelp
Had lunch here on Sunday with one other person. Our server Antoine was awesome. Service was great overall, hostesses, food runners. Good organization and pleasant team. We ordered from the Downtown Raleigh Restaurant week menu, 3 course pre-fixe dinner. As our apps, we chose the Hot Honey Shrimp Deviled Eggs. These were delicious and we were pleased with the portion size, definitely the star of the meal. For our entrees, we both chose the Chopped Beef Brisket Sandwich. This was a big disappointment. Brisket was severely overcooked and very hard. This really shouldn't have even been served to anyone. For desert, I chose the Krispy Kreme Donut Banana Pudding. It wasn't bad. My company chose the Sitti's Carrot Cake. I don't like carrot cake but it looked delicious and was huge. Very nice looking piece of cake.
google avatar

Jamie B.

Yelp
Refused to even sit us, even though there were at least 10 empty tables in the restaurant lady at the service counter was extremely rude. Said if we didn't have a reservation that we needed to leave.
google avatar

Peter K.

Yelp
Great NC BBQ place in downtown Raleigh. Casual comfort and bit classy interior. The food was Soo good. Had appetizer sampler and big boy plate, three of us could not finish it. Had to do take out for a good portion. Chopped pork was amazing, we could tell a lot of love went into the smoking and prep. From so many to pick from, the Pit got our vote.
google avatar

Andrew L.

Yelp
Sizable The order: Complementary hush puppies and biscuits The pitt sampler Pitt smoked wings BBQ rolls Deviled eggs Pimento cheeseballs Double combo (brisket and chopped bbq) Fried okra Sweet potatoes casserole The good: Brisket was delicious Portions are large AC Is blasting & great for a hot summer day The bad: We ordered way too much The chopped bbq was a bit dry We didn't eat much of the sweet potato casserole, if any at all
google avatar

Brian S.

Yelp
Do not come here unless you have a gigantic appetite or plan to share. Tremendous portions of delicious fried chicken, crispy Brussels and mac and cheese that is just heaven. As if we even needed the hush puppies to start but yes you have to try them along with the biscuits and skillet cornbread. It's going to be a carb overload but worth it. Next time I'll plan a little better with my meal planning and perhaps fast for 48 hours before. Classic southern bbq joint with cool vibes in downtown Raleigh
google avatar

JD H.

Yelp
A lot to like here about the food. I found this place about 7 years ago and loved it. Just came back to Raleigh on business, had an afternoon to myself so BBQ it was for lunch. The food here is outstanding. The slices of brisket were perfectly fatty and juicy with plenty of lean mixed in for texture. There are both thicker tomato based and thinner vinegar based sauces on the table. The vinegar one with a few squirts of Franks red hot sauce make a perfect puddle for mopping up with the food. And of all things, what was amazing on this visit was the fried chicken. The best I've had in a long time! That I could order a 2 item plate that comes with 2 sides was a thing of perfection. Don't miss the Mac and Cheese or the greens! All of this makes me realize that what passes for southern food in my home city is a joke. There are several local craft brews on tap and a fair selection of Bourbon but definitely not as extensive as I remember it to be on my prior visit which was a little disappointing. The other thing that was a bit of a downer was the service. I sat at the bar and the poor lone barman was trying to cover the bar and about 10 surrounding tables all by himself. He did a great job and did as good a job as anyone who is being stretched too thin. It was not him. It was the staffing shortage that was the issue. Imagine trying to play zone defense with 1 on 10 (and you are the 1). You get the picture. Luckily, I had nowhere to be so the staff shortage was easy for me to overlook especially because the food was totally worth it. If it tells you anything, I would go there just for the food even if the staffing was 0.5 on 10 next time! Finally, you have to love the fact that the pitmaster that founded the place cooked his first whole hog at age 14 on the same day that he first drank moonshine! If nothing else, it makes a great start to the story of what makes The Pit such a great place to visit.
google avatar

Alison K.

Yelp
Based on reviews, this was THE place to come for Carolina bbq. Huge portion and tasty but not mind blowing. I did end up buying both NC style bottled sauces to bring home. My coworker and I came in during a conference and the restaurant was packed. It was going to be an hour wait to be seated, so we decided to order food to go (which still took an hour somehow). They informed us they were understaffed because they were unaware of the conference and therefore an influx of diners. While we waited, we chilled standing at the bar and enjoyed a drink, and got another to go with the sip n stroll program. Drinks were pretty good - I had gin and tonic using a local NC gin. For food I had brisket, chopped bbq, baked beans, and fried okra which came with a biscuit and hush puppies. Both of the meats were pretty good, though some parts seemed a little dry. I liked the tanginess of the sauce on the chopped bbq and enjoyed the beans. Okra was a little soft getting it to go but edible. Hush puppies were fine. The biscuit was really dry and I did not eat it. They provided a couple extra sauces on the side. I ended up having so much leftover and ate it for breakfast.
google avatar

Amy J.

Yelp
Yum!!!! We got gifted a meal here that came highly recommended. We are newer to the state and hadn't had NC BBQ yet. So we figured The Pit was a good way to try out NC BBQ finally. We made a reservation which was easy to do and we were sat right away. We got the deviled eggs Meatloaf Bbq chicken fingers and of course churros. Omg all of it was really good!! Service was excellent and the food was amazing. The Pit definitely set the NC BBQ bar high!!! We even bought a bottle of the bbq sauce to bring home, it was that good! Most definitely will be back!
google avatar

Nichole C.

Yelp
This place is yummmmm!! You can smell the smoke outside before walking in. The ambiance is a little upscale, but no one there is dressed that way haha. I got the fried chicken and brisket, Mac n cheese, and creamed corn. I have to say the sides were not my favorite but the collards and mashed taters my gf got were delish!! I did love the fried chicken as well!! Our server was great and understood the difference of half and half and nottttt an Arnold palmer so kudos to him! Haha. Thanks for a great meal!
google avatar

Mandy P.

Yelp
Came here with a party of three and a baby around 7 PM on Friday and got seated right away without a reservation. I think they sat us in the back with the other babies, because there was a lot of crying, but it's OK since we had a baby as well. It took a while for the waiter to come, but when he did, we got table bread and waters right away and food probably came in two minutes. Carolina ribs - some pieces were meatier than others but really Smokey flavor and tasty with the sweet bbq Brisket - liked the amount of fat on this and tasty with the vinegar bbq Mac and cheese - more cheesy than creamy but nice carb Sweet potatoes - sweet and creamy Brussels sprouts - similar to collards Cole slaw - lots of good crunch and flavor Biscuits didn't have much flavor but the texture was good and tasty with the butter Hush puppies - nice oily sweetness
google avatar

William T.

Yelp
We came here recently for lunch and enjoyed our meal! Parking was a little annoying, as we had to pay $5 at a separate lot and were hit with some extra fees related to using the associated app, etc. That being said, it's not too surprising given the location of the restaurant. Inside, it wasn't too busy, and we got seated immediately. I ended up ordering the Chopped Barbecue Sandwich, and I liked it! Wasn't the absolute best BBQ I've ever had, but it got the job done. My wife got the chicken and brisket double plate, which ended up being a lot of food :) We had to take some of it home, but it was very good. The green beans and mac and cheese that she got for her two sides were also tasty. Our toddler got a hot dog, which was pretty yummy (I took a few bites!) but of course he didn't like it much :) Go figure. Overall, it was a pretty good experience, and I would definitely consider coming back. As my wife said to me, "They know the meats!"
google avatar

Darrell B.

Yelp
The Pit, I was told, is a staple of Raleigh, North Carolina so me and a friend decided to try it out. The food was pretty good. The baby back ribs were tender and fell off the bone but need a tad bit more seasoning. The meatloaf though was delicious and seasoned well. The sides of Mac and cheese and mashed potatoes were good but the biscuits with their creamy butter was delicious. We were also told their fried chicken is a favorite. It was packed in this place and clearly a favorite of the people but our service was lack luster and clearly they needed more help in the bar high tables area as we waited about 30 minutes for our food. The bar area though has a nice and bright view with big window type doors. If you're in town, make a reservation and enjoy people watching.
google avatar

Erick H.

Yelp
I was sitting across the street at the chocolate factory and saw The Pit barbecue. Most of the barbecue joints here are closed on Monday, but The Pit was open. Monday afternoon it was not very busy. A very nice set up inside. Tre was an excellent server. He was very knowledgeable and had great suggestions. I had the barbecue platter. Brisket was juicy, moist, just the right tenderness and smokiness. Bark was perfect. Just enough fat to keep me going back for more. Pulled pork was also juicy and tender. Smoke on the pork was outstanding. Mac and cheese was great. Very cheesy. Beans were next level. So sweet and savory. Some of the best I've ever had. Biscuit was light and fluffy. Hush puppies were small, but had a beautiful flavor and texture. Used just a smattering of sauce, and it was an awesome enhancement. Got to try some ribs, too. Again smokey, tender and juicy. Sauce glaze was not overpowering. If you are ever in the Raleigh area, don't miss The Pit Barbecue.
google avatar

Jeff S.

Yelp
This is a restaurant you want to love, but I just can't. The pulled bbq is much better than the chopped (IMO), but still has too much fat. The sides are good, but not great. Creamed corn should be sweeter with less liquid. Collards need more vinegar and for the love of God get some heat on them with red pepper flakes. Hush puppies are on the small side and need more time in the fryer to get truly crisp. They weren't under done, but weren't ideal. Minor consideration is that parking isn't easy - but it's downtown and to be expected. At least if you're doing take out you can park right out front. There are much better options in Raleigh that cost less. My favorite is Ole Time BBQ but they weren't open the last time we were craving BBQ and sides.

Haywood A.

Yelp
It's as southern as it gets. They've proven to be true pit masters. The food is well seasoned and the vegetables are cooked with lots of flavor.
google avatar

Chris S.

Yelp
My girlfriend and I have been talking about going here when I visit for ages. We finally made it last week. We Uber down there, go inside, walk past an empty booth. When we spoke to the hostess, she was rude and would not even make eye contact. Since we did not have reservations, she wanted to stick us at a tiny table next to the kitchen entrance. My girl asked if we could sit in the booth that was open. She said no. My girl explained that it was open and we just walked past it. Again, no. Another hostess comes over and they whisper, and she says, without a reservation, we just can't do it. Then the second hostess says, we just sat those people at the next booth. Then she says, in the same breathe, ok, we'll do it. then the people that were just sat, leave, opening up the other booth. The server, Lauren, came over. Super pleasant, super friendly, super knowledgeable. We ordered some appetizers and drinks and then the meal. Her service was awesome, in contrast to the hostesses who has such attitudes. Definitely won't be back because of those two. My girl is new to eating meat after many years away from it, so we each had 3 meats to share. Everything was "not bad, but not great". the brisket was super fatty, the chop was so, so. All in all the food was a C-. Atmosphere was great, the place was clean, restrooms were spotless, Lauren was amazing, but the gatekeepers were an F and the food was meh, at best ... going to try the BBQ Lab next time.
google avatar

Karen L.

Yelp
Great location and food. The pimento cheese balls are to die for! The fried green tomato is had so much breading, it was hard to find the tomato. The fried chicken was good but of course the BBQ was the star of the show. It was moist and flavorful. The coleslaw was delicious as were the baked beans. Don't waste your money on the banana pudding. It had a lot of meringue and was not as good as the BBQ. This was a great place for lunch. Try the pimento cheese balls!
google avatar

Amber C.

Yelp
I went here for the first time today for lunch with a coworker after I told her I'd been craving bbq for a few weeks. EVERY SINGLE THING on my plate was AMAZING!!! It was so good I forgot to take a picture lol! I had the brisket and chopped turkey bbq with fries and collard greens. I don't know whose grandma is back there making those collards, but they were soooooo good!!! The service was fast for lunchtime and the staff was friendly and accommodating. We took our food to go, but I will definitely be back!!!
google avatar

Lizzie C.

Yelp
I ordered takeout three weeks ago and the order was wrong so I called right away and left a voicemail to request a refund. A week later I called again and left another voicemail because no one returned my call. Today is three weeks and I am bothered by the lack of care. Highly recommend for an eat-in experience, though.
google avatar

Amanda D.

Yelp
Just wrapped up a road trip through several Midwest / Southern states and this BBQ was one of the best we had! The Carolina ribs were so dang good and fall off the bone they are so tender. Ask for Ike (like Mike & Ike) as your server! He is the best! And will make the experience at The Pit one to remember! Highly recommend!
google avatar

Arlene S.

Yelp
A nice easy walk with friends from downtown landed us at "The Pit"! The atmosphere was warm and friendly. The service was quick. We ordered the double combo and there was plenty to split with a friend. We had the Carolina style ribs which were delicious. The brisket was very dry and chewy. The Maple Butter Cornbread was very good. Nice place and not too loud.
google avatar

Blair P.

Yelp
The Pit is my fave spot to go in Raleigh for vinegar chopped whole pig barbecue. I get the plate with two sides, and one of those sides is always fried okra... it's totally yum. My top choice for appetizers are the fried green tomatoes and deviled eggs; I love the deviled eggs so much I sometimes times order to go. The cocktail list is fun; I love trying a new drink every time I come.
google avatar

Michael H.

Yelp
In town for the 2025 N.C. Farm Show and so meal in love a crew. The local dealer salesman picked the restaurants for the week and booked the reservations. Group of 20. We had one dedicated Server and then his food delivered and helpers. Was amazed at the great job he did. He took the orders timely and drink orders as well. He kept up with our beverage demand which was amazing. Side salad came out with the meal so that was a bit of a negative but not sure who was the issue there. I had the meat loaf and mashed potatoes with gravy. The mashed potatoes with gravy were good but small portions. The meatloaf was three slabs. Couldn't taste the meat for the sauce. It wasn't bad I just would have liked to taste the meat as that is what we were there for. The old fashioned was ok. Several had the fried chicken and commented on how amazing it was. It was also huge portions. Food was good service was amazing considering we were a group of 20. Parking is a negative.. definitely a scam on the parking but there is parking but it is pay a don't get were definitely working the lot hard looking for fines to access on top of the meal and initial parking fees. Parking lot was dark also so paying to have a safety issue didn't set well with me either.
google avatar

Jason U.

Yelp
The food was bar none , The best bar-b-q I've ever experienced in a restaurant setting. The service was exceptional , the ambiance was pleasing. I will be going back many times for sure. Mainly to try more things off the menu and once I've done that this 4 stars will be a 5 , and I can't wait.
google avatar

Marc L.

Yelp
The Pit has some amazing food and you wouldn't go wrong with getting some of that outstanding BBQ as well as those savory hushpupppies.....Definitely some great food that you don't want to miss......
google avatar

Desiree M.

Yelp
Service was good.... Food was better the first time I visited. Today the collards were a little to salty and not enough salt in the potato salad. The pulled turkey was FANTASTIC. Moist and flavorful. Server was attentive and kind. Was not happy with my drink to start. We made a small adjustment and it was fabulous from there.
google avatar

Alice L.

Yelp
Had a great lunch- ambiance is nice and classy and spacious- service was attentive and quick- the food was delicious and portions are huge and reasonably priced- I wanted to try their banana pudding but was too full
google avatar

Shania G.

Yelp
The Pit was one of those places that were recommended and the recommendation HELD. This place was so good from the starter, to the drinks, to the main course. The hush puppies and biscuits came out as a free appetizer as well! The biscuits are paired with this light, whipped sweet butter cream and it was delectable! Food came out quick and easy. Our server Ty tended to our ever needs. I dropped a hush puppy and he brought out a whole new basket. I would definitely come back to eat here!