St. Louis is renowned for its delicious barbecue, and there's no shortage of places to get your fill of mouth-watering meats, flavorful sauces, and savory sides. From hole-in-the-wall joints to upscale restaurants, there's a barbecue spot in St. Louis to suit any taste or budget.
After scouring the city and sampling all the best barbecue that St. Louis has to offer, we've narrowed down our list of the top BBQ spots in the city. Here are our picks for the best BBQ in St. Louis.
- Pappy's Smokehouse
Pappy's Smokehouse is widely considered to be the best barbecue spot in St. Louis, and for good reason. The meats are perfectly smoked and come in generous portions, while the sides are all made from scratch and bursting with flavor. The ribs are the standout dish here, with a smoky, tender, and fall-off-the-bone texture that will leave you licking your fingers.
- Bogart's Smokehouse
Bogart's Smokehouse is another St. Louis barbecue institution that shouldn't be missed. The meats here are smoked low and slow, resulting in incredibly flavorful and tender cuts of meat. The brisket is a must-try, but the pulled pork and ribs are also top-notch. Don't forget to try the burnt ends, which are crispy, smoky, and melt-in-your-mouth delicious.
- Sugarfire Smoke House
Sugarfire Smoke House is a popular spot with several locations throughout the city. The meats here are all smoked to perfection, with a range of rubs and sauces to suit any taste. The brisket and pulled pork are both standout dishes, but don't miss the smoked turkey or the house-made sausage. The sides are also excellent, with options like sweet potato fries, mac and cheese, and brisket chili.
- Salt + Smoke
Salt + Smoke is a trendy barbecue spot that offers a range of smoked meats, sandwiches, and sides. The brisket and ribs are both excellent, but the standout dish here is the smoked chicken wings. They're juicy, smoky, and perfectly seasoned, with a crispy skin that will have you coming back for more. The sides are all made from scratch and range from classic options like baked beans and coleslaw to more unique offerings like cauliflower gratin and smoked gouda mac and cheese.
- Beast Craft BBQ Co.
Beast Craft BBQ Co. is a must-visit spot for any barbecue lover in St. Louis. The meats here are all smoked over hickory wood for an intense smoky flavor, with a range of rubs and sauces to choose from. The brisket and pulled pork are both top-notch, but don't miss the pastrami beef ribs or the smoked lamb belly. The sides are all made from scratch and range from classic options like potato salad and baked beans to more creative dishes like smoked cauliflower and fried pickles.
In conclusion, there's no shortage of amazing barbecue spots in St. Louis, but these five are the cream of the crop. Whether you're in the mood for brisket, ribs, or pulled pork, these spots are sure to satisfy your cravings and leave you planning your next visit.