13 Missouri BBQ Spots So Good People Plan Entire Weekends Around Them

Missouri doesn’t just do barbecue—it practically wrote the playbook.

From Kansas City’s legendary sauce-slathered ribs to St. Louis’s smoky pulled pork perfection, this state knows how to turn meat and smoke into pure magic.

Whether you’re a die-hard BBQ fanatic or just someone who appreciates a good meal, these spots are worth clearing your calendar for.

1. Pappy’s Smokehouse

Crowds snake around the block before the doors even open, and for good reason. Pappy’s has perfected the art of Memphis-style dry-rubbed ribs that fall off the bone with barely a nudge.

Their pulled pork is equally legendary, smoked low and slow until it melts in your mouth like butter. Don’t sleep on the sweet potato fries either, they’re the crispy, golden sidekick your meat needs.

Pappy’s accepts credit cards, so you can skip the ATM run, but the line still moves faster than you’d expect and it’s absolutely worth every minute.

2. Bogart’s Smokehouse

Walking into Bogart’s feels like stepping into a smoky wonderland where meat dreams come true. Their brisket has a bark so flavorful it could win awards, and the interior stays tender enough to cut with a fork.

The burnt ends are little nuggets of pure joy, crispy on the outside and juicy within. Pair them with their tangy coleslaw and you’ve got a plate that’ll make you want to slow down time.

Located in Soulard, it’s the perfect pit stop after exploring St. Louis’s historic neighborhoods.

3. Sugarfire Smoke House

Sugarfire takes traditional BBQ and cranks up the creativity dial to eleven. Their menu reads like a love letter to innovation, with sandwiches piled high with everything from fried pickles to mac and cheese.

The Big Muddy sandwich is typically loaded with brisket and sausage (and sometimes other toppings), making it a messy, massive, absolutely glorious fan favorite.

With multiple locations across Missouri, there’s no excuse not to experience their wild takes on classic barbecue. Pro tip: bring extra napkins and an empty stomach.

4. Salt + Smoke

Forget everything you think you know about casual BBQ joints—Salt + Smoke brings sophistication to smoked meat without losing that down-home flavor. Their Texas-style brisket is smoked for up to 18 hours, resulting in a tender, smoky masterpiece.

The sides here deserve their own standing ovation, especially the jalapeño cheddar grits that pack just the right amount of heat.

The atmosphere strikes a perfect balance between relaxed and refined, making it ideal for both casual dinners and special occasions.

5. The Shaved Duck

Tucked in the Tower Grove neighborhood, The Shaved Duck has become a local institution for good reason. Their commitment to high-quality meats and local ingredients shines through in every bite, without guaranteeing specific items like heritage pork or grass-fed brisket.

The duck fat fries are an absolute must-try—crispy, indulgent, and dangerously addictive. Their rotating selection of drinks pairs perfectly with the smoky flavors.

The outdoor patio is prime real estate during warmer months, offering a relaxed vibe that makes you want to linger long after your plate is clean.

6. Arthur Bryant’s Barbecue

Presidents, celebrities, and regular folks have all made the pilgrimage to Arthur Bryant’s since 1930. This Kansas City legend doesn’t need fancy decor when the food speaks volumes—their burnt ends are the stuff of BBQ folklore.

The sauce is thick, tangy, and unlike anything else you’ll find, with a unique blend that’s been kept secret for decades. Slather it on their sliced brisket and prepare for flavor fireworks.

It’s no-frills dining at its finest, where paper plates and communal tables create an authentic experience you won’t forget.

7. Gates Bar-B-Q

The moment you walk through the door, you’re greeted with a booming “Hi, may I help you?” that’s become Gates’s trademark welcome. Their sauce selection is legendary, with options ranging from mild to “are you sure about this?” levels of spicy.

The ribs are meaty, tender, and perfectly charred, while the beef on bun is simple perfection—thinly sliced beef piled high with their signature sauce. Every location maintains the same high standards and enthusiastic service.

Don’t leave without grabbing a bottle of sauce to take home and relive the magic.

8. Q39 Midtown

Championship-level BBQ meets upscale dining at Q39, where competition-winning pitmasters bring their A-game every single day. Their burnt ends have taken home national awards, and one bite explains why—they’re caramelized perfection with a smoky kiss.

The bourbon selection rivals some of the best bars in the city, making it a destination for spirits enthusiasts too. Pair a smooth bourbon with their brisket for an experience that elevates BBQ to fine dining status.

Reservations are highly recommended, especially on weekends when BBQ pilgrims descend from all directions.

9. Fiorella’s Jack Stack Barbecue

Jack Stack transformed BBQ from casual fare into an elevated dining experience without sacrificing authenticity. Their crown prime beef ribs are massive, meaty showstoppers that’ll make your jaw drop before the first bite.

The hickory-smoked beans are so good they’ve become legendary in their own right, loaded with burnt ends and slow-cooked to perfection. Everything arrives on real plates with actual silverware—fancy for BBQ, but still wonderfully approachable.

Multiple locations mean you can experience Jack Stack’s magic whether you’re in Kansas City, Overland Park, or Martin City.

10. LC’s Bar-B-Q

Some of the best BBQ comes from the most unassuming places, and LC’s proves that point beautifully. This no-frills spot focuses on what matters most—perfectly smoked meat that keeps locals coming back for decades.

Their burnt ends are cut thick and loaded with flavor, while the sauce adds just enough tang without overpowering the smoke. The portions are generous, the prices are fair, and the quality is consistently excellent.

LC’s accepts credit cards (not cash-only), but it still often sells out early, so arrive hungry and a bit ahead of the crowd.

11. City Butcher & Barbecue

Springfield’s BBQ scene got a serious upgrade when City Butcher opened its doors, combining a butcher shop with a top-notch smokehouse. Their whole-animal butchery approach means everything is fresh, high-quality, and handled with expert care.

The pork ribs showcase their butchering skills perfectly—well-trimmed, evenly smoked, and tender without falling apart. Their house-made sausages add variety to the menu, each one bursting with unique flavors and spices.

The modern industrial space feels fresh and inviting, making it equally perfect for a quick lunch or a leisurely dinner with friends.

12. CoMo Smoke & Fire

Columbia’s BBQ scene found its champion in CoMo Smoke & Fire, where traditional techniques meet Midwestern hospitality. Their pulled pork is smoky, tender, and piled high on sandwiches that require two hands and zero shame.

The ribs come with a beautiful smoke ring that signals hours of patient cooking, and the meat pulls away from the bone with satisfying ease. Their homemade sides complement the meat perfectly, especially the tangy coleslaw.

College town energy meets serious BBQ craftsmanship, creating a lively atmosphere where everyone leaves happy and stuffed to the gills.

13. Bandana’s Bar-B-Q

With locations scattered across Missouri, Bandana’s delivers consistent quality that makes it a reliable choice wherever you are in the state. Their St. Louis-style ribs are meaty and tender, with just the right amount of char on the edges.

The variety on the menu means everyone finds something they love, from smoked turkey to beef brisket to their famous pulled pork. Their sauce selection lets you customize your experience, whether you prefer sweet, spicy, or somewhere in between.

Family-friendly atmosphere and reasonable prices make it perfect for feeding a crowd without breaking the bank or sacrificing flavor.