To know how pit beef became a delicious Baltimore favorite, we have to look back at its history.
Everyone knows that Baltimore loves its blue crabs. You may have also heard that we’re crazy about our pit beef as well. Pit beef, just like blue crabs, is one of those quintessentially Baltimorean foods. But where did pit beef come from?
What Is Pit Beef?
Before we embark on our trip down memory lane, first we have to know exactly what defines pit beef. Some will argue that pit beef is cooked by barbecuing, while others will vehemently argue the opposite. Whatever the case, pit beef is traditionally cooked on a spit over hot charcoals, giving the meat an earthy charcoal flavor. The meat is generally on the rare side and cut into thin, delicate slices either by hand or by machine. Everyone has their own special way of cooking pit beef. If you’ve never had pit beef before, come visit The Pit at Costas Inn on Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays from 11am to 5pm, and Thursdays and Fridays from 11am to 6pm.
The Rise of Pit Beef in Baltimore
According to research from Richard Gorelick of City Paper, pit beef had its humble beginnings at roadside stands on along Route 40 in the 1970s. It wasn’t until Boog’s Corner (now Boog’s BBQ) was erected that pit beef really began to be seen as a Baltimore tradition. Boog’s Corner was the signature eatery at the then-newly opened Oriole Park at Camden Yards. Boog Powell was a former first baseman for the Orioles who proudly attended to the pit beef stand personally. The Baltimore Sun, in 1992, published a roundup of the top 10 pit beef stands, with Boog’s Corner notably on the list. After that, the popularity of pit beef soared, and it became a treasured Baltimore food.
Come Visit Costas Inn!
Costas Inn has been a family owned and operated restaurant for over 40 years. We were recently voted the 2015 #1 Baltimore Seafood Restaurant by USA Today. You may have spotted Costas Inn during one of our 9 appearances on the Today Show or heard one of our many interviews on WJZ TV Channel 13 with Ron Matz and Marty Bass. We were also voted #1 Crab Restaurant 2014 in the Baltimore Business Journal! You can enjoy our famous crab cakes in-house or order them online for anytime eating. We also provide some of the best seafood catering in the Baltimore area! You can also get your fill from Costas even when you’re not in our dining room: follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Google+, Pinterest, and YouTube!
Tags: Costas Inn, pit beef
