Doc Wolfe, Cincinnati Magazine's Fine Diving Columnist.

HERE ARE DOC'S TOP PICKS FOR OPEN PITS

Ollie's Trolley at Central and Liberty. 20 grills no waiting. They have grills and smokers always going out there on the street. The trolley itself is a remnant of the Ollie's Trolley chain, a burger restaurant started by John Y. Brown. Mr. Ollie has become a fixture in over the Rhine. Ribs and burgers, smoked and deep fried turkeys for Thanksgiving.

Mr. Pig in Findlay Market is Paul Sebron's place. They have Barbecue, Shrimp, Crayfish and Chicken. The sauces are secret as they should be. Like any good barbecue joint Mr. Pig closed down for a while. Usually it's a kitchen fire. Barbecue joints measure time by kitchen fires. This is what a rib joint should be. Carry out only.

Rocky's Barbecue Hut on Montgomery Rd near the Pleasant Ridge/Norwood line. The building next door is black from the smoke.  No phone. If it looks like Pleasant Ridge is on fire, they're open.

Mei Japanese grocery and noodle stand. 7944 Montgomery Mason Rd. It's not a pit, but it's a real noodle stand. No place to sit. Just stand around and eat noodles.