Pappy's Smokehouse

It’s hard for me to properly rate Pappy’s, because I’m a bit torn on it. On the one hand, they have a great spot, always a line and a lot of energy, they’re well known, and I love seeing that in St. Louis. I’d also say they have the best ribs I’ve ever had - on part with or better than everything I’ve tried in Memphis, and by far the best in St. Louis. On the other hand, if you go to Pappy’s and order anything but the ribs, it’ll be pretty good but it won’t blow you away, and that might make you confused why they’re always at the top of every list in St. Louis.

The first time I went to Pappy’s, which was also one of my first BBQ experiences in St. Louis, I got brisket and a few sides. Pappy’s doesn’t really do Texas-style brisket, rather more of a thinly sliced brisket, which wasn’t what I was looking for. I also wasn’t a big fan of the fried corn, which I’ve never had before. Later I learned to order the ribs and it really blew me away.

Go to Pappy’s, get the ribs. They’re awesome.