The Best Barbecue Restaurants in St. Louis, Missouri

Bandana's Bar-B-Q Sunset Hills serves traditional barbecue in a casual, themed setting with both indoor and outdoor seating. Guests highlight tender ribs, a variety of sauces, and hearty sides like baked beans and potato salad. The restaurant is noted for its clean, inviting space, ample parking, and generally attentive table service. Online ordering and family-style meals are available for convenient takeout.

C&K Barbecue Restaurant is a long-running, family-owned spot known for its richly flavored, smoky St. Louis–style barbecue. Guests highlight the signature sauce and tender meats, from ribs and rib tips to hot links and wings. This casual drive-up takeout restaurant offers straightforward, satisfying barbecue with welcoming, attentive service.

J. Smugs Gastropit serves barbecue-focused comfort food, from saucy ribs and pulled meats to seasoned fries and creamy mac and cheese. Guests highlight the flavorful house sauces and shareable starters like soft pretzels with cheese. A modern interior, large patio, and garage-style doors create an open, lively setting. Attentive, personable service rounds out the experience.

The Midwestern offers casual American smokehouse fare with a focus on ribs, wings, smoked turkey, and classic comfort sides. A full bar and broad drink selection complement the boldly seasoned, sweet dry-rubbed meats. With a covered back area featuring a large screen and flexible seating, it serves as a lively gathering spot for groups and pregame meetups.