St. Louis-style ribs have long been cherished by barbecue lovers around the world for their juicy, tender meat and flavorful bark. These ribs are cooked low and slow over indirect heat until they reach perfection, making them a true labour of love. Whether you’re grilling them up for a backyard cookout or smoking them for hours on end, St. Louis-style ribs are sure to please any palate. This kind of BBQ is unique to the city because it grills ribs instead of smoking them, like in other places with similar BBQs. This difference in cooking methods creates a distinctive flavour that has become synonymous with the city’s BBQ culture.
St. Louis-style ribs are loaded with rich flavour and boast a high-fat content, making them juicy and tender. The extra fat content gives the ribs a juicier texture, as well as amplifies the taste. If you’re looking for something with bolder flavours, then St. Louis-style ribs are definitely the way to go.
However, no matter what kind of ribs you are looking for, you can find them in this Missouri city. All of the ribs here are packed with flavour. If you’re in the mood for some mouth-watering ribs, then you’ve come to the right place. We’ve reviewed the best BBQ joints in Missouri, and now we’re focusing specifically on ribs. There are so many great places to get ribs in St. Louis, it was hard to narrow it down to just seven, but we did it! So if you’re drooling already, check out our picks for the best rib places in St. Louis.
Best Ribs In St. Louis
1. Salt + Smoke
You can’t go to St. Louis without indulging in some ribs, and Salt + Smoke is the perfect spot to get your fix. The Texas-style BBQ joint serves up ribs that are smokey, tender, and absolutely delicious – not to mention their impressive selection of bourbon, artisan cocktails, and craft beer. Trust us when we say that this is one spot you won’t want to miss. Their ribs are definitely St. Louis style and they are absolutely delicious! You can expect a burst of flavour with the first bite. They are rich and tender, making them a real delight to eat!
2. Pappy’s Smokehouse
If you’re looking for the best ribs in America, look no further than Pappy’s Smokehouse. This Memphis-style rib joint, located in the heart of St. Louis, serves up some of the most mouth-watering ribs you’ll ever taste. Trust us, they’re worth the trip! The ribs are dry-rubbed with a secret blend of spices and then slow-smoked over both apple and cherry wood. This combination results in ribs that are fall-off-the-bone tender and full of flavour. Ribs are so good that you’ll have to taste them for yourself just to see. They’re succulent, juicy, and full of flavour, and they’ll leave you wanting more. So go ahead and try them – you won’t be disappointed.
3. Bogart’s Smokehouse
At Bogart’s Smokehouse, the ribs are dry-rubbed and slow-smoked over apple and cherry woods. This cooking method is similar to the one used at Pappy’s, another well-known restaurant in the area. Dry-rubbing the ribs before smoking them helps to create a flavorful and crusty exterior, while the low and slow cooking process ensures that they are tender and juicy on the inside. However, their sauces and rubs are the real show-stealers. With a variety of inventive flavours that truly stand out above the rest, making Bogart’s is the better choice for smoked ribs. We guarantee that you’ll be hooked on the delicious ribs at this restaurant. Make sure to order some sauces to take home with you; you won’t be able to resist the flavour. Just know that nothing can compare to the fresh, smoky taste of the meats straight from the restaurant. You’ll find yourself waiting in line just to get more of it!
4. Roper’s Ribs
Roper’s Ribs is the perfect place to go if you’re not into Memphis-style ribs and are craving something more local. The ribs at Roper’s are some of the best in St. Louis, and they’re definitely St. Louis style. The ribs are first hand-rubbed with a special blend of sauces. Then, they are smoked slowly for 12 hours with some hickory wood to give them that extra flavourful taste. The regular ribs are a must-order, but don’t forget the rib tips!
5. Spare No Rib
Spare No Rib is a cosy little spot in St. Louis that is perfect for a date night. The ambience of the restaurant is relaxing and laidback, setting the stage for a perfect evening filled with some of the best BBQs in the city. Spare No Rib provides an intimate setting ideal for enjoying a romantic evening out with your significant other while indulging in some delicious BBQ. They’ve only got one rib plate on the menu, so it makes ordering easy. Order a half rack or a full one; we strongly suggest the full one as there’s no way you’re not going to want more. The ribs are mouth-wateringly tender and coated in a finger-licking BBQ sauce that you’ll be dreaming about long after your meal is finished.
6. Bootleggin’ BBQ Tavern
This local tavern is a good place to spend the evening because it serves juicy, messy BBQ dishes. The atmosphere is cosy and inviting, perfect for unwinding after a long day. The staff are friendly and attentive, always quick to top off your glass or bring out a fresh plate of food. And of course, the food itself is divine – finger-licking good, as they say. If you’re ever in the area, be sure to swing by and give it a try! You’ll have the opportunity to meet some of the friendly locals, share a drink with them, and enjoy their Kansas City-style smoked ribs. If you’re still feeling hungry afterwards, definitely order the slow-smoked pork rib tips.
7. The Shaved Duck
The Shaved Duck is a beloved local restaurant for its wide selection of craft beers to pair with delicious BBQ. The entire menu is filled with Southern delights, making it a great choice for anyone looking for a taste of the South. The Heritage Duroc ribs are smoked using a combination of cherry and hickory wood, which gives them a tantalising sweet and smoky flavour. This cooking method locks in the natural juices of the meat, making these ribs some of the most succulent and flavourful you will ever taste. It is their ribs that are the real showstoppers. The smoky, sweet flavour created by the cherry and hickory wood is truly tantalising.
