The Pit Authentic BBQ

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...

It's tough to find a space downtown, so take advantage of the restaurant's free valet parking.

If you're up for a cocktail and people-watching, ask for a seat near the bar area's front window. Otherwise, a spacious booth in the middle of the dining room is prime real estate here.

Legendary pitmaster Ed Mitchell has turned over the reins of this barbecue joint to chef Darrell Brown. A renovated old downtown warehouse accommodates the scene. The Pit is known for "Eastern style" Carolina barbecue, for which a whole… Read More

A renovated old downtown warehouse accommodates a barbecue joint like no other in the state. The Pit has a full bar serving cocktails made from premium liquors, a selection of beers from Southern micro-breweries, and a variety of affordable wines that are a big step up from what is usually offered in this department in ’cue places. The Brigaldara Valpolicella, slightly chilled, would be ideal...

In Short
Nana's dining room manages to be lovely with little effort--exposed brick walls, soft beige paper-shade lights and cushy leather booths provide a chic space for lingering over...

Legendary Pitmaster Ed Mitchell proudly serves authentic whole-hog, pit-cooked barbecue at The Pit in downtown Raleigh's Warehouse District. Ed's passion for barbecue goes back to his childhood in Wilson, N.C., when a pig was cooked at a time of celebration. He brings that spirit and a 150-year-old family recipe to The Pit, which has made a name as the destination for the state's signature...