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The Pit

328 West Davie Street, Raleigh, NC 27601
(919) 890-4500
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Ranked #25 of 895 restaurants in Raleigh
Price range: S$38 - S$38
Cuisines: Barbecue
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Restaurant details
Good for: Groups
Dining options: Breakfast/Brunch, Lunch Spot, Dinner, Reservations, Takeout, After-hours, Dessert
Dining style: Casual Elegant
Cross street: Dawson Street
Transit: The R-line stops right in front of the restaurant!
Description: Empire Eats is proud to present The Pit Authentic BBQ: whole hog pit cooked BBQ featuring all natural, free range pigs raised right here in North Carolina. The Pit is located in Downtown Raleigh’s Historic Depot District and is helping establish North Carolina’s Capital City as a destination for the state’s signature cuisine in an elegant and lively atmosphere. Our Menu… Our team has crafted a menu that features our signature North Carolina BBQ, slow cooked over hickory and coal and inspired seasonal appetizers, entrees, sides and artful desserts. Our commitment to utilize the freshest, locally grown produce and seasonal ingredients allows the menu to continually evolve throughout the year. Private Dining… The Pit has private dining accommodations for parties of almost any size. Contact private events at catering@thepit-raleigh.com
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492 reviews from our community

76% Recommend
    227
    148
    74
    32
    11
Rating summary
    Food
    Service
    Value
    Atmosphere
Date Rating
Saint Paul, Minnesota
Contributor
17 reviews 17 reviews
14 restaurant reviews
Reviews in 8 cities Reviews in 8 cities
1 helpful vote 1 helpful vote
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 19 June 2013 NEW

I had a couple of hours to kill in Raleigh and am a BBQ aficionado. Based on Trip Advisor comments we settled on The Pit. The BBQ was fantastic. When it is this good you kid yourself judging what is "The Best" It is all good. I stick with bone in pork ribs. The meat was top notch, the right... More

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2 reviews
Reviews in 2 cities Reviews in 2 cities
1 helpful vote 1 helpful vote
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 18 June 2013 NEW via mobile

Visiting from Arizona, I could not be happier with my experience here. Paid $18 for two beers and a huge plate of classic Carolina BBQ

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Florida
Senior Contributor
25 reviews 25 reviews
14 restaurant reviews
Reviews in 10 cities Reviews in 10 cities
6 helpful votes 6 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 17 June 2013 NEW

My wife, my son and I, were in Raleigh to move my son, and decided to try The Pit based on other reviews, we were glad we did. The service was great, from the hostesses to the waitresses. Everyone was very friendly and helpful. Southern hospitality at its best. We couldn't decide what to get so we went with a... More

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Indianapolis, Indiana
Top Contributor
65 reviews 65 reviews
63 restaurant reviews
Reviews in 28 cities Reviews in 28 cities
24 helpful votes 24 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 17 June 2013 NEW

We went here for Father’s Day because I had heard so many great things about this place. The food was amazing and well done on every front. The only issue I would have would be the service. Our server seemed as though she wanted to be anywhere else but at work and eventually disappeared after the food runners delivered our... More

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Perth, Australia
Reviewer
3 reviews 3 reviews
3 restaurant reviews
Reviews in 2 cities Reviews in 2 cities
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 15 June 2013 NEW

Once again another great destination well known to the locals as best in town for their food. Enjoyed evening with family and their friends. great food and service and very affordable, Greatly Recommend .

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Knightdale, North Carolina
Senior Contributor
41 reviews 41 reviews
21 restaurant reviews
Reviews in 16 cities Reviews in 16 cities
20 helpful votes 20 helpful votes
3 of 5 stars Reviewed 14 June 2013 NEW

We had out of town guests over and wanted to take them someplace special that represents our area. Previous visits to The Pit have been wonderful. This three-star rating is generous and I only did it because I know this is not their norm. If it was my first time there, this would have been 1 star. Unfortunately, June 19... More

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See 14 more reviews by JeanC1 for Raleigh
Raleigh
Top Contributor
86 reviews 86 reviews
45 restaurant reviews
Reviews in 29 cities Reviews in 29 cities
45 helpful votes 45 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 9 June 2013

When most people think of god smoked barbecue in Raleigh, they think of the Pit. We take all of our out of town guests there and they certainly enjoy it. A word of caution - most of the barbecue is Carolina vinegar-based. Even their "western" barbecue is more vinegary than many like. Sides are good and very southernly traditional.

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See 15 more reviews by Bridgette2073 for Raleigh
Weaverville, North Carolina
Senior Contributor
24 reviews 24 reviews
10 restaurant reviews
Reviews in 8 cities Reviews in 8 cities
10 helpful votes 10 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 9 June 2013

Was in Raleigh for business and checked out The Pit for bbq. Make sure you call ahead for reservation. Packed on a Thursday night. Had half rack of pork ribs, very good flavor and sweet potato fries which were cooked with brown sugar on them. Very extensive beer list as well. Check it out!

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Cape May, New Jersey
Senior Contributor
39 reviews 39 reviews
29 restaurant reviews
Reviews in 26 cities Reviews in 26 cities
7 helpful votes 7 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 8 June 2013 via mobile

On our way to Charleston from NJ we stayed in Raleigh and stopped at the Pit. The south has the best barbecue and this was awesome! We had the pulled pork & ribs. They were simply delicious! The ribs just fell off the bone. We had sides of cole slaw, corn, collards, & sweet potatoe fries. All delicious. Service was... More

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Contributor
19 reviews 19 reviews
15 restaurant reviews
Reviews in 9 cities Reviews in 9 cities
2 helpful votes 2 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 8 June 2013

Our first trip to The Pit, the free valet set the tone for service for the evening. Greeted warmly and seated right away. Our server was there immediately to take drink and appetizer orders, announcing that 3 people would be taking care of us. They did. The appetizer sampler was tasty and feed 5 of us. Entrées, for what we... More

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