My partner and I came here for some afternoon food after visiting the National Blues Museum, since it was right next door conveniently. Items were hit or miss depending on which item one would order, which I would like to elaborate below. Before I do so, I will say that service was great, as everyone at the counter was attentive to our needs. That was a plus.
One comment my partner made was that the smoked salmon sandwich contained some of the best smoked salmon that they had ever eaten, and after tasting some, I could definitely see why. The salmon had soft texture inside while maintaining a potent and not overpowering smoky flavor. I also enjoyed the brisket, which wasn't juicy enough but was seasoned very well. It was also soft enough to allow a smooth culinary experience. I would recommend it to anyone visiting this spot without a doubt. The fried okra seemed to have used cornmeal instead of flour, which gave the okra bits harder and crispier texture while retaining the slimy inside. Both my partner and I enjoyed it as a result.
A few constructive opinions we had of the items are as follows: The s'mores pudding contained marshmallow bits that were definitely soaked for way too long, making them lose even the slightest bit of their own flavor and texture, so the whole thing just tasted like chocolate pudding and it didn't seem like the marshmallow made any difference. The mac and cheese relied on cheese for flavor but wasn't seasoned enough, so it tasted a bit plain outside the obvious cheese flavor. Finally, the baby back ribs were so undercooked that the ribs wouldn't separate themselves from another on the rack. The seasoned outer skin was really nice, and the meat that was closer to the bone tasted good, but the more I reached to the meat away from the bone, the harder the meat was to pull from the rack and the redder it became. Unfortunately I didn't even end up finishing the ribs as a result.
So yeah, as mentioned above, my experience made me determine that one would need to choose the right item to have a great meal. I wouldn't also be surprised that the ribs I had just happened to be a bad rack. Regardless, I am still rating this establishment a 4 because the highlights were amazing, balancing out the areas of...
Read moreWith a lack of acceptable places to eat in downtown St. Louis, my husband and I settled on Sugarfire Smokehouse. Not knowing what to expect, never having been introduced to the restaurant, we drove right past this location. This street was dark and the neon business sign was actually INSIDE the building above the kitchen making it extremely difficult to find.
After driving around the block a second time, we realized what had happened. We then had trouble finding a legitimate parking spot (we aren’t local to MO) that we felt safe leaving the car.
We made it inside and I, personally, had an issue reading the menu, as it was dark where it was hanging and was also about 10 ft in the air.
At the counter, we were immediately greeted and our order was taken. I ordered a regular hamburger (because I am not a BBQ fan) and a side of potato salad. It took forever to get my burger from the grill, but it was damn sure freshly made to my liking! My husband had a 2 meat combo plate and literally licked his fingers clean after finishing the sugarfire ribs! He said they were THE BEST!
The atmosphere, unfortunately, left a lot to be desired. The high-top plastic tables standing in front of the front doors did nothing to invite patrons in. It actually deterred people’s desires to enter the restaurant. The chairs & tables inside were ‘well-loved’ and dated. The floors were uneven (tripping hazard,) no real theme to the decor — looked like a conglomeration of different things just thrown together. The kitchen/register/to-go area looked very disorganized & unkempt. I STILL don’t understand the purple bull statue inside the restaurant nor the bronze one...
Read moreOur lunch at Sugar Fire BBQ in St. Louis was an absolute treat! As we journeyed from Branson MO to Kentucky, we stumbled upon this gem, and it turned out to be the highlight of our trip.
I opted for the pulled pork and brisket combo, and let me tell you, it was a match made in BBQ heaven! The flavors were out of this world, and the tenderness of the meat was simply melt-in-your-mouth delicious. My wife went with the pulled pork paired with the delectable potato salad, and she couldn't stop raving about how much she enjoyed every mouthful.
The atmosphere at Sugar Fire BBQ was delightful, creating the perfect ambiance for savoring a finger-licking BBQ feast. The staff was incredibly friendly and welcoming, making us feel right at home from the moment we walked in. Their genuine warmth added an extra layer of joy to the dining experience.
Having run my own BBQ restaurant in the past, I know the dedication and craftsmanship that goes into creating exceptional BBQ. I have to say, Sugar Fire BBQ truly nailed it! On a scale of 1 to 10, they effortlessly scored a solid 10 in my book.
If you're in St. Louis and craving some seriously outstanding BBQ, look no further than Sugar Fire BBQ. This place has everything you need for an authentic and unforgettable BBQ experience. From the mouthwatering dishes to the top-notch customer service and warm welcoming atmosphere, it's a full package of BBQ bliss.
I can't recommend this place enough, and if you find yourself passing through the area, do yourself a favor and make a stop at Sugar Fire BBQ. It's a 5-star experience all around, and you won't be...
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