I want to tell you about a very pleasant woman, Kim Hackney, who has opened a REAL BARBECUE (not the Portuguese type, although that's yummy too) restaurant in Montclair on Bloomfield Avenue near the Fire station and Bay St Station. It's called "The Wood Pit."Last night I went there for takeout, after seeing the store open up about 2 weeks ago. I was going to work late and was on my own for dinner.
As I passed the store driving west on Bloomfield Avenue, I caught the sweet smell of hickory smoke hovering over Bloomfield Ave. I knew I was going to be in for something good!
When I introduced myself to Kim, she made me feel right at home. She described the sauces (mild, sweet, and according to Kim, "really hot"), and told me of her plan to expand to the adjoining storefront where they will have more tables and wait staff for a sit-down meal.Kim and I discussed what style of Barbecue they offer. The Wood Pit does the Western North Carolina/Georgia version, of which I am most familiar having had lived outside of Atlanta for 4 years a while back.
I asked for the smothered beef slices sandwich with 2 sides: macaroni and cheese, and baked beans. I was a little disappointed when they told me that the sliced beef was already sold out (it was 6:05 for heavens sake!!!!) and I was supposed to call in earlier and or come by earlier in the day.
I opted for a custom chopped chicken sandwich instead; then as they were preparing it a gentleman behind the counter asked me "Can you wait around for a little while, 10-15 minutes? I can make your sliced beef." So I grabbed a root beer, and waited for my sliced beef to be prepared. They opened up the large smokers and a plume of Hickory smoke filled the back of the restaurant, permeating my clothes. I was happy to wear that smell out of the store, the scent reminding me of campfires when I was younger. After a short wait, and several thank you's and I'll be backs, I went home with my southern style barbecue dinner.
I got home and couldn't wait to eat: The sliced beef, although a little cold from a rush job (for them to provide me with my original choice), was tender and smoky; sauce was exactly as I expected: peppery and tomato based. Portions were huge (they claim on their menu the sandwiches are enough for two - I agree). The Mac and Cheese was perfect - better than what I could make at home on a rainy cold Sunday afternoon. Beans were excellent - stick to your ribs sauce!
I will be a regular face in The Wood Pit from this point on when I am on my own for dinner; and likely try to entice my wife to convert to barbecue! Their web site is here.
Please post this up on Baristanet - it deserves a good rating!!!
Agreed, David. I enjoyed The Wood Pit Special, pictured above - a plate of juicy smoked chicken wings with fries, their daily deal - only $5.50. Here's the rib dinner platter - the rib slab is at the top of the page. Watch out for the spicy BBQ sauce - it's four-alarm!!! All desserts are home made by Kim - and the chocolate sour cream cake is worth the calories!
We tried it this weekend as well and we especially loved the chicken. And the owners couldn't have been nicer. Good luck to them!