The Pit is fairly new by my standards. And if you like the food there, I'd suggest trying Stephenson's out in Willow Spring, they still use wood to cook, it's really good and they offer Brunswick stew.
Also if you're willing to drive out to Wilson, Parker's and Cobb's are good. (I'd have suggested Bill Ellis but they closed when Ellis died. Sadly it seems no one wanted to keep up the traditions.) Really there's a whole world of tiny Mom and Pop BBQ places in various small towns in NC that are great.
Unfortunately (well, not really) I pretty much never need a car when I visit Raleigh. Convention Center (and office) are just a walk from the hotel. Which is nice but I rarely have a car any longer. But I'll make note of the recommendations! (I also happen to be a fan of North Carolina style sauce.)
For the amount of time I've spent in the Raleigh and Triangle area over the years, I've done way too little exploration of the area--which is very unusual for me. Unfortunately my upcoming trip would have been a great opportunity. But of course it was sandwiched in between other travel so I didn't really have the time.
Also if you're willing to drive out to Wilson, Parker's and Cobb's are good. (I'd have suggested Bill Ellis but they closed when Ellis died. Sadly it seems no one wanted to keep up the traditions.) Really there's a whole world of tiny Mom and Pop BBQ places in various small towns in NC that are great.