Jordan Goldenberg Reviews the Best BBQ Restaurants in St. Louis Missouri

Perhaps one of the most difficult things all diners must face is narrowing down the number of restaurants they want to try. As the COVID-19 pandemic draws to an end, more and more restaurants are reopening, much to the excitement of food loving locals. As a lifelong lover of BBQ and self-proclaimed advocate of the local food scene, Jordan Goldenberg of St. Louis, Missouri hopes to aid his fellow food enthusiasts by sharing his top picks of BBQ restaurants in his hometown. As one of America’s most notorious BBQ cities, St. Louis has no shortage of excellent smokehouses and BBQ joints; however, Jordan Goldenberg believes the following BBQ restaurants stand apart and are a must-try for tourists and locals alike!

Pappy’s SmokeHouse

In St. Louis, Missouri, Pappy’s Smokehouse is one of the cornerstones of BBQ. The restaurant has been featured on the Food Network, Travel Channel, and Yelp’s “Top 100 Places to Eat” list. Obviously one of the most beloved and well-known restaurants within the city, it would be a mistake not to list Pappy’s on any “Best BBQ in St. Louis” list. If you are planning on visiting Pappy’s in the immediate future, be sure to try their ribs which the food channel has described as “the best ribs in America.” However, be sure to call ahead for take-out, as Pappy’s lines have been known to wrap around the block.

Bogart’s SmokeHouse

Located on 9th street lies one of St. Louis’s all-time favorite BBQ joints. Known for their Memphis and Louisiana style sandwiches, their menu features pastrami, smoked tri-tip sirloin, glazed ribs, and brisket sandwiches. The restaurant, owned by John Matthews, Michael Macchi, Brian Scoggins, and Niki Puto, the founders of Pappy’s SmokeHouse, opened in 2011 to rave reviews by both food critics and customers. After closing for a period during the COVID-19 pandemic, the restaurant reopened on March 30 just in time for its ten-year anniversary. The restaurant will celebrate by expanding its award-winning menu.

Salt + Smoke

One of the most prominent up-and-coming BBQ restaurants in downtown St. Louis is Salt + Smoke. An excellent restaurant that takes a new approach to BBQ, Salt + Smoke is known for its exciting BBQ dishes, fresh fries and pies, and a superb variety of bourbon and beer. Whether you get Salt + Smoke’s famous mac n cheese, pulled pork, or their pecan pie, you will not be disappointed!