BEST BEST BBQ I've ever had!!! We were visiting from MN and look me saying best bbq from MN is not the full background. I grew up eating Mexican food and have a thing for finding best flavor and quality for food. I knew I wanted to try a bbq place hear as I've heard such great things and let me tell you I was absolutely blown away! Lately things have been so pricey and feel like you get hidden fees or 20% of service on top of tip and a whole bunch of weird extra charges so obviously going out to eat has been more challenging as you pay more but get less. This place was the absolute opposite of that! We came here twice before we had to fly out to Minnesota. First time we tried the tray of meats and boy was that special. First of the brisket was delicious! But our server recommended the turkey and that was the juiciest most flavorful turkey I've ever had in my life! The sides were amazing and something I never had before was a slaw that had acidity with vinegar and it paired so well. I ordered a Twinkie for the first time and let me tell you I won't see a jalapeño the same again. In Mexican food we have them a lot but never this way and now I'm determined to try to make the more. At the end of our meal our server asked if we wanted dessert and guess wha it was ABSOLUTELY COMPLIMENTARY!! WHATTT?!? And not just like a scoop of ice cream different options of COBBLLERRRR!!! We did not see that coming and it was absolutely delicious! The second time we came I tried the fried okra and that was my first time it blew me away! I also had the potatoe that was loaded and wowowowowo so much flavor and deliciousness. Give it was our last time I got the Twinkie again and it did not disappoint! I wish this place success and that they continue to expand and maybe pray they come to MN. The place is clean and they have a lot of seating and food was incredible. read more

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Our server KP was such a bright light and has such great energy. She consistently checked in on us and went out of her way to make sure that we were taken care of. We never went without a refilled drink and she made sure we had plenty of boxes to take leftovers home. The food portions are insane and well worth the money. The variety of bbq sauces makes sure that everyone has something. For me, the BBQ Brisket Spud with two sides gives you everything you need but the hush puppies with honey butter is a must! read more

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Best BBQ I've ever had. Granted, I am from Minnesota, but I do travel a lot. We were super impressed with The Smoke Pit -- so much so that we came twice on a week-long trip. On the initial trip we got the two meat platter and on the second trip I had the burnt ends sandwich. Everything was so amazingly delicious. We cannot wait to come back. Brisket and the turkey were tremendous and the sides were amazing. Our waitress recommended the jalapeño cream corn and red slaw. On te second visit we had the okra and collard greens. All tremendous. I just feel like you can't go wrong here. Free cobbler for dessert with ice cream was a great added touch that you just don't see anymore. I saw some other reviewers complaining about price and so I wanted to specifically address this. My guess is these people don't get out much. Everywhere you go now restaurants are gouging on price but NOT HERE. Look at my bill in the pic below. Massive two meat and three side tray for $30!!! That's a STEAL. So many leftovers it was crazy. Add the Texas Twinkie, watermelon tea and free desserts and we paid $50 with tax. Insane value. Would pay it any time. Finally service was outstanding on both visits. Super attentive and lightning fast food on both occasions. Can't wait to come back when we visit again! read more

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I got the ribs. They had good flavor but I'm personally not a fan of - what I consider - a thick tough exterior outer layer. It was too tough and an impediment to getting to the melt in your mouth ribs. I got them wet. I got two sides just so I could try them - southern sweet. Sweet but good flavor. And pit original. For sides - potato salad and mac n cheese. Really like the Mac n cheese. For me the potato salad was a little too creamy but to be fair im a German potato salad type of girl. Do all potato salads in the south have hard boiled eggs. I liked that part the next day when I needed extra protein in my left overs that didn't include the ribs. Oh and got banana pudding. Holy sweet. One of the sweeter I've had. But i did like it. read more

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Went here for lunch. First time at this location. It seems pretty new and the staff was amazing. Our waiter was very kind and helpful. The food was great as always, the ribs were well seasoned and tender. My favorite protein is always the brisket. It was juicy and melt in your mouth. They also gave everybody an order of cobbler on the house. The peach was the best! If you crave BBQ don't miss out on Smoke Pit. They never let us down! read more

The Smoke Pit - Fruit Cobbler* - Southern Near Me - Charlotte, North Carolina

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Alie is AMAZING! We wanted something good, filling and reasonably priced and we both said "Smoke Pit". Perfect choice. We were seated quickly and Alie took the best care of us. I decided on the brisket, sausage and rib combo with kickin greens, Mac and cheese and hush puppies. Everything was AMAZING!!!! I had enough to take home for lunch the next day. And you must get the pecan cobbler. read more

The Smoke Pit - Pecan and apple cobblers - Southern Near Me - Charlotte, North Carolina

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Food is fine/good. However we have ordered takeout from this place twice now and both times they have left things out of our order. When you're ordering for a family it is really annoying to feel like you have to tear apart the entire order in the restaurant or in the parking lot to make sure they didn't forget anything but ,apparently, you have to. Also, this place is pretty pricey even when you're not paying for food they didn't give you. read more

There are rare moments in life when hunger meets perfection, and the world narrows to the plate in front of you. At the Smoke Pit, a mere seven weeks into its existence, I experienced one of those transcendent moments where every detail aligned in symphonic harmony. I was starving when I walked in, and everything clicked from the start. The warm, anticipatory greeting by the maître D to the server's attentive, friendly, and quick service without the hovering feeling. No rush, no oversight - just seamless efficiency and my food came out fast, hot, and exactly right. I ordered the sausage, brisket, and ribs platter, accompanied by cornbread, red slaw, and mac & cheese. The brisket was tender as a whisper - no knife needed, succulent, and smoked to smokey perfection. The dry ribs needed no sauce; they fell off the bone with juicy abandon. Each bite a revelation of moisture and depth of flavor. The sausages burst with moist, savory delight, while the cornbread defied earthly bounds - crisp-edged, buttery, and utterly otherworldly. Even the sides sang in harmony: the red slaw's tangy crunch, and the mac & cheese's creamy indulgence elevating the ensemble to sublime height. This was an experience that presently stunned me as rarely do you get a meal this good with service this smooth. Every cell in my body hummed with contentment, I was happy, full, and profoundly satisfied. The Smoke Pit has it figured out - speed, precision, flavor in perfect equilibrium. If you want great BBQ and a no-stress experience go! You won't be disappointed! read more

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My favorite American BBQ spot in Charlotte! Everything we tried was absolutely delicious. The meat is seasoned perfectly--a great balance of saltiness, sweetness, and smoky flavor. All of it was fall-off-the-bone tender. We ordered the 3-meat combo and went with the chicken quarters, ribs, and burnt ends. It was impossible to choose a favorite because each one was incredibly flavorful. We've had the brisket before as well, and it's always tender, juicy, and wonderfully seasoned. Honestly, you can't go wrong with anything on the menu. The sides were excellent too. We tried the jalapeño creamed corn, baked beans, cornbread, collard greens, and an extra side of mac and cheese. Every side paired perfectly with the BBQ, but the jalapeño creamed corn was the standout--highly recommend! read more

The Smoke Pit - Pick 3 Combo* 2 Chicken Quarters with Alabama bbq sauce, 4 ribs, and burnt ends. We eat about half before I took the photo. - Southern Near Me - Charlotte, North Carolina

Absolutely amazing customer service and food! Leftovers for days and such a nice family friendly atmosphere. read more

The Smoke Pit - Tres Amigos PLATE* - Southern Near Me - Charlotte, North Carolina

Waaaayyyy more food than I could finish on the Tres Amigos combo! Ribs, brisket and pulled pork. The brisket was the star of the show. All they needed was a real Eastern NC sauce, but everything is outstanding. Gotta mention the Collards - had a great spicy kick (Jalapeños?). read more

The Smoke Pit - Tres Amigos sampler. Better than the 3 meat platter - Southern Near Me - Charlotte, North Carolina

Love it is in this location vs needing to go to Monroe. It's clean and feels fresh. The bar was configured in such a way that there wasn't a bad seat for watching sports events. Service was quick and friendly. Had the pulled chicken sandwich w/creamed corn and jalapeños. Loved the creamed corn w/jalapenos. The pulled chicken was okay but it tasted off likely the sauce that was on it since I'm fairly picky about bbq sauce and love Memphis style bbq. Glad that this location is open and will rerun again. read more

The Smoke Pit - Bbq chicken sandwich with jalapeño creamed corn - Southern Near Me - Charlotte, North Carolina

This is a must check out place newly added to the Arboretum Shopping Center. We had a sample of everything and all in-house desserts are complimentary! Our server, Jordan, was attentive and seemed to be invested in the concept and enjoyed the food. The restaurant itself has done a great job creating a new vibe from the old Chili's location. Has that homegrown BBQ feel. If there was anything to note for feedback, it would be the burnt ends were way over sauced and being such a new restaurant, a manager should be walking around touching tables asking how things were (they have only been open a few weeks). But it will be a place to go back! read more

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This was some of the best barbecue and sides I have had in a very long time!! We will be back very soon! read more

The Smoke Pit - The sampler plate with ribs, brisket, and sausage. Everything was good!! - Southern Near Me - Charlotte, North Carolina

I went to a different restaurant and decided to try this BBQ place. The young man at the takeout counter was very polite and helpful. I asked many questions, and he expertly explained things to me. I decided on the brisket plate and chicken. As I write this review, I can taste the chicken. The presentation of the chicken was excellent. The chicken was my favorite dish. The sauce on top of the chicken was lovely and creamy. The chicken was cooked well, yet maintained its moisture. The chicken was flavored nicely. The brisket I felt tasted better the next day. The vinegar slaw was good. The corn bread and was light and fluffy with pieces of corn with every bite. I will definitely go back. read more

The Smoke Pit - LB Brisket plate - Southern Near Me - Charlotte, North Carolina

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I really enjoyed my lunch here, great atmosphere, wonderful menu, great service. I had the smoked chicken quarters and my dining mate had the smoked turkey platter. Tender, juicy, flavorful on both menu choices.. I had the fried okra and my dining mate had the baked bean and brisket side, all yummy. Portion size great, plated beautifully, reasonable prices and such attentive service. So we will be back again to enjoy another menu selection. They also have a taco Tuesday special, a kids special, and other weekday specials, plus catering for events. read more

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The new Smoke Pit at the Arboretum might just be my new favorite BBQ joint in Charlotte, and considering the competition, that's saying a lot. This delightfully casual, family-friendly restaurant serves up generous plates of delicious pulled pork, smoked brisket and fall-off-the-bone ribs, along with savory sides of Mac n Cheese, Texas Toast, Collard Greens and more. There's a solid, if a bit underwhelming, selection of local craft beers on tap, and their full bar also serves liquor, cocktails and wine. Oh, and every entree comes with a complimentary dessert of apple or strawberry cobbler, so be sure to save room! The setting is warm and laid back, with a spacious bar and lots of booth seating. Service has been outstanding on each of our visits, although the wait for a large party on a Friday or Saturday night can be absurdly long. On a recent visit, we waited almost an hour for a table, only to find out when we were seated that the kitchen had run out of pork. But those quibbles aside, there are few places in the Queen City where you'll find brisket or pork as tasty as this. Smoke Pit is an outstanding addition to the South Charlotte food scene, and one that I hope sticks around for a long, long time. read more

At first glance you might think every barbeque joint is built the same. Especially in the Carolina's. Honestly for the first time I've been proven wrong. Never been to a bbq joint where the servers knew their steps of service. Shout out to Shaun. (Hope i spelt her name right) Absolutely nailed every step. Super attentive. Menu knowledge. Even helped run other servers food. Don't see that often these days. Decor is warm and inviting. Bartenders look like they know how to pour draft beer at least. I mean you'd be suprised some people don't. These do. The food. Listen i only got one photo cause im a fat fuck and i just eat whatevers in sight. It was delicious. Serving sizes bigger than you expect. Its not a bleed you dry for a piddly amount of food. No they, WILL, FEED, YOU. Also highly recommended take a tour of their meatroom see where the magic happens. Staff is friendly as heck. Exactly what you'd expect when you think southern hospitality. read more

The Smoke Pit - The big pit. (Bun, lean) - Southern Near Me - Charlotte, North Carolina

Since their south Charlotte opening, we've been back multiple times and recently got take out. The food is 10/10 every single time. The pulled pork is packed with flavor and my husband loved the chicken quarters with Alabama white sauce. Our take out trays were exactly what we ordered and still warm when we got home. We have leftovers to eat on the next several days! We love the Smoke Pit! read more

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Food was great as was the service! only complaint our group of 7 had was how loud the music was. Hard to carry on a conversation with others at the table. When mentioned to wait staff we were told to just shout at each other because they cannot control the volume from there. So if someone at corporate is reading this, I will think twice before returning. The cost was a little pricey for those of us who are on a limited income so hubby and I had to share a plate. read more

Food, fellowship location and customer service was AMAZING! Thx to Cheyenne for EXCELLENT service read more

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Very surprising! Food is delicious even though u feel like you're at a chilis. One of the best BBQ I've had.

Ok sooo. When you see the prices of there menu and you get plastic silverware to eat with ? Really ? We ordered half chicken with -white bar b Que sauce - ? What the hell is this we wondered. Not good. Sat at bar and bartender was great. Very attentive. Super great lady. Brisket was good. White slaw good. So maybe we chose the wrong food. Salads you can moove on. Not a good selection. Cant even get a grilled smoked chicken sandwich ? Pulled chicken is last year. Anyway goood luck with their prices. Not sure we be back. Macs speed shop much better. Cheers ! read more

I have zero complaints about this location. Gorgeous and clean on the inside, excellent service, and excellent food.

Everything is delicious. We've been EVERY weekend for the past month. Service can be hit or miss depending on the waitress, but the food is on point! So flavorful! read more

The Smoke Pit - Burnt Ends, Mac & cheese, cornbread, collard greens Across- beef rib, smoked wings, red coleslaw, hush puppies - Southern Near Me - Charlotte, North Carolina

Jordan was the best bartender I have ever had super friendly , was super on top of our drinks and food! huge shout out get her a raise read more

The food is always great here and it's so reasonably priced compared with other comparable BBQ places in the area. The portions are very generous, and the brisket is among the best I've had. I also appreciate the quality and care they put into their salad options as that's my favorite companion with all the delicious meats. Last but not least, you can have a little free cobbler after your meal if you still have room. Great spot! read more

Seriously delicious meal. Best pulled pork smoky flavor in Charlotte. Brisket was excellent as was everything else we tried. Huge portions, reasonable prices and excellent service. We will be back! read more

The food was delicious and the portions was enough for 2 meals. I did a to-go order and the restaurant was busy. I'll definitely eat here again and again. The blueberry BBQ sauce was also good. read more

The Smoke Pit - Tres Amigos* with broccoli salad, hash brown casserole and corn bread - Southern Near Me - Charlotte, North Carolina

Ordered a 2 meat combo and a Texas twinkie. Brisket was very good this time. Not Texas brisket...but good for pork country. Great bark, nice smoke ring, but smoke flavor wasn't strong. Best smoke ring that I've seen at any smoke pit location, however. Smoked sausage was solid. Nice snap and juicy. Texas twinkie, mehhh. I could have done without this, but anytime I see a jalapeno wrapped in bacon on a menu, I order it. The jalapeño was mushy, the cream cheese was still cold in the center, and was just covered in sweet. No sear or grill. They probably hide this on the menu now... And for a reason. Other places have better options for bacon wrapped jalapeños, iykyk. The food came out quickly, but the server wasn't up to par on the menu and how to ring things in. My only complaint, as something had to be taken off. Welcome to Charlotte. I will return. read more

Great food and even better service. Myla did an outstanding job taking care of the four of us for dinner on a busy Friday evening. Look forward to our next visit. read more

The service was terrible. They were not busy so I don't know what the issue was. Everything from warm sweet tea with no ice to a disappearing waitress. We waited at least 40 minutes before finally having a manager change our order to a to go because I had afternoon meetings to get to. Then they didn't give us any sauce. When the manager confirmed our ticket it was someone else's order. Than they tried to give our food to another table. I went all day on no food since we couldn't get our order and I had meetings all afternoon. You should be able to get lunch in 40 minutes. read more

Truly a very special Valentine Dinner with our Family of 8. Myla who took care of us was outstanding in every way. She was so kind and thoughtful - her service was flawless - our drinks were always full - she is an ASSET TO this restaurant. I am one of the top Realtors in Charlotte and customer service and kindness are very important in my world - Myla exhibits this so well. The food was wonderful We will return Great experience in every way! Marlyn Jamison 704/363-4432 read more

Holy cow. I was wondering what would open in this location in Arboretum - we got a good one. The burnt ends and brisket were both great. Service was outstanding from Alie. The veggies weren't too buttery or greasy and still tasted like real food. Only the creamed corn was a bit over-the-top, but "cream" is in the name, so I give a pass on that one. The kids loved the chicken, wife had a decent cocktail, and the restaurant was clean and not too smoky. Definitely going back. read more

We have been going ever since it opened and have found the food great, but the service has been excellent each visit. Ariel waited on our group Tuesday night and did a super job! The atmosphere is nice (they moved into the space Chili's used to be) , and conducive for conversations at a table or a booth. There is even a table right inside the door that will seat a large group. As you can probably tell, we are fans and regular customers! read more

Tried The Smoke Pit for the first time and now it will be my go to bbq restaurant! Tons of tasty sides and the hush puppies were delicious! Love that they are donut shaped for more crispy edges! We tried the brisket, burnt ends, and pulled pork and all were amazing! If you go in Wednesday you get a free side and there is complimentary dessert offered. The service was great, not intrusive, just enough checking in on us. Can't wait to return! read more

Had lunch today with my daughter and spose. This was my third time there. This place is great and maybe beyond great. Food comes in very large portions, We tried a little bit of everything and one was better than the other, the sides are really good and plenty of them. I believe the staff at smoke pit is of the finest quality. Our server today was Myla, She is a true professional, Smoke Pit should be proud to have her on their staff. Everything could not have been better. Keep up the great work. read more

came there for Mother's Day gathering , family came in from Winston Salem n charlotte,,had about 20 people, didn't have pulled pork or ribs or smoke turkey and only a few of my party got brisket before that ran out, I ordered bbq nachos that was amazing with hush puppies that was great, just filled like it's a bbq restaurant you should always have bbq, next time we will come earlier but overall food was good when we got it read more

Excellent service. Katy was the best server we have had in a very long time. The meat is beyond perfection. This is one of the few places where a plate is worth the price and more than enough food for my 20 year-old! And then she brought me heaven. See picture. read more

The Smoke Pit - Cobbler. - Southern Near Me - Charlotte, North Carolina

Food was amazing and they give you a lot. Excellent customer service. Glad I have a location on my side of town!