The Pit Authentic Barbecue

The story

The Pit Authentic Barbecue in Raleigh, NC – Whole-Hog BBQ & Michelin Recommended

The Pit Authentic Barbecue

In downtown Raleigh’s warehouse district, The Pit Authentic Barbecue upholds the tradition of North Carolina’s legendary barbecue joints. Owner and pitmaster Greg Hatem, who first cooked a hog in his backyard in 1983, brings that same dedication to the restaurant’s whole-hog, pit-cooked barbecue. The pigs are raised in North Carolina using free-range practices, and the menu goes beyond tradition with beef brisket, baby back ribs, barbecue turkey, fried chicken, and a barbecue tofu dish.

The Pit’s recognition includes a recommendation in the 2025 Michelin Guide for the American South, a rib challenge win on Food Network’s “Throwdown with Bobby Flay,” and features in Bon Appetit, Southern Living, and The New York Times. The restaurant itself is a beautifully restored 1930s meatpacking warehouse, where Southern hospitality meets a contemporary setting.

The menu offers a full range of starters, salads, and sides, alongside the signature barbecue plates. The barbecue is served Eastern North Carolina style—chopped and seasoned—or as pulled pork, slow-cooked overnight and ready for your preferred sauce. The handpicked spirits, including a selection of fine bourbon, are chosen to enhance the smoked fare. For those seeking variety, the Carolina Classic Combo pairs chopped BBQ with fried chicken, while the Big Boy Meat Combo brings together chopped BBQ, brisket, chicken, and a half rack of Carolina ribs.