We’ve put together the best food spots in St. Louis, Missouri. You can see our methodology here.

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1. Pappy’s Smokehouse

Try the: Burnt Ends Sandwich

Also honored in: 2021 Best Restaurants in St. Louis

“The name of our BBQ joint is a tribute to the late Jim “Pappy” Emerson. He was our brother, uncle, friend and mentor.

​Pappy kept things simple. He loved the outdoors and he worked hard. When people came to visit, he tried always to provide an atmosphere for great food and good times. A perfect description of Pappy’s Smokehouse today.

We look forward to seeing you real soon at Pappy’s Smokehouse Midtown St.Louis and St. Peters, Missouri locations!”

2. Broadway Oyster Bar

Try the: Crawfish Enchiladas

Also honored in: 2021 Best Restaurants in St. Louis

“Our food has won numerous awards and readers’ polls for excellence and features some of the most sustainable seafood available such as fresh Gulf and Blue Point oysters, Louisiana crawfish and shrimp, Prince Edward Island mussels, scallops and crabs. Our Cajun and Creole dishes are our versions of many of the traditional Louisiana favorites. If you love New Orleans, you will feel right at home at the Broadway Oyster Bar.”

3. Salt + Smoke

Try the: Burnt End Toasted Ravs

Also honored in: 2021 Best Restaurants in St. Louis

“The team at Salt + Smoke have been passionate about treating meat right for years and are excited to bring our St. Louis-style BBQ to the Delmar Loop, Hampton, St. Charles, Central West End, and Ballpark Village.”

4. The Shaved Duck

Try the: Pulled Pork Sandwich

Also honored in: 2021 Best Restaurants in St. Louis

“Moving from Scotland in the late 90’s, owner Ally Nisbet fell in love with American bbq. Having never had pulled pork, wings, ribs he drove his family bananas smoking everything possible for years and years. After opening The Scottish Arms in 2005 the Shaved Duck wasn’t far behind!! Having lived in Tower Grove East for years that was the obvious choice. Our goal has always been simple, to put everything into what we do, create a great work environment for our staff which shows in the food leading to the most important part – you, our guests, our family. You are the people that have made this dream a reality and everyday we are so grateful for you all. Thank you so much for considering us for bbq, folk and soul.”

5. Sugarfire Smoke House

Try the: Pulled Pork Sandwich

Also honored in: 2021 Best Restaurants in St. Louis

“We’re doing something completely different at Sugarfire. We take the best traditions of the best barbecue cities in the U.S.A. to create a St. Louis style barbecue that’s all its own. Our award-winning barbeque tantalizes taste buds with baby back ribs, juicy pulled pork, and the best beef brisket in town. And we’re famous for our specials: meaty mashups that defy logic and even gravity. Alongside the classics, we’ve ‘cued up andouille, artichokes, cheese curds, mushrooms, and more.

Chef Mike Johnson has studied with Myron Mixon, cooked under Emeril Lagasse and Charlie Trotter, and has overseen the creation of six other restaurants. Sugarfire has won so many awards it’s hard to keep track. We were named Best Barbecue by the Travel Channel, St. Louis Magazine, Feast Magazine, and we’ve won awards at the Memphis in May World Barbecue Championships. We’ve been featured on Pitmasters, Beat Bobby Flay, and Burgers, Brew, and Que. Both The New York Times and Snoop Dogg have complimented our food. We really like that combination.”

6. Ted Drewes

Try the: Fox Treat Concrete

Also honored in: 2021 Best Restaurants in St. Louis

“Throughout the years, Ted Drewes Frozen Custard has become a popular treat for St. Louisans and tourists to enjoy after visiting the Arch, the Fox and Muny Theaters, the St. Louis Zoo, or a Cardinal’s baseball game. Along with the delicious hot fudge sundae, Ted’s “concrete” has been the most popular treat at the custard stands. The concrete, which was created in 1959, is a malt or shake so thick that it is served upside down.

Just like Ted’s frozen custard, Ted Drewes Christmas Trees have become a St. Louis tradition. Each fall, Ted or Travis (his son-in-law) travel to their tree farm in Nova Scotia where they personally select and grow the best Canadian Balsam Fir Christmas trees to bring home to St. Louis. “We have people buy their trees from us year after year; and they don’t even know we sell frozen custard!” Ted exclaims.

Ted is very proud of his family business and is known in St. Louis to say, “It really is good, guys… and gals!”

7. Bogart’s Smokehouse

Try the: Burnt Ends Sandwich

Also honored in: 2021 Best Restaurants in St. Louis

“Born out of the love for BBQ, and the desire to raise it to a higher level, the crew at Bogart’s Smokehouse invites you to experience our spin on America’s favorite food. From the succulent pulled pork, smoky beef brisket and apricot bruleed ribs, to the moist turkey, and melt in your mouth pastrami, we strive to bring you the freshest, most flavorful dining experience around.”

8. Anthonino’s Taverna

Try the: Toasted Ravioli

“One of the most popular family-owned eateries on The Hill in St. Louis since 2003, Anthonino’s serves a unique mix of Italian and Greek specialties. Whether you’re one of our treasured regulars, or you’re visiting for the first time, our aim is the same; from the moment you walk through the door to the final sip of your after dinner drink, we hope you walk away having gained something wonderful from the experience.”

9. The Fountain On Locust

Try the: Dill Pickle Soup

“In 1916, one of many car showrooms of Locust Street’s Historic Automotive Row was constructed. In 2005, Joy Grdnic purchased this building and started an incredible journey that became the amazing Fountain on Locust that opened its doors in 2008.

From the Supreme Car Company to The Fountain on Locust
The Fountain on Locust building housed The Supreme Car Co. which sold the Stutz Blackhawk and the Stutz Bearcat, both considered top-of-the-line high-performance sports sedans of the day. Typically, two cars were on display and if you wanted one, they would build a customer’s to order in the back garage space.

Just like the care that went into each custom-built Stutz, the team at The Fountain creates their own handcrafted ice cream sauces, chocolates, and deliciously unique, freshly made-from-scratch foods. Expect a higher level of service – and to leave with a full belly and a full heart after each visit.”

10. Mission Taco Joint

Try the: Baja Fish Tacos

Also honored in: 2021 Best Restaurants in St. Louis

“Growing up in California, skating and surfing up and down the coast, inspired brothers Jason and Adam Tilford to bring their love of Cali street food to their new Midwest home. Mission Taco Joint is a culmination of their travels, experiences, and the flavors of their childhood.

MTJ’s first location opened in St. Louis’ Delmar Loop in 2013, serving West Coast style street tacos and pouring beers from STL’s favorite craft breweries. Word quickly spread about the quality food and genuine hospitality and became a favorite place for students, young professionals, and families alike.

As growth continues in new locations, the brothers’ passion for family and community remains evident in their commitment to their teams. Equal rights, higher wages, paid benefits and an open dialogue with their staff are just some of the things that set them apart from other restaurant groups.”