The best St. Louis restaurants of 2023

Of all the return-to-dining scenes I’ve witnessed in the past three years, the Pappy’s line is among the most welcome. It has become a rite of passage in the 15 years since Mike Emerson and John Matthews founded the barbecue restaurant.

Saint Louis Today

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Samantha Penn
17 Best BBQ Restaurants in America

Pappy’s Smokehouse in St. Louis’s Midtown has gained a loyal following thanks to its expertly smoked meat and delectable flavors. From their renowned dry-rubbed ribs to the flavorful pulled pork, Pappy’s delivers barbecue perfection with every bite, earning it a spot among the best in the nation.

Travel Awaits

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Samantha Penn
The South's Best Barbecue In Every State 2022

Pappy's brought Memphis-style barbecue to St. Louis, and big slabs of ribs smoked over apple and cherry wood have won over locals and tourists alike. They cook those ribs fresh each day, along with plenty of pulled pork, chicken, brisket, and turkey, often selling out before closing time.

Southern Living

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Samantha Penn
The 50 Absolute Best BBQ Restaurants In The US

At Pappy's Smokehouse, a Memphis-style barbecue joint in Missouri, every customer is treated to the "Pappy's Experience." The experience includes three facets: Freshly prepared food, a low and slow cooking method, and a finishing touch of delicious sauce on the side.

Tasting Table

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Samantha Penn
National BBQ show films outside Union Station with local pit masters

Raichlen will cook specialties from around the St. Louis area this season on his PBS show. On Wednesday he cooked pork steaks with Pappy’s BBQ owner John Matthews, but the show features more than grilled meats. It’s all about anything you can cook with fire. The season will also show Raichlen baking bread in a wood-fired oven with Balkan Treat Box.

Fox2 Now

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Samantha Penn
Feature: Pappy's Smokehouse

What makes Pappy’s Smokehouse so special is their incredible BBQ and friendly service. Pappy’s Smokehouse has really been making headlines ever since the Food Network named their ribs the best in the country.

JZ Vacation Rentals

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Samantha Penn
100 Restaurants America Can't Afford to Lose

What is America without our smokehouses and pitmasters? Pappy's, a casual outpost in STL, has only been open since 2008, but it’s been a heavy hitter since its launch. It’s routinely been voted the best BBQ in town, and its ribs have been recognized as the best in America—by someone other than me.

Esquire

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Samantha Penn
Pappy's Smokehouse opening a 2nd location

Pappy’s Smokehouse is going where the people are and opening a second location in St. Charles County. “I gotta bring the food where the people are,” co-founder John Matthews told 5 On Your Side while standing in the soon-to-open location in St. Peters.

KSDK-TV

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Samantha Penn