Best BBQ in St. Louis

I try to make it a habit of visiting as many BBQ joints as I can for a couple of reasons.  First I like good BBQ, and second it's great blog fodder. ;)

Over the past couple of years, I've eaten at most of the BBQ joints in the St. Louis area.  There are a couple of chains that I typically avoid and I'm sure there are places that I haven't had the opportunity to try.

However, I though I'd put together the short list of the places that I think are at the top of the heap in the St. Louis area.  Note that this includes the metro-east or Illinois side of the metro area, mainly cause that's where I think you'll find the best BBQ in town.

Here goes:

1. 17th St. Barbeque- This is my favorite place to eat BBQ in the St. Louis area.  It's one of Mike Mills' restaurants.  If you track the BBQ culture, you know that Mike "The Legend" Mills is a well respected competition cook, restaurateur, and pitmaster.  If you live in the St. Louis metro area, it's worth the drive to try Mike's ribs in O'fallon, IL.
2. Pappy's Smokehouse -Another joint with great credentials, Pappy's sports some trophies from Memphis in May and folks line up at lunch time to get a taste of some really great BBQ.  Pappy's has also been featured on food & travel shows on cable TV.  They're located in the downtown area so there's no excuse not to sample their fare, but get there early.  When they run out of BBQ, they close early.
3. Plush Pig- This is a place that I nearly overlooked when they were located in downtown Clayton, MO.  They've since relocated, revamped the menu, and if possible made the BBQ even better.  Still one of my top 5 places to eat BBQ in St. Louis, they're now located at McKnight & Manchester.
4. Hick's BBQ- Another Illinois place, I discovered them after buying some of their sauce at a BBQ shop in St. Louis.  I've enjoyed their BBQ a couple of times, but when I attended a backyard party that they catered I really became a fan.  I highly recommend their sauce and their BBQ.  I've also had the opportunity to meet the owner and he's a super nice guy, further reinforcing my belief that if you BBQ you're my friend.

So there you have it gang.  To my taste buds, these are the best BBQ joints in the St. Louis metro area.  Who'd I miss? Which joints do I need to visit?  Where do you think the best BBQ in St. Louis can be found?  Drop me a comment and let me know.

Cheers,
Braddog

Review: Rendezvous - Memphis, TN

I'm reluctant to even write a review of the Rendezvous in Memphis, TN as I'm sure that it's been done many times given their reputation.  But, why stop now when I take every chance I get to review a new BBQ joint.

I can usually coerce my family into eating BBQ at least once when we travel and since we were staying just a block away, it seemed inevitable that this is where we would eat  BBQ.   I'd received strong recommendations for a couple of other places, but Memphis is just full of too many places to choose from and the reputation and proximity of the Rendezvous sealed the decision.

In any event, we headed over to the Rendezvous on Friday night to find the place rapidly filling up as the dinner hour was getting into full swing.  Looks are deceiving, and there is plenty of seating inside. We were quickly shown to a table where we perused the menu.  For my family, there was some debate as to what they would order but for me this was a foregone conclusion.  So my wife and kids ordered up BBQ chicken platters, while I went for the whole slab of ribs.

The Rendezvous isn't fancy and the food was served quickly on paper plates with plastic utensils.  The family got started on chicken that was very tasty and I paused to snap a picture of my ribs.  Now I prefer dry rubbed BBQ and typically turn up my nose at BBQ that is too wet, but I was not prepared for the amount of dry rub & spices that were visible on the surface of my ribs.  My wife took one look at my ribs and said, "Those don't look like Braddog ribs".  I was flattered and didn't bother to try to explain that these ribs are char grilled as opposed to the way I prepare them.

The ribs were tasty, but due to the chargrilling they were chewier than I'm used to.  The beans were very good and the slaw was sweet and vinegary (the way I like it).  Service was top notch and the we were in and out in a very short amount of time.  I'd read enough about the place beforehand that there were no surprises and all-in-all I enjoyed my trip to the Rendezvous.

There may be better BBQ in Memphis, but based on reputation and notoriety you've got to give the Rendezvous a shot when you're in town.

Cheers,
Braddog

Review: Peppers Deli & BBQ

I sure like to find local joints to try and when I find a place that has "BBQ" on the sign on front, I like to give those guys a few of my train-ridin' dollars in exchange for their brand of BBQ. So when I spotted Peppers Deli & BBQ in Ellisville, MO, I decided to give them a shot.

First of all, let me say that I really liked the owner and the way he took the time to talk to every person who stepped to the counter. It was very apparent that he has a lot of regular customers and I figure that's a good sign.

The sandwich board is loaded with all sorts of deli sandwiches and a whole section of "Slow Smoked BBQ" that included everything from pulled pork to BBQ ribs. Unfortunately, the BBQ was not great. It was tender, but it was kept in a warmer with a vinegary kind of sauce. When they served it up, they ladled on a bunch of St. Louis style BBQ sauce (that's a thick, sweet sauce). There was just too much sauce (both kinds) to be able to taste much about the meat.

While I won't go back for their BBQ, the other parts of the place and supporting a small business owner will definitely make me go and try one of the many deli sandwiches on their menu.

Cheers,
Braddog

Review: Pappy's Smokehouse

A recent story on the Travel Channel made me aware of a BBQ restaurant in my own backyard that I had yet to try.  Apparently, the restaurant has won Best BBQ in St. Louis by a couple of local publications.  I guess I really gotta pay more attention to what's going on in my part of the world.

Nonetheless, I made the journey to Pappy's Smokehouse for lunch today.  Before leaving work, I looked up their hours or operation only to discover that their hours are variable based on what time they sell out of their various meats.  Apparently they prepare enough meat for each day and when it's gone it's gone.  So I headed out with a sense of urgency.  When I walked in, I was greeted by a line that stretched almost the entire length of the place.  

As I watched plate after plate of good looking BBQ being brought from the kitchen, I was greeted by the sight of 3 Memphis in May trophies near the front counter.  I guess these guys really know what they're doing.  I was also very encouraged to see that the BBQ was served sans sauce but there were three types available as condiments on the table. 

I ordered up a pulled pork sandwich with a side of baked beans and an ear of deep-fried corn on the cob.

This was the small sandwich but the pulled pork was generously piled onto a bun.  It was very tender and had a nice smoke flavor.  I opted for their sauce called "Holly's Hot Sauce".  They bill it as a Texas style sauce, and I enjoyed it very much.  The baked beans had a nice flavor but I have to say that I wasn't wild about the deep fried corn on the cob, although it was definitely a first for me.  I also tried a bite of their brisket (one of my lunch pals gave a sample from his plate), and found it to be very good as well.

Like most BBQ joints, the place was minimally decorated.  They had a super wait staff though and I enjoyed the blues music that played while we ate. They were very prompt in getting the food out, cleaning off tables, and ensuring that everyone was satisfied with their meal.  In fact, the owner himself was very visible around the place.

The menu is extensive and they do a very nice variety of meats and sidedishes.  If their catering business is anywhere near as busy as their lunchtime business, then they must do a great business.  

I'll make another trip here you can bet.  I'd like to try more of their brisket and maybe some chicken, but they've got a real shot at being my recommendation as best in St. Louis.  Oh, there's one other "clear the bar" item for any good BBQ joint and Pappy's didn't disappoint.  They serve sweet tea!  ;>)

Here's my final report card:

• BBQ - A
• Side Dishes - A-
• Atmosphere - A
• Value - A
• Overall – A

Pappy's Smoke House 3106 Olive Street
          Saint Louis MO 63103 
          Email: mike@pappyssmokehouse.com 
          Phone: 314-535-4340
          Fax: 314-535-4337
          Hours: M-F 11-7 or 8 (we sell out around then)
          Week-ends 11-around 4 (we sell out fast on week-ends)
           

Cheers,
Braddog