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Pioneer Pit Beef

4.7 (366 reviews)
ModerateBarbeque
Closed • 11:00 am - 5:00 pm

Pioneer Pit Beef Photos

PIONEER PIT BEEF ATMOSPHERE

What's the vibe?
Moderate noise
Divey
Casual
Dogs allowed

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Recommended Reviews - Pioneer Pit Beef

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Regular Pit Beef and Fries. Hands down one of the best sandwiches I've ever had. (4.18.26)
Carroll N.

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.

Pit Beef w/ BBQ Sauce
Jose C.

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.

11am to 5pm for good pit beef sandwiches!
Sean C. B.

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!

Fries with gravy
Lily W.

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.

Peter P.

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.

Gabe P.

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.

Regular pit beef, medium rare w/tiger sauce
Kevin S.

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.

Menu Dec 2024
Sean K.

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.

Best spot around! This was the line around 11:30am to get in to the goodness.

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

Pioneer Pit Beef HQ

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.

Pit beef sandwich

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Reviews are largely positive. People praise the tender, juicy pit beef and hot, crispy fries. Service is friendly and quick, and prices are reasonable.

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3 years ago

Great food and fast service. Sandwiches are a good size and prices are reasonable. Just so you know it is Cash only!

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4 years ago

I have been going here for over 25 years and it's still good. Consistent, well cooked, friendly service and always hits the spott

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5 years ago

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7 years ago

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3 years ago

Best pit turkey around. Customer service is always great. It's rare I get the chance to come here but when I do I'm never disappointed.

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4 years ago

It's been around for years well worth it nothing else to say very simple pit beef and pit ham is awesome along with fries

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4 years ago

Excellent food . The roast beef is to die for. The service is always good. I get the Rea. Roast beef sub . and fries. It is the best.

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Ask the Community - Pioneer Pit Beef

What type of wood does Pioneer use to smoke their meats?

Hickory

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