Photo by Roberto Rodriguez
Smoki O's
In the two previous editions of the STL 100, I’ve trumpeted Smoki O’s for its snoots. Without question, these are an essential St. Louis dish, crunchy and crackling, deeply porky. (Andrew Zimmern featured them in the episode of “Bizarre Foods” he filmed here.) But Otis and Earline Walker’s Near North Riverfront joint, conveniently located near the NFL stadium that wasn’t, is more than just St. Louis’ premier pig-snout emporium. Can you make it back to your car before you tear into the snappy, spicy beef hot link? I can’t. The pulled pork, humble in its generic-sandwich-roll home, is luscious and smoky. The only thing that would improve both dishes would be the option to order snoots as a side.
Hours: Lunch and dinner Tuesday-Saturday (closed Sunday-Monday)
Opened: 1997
Must order: Beef hot link ($7)