Missouri Small-Town BBQ Spot Locals Say Smokes Legendary Brisket
In Holcomb, Strawberry’s BBQ has earned a reputation for brisket that draws locals from near and far.
Smoky, tender, and full of rich flavor, each slice showcases the care and skill behind the pit.
This small-town spot proves that great barbecue doesn’t need fanfare; it thrives on tradition, technique, and passion.
For anyone chasing legendary smoked brisket, Strawberry’s BBQ delivers a mouthwatering experience that leaves a lasting impression long after the last bite.
The Heavyweight Champion Pork Steak
Weighing in at a whopping two pounds, Strawberry’s signature hickory-smoked pork steak has reached legendary status throughout southeastern Missouri.
This behemoth of barbecue draws hungry pilgrims from across the Bootheel region and beyond. Slow-smoked to perfection, the meat falls apart with the gentlest touch of a fork.
Many customers drive hours just for this single menu item, often taking extras home for friends who wouldn’t believe the stories without a taste.
From Cues to Barbecues
The savory aroma of smoked meats wasn’t always wafting from this Holcomb hotspot. Strawberry’s began life as Straw’s Midtown Recreation, a local pool hall where folks gathered for games and conversation.
Over time, owner Jerry “Straw” Holsten’s barbecue hobby evolved into the main attraction.
Locals started coming less for billiards and more for brisket, until the metamorphosis from pool hall to BBQ destination was complete.
Championship Credentials
Trophy-worthy barbecue isn’t just hometown hype at Strawberry’s. Back in 1994, Jerry Holsten showcased his smoking prowess by claiming Grand Champion honors at the prestigious Show-Me State BBQ contest.
This victory wasn’t just about local bragging rights. The win earned Strawberry’s a coveted invitation to Memphis in May, one of the world’s premier barbecue competitions.
When Missouri barbecue experts talk about elite smokehouses, Strawberry’s consistently makes their shortlist.
Secret Seasoning Success Story
Jerry “Straw” Holsten turned his flavor magic into merchandise gold with Strawberry’s Grand Champion shake-on seasoning. What began as his personal pit master blend now flies off shelves in stores and online orders.
The proprietary mix delivers that signature Strawberry’s taste to home cooks everywhere.
Barbecue enthusiasts nationwide swear by the stuff, creating a thriving side business that spreads the Holcomb flavor far beyond Missouri state lines.
Delta Roots Run Deep
Long before bottled sauces lined grocery shelves, Bootheel families passed down precious recipes.
Strawberry’s legendary seasoning evolved from one such heirloom – a vinegar-based “Delta wet sauce” that reflected the region’s distinctive culinary heritage.
Holsten’s innovation came in adapting this liquid gold into a dry shake format. The transformation preserved the tangy, complex flavor profile while making it easier to apply evenly to meats.
Each shake carries generations of Mississippi Delta BBQ wisdom.
Perfect Timing for Pit-Stop Pleasure
Planning your barbecue pilgrimage requires knowing when to arrive. Strawberry’s welcomes hungry visitors Tuesday through Thursday from 11 a.m. until 8 p.m., giving weekday warriors plenty of time to indulge.
Weekend warriors get an extra hour of smoky bliss, with Friday and Saturday hours extending until 9 p.m.
Located at 107 Main Street in downtown Holcomb, the unassuming storefront belies the culinary treasures within.
Missouri’s BBQ Hall of Fame
When state tourism officials compile their must-visit barbecue destinations, Strawberry’s always earns a spot among Missouri’s elite smoke joints.
The Missouri Division of Tourism regularly features this Holcomb gem alongside Kansas City and St. Louis heavyweights. This recognition puts a tiny town of barely 600 residents on the culinary map.
Visitors following the state’s official barbecue trail often express amazement that such world-class smoked meats emerge from such a small-town setting.