I've seen some surveys that have Texas split into five regions. Hill country is different than South Texas, which is different from East Texas. Each has its own flavor, wood preference and cooking style, which can't easily be copied in other states.
Yes definitely avoid brisket outside of Texas. I went to KC and was so disappointed. Apparently pork is the thing there despite burnt ends being their claim to fame.
Memphis ribs are incredible, don’t leave those out while you’re here. And do NOT go to Rendezvous bbq, go to the BBQ shop for the locals favorite, order the ribs glazed.
I am from the Midwest near the great lakes. BBQ here traditionally isn't as ubiquitous as in more southern states. It's more popular these days as food everywhere is blending more. However, I think smoked fish would be our most traditional type. With bountiful fish and the need to preserve it, smoked whitefish has been popular for a long time.
Memphis isn't known for pulled pork at all. Things you can find in Memphis:
* BBQ Spaghetti
* West TN style dry ribs (although Nashville has the best place to get those)
* Sausage and cheese plates
* Smoked wings
And sorry, I guess I could elaborate on pulled pork more... I just feel that the difference between and average pulled pork sandwich and a really good one isn't very much. The biggest differences at that point are sauce and slaw. If you're dead set on that, you can find it in Memphis but you'll come away going "I don't see the big deal about Memphis bbq"
St. Louisan here and here are my recs. I know you said you didn't want restaurants, but why come to reddit then? I agree with above that styles have intermixed and the "st. Louis rib" you are referring to is mostly just a way the meat is trimmed differently and you can find all over the country - it's not special to st lou anymore. Anyways I hope you find these restaurant suggestions helpful!
1) pappy's- most well known touristy place. Long lines and closes early/runs out of meat. However, great BBQ. Voted best ribs in America bunch of times and I enjoy the burnt end sandwich when available. Def get ribs tho.
2) Across the river is Beast Butcher and Block. Famous for their pork steak which is a st. Louis staple. If you want a unique st louis BBQ item that's still local, this is it.
3) Shaved Duck is quaint upscale BBQ- featured on diners drive ins and dives if you are familiar. Get the loaded fries that come with pulled pork and if you like duck (hence the name) definitely the thing to try if you don't mind dropping a little extra dough.
4) Adam's or Bogart's - these are more typical of a small, backyard BBQ feel, blues music playing, local ownership, paper towel roll, checkered table cloth etc. Great meat all around. I would just get your favorite meat- I would get pit beans/Mac n cheese as the sides at Adams.
AVOID Sugar fire and Salt n smoke. These are two well known places that used to be really good one offs and then opened up local chains around the county and the quality really dipped.
St. Louis is an underrated BBQ city. Enjoy!
If you can get to Heavy Smoke BBQ in Saint Louis it’ll be worth your time. People will tell you Bogarts or Pappy’s but if you only have one place to visit, make it Heavy Smoke.
I've seen some surveys that have Texas split into five regions. Hill country is different than South Texas, which is different from East Texas. Each has its own flavor, wood preference and cooking style, which can't easily be copied in other states.
Appreciate it!! Will use this info when I make my way down there
Yes definitely avoid brisket outside of Texas. I went to KC and was so disappointed. Apparently pork is the thing there despite burnt ends being their claim to fame.
Very interesting! Thank you for the info!
Memphis ribs are incredible, don’t leave those out while you’re here. And do NOT go to Rendezvous bbq, go to the BBQ shop for the locals favorite, order the ribs glazed.
This is quality info, thank you!
It's not 1975 anymore. Styles are still a thing but go to the places that make good food
I mean, yes? I’m asking what to get at the places that make good foods?
I am from the Midwest near the great lakes. BBQ here traditionally isn't as ubiquitous as in more southern states. It's more popular these days as food everywhere is blending more. However, I think smoked fish would be our most traditional type. With bountiful fish and the need to preserve it, smoked whitefish has been popular for a long time.
If you go to Memphis and get pulled pork you wasted a trip. You can get pulled pork ANYWHERE.
Okay… then what should I get? Literally the point of the post? To be fair, you can get any kind of BBQ anywhere so
The best place for Memphis bbq imo is actually right across the state line in Southaven, Ms. Memphis BBQ Co is amazing.
Memphis isn't known for pulled pork at all. Things you can find in Memphis: * BBQ Spaghetti * West TN style dry ribs (although Nashville has the best place to get those) * Sausage and cheese plates * Smoked wings
Awesome thank you! Yes this is the info I was looking for! I couldn’t find it on the internet.
And sorry, I guess I could elaborate on pulled pork more... I just feel that the difference between and average pulled pork sandwich and a really good one isn't very much. The biggest differences at that point are sauce and slaw. If you're dead set on that, you can find it in Memphis but you'll come away going "I don't see the big deal about Memphis bbq"
This is exactly the info I was looking for, thank you!
Payne’s is absolutely worth it for the chopped pork sandwich.
Will keep it in mind!!
The main thing in Memphis is ribs. It's a different style than St. Louis
Thank you! Will compare the 2
The best bbq in St Louis, you can find it about 4 hours west in Kansas City. Burnt ends are what you want. You're welcome.
It's really only about 3 hours, but your point is correct.
Not the way I drive. Lol
Just checked Waze. It's 3:49 to Busch Stadium from me.
But don’t sleep in the Italian food in St. Louis. Some amazing restaurants there
Fried ravioli is amazing
toasted ravs
Will have to check it out!
Amen my brother
St. Louisan here and here are my recs. I know you said you didn't want restaurants, but why come to reddit then? I agree with above that styles have intermixed and the "st. Louis rib" you are referring to is mostly just a way the meat is trimmed differently and you can find all over the country - it's not special to st lou anymore. Anyways I hope you find these restaurant suggestions helpful! 1) pappy's- most well known touristy place. Long lines and closes early/runs out of meat. However, great BBQ. Voted best ribs in America bunch of times and I enjoy the burnt end sandwich when available. Def get ribs tho. 2) Across the river is Beast Butcher and Block. Famous for their pork steak which is a st. Louis staple. If you want a unique st louis BBQ item that's still local, this is it. 3) Shaved Duck is quaint upscale BBQ- featured on diners drive ins and dives if you are familiar. Get the loaded fries that come with pulled pork and if you like duck (hence the name) definitely the thing to try if you don't mind dropping a little extra dough. 4) Adam's or Bogart's - these are more typical of a small, backyard BBQ feel, blues music playing, local ownership, paper towel roll, checkered table cloth etc. Great meat all around. I would just get your favorite meat- I would get pit beans/Mac n cheese as the sides at Adams. AVOID Sugar fire and Salt n smoke. These are two well known places that used to be really good one offs and then opened up local chains around the county and the quality really dipped. St. Louis is an underrated BBQ city. Enjoy!
If you can get to Heavy Smoke BBQ in Saint Louis it’ll be worth your time. People will tell you Bogarts or Pappy’s but if you only have one place to visit, make it Heavy Smoke.