Best BBQ in St. Louis 2024

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There’s nothing quite like the taste of smoky, tender barbeque, and St. Louis is one of the best places to enjoy some of the best barbeque in the nation. If you’re visiting St. Louis, the challenge isn’t finding good barbeque; it’s deciding where to go first

What Makes St. Louis Barbeque?

St. Louis offers a signature take on barbeque with a style that involves grilling and then saucing the meat, allowing it to fall off the bone and without the need for extra sauces. St. Louis' style of sauce is tomato-based with sweet and sour overtones, with common ingredients including ketchup, brown sugar, spices, and vinegar.

The hallmark of St. Louis-style BBQ is the spare ribs, trimmed to create a uniform shape that cooks more evenly while being easier (and less messy) to eat. Another defining cut is pork steaks, a local favorite typically cut from the shoulder, marinated, and then slow-cooked to tender perfection.

These five restaurants stand out for providing excellent service, quality experience, and, of course, the best of St. Louis-style barbeque.

Pappy’s Smokehouse
Pappy’s Smokehouse is a cornerstone of the St. Louis Barbecue scene. It offers a range of styles, including those from St. Louis, Memphis, and Louisiana. The restaurant is notable for its slow-cooked meats, which are cooked over apple and cherry wood for up to 24 hours.

One of their best dishes is their dry-rubbed ribs, seasoned with a proprietary blend of spices and served without sauce. However, Pappy’s offers a variety of house-made sauces, including their signature sweet and tangy. Overall, Pappy’s provides a diverse BBQ experience, especially for those coming out of town, and offers a range of styles that showcase their expertise.

Beast Craft BBQ
Beast Craft BBQ, located a short drive across the river in Belleville, Illinois, has become a favorite among St. Louis BBQ enthusiasts. Known for its quality ingredients, Beast Craft BBQ’s philosophy is “Only the Good Stuff,” a testament to its simplicity and quality.

Beast Style BBQ is committed to redefining St. Louis barbeque and offering the best in the region, setting St. Louis apart from Kansas City and Memphis as the premier style in the Midwest.

Sugarfire Smokehouse
Sugarfire Smokehouse has become a beloved institution in St. Louis, known for its inventive and diverse menu. With numerous locations, including downtown St. Louis, Surfarfire offers a wide range of favorites, from brisket and pulled pork to ribs and even turkey.

Try unique and decadent favorites such as the “Big Muddy” sandwich, which includes brisket, smoked sausage, horseradish sauce, and plenty of napkins; or the “Meat Daddy,” a combination plate including 4-bone ribs, jalapeno cheddar sausage, and 4oz each of brisket, pulled pork, turkey, and two sides!

Salt and Smoke
Salt and Smoke is a staple of St. Louis BBQ, combining traditional barbeque techniques with a StL-style twist. Located throughout St. Louis, Salt and Smoke is known for its trifecta of “barbeque, beer, and bourbon.” Additionally, Salt and Smoke is one of the most affordable options in the area, with a commitment to quality and customer service.

A notable feature of Salt and Smoke is its commitment to inclusivity, and it remains one of the only places in St. Louis where you can find gluten-free and vegetarian options, such as the Falafel Burger with flaxseed mayo and pepper jelly. They also have the best mac and cheese!

Bogart’s Smokehouse
Bogart’s Smokehouse, located in the historic Soulard neighborhood of St. Louis, is a daughter restaurant of Pappy’s and one of the best places to grab BBQ in south-side St. Louis. The best menu item is the apricot-bruleed ribs, which feature a caramelized glaze and tender, smoky meat.

The best part about Bogart’s is that it’s just minutes, less than a mile, from Lehmann House Bed and Breakfast. And they have the best baked beans ever!

Plan To Stay At Lehmann House for Your Next Adventure into St. Louis Barbeque!

St. Louis is home to some of the finest BBQ in the country and is the perfect way to end an adventure through the city. From Pappy’s Smokehouse’s legendary dry-rubbed ribs to Beast Craft BBQ’s premium St. Louis-style meats, there’s something for everyone in St. Louis.

While enjoying a delicious meal (or two!) at one of the premier St. Louis barbeque spots, be sure to plan your adventure with a stay at Lehmann House Bed and Breakfast. Conveniently located near downtown and all the best barbeque spots, Lehmann House is your perfect home away from home while you visit St. Louis.

BOOK NOW to get started and DOWNLOAD OUR FREE GUIDE today to learn about local events, attractions, and amenities in the St. Louis area.

 

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