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Shreveport's Hidden BBQ Speakeasy Turns 318 Food Scene on Its Head
Magnolia Pit is making waves with its women-led BBQ and Southern comfort menu items.
Published on Feb. 26, 2026
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Magnolia Pit, a speakeasy-style BBQ restaurant in Shreveport, Louisiana, is gaining attention for its unique approach. Led by women pitmasters, the restaurant offers a menu of smoked meats, loaded sides, and signature dishes like the BBQ Crunchwrap. The hidden location and speakeasy vibe add to the experience.
Why it matters
Magnolia Pit is challenging the traditional BBQ scene in the South by featuring women in leadership roles, a rarity in the male-dominated industry. The restaurant's commitment to quality ingredients and unique menu items is also drawing praise from local diners and putting Shreveport's food scene on the map.
The details
To find Magnolia Pit, diners must follow the trail of hickory smoke to an unassuming brick building on Jordan Street. Once inside the speakeasy-style doors, they'll discover an electric atmosphere and a menu led by women pitmasters. Standout items include massive loaded potatoes, brisket-topped fries, and the signature BBQ Crunchwrap - a jalapeño cheddar wrap stuffed with smoked brisket, mac and cheese, jalapeño chips, and house-made sauces.
- Magnolia Pit opened its doors in 2023.
The players
Magnolia Pit
A speakeasy-style BBQ restaurant in Shreveport, Louisiana, known for its women-led pitmasters and unique menu of smoked meats and Southern comfort dishes.
Chef Val Benn
The head pitmaster at Magnolia Pit, known for her refusal to take shortcuts and her domination of the local BBQ scene.
What’s next
Magnolia Pit plans to expand its speakeasy concept to other locations in the Shreveport-Bossier area in the coming years.
The takeaway
Magnolia Pit's success highlights the growing demand for innovative, quality-focused BBQ experiences, especially those that challenge traditional gender norms in the industry. The restaurant's commitment to its craft and community-driven approach has made it a must-visit destination for food lovers in Shreveport and beyond.
