The 20 Best Barbecue Restaurants in St. Louis, Missouri

Pappy’s Smokehouse specializes in slow-smoked barbecue, with ribs, pulled pork, and burnt ends noted for their tender texture and rich smoke flavor. Classic sides like baked beans, potato salad, and fried corn round out hearty platters. The casual, family-friendly setting and attentive staff create an easygoing place to enjoy satisfying barbecue and a local root beer.

Dalie's Smokehouse specializes in smoked meats served on hearty sandwiches and platters, with brisket, pastrami, ribs, and pulled pork frequently praised for their moist texture and rich flavor. Guests note a focused menu of meats and traditional sides like steak fries and mac and cheese. The casual setting and consistently helpful, personable staff create a comfortable spot for enjoying barbecue.

Hogtown Smokehouse serves classic barbecue in a casual Dogtown setting, with options ranging from smoked turkey and pulled pork to brisket and daily specials. House-made sauces, hearty sides like beans and mac and cheese, and regularly refreshed drinks round out the meal. Friendly, attentive service and a comfortable atmosphere make it a relaxed spot for a laid-back meal.

Sugarfire Smoke House specializes in smoked barbecue favorites served in a lively, bustling setting. Diners highlight tender ribs with a well-developed bark, flavorful smoked turkey, and a range of house sauces including a distinctive coffee-style option. Classic sides such as mac and cheese, scalloped potatoes, slaw, and cornbread, along with sweet tea and local beers, round out the casual, satisfying experience.

The Stellar Hog is a neighborhood barbecue spot in South St. Louis known for its slow-smoked meats and casual bar-like setting. Diners highlight tender, juicy brisket and pulled pork, complemented by classic sides and distinctive fried pretzels. An extensive selection of local draft beers and a spacious indoor and outdoor seating area create an easygoing atmosphere for relaxed dining.

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.

Gobble Stop Smokehouse is a small, family-owned spot known for smoked turkey specialties, from burgers and turkey tips to wings and pulled sandwiches. The food is described as flavorful and satisfying, with sides like fries and fried vegetable samplers. Guests highlight the welcoming, down-to-earth atmosphere, where regulars and newcomers mingle easily. Courteous, accommodating service and efficient takeout round out the experience.

Sugarfire Smoke House offers classic American barbecue with a focus on smoked meats like brisket, ribs, sausage, turkey, and pulled pork. Diners can pair their plates with a range of house-made sauces and hearty sides such as beans, coleslaw, mac and cheese, and tater tots. The atmosphere is casual and lively, with fast, friendly counter service, colorful artwork, and an outdoor patio.

Salt + Smoke specializes in St. Louis-style barbecue, with tender ribs, brisket, burnt ends, and pulled pork praised for their smoky flavor and texture. A standout mac and cheese and a notable bourbon selection round out the menu. The restaurant handles busy crowds with attentive, efficient service, creating an energetic yet welcoming dining experience near the stadium.

Smoking Barrels BBQ serves classic American barbecue with notably tender, flavorful meats such as ribs, brisket, and turkey. Generous combo plates let guests sample a range of smoked specialties, often with leftovers to take home. The atmosphere is casual and down-to-earth, and the staff is described as friendly and welcoming.

BBQ Saloon offers classic American barbecue in a clean, comfortable setting with a distinct local feel. Diners highlight tender pulled pork, a signature burger with creative toppings, and sides like creamy mac and cheese, green beans, and baked beans. Friendly, efficient service and the option of indoor or outdoor seating add to the appeal, along with an extensive whiskey selection for those who wish to explore it.

Roper's Ribs is a longtime, owner-operated barbecue spot known for hearty portions of slow-smoked meats. Diners highlight the meaty, tender beef ribs with a tangy, smoky house sauce, along with staples like pulled pork, brisket, tips, wings, and snoots. The small, mostly takeout space offers a simple setting where the focus is on flavorful apple-smoked barbecue and attentive, personal service.

Cafe Telegraph is a casual, family-run smokehouse known for hearty, old-fashioned barbecue and other comfort dishes. Smoked meats like brisket and pork steak are popular, alongside wings and pizza. Multiple TVs and occasional live music create an energetic, laid-back atmosphere, supported by attentive, welcoming staff.

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.