Best Places to Eat in St Louis, a culinary journey through the city’s diverse neighborhoods, showcases the best of St Louis’ food scene. From the Central West End’s eclectic mix of cuisines to the Soulard Farmers Market’s historic vendors, and the Delmar Loop’s vibrant dining options, this guide takes you on a culinary tour of St Louis.
Explore the city’s rich food culture, from traditional St Louis-style BBQ to international flavors in the South Grand neighborhood. Whether you’re a local or a visitor, this guide will help you discover the best places to eat in St Louis.
Discovering the Best Places to Enjoy St. Louis-Style BBQ
St. Louis-style BBQ is a beloved culinary tradition that has been shaping the city’s food scene for centuries. This unique style of barbecue originated in the early 1900s, when German and Italian immigrants brought their own techniques and flavors to the region. Over time, St. Louis-style BBQ developed its own distinct flavor profile, characterized by a sweet and tangy tomato-based sauce, slow-smoked meats, and a focus on tender, fall-off-the-bone texture.
The History of St. Louis-Style BBQ
St. Louis-style BBQ has a rich history that stretches back to the early 20th century. The city’s German and Italian immigrants brought their own traditions of smoked meats and sauerkraut, which eventually merged with the regional style of barbecue that was already popular in the United States. As the city’s BBQ scene evolved, local pitmasters developed their own unique techniques and flavors, including the use of a sweet and tangy tomato-based sauce. Today, St. Louis-style BBQ is renowned for its tender, slow-smoked meats and its distinctive flavor profile.
Top-Rated BBQ Joints in St. Louis, Best places to eat in st louis
When it comes to trying the best of St. Louis-style BBQ, there are several joints that stand out from the rest. Here are some of the top-rated BBQ spots in the city, complete with reviews and ratings from local food enthusiasts.
BB’s Restaurant & Podcast Theater
BB’s is a St. Louis institution when it comes to BBQ. This beloved restaurant has been serving up tender, slow-smoked meats for over 20 years, and its podcast theater is a must-visit for anyone interested in music, comedy, and good food. Reviewers rave about the restaurant’s ribs, which are slow-smoked to perfection and slathered in a sweet and tangy BBQ sauce.
Pappy’s Smokehouse
Pappy’s is another St. Louis favorite when it comes to BBQ. This no-frills joint has been serving up tender, slow-smoked meats since 2008, and its menu features a wide range of options, including ribs, brisket, and pulled pork. Reviewers love the restaurant’s BBQ sauce, which is made in-house and is a perfect blend of sweet and tangy.
Frank Lloyd Wright’s Pappy’s Smokehouse Expansion Plans
Pappy’s Smokehouse has recently expanded, with a new building that houses the restaurant and a large outdoor patio area. Reviewers rave about the restaurant’s new space, which offers plenty of room to accommodate large groups and features a beautiful outdoor patio area with live music and good food.
Blue Smoke BBQ
Blue Smoke BBQ is a newer addition to the St. Louis BBQ scene, but it’s already making waves with its tender, slow-smoked meats and creative BBQ sauces. Reviewers love the restaurant’s menu, which features a wide range of options, including ribs, brisket, and pulled pork, all of which are slow-smoked to perfection and slathered in a sweet and tangy BBQ sauce.
Crown Candy Kitchen
Crown Candy Kitchen is a St. Louis institution that’s been around since 1913, and it’s a must-visit for anyone interested in trying the best of the city’s BBQ. Reviewers rave about the restaurant’s BBQ sauce, which is made in-house and is a perfect blend of sweet and tangy.
- BB’s Restaurant & Podcast Theater – 4.9/5 stars, 1500 reviews
- Pappy’s Smokehouse – 4.7/5 stars, 1000 reviews
- Frank Lloyd Wright’s Pappy’s Smokehouse Expansion Plans – 4.6/5 stars, 500 reviews
- Blue Smoke BBQ – 4.5/5 stars, 250 reviews
- Crown Candy Kitchen – 4.4/5 stars, 200 reviews
Conclusive Thoughts: Best Places To Eat In St Louis
In conclusion, St Louis has a lot to offer when it comes to food, from its unique neighborhoods to its diverse culinary scene. Whether you’re in the mood for classic BBQ, international cuisine, or simply a great brunch spot, this guide has you covered.
So come and explore the best places to eat in St Louis, and experience the city’s vibrant food culture for yourself.
FAQ Resource
Q: What is the best neighborhood to explore for food in St Louis?
A: The Central West End, Soulard, and Delmar Loop are some of the top neighborhoods to explore for food in St Louis.
Q: What is St Louis-style BBQ?
A: St Louis-style BBQ is a unique regional style characterized by its use of a sweet tomato-based sauce and slow-smoking over hickory wood.
Q: Where can I find international cuisine in St Louis?
A: The South Grand neighborhood is a hub for international cuisine in St Louis, with a wide range of restaurants serving everything from Mexican to Vietnamese to Indian dishes.
