The Pit
| Address: | 321 W Geer St, Durham, NC 27701, USA |
| Phone: | +1 919-282-3748 |
| Site: | thepit-durham.com |
| Rating: | 4 |
| Working: | 11AM–10PM 11AM–10PM 11AM–10PM 11AM–10PM 11AM–11PM 11AM–11PM 11AM–9PM |
Location
Photos 100
Reviews 7
JA
Jason Cox
Its clear that things are slipping here. It started with the entrance. 4 people at the host stand, one who likely was FOH manager from interaction with others. Yet I had to speak to them to get acknowledgement, and received no more than a rote "how many?" and a pulling of the needed menus. At being seated we got a warm greeting from the server and a frigid dining room. We asked about turning down the AC as I looked around and half the guests had the hunched over, rubbing-of-arms look you see when its too cold. 1.5 hours later it hadnt changed despite the mention and I felt the same constant cold air down my back the entire time. To the food: Im guessing whomever is running the kitchen has changed as some items have changed, not for the better. Food went from solid and consistent (not amazing, but consistent, which is key) to simply mediocre in our most recent visit. Out of three orders each person had something which wasnt the same as our last visit, and not for the better. The design Service: I saw our waitress 4 times, as a runner brought the food. Once at the welcome for drinks, once during our order and the third time when, after two members simply left to the warmth of the car after waiting for some time, I flagged her down for the check. The fourth being the check drop off with a have a good day, and apparently not realizing that when the rest of the group has left its probably not a good sign. Oftentimes having a restaurant group with multiple concepts means consistency and a variety of voices that keeps each one operating at their best. At the moment its clear thats not happening here. Find a local spot where its cheaper, with perhaps a little less pretty a space, but a person who cares running the front of house and the kitchen. The lack of any response from management on the number of poor recent reviews is another bad sign of a disinterested management.
LA
Ladybug fairy
Review for 3/6/2016 trip. The reasons for dislike are: #1 - 94 rating for sanitation ( my family still decided to walk in and eat, we did not want to drive to another place), #2 - the waiter (male) serviced us very well until he forgot to bring a side dish that I specifically asked about if is coming with my daughters food and he said it will be on the side not on the sandwich, #3 & #4 - the mashed potatoes side had a human hair present and it was placed in when scooped onto the side dish. I took it to the line coordinator and explained the situation, I was brought another dish within a minute - that is all great. On the way out the same person and I exchanged other sentences about what happened, etc. and asked me if the Manager came by to which I responded he did not. OK. His excuse was that they were "very busy" and he did not have time. Maybe now he has more time to explain his lack of action to the owner. I worked in the service industry for 12 years and I know what is acceptable or not.
WI
Wildlifer O.
Disappointed. Went there about a month ago with 5 other friends. I ordered the fried chicken and received 2 really small pieces about 15 minutes after my other friends got their food. Even the waitress agreed they were pathetic and got me two new pieces (so a plus for waitress service). There wasnt anything special about the fried chicken and it was slightly undercooked. I make better fried chicken at home. The fried okra tastes like the fried okra you get at any fast food place (frozen in bag then fried)...if it is homemade, its bland for homemade. Mac and cheese was dry and bland. None of my friends were impressed with their meal...meh was a common reaction which is pretty bad since the meals are pricey. Come on guys...you are a barbecue place, bring on the flavor! I will say the biscuits are great and they have a really good draft beer selection.
LU
Lucy Burton
This establishment expects its patrons to forgo their god given rights to defend themselves from people who may do them harm while in this Establishment.The owners expect us to be defenseless while eating here. They are completely mistaken that their political statements and actions somehow make this place a safer environment to eat by posting a no concealed weapons sign in the window. They are ignorant to the fact that that this invites criminal activity and robbers. They had to find this out the hard way due to the fact that they have been held up at gun point. they are responsible for the safety of their customers. They should be thankful that noone was seriously injured or killed. If I were one of the victims of the robbery I would take them to court for putting mine and my family in danger.
MA
Matthew Luedke
I love barbecue in all of its myriad forms. One of the great beauties of barbecue is its regional flavor. The Pit pays homage to Carolina whole hog barbecue, and they are true priests of the vinegar sauce cult. Their whole menu is great, from their fried green tomatoes to their massive desserts, and I love the hush puppies and biscuits that come with the meal. But, really, the chopped pork with eastern Carolina vinegar based sauce is their specialty. Pair that pork with a good local pilsner (they have some great North Carolina beers on the menu), and youve got yourself a heck of a meal. Food aside, their service was quick and polite, and waiters were very patient with my large party at a recent outing. In sum, great regional barbecue, good local beers, great service. Its worth the trip.
JO
Joe Baker
Last night was my first "The Pit" experience. After many tales of how amazing the Raleigh location is I was very excited to give it a try. We went with a larger group so we were able to take advantage of the "sharing menu" and order quite a few meats and sides. The BBQ was good but not amazing, I will say I am born and raised NC so BBQ is in our DNA, so depending on your experience you may rate this higher. Where I was blown away was the sides, using the sharing menu for your party will give you all the food you need and you will leave full and happy. With this being a new location we had a few hiccups with our order but our waiter and The Pit took care of us the entire time. Overall it was good food, a great location, and I will be back in the future to try some more of the menu.
PE
Peter Selk
Pretty disappointing. The waiter was young and enthusiastic, but got my order wrong. In terms of whole hog barbecue, there are two choices on the menu: chopped barbecue and pulled pork. I asked the waiter whether the chopped barbecue contained bits of skin and fat. He said that it did, and I said "Good, thats what I want." But when the dish was delivered (by another waiter) he said "pulled pork" as he laid the plate down. And indeed it was. Pure lean meat, no skin, no fat, and dry as hell. Very poorly cooked. I suppose this error was due to racism: I am extremely white. And my son-in-law, a real gourmand, recommended the brisket, but this time found it disappointing. I think this place has suffered a major decline in quality since our children first recommended it.
