Guests enjoying a delicious meal at The Magnolia Pit.
The Magnolia Pit, a standout BBQ restaurant in Shreveport, Louisiana, gained attention after being featured on ‘America’s Best Restaurants.’ Chef John Strand’s innovative menu merges traditional Louisiana flavors with BBQ, attracting food lovers since its opening in March 2024. The restaurant’s notable dishes, including the brisket cheddar melt and Pit Master sampler, impressed the show’s host during filming on January 17, 2025. With a growing reputation for quality cuisine, The Magnolia Pit is set to become a must-visit culinary destination.
In a buzzworthy moment for food lovers in Shreveport, Louisiana, The Magnolia Pit is set to take center stage on the popular show “America’s Best Restaurants.” This delightful spot, located at 727 Jordan Street, has quickly made a name for itself since opening in March 2024. With Chef John Strand at the helm, diners can expect a unique blend of BBQ and local Louisiana flavors that put a special spin on traditional dishes.
Filming for the highly anticipated episode took place on January 17, 2025, and it was definitely a day to remember at The Magnolia Pit. As the production crew moved through the kitchen, a palpable energy filled the air. The restaurant was more crowded than usual, but that didn’t deter Chef Strand and his staff from showcasing their culinary skills while keeping the operations flowing smoothly.
During the taping, the restaurant’s signature dish, the brisket cheddar melt, caught the attention of the host Luis Rivera. Rivera couldn’t help but rave about how this dish, served with a rich au jus, was nothing short of “life changing.” Not stopping there, he also dove into a delicious Pit Master sampler that offered a tasty variety of meats along with sides, desserts, and fresh bread.
The sampler was a feast for the senses, making it hard to miss the special addition of a tender beef rib. Guests could also find a plate of smoked fried quail among the menu highlights, artfully accompanied by hearty sides such as baked beans, macaroni and cheese, cole slaw, and fried okra. Rivera had a chance to taste all these scrumptious offerings while capturing the excitement of the moment.
The Magnolia Pit, having earned a reputation for consistently selling out of its delicious BBQ offerings, has become a popular destination for locals and visitors alike. They’ve only been around for a short time, but their commitment to savoring the soul of Louisiana BBQ has resonated with the community. Chef Strand, who has roots in the fine dining world, wanted to mesh BBQ with local flavors, drawing inspiration from traditional Louisiana cooking.
On filming day, the hustle and bustle in the kitchen didn’t go unnoticed. The dedicated team worked hard to maintain their day-to-day operations while accommodating the show’s demands. They even showcased how some dishes were created, including the beloved bread pudding sauce that adds a sweet treat to any meal.
As excitement builds, fans will have to wait a bit for the episode, which is set to be posted on various social media channels after a three-month wait. It’s worth noting that some of the last north Louisiana restaurants featured on “America’s Best Restaurants” were The Cub Lounge & Grille and Big Zach’s Place back in 2023, making this a significant moment for The Magnolia Pit.
The menu at The Magnolia Pit is anything but ordinary. Alongside the famed brisket cheddar melt and sampler, you can find creative options like cochon de lait sandwiches, burnt ends dirty rice, and even the indulgent **bananas foster pudding**. Each dish reflects Chef Strand’s vision of infusing traditional BBQ with local flair.
So, whether you’re a local or just passing through, be sure to check out The Magnolia Pit. It’s a dining experience that combines warmth, flavor, and the spirit of Louisiana, elevating the BBQ scene to new heights. Don’t miss the upcoming episode on “America’s Best Restaurants” to see just what makes this hidden gem so special.
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