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    Pond Pit BBQ

    4.0 (41 reviews)
    Open 11:00 am - 7:00 pm
    Updated 3 months ago

    Pond Pit BBQ Photos

    Business Info

    POND PIT BBQ ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Casual
    Dogs allowed
    Good for kids
    Outdoor seating

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    Recommended Reviews - Pond Pit BBQ

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    Cyndi H.

    Easy to find right on Route 3. We pulled in about 11:45am on a beautiful weather day and parked where it seemed logical since only handicap and motorcycle parking is marked. Entering the front door we had already read up on the no waitstaff info and knew we had to locate menus and the order spot but the very friendly bartender with a full bar already saw us looking around and asked if we had been before and we said we had not. Although there are signs everywhere she politely told us no waitstaff, can sit anywhere you like menus on the tables go to the window in the corner and ring the bell place your order for food and any non alcoholic drinks if you want those come on over to the bar and I'll take care of ya she said with a smile. We thanked her and did just that. We ordered half a pound of brisket, loaded fries with brisket, and smoked chicken wings jammin bacon as we asked the gal taking our order what her fav was so her suggestion. Damn glad I asked wow were those wings flavorful, crispy, just the right smoke not to overpower the flavors either. The brisket had a nice smoke ring excellent edges and the pieces in the fries were more like burnt ends tasty and tender. The fries are fresh cut taters not some bagged seasoned stuff. The homemade blue cheese is creamy and chunky I'd like a bottle of that damn! The bbq sauces are not at all typical and have a tad of southern vinegar and zip too. White horseradish sauce was very good and I always get my sauce on the side but the loaded fries had white sauce and cheese sauce and beefy gravy soooo good. Met the owners as they were leaving and we sat outside so we could enjoy the smell of the smoker while we ate. They started out smoking chickens and selling them because people would smell it nearby and come looking, grew into people coming from all around and one thing led to another and here is some damn good bbq folks. Now that I know they started with chicken I gotta go back and get some. Let me clarify this place blows Ray Brothers out of the water sorry y'all in the east better make the long drive for the good stuff !

    The Homestead- ribs, chicken, brisket & pulled pork
    Lisa S.

    Wow! An amazing BBQ experience. We have been a few times now and everything has always been great! They make fresh daily and often sell out so make a plan and get there early.

    The Pig Pen
    Teresa A.

    I really enjoyed The Pond Pit! As it is a bit of a drive from Syracuse, I made this my first stop of the day before heading to a state park. You order at a window or you can sit at the bar and be served. I sat at the bar and the bartender was efficient and friendly. I ordered the Pig Pen because...I guess it sounded like the best way to try all the things! I wasn't a fan of the white BBQ sauce--I guess it's good they put the sauces on there, per their recommendation. It'll eventually mix in and it'll be fine. I ended up with a TON of leftovers so I think I'll be eating this happily for awhile. I live two blocks away from Dinosaur and I'd rather drive to PP for BBQ cravings. It's the closest thing to true southern style BBQ I've had outside of the south. Would love to see collard greens on their menu though, that would seal my love of this place!

    Menu
    Brian P.

    4pm Friday on the dot and the smoked Prime Rib is flying out the door with preorders and patrons walking in. All the traditional smoke house sides are there such as beans, Mac and Cheese, and coleslaw etc. This is solid for northern New York and this place is busy on the weekends. Rustic as you would expect on the inside with high tops near the bar and a larger table for groups. The pricing is good and we left stuffed with leftovers ready for us later. Will definitely be back

    Jay D.

    Still on the camping trek, and haven't gone out in a week to dine out! What is wrong with me?!? ( until last night .... ) Yes, a revisit to The Pond Pit BBQ as it is the closest restaurant to our camp spot. The place was packed, as there was a band playing outside from 4-7 as well. You have to get in a line to order your food. They give you a beeper when it's ready. It didn't take long to get our food. Every Friday, they feature a smoked prime rib that is out of this world. A nice king cut portion, along with 2 sides. They start serving that at 4pm. Get there early, because it doesn't last long. Oh so good. All of the sides we've had so far are amazing too. I enjoy the broccoli salad and the mac n cheese. Janice got the poutine. Tasty gravy and fries with HUGE cheese curd chunks. Look at the portion size!! Once again, a great bbq joint. You need to Check em Out!!!

    a plate of baked beans and baked chicken
    J C.

    We've been eating here since they opened and love everything on the menu. Their food is consistently delicious and we miss it when we leave camp for the season. Our favorites are the 1/2 chicken meal and burger but honestly everything is fantastic. Even better now that they've opened the full bar and restaurant. Definitely a gem in the Sandy Pond area!

    Poutine brisket

    Delicious food with large servings. Had the brisket poutine, Cuban with a side of tomato cucumber salad and Mac and cheese. Cute place inside. There is no waitstaff you order at a window, but nice seating inside and bar area. We thought food was better than Dinosaur BBQ.

    Brisket sandwich with fries & macaroni & cheese. Not enough smoke.

    I'm a BBQ aficionado. Been smoking meats for 10+ years and and always eager to try a BBQ place I haven't tried. This place was a bit out of the way from Syracuse but it was a nice day for a drive. I got the brisket sandwich ($17) and my friend got a half rack of ribs ($22). They were out of baby back, so he got the st Louis cut. I won't review his ribs because I didn't try them, but he was somewhat disappointed. The Brisket: A fair portion, nice smoke ring, but barely any smoke flavor. The bark was tasty but I didn't get enough of it. Tender, juicy, just lacking smoke. I eat bbq for smoke. The Mac n Cheese: A hearty portion, pretty good, no complaints but nothing to write home about. Very creamy. The Fries: These were very good Other deets: preferred a Corona and it was barely colder than room temperature. The bottle didn't even condensate. Upset my stomach a bit. No excuse for warm beer. Also odd that they had no background music. Just awkward silence. Overall, it was a long drive for an okay meal. I don't think I'll be back.

    Cuban sandwich, macaroni salad, potato salad

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    4 years ago

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    Ask the Community - Pond Pit BBQ

    Freedom Hog Shack - Swine Feed (their version of a garbage plate)

    Freedom Hog Shack

    3.8(20 reviews)
    38.6 mi

    I've heard good things about this place so when we were heading to Sylvan Beach and I saw the sign…read moreI knew we had to stop in for lunch. They were just opening when we stopped. Our server was so friendly and helpful and we had a great time talking with her. I got the Hog Heaven Duo -2 meats and 2 sides and corn fritters. I got brisket, ribs, Mac n cheese and whipped sweet potatoes. The ribs were smokey and delicious with just the right amount of pull to get them off the bone. While the brisket had good flavor, it was cut too thin. Most of the slices were a bit dry. The bbq sauce helped and I loved the flavor, not too vinegary and not too sweet... very nice. The Mac n cheese and whipped sweet potatoes were excellent. I'm definitely going back for more.

    Family owned and family run…read more Place is 7 months old, met the owner...very down to earth and likable guy. Pay tribute to Debbie's diner, the previous name before new management took over and they pay their respects to that well. "Freedom" runs this new place and overall it was a great experience. We ordered several flavors of wings and the garlic parmesan wings were FANTASTIC. Had them all smoked and then fried...meat fell right off the bones and were very good. They didn't skimp with that pre-made shaker cheese...these were slabs of melted parm with garlic, everything is homemade at this place. The other flavor of wings we had were hot/bbq mix, a white sauce and a southern spicy one which was too bad but the garlic/parm stole the show and wished we had more of those. We will probably just get a single order of the garlic parm next time. The other flavors need a bit more in order to contend with the garlic parm. Bacon wrapped jalapeños were very good! Wish we could have tried the fried green tomatoes but they were sold out. Smashed potatoes with gravy were really good, the Mac salad was so-so...needs more salt and was a little bland. Place is always pretty busy when I drive by and glad I was able to finally try this place out. Prices are VERY fair for a BBQ place which is a nice bonus. Ambience is calm and fun lots of decorations on the wall to check out too. Definitely a summer and biker atmosphere. Overall a very nice addition to the area and it's family owned and operated. Everyone was very friendly. I noticed someone mentioned the smoke in the place from the smokers, it's a BBQ joint so not sure what to expect with that but the smoke wasn't bad at all when we went.

    Photos
    Freedom Hog Shack
    Freedom Hog Shack - Special. Pulled pork empanadas

    Special. Pulled pork empanadas

    Freedom Hog Shack - 2 meat plate with ribs, pulled pork, creamed corn and mac & cheese.

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    2 meat plate with ribs, pulled pork, creamed corn and mac & cheese.

    Holy Smokes Bourbon and BBQ - Mac Daddy Sandwich

    Holy Smokes Bourbon and BBQ

    4.3(46 reviews)
    24.8 mi
    $$$

    We stopped when driving through the area for a ski trip. It was a great location on our route. It…read morewasn't busy so it was easy to get a seat. We ordered at the counter and our food came out quickly. The portions were generous and the woman at the counter was very patient and helpful when reviewing food ingredients. All the food was very good, fresh and flavorful. I ordered the brisket, baked beans and creole corn. The corn was a fun and different twist on an otherwise basic side. If you are in the area stop in.

    The authentic smell of a hardwood smoke bath as you walk in informs you that you are about ready to…read morehave a good time. Located in the heart of downtown Holy Smokes Bourbon and BBQ serve up northern New York's most authentic Q (For the out of town people that's north of Syracuse... yes we just started a fight for some people but I digress) Back to the BBQ....Head right to the counter to order your choice of the usual suspects brisket, pork and chicken. Order a platter and try some of their delicious sides. Today I was trying their version of the Philly Cheesesteak as if it got lost down south. The soft chewy bun and the mix as I told the cook... "You do not rush perfection". I definitely was heading towards the need for a nap on a work day but it's definitely a nice change of pace for those that work in the heart of Watertown. So my only gripe but be warned I take my Que seriously is the smoked Mac and cheese lacked smoke but I'm hard to please when it comes to my bbq. I'll definitely be back to try my way around the menu.

    Photos
    Holy Smokes Bourbon and BBQ - Order at the register!

    Order at the register!

    Holy Smokes Bourbon and BBQ - Pulled Pork Cubano Sandwich

    Pulled Pork Cubano Sandwich

    Holy Smokes Bourbon and BBQ - Indoor seating

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    Indoor seating

    The Lakeside Restaurant

    The Lakeside Restaurant

    4.6(52 reviews)
    8.1 mi

    On a recent trip to visit a local antique market in Pulaski- we stopped by the Lakeside Restaurant…read morefor a bite to eat and wow, were we pleasantly surprised! Seemingly in the middle of rural upstate NY is this gem of a restaurant. The server and everyone on the staff that interacted with us were simply lovely! Kind, helpful and joyful. I ordered a turkey melt with onion rings, and my friend had a burger with fried which she claimed was one of the best she had eaten in a long time. Accompanied by "sassy sauce" our fries and onion rings were dipped in this delightful yet spicy accoutrement! My turkey melt was delicious- carved turkey- not slimy cold cuts, cheese and banana peppers were a perfect and delectable combination on lightly toasted bread- simply marvelous! For desert- and they are all lovingly homemade, I had a mixed berry pie with ice cream and my friend had a slice of Dutch apple pie! Both equally and fabulously delicious! We left stuffed to the gills and so glad that we turned the truck around to try this hidden gem! Don't pass it up- stop by- it's worth it!

    Bottom line up front…read more Overpriced for the quality. My $20 hamburger was simply average and not worth the money. While my wife enjoyed her breakfast it was not without sine distractors as the hash was lacking sufficient meat and any real flavor. It may be a local favorite, but I've had better...especially for the money.

    Photos
    The Lakeside Restaurant - This sign was so cute!

    This sign was so cute!

    The Lakeside Restaurant - Don't judge this place by its outside appearance.  Terrific menu, great service.  The food was homemade, fresh and very good.

    Don't judge this place by its outside appearance. Terrific menu, great service. The food was homemade, fresh and very good.

    The Lakeside Restaurant - Delicious Turkey Melt

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    Delicious Turkey Melt

    Pond Pit BBQ - bbq - Updated May 2026

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