Salt + Smoke is the defining expression of modern St. Louis barbecue, offering a more contemporary take on the city's BBQ tradition than the legacy smokeh ouses that anchor the scene. The flagship location on Delmar Boulevard in The Loop — one of St. Louis's most vibrant dining and entertainment corridors — opened to immediate acclaim and has since expanded to multiple locations across the metropolitan area, each maintaining the same commitment to house-smoked daily meats and a thoughtful craft beer selection. The restaurant represents a generation of St. Louis pitmasters who have studied American regional BBQ traditions broadly and developed a house style that is distinctly St. Louis while drawing on Kansas City, Memphis, and Texas influences.
The smoked brisket sandwich is the anchor of the menu: sliced brisket served on a toasted bun with house-made pickles and the option for sauce on the side. St. Louis-cut spare ribs — trimmed in the rectangular shape standardized in the city — are slow-smoked daily and available in half or full slabs. The kitchen also produces pulled pork, smoked chicken, and turkey, giving the menu breadth for groups with varied preferences. House-made pickles and banana pudding are among the sides and desserts that have developed their own followings. The craft beer list is more carefully curated than at most BBQ restaurants, with a rotating selection of Missouri-brewed and regional options chosen to complement the smoky, fatty flavor profile of the food.
The Loop location occupies a modern, well-designed space that is comfortable for both casual lunches and relaxed evening meals. Multiple locations across St. Louis — including venues in Ballpark Village near Busch Stadium — make Salt + Smoke a convenient option throughout the city. No reservations are accepted; the restaurant operates walk-in only, and wait times at peak hours are common. The price point is moderate for the quality and portion sizes.
Signature dishes
- Smoked brisket sandwich
- St. Louis-cut spare ribs
- House-made pickles
- Banana pudding
Good to know
- Known for
- Modern St. Louis BBQ with daily house-smoked meats and a craft beer list that complements the smokehouse food. Multiple locations across St. Louis.
- Hours
- Sun–Thu 11am–9pm, Fri–Sat 11am–10pm
- Reservations
- Not accepted (walk-in only)
Location
6525 Delmar Blvd, St. Louis, MO 63130
38.6528, -90.3087 View on map
Highlights
- Smoked brisket sandwich with house-made pickles — the flagship menu item
- St. Louis-cut spare ribs available daily in half or full slabs
- Carefully curated Missouri craft beer list that pairs thoughtfully with smoked meats
- Modern BBQ restaurant representing a new generation of St. Louis pitmasters
- Multiple locations across St. Louis including The Loop and Ballpark Village near Busch Stadium
Tips for visiting
- Arrive early or late to avoid midday and evening peak waits — no reservations are accepted
- The brisket sandwich and spare ribs together make the ideal two-item introduction to the menu
- Ask the staff for the current craft beer recommendation to pair with the brisket
- The banana pudding dessert is made in-house and worth ordering alongside the main course
- The Loop location has the best standalone atmosphere; Ballpark Village is ideal on Cardinals game days
When to visit
Weekday lunch from 11:30am to 1pm offers shorter waits and the full menu. On Cardinals game days, the Ballpark Village location is the most convenient option for visitors attending a game.
Accessibility
The Salt + Smoke Loop location on Delmar Boulevard has accessible entry from the street and a single-level dining room. The space is navigable for wheelchair users. Street parking and the MetroLink Delmar Loop station are nearby.
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Frequently asked questions
How does Salt + Smoke differ from older St. Louis BBQ institutions like Pappy's?
Salt + Smoke represents a more contemporary style of St. Louis BBQ — modern interiors, a strong craft beer program, and multiple locations across the city. Pappy's and Bogart's are single-location legacy smokeh ouses with a more traditional sell-out-and-close model.
Are reservations accepted at Salt + Smoke?
No reservations are accepted at any Salt + Smoke location. The restaurant operates walk-in only. Wait times at the Delmar Boulevard location can be 20 to 45 minutes on Friday and Saturday evenings.
What is a St. Louis-cut spare rib?
A St. Louis cut removes the sternum bone, cartilage, and rib tips from a full pork spare rib rack to create a more rectangular, uniform shape that cooks evenly. It is the standard cut at most St. Louis BBQ restaurants.
Does Salt + Smoke have multiple locations?
Yes — Salt + Smoke has expanded to several locations across the St. Louis area, including The Loop in University City, Ballpark Village, and additional suburban locations. The menu and quality are consistent across all sites.
Is there a vegetarian option at Salt + Smoke?
The menu is BBQ-focused with limited vegetarian items. Side dishes including coleslaw, pit-smoked beans, and mac and cheese provide options for non-meat eaters, but the restaurant is primarily designed around smoked meats.