Highest-rated barbecue restaurants in the St. Louis area by diners
Highest-rated barbecue restaurants in the St. Louis area by diners
Barbecue stands as one of America's most cherished culinary traditions, weaving together a rich tapestry of history, regional diversity, and evolving flavors that resonate with diners from coast to coast. A July 2022 YouGov survey revealed that nearly all Americans (96%) who consume meat enjoy barbecue, underscoring its widespread enduring appeal and cross-cultural significance. Among the 1,000 survey respondents, Texas dominated as the place most often associated with barbecue, but the cuisine's roots expand far beyond the Lone Star State.
American barbecue can be traced back to Indigenous cooking techniques and was further enriched by the influences of enslaved Africans. In the centuries since, it's evolved into a multifaceted culinary art with distinct regional styles: the tangy, vinegar-based sauces and slow-cooked pork of the Carolinas; the tender brisket of Texas with sauce served on the side; the robust, sweet-forward flavors characteristic of Kansas City; and Alabama's signature mayo-based white sauce drizzled over some juicy chicken.
Alongside these classic offerings, innovative interpretations have surged in popularity in recent decades, as multicultural variants such as Korean BBQ, with its marinated cuts and sizzling grill presentations, and Mexican barbacoa, known for its richly spiced, slow-cooked succulence, have carved out their own niche in the competitive barbecue landscape.
Over the years, barbecue has not only mirrored America's evolving palate but has also fostered a spirit of community, as festivals, backyard cookouts, and friendly competitions celebrate the art of smoking and grilling—traditions lovingly passed down from generation to generation.
Nationwide, barbecue restaurants today greet families and friends with the intoxicating aroma of slow-smoked meats served on sturdy metal trays, often covered in rustic butcher paper. And what meal would be complete without those hearty sides? Whether you opt for gooey mac and cheese and smoky collard greens or crumbly cornbread and creamy coleslaw, you can't go wrong.
If you're craving some good 'cue in your neck of the woods, Stacker has you covered with the highest-rated barbecue restaurants in St. Louis based on diners' reviews on Yelp as of February 2025. Restaurants with at least 20 reviews tagged as "barbecue" within a 10-kilometer radius of St. Louis were included. As a result, some restaurants featured may serve other food items.
Keep reading to see where to go when the hunger for all things low-and-slow strikes you!
#27. Mi Hungry BBQ & Jamaican Cuisine
- Rating: 2.8/5 (106 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 8660 Saint Charles Rock Road Saint Louis, Missouri
- Categories: Barbecue, Caribbean, Soul Food
- Read more on Yelp
#26. LongHorn Steakhouse
- Rating: 3.2/5 (149 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 3642 South Lindbergh Blvd. St. Louis, Missouri
- Categories: Steakhouses, American, Barbecue
- Read more on Yelp
#25. Texas Roadhouse
- Rating: 3.3/5 (214 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 1220 South Kirkwood Road Kirkwood, Missouri
- Categories: Steakhouses, Barbecue, American
- Read more on Yelp
#24. Seoul Garden
- Rating: 3.3/5 (211 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 10441 Olive Blvd. Creve Coeur, Missouri
- Categories: Korean, Barbecue
- Read more on Yelp
#23. HWY 61 Roadhouse
- Rating: 3.5/5 (473 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 34 South Old Orchard Ave. Saint Louis, Missouri
- Categories: Cajun/Creole, Barbecue, Southern
- Read more on Yelp
#22. Bandana's Bar-B Q - Maryland Heights
- Rating: 3.5/5 (115 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 12222 Dorsett Road Maryland Heights, Missouri
- Categories: Barbecue
- Read more on Yelp
#21. BBQ Saloon
- Rating: 3.6/5 (287 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 4900 Laclede Ave. Saint Louis, Missouri
- Categories: Barbecue, Bars
- Read more on Yelp
#20. The Concord Grill
- Rating: 3.7/5 (208 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 11427 Concord Village Ave. Saint Louis, Missouri
- Categories: American, Barbecue, Sandwiches
- Read more on Yelp
#19. Lester's
- Rating: 3.7/5 (272 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 9906 Clayton Road St. Louis, Missouri
- Categories: Burgers, Sports Bars, Barbecue
- Read more on Yelp
#18. Billy G's Kirkwood
- Rating: 3.7/5 (762 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 131 West Argonne Kirkwood, Missouri
- Categories: American, Barbecue
- Read more on Yelp
#17. Asian Kitchen Korean Cuisine
- Rating: 3.8/5 (225 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 8423 Olive Blvd. Saint Louis, Missouri
- Categories: Korean, Hot Pot, Barbecue
- Read more on Yelp
#16. The Midwestern
- Rating: 3.8/5 (139 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 900 Spruce St. St. Louis, Missouri
- Categories: American, Barbecue
- Read more on Yelp
#15. Bandana's Bar-B Q - St. Ann
- Rating: 3.8/5 (299 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 10800A Pear Tree Lane Saint Ann, Missouri
- Categories: Barbecue
- Read more on Yelp
#14. Ms. Piggies Smokehouse
- Rating: 3.9/5 (136 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 10612 Page Ave. Saint Louis, Missouri
- Categories: Barbecue, Smokehouse
- Read more on Yelp
#13. Kimchi Guys - Washington University
- Rating: 4.0/5 (115 reviews)
- Address: 282 North Skinker Blvd. St. Louis Mo University City, Missouri
- Categories: Korean, Chicken Wings, Barbecue
- Read more on Yelp
#12. Smoking Barrels BBQ - St. Louis
- Rating: 4.0/5 (399 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 5641 South Kingshighway Blvd. St. Louis, Missouri
- Categories: Barbecue
- Read more on Yelp
#11. Sister Cities Cajun
- Rating: 4.1/5 (217 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 3550 South Broadway St. Louis, Missouri
- Categories: Cajun/Creole, Cocktail Bars, Barbecue
- Read more on Yelp
#10. Salt + Smoke
- Rating: 4.2/5 (457 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 5625 Hampton Ave. St. Louis, Missouri
- Categories: Barbecue, Beer Bar, Sandwiches
- Read more on Yelp
#9. Sugarfire Smoke House
- Rating: 4.3/5 (2014 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 9200 Olive Blvd. Saint Louis, Missouri
- Categories: Barbecue
- Read more on Yelp
#8. Salt + Smoke
- Rating: 4.3/5 (2364 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 6525 Delmar Blvd. Saint Louis, Missouri
- Categories: Bars, Barbecue, American
- Read more on Yelp
#7. Roper's Ribs
- Rating: 4.3/5 (107 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 6929 West Florissant Ave. Saint Louis, Missouri
- Categories: Barbecue
- Read more on Yelp
#6. The Shaved Duck
- Rating: 4.3/5 (1923 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 2900 Virginia Ave. St. Louis, Missouri
- Categories: Soul Food, Barbecue, Smokehouse
- Read more on Yelp
#5. Pappy's Smokehouse
- Rating: 4.5/5 (4711 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 3106 Olive St. Saint Louis, Missouri
- Categories: Barbecue, Smokehouse, Caterers
- Read more on Yelp
#4. The Stellar Hog
- Rating: 4.5/5 (291 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 5623 Leona St. Saint Louis, Missouri
- Categories: Beer Gardens, Barbecue
- Read more on Yelp
#3. Hogtown Smokehouse
- Rating: 4.6/5 (109 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 6301 Clayton Ave. St. Louis, Missouri
- Categories: Barbecue, American
- Read more on Yelp
#2. Bogart's Smokehouse
- Rating: 4.6/5 (1629 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 1627 South 9th St. Saint Louis, Missouri
- Categories: Barbecue, Smokehouse, Caterers
- Read more on Yelp
#1. Adam's Smokehouse
- Rating: 4.7/5 (419 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 2819 Watson Road Saint Louis, Missouri
- Categories: Barbecue, Smokehouse, Sandwiches
- Read more on Yelp
This story features data reporting by Wade Zhou, writing by Cynthia Rebolledo, and is part of a series utilizing data automation across 281 metros.
