Pappy's Smokehouse: St. Louis's Premier Memphis-Style BBQ Spot

Nestled in the vibrant Midtown neighborhood of St. Louis, Pappy's Smokehouse delivers an unforgettable experience for barbecue lovers craving authentic Memphis-style flavors. Known for its perfectly smoked ribs that tenderly fall off the bone and a lineup of savory sides, this local favorite combines down-home charm with speedy, efficient service.

An Authentic Barbecue Experience

From the moment you arrive at 3106 Olive Street, you’ll notice the bustling hallway where guests eagerly line up to explore the menu and place their orders at the counter. Despite the crowds, Pappy's is famed for its well-organized, quick service that keeps the food coming fast without sacrificing quality.

Must-try dishes include the smoked ribs, brisket, and the famous Fire and Ice pickles, which perfectly balance spice and sweetness.

Sides like sweet potato fries and baked beans complement the meat beautifully, creating a satisfying and hearty meal that has diners coming back time and time again.

A Welcoming Spot for Groups and Families

Pappy's Smokehouse caters to all guests, offering free parking both in a lot behind the building and on nearby streets, as well as wheelchair accessibility to ensure everyone can enjoy their BBQ feast comfortably.

Families will appreciate the child-friendly menu options, while groups can enjoy the spacious seating and lively atmosphere. Though Pappy's does not take reservations, the efficient system and friendly staff help keep wait times manageable, even during busy periods.

Ordering and Dining Options

Pappy's Smokehouse operates on an order-at-the-counter model, allowing guests to quickly select from a menu packed with classic BBQ favorites and specialty sides. Whether you choose to dine in at the welcoming indoor or outdoor seating areas, or prefer takeout, delivery, or curbside pickup, Pappy’s makes it easy to enjoy Memphis-style barbecue your way.

The restaurant serves lunch and dinner daily except Tuesdays, and offers a variety of payment options including NFC payments, debit, and credit cards—making your visit as seamless as possible.

Community FAQ

What are the operating hours of Pappy's Smokehouse? Pappy's Smokehouse operates from 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM on Sundays, and from 11:00 AM to 7:00 PM on Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays. The restaurant is closed on Tuesdays.
Does Pappy's Smokehouse offer gluten-free options? While not a dedicated gluten-free facility, Pappy's provides gluten-free options such as beef ribs, brisket, pork ribs, and potato salad. It's advisable to consult with the staff regarding cross-contamination concerns.
Is there parking available at Pappy's Smokehouse? Yes, Pappy's Smokehouse offers free parking behind the building and on the street with meter pay.
Does Pappy's Smokehouse accept reservations? Pappy's Smokehouse operates on a first-come, first-served basis and does not accept reservations.
Is Pappy's Smokehouse wheelchair accessible? Yes, Pappy's Smokehouse is wheelchair accessible, ensuring a comfortable dining experience for all guests.

Community Sentiment

The buzz around Pappy's Smokehouse is overwhelmingly positive. Visitors rave about the melt-in-your-mouth ribs, juicy brisket, and the clever balance of smoky, sweet, and spicy flavors. Many commend the friendly staff and the streamlined ordering process that keeps long waits from feeling tedious. Popular sides like the fried corn on the cob and sweet potato fries add to the feast, making Pappy’s a top destination for BBQ enthusiasts visiting St. Louis.

A rich history of pappy's smokehouse in st. louis mo's vibrant barbecue scene.

Nestled in the heart of St. Louis's Midtown neighborhood, Pappy's Smokehouse has carved out a legendary status since its founding in 2008 by Mike Emerson. Named in heartfelt tribute to his late brother Jim, this barbecue haven has become synonymous with authentic Memphis-style smoked ribs and southern barbecue culture. From its humble beginnings, Pappy's has steadily grown into a beloved culinary landmark, drawing local foodies and BBQ enthusiasts nationwide.

milestones that shaped pappy's smokehouse success

Throughout its remarkable journey, Pappy's Smokehouse has earned impressive accolades that underscore its culinary excellence and cultural impact on American barbecue.

2008 - Pappy's Smokehouse was established by Mike Emerson in St. Louis, Missouri.
2015 - Ranked #10 among the top barbecue restaurants in America by TripAdvisor.
2016 - Honored as the #1 Best Ribs in America by The Food Network, catapulting Pappy's to national fame.
2017 - Featured on the Steve Harvey Show, showcasing its unique flavors to a broader audience.
2017 - Listed in Zagat’s “50 States, 50 Favorite Restaurants,” affirming its place among the nation's top dining destinations.

why pappy's smokehouse remains a beloved bbq destination

Pappy's Smokehouse distinguishes itself through a commitment to traditional wood-smoked Memphis-style barbecue, using slow-cooked techniques that produce tender, flavorful meats that fall off the bone. Visitors rave about their signature ribs, brisket, and unique fire and ice pickles, which complement the smoky meats perfectly. With an inviting atmosphere and efficient counter-serve setup, Pappy's offers an experience that blends down-home comfort with culinary mastery.

Authenticity - Expertly smoked ribs and brisket using traditional methods.
Atmosphere - Casual counter-order system with friendly service and lively local vibes.
Reputation - Nationally recognized for the best ribs and consistently praised by visitors.

Experience authentic Memphis-style barbecue at Pappy's Smokehouse in St. Louis.

Located in the vibrant Midtown neighborhood of St. Louis, Pappy's Smokehouse is a beloved destination for barbecue enthusiasts seeking tender, flavorful ribs and other smoked meats. This spot is renowned for its authentic Memphis-style barbecue, where every bite bursts with smoky, rich taste that keeps locals and visitors coming back for more.

What makes Pappy's special

Pappy's Smokehouse delivers an exceptional barbecue experience with several standout features: the ribs are famously tender and fall off the bone, boasting a deep smoky flavor that defines Memphis-style BBQ. Despite often long lines, the service remains impressively quick, and the staff is known for being friendly and accommodating, creating a welcoming atmosphere for all guests. Beyond ribs, Pappy's offers a variety of delicious sides such as fire and ice pickles, baked beans, crispy fries, and more, making each meal a satisfying and complete feast.

Things to keep in mind

While Pappy's offers a memorable dining experience, there are a few considerations for visitors to note. The restaurant has limited operating hours, which means planning your visit carefully is wise to avoid disappointment. Additionally, they do not accept reservations, so expect potential wait times, especially during peak hours such as weekends and lunch or dinner rushes.

Pros - Authentic Memphis-style barbecue with tender ribs and flavorful smoked meats. Quick service and friendly staff enhance the dining experience. The menu features a variety of delicious sides.
Cons - Limited operating hours and no option for reservations can lead to waiting during busy periods, which might be inconvenient for some visitors.

4.6

3106 Olive St, St. Louis, MO 63103, USA

(314) 535-4340

Closed - Opens 11:00 AM

Monday

11:00–16:00

Tuesday

Closed

Wednesday

11:00–16:00

Thursday

11:00–18:00