The Smoke Pit — Restaurant in Melbourne

First time here after seeing queues of cars and people when driving past a few times at night. We made an especial trip here as it's about 20km from where we live. A little bit hidden away, it's an American style BBQ place and we visited on a weekday night, just after their rush. The American/Texas style wood fired smoking/grill pit is just to the side of the building and is huge, along with an equally large pile of firewood. The decor is nothing fancy, very relaxed and homey, comfortable with indoor and outdoor seating available. There is seating for maybe 100 or so people so it's probably a good idea to book, especially if there are a few of you coming at a peak time. Heaps of people buy takeaway and there was a constant stream of couriers picking up orders whilst we were there. Staff were friendly and knowledgeable about the menu items, it seems to be a family run place. Menu has a great selection of meal items with slow cooked ribs, BBQ brisket, pulled pork, BBQ chicken etc, as well as an interesting range of sides, Burgers etc. For 3 hungry adults we ordered a meal for 2, some Burnt Pork Ends, and stuffed Jalapenos. Everything was delicious and the serves were huge. We only ate about half, and they helped us pack the leftovers to take home. I especially liked the range of BBQ sauces supplied, and they had a buffet of an additional 10 or so sauces you could self serve, from mild and fruity to insanely burney!! All of these sauces, as well as a stack of others are also available for sale. We were so full we couldn't fit in the range of American style pies for dessert, so we bought a slice of Apple and a Cherry pie to take away. The Apple was superb, with large chunks of tender apple in a yummy crust, the fresh apple flavour shone through. First time I've had an American style Cherry pie and I have to say I was disappointed! It was chock full of whole cherries, but so INSANELY sweet it was actually nigh impossible to tell it was Cherry! They aren't licenced as yet, but the manager told me that's something that's happening soon. There were some non alcoholic beers available, which was great as Beer and slow cooked and smoked meat is a match made in heaven! Very good value, much cheaper than other American style BBQs we've had in Melbourne and the food quality was right up there. Highlights: Brisket, Burnt Pork Ends, BBQ chicken, AMAZING fresh Coleslaw, Chips and that excellent Apple pie. I was disappointed we couldn't try the ribs as that's usually our favourite American style BBQ....something for next time we come, maybe a bit earlier in the...

I stopped in for a mid-week take away. This place is real - you can smell it as you walk up the drive. I picked up a lunch special, which was the Big Feed For 1. They weren't kidding when they say 'big feed'. I can eat but this challenged me. The quality of the food was exactly I'd expect from a place boasting American bbq. I had no complaints about the food. With that said, if you do get take away, scoff it asap - the food could suffer sweating in the take away foil box (especially the chips). The pickles were def homemade and not from a jar. I'm a plain kind of dude and as such, the chicken wing was awesome. The pork and brisket was super - not dry, not salty but bang on. Watch out for the sausage - it'll shoot juice all over your shirt, and rightly so.

I ran into two staff members - if I'd have to guess, I'd say they were the owners or well invested in the operation. Absolute top notch service. I didn't review the menu prior to arriving and had just walked in not knowing what they had to offer. The fella I first ran in to welcomed me and asked how he could take care of me. He promptly suggested the big feed, made some homely small talk and the the lovely lady sent me on my way 10ish minutes later! I noted a table with a few elderly guys dining in and having a great time. They were very well take care of by the lady.

The restaurant has a American bar vibe about it and is absolutely have no issue dining in that atmosphere and trying out their bar! The music playing was as you'd expect - 70s-90s rock.

This style of food and service is not common in Aus but I think if you wanted to try something different or even if you were an American1style bbq 'virgin', I'd absolutely recommend giving this place a shot. While I haven't dined in yet, I'm confident that after what I've seen and experienced, you'd be very well impressed. While I dare not take my toddlers with me (I'm sure they'd be welcomed but they're a handful!!!), my wife and I will knock out a dine in experience very soon.

Finally, I don't often leave reviews but when I do, I wholeheartedly write with genuine intent. I can't speak a bad word of my experience and have full confidence that others will feel the same.

Thank you for taking care of my meaty needs and I look forward to doing it again very soon! Well done on running an...

"Sometimes the brightest gems hide in plain sight."

I've travelled the same road for a while now, and never took a moment to glance to the side. That is, until one early morning, where I noticed 'The Smoke Pit' standing there - bold, and intriguing.

My partner and I simply had to try this authentic American comfort-styled cuisine.

Upon entering the restaurant, we were greeted by a lovely woman named Caitlyn (Sorry if I've spelled that wrong). Her beautiful and warm demenour helped us feel immediately welcome.

The atmosphere was warm, cozy, and had a comfortably rustic vibe.

We ordered the Share Plate for 2, Mac n Cheese, Onion Rings, Beans. Drinks? Lemon lime and bitters, and a Banana Thickshake.

The food arrived quite quickly, and it all looked so fantastic, that we couldn't wait to start tasting everything before taking the typical "Restaurant food photo". (which is why our photo contains eaten portions)

Everything was outstanding - and I don't say that lightly. I used to live in the United States, and this food was at least it's equal.

Brisket? Juicy and tender. Melt in your mouth. Slaw and sides? A perfect amount of crisp, zest, and sweetness. Fries? Perfectly cooked and seasoned. Everything was absolutely fantastic. But the real winner for us? The Texas Cowboy Beans. The taste is absolutely sensational.

Then, for dessert, we tried the Cherry Pie with ice cream, and a slice of Maple Pecan Pie. As soon as the taste hit my tongue, I became immediately reminiscent of my time living in America. Also fun fact, these pies are outsourced to an actual traditional American Pie maker - and it definitely shows. They were gorgeous.

Feeling amazingly satisfied, we took the rest of our lunch home in some tidy takeaway boxes, and shared some kind words with Caitlyn before leaving.

If you want a taste of some thoughtfully crafted American comfort cuisine, in a venue with a comfortably authentic vibe? You need to give The Smoke Pit a try. You won't be disappointed.

Easy 5 star recommendation. It's funny how we can often walk the same path, for weeks, and never take a brief moment to just see the world around us. Today, I did; and that made all...