Bogart's Smokehouse in St. Louis's historic Soulard neighborhood occupies a distinctive position in the city's food scene: a barbecue and deli hybrid that opens at 8am and serves smoked meats alongside morning coffee, making it one of the few breakfast-hour smokeh ouses in Missouri. Founded by Skip Steele — a figure central to St. Louis's barbecue revival in the early 2000s — the restaurant has earned national recognition for a menu that bridges Kansas City pit-smoking traditions with the deli sensibilities of a neighborhood luncheonette. The restaurant operates Tuesday through Saturday, closing when the daily supply of smoked meats is exhausted, typically by early afternoon.
The smoked pastrami sandwich is the item that most distinguishes Bogart's from every other St. Louis barbecue restaurant. Steele's pastrami is cured in-house and slow-smoked over hardwood before being sliced thick — drawing favorable comparisons to celebrated New York delis while maintaining the smoke character of a Missouri smokeh ouse. Baby back ribs receive a dry rub and slow smoking over fruitwood, producing a tender result with mild smoke and clean pork flavor. Smoked turkey provides a lighter alternative that still carries the restaurant's characteristic smoke profile. Pit-smoked beans, slow-cooked with meat drippings, are among the most consistently ordered side dishes.
The Soulard location lends the experience neighborhood charm that few BBQ restaurants can match: the restaurant sits in one of St. Louis's oldest and most characterful districts, close to the Soulard Farmers Market and the dense collection of bars and restaurants that define the area. The morning BBQ service — unusual anywhere in America — makes Bogart's a destination for locals who want a substantive early meal and for visitors exploring Soulard before the afternoon crowds. Portions are generous, prices are moderate, and the early closing time makes planning essential. Outdoor sidewalk seating is available in good weather, adding to the neighborhood atmosphere.
Signature dishes
- Smoked pastrami sandwich
- Baby back ribs
- Smoked turkey
- Pit-smoked beans
Good to know
- Known for
- A Soulard neighborhood institution combining BBQ and deli traditions. Breakfast BBQ plates from 8am make it unique in St. Louis.
- Hours
- Tue–Sat 8am–4pm (or until sold out). Closed Sun–Mon.
- Reservations
- Not accepted
Location
1627 S 9th St, St. Louis, MO 63104
38.6162, -90.2018 View on map
Highlights
- In-house cured and smoked pastrami sandwich — a BBQ-deli hybrid unique in St. Louis
- Breakfast BBQ service from 8am — exceptionally rare in any American smokehouse
- Located in Soulard, one of St. Louis's oldest and most atmospheric neighborhoods
- Baby back ribs slow-smoked over fruitwood with a dry-rub spice crust
- Founded by Skip Steele, a key figure in St. Louis's modern barbecue revival
Tips for visiting
- Arrive by 10am on Saturdays for the best selection — the restaurant often sells out before noon
- The pastrami sandwich is the must-order item; it is unlike anything else on the BBQ menu
- Closed Sunday and Monday — plan visits for Tuesday through Saturday only
- Outdoor sidewalk seating is available in good weather for added neighborhood atmosphere
- Cash and card accepted; prices are moderate for the quality and generous portion sizes
When to visit
Tuesday through Friday mornings from 8am to 11am offer the unique breakfast BBQ experience with minimal crowds. Saturday visits should begin at opening to secure ribs and pastrami before they sell out.
Accessibility
Bogart's Smokehouse is on the ground floor of a Soulard neighborhood building with street-level entry. The casual dining area is generally accessible for wheelchair users. Specific accessibility details should be confirmed directly with the restaurant by phone.
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Frequently asked questions
What makes Bogart's Smokehouse different from other St. Louis BBQ restaurants?
Bogart's is unique for its 8am opening time with breakfast BBQ service and for its smoked pastrami sandwich — a BBQ-deli hybrid cured and smoked entirely in-house. No other major St. Louis smokehouse combines these elements.
When does Bogart's close?
The restaurant closes when the day's supply of smoked meats sells out, typically by early afternoon. Arriving before noon gives visitors the best chance of accessing the full menu including ribs, pastrami, and smoked turkey.
Is Bogart's in a good location for exploring Soulard?
Yes — Bogart's is in the heart of the Soulard neighborhood, steps from the Soulard Farmers Market and close to the area's bar and restaurant district. It makes an ideal breakfast or early lunch stop before exploring the neighborhood.
Is the pastrami truly made on-site?
Yes — the pastrami at Bogart's is cured and smoked entirely in-house by Skip Steele's team. The process takes multiple days and distinguishes Bogart's from establishments that purchase pre-made pastrami from a supplier.
Is there indoor seating at Bogart's?
Yes, the restaurant has casual indoor seating. Sidewalk seating is also available in good weather, making the Soulard neighborhood atmosphere an integral part of the experience.