Whole-Hog Barbecue, Raleigh's Downtown Landmark

"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."

"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."

"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!"

"Went to this place about a month ago. Unfortunately, on this night, the kitchen was absolutely so backed up and we waited around an hour for food. However, I can see why this place is so well rated. Please get what they are known for! The pulled pork was delicious. Unfortunately, for me, I decided to get the fried fish platter, which I can tell, sat in the window for around 30 minutes before the pulled pork came out. I think you can tell based on my pictures by the color of the food - the whole catfish platter is a grey color. Potato skins were excellent, the drinks were excellent. Hoping to come back soon and have a more consistent dining experience! Still five stars for how great the food is and how kind the server was. Hope the kitchen is back to normal."

"The Pit Authentic Barbecue functions as a masterclass in culinary storytelling, delivering an experience that honors the deep-rooted legacy of Eastern North Carolina style barbecue. What elevates this restaurant beyond a typical smokehouse is its ability to balance soulful, pit-cooked traditions with a welcoming, vibrant hospitality that effortlessly accommodates everyone from solo travelers to large family gatherings. The execution of their signature meats is nothing short of flawless. The whole-hog chopped BBQ and brisket boast a pristine smoky depth, while the Carolina Ribs are a revelation—so incredibly tender they practically melt in your mouth right off the bone. However, the true depth of the menu shines in the scratch-made sides that carry genuine, farm-to-table nostalgia: the collards are packed with rich, slow-simmered flavor, the pimento cheese balls offer a perfect crispy-to-oozing-cheese ratio, and the complimentary biscuits and hushpuppies set a remarkable standard from the moment you sit down. Rounding out the meal with a classic Brunswick stew and a truly award-worthy banana pudding bridges the gap between upscale dining and heirloom comfort. Backed by lightning-fast, passionate service and an electric downtown atmosphere, it stands as an essential, high-caliber destination for anyone seeking the authentic flavor profile of the American South."