Pappy's Smokehouse, a renowned Memphis-style barbecue joint located in St. Louis, has been delighting customers with its delicious smoked meats for over 15 years. Founded by Mike Emerson and John Matthews, Pappy's Smokehouse has become one of the top barbecue spots in the city, known for its mouthwatering flavors and commitment to giving back to the community.
The Origins of Pappy's Smokehouse
Pappy's Smokehouse traces its roots back to the world of competition barbecue. Emerson and Matthews, both born and raised in St. Louis, decided to bring their passion for barbecue to the restaurant scene after achieving success on the competition circuit. In 2008, they opened the first Pappy's Smokehouse location in Midtown St. Louis, offering a unique combination of Memphis-style barbecue and Louisiana-inspired sandwiches. However, it was their flavorful dry rubs that truly put them on the map.
The name of the restaurant, Pappy's Smokehouse, pays homage to the late Jim pappy Emerson, who was not only a brother, uncle, and friend but also a mentor to the co-founders. Pappy's simple approach to life, his love for the outdoors, and his dedication to providing great food and good times inspired the atmosphere and ethos of Pappy's Smokehouse today.
Memorable Barbecue in a Fast-Casual Setting
One of the unique aspects of Pappy's Smokehouse is its commitment to offering competition-level barbecue in a fast-casual setting. Emerson and Matthews wanted to break ground by providing customers with high-quality smoked meats in a quick and convenient manner. This innovative approach has made Pappy's Smokehouse a favorite among locals and tourists alike.
Slow-Smoked Perfection
At Pappy's Smokehouse, smoking meats is a daily ritual. The restaurant takes pride in slow-smoking fresh meats for up to 24 hours over sweet apple or cherry wood. This low and slow process infuses the meats with incredible flavor and results in tender, juicy, and delicious barbecue.
However, quantities at Pappy's Smokehouse are limited due to the focus on freshness. Once the daily inventory runs out, the restaurant closes for the day. This commitment to quality ensures that every customer gets to experience the best barbecue possible.
Award-Winning Barbecue
Pappy's Smokehouse has gained recognition and acclaim from both customers and the culinary world. The Food Network has named Pappy's as having the best ribs in america, while Southern Living has declared it the place for the best bbq in Missouri. The restaurant's fame skyrocketed when former Man vs. Food host Adam Richman visited Pappy's during Season 1 of The Travel Channel show. These accolades have solidified Pappy's Smokehouse as a must-visit destination for barbecue enthusiasts.
When it comes to Pappy's Smokehouse, there are a few menu items that have become fan favorites. The pulled pork, ribs, and sweet potato fries consistently top the list of best-selling dishes. However, the menu offers a wide variety of other delicious options to satisfy all taste preferences. Whether you're a fan of classic barbecue or looking for something with a twist, Pappy's Smokehouse has something to delight your taste buds.
More Than Just a Restaurant
Pappy's Smokehouse goes beyond being just a restaurant. It also operates a food truck called Pappy’s Rollin’ Smoke, which can be booked for private events and neighborhood deliveries. Additionally, Pappy's Smokehouse offers catering services for corporate events, meetings, private parties, and weddings. The restaurant even has a private banquet space available for rent, perfect for hosting special occasions with a minimum of 20 guests and a maximum seating capacity of 6
Giving Back to the Community
From its inception, Pappy's Smokehouse has been committed to giving back to the community. The restaurant actively supports various local organizations through its donations program. Pappy's partners with other businesses to create unique dishes, collaborating with St. Louis Kolache, Vito's Sicilian Pizzeria & Ristorante, Balkan Treat Box, Yolklore, Anthonino's Taverna, and Nudo House to offer limited-time creations. In addition, Pappy's was involved in the launch of Q in the Lou, a barbecue festival that has expanded to other cities.
Celebrating 15 Years with Barbecue-Infused Bourbon Whiskey
To commemorate its 15th anniversary, Pappy's Smokehouse collaborated with StilL 630 to create a special barbecue-infused Missouri straight bourbon whiskey called Pappy's Smokehouse Mash & Ash. This unique whiskey, aged for four years in a single oak barrel and infused with applewood charcoal from Pappy's smokers, showcases the essence of Pappy's Smokehouse and St. Louis's independent businesses. The first batch of this limited-edition bourbon sold out within two weeks, but a second single barrel is being prepared for a Thanksgiving release, providing another opportunity to savor this exceptional spirit.
Pappy's Smokehouse has become an iconic destination in St. Louis, attracting both locals and visitors with its unforgettable barbecue experience. With its commitment to quality, community involvement, and innovative approach to serving competition-level barbecue, Pappy's Smokehouse continues to be a beloved institution in the city's culinary scene.
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