Pappy's Smokehouse

Pappy's Smokehouse: Memphis-style barbecue in St. Louis

Pappy's Smokehouse is a barbecue restaurant based in St. Louis, Missouri, which opened its Midtown location in 2008. Its name pays tribute to Jim "Pappy" Emerson, described as a brother, uncle, friend, and mentor, who appreciated hearty food and good times. The establishment presents itself as a local benchmark for Memphis-style barbecue.

Specialty in ribs and smoked meats

The house is known for its dry-rubbed ribs, slow-smoked over apple or cherry wood, with a lightly smoked flavor. The menu also includes pulled pork, smoked beef brisket, and burnt ends. Preparation is done daily and smoking can take up to 24 hours. The company emphasizes that the food is served fresh, never reheated.

The meats are accompanied by four barbecue sauces: Sweet Baby Jane, Original, Carolina Vinegar, and HooDoo Sauce, offered on the side.

Vegetarian options and allergens

Most side dishes are vegetarian: slaw, potato salad, fried corn on the cob, sweet potato fries, green beans, and applesauce. The exception is baked beans. Regarding allergens, the kitchen does not use nuts, although sauces and rubs are made in facilities that may handle nut products. All meats are gluten-free except for the burnt ends; some sides are also gluten-free, and the Sweet Baby Jane and Carolina Vinegar sauces are gluten-free.

Two locations in the St. Louis area

Pappy's Smokehouse operates two restaurants: one in Midtown St. Louis, at 3106 Olive St, and another in St. Peters, at 5246 North Service Rd. Both offer online ordering and takeout. The company warns that they may sell out before closing, so they recommend calling if visiting late in the day.

Catering service and food truck

The restaurant offers catering services for corporate events, private parties, wedding receptions, and rehearsal dinners. It has a space for weddings and private events, coordinated by Liz Eckhard, and a full catering service led by Molly Birchfield. It also has a food truck. Catering inquiries are handled at catering@pappyssmokehouse.com.

Takeout orders and nationwide shipping

Pickup orders can be placed by phone or online, with a recommendation to call 24 to 48 hours in advance. There is no in-house delivery service, but you can order through Uber Eats. Ribs, pulled pork, and pulled chicken can be shipped anywhere in the continental United States through Goldbelly. Additionally, sauces, rubs, and merchandise items such as t-shirts and hats are shipped nationwide.

The restaurant family

Since opening in 2008, Pappy's has expanded its group with Bogarts Smokehouse, opened in 2011 in the historic Soulard neighborhood, and Dalie's, opened in 2015 in Valley Park, Missouri. Bogarts offers smoked tri-tip sirloin, pastrami, and apricot-glazed ribs. Dalie's serves daily specials such as brisket chili, Creole Wednesday, and smokehouse chicken and dumplings, as well as sandwiches like the Vegan Sub, BBQ Ham 'n Cheese, Ultimate Reuben with two types of pastrami, and Cuban Sandwich. Although styles vary, the group maintains the goal of offering quality homestyle food and family-style service.

Awards and operations

The establishment has been recognized as "Best Ribs in America" by Food Network and "Best BBQ in Missouri" by Southern Living, according to its own presentation. Reservations are not accepted and service is first-come, first-served. Large groups should notify in advance and are seated together only if all members are present before joining the line; for groups of 20 to 64 people, the private dining room can be reserved.

Locations

St. Louis Location: 3106 Olive St, St. Louis, MO 63103

St. Peters Location: 5246 N Service Rd, St Peters, MO 63376 · Phone: (636) 244-5400