What Is St. Louis' Most Underrated Barbecue?

By Ian Froeb Mon., Mar. 18 2013 at 6:00 AM

Jennifer Silverberg

Here is a category ripe for nominations.

We know the big names: Pappy's Smokehouse (3106 Olive Street; 314-535-4340) and Bogart's Smokehouse (1627 South Ninth Street; 314-621-3107) , which between them have won the last five RFT "Best Barbecue" awards.

We of course know barbecue legend Mike Mills' 17th Street Bar & Grill (1711 West Highway 50, O'Fallon, Illinois; 618-622-1717).

We know there are several new kids on the block, like Hendricks BBQ (1200 South Main Street, St. Charles; 636-724-8600) and Sugarfire Smoke House (9200 Olive Boulevard, Olivette; 314-997-2301)

Who don't we know? Who have we forgotten?

You know the drill. Leave your nomination for St. Louis' most underrated barbecue joint in the comments. The more compelling and/or clever your argument for why the spot is underrated, the better.

We'll choose the most promising nominees and put it to a vote next week.

Nominations are open through noon on Friday.

The Gut Check Underrated/Overrated Hall of Fame

- Most Underrated Burger: Dressel's (419 North Euclid Avenue; 314-361-1060)
- Most Overrated Burger: Five Guys Burgers and Fries (multiple locations)
- Most Underrated Italian Restaurant: Filomena's Italian Kitchen (9900 Manchester Road, Glendale; 314-961-9909)
- Most Overrated Italian Restaurant: Rigazzi's (4945 Daggett Avenue; 314-772-4900)
- Most Underrated Pizza: Felix's (6335 Clayton Avenue; 314-645-6565)
- Most Overrated Pizza: Imo's Pizza (multiple locations)
- Most Underrated Fried Chicken: King Edwards Fried Chicken (multiple locations)

Location Info

Venue

Map

Pappy's Smokehouse

3106 Olive St., St. Louis, MO

Category: Restaurant

7 user reviews	Write A Review
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Bogart's Smokehouse

1627 S. 9th St., St. Louis, MO

Category: Restaurant

17th Street Bar & Grill-O'Fallon

1711 W. Highway 50, O'Fallon, IL

Category: Restaurant

Hendricks BBQ

1200 S. Main St., St Charles, MO

Category: Restaurant

Sugarfire Smoke House

9200 Olive Blvd., St Louis, MO

Category: Restaurant

We Recommend

kenrearley

Lester's deserves a nod.

jcthelilly topcommenter

Mi Hungry

Andrew Wilson

How bout Barney's BBQ in Ellisville. Seasonal operation.

knoxes2el

Mi Hungry BBQ in Overland/St. John 8660 St Charles Rock Rd Overland, MO 63114. Just the name should get them on the list, but the food is amazing, the portions are large, the staff is friendly. It should be on Diners, Drive-ins, and Dives. Don't let the outer appearance fool you - and try the jerk chicken while you're there, too

Erins_Voice moderator communitymanager

@knoxes2el Nice suggestion. That would make for a good review on the RFT's directory, actually. Here's the link if you'd like to leave one: http://www.voiceplaces.com/mi-hungry-catering-and-bbq-st-louis-2903309-l/

vicemoney

Shaved Duck

Cdollarsign

I am pretty sure most of the places mentioned aren't underrated at all, they are just not as popular as the Pappy's (gag) and Bogart's juggernauts.

I am going to throw Roper's Ribs on the list. I have never had a bad meal there, and it actually assembles some sort of St. Louis style while Pappy's et. al. are a assimilation of nation wide styles.

God, I miss living in KC....

rizzotees

1 Like

Sugarfire is so amazing

mattringo

Southtown Pub has some pretty good bbq and is a fun place to drink.

scotty314

1 Like

Smokie-O's in North City on Broadway by Shady Jack's.

ellav8or

Vernon's. They have even thought of us veggie folks with their smoked Tofu. The sauces are to die for and have you seen their smoker?

Erins_Voice moderator communitymanager

@ellav8or Great tip! This would help more ppl looking for vegetarian options as a review on Vernon's Voice Places listing (the RFT's directory). Help us out? http://www.voiceplaces.com/vernons-bbq-and-catering-st-louis-14865715-l/

dshuter

1 Like

Vernon's in UCity. Their sauce bar is one of the highlights. Lived in KC for five years and this is the closest I have come to that flavor.

Barry Bean

There is no BBQ in St. Louis. You have to go 200 miles south to find BBQ.

Scott299

Lil' Mickeys is my favorite

Maggie Madonia

Piccadilly at Manhattan has amazing ribs. Fall off the bone good!

marysrandall

Why doesn't your list include BBQ ASAP? I think the food editor needs to take a road trip to west county. No triptik required. We are 3.7 miles west of 141 on Manchester road.

kuskagod

Lil' Mickey's Memphis BBQ. The chopped pork shoulder is amazing. My favorite BBQ sauce in town.

corinn45

oops forgot to mention The Block in Webster Groves too!

corinn45

Oh wow where do I start? There are several restaurants that serve up excellent pulled pork, but it's not their sole genre of cuisine: Local Harvest Cafe, Schlafly Bottleworks (excellent pork sandwich AND amazing pork flatbread!), Lester's, Shaved Duck (also serving up remarkable pork flatbread with bacon and pulled pork!), Winslow's Home (both pork and brisket), and certainly the brisket and pork sandwiches at Jilly's Cupcake Bar!