Missouri argues about barbecue the way other states argue about football, and brisket usually sits right in the middle of the debate. Kansas City has its burnt ends, St. Louis has its own sauce-and-ribs pride, and smaller towns from Columbia to Cape Girardeau have smokehouses that hold their own with the big names.
This list covers eight spots across the state where the brisket is the real reason people pull into the parking lot, from a trendy Midtown favorite to a formica-table lunch counter and a Branson dining room that opens for breakfast. Save it for your next road trip, or send it to the friend who always claims their town has the best barbecue in Missouri.
1. Q39 – Midtown, Kansas City, MO
Kansas City has no shortage of barbecue, so a place has to earn its reputation here. Q39 in Midtown does it by slicing brisket to order, which keeps the smoke ring intact and the meat tender enough to cut with a fork.
The building at 1000 W 39th St has an airy, modern look with beamed ceilings and exposed brick. Wood-fired meats share the menu with classic smoked barbecue, and the brisket comes by the plate, in sandwiches, and tucked into a few creative dishes.
The Smoked Beef Brisket Poutine is a fun twist, and brisket also shows up in a rich mac and cheese that many regulars order as a main event. Burnt ends are a must in this city, and the Burnt End Burger puts them on a bun.
Sides like apple slaw and the spiced onion straws round things out.
Plan ahead on weekends. Saturday evening is the busiest stretch, there is usually a wait, and dinner reservations are recommended.
Weekday lunches tend to be calmer. Hours run 11 AM to 9 PM most days and stretch to 11 PM on Fridays and Saturdays, and a kids’ menu makes it easy to bring the whole family.
2. Bogart’s Smokehouse, St. Louis, MO
Formica tables, a counter line, and a menu that leans on both Memphis and St. Louis traditions. Bogart’s Smokehouse keeps things simple, and that simplicity is a big part of its appeal.
The spot at 1627 S 9th St sits in the historic Soulard area, and the lunch crowd shows up early. Ribs with a well-balanced rub get plenty of attention, but the brisket is moist and smoky enough to stand on its own in the Beef Brisket Sandwich.
Bogart’s also smokes pastrami, which is not something you see at every barbecue joint. Sauces are a highlight too, especially the pineapple-based barbecue sauce and the Voodoo Sauce.
The sides have personality. Pit Baked Beans get a signature dose of dehydrated onions, and the Deviled Egg Potato Salad and Fire and Ice Pickles are easy add-ons.
Timing matters here. The smokehouse is closed Sunday and Monday, open 10:30 AM to 4 PM Tuesday and Wednesday, and until 7 PM Thursday through Saturday.
Reservations are not accepted, and there is usually a line, so go with a little patience. Prices stay friendly at around $10 to $20 per person, and there is no restroom on site, which is good to know before you park.
3. Smoke N Bones BBQ, St. Louis, MO
Some of the best barbecue in a big city comes from a small family operation, and Smoke N Bones BBQ on Hampton Avenue fits that description well. It is clean, casual, and focused on ribs, brisket, and pulled pork.
The brisket leans juicy, with enough fat to keep each slice tender. The Smoked Beef Brisket Plate is the straightforward order, and it pairs well with homemade potato salad and baked beans.
One side stands out from the usual lineup. Fried corn on the cob is a playful change of pace from standard corn, and it gives the plate a little crunch.
The menu goes beyond brisket in useful ways. Smoked turkey, smoked party wings, a catfish sandwich, and pulled pork nachos make it easy to please a group with different cravings.
Portions run generous for the price. The restaurant at 6417 Hampton Ave is open 11 AM to 8 PM Tuesday through Sunday and closed Mondays.
A free parking lot, curbside pickup, and free Wi-Fi add everyday convenience. Weekend afternoons and Friday evenings get busy, so a weekday lunch is the easier play.
4. Como Smoke and Fire, Columbia, MO
A barbecue joint with a drive-through is a rare thing, and Como Smoke and Fire in Columbia has one. That alone makes it handy for anyone passing through on a busy day.
Inside, it is a down-to-earth smokehouse serving brisket, ribs, pulled pork, and mac and cheese. The brisket is smoky and tender, and the house sauces give you plenty of ways to dress it up.
I like this stop for its sides and starters, which have more creativity than you might expect. Pulled Pork Egg Rolls, fried green tomatoes, loaded potato salad, and creamy coleslaw all appear on the menu.
Brisket is only one part of the story here. Pork steak, a very Missouri choice, sits on the menu along with smoked turkey and pork loin sandwiches, and the ribs and pulled pork are consistently juicy.
Save room for the Funnel Cake Fries if you want a fair-food dessert without the fair.
The restaurant at 4600 Paris Rd is open daily, with later hours until 9 PM on Fridays and Saturdays. Reservations are not taken, parking is plentiful, and a kids’ menu keeps it easy for families around town.
5. Smokin’ Bob’s BBQ, Springfield, MO
Pork belly burnt ends are the menu item people in Springfield tend to bring up first. They are sweet, rich, and closer to barbecue candy than a typical side of meat.
Smokin’ Bob’s BBQ still gives brisket its due, though. The slices are tender with a good smoky flavor, and the brisket sandwich is a popular lunch order.
Sauces sit right on the tables, so you can experiment. The spicy sauce has a loyal following, and mixing it with the sweet sauce is a common move.
Sides here are more interesting than average. Smoked potato salad and cheesy smoked corn add extra smoke to the plate, while mac and cheese and slaw cover the classics.
The restaurant also serves pizzas, which is an unusual extra for a barbecue spot and helpful if someone in your group wants a break from brisket.
Service is counter-style at 3309 E Sunshine St, with hours from 11 AM to 7 PM Monday through Saturday. It is closed Sundays.
Weekday lunch is the busy window, especially Wednesday through Friday. Evenings tend to be calmer, and a meal for two usually lands around $30 to $40.
6. Mary Jane bourbon + smokehouse, Cape Girardeau, MO
Texas-style barbecue in Southeast Missouri might sound like a detour, but Mary Jane on Broadway makes it work. The brisket is moist and well-smoked, and the menu has more fun ideas than most smokehouses.
Brisket Wontons are the conversation starter. They take a Texas staple and wrap it into an appetizer that works well for sharing.
For a classic order, The Brisket Sammie comes with a special mayo that sets it apart from a standard sandwich. Trashed Ribs, smoked turkey, Pueblo Fries, and a smash burger fill out the rest of the lineup.
Nacho fans get two choices. The Buff Norris Nachos and Carolina Nachos give the menu a playful streak.
There is also a smoked salmon sandwich, a lighter pick for lunch. Sides like mashed potatoes and french fries keep things familiar for kids.
The restaurant at 1107 Broadway St opens at 11 AM Monday through Saturday and at 10 AM on Sundays. It also hosts live music, which gives weekend nights a livelier pace.
Reservations are accepted, and Saturday evening is the busiest time. A kids’ menu and changing tables make it easy for families visiting downtown Cape Girardeau.
7. Sweet Smoke BBQ – Downtown, Jefferson City, MO
Lunch breaks near the state capital just got more interesting. Sweet Smoke BBQ sits on East High Street in downtown Jefferson City, a short walk for anyone working or sightseeing in the area.
The smoke is on the lighter side, and the seasoning brings a gentle kick. Brisket comes as a plate or a sandwich, and it pairs nicely with the house sauces.
Jalapeno Cheddar Grits are the side worth planning around. They are a Southern-leaning choice you will not find at every barbecue counter in the state.
The menu has a few creative picks too. I Love Texas Tacos, The Fat Pig, and barbecue nachos give regulars something new when they want a change from the brisket plate.
Smoked sausage is a quiet star here, and the turkey, ribs, and pulled pork hold up well. Pit beans and potato salad cover the classic side dish slots.
Hours run 11 AM to 7 PM Monday through Saturday, and it is closed Sundays. Saturday afternoon into evening is the busiest window.
Reservations are accepted, which is handy for groups. Prices stay around $10 to $20 per person, and outdoor seating is available.
8. Gettin’ Basted, Branson, MO
Brisket for breakfast is a real possibility in Branson. Gettin’ Basted opens at 7 AM every day, so you can start the morning here before the shows and attractions along 76 Country Boulevard.
The retro dining room serves competition-tested barbecue, and the brisket is the headliner. It is tender, well-cooked, and sold in quantities large enough to feed a group, which makes it a smart pick for families staying in rentals nearby.
Brisket Burnt Ends deserve a spot on the table too. The Burnt End Burger is another way to try them if you want something handheld.
The sides are not an afterthought. Poblano Cream Corn Brulee is a creative twist, and creamy mac and cheese, baked beans, and fried okra handle the classics.
A Pit Ham Plate and a Ribs and Chicken combo give the menu range. Crispy wings come with a variety of sauces for anyone who wants a starter.
The restaurant at 2845 W 76 Country Blvd stays open until 9 PM most nights and 10 PM on Fridays and Saturdays. Reservations are accepted, parking is usually easy, and Saturday evening is the busiest time to go.
For a Branson trip, this is the stop I would save for the night the whole crew wants a big barbecue spread.
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