Sugarfire 44 — Restaurant in Valley Park

It pains me to write a bad review for such a great restaurant chain, but this location was a huge let down. We had a carry out order almost two weeks ago. My father offered to pick it up on his way home to save us the chore of cooking after a busy day and weekend. I placed the order for us all and even bought desserts. I told him to ask the employee to double check the order when he retrieved it, which he did, and the employee assured him everything was there (in one bag. Food for 4 with extra sides, sauces, drinks, and desserts). Upon arriving home we quickly discovered that plenty was missing. I called the restaurant, and there was little effort to correct the mistake or retain me as a customer. They merely offered to have us drive back to retrieve the missing food (highly inconvenient, not mention half my family would be eating without the other half, or allowing their food to get cold, plus the time and extra fuel cost), or they would refund the missing items. I chose to accept the refund, and began preparing meals at home for those who didn't receive their orders (a chore that we were trying to avoid in the first place). They only refunded about $10. I was missing dessert, a full meal, a few sides, and sauces that were an additional charge. I called a few days later to ask about the refund, and the employee was very sweet, and said the refund would be there in a few more business days. It never showed. I am highly disappointed by this entire experience, and needless to say, will not be returning. I will also suggest to others that they avoid this location. I can't believe more was not done to resolve the issue or have me return as a customer. Avoid the headache, and find another bbq joint if possible. I've worked in the restaurant industry for several years, and hate leaving a bad review, but in my experience you always do all you can to right a wrong such as this. They did not even try. They even kept my over 20% tip on a to go order. I feel cheated on...

Went here to get away from the kids for awhile. Overall the experience was good aside from a few minor nuisances. The first being that the handicap entrance is blocked with tables and chairs, making it nearly impossible to even get into the place if you're handicapped (which my wife is). The second was that it didn't seem that the place was very busy - as in there wasn't a restaurant full of customers and the line wasn't jam packed.... But the line was moving very slowly as if it was extremely busy. Also all the employees were busy as could be. None of them were just sitting idle. There were only about 5 people ahead of us, but it took us about 25-30 minutes to get to the point to give our order. Maybe they were short staffed? The third MINOR annoyance was that while waiting in line you can get your drinks. GREAT! Except there was no ice... So the drinks were nice and warm. When I got the attention of an employee to politely let them know there was no ice, they acted as if I was a HUGE inconvenience. But they did refill the ice in a couple minutes so not bad. Their reaction to me letting them know about the ice may have been because they were dealing with multiple things at once and here I was just stacking more on. Honestly though... Why not just get ice machines attached to the drink dispensers so there is no worry about running out? Could be an expense that's worth it.

Other than that, after getting in, getting through the line, and getting a cold drink, the food was great as usual. I tried one of their burgers and it was awesome. It made me want a second one just from the flavor but there was no way I could have actually eaten one. My wife had her favorite - the pulled pork plate. She couldn't eat hardly any of it due to her illness but she enjoyed what she could and that was worth it.

Would definitely...

Fantastic BBQ spot on the far western edge of St. Louis. Cash & credit cards accepted. Friendly, very informal but with a trendy vibe to it. Indoor seating as well as limited outdoor patio seating if the weather is good.

Walk in and start making sense of the massive chalkboard hanging ahead of you and overhead. Warning - if you want ribs you should get there early as they were sold out by 6pm on a Saturday night. Pick individual meats, sandwiches, or burgers, or opt for a combo platter of two, three or more meats plus sides. Prices are reasonable. Meats are very tender and delicious.

I opted for a brisket & turkey combo platter with two sides. Turkey was wonderfully smokey, but one piece was perfectly tender and another was dry and tough. The brisket was exceptional - very tender and moist and flavorful. And all of that is before adding on one or more of the four BBQ sauces stocked at each table. From mild to sweet to a little spicy (but not really), you'll find one for most any taste bud.

They had a daily list of both hot and cold sides to choose from. Their honey cornbread is quite good. Get it warm with honey butter on the side. Texture is a little coarse, with a nice sear on the top to leave it slightly crisp. The other side I chose was some sort of insane chocolate bread pudding. Delicious!

Prices are good and the combos include a drink. Wide selection of locally produced sodas as well as iced tea & lemonade. Beers for sale as well. Great spot for the whole family but I suspect they get pretty busy at lunch &...