Photo by Christian Gooden (Post-Dispatch)
Pappy's Smokehouse
Barbecue godhead Pappy’s Smokehouse launched a food truck last year, bringing together the past decade’s two most prominent trends and thus creating a singularity that will destroy us all. Seriously, though, Pappy’s Rolling Smoke speaks to the competitive nature of the St. Louis barbecue scene. “We've never done another Pappy's store,” co-owner John Matthews told me. “(The truck) gives us a little more ability to market our product.” I much prefer a Pappy’s truck to a second location. As the number of barbecue restaurants in St. Louis has continued to grow, Pappy’s has remained in the highest rank thanks to a focused effort: consistently excellent product (the pork ribs above all else) and a welcoming dining experience.
Hours: 11 a.m.-8 p.m. (or until sold out) Monday-Saturday, 11 a.m.-4 p.m. (or until sold out) Sunday
Last year's ranking: Rest of the Best
Opened: 2008