Smoke in the Pit
| Address: | 3733 Chicago Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55407, USA |
| Phone: | +1 612-315-3145 |
| Site: | smokeinthepit.com |
| Rating: | 4.6 |
| Working: | 11AM–8PM 11AM–8PM 11AM–8PM 11AM–8PM 11AM–9PM 11AM–9PM Closed |
Location
Photos 100
Reviews 11
VE
Vern Trainer
This was a planned lunch trip after someone mentioned this place in a conversation we had regarding some of the best barbecue weve had across the country. Minnesota sadly (including todays visit) is not one of them. Upon Arrival: This is a small joint with outdoor seating of 8-10 chairs/5 tables (Tip: So plan to stand or call ahead). This is a mom and pop family-owned shop (which is what drove my heart here) thats not easy on the eye inside or out. But hey...its about the food. And they did have a smoker (av. size for personal use/smaller size for a barbecue joint) behind their building. Food: We had a game plan in mind using the menu that is posted online (see below) we thought we were going to be eating during their lunch hours. However, once we began ordering we were informed its Monday-Friday. Yet online theres no mention of that. BIG turn-off folks. So for around 35 bucks we ordered our food and waited 40 minutes. In places that are busy...(which they were) this was understandable. Weve waited an hour in some places knowing "it was well worth the wait." But this wasnt. Brisket Sandwich Meals (sides: french fries +2.00 mac and cheese) Right off the bat we noted one of the brisket sandwiches was barely warm. Examining the meat, it was thinly sliced (much like roast beef), highly topped with sauce on a bakery bun. If your a sauce person, thats fine. But my belief with brisket is, "Good brisket doesnt need any sauce because of the smoke." This brisket barely had any smoke flavor. It could be due to a lot of factors but Im not going to go into the "Art of Smoking Brisket." The fries were fine. They had a great crisp to them (battered season). The portion size of the mac and cheese was quite small for 2 bucks. With a glimpse, it looked much like grandmas church mac and I knew right away there was some lemon pepper flanking this side dish. Sure enough. Unfortunately, it wasnt a "knock-your-socks-off" mac, as it lacked the main piece of "not being cheesy" along with "not having that baked-bite" like most barbecue joints. Catfish Meal (side: macaroni) The catfish was piping hot and cooked throughly. Anyone that knows catfish knows this is important for it to have a flakiness. They were well cleaned pieces and we did not detect the "catfish taste." No complaints. And for that I reviewed this restaurant with the one-star. Within six minutes (after the 40 minute wait) we regretted spending our time and money to come here. Were the type that doesnt even bother walking into a Famous "chain" for barbecue. However, we certainly could of for the average quality barbecue.
AM
Amanda Grant
Nothing beats this barbecue. We absolutely love it in every way. The meat is smoked to the bone and moist, whether it was chicken wings or ribs. The fries were amazing the coleslaw wonderfully mustardy and Im not sure if my husband even took a breath when eating the beans. My husband had never had catfish before and was thrilled with how delicious it was. **Hint: call ahead so your order is ready as it takes about 15 minutes to prepare. And there are a few small tables outside, but pretty much a pick up and then go kind of a place. They accept credit cards. You are denying yourself the best food to pass your lips if you dont eat here at least once in your life!
NI
Nina Valenziano
We had ribs, brisket, pulled pork and a bunch of sides the night before Thanksgiving. It was for toddlers up to grandparents and everyone loved everything. The ribs were well smoked and came off the bone easily, we really like the flavor. One of the 3 year old enjoyed 2 of them. The staff seemed a little overwhelmed with all the orders placed, there were a lot of people waiting. They were nice, got the order right (we ordered for 9 of us) and it was worth the unexpected wait while they sorted things out in the kitchen. There is only a small waiting area just outside of the order window.
OZ
Ozzy Desa
We went there once and there was a mistake with our order which I mentioned on Square (the credit card processing company) as they asked me for feedback. The owner replied promptly and without fuss or request, made things right. I cannot remember a time where this has happened. Beyond all that, they made the best brisket and ribs in town in my opinion; and this would be compared to Bakers Ribs in Eden Prairie and such. And we called in our order and they had it ready to go by the time we arrived.
LU
Lucas Schmidt
Went there today to try the brisket. It was amazing. Probably the best I have ever had. What I really want to tell you about though is the catfish. I got a whole filet that came on a piece of bread. It was better than I could have ever imagined. How they change a cheap ass bottom eating fish into some of the best fish I have ever had is beyond me. I had no idea catfish could taste that good and I am a catfish connoisseur. The best catfish I have had in my life. AMAZING PLACE!!!
LA
Latiya McGee
Im glad I finally stopped and tried the food here. The owners were vibrant and courteous, the waiting area was clean, and I got to try a sample of the smoked chicken wings before I tried it (that was surprising). The wings and catfish was great. The greens were a bit spicy so be aware if you cant handle spicy foods. The fries and mac n cheese was also delicious. Im glad we have a BBQ place in South Minneapolis. The sauce is definitely the BOSS at this place. Keep up the good work.
NI
Nick Snidarich
Certified BBQ Judge here. Smoke In The Pit is some of the best BBQ Ive had. The wings were crisp on the outside and fall off the bone on the inside and really had a good smokey flavor throughout. The ribs were out of this world as well. Perfectly cooked, moist, and no overpowering spices. They just let the meat do the talking. Nothing fake about this BBQ - good meat, fire, and flavorful smoke. Sounds simple, but hard to perfect. These guys have it down.
JO
Jonathan Wilson
Went on a Saturday afternoon. They accept major credit cards. I dont think theres a parking lot, but you can find parking within a couple blocks. Location has outdoor seating. Indoors its just a tight waiting and pickup area. Food was really good and totally worth the logistical issues. I called ahead and it was ready in 15 minutes. The rack of ribs were huge, easily enough for 2 people.
PE
Peter Vader
So glad the Alexanders are back in business. The menu is terrific up and down (though I miss hot link and 1/2 chicken options) and what I love most is the...I dont know...philosophy? While Smoke in the Pit is unmistakably 100 percent wood-fired barbecue the smoke flavor is complete and present yet not overpowering. This is barbecue I can eat every week if not more often.
JA
Jacques Sheete
It doesnt get any better than this. The only place I know of that comes close is Blacks Barbeque in San Marcos, Texas. Ive eaten barbeque all over the states and this beats all the rest including those in Omaha, St Louis and Memphis. These folks know their stuff, and if anyone rates it less than 5 star for quality, then they dont like barbeque. Period.
LE
Leigh Collier
I dont eat everybodys food and I have tried other chicken places and this place is THEE BEST Ive ever had in Minnesota! From their fried and smoked chicken,sides and peach cobbler are as close to home as you are gonna get without cooking it yourself(that is if you can cook). Kudos to them...keep up the good work Smoke in the Pit! Superb!
