Hogtown Smokehouse — Restaurant in St. Louis

I really enjoyed my dinner here, the food was excellent and the people were friendly.

We had wings as an appetizer, I had the hogtown sandwich and my fiancée had the brisket tray.

When the brisket arrived I thought the portion looked kind of small, but we ended up needing to get takeout boxes for the leftovers - in retrospect I think the plate was just comically large.

I came to St Louis hoping to try "Provel" cheese, and they were kind enough to bring me a slice. Apparently it's a "love it or hate it" food item, which makes sense as it's a mix of provolone, Swiss, and cheddar cheeses, and provolone certainly isn't for everyone. I am a big cheese guy and really enjoyed my slice of Provel.

The actual main courses were very good, the meat was tender and packed with flavor. I chose "pit beans" as my side and I was blown away, they were incredible. I'll note the beans have a very strong pepper component in the flavor, which I enjoyed, but I can see how it might be a bit spicy for some people. I had a bite of brisket with spicy sauce immediately after eating the beans and it got pretty hot :)

I'll actually take a moment to talk about the sauces. They apparently make them all in house, and I really enjoyed them. I'd never heard of Alabama sauce in particular, but it was delicious.

The hogtown sandwich was incredible, it had all the meats so I got to do some sampling, but the whole combination also comes together very nicely.

The owner Rico was hanging around making conversation during dinner and he was very friendly, as were the random patrons at the bar. I learned a lot about the area and its food, and got some good tips about fresh corn and watermelon vendors.

On the whole, between the food and the friendly people, this place ranks 5 stars. I'll be coming back next time I'm...

If you look at my review history I can be brutally honest when it comes to a less than stellar food experience (23 years travelling as an airline pilot can do that) so don't take this lightly about what I am about to write.... Hogtown has succeeded, by far, in making THE BEST ribs and wings I have ever had. The rub and cooking technique they use is perfection with the wings being big, juicy with lots of smoke and ridiculously good flavor from the rub they use. The ribs were no different as they too were big, meaty (very little fat), fall off the bone tender, juicy with a crisp caramelized bark of deliciousness. I did not use sauce on either the wings or ribs because they didn't need it whatsoever. I did sample the sauce I got on the side and it was delicious. One word of caution, I much like a sweet/savory flavor profile so the rub might be a little sweet for some but one of their vinegar forward based sauces might be a great offset to the sweetness. It's clear they have mastered the technique of wing and rib smoking/cooking/holding and serving. For the record I also tried the brisket but it was shortly before closing time and I might have not received the best example of what they can do so I will withhold my review on the brisket and try it again along with some pulled pork (although I might not because the wings and ribs were sooooo perfect!). Lastly, the service was fantastic and friendly making this place a real gem. Looking forward to being back in town after...

Nestled in the heart of St. Louis's historic Dogtown neighborhood, Hogtown Smokehouse is a culinary gem that masterfully combines community spirit with the soulful art of barbecue. From the moment you step into this unassuming corner eatery, you're greeted with the inviting aroma of smoked meats and the warm hospitality that defines the Midwest.

The menu is a testament to barbecue excellence, featuring a mouthwatering array of smoked pork, tender ribs, succulent brisket, flavorful turkey, and G&W sausage. Each dish is meticulously prepared, ensuring a delightful experience for both barbecue aficionados and newcomers alike. The French Dip, the crown jewel, is as best as they come. Accompanying sides like the creamy coleslaw and the uniquely delectable applesauce complement the main dishes beautifully, creating a harmonious blend of flavors. For those seeking a hearty meal, the Frito pie and mac & cheese are standout choices that promise to satisfy.

Beyond the exceptional food, Hogtown Smokehouse offers an ambiance that feels like a home away from home. The outdoor seating area provides a relaxed atmosphere, reminiscent of a friendly backyard gathering, complete with games on the big screen. The attentive and friendly staff enhance the dining experience, ensuring that every visit is memorable. Whether you're a local or just passing through, Hogtown Smokehouse is a must-visit destination that captures the essence of St. Louis...