Best BBQ in STL MO, the title says it all – St. Louis’s BBQ scene is a must-visit destination for any food enthusiast. From traditional smokehouses to modern BBQ joints, the city is home to a diverse array of BBQ styles and flavors. In this article, we’ll take you on a journey through the best BBQ in STL MO, highlighting the top spots, regional styles, cultural significance, and more.
Whether you’re a native St. Louisan or just visiting, getting familiar with the local BBQ scene is a must. From classic Kansas City-style to Carolina-style, and from traditional smokehouses to modern BBQ joints, there’s something for everyone. In this article, we’ll delve into the world of BBQ in STL MO, exploring the best spots, regional styles, cultural significance, and more.
Unique BBQ Spots in St. Louis, MO
St. Louis, MO, is renowned for its mouth-watering BBQ, offering a wide range of options for meat enthusiasts. From classic joints to modern twists, BBQ restaurants in St. Louis cater to various tastes and preferences.
Classics and Hidden Gems
When it comes to traditional BBQ, St. Louis has plenty to offer. Here are some classic spots worth checking out.
- Frankly Sandwich Company: This beloved BBQ joint has been a St. Louis staple for over 20 years, offering tender meats, crispy burnt ends, and mouth-watering ribs. The ambiance is cozy and inviting, with a casual atmosphere perfect for family gatherings or casual meetups.
- BC’s Smokehouse: Established in 2011, BC’s Smokehouse has gained a loyal following for its rich, smoky flavors and generous portions. The restaurant’s décor features vintage BBQ equipment and memorabilia, adding to the retro vibe.
- Pappy’s Smokehouse: Located in the heart of St. Louis, Pappy’s has become a household name for its mouth-watering, fall-off-the-bone BBQ. The restaurant’s rustic atmosphere and generous portions make it a must-visit for any BBQ enthusiast.
- Salume Beddu: This Italian-inspired BBQ joint offers a unique twist on traditional BBQ, featuring house-cured meats and bold flavors. The restaurant’s modern décor and intimate atmosphere make it perfect for date nights or special occasions.
- 17th Street Bar and Grill: This historic BBQ joint has been a St. Louis institution for over 40 years, offering classic BBQ favorites like ribs, brisket, and burnt ends. The restaurant’s cozy, rustic atmosphere and generous portions make it a beloved local favorite.
Modern Twists and Creative Offerings
For those looking for something new and exciting, St. Louis has plenty of modern BBQ spots offering creative twists on traditional favorites.
- Big Shark Brewing: This craft brewery and BBQ joint offers a unique combination of delicious beers and mouth-watering BBQ. The restaurant’s modern décor and outdoor seating area make it perfect for casual gatherings or sporting events.
- Elmwood BBQ: This modern BBQ joint offers a variety of creative offerings, including Korean BBQ tacos and BBQ-sausage-egg sandwiches. The restaurant’s trendy atmosphere and generous portions make it a popular spot for foodies.
- Small Wonders BBQ: This intimate BBQ joint offers a variety of creative small plates, including pork belly buns and BBQ-glazed donuts. The restaurant’s cozy atmosphere and focus on quality ingredients make it a beloved local favorite.
Pricing and Services
When it comes to prices and services, St. Louis BBQ joints vary in offerings and value. Here’s a breakdown of prices and services for each restaurant mentioned earlier.
| Restaurant | Meal Price Range | Services |
|---|---|---|
| Frankly Sandwich Company | $10-$20 | Delivery, Takeout, Catering, Online Ordering |
| BC’s Smokehouse | $10-$25 | Takeout, Catering, Online Ordering |
| Pappy’s Smokehouse | $15-$30 | Delivery, Takeout, Catering, Online Ordering |
| Salume Beddu | $15-$30 | Takeout, Catering, Online Ordering |
| 17th Street Bar and Grill | $10-$25 | Delivery, Takeout, Catering, Online Ordering |
| Big Shark Brewing | $10-$25 | Delivery, Takeout, Catering, Online Ordering |
| Elmwood BBQ | $10-$25 | Takeout, Catering, Online Ordering |
| Small Wonders BBQ | $10-$20 | Takeout, Catering, Online Ordering |
Unique Promotions and Events, Best bbq in stl mo
Each BBQ joint in St. Louis offers unique promotions and events, making them perfect for special occasions or casual gatherings. Here are some notable promotions and events for each restaurant:
- Frankly Sandwich Company: Offers a “Rib Rack” promotion, where customers can buy six racks of ribs for a discounted price. They also host a weekly BBQ competition where customers can vote for their favorite dishes.
- BC’s Smokehouse: Offers a “Burnt Ends” promotion, where customers can buy a pound of burnt ends for a discounted price. They also host a monthly “BBQ and Buds” event, where customers can bring their dogs and enjoy live music and BBQ.
- Pappy’s Smokehouse: Offers a “Ribs and Wings” promotion, where customers can buy a combo of ribs and wings for a discounted price. They also host a weekly “Taco Tuesday” event, where customers can buy tacos for a discounted price.
- Salume Beddu: Offers a “Cured Meat” promotion, where customers can buy cured meats for a discounted price. They also host a monthly “Wine and Cheese” event, where customers can pair wine and cheese with their meals.
- 17th Street Bar and Grill: Offers a “Rib-Fest” promotion, where customers can buy a rack of ribs for a discounted price. They also host a weekly “Trivia Night” event, where customers can compete in trivia games and win prizes.
- Big Shark Brewing: Offers a “Beer and BBQ” promotion, where customers can buy a combo of beer and BBQ for a discounted price. They also host a monthly “Live Music” event, where customers can enjoy live music and BBQ.
- Elmwood BBQ: Offers a “Korean BBQ” promotion, where customers can buy Korean BBQ dishes for a discounted price. They also host a weekly “BBQ and Brews” event, where customers can enjoy BBQ and craft beers.
- Small Wonders BBQ: Offers a “Smoked Meat” promotion, where customers can buy smoked meats for a discounted price. They also host a monthly “Brews and BBQ” event, where customers can enjoy BBQ and craft beers.
Regional BBQ Styles in St. Louis
St. Louis, Missouri, a melting pot of diverse cultures, is home to an array of regional BBQ styles that showcase the unique flavors and techniques of the city’s culinary heritage. From the sweet and tangy flavors of Kansas City-style to the vinegar-based sauces of the Carolinas, each style has its own distinct characteristics that set it apart from the others. Memphis-style BBQ, with its smoky and spicy flavors, rounds out the trio of styles that have made St. Louis a BBQ lover’s paradise.
The Origins of Kansas City-Style BBQ
Kansas City-style BBQ originated in the early 20th century when pitmasters in the city’s Kansas City market began using a combination of hardwoods, including hickory and oak, to smoke meats. This style is known for its use of a thick tomato-based sauce, which is applied during the last stages of cooking to achieve a sweet and tangy flavor. The sauce is typically served on the side, allowing diners to add their own level of sweetness and spice to their meal. Kansas City-style BBQ is characterized by its use of slow-smoked meats, often including slow-smoked ribs, brisket, and sausage.
The Carolinas-Style BBQ Heritage
The Carolinas-style BBQ is a staple of the city’s BBQ scene, particularly in the eastern part of St. Louis County. This style is characterized by its use of vinegar-based sauces, which are often applied to the meat during the final stages of cooking. The sauce is made with a combination of vinegar, water, salt, and spices, and is typically served as a light, tangy glaze. The Carolinas-style BBQ is often associated with whole hog or shoulder meat, which is slow-smoked over wood to achieve a tender and flavorful texture.
The Memphis-Style BBQ Influence
Memphis-style BBQ, with its rich history and culture, has had a significant influence on the BBQ scene in St. Louis. This style is often associated with the use of pork, which is slow-smoked over charcoal to achieve a tender and smoky flavor. The sauce is typically made with a combination of tomato sauce, vinegar, and spices, and is often served as a thick, sweet glaze. Memphis-style BBQ is characterized by its use of dry rubs and sweet and tangy flavors, which are often applied to the meat during the slow-smoking process.
- Meats:
- Slow-smoked ribs
- Brisket
- Sausage
- Sauces:
- Thick tomato-based sauce
- Sweet and tangy sauce
- Traits:
- Use of hardwoods, including hickory and oak
- Slow-smoking over direct heat
- Thick and sweet sauce
- Meats:
- Whole hog
- Shoulder meat
- Sauces:
- Vinegar-based sauce
- Tangy and light glaze
- Traits:
- Use of vinegar-based sauce
- Slow-smoking over indirect heat
- Thin and tangy sauce
- Meats:
- Pork
- Sauces:
- Sweet and tangy glaze
- Thick tomato-based sauce
- Traits:
- Use of charcoal
- Slow-smoking over direct heat
- Thick and sweet sauce
- Classic BBQ Rub: Mix together 2 tablespoons brown sugar, 1 tablespoon smoked paprika, 1 tablespoon chili powder, 1 tablespoon ground cumin, 1 tablespoon salt, and 1/2 tablespoon black pepper.
- Smoky Wood Chip Blend: Combine 2 parts hickory, 1 part applewood, and 1 part mesquite for a rich and complex smoky flavor.
- Sweet and Tangy BBQ Sauce: Mix together 1 cup ketchup, 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar, 2 tablespoons brown sugar, 1 tablespoon smoked paprika, and 1 tablespoon hot sauce.
- The St. Louis BBQ Festival
- The City of BBQ Festival
- The Gateway Gourmet BBQ Festival
- Taste: The overall flavor profile of the BBQ, including the use of spices and marinades.
- Texture: The tenderness and consistency of the meat, as well as the texture of any accompanying sides or condiments.
- Aroma: The aromatic scents and smells that emanate from the BBQ, including the use of smoking techniques and marinades.
- Korean-Mexican fusion BBQ is becoming increasingly popular in St. Louis.
- Young pitmasters are experimenting with new techniques, ingredients, and flavor profiles.
- St. Louis-style BBQ is known for its tangy tomato-based sauces and tender meats.
Kansas City-Style BBQ: Meats, Sauces, and Techniques
Kansas City-style BBQ features a variety of meats, including slow-smoked ribs, brisket, and sausage. The meat is typically seasoned with a dry rub that includes spices such as paprika, garlic, and cayenne pepper. The sauce, which is applied during the last stages of cooking, is thick and sweet, with a complex flavor profile that showcases the city’s signature BBQ style.
The Carolinas-Style BBQ: Meats, Sauces, and Techniques
The Carolinas-style BBQ features a variety of meats, including whole hog or shoulder meat. The meat is typically seasoned with a dry rub that includes spices such as salt, pepper, and paprika. The sauce, which is applied during the final stages of cooking, is light and tangy, with a complex flavor profile that showcases the city’s signature BBQ style.
The Memphis-Style BBQ: Meats, Sauces, and Techniques
Memphis-style BBQ features a variety of meats, including pork, which is slow-smoked over charcoal. The meat is typically seasoned with a dry rub that includes spices such as paprika, garlic, and cayenne pepper. The sauce, which is often served as a thick and sweet glaze, features a complex flavor profile that showcases the city’s signature BBQ style.
BBQ Ingredients and Seasonings
In the world of BBQ, the right ingredients and seasonings can make all the difference. St. Louis BBQ is no exception, with a unique blend of meats, rubs, and wood types that have been perfected over the years. From the slow-smoked meats to the tangy BBQ sauces, each component plays a crucial role in creating the rich flavors that BBQ enthusiasts crave.
Key Ingredients in Traditional St. Louis BBQ
Traditional St. Louis BBQ relies on a few key ingredients to achieve its signature flavor profile. Meats such as pork ribs, pork shoulder, and beef brisket are staples of the BBQ scene, with each cut requiring a specific cooking technique to bring out the best flavors. Rubs, made from a combination of spices, herbs, and other seasonings, are another essential component, as they add depth and complexity to the meats. Lastly, the type of wood used for smoking plays a crucial role in imparting a distinct smoky flavor to the meats.
The region’s local farmers and suppliers play a significant role in providing high-quality ingredients to BBQ enthusiasts. By focusing on sustainable and responsible farming practices, local farmers are able to produce meats and produce that are not only delicious but also good for the environment. Similarly, local suppliers of wood for smoking have perfected the art of selecting the perfect types of wood to pair with each type of meat, resulting in a rich and complex flavor profile.
DIY BBQ Rubs, Wood Chip Blends, and Sauces
For those who want to take their BBQ game to the next level, creating DIY BBQ rubs, wood chip blends, and sauces can be a fun and rewarding experience. By experimenting with different combinations of spices, herbs, and other seasonings, BBQ enthusiasts can create unique flavor profiles that set their dishes apart from the crowd. Here are some recipes and recommendations to get you started:
BBQ Festivals and Events in St. Louis
St. Louis is known for its vibrant BBQ scene, with a variety of festivals and events taking place throughout the year. These events bring together BBQ enthusiasts, restaurateurs, and competition pitmasters to celebrate the best of St. Louis-style BBQ. With multiple venues and competitions vying for attention, it’s essential to check the dates and locations to plan your BBQ fest experience.
Annual BBQ Festivals in St. Louis
St. Louis hosts a range of BBQ festivals, from local favorites to international competitions. Some of the most notable events include:
Each of these festivals showcases the diversity and richness of St. Louis-style BBQ, offering a unique experience for attendees. The St. Louis BBQ Festival, for instance, features live music, local craft beers, and a judging competition that attracts top pitmasters from across the region. The City of BBQ Festival, on the other hand, focuses on showcasing local BBQ joints and offering tastings of their signature dishes.
Competition Categories and Judging Criteria
In these festivals, competition pitmasters are judged on their ability to produce mouth-watering BBQ that stands out from the rest. The judging criteria typically include:
In the world of BBQ, the old adage “smoke it low and slow” is key to achieving tender, juicy meat with a flavor that’s hard to beat.
Judges often look for consistency, creativity, and a deep understanding of traditional BBQ techniques. Winners are typically announced at the end of each festival, and prizes range from trophies to cash awards.
Winner Stories and Interviews
To give you a glimpse into the world of BBQ competitions, we spoke with some of the winners and participants of these festivals. Meet Rachel and Mike, owners of 17th Street BBQ, a local favorite in St. Louis. They won first prize in the 2022 Gateway Gourmet BBQ Festival for their slow-smoked ribs.
“When we first started competing, we were just trying to hone our skills and test our recipes,” Rachel says. “To win first prize was an incredible feeling – it validated all the hard work and long hours we put into perfecting our craft.”
Mike adds, “Our secret to success? Attention to detail and a commitment to using only the finest ingredients. We believe that good BBQ starts with great meat, and we’re proud to source our products from local farms whenever possible.”
Rachel and Mike’s story is a testament to the dedication and passion required to excel in the world of BBQ competitions. Whether you’re a seasoned pitmaster or a BBQ newbie, St. Louis has something to offer for everyone. So mark your calendars and get ready to indulge in some of the city’s best BBQ!
The Evolution of BBQ in St. Louis
In recent years, the BBQ scene in St. Louis has undergone significant changes and innovations, reflecting the city’s rich culinary heritage. From traditional pitmasters to modern-day trendsetters, the St. Louis BBQ scene is thriving, with a new wave of young pitmasters who are pushing the boundaries of traditional BBQ.
New Trends and Styles
The St. Louis BBQ scene is no longer just about slow-smoking meats over hickory wood. Modern pitmasters are experimenting with new techniques, ingredients, and flavor profiles, drawing inspiration from various regional BBQ styles. One notable trend is the rise of Korean-Mexican fusion BBQ, where traditional Korean flavors meet Tex-Mex style BBQ. Young pitmasters like Tony Gemignani, owner of Pizzeria and Cigar Cellar, are incorporating Korean chili flakes (gochugaru) and kimchi into their BBQ sauces, giving traditional BBQ a bold and spicy twist.
Young Pitmasters on the Rise
St. Louis has a thriving community of young pitmasters who are shaking up the traditional BBQ scene. Take, for instance, the owners of Pappy’s Smokehouse, a popular BBQ joint in the city. Mike Emerson and Chris Hadley, the duo behind Pappy’s, have been instrumental in popularizing St. Louis-style BBQ, with its tangy tomato-based sauces and tender meats. Their innovative approach to traditional BBQ has earned them numerous awards and accolades, solidifying their place in the St. Louis BBQ landscape.
Shaping the Future of St. Louis BBQ
As the St. Louis BBQ scene continues to evolve, it’s clear that innovation and experimentation will play a key role in shaping its future. With a new generation of young pitmasters taking the reins, the city’s BBQ scene is poised to become even more diverse and exciting. Expect to see more fusion styles, creative use of ingredients, and bold flavor profiles in the years to come.
Wrap-Up
In conclusion, the BBQ scene in STL MO is a true reflection of the city’s rich cultural heritage and culinary diversity. From the traditional to the modern, there’s a wide range of BBQ styles and flavors to explore. Whether you’re a BBQ enthusiast, a foodie, or just looking for a tasty meal, STL MO’s BBQ scene is sure to impress.
FAQ Guide: Best Bbq In Stl Mo
What is the difference between Kansas City-style and Carolina-style BBQ?
Kansas City-style BBQ is known for its use of a thick tomato-based sauce, while Carolina-style BBQ is characterized by a vinegar-based sauce.
Where can I find the best BBQ in STL MO?
Some of the top BBQ spots in STL MO include Pappy’s Smokehouse, Salt + Smoke, and Bogart’s Smokehouse.
What are some unique BBQ ingredients used in St. Louis?
Some unique BBQ ingredients used in St. Louis include wood chip blends, dry rubs, and St. Louis-style pork ribs.
How do BBQ joints in STL MO support the local community?
Many BBQ joints in STL MO support local charities, host community events, and partner with local farmers to promote sustainability.
