Let's be real - when you're craving authentic St. Louis barbecue, you don't want some fancy fusion experiment. You want smoky perfection that makes you lick your fingers and forget about napkins. I've spent years (and countless antacid tablets) hunting down what truly deserves the title of best barbecue in St Louis.
What Makes St. Louis BBQ Unique?
We do things differently here. Forget Texas brisket obsession or Carolina vinegar sauces. Our signature move? Pork steaks - thick cuts slow-smoked then grilled with sweet-tangy sauce. And that sauce! Thick, tomato-based with molasses kick. You'll find it slathered on ribs trimmed St. Louis style (that's spare ribs with the breastbone removed).
When I first moved here from Kansas City, I didn't get it. Then my neighbor dragged me to a backyard cookout where Mr. Johnson cooked pork steaks over hickory for 8 hours. Changed my life. That sticky-sweet crust, the tender meat... suddenly KC sauce tasted like vinegar water.
Top Spots for the Best Barbecue in St Louis
These joints deliver the goods consistently. I've included notes from my last visits - because hype doesn't always match reality.
Pappy's Smokehouse
6705 Olive Blvd, St. Louis, MO 63130
Open: Mon-Sat 11am-8pm (Closed Sunday)
Price: $$ ($15-25 per plate)
Must-try: Memphis Dry Rub Ribs - fall-off-the-bone magic
My take: Their sweet potato fries might be the best in Missouri. But go early - when they sell out (usually by 6pm), they mean it. Last Tuesday I showed up at 7:15 and got literal crumbs.
Bogart's Smokehouse
1627 S 9th St, St. Louis, MO 63104
Open: Wed-Sun 10:30am-4pm (Closed Mon-Tue)
Price: $$ ($14-22)
Must-try: Apricot-Glazed Ribs - fruit notes cut through smoke
My take: Tiny place in Soulard with massive flavor. Their smoked prime rib on Saturdays? Worth planning your week around. But bring cash and patience - lines wrap around the block.
Salt + Smoke
Multiple locations (Downtown: 6525 Delmar Blvd)
Open: Daily 11am-10pm
Price: $$$ ($20-35)
Must-try: Burnt Ends Baked Beans - meat candy in every bite
My take: Upscale vibe but portions stay hearty. Their whiskey selection pairs dangerously well with smoked brisket. Only complaint? Prices crept up post-pandemic.
St. Louis BBQ Comparison Table
| Restaurant | Address | Hours | Price Range | Signature Item | Wait Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pappy's Smokehouse | 6705 Olive Blvd | Mon-Sat 11am-8pm | $$ | Dry Rub Ribs | 45-75 min peak hours |
| Bogart's Smokehouse | 1627 S 9th St | Wed-Sun 10:30am-4pm | $$ | Apricot Ribs | 30-60 min |
| Salt + Smoke | 6525 Delmar Blvd | Daily 11am-10pm | $$$ | Burnt End Beans | 20-40 min |
| Adam's Smokehouse | 2200 Gravois Ave | Mon-Sat 11am-8pm | $ | Pork Steak Sandwich | 10-20 min |
| Beast Craft BBQ | 20 S Belt W, Belleville | Tue-Sat 11am-8pm | $$ | Beef Belly Burnt Ends | 15-30 min |
Under-the-Radar Contenders
Everyone talks about Pappy's. But these spots deserve more love:
Adam's Smokehouse
2200 Gravois Ave, St. Louis, MO 63104
Open: Mon-Sat 11am-8pm
Price: $ ($10-15)
Must-try: Smoked Pork Steak Sandwich - messy perfection
My take: No frills, huge portions. Their hot links made me sweat through my shirt. In July. With AC blasting. That's a compliment.
Beast Craft BBQ Co.
20 S Belt W, Belleville, IL 62220 (Yes, I included Illinois - deal with it)
Open: Tue-Sat 11am-8pm
Price: $$ ($16-26)
Must-try: Beef Belly Burnt Ends - crispy fatty heaven
My take: Worth crossing the river. Their coffee-rubbed brisket converted this pork loyalist. Downside? Limited seating means you might eat in your car. Did it twice. Zero regrets.
BBQ Styles Compared
| Style | Wood Used | Sauce Base | Signature Protein | Best Local Example |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| St. Louis Style | Hickory/Apple | Tomato-Molasses | Pork Steaks | Adam's Smokehouse |
| Memphis Style | Hickory | Tomato-Vinegar | Dry Rub Ribs | Pappy's |
| Texas Style | Post Oak | Pepper-Vinegar | Beef Brisket | Beast Craft BBQ |
Pro Tip: Most top spots don't take reservations. Show up at 10:45am for 11am openings. Bring folding chairs if you hate standing. Yes, I keep two in my trunk just for BBQ runs.
Essential Side Dishes Ranked
Because meat needs backup singers:
- #1 Baked Beans: Bogart's version wins with burnt end chunks
- #2 Sweet Potato Fries: Pappy's crispy-cinnamon magic
- #3 Fried Corn: Sugarfire's buttery cob nuggets
- #4 Potato Salad: Creamy (Salt+Smoke) > Vinegary (Adam's)
- #5 Collard Greens: Skip unless Beast Craft has them
What Tourists Get Wrong
After seeing disappointed visitors for years, avoid these mistakes:
- Asking for beef ribs - we're pork country
- Dousing everything in sauce before tasting the rub
- Showing up at 7pm on Saturday expecting no wait
- Wearing white shirts (seriously, it's BBQ warfare)
- Missing the hidden gems because they're not downtown
My buddy from New York made all five errors last summer. He left stained and sad.
Price Breakdown Guide
| Budget Level | Cost Per Person | What You Get | Best Options |
|---|---|---|---|
| Low ($10-15) | $12 avg | 1 meat + 1 side | Adam's, Dalie's |
| Medium ($16-25) | $21 avg | 2 meats + 2 sides | Pappy's, Bogart's |
| High ($26-40) | $33 avg | 3 meats + 3 sides + dessert | Salt+Smoke, Beast |
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Where's the absolute best barbecue in St Louis for first-timers?
A: Start with Pappy's for traditional experience or Salt+Smoke for modern takes. Avoid weekends if possible.
Q: Do I need reservations for top BBQ spots?
A: Nope. Most operate first-come-first-served. Arrive early or embrace the queue as part of the experience.
Q: What's the average wait time?
A: 45 minutes isn't unusual at Pappy's or Bogart's during peak hours. Adam's usually moves faster.
Q: Any good vegetarian options at St. Louis BBQ joints?
A: Surprisingly yes - Sugarfire's smoked portobello and Salt+Smoke's jackfruit sandwich actually satisfy.
Q: Best barbecue in St Louis for large groups?
A: Salt+Smoke's Delmar location handles crowds best. Pappy's has space but no reservations.
Seasonal Considerations
BBQ isn't just summer food here. Winter changes the game:
- November-February: Fewer tourists = shorter lines
- March-May: Ideal patio weather at Bogart's
- June-August: Peak season = arrive early
- September-October: Applewood smoke pairs perfectly with fall air
Last December at Beast Craft, I ate brisket in snowfall with the smoker billowing steam. Magical.
Catering and Takeout Notes
Hosting a Cardinals watch party? Here's what you need:
- Pappy's: Order 72+ hours ahead (www.pappyssmokehouse.com/catering)
- Salt+Smoke: Online ordering until 2am for next day pickup
- Adam's: Same-day orders accepted until 10am
- Pro Tip: Get extra sauce. Always. You'll run out during the 7th inning stretch.
Final Thoughts
Finding the best barbecue in St Louis isn't about fancy decor or Instagram walls. It's about that moment when smoky-sweet meat hits your tongue and you forget to breathe. Whether you're team rib or pork steak, these spots deliver real deal Missouri magic. Just bring wet wipes. And maybe a second stomach.
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