The Smoking Pit

Passing through Peoria with a traveling show and wanted something a bit heartier than Chick-​fil-​A after a day spent on airplanes, so decided with a couple of guys on BBQ after reading rave reviews.
The tableaux was a little disappointing. One poor guy working by himself and although we were the only table he was also handling takeout orders and probably trying to do his closing side work at the same time. He was unfailingly polite the entire time, so I place no fault on him, but maybe his support shouldn’t have been cut so soon.
Our food left a bit to be desired. Not as hot as you’d like (food safety concern), green beans very soft and mushy, all of it kind of gave the impression that it had been sitting around all day and then was hastily prepared. I realize we were there at 8pm on a weekday but sadly it shouldn’t be a factor. I’m awarding a dim third star because the service was good and the food was cheap, but overall improvements can be made.
Oh, and hope you’re a Christian if you decide to eat here, otherwise the paraphernalia on the walls will make you feel like the atheist at a church potluck.

great ribs, staff is friendly. love that it is located inside the mall.

Came here based on Unilocal reviews and did not disappoint. Had pulled pork sandwich and fries for around $ 7. My son had the kids 2-​rib meal for under $ 5. Food was good, staff very friendly. At the end of the mall by Sears on the top floor. Would come here again.

Outstanding Food, Service, and Prices. Very friendly atmosphere and a true asset to the Peoria Barbecue scene. Best I’ve had, and they even make and sell their own sauce!

I was a little dubious of this place at first since it was nestled inside a mall, but after dining here this week I can say with confidence this is the best BBQ in Peoria, possibly Central Illinois.
For $ 10 you can expect tender, succulent fall-​off-​the-​tendon Rib Tips, slathered generously in tangy, sweet bbq sauce. The portions are generous and come with one or two side items and a slice of white bread.
At my most recent visit, my friend and I got the above mentioned, praise worthy Rib Tips and a whole rack of ribs, which happen to be doused in the same bbq sauce and were equally delicious.
The sides complimented the meats well, although the green beans were on the slightly too salty side. Baked beans were very good, probably because it was laced with bacon (always a good idea). Fries were crispy and golden.
Can’t wait to go again!

I really like their ribs and wings. their prices are comparable to chili’s. maybe a little bit cheaper. what I really like is my g/​f and I can walk right in and get a seat. however the word must be getting out because I picked up ribs the other day and they were packed.

Happened across this cute little place thanks to Unilocal reviews, and it didn’t disappoint. Definitely choose the rib bones and the catfish. Delish. And the servers were incredibly friendly and helpful.

Stopped by This place on a cross country trip to help my son and his wife move to attend law school. Loved this place. I had a pulled chicken dinner and it was awesome. There were five of us and the meals ranged from brisket to pork and all reported a fabulous meal. The staff were friendly and demonstrate a sense of humor and a genuine concern that our experience was the best it could be. Loved this place and wish we had one where I reside. If in Peoria, try it.

While I agree that there could be a little more smoke flavor in the ribs, this place is the sh*t. Biggest, most tender ribs I’ve ever had, and I’ve stayed a weekend or more in Memphis every year for most of my life. Prices are extremely low compared to other joints around Peoria. Go check it out! If you want a bunch of fancy sides and stuff this place is not for you. If you want some super bomb ribs, this place is definitely top of the list. My gf had the brisket and said it was amazing as well. We will be back often!

Smo-​King-​Pit is hands down the best BBQ. I have had bbq in Memphis, Texas, North Carolina and Florida and in my opinion none compare to Smo-​King-​Pit. Everything I have had there has always been great. My favorite is the ribs, coleslaw & fries. Mike and his family are awesome, it’s like going to a friends house for dinner.

This place is amazing! The ribs are really good and the catfish is really good!
I have eaten BBQ from several different spots across the US and this is definitely one of my favorites. This is a family owned buissiness and they truly make you feel like family! The sauce is delicious also!

Excellent pulled pork and brisket, A much-​needed barbecue restaurant for those of us who don’t want to travel to Missouri. Location is inside Northwoods Mall and ceratinly worth the trip.

I always enjoy the BBQ at Smo-​King Pit. Their pulled chicken is especially good as well as their pulled pork. The other things I love is that it is family owned and the service is fantastic. A must-​try if you want BBQ in Peoria.

Good, flavorful BBQ backed with GREAT service makes this 5 stars. As other reviews share, Smo-​king is family owned that deliver service with care for the customers.

Always good food I’ve worked I’m the mall for many years and this is by far the best place to eat

This is my second-​favorite BBQ place in Peoria, and the one I go to most often now that Grandpa John’s moved further away. The staff are always friendly and the food is excellent. I always get a platter with a few ribs and two sides, usually fries and cole slaw. I still like Grandpa John’s sauce better, but this place easily blows away anything in Northwoods Mall’s food court.

I really like this place. I always order the rib tip combo. It ‘s always tender, full of flavor, and the price is extremely affordable. The staff are super friendly and very efficient. I live in Georgia but Peoria is my home and when I’m home this is where I go for BBQ.

Inexpensive but not great BBQ.
I really wanted to like this place and I’m from Chicago so I’ve gotten used to disappointments in Peoria. In this particular case I think you can do better in Peoria by going to the BBQ chain restaurant Hickory River.
The food was bland and, as another reviewer pointed out, overly gristly. I had the ribs and the brisket withe cole slaw and baked beans. I guess if you had to eat in the mall it isn’t a bad choice.
Jon

I had fall-​off-​the bone ribs and perfectly cooked pulled pork both with a nicely textured BBQ sauce. Mike, the owner, is from Clarksdale, MS and knows what he is doing! Best combo of pulled pork & ribs I have eaten in Peoria!

The sauce here is great!!! A nice family owned restaurant with really good food. Much better than one would expect from a mall eatery.
The sauce is soooo good that I have family members ship it out to California.