The Pit Authentic Barbecue is a barbecue restaurant in Raleigh, NC. Open: Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Sun 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM; Fri–Sat 11:00 AM – 11:00 PM. Phone: (919) 890-4500. Average rating is 4.3 stars from 8,562 reviews. Website: https://www.thepit-raleigh.com/.
The Pit Authentic Barbecue
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Cozy dining area with wooden tables and artwork on the walls. — The Pit Authentic Barbecue
4.3 8,562 reviews Today 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM

Whole-Hog Barbecue, Raleigh's Downtown Landmark

Pit-cooked, smoke-soaked, and rooted in North Carolina's most sacred barbecue tradition since day one.

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About Us

The exterior of The Pit Authentic Barbecue restaurant.
The exterior of The Pit Authentic Barbecue restaurant.

Some restaurants serve barbecue. The Pit cooks it the way North Carolina always has, over a real pit, with whole hogs, low and slow, until the smoke does what no shortcut ever could. Sitting on West Davie Street in Raleigh's warehouse district, this is the kind of place you drive across state lines to find, and a few guests have done exactly that.

The tradition here is whole-hog, pit-cooked barbecue, the style that defines Eastern and Piedmont Carolina heritage. Nothing about that process has been modernized for convenience. What lands on your table is the result of hours of patience and craft, served in a space that feels like it belongs to the city around it.

With a rating of 4.3 stars across more than 8,500 reviews, The Pit has earned its reputation one plate at a time. Families, out-of-towners, and downtown regulars all find something to come back for. The welcome starts at the door and carries through the meal.

What We Offer

The Pit is open seven days a week for dine-in service, with reservations available for those who want to lock in their table. Online ordering makes takeout easy when you want authentic pit barbecue without the wait.

Planning something bigger? The Pit offers full catering services, private event hosting, and tailgate packages built for groups who want real Carolina barbecue at their gathering. Whether you're feeding a boardroom or a stadium parking lot, the same pit-cooked quality travels with you.

Reservations, takeout, catering, private events, tailgate packages, and online ordering are all available. Call or visit thepit-raleigh.com to plan your next meal or event.

Why Choose Us

Over 8,500 reviews and a 4.3-star rating back up what regulars already know about this place.
Whole-hog, pit-cooked barbecue made the traditional North Carolina way, no shortcuts taken.
Open every day of the week, Monday through Sunday, from 11 AM until at least 10 PM.
Catering, tailgate packages, and private events bring the same pit-cooked quality to your occasion.
Located in downtown Raleigh's warehouse district, easy to find and worth every mile of the drive.
Consistently warm, accommodating service that handles groups of all sizes with ease.

Gallery

Take a look at our space and what we have to offer

What Our Customers Say

Don't just take our word for it - hear from our satisfied customers

⭐ Click to Rate & Review This Business ✍️
⭐⭐⭐⭐
2 months ago
"Amazing Hostess, Okay Service Visiting all the way from Washington State, our experience at The Pit Authentic Barbecue started on a high note. The hostess provided the warmest welcome we could have asked for. She took the time to tell us all about the restaurant's awards and seated us at a nice table. She truly understands the meaning of hospitality, and I give her a personal 5-star rating! Unfortunately, the table service did not match that initial energy. We ordered the pulled pork and the chopped meat because the waiter mentioned they were well-known. However, he really didn't explain anything else about them. The food itself was good and unique, but the overall experience fell short.The meal would have been much better if our waiter had shown the same hospitality as the hostess. Instead of just taking our order and quickly leaving, we wished he had explained why these specific dishes are unique to the restaurant. It is a good spot for food, but the service needs more balance."
— R J
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
6 months ago
"The Pit Authentic Barbecue was a great experience for our group of 4 adults and 3 kids. They were very accommodating and had something for everyone on the menu. We started with the pimento cheese balls, which were super cheesy and delicious. They also brought out biscuits and hush puppies, and those were perfect to start the meal. For the kids, we ordered a hot dog with fries, mac and cheese with fries, and a cheeseburger with fries. All of the kids loved their meals. The fries were really good (even I enjoyed them!), and the mac and cheese was definitely the favorite. The adults ordered a double combo with pulled pork and brisket, and it was big enough to easily split between two people. My husband and I both got the Pit bacon cheeseburger, and it was so good and huge. I ended up taking half home for later. My husband also got mac and cheese and shared it with the kids, while I ordered the Brussels sprouts, which were amazing. The staff was really friendly, and everything came out nicely. Overall, it was a great meal and a great experience, especially for families."
— Theresa N.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
a month ago
"Everything was absolutely delicious. All of the staff we interacted with were super friendly. We got chopped BBQ with collards and potato salad, and brisket with mashed potatoes and green beans. They also give you complimentary biscuits with honey butter and hush puppies. Every single thing we got was delicious. Prices were very fair for the portions!! I took about half my brisket home because the portion was so big. Also the restaurant is beautiful and has a great atmosphere! I’d love to return! Definitely make a reservation because it was very busy on a Saturday night but I had a reservation and they sat us immediately!"
— Anna Lane

Frequently Asked Questions

What kind of barbecue does The Pit serve?

The Pit specializes in authentic whole-hog, pit-cooked barbecue rooted in North Carolina's traditional barbecue heritage. It's the real thing, slow-cooked over a pit in the classic Carolina style.

Does The Pit take reservations?

Yes, reservations are available. Booking ahead is a smart move, especially on weekends when the downtown location draws a crowd.

Can I order takeout or order online?

Absolutely. The Pit offers both takeout and online ordering through their website at thepit-raleigh.com, so you can get pit-cooked barbecue on your schedule.

Does The Pit offer catering?

Yes. The Pit provides catering services along with tailgate packages and private event hosting. It's a great option for corporate events, celebrations, or any gathering that deserves serious barbecue.

What are The Pit's hours?

The Pit is open seven days a week. Monday through Thursday and Sunday, hours run 11:00 AM to 10:00 PM. Friday and Saturday hours extend to 11:00 PM.

Where is The Pit located?

The Pit is at 328 W Davie St, Raleigh, NC 27601, in the warehouse district of downtown Raleigh. You can find more details and online ordering at thepit-raleigh.com.

Is The Pit good for groups and families?

Yes. The Pit regularly accommodates large groups and families, and the menu offers enough variety to satisfy different tastes. Staff are known for being welcoming and accommodating to parties of all sizes.

Hours of Operation

Open Now · Closes at 10:00 PM
Monday Today 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Tuesday 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Wednesday 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Thursday 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Friday 11:00 AM – 11:00 PM
Saturday 11:00 AM – 11:00 PM
Sunday 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM
87° Clear Raleigh
Mon 91° 71°
Tue 83° 68°
Wed 88° 63°
Thu 90° 65°
Fri 94° 69°
Sat 97° 74°
Sun 98° 75°

Get In Touch

Ready to get started? Contact us today!

Map showing The Pit Authentic Barbecue Open in Maps
Open Now Closes at 10:00 PM
Call Us (919) 890-4500
Visit Website www.thepit-raleigh.com
Get Directions 328 W Davie St, Raleigh, NC 27601, USA
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