This place was amazing!!! Smoked turkey and brisket the best. All the sides were delicious but the BEST of all was the cornbread and staff.

Stopped by to celebrate and recover after a local half marathon in Charlotte. Place was busy immediately when we waited up, told 30 min and placed in line but I'm fairly sure they text sooner. Service was friendly and quick as we figured out what we wanted. The inside stayed busy, not loud but not quiet either. Good arrived very quickly and was solid Barbeque. I didn't feel the success were anything too unique. Mac was good but I felt it needed a lil salt and pepper. Texas Twinkie was definitely the most unique bite, was rich with the cream cheese. Overall would eat here again. The ranch was fantastic! read more

See all

My family lives the Smoke Pit and the food is always outstanding and service is great. The restaurant was clean along with the bathroom. I got a two meat platter with a half chicken and ribs. It was great as always... I just wished the ribs would have come out a little warmer. Other than that, the meal was excellent. read more

The Smoke Pit - Two meat dinner with ribs and a half chicken along with corn, red slaw, okra and hash brown casserole. - Barbeque Near Me - Gastonia, North Carolina

First time trying any North Carolina bbq, and this was on my route. The meat was good, brisket was fork tender, pulled pork was my favorite, the ribs were also good. I liked their sweet bbq sauce the best. The jalapeno creamed corn was awesome, the pit beans were fine but I would have liked some spiciness in there. Service was outstanding. I ate at the bar and Alora was perfect! Thank you! It's a pretty casual restaurant and comfortable. read more

The Smoke Pit - Tres amigos plate with creamed corn and pit beans - Barbeque Near Me - Gastonia, North Carolina

I took my visiting family members to Smoke Pit on Saturday. Everyone liked the food they ordered. I thoroughly enjoyed the BBQ Ribs with a sweet bbq sauce and delicious moist, sweet and buttery cornbread. Our server was attentive and kind. I also took my visiting nephew to Smoke Pit. He is retired from the US Air Force, a world traveler and foodie. Let's just say there wasn't a lot of talking going on at our table because we were all hungry and devouring the delicious food. read more

See all

Solid 5 folks only tried 4 others here in this area. Flavor portions tenderness and affordability is what i judged on. Ive been to some nation top places. Kansas city bbq in kansas , Brier pit in Huntsville Alabama, and Hard 8 in the dallas texas area. All class acts in pit bbq. Have to say this place earned honorable mention in this group. Prices in any great pit bbq isnt cheap but here its reasonable with good portions. The inside is spacious and very comfortable, service was fast and friendly no issues with the service. Give them a try do your taste buds a favor read more

See all

This review is only for the banana pudding that I ordered. It had rotten black bananas, stale wafers. Worst pudding I've ever had. Why would they even serve this to customers? read more

Today, traveling through Gastonia from a very long weekend, we decided to grab a bite to eat at SMOKE PITT Restaurant located 421 Cox Rd, Gastonia, NC 28054. We ordered 5 meals, one for my husband, who has been driving 6 hours, myself, my son, daughter and granddaughter. We start passing out the food and notice my husbands meal was missing. While we all ate in the car, my husband popped back into the "restaurant" to say "hey you forgot to put my food in the bag" to which they TELL him, you have to bring all the back in, which all of us had already started eating, to "prove" that food was missing in our bag. I'm sorry, what?!?!!! So I pulled food from my family, half eaten, for my husband to take back into their establishment. IS THIS EVEN SANITARY???? By the time my husband brought our food back out to us, EVERYTHING WAS COLD. Nachos were now soggy, inedible, bbq was cold, etc, etc, etc. Their reason?!?? "Oh we get a lot of people saying they were missing food so we need you to bring you food back in to prove we made a mistake". When we asked for the owner, WE WERE DENIED. Funny, since a quick internet search provided all three owners names. So hopefully THEY WILL SEE THIS POST AND RE-EDUCATE THEIR LINE MANAGER, who was the one who ordered our half eaten food back into their kitchen to "count". read more

The managers act like teenagers in high school. The restaurant has roaches and rats. Please do not eat their food for your own safety.

Great service, fun atmosphere and the food is delicious. We had a great time.................yum read more

The Smoke Pit - Barbeque Near Me - Gastonia, North Carolina

See all

They made a big change to the food and not for the better. They raise all the price and took some of the items away. I had the pulled chicken sandwich and it was mostly fat with horrible slaw. I used to love this place but it's a no more for me!! read more

The food here is fucking fire. I had no idea you could get flavors like that into shredded pork. Highly recommend the corn bread, the slaw. Fuck it the whole dang menu. In terms of food i haven't had a bbq joint ive enjoyed ever. This one definitely changes the game. They do quality food, huge portions so you're definitely having leftovers, they are actually good as left movers too! The stuff holds well. Also i just found out theres one closer to me. Im just an idiot who couldnt read a map. But yes this place is awesome. I think my server was named Mckenzie or something like that i dont remember. The smell of the place had me enthralled. I wont come back here. But theres locations close to home so ill be writing reviews of the other ones as well. read more

Wow!!! Best BBQ I've had in a long time!!! Greeted with a smile, great service and fantastic food. read more

In the mood for some bbq so went to check out The Smoke Pit. I liked that they had a separate entry on the side for take out orders. Ordered a large burnt ends place for take out. I saw what I thought were large orders going out.... The wait wasn't long. When my name was called...they handed me this large aluminum pan that weighed a ton! Y'all...this was an aluminum lasagna pan!!!...& for a Single order!!! When I got back & opened up the pan, I think (to me at least) that there was enough food to feed 3 people! Burnt ends were delish...perfectly seasoned, smoky & sweet with just enough fat to make it tasty. The cheesy potatoes were delish as were the green beans...both perfectly seasoned. I'm not a fan of cornbread but this was delicious too! Highly recommend stopping in if you're in the area! read more

The Smoke Pit - Large Burnt Ends Plate* with Cornbread, cheesy potatoes & green beans - Barbeque Near Me - Gastonia, North Carolina

Excellent Large portions, great selection of sauces, service was on point Highly recommend read more

Gastonia is THE BEST Smoke Pit location of the three in Charlotte. How? First, the meat is the juiciest and most flavorful. Second, the portions are INSANELY generous. They definitely give WAY MORE food than Concord does, like an extra strip of turkey, another scoop of shredded chicken, etc. Third, they offer sit-down service (Monroe does too, but not Concord). I was so blown away by how exceptional this location is that I am writing this review at the restaurant. My goodness, this meal has made me SO HAPPY. I love a good meal! Also, the area is spacious and clean. And the service was so delightful. From here on out, Gastonia is my #1 Smoke Pit location! read more

The staff was very nice and even brought a refill Coke before I was finished but the ribs were leathery, read upset stomach all night, and the place was dirty. I don't think they have ever cleaned their chairs and the BQue sauce containers were sticky! Gross. read more

This was my first visit to the Smoke Pit. We came in for lunch today just after 3pm had a a fantastic experience. Everyone was super friendly especially Maddison who was an absolutely amazing server!! The food came out really fast and the portions were huge! I had a Texas Twinkie for an appetizer and then the brisket and burnt ends along with 3 sides plus cornbread. Everything was delicious, especially the burnt ends. Highly recommended; you will not be disappointed and definitely ask for Maddison (she doesn't mind if you call her Maddie ) A+++ read more

The Smoke Pit - Texas Twinkies - Barbeque Near Me - Gastonia, North Carolina

See all

Stopped here for dinner to break up a road trip. Seated immediately and waitress brought us water with lemon (which I always appreciate). Big menu. I chose the large pork platter which it said came with two sides and cornbread or hush puppies. Much to our surprise it was "free side Wednesday " so we got a third side! I chose French fries, collards, and baked beans. Husband ordered the two meat plate with pork and turkey. Portions sizes were out of this world. Just the turkey on husband's platter would have made two big turkey sandwiches. I tasted it and it was perfect -- smoky and moist. My hunk of pork was massive. Now I have had barbecue that did not need any sauce before. This was not that barbecue but one of the reasons it did need sauce was because it was so lean which I do appreciate. My favorite sauce was the Lexington. Fries were average steak fries -- I just ordered them because I was in a French fry mood. Collards were average, baked beans were solid. Nothing was the best I had ever had but it was all good and nicely presented. I'm a big eater but even I could not finish it. I think I'll have enough for a whole other dinner tomorrow. Waitress was attentive and sweet. Only thing that could have been better was cleanliness of floors and bathroom. read more

The Smoke Pit - Large Chopped Pork Plate* - Barbeque Near Me - Gastonia, North Carolina

See all

I do like the Smoke Pit. I've been 4 times: The food is very good, portions are HUGE, service has always been very good, ambience (for an old guy) is a bit loud with music not of my liking, reasonable drink prices. Negatives: No hot drinks (no coffee, hot tea, hot chocolate, etc. there's not even a microwave in the kitchen, so they can't zap water! We will still come here, but no relaxing cup of Java with Baileys after dinner read more

Some of the best barbecue I've had since leaving Texas. I had the burnt ends which were awesome. Wife had barbecue platter with brisket ribs and sausage. It was delicious also. The portions were huge we both had leftovers to bring home. We will be back again! read more

See all

It was amazing! all of the meat was tender and flavorful. the side portions were massive and you definitely won't leave hungry or unsatisfied! our server, Sasha, was incredibly kind and patient with us. the atmosphere was lively and welcoming! will be coming again read more

Came here for lunch with my family while visiting. I loved that they bring you a small pitcher of your drink order. There were so many yummy options it was hard to choose. I was more focused on the sides so I got the 3 side plate and added a smoked wing and 1/4 of brisket. The Mac & cheese was pretty good, and thr baked beans were tasty. The collards were tender but could've used some more flavor in my opinion. The smoked chicken wing was really good! When my aunt saw mine she ordered one lol. The brisket was good& moist. Can't forget the huge piece of yummy sweet cornbread. The portions are plentiful and tasty. My boyfriend got the ribs which were super tender, potato salad & hush puppies. I sampled it all and it was great. My family raved about this place & was glad I suggested it. Definitely should be on your list when in the area!! read more

The Smoke Pit - Pick Any Three Sides* smoked wing and 1/4lb brisket - Barbeque Near Me - Gastonia, North Carolina

See all

Every item on the menu is an experience. It's BBQ at its best. My favorite is the Brisket and Candied Ends. The service is top notch. Hospitable. Ambiance is friendly and family oriented. read more

Great food, sauces are great and the amount of food you get is really good... the service is great, they have Sundrop

It's usually a decent choice for bbq in Gastonia, but still very over-priced to portion size, and not as good as the original location. It's a step above chain BBQ, like City BBQ and Mac's Speed Shop, but not as good Midwood BBQ. Smoked wings, chicken, pork, and sausage are what I now get if I must go. The brisket, and anything beef like burnt ends or ribs, at this location, were always little tough, dry, or just lacked in smoke flavor. I have learned to avoid. Service is okay. Usually lots of unbussed tables and everyone scrambling, which is a sign of staffing issues. Overall, not bad, but for a $30 meal, I'll head elsewhere. read more

Busy location but efficient staff. They are very knowledgeable. I went for takeout today. The food was excellent. I had the brisket sandwich with a side of macaroni and cheese. The portion size was perfect. Enough for leftovers (for me anyway). I will stop by again. The smoke pit, regardless of location, does not disappoint. Enjoy read more

See all

Went into your restaurant at 8 o'clock on a Saturday night waited behind three other people picking up to go orders tried to place the order and was told the manager said not to take any more orders. This was so infuriating if you're advertised to stay open till 9 PM on a Saturday night then you need to be open till nine. I'm sure there was something I could've ordered I am not from this area and I definitely will never be back. read more

A hidden gem! Clean and well-lit space. Nice and welcoming staff. The service was good. It took a minute to get a clear understanding of which wines were available but honey I forgot all this confusion when the food arrived. Delicious!! The restaurant is new to Gastonia. While visiting with friends this was high on their list of places to dine at for dinner. Everything I tasted was amazing. The brisket is a favorite of mine but the barbecue also won me over. The Mac and Cheese was so creamy and delicious. The collards were also good as well as my cornbread. I tried almost everything I didn't have on others' plate and I wasn't disappointed. I can't wait to return. I'm already planning my next trip from Raleigh! read more

See all

Just got into town for work and I wanted some bbq. I travel for work so I've had some fine bbq all over. I got the 2 meat with turkey,ribs,beans,okra with a texas Twinkie. the turkey was very good the okra was seasoned to perfection and the beans were good as well. The Twinkie was good and the portions were on the larger side my only negative is the ribs I'm very picky on my ribs and these just weren't what I like in a rib. The service was great I'm sure I'll be back but I will try some other meats overall the meal was good! read more

The Smoke Pit - BBQ ribs,turkey,beans,okra with a - Barbeque Near Me - Gastonia, North Carolina

See all

I like the brisket, but I love the ribs and the sweet potato casserole was delicious. The service is always nice and friendly and I like that the place is big enough for big crowds. read more

The Smoke Pit - Trinity plate - Barbeque Near Me - Gastonia, North Carolina

This is the first time eating at the smoke pit. It was no less than excellent! When I was looking at the menu online I was shocked at the prices but it was worth it for the amount you get. I got a large pulled pork plate, shared it with my grown son and we had enough left over for two more times! The sides, macaroni and cheese and sweet potato casserole, weren't skimpy either. The pork was not dry it was pretty moist. It all came in like a lasagna full pan! We will be eating here again. read more

The Smoke Pit - Large pulled pork, macaroni and cheese, sweet potato casserole and Texas toast. Large Chopped Pork Plate* - Barbeque Near Me - Gastonia, North Carolina

See all

What a great find! We live down in Greenville SC, but happened to be in the area doing some shopping. I found this place based on reviews online and it did NOT disappoint!!! This is easily the best BBQ we have ever had. The smell hits you first thing when you walk in. The service was great. The food was phenomenal. We will absolutely be returning! Highly recommend. read more

The Smoke Pit - Burnt ends, sweet potato casserole, bbq chicken, mac n cheese, and hush puppies - Barbeque Near Me - Gastonia, North Carolina

Amazing beef ribs!!!! Can't find these anywhere outside of Texas until now!! Also fantastic brisket and burnt ends!!! I don't know how it took me 10 years to find this place!!! We drove 50 minutes from Hickory and will definitely be doing it again and again!!!! Highly recommend beef ribs, brisket, burnt ends, and creamed corn!!!! The Texas Twinkies were a fantastic appetizer. We also tried baked beans, fried okra, potato salad, jambalaya, Texas toast and hush puppies. Everything was very good, but the beans and jambalaya were both a little boring. Highly recommend for anyone looking for Texas style bbq. This is easily the best beef bbq I've had outside of Texas!!! read more

See all

First time at The Smoke Pit. Nice looking and clean inside with a hint of their smoke work coming through. A fantastic aroma. Our server was spot on attentive. Over all had 3 meats and 6 sides. The brisket, pulled pork, and smoked sausage were very good. Smokey and moist, which is important. Adding the sauces enhanced the experience. They have 5 different ones and I think the Original and Sizzling were the best. Top sides, in order, Mac 'n Cheese, Okra, Sweet Potato Casserole, Deviled Egg Potato Salad, and BBQ Jambalaya. Highly recommend this spot on any BBQ journey. There were several other menu items we still want to try. read more

See all

The brisket I ordered was good and tender. My friend's ribs were soaked in sauce, which is expected, but it was a bit heavy for our taste. All the sides were solid, especially the hash browns and mac and cheese, the casserole corn was okay. Overall, a good BBQ spot with hearty portions. read more

The Smoke Pit - Barbeque Near Me - Gastonia, North Carolina

I love the Smoke Pit. I typically go to the location in Concord, but was in Gastonia. I was with a co worker and they asked about a good BBQ place. Smoke Pit of course. The lack of starts is based on how the location is being run. The food is still amazing, but the service and overall running of the business is horrible. We walked in and there were many tables available but I think that they were short staffed. We were told that there would be a wait which is fine. We went to the bar to grab a drink before we were seated. We ordered basic drinks (Vodka Tonic and Vodka Cranberry) and the bartender looked at us like a deer in headlights. It took us about 10 minutes to get basic drinks with once again not many people in the restaurant. When we finally got our drinks, they were incorrect. We sent them back and finally after another 10 got them back. We were seated and proceeded to have a great meal. Our server was great and salvaged the meal. Overall I wanted to give more stars but it just seemed that there was alot of chaos at this location. read more

Good food. Good service. Was not charged menu prices. Sausage add ones are $3.50 on the menu. They charged us $5 each. read more

The Smoke Pit - Receipt - Barbeque Near Me - Gastonia, North Carolina

Food is great and so is the restaurant itself. The meat was very moist and they have great sauces.

Friendly folks, quick service and the food was delicious. We just moved here from TX and we worried about the barbecue here in NC. They did not disappoint! read more