We have always passed Pioneer Pit Beef during our many travels on Rolling Rd. over the years and decided to stop by to see if this pit beef was worth the stop. We arrived shortly before closing. Upon entering, the place is really small and the ambiance was filled with a smokey scent and can be a bit claustrophobic when filled to capacity. There is off street parking available on the lot behind the store. There were tables and benches in front of the store to sit and eat your food. NOTE: THIS IS A CASH ONLY BUSINESS. We were greeted by a pleasant man and placed our order behind clear plexiglass: a "super" (extra meat) pit beef, a pit turkey, and an order of fries. They also had pit ham, gravy and you could get the sandwich as a sub. We watched as they prepared the order through the plexiglass, cutting the meat on deli cutting machines and weighing each meat order. We asked if the fries were hot and were told they were "always" hot as we watched them take fries they were previously fried and "double fry" them for crispiness. They had a list of sauces available to add on the sandwich or on the side. We got the "tiger" sauce (horseradish and mayo) and bbq sauces on the side. Our order was ready in no time and the sandwiches: the pit beef sandwich was piled high with thin slices of well cooked although a bit dry (don't know if it was because it was the end of the day and we arrived close to closing), pit beef with a great smokey flavor. I added the bbq sauce (which was sweet and a bit vinegary, which I liked) on the meat and it added the perfect sweet balance to the savory smokiness of the meat. We wanted to try the tiger sauce (combo of mayo and horseradish) but were afraid as it seemed like this sauce was sitting out on the counter and with the mayo, we didn't want an upset stomach. The bun was fresh and I really enjoyed this sandwich. The pit turkey had thin slices (this meat seemed to be similar to the turkey you can get from the deli) on a fresh roll. The meat was not dry and this sandwich was good as well. The fries were best eaten as soon as we got them and they were hot, crispy, and fresh. All in all, we enjoyed our food and would come back again to grab a couple of sandwiches and try the gravy option. read more

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4.18.26 Easily the best pit beef sandwich in the area, and firmly in my top three sandwiches of all time. The beef was incredibly tender, juicy, and far surpassed what I've had at Canopy Pit Beef in Ellicott City. It's a no-frills setup: cash only, picnic tables only, and no indoor seating, but the quick, friendly service more than makes up for it. I just wish they were closer... though maybe it's better that they're not. Highly recommend. read more

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I stopped by and grabbed a couple of pit beef sandwiches while I was in the area, figuring it was the perfect chance to finally try this spot. I took them home, and overall the experience was decent but left me wanting a bit more. The beef had a light smoky flavor, which was nice, but I was hoping for something deeper and more pronounced--especially for pit beef. The bigger issue for me was the bun. It was extremely soft and fell apart almost immediately, which made the sandwich messy and hard to enjoy. A toasted bun would go a long way in holding everything together and giving the sandwich a better texture. There's definitely potential here, and I'd be open to giving it another try, but a few small tweaks could make a big difference in the overall experience. read more

This was my first time trying Pit Beef. I've been to Baltimore a few times now, but have only tried crabs. There was a line when we arrived but it moves quickly. There are also tables outside, but all were being occupied. We were able to make some room with another couple so finding a seat should be a problem. Also saw people eating in their cars or on the trunk of their cars. The sandwich itself was really delicious. I ordered mine with Tiger Sauce and wouldn't have preferred it any other way. I ordered the regular and they give you plenty of meat. The Pit Beef here reminded me of Beef on Weck from Buffalo since they also add horseradish to their sandwich, but apparently they're two different sandwiches. I also ordered Fries w/ gravy. These were also really good. The gravy was very hot. A little on the salty side but definitely helps fill you up with a regular pit beef Sandwich. I can definitely see myself returning, but not without trying Chaps first. read more

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I got the regular pit beef sandwich with onions, bbq sauce, and horseradish. The sandwich was great and I appreciated that you could choose the doneness of the meat. As others have mentioned, this spot is cash only and mainly for takeaway. The line was long when I went for lunch but the food comes out quickly once you order. I only docked one star bc it's right next to a dumpster and waiting outside on a hot summer day next to a piping dumpster was not a pleasant experience... I'd come again but maybe on a less hot day or outside of peak lunch hours. read more

Pioneer Pit Beef shack doesn't look like much upon arrival, however appearances aren't everything. There was a small line that moves quickly on both of my visits over the weekend. The guys inside make some great pit beef sandwiches, for a very reasonable price. On both visits I got the super pit beef sandwich with onion, BBQ sauce and horseradish! Mannnn, they did not disappoint! I also tried the Cole slaw and a pickle, both were outstanding! If you're in the Baltimore area, I definitely recommend trying pioneer pit beef! It's definitely a bare bones operation, but with few added ingredients you can personalize your sandwich to your taste! Oh yeah! Cash only, repeat cash only! read more

Pioneer Pit Beef - 11am to 5pm for good pit beef sandwiches! - Barbeque Near Me - Windsor Mill, Maryland

It's cash only so make sure you have money to buy the deliciousness. It's a little shop that you form a line outside. Inside you will find a menu with pictures. You can pick up your food and eat at the tables outside. It was my first time so I got the beef pit sub (with tiger sauce) and fries with gravy. The tiger sauce is mayo with horseradish and it gave it very good flavor. You can taste the smokiness from the beef. The only complaint I have about the sub was that the bun was not toasted. The crunchiness of the bread would make the sub stand out more. The fries with gravy were hot and delicious. I dipped my sub into the gravy and make it my own au ju beef sub. It's definitely bang for my buck and I'll be back. read more

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This is what you'd expect for a tiny hole in the wall type place. So it's been around a long time, but I just now found out about it. It's a pit beef spot, very Baltimore. Is very simple and they are very good at it. FYI cash only!!! It's pretty much a shack with kitchen/grill/cash register lol. They only do pit beef sandwich/subs and basic sides, nothing fancy here but damn they do the beef right. I got a super beef Sando with medium beef and it was super soft and tender and juicy delicious. Asked for onions and bbq sauce and for $8.50 it was amazing and what a deal! The service was super fast and friendly. They have some tables outside for seating but most folks take it to go. Plenty of parking in the lot. Also next to a liquor store if you're wanting to pick up a cold beer/booze with your pit beef. Now there are other pit beef's spots and how does this place compare? IMO this place as the best pit beef, but that's all they do. If you want other meats/options somewhere like chaps would be better. But just for a pure pit beef sandwich this is the spot I'd recommend and I'll come back to. read more

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Pioneer is an institution, the friendly faces of the staff and delicious pit turkey and ham have kept us coming back for years. If you haven't tried this place you owe it to yourself to go try a Baltimore tradition. My wife and I are regulars and they remember our order every time even if we haven't been in a few months. They have a few picnic tables outside for eating your meal and plenty of parking. It can be a little busy and they are cash only, but if you need to hit an ATM there is one in the same shopping center. Our goto meal is pit turkey/ham sandwich with a side of fries and gravy and even after a decade it's something I crave. read more

One of the best Pit places in the area! This will be my go to spot when I'm in the area. read more

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A quintessential Baltimore food- would 100% recommend. Tucked away in an unassuming shack, the food they serve here is just straight up delicious. What they are known for- the pit beef - is tender and flavorful. Also it's relatively cheap! I would also recommend the fries with gravy to round out the experience. A few tables outside but be prepared to eat yours on the good of it's cold or if there is a line. read more

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If you know, you know. No dining other than some picnic tables outside. Cash only! Prices are very reasonable and the Guys are always friendly. One of the best Pit Beef Spots in Maryland. I've never had a bad put beef sandwich or sub. The turkey is great too. read more

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Yes! Yes! Yes! Excellent pit beef sandwiches from a hole in the wall carry out restaurant. I'm heading to Baltimore next week and plan to stop at Pioneer to get my fix. read more

Bottom line - the pit beef sandwich at Pioneer is outstanding. Absolutely delicious. Fries with gravy also incredible. This is take out only. Opens at 11 but the starts to form at 10:45-10:50. Highly recommend. read more

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WOW! So good, and so reasonably priced. Came with 3 of us and we each got a sandwich. We ordered 2 fries to share, but really only needed 1 because the portion was large. Amazing pit beef and fries are delicious too! I wouldn't recommend the BBQ sauce on the beef though - it was too vinegary for my taste. Better on its own! We ate on the picnic tables set up in the parking lot, which was convenient. read more

Twice I've tried to go to this place, both times within their business hours, and both times they've been closed. Pretty frustrating. Don't bother trying to come here, even with the good reviews. It doesn't matter how good their food is, showing up during business hours to find them closed (on multiple occasions) means no food at all. read more

Full disclosure - I am not a pit beef fan. However, this place could make me change my mind. Give Pioneer Pit Beef a try! **Cash Only** I did read folks reviews and those who argue about "authenticity," well, maybe inauthentic is the "secret ingredient." The beef was well-seasoned, flavorful and moist. The fries were great. The service was a 10. Nice folks who work hard and care about their product. read more

Pioneer Pit Beef - Pioneer Pit Beef HQ - Barbeque Near Me - Windsor Mill, Maryland

About a 2-2.5: Pioneer Pit Beef is another local favorite for their pit beef sandwiches; their menu is pretty simple and straightforward, offering different types of pit sandwiches, sides, and sodas. We came here for a later lunch, and we ordered: +a Regular Pit Beef sandwich +a Super Pit Beef sandwich +Platter with Gravy +Pit Turkey +Fries +and, Cole Slaw The sandwiches were okay; they were more on the medium rare end and more on the dried-out end. Weren't fans of the roll, as it was more on the stale end. The sauces were also not a good complement, which could have upped the flavors and the dryness. Fries could have been dropped fresh and drained properly, as they were more on the greasier end. Gravy could have been a bit more thick to dress the items well. Service was friendly, and parking available. +friendly service +parking available read more

I've been reading such good reviews so had to check it out. I told the guy at the window it's my first time so I wasn't sure of what to get or what toppings to pick. He didn't seem to care to help or give suggestions so I rushed so I wouldn't hold up the line. Just got the regular pit beef sandwich with mayo and bbq sauce. It was just ok, wish he added more sauce. I don't see what the hype was about unfortunately. read more

Pioneer Pit Beef - Pit beef sandwich - Barbeque Near Me - Windsor Mill, Maryland

We slipped in right under the closing mark. So glad we did. One of the better things I've tried in my lifetime. But I'm also a simple girl who likes simple things. Meat was super tender and juicy, bun held up really well. The rest of our party had different toppings and all sandwiches were devoured. The fries were great, the gravy was an excellent topping. We even made some bomb leftovers. I'll go back every visit. It's off the path, drive behind the liquor store. read more

Pioneer Pit Beef - Regular - Barbeque Near Me - Windsor Mill, Maryland

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They only have an outside picnic table but I always take my meal home. They open at 11 and there is always a line but it moves fast and totally worth. The meat is moist and tender and good portions. We go pretty often and have NEVER been disappointed read more

Definitely close to #1 one PitBeef spot in Maryland!! Cash only but worth it!! The gravy fries are unforgettable! Pit Beef was juicy and tender! Definitely can't wait to return!!! read more

Everytime we drive past this place, there is a line of people. One day, we stopped to see what the hype was about. The parking lot has spaces but it's weirdly shaped. If the lot is full just park acrosd the street. Its a short walk. This is more like a food truck than a restaurant. There isnt a place to sit inside, but as we were standing in line, we noted the outside seating for nice weather. While the line looked discouraging, it moved well. The sandwich was worth every dime. The meat is juicy and savory, the bread is fresh, and the staff are very helpful with choosing the best option. read more

Pioneer Pit Beef - The Pit Beef Sandwich - Barbeque Near Me - Windsor Mill, Maryland

Here's the thing about Pioneer. You're not going to come here expecting to get the fanciest, bougiest, forest mushrooms, kale, avocado, cucumber, and other useless toppings on your sandwich. If you're wanting a lettuce sandwich with a side of meat, look elsewhere. Pioneer does the simple things well. Simple sandwiches. Great tasting. You don't need all of those nonsense toppings because the meat speaks for itself. You don't come here looking for an overpriced "smash burger" style meal. You come here for a loaded meat sandwich with the splash of sauce and onions to round out the flavor. read more

Hands down the best pit beef in the area! CASH ONLY! Located on a side road by Catonsville off route 40, there's a fairly large parking lot next to Pioneer Pit Beef. Outside are about 2-3 picnic tables for those who want to eat their food ASAP. It was a chilly day and a bit busy so we took ours home instead. The building itself is very small, so only a few people can be inside at one time. Once you get in, you can see the menu as well as pictures of some menu items and the sauce/topping list. You order directly from the kind man who carves the meat fresh. Pre-COVID, they let you taste a piece to make sure the cooked cut is how you want it. Not anymore, but nbd it's probably more sanitary that way anyway! I always get the regular pit beef, medium rare, with onions and tiger sauce. Sometimes I'll add horseradish, but I almost always get the barbecue sauce and extra tiger sauce on the side. Usually share an order of fries but if I was greedy I could eat the whole thing by myself lol. Gotta get the gravy on the side too--to dip both fries and the sandwich in! The meat is always so tender and juicy and seasoned well, the sauces complement the sandwich so well and the onion provides that nice texture difference. It is cash only, so make sure you bring cash or you'll have to use an ATM nearby. You can ask for sauces on the side or drinks at the register. Though the lines may be long at times, it goes by fairly quickly once you're inside. It usually only takes long if a patron has a big order. This is a definite must have when you're in the area! read more

Pioneer Pit Beef - regular medium rare w onions and tiger sauce; fries with gravy on the side - Barbeque Near Me - Windsor Mill, Maryland

When we visited Maryland they said that Pit Beef is a must. We've tried different Pit Beef places and I personally prefer Pioneer Pit Beef. This is s shack located behind a convenience store; as soon as you arrive, you can smell all the smoky goodness of their food. There was a long line but it moved fast. I like that the service is fast, I had a lot of add-ons I wanted on my sandwich, and their able to get it right. You get to choose how you like your meat cooked and all the sauces you want to add to your sandwich. I enjoy watching the crew prepare my sandwich, shaving the meat right in front of me, and constructing my sandwich while I queue in line to pay for my order. I got a Medium Rare Pit Beef with tomatoes, cheese, onions, tiger sauce, hot jus, and a side of french fries. For a sandwich this big and this good and crispy savory fries for less than $10, I can see why the locals highly recommended this spot and I agree with them. They have a couple of outdoor tables but this is a cash-only carryout spot, and you can withdraw money from the convenience store. read more

Pioneer Pit Beef - Medium Rare Pit Beef - Barbeque Near Me - Windsor Mill, Maryland

Decided to take a Saturday drive to an new for me Pit Beef spot. Upon arrival at Pioneer Pit Beef, I had high expectations for my visit. Firs5 impressions are really important, first thing I noticed was the full parking lot, then the glorious smell of smoke wafting from the pit, next was the line of customers outside what can be best described as a shack with a cash only sign on the wall and did I mention the wood pile. The line moved quickly and I ordered a super pit beef, medium rare, with horseradish and tiger sauce. The sandwich was good, not great, but good. Roll was fresh and stood up to the juiciness of the beef, which was sliced thin and had a nice, pleasant Smokey smell and taste. The issue I had was with the condiments, the horseradish was very mild, did not have any bite at all and the tiger sauce, like was did not enhance or add to the sandwich. While very good Pioneer Pit Beef did not move to the top of my list for pit beef sandwiches. If I am in the area again, I will try, but with a jus instead of horseradish and tiger sauce. read more

If you are looking for good pit beef this is your place. This is a cash only spot open Monday- Saturday. The prices are very reasonable. The beef was seasoned to perfection and very tender. The wait isn't long at all. They prepare your food as you're ordering. I got the beef medium well. Next time I will try rare. They also have turkey too but the beef is the best. My only suggestion is to ask for extra bbq sauce. read more

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So good! Big sando for $8, fries and gravy for $3.50. Unbeatable! Nice people and ample parking too. read more

Pioneer Pit Beef - Pit beef sando cooked medium with onions, horseradish and tiger sauce. - Barbeque Near Me - Windsor Mill, Maryland

Short and sweet here - read reviews, drove from Boyd's, Md to check it out. Hole in the wall - behind a liquor store. Phenomenal. Guys behind the counter are very nice. Food - WOW. Small menu and it should be that way. Pit beef was excellent. Enjoyed it so much got some to go. Just a great divey joint with great food. read more

I'm going to be in the minority here & say it's not that great. Ordered a larger pit beef sandwich & the beef platter with gravy & fries. I didn't like the platter at all, compared to Beefalo Bobs in Pasadena MD it couldn't compete. Somehow the sandwich was ok, I'd have to assume that the gravy used for the platter doesn't taste that good & makes everything taste blah (Beefalo Bobs gravy is 1000 times better even though it's packagd gravy). I'm glad I gave it a try but It's not something I'd buy again, I'll take the time & drive down to Pasadena. read more

The best pit beef no contest. I've been eating here for 40 years and it hasn't changed a bit. My go-to

This is the hole-in-the-wall gem that exists in local food mythology - the place everybody has sort-of heard of, but isn't quite sure where it is, but if they have been there, they will fight you if you say it's not amazing. As far as its hole-in-the-wall credentials go, here is a list: 1. it's a brightly painted building 2. the sign on the building is faded as hell 3. not really visible from the main road 4. cash only! 5. a huge pile of wood outside, making the property look a little unkempt It looks like the kinda place you'd want to go for pit sandwiches, and well, howdy-doody, it freaking is! There was a small line out of the building at lunch time. I got in it and it took about 10 minutes to get inside, and maybe 5 more to order and leave with my food. Not a bad experience. I grabbed a pit turkey sandwich and some fries. You order at a window, and when you order, they slice the meat right in front of you while you're still naming your toppings. It was pretty cool to watch them prepare my sandwich to order right in front of me. The food then gets passed over to the next window, which is where you pay. The turkey was thin, flavorful, and juicy - everything I wanted and hoped for. I got bbq sauce, mayo, and S&P on mine - just the basics. The roll was pretty good, and it was strong enough to not fall apart under the massive weight of the meat, or from the juice from the turkey. The fries were hand-cut fries and pretty typical of a place like this, tbh. They were good, but nothing I'd rave about. But hey, they are the side. The main course was amazing. Service? Fast! The people in the kitchen listen and assemble your sandwich quickly. Cashiers are on top of their game, too. Notes: CASH ONLY. There is an ATM at the liquor store next door. read more

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Outstanding meal - only $10.75 for a beef sandwich and fries! Super fresh, outstanding flavor, and an experience for sure. Don't let this tiny little shack scare you away. Big flavors are inside. Be prepared to eat in your car (during winter) as there are only 3 picnic tables outside to eat at. Saw this on Food Channel and this years' long bucket list visit was worth the wait! To get to the Pioneer Pit Beef, pull into the liquor store parking lot. The shack sits behind the liquor store out of sight from the road. 1600 N. Rolling Rd., Windsor Mill, MD 21244 read more

I always find the places with the low-key location to have the best food. Hidden next to a liquor store, the restaurant doesn't have indoor seating but a couple picnic tables outside. When I visited around 1~ there was a decently long line, but it went by super quick. The staff are very friendly and welcoming, definitely a business worth supporting. I ordered a medium rare sub with a side of fries and gravy. The fries weren't my favorite and the gravy made it soggy. They give it to you wrapped in aluminum so it also got quite messy. But the sub.. so good. Juicy, smoky, tender, and a generous amount of meat. The price was also decent, this has become my to go place around the area. read more

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I've gone to a number of different pit beef places west and north of Baltimore. Pioneer's pit beef sandwich is best of these. One of the reasons, besides the flavor and tenderness of the beef, is the tiger sauce. The tiger sauce is thin and plentiful, so that it soaks into the bun of your sandwich, and also tends to leak out and find its way to your chin, shirt, and pants, if you're not careful. In other words, it makes the sandwich "drippy" which is a good thing if you are enjoying a pit beef sandwich. You're also going to notice some dripping beef juice. And they give you plenty of napkins which you're gonna need. So, if you are looking for the best pit beef sandwich you can find, Pioneer Pit Beef is the place to be. There is also lots of easy parking. See below for my previous review. read more

Doesn't look like much when you pass by because of how this place looks, but their pit beef is ON POINT. It's a little hard to find this place because it's in the corner of a parking lot behind a liquor store (it's also next to a dumpster) but there was still a line of people when I went despite this place being in hiding. I got the pit beef sub in medium with bbq sauce and tomato and onions, and the beef was soooo juicy and the meat was tender. I also got tomatos and onions in my sub because I usually like to eat with vegetables in my sandwiches/burgers/subs and I'm glad I did. But I needed more so I also ate it with some coleslaw and a pickle too. I recommend getting those extra sides if you need some veggies in/with your sub. I also got fries with gravy but I'm not sure if I enjoyed that as much. I'm not a huge fan of gravy so I don't even know why I got it, but if you like gravy then I think it's definitely worth. The workers there were super nice!! read more

Pioneer Pit Beef - Pit beef sub w/ bbq sauce - Barbeque Near Me - Windsor Mill, Maryland

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You know its going to be good when theres a line but also because its so hole in the wall vibe. And it definitely delivered!! Like most of the reviews say, you should check out this place to grab a quick bite to eat (or a long one o.o). Came through here from a recommendation and am thoroughly surprised. While it might look grouchy from the outside, the food was good! I got the super sub with medium rare meat along with the gravy fries and a pickle and cole slaw. Yall the pickle was THICK...The only qualm I have is the bread isnt toasted (maybe you can ask? Im not sure) but because of that the meat juices made the bread quite soggy. However that didnt take away from the flavor. The fries are best when they are warm with the gravy. Pricing is reasonable and affordable! Overall, definitely would eat again. Just make sure to come on a nice day because they only have outdoor seating. I hope they can go to a bigger spot one day (if thats what they want as well - if not, then their current place is more than enough too haha) If this place was closer, I'd definitely go more often. Note: cash only. #supportsmallbusinesses read more

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I haven't visited for years. It's still as good as I remembered. I usually get medium rare but I wanted to try medium to see if the smokiness is noticeable. I was not disappointed, you gave up a bit of moisture but the smokiness definitely has a noticeable increase. The foods came out fast but beware during lunch time it get pretty crazy. There was a long line. Overall it's still one of the best pitbeef if not the best in DMV, much better than Chaps. read more

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Seemingly every part of the country has their regional spin on barbecue. The Carolinas are about chopped/pulled pork sandwiches with a vinegar based sauce; Memphis is all about dry rubbed ribs; Texas is renowned for their beef briskets; Kansas City also lays claim to some of the best pork ribs in the US; and don't sleep on California and their delicious tri-tip. Here in the DMV, it's all about the Baltimore Style Pit Beef. Pit Beef traditionally use the bottom round cut of meat, and is cooked over charcoal to a medium rare - although some folks prefer more of medium to well-done cook. Doesn't have a dry rub or much seasoning at all except for a bit of salt, since the flavor is all about the smoke. While I still like going to one of the OGs of this genre, Chap's Pit Beef (https://www.yelp.com/biz/chaps-pit-beef-baltimore?osq=chap%27s%20pit%20beef&sort_by=date_desc), lately I've been coming to Pioneer Pit Beef when the craving hits me. I'm not going to kid anyone, this place doesn't look like much and is hard to believe that some of the BEST pit beef in the area emanates from this tiny shack along busy I-70. There isn't a seating area, except for some weathered outdoor picnic tables, so it's not uncommon to see lots of folks eating in their cars. I usually get the super pit beef and ask for tomatoes, onions, and the other regional specialty, Tiger sauce. Every place does it a bit different, but Tiger sauce is essentially a creamy horseradish which adds spice and a nice contrast to the flavor of the meat. And my goodness, does Pioneer have a great smoky flavor. The cook who took my order made sure to let me know that this place ONLY uses the big piles of chopped wood around the property to cook their meat - No commercially prepared charcoal for this place. And the real deal smoke makes all the difference. The meat is tender and so juicy; definitely grab 5-10 napkins when chowing down. Pioneer is still a bit of a "hidden" place mostly frequented by locals - but based upon my last few visits where I'm usually queuing up for 20-30 minutes to get my food, the word is starting to spread. read more

Pioneer Pit Beef - Super pit beef with tiger sauce - Barbeque Near Me - Windsor Mill, Maryland

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