Slathered in Tradition
Ever cook a whole pig? Greg Hatem has. He grew up in Roanoke Rapids in Halifax county making Eastern North Carolina barbecue. If you ever get the chance to sauce down a whole hog and pick the meat while it’s on the grill, Greg recommends that you do so. Greg wanted the people of Raleigh to have a special place to enjoy it with their friends and family. So, in 2007, he opened The Pit in an old meat packing plant (ironically) in downtown Raleigh’s warehouse district for this traditional barbecue with fun takes on pig-picking’ classics.
Their chopped whole-hog barbecue is painstakingly prepared. It is slow roasted over a wood-fired pit for more than twelve hours. It’s then chopped together and seasoned with Eastern North Carolina barbecue sauce in a 350 year old tradition. Their talented chefs also put their own spin on Southern food for creations such as their Barbecue Soul Rolls (see photo below).
(Photo courtesy of Nate H.)
More Than Just Barbecue
Some of their more surprising items are the vegetarian soy nuggets, which are so good they taste like chicken. Also their delicious cheeseburgers are topped with their own special Western NC barbecue sauce (I’m drooling already). Their sweet and tangy heirloom cabbage collards are a perfect addition to their main courses.
Enjoy their full menu of traditional Southern Favorites
- Fried chicken
- Beef brisket
- Brunswick stew
- Carolina and baby back ribs
- Barbecue turkey
Add their Legendary Sides
- Creamy mac and cheese
- Mashed Potatoes
- Sweet potato fries
- Fried okra
- Creamed corn
- Brussel sprouts
See their full menu on their website.
Bottom’s up!
They have a wine room! Not to mention, a full bar and craft beers in the bottle and on tap. Pick your bourbon or beer to compliment your barbecue and sides.
Plan an Event
When it is safe to socialize again they’re ready for you because special events require special food. Whether you want private dining at the restaurant or you’re hosting a party elsewhere, The Pit has you covered. Their catering manager can get you what you need. Gluten free? Check. A pig picking for a crowd. Check it off your bucket list! They love custom orders and we always go above and beyond when hosting events and parties.
Their warm, friendly, and inviting hospitality will make any day special.
Quality AND Quantity
The Pit’s hogs are free-range, locally raised, and without added hormones, in humane conditions. Their pigs are butterflied and roasted over wood coals for twelve hours. They then chop all the meat together so each bite gives you the special flavor of the whole pig. The meat then gets their special blend Eastern NC barbecue sauce. Sweet, vinegary, and steeped in tradition.
Need More Convincing?
They’re Famous! The Pit has been on shows such as “Throwdown with Bobby Flay”, “Chopped”, and “Man vs Food”. They’ve had guests visit from all over the world and we’re lucky enough to have them in our own back yard.
Try Their Sister Restaurants
The Pit is party of Empire Eats, which includes, The Pit in Raleigh and one in Durham, The Raleigh Times, Morning Times, Pizza Times, Sitti, Gravy, Mecca, and Square Burger. As the state looks to reopen, Empire Eats is looking forward to being able to serve their guests in the restaurants again.
Yum! The food looks delicious!! Thanks for the tip
Yes! It was sooo good! We highly recommend!
Looks so good. You have great culinary skills.
Haha! I wish I could take credit for this! It was from a local BBQ restaurant. You should definitely get it a try if you are in the area!
Veggie soy nuggets sounds good. Being a vegetarian family we are always in look out for these options.