St. Louis Best Barbecue - Smoki O's - Best Of St. Louis

Best Of

Best Of St. Louis >

Best Barbecue

Smoki O's

Venue

Smoki Os

1545 N. Broadway

St. Louis, MO

314-621-8180

Smoki O's
1545 North Broadway, St. Louis, 314-621-8180

Readers' Choice: Bandana's

Back in the day, when we boomed around on a motorcycle, an old flame accused us of being able to spot the curling smoke of a barbecue pit through the side of our helmet, resulting in sudden, sliding 180-degree reversals and mad dashes in hot pursuit. In the Lou, the benchmarks of good 'cue are ribs, links and snoots, whereas pulled pig and brisket make occasional appearances on the bill of fare. By that measure, Smoki O's serves up the best ribs in town -- pork or beef, they're always lean, not fatty, and you can taste the smoke through the thick sauce, proof that this is the realest of deals. Links are hot but meaty -- not your fraudulent pepper-laden mystery grist. As a bonus, Smoki O's serves up pulled pig in a semi-North Carolina style, which means the sauce is tomato-based, sweet and heavy.

Owned by Otis and Earline Walker and managed by their son, Christopher, Smoki O's has been in business at its current location for two-and-a-half years. Four countertops, no beer, it's mainly a takeout joint with a Soulard Market pedigree: Otis and his brother Bruce ran an oil-barrel operation on the back end of the market, on Carroll Street.

Close second: Big Jake's Memphis Style Barbecue, of which former Mayor Freeman Bosley Jr. is a co-owner, on Delmar. A new sit-down joint in a former McDonald's, Big Jake's serves up a mean peach cobbler and a full array of adult beverages with its fine 'cue. Plus, you get a chance at a bonus serving of the Boz's political wisdom. But on a head-to-head smoked-meat basis, get yourself to Smoki O's.

<< Best Orange Soda

Best Name for a Bar >>

write your comment

Best Of Search

Best Of Issues - Previous Years

Latest Best Of User Comments

Best Sports Figure Not Named Pujols (1)
2009-11-12 15:16:46

He's just a great guy. The baseball numbers speak for themselves.
Best TV News Anchor (1)
2009-11-12 03:13:19

Mandy Murphy is WAY better looking and a MUCH better anchor than Sandy Miller. I dont even get...
Best Martini (1)
2009-11-09 16:22:48

Yeah, not the best by far. Absolutli Goosed still has the best martini in town.
Best Public Park (1)
2009-11-09 13:47:56

We love Lafayette Park! Not only good for reading under trees, but the best walking park (no...
Best Cover (1)
2009-11-09 09:19:51

They performed this song in two out of the three shows I've seen this tour. Both times they...