United States
Introduction to St. Louis BBQ
St. Louis, known for its rich culinary scene, boasts a vibrant BBQ culture that attracts locals and visitors alike. With a variety of BBQ styles and restaurants to choose from, St. Louis offers something for every palate. Here, we delve into the top 10 BBQ restaurants in the St. Louis metropolitan area, highlighting their unique offerings and what makes them stand out.
Pappy's Smokehouse
Pappy's Smokehouse is often considered the granddaddy of St. Louis BBQ. Located in the midtown area, Pappy's serves Memphis-style BBQ, characterized by dry-rubbed ribs smoked over apple and cherry wood. The menu includes pulled pork, beef brisket, smoked turkey, smoked chicken, sausage, and burnt ends. A favorite among locals and visitors, Pappy's is known for its tender and flavorful meats, with the pulled pork sandwich being a particular highlight.
Salt + Smoke
Salt + Smoke is a local St. Louis restaurant with multiple locations, offering traditional St. Louis-style BBQ. They smoke their pork and brisket over post oak wood, which creates a deep and long finish to their smoked meats. The menu includes BBQ pulled chicken, salmon smoked with cherry wood, wings, and fried chicken skins. The pork sandwich, served on a lightly toasted bun with pickles, is a standout item, known for its rich smoky flavor and tender texture.
Sugarfire Smokehouse
Sugarfire Smokehouse is an award-winning Missouri chain with several locations in St. Louis. It combines the best traditions of various BBQ cities to create a unique St. Louis-style BBQ. The menu is diverse, including ribs, pulled pork, brisket, burgers, salmon, and salads, making it a great option for both meat lovers and those looking for lighter choices. While the serving sizes may be smaller compared to other places, the quality of the BBQ is consistently good.
Bogart's Smokehouse
Bogart's Smokehouse, located in the Soulard neighborhood, is known for its vibrant atmosphere and delicious BBQ. The restaurant operates on a 'until they sell out' policy, which often results in lines out the door. However, the wait is made more enjoyable with complimentary smoked wings and other treats. Bogart's BBQ is highly regarded, and the neighborhood itself adds to the dining experience.
Other Notable BBQ Restaurants
In addition to the above, several other BBQ restaurants in St. Louis are worth mentioning. Roper’s Ribs, known for its flavorful meats and quick service, is a local favorite. Bandana’s BBQ, with multiple locations, offers a variety of BBQ styles and a welcoming atmosphere. Smoking Barrels BBQ and BBQ Saloon also make the list, each offering unique BBQ experiences and a range of menu items.
Special Mentions
Dalie’s Smokehouse and Smokee Mo’s St. Louis BBQ are special mentions due to their high ratings and loyal customer bases. Dalie’s Smokehouse has a Google rating of 4.7 stars with over 1,000 reviews, while Smokee Mo’s is praised for its brisket and ribs.
Choosing the Right BBQ Restaurant
When deciding where to go for BBQ in St. Louis, consider what type of BBQ experience you are looking for. Whether it's the traditional St. Louis-style at Salt + Smoke, the Memphis-style at Pappy's, or the diverse offerings at Sugarfire, there is a BBQ restaurant in St. Louis that will satisfy your cravings. Each restaurant has its own unique charm and specialties, making the city a BBQ lover's paradise.